<p>Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China.&nbsp;A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries.<br />
<br />
After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated.&nbsp;<br />
The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers.<br />
<br />
Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity.<br />
<br />
Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/versace/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Versace</a> (@versace) on <time datetime="2019-08-11T09:32:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coach</a> (@coach) on <time datetime="2019-08-12T04:14:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.&nbsp;</p>


Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China. A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.

Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China. A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue. Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”. On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”. Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries. After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated. The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers. Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity. Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“ View this post on Instagram “I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware. A post shared by Versace (@versace) on Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT × Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity. "In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. View this post on Instagram Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers. A post shared by Coach (@coach) on Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT × We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.

Luxury brands Versace, Coach face severe backlash in China for their T-shirts

After Shastri who? Foreign coaches who can help power India's World Cup dream in 2023

<p>Seville said Tuesday they had signed Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked as Spain coach on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, as the manager for the next three seasons.</p>

<p>The 53-year-old, who had been out of work since <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/julen-lopetegui-sacked-as-real-madrid-coach-solari-in-as-interim-manager-174379&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwip5tyizs_iAhXb6XMBHSItD1sQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0s8z2_VPkYx_P4qRau-KC1">Real Madrid fired him at the end of October</a> after a poor start to the season, will take over from Joaquin Caparros.</p>

<p>He will be officially unveiled as Seville's new coach on Wednesday, the club said in a statement.</p>

<p>Caparros, who has been diagnosed with chronic leukaemia, announced at the end of the season that he would be stepping down.</p>

<p>Real Madrid fired Lopetegui after the club lost 5-1 against arch-rivals <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-backs-valverde-but-admits-barca-are-still-hurting-221539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV2qHuzs_iAhXCqo8KHQYEDSk4ChAWMAJ6BAgPEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0MtUUlQIDFXAhZr0R8vXdK">Barcelona</a>.</p>

<p>His time as Real coach lasted just 139 days, with his decision to join the club also costing him his job as Spain boss at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spanish football federation sacked Lopetegui in June 2018 just two days before Spain's opening game with Portugal after it emerged that he had signed with Real without their knowledge.</p>

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<p>The former Real Madrid goalkeeper has also coached Rayo Vallecano and Porto at the club level.</p>


Seville said Tuesday they had signed Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked as Spain coach on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, as the manager for the next three seasons. The 53-year-old, who had been out of work since Real Madrid fired him at the end of October after a poor start to the season, will take over from Joaquin Caparros.

Seville said Tuesday they had signed Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked as Spain coach on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, as the manager for the next three seasons. The 53-year-old, who had been out of work since Real Madrid fired him at the end of October after a poor start to the season, will take over from Joaquin Caparros. He will be officially unveiled as Seville's new coach on Wednesday, the club said in a statement. Caparros, who has been diagnosed with chronic leukaemia, announced at the end of the season that he would be stepping down. Real Madrid fired Lopetegui after the club lost 5-1 against arch-rivals Barcelona. His time as Real coach lasted just 139 days, with his decision to join the club also costing him his job as Spain boss at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Spanish football federation sacked Lopetegui in June 2018 just two days before Spain's opening game with Portugal after it emerged that he had signed with Real without their knowledge. #LopeteguINhttps://t.co/qUz2sf9v1e — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) June 4, 2019 × The former Real Madrid goalkeeper has also coached Rayo Vallecano and Porto at the club level.

Former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui takes over at Seville for next three seasons

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri held a press conference before leaving for the World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.

Virat Kohli: No fatigue due to IPL, World Cup conditions not a challenge

<p>Belgian soccer club Anderlecht have dismissed coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck after a series of poor results that led to their exit from the Europa League and drop to fourth in the domestic first division.</p>

<p>Anderlecht finished bottom of their Europa League group after three draws and three defeats and lost 2-1 to Cercle Bruges on Sunday to leave them 11 points beyond league leaders Genk. Their previous three league matches had been a draw and two losses.</p>

<p>"The team does not have enough points in the Belgian championship and we have been eliminated from the Belgian Cup and the Europa League. We need to stop this trend soon," Anderlecht sporting director Michael Verschueren said in a statement late on Sunday.</p>

<p>"We want to thank Hein Vanhaezebrouck for his hard work for the club."</p>

<p>Vanhaezebrouck steered Ghent to their first ever league title in 2015 and helped them become only the second Belgian side to advance beyond the group stage of the Champions League.</p>

<p>He joined Brussels-based Anderlecht at the start of last season, ending third in the league.</p>


Belgian soccer club Anderlecht have dismissed coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck after a series of poor results that led to their exit from the Europa League and drop to fourth in the domestic first division.

Belgian soccer club Anderlecht have dismissed coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck after a series of poor results that led to their exit from the Europa League and drop to fourth in the domestic first division. Anderlecht finished bottom of their Europa League group after three draws and three defeats and lost 2-1 to Cercle Bruges on Sunday to leave them 11 points beyond league leaders Genk. Their previous three league matches had been a draw and two losses. "The team does not have enough points in the Belgian championship and we have been eliminated from the Belgian Cup and the Europa League. We need to stop this trend soon," Anderlecht sporting director Michael Verschueren said in a statement late on Sunday. "We want to thank Hein Vanhaezebrouck for his hard work for the club." Vanhaezebrouck steered Ghent to their first ever league title in 2015 and helped them become only the second Belgian side to advance beyond the group stage of the Champions League. He joined Brussels-based Anderlecht at the start of last season, ending third in the league.

Anderlecht fire coach Vanhaezebrouck after poor run of results

<p>Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in this year's Ballon d'Or vote was absurd, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said of the Spanish champions' Argentina forward on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric took the prize on Monday in Paris after winning the Champions League and being named player of the tournament at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old's triumph ended Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's decade-long reign, with Juventus's Portugal striker finishing second and Messi fifth in a vote by 180 journalists.</p>

<p>"I will not get into discussing the inconsistencies of the prize," Valverde told reporters.</p>

<p>"We congratulate Modric for winning the Ballon d'Or but Messi being in fifth place is absurd."</p>

<p>Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Barca to a La Liga-Copa del Rey double last season but Argentina went out of the World Cup in the last 16 to eventual champions France.</p>

<p>The Barca No. 10 also won a record fifth European Golden Shoe after finishing with 34 top-flight goals last season.</p>

<p>Modric got 753 points followed by Ronaldo on 476, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann with 414 and Paris St-Germain's Kylian Mbappe was fourth with 347, ahead of Messi on 280.</p>

<p>Barcelona host Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 32 tie, in which they hold a 1-0 advantage, although Messi is not expected to feature.</p>


Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in this year's Ballon d'Or vote was absurd, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said of the Spanish champions' Argentina forward on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in this year's Ballon d'Or vote was absurd, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said of the Spanish champions' Argentina forward on Tuesday. Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric took the prize on Monday in Paris after winning the Champions League and being named player of the tournament at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 33-year-old's triumph ended Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's decade-long reign, with Juventus's Portugal striker finishing second and Messi fifth in a vote by 180 journalists. "I will not get into discussing the inconsistencies of the prize," Valverde told reporters. "We congratulate Modric for winning the Ballon d'Or but Messi being in fifth place is absurd." Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Barca to a La Liga-Copa del Rey double last season but Argentina went out of the World Cup in the last 16 to eventual champions France. The Barca No. 10 also won a record fifth European Golden Shoe after finishing with 34 top-flight goals last season. Modric got 753 points followed by Ronaldo on 476, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann with 414 and Paris St-Germain's Kylian Mbappe was fourth with 347, ahead of Messi on 280. Barcelona host Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 32 tie, in which they hold a 1-0 advantage, although Messi is not expected to feature.

Lionel Messi's fifth place in Ballon d'Or absurd: Barcelona coach

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Zinedine+Zidane">Zinedine Zidane</a>'s son Enzo Fernandez believes the former Real Madrid coach will return to management soon.</p>

<p>Frenchman Zidane led Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-18) as well as winning La Liga (2017) before surprisingly walking away in May.</p>

<p>Midfielder Enzo, on loan at Spain's Rayo Majadahonda from Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, said his father needed a rest after his Real exploits but will return to the dugout before long.</p>

<p>"We all know that my father loves football and loves to be a coach. For sure, he will be back soon. It's his decision," Enzo told Spanish newspaper AS.</p>

<p>"Now he is taking advantage to rest, which he needed, because in the end being at Madrid was nice but hard, with a lot of work."</p>

<p>Enzo played for Madrid's youth team while his father was at the club but left for Alaves in 2017 before moving to Lausanne-Sport in January.</p>

<p>Zidane, 46, played for Cannes, Girondins Bordeaux and Juventus before becoming one of the 'Galacticos' at Real where he won the Champions League in 2002 and La Liga the next year. He won the World Cup in 1998 and the Euros in 2000.</p>

<p>Zidane retired from playing in 2006 and later turned his hand to management with the Spanish club's 'B' side in 2014 before taking over the first team in January 2016.</p>


Zinedine Zidane's son Enzo Fernandez believes the former Real Madrid coach will return to management soon. Frenchman Zidane led Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-18) as well as winning La Liga (2017) before surprisingly walking away in May.

Zinedine Zidane's son Enzo Fernandez believes the former Real Madrid coach will return to management soon. Frenchman Zidane led Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-18) as well as winning La Liga (2017) before surprisingly walking away in May. Midfielder Enzo, on loan at Spain's Rayo Majadahonda from Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, said his father needed a rest after his Real exploits but will return to the dugout before long. "We all know that my father loves football and loves to be a coach. For sure, he will be back soon. It's his decision," Enzo told Spanish newspaper AS. "Now he is taking advantage to rest, which he needed, because in the end being at Madrid was nice but hard, with a lot of work." Enzo played for Madrid's youth team while his father was at the club but left for Alaves in 2017 before moving to Lausanne-Sport in January. Zidane, 46, played for Cannes, Girondins Bordeaux and Juventus before becoming one of the 'Galacticos' at Real where he won the Champions League in 2002 and La Liga the next year. He won the World Cup in 1998 and the Euros in 2000. Zidane retired from playing in 2006 and later turned his hand to management with the Spanish club's 'B' side in 2014 before taking over the first team in January 2016.

Zinedine Zidane will be managing again soon, says son Enzo

<p>Interim Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari was appointed permanent coach on Monday after overseeing a startling upturn in the European champions' fortunes since he stepped in to replace Julen Lopetegui.</p>

<p>"Everything is in order. Real Madrid have worked out his contract and there are no problems," the Spanish football federation stated.</p>

<p>Solari has led Real to four wins out of four since being installed on a caretaker basis following Lopetegui's abrupt sacking last month.</p>

<p>And with 15 goals scored and only two conceded he has established the best ever start for a Real manager.</p>

<p>After thrashing Melilla in the Copa del Rey, they won 5-0 away to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, between victories over Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The upturn has left Madrid only four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and on the brink of qualification for the last 16 in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solari, who spent five years playing for Real, was promoted from his role in charge of Castilla, the club's B team, after Lopetegui had overseen a miserable run that included just one victory in seven games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last of those, a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Barcelona, proved the final straw for club president Florentino Perez but the team have rebounded under their new coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He has done excellently," Madrid club director Emilio Butragueno said on Sunday night. "We are very happy with how things have gone.”</p>

<p>Few, however, could argue with the results, which have now earned Solari the chance to prove himself over a longer period. He indicated in his opening press conference that he was open to keeping the job full-time.</p>

<p>"It's a great opportunity and it's a great club," Solari said. "I don't just say that now as coach of the first team. I've been here with other teams, I've played and sweated in the shirt of this club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Madrid is bigger than all of us but it touches us all with its greatness. I want to be a part of it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The challenge for Solari will be to manage the dressing room when results take a turn for the worse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the international break, Madrid´s generous run of games continues with league matches against Eibar, Valencia, Huesca, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal before Christmas, none of whom currently reside in La Liga´s top half.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They will also play Roma in Italy and CSKA Moscow at home in the Champions League, two games likely to settle who goes through top of Group G.</p>

<p>Solari was only allowed two weeks as an interim coach according to Spanish regulations, meaning Sunday´s trip to Celta Vigo was always likely to precede a decision on his future.</p>

<p>It proved an impressive final audition as Madrid struck a 4-2 victory, with Solari having to adapt to a handful of injury problems during the game.</p>


Interim Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari was appointed permanent coach on Monday after overseeing a startling upturn in the European champions' fortunes since he stepped in to replace Julen Lopetegui.

Interim Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari was appointed permanent coach on Monday after overseeing a startling upturn in the European champions' fortunes since he stepped in to replace Julen Lopetegui. "Everything is in order. Real Madrid have worked out his contract and there are no problems," the Spanish football federation stated. Solari has led Real to four wins out of four since being installed on a caretaker basis following Lopetegui's abrupt sacking last month. And with 15 goals scored and only two conceded he has established the best ever start for a Real manager. After thrashing Melilla in the Copa del Rey, they won 5-0 away to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, between victories over Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga. The upturn has left Madrid only four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and on the brink of qualification for the last 16 in Europe. Solari, who spent five years playing for Real, was promoted from his role in charge of Castilla, the club's B team, after Lopetegui had overseen a miserable run that included just one victory in seven games. The last of those, a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Barcelona, proved the final straw for club president Florentino Perez but the team have rebounded under their new coach. “He has done excellently," Madrid club director Emilio Butragueno said on Sunday night. "We are very happy with how things have gone.” Few, however, could argue with the results, which have now earned Solari the chance to prove himself over a longer period. He indicated in his opening press conference that he was open to keeping the job full-time. "It's a great opportunity and it's a great club," Solari said. "I don't just say that now as coach of the first team. I've been here with other teams, I've played and sweated in the shirt of this club. "Madrid is bigger than all of us but it touches us all with its greatness. I want to be a part of it." The challenge for Solari will be to manage the dressing room when results take a turn for the worse. After the international break, Madrid´s generous run of games continues with league matches against Eibar, Valencia, Huesca, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal before Christmas, none of whom currently reside in La Liga´s top half. They will also play Roma in Italy and CSKA Moscow at home in the Champions League, two games likely to settle who goes through top of Group G. Solari was only allowed two weeks as an interim coach according to Spanish regulations, meaning Sunday´s trip to Celta Vigo was always likely to precede a decision on his future. It proved an impressive final audition as Madrid struck a 4-2 victory, with Solari having to adapt to a handful of injury problems during the game.

Real Madrid appoint Santiago Solari as permanent manager

<p>Pressure has been piled up on Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/suarezs-hat-trick-helps-barcelona-thump-madrid-in-el-clasico-pressure-on-real-coach-174064">1-5 crushing defeat</a> to arch-rivals Barcelona in this season's first El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou.</p>

<p>Lopetegui, who was appointed as Madrid's coach after Zinedine Zidane's exit, accepted responsibility for the club's crisis period.</p>

<p>The rumours went viral that Lopetegui will be sacked due to the club's poor performances in the past few weeks.</p>

<p>While the main question arises that who will replace Lopetegui at Real Madrid after his departure, if it happens.</p>

<p>Well, media reports suggest that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is the favourite to become the new Real Madrid manager.</p>

<p>The media reports mentioned that the Italian is keen to take the job.</p>

<p>The only problem with Conte is that he has a legal dispute to settle with Chelsea.</p>

<p>Barca manager Ernesto Valverde said he preferred not to see any manager sacked, including Lopetegui.&nbsp;</p>


Pressure has been piled up on Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui after 1-5 crushing defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in this season's first El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou.

Pressure has been piled up on Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui after 1-5 crushing defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in this season's first El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou. Lopetegui, who was appointed as Madrid's coach after Zinedine Zidane's exit, accepted responsibility for the club's crisis period. The rumours went viral that Lopetegui will be sacked due to the club's poor performances in the past few weeks. While the main question arises that who will replace Lopetegui at Real Madrid after his departure, if it happens. Well, media reports suggest that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is the favourite to become the new Real Madrid manager. The media reports mentioned that the Italian is keen to take the job. The only problem with Conte is that he has a legal dispute to settle with Chelsea. Barca manager Ernesto Valverde said he preferred not to see any manager sacked, including Lopetegui.

Antonio Conte to replace Julen Lopetegui as Real Madrid coach?

<p>After serving the West Indies cricket team for more than one year, Stuart Law stepped down as the head coach of the squad. Making the announcement, Law said that he is making a "tough" decision while stating that it was an enjoyable journey with the team.</p>

<p>"I have had to make the difficult decision to leave my role of head coach with Cricket West Indies (CWI). It has been very enjoyable, and I believe we have made tremendous strides forward as a team during the past two years," ESPNcricinfo.com quoted Law, as saying.</p>

<p>Reflecting on his future plans, the former Australian cricketer said that he is joining Middlesex County Cricket Club that will keep him close to his family."I will be taking a role with Middlesex which will keep me close to my family, whilst continuing within the cricket family.</p>

<p>I wish the players and staff of CWI every success in the future," he said.Expressing his views on Law`s decision, CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave said that he is disappointed with the development, adding, the team made a significant development in his regime.</p>

<p>He further stated that the board would start the process to appoint a new head coach."I am disappointed that Stuart is leaving as I believe that we have made real progress under his leadership.</p>

<p>I know it was a difficult decision for him and that ultimately the opportunity to work in England, where his family is now based, was a major factor in his decision," Grave said.</p>

<p>"We will start the process to appoint a new head coach immediately," he added.</p>

<p>Under Stuart Law, West Indies won a total of six Tests out of 15. The team also secured a series win over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh under his guidance.&nbsp;</p>


After serving the West Indies cricket team for more than one year, Stuart Law stepped down as the head coach of the squad. Making the announcement, Law said that he is making a "tough" decision while stating that it was an enjoyable journey with the team.

After serving the West Indies cricket team for more than one year, Stuart Law stepped down as the head coach of the squad. Making the announcement, Law said that he is making a "tough" decision while stating that it was an enjoyable journey with the team. "I have had to make the difficult decision to leave my role of head coach with Cricket West Indies (CWI). It has been very enjoyable, and I believe we have made tremendous strides forward as a team during the past two years," ESPNcricinfo.com quoted Law, as saying. Reflecting on his future plans, the former Australian cricketer said that he is joining Middlesex County Cricket Club that will keep him close to his family."I will be taking a role with Middlesex which will keep me close to my family, whilst continuing within the cricket family. I wish the players and staff of CWI every success in the future," he said.Expressing his views on Law`s decision, CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave said that he is disappointed with the development, adding, the team made a significant development in his regime. He further stated that the board would start the process to appoint a new head coach."I am disappointed that Stuart is leaving as I believe that we have made real progress under his leadership. I know it was a difficult decision for him and that ultimately the opportunity to work in England, where his family is now based, was a major factor in his decision," Grave said. "We will start the process to appoint a new head coach immediately," he added. Under Stuart Law, West Indies won a total of six Tests out of 15. The team also secured a series win over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh under his guidance.

Stuart Law resigns as West Indies coach

<p>Former England midfielder Frank Lampard is taking his first step into management by taking the reins at Derby County, the Championship club announced on Thursday.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old, who won three Premier League titles with Chelsea, has signed a three-year contract at the second-tier English outfit two years after retiring in 2016.</p>

<p>Derby have been looking for a new manager since Gary Rowett was lured away by recently-relegated Stoke.</p>

<p>Lampard told Derby's official website: "This is my first job as a manager, but I've worked closely with some of the best coaches in the game and I'm confident in my own abilities and those of the team around me, including the board.</p>

<p>"I know it won't be easy -- managing a football team never is -- but I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead.</p>

<p>"I've always wanted to manage a club with a big tradition and history like Derby County, so this is a huge opportunity."</p>

<p>Rowett led Derby into the play-offs at the end of last season only for Fulham to overturn a first-leg deficit in their semi-final clash before going on to beat Aston Villa at Wembley.</p>

<p>Lampard said his aim was to take Derby back to the Premier League for the first time since 2008 when the club finished rock bottom.</p>

<p>"We want to build on the club's top six finish in the Championship last season, while at the same time bringing through some of the excellent youth and academy talent we have at Pride Park," added Lampard.</p>

<p>After starting his career at West Ham, Lampard joined Chelsea and had 13 successful years at Stamford Bridge.</p>

<p>He remains the club's leading goalscorer with 211 goals and, as well as his hat-trick of Premier League medals, also lifted four FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League during a trophy-laden stay.</p>

<p>His career came to a close at New York City -- but he did return to England briefly, scoring against Chelsea while on loan at Manchester City.</p>


The 39-year-old, who won three Premier League titles with Chelsea, has signed a three-year contract at the second-tier English outfit two years after retiring in 2016

Former England midfielder Frank Lampard is taking his first step into management by taking the reins at Derby County, the Championship club announced on Thursday. The 39-year-old, who won three Premier League titles with Chelsea, has signed a three-year contract at the second-tier English outfit two years after retiring in 2016. Derby have been looking for a new manager since Gary Rowett was lured away by recently-relegated Stoke. Lampard told Derby's official website: "This is my first job as a manager, but I've worked closely with some of the best coaches in the game and I'm confident in my own abilities and those of the team around me, including the board. "I know it won't be easy -- managing a football team never is -- but I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead. "I've always wanted to manage a club with a big tradition and history like Derby County, so this is a huge opportunity." Rowett led Derby into the play-offs at the end of last season only for Fulham to overturn a first-leg deficit in their semi-final clash before going on to beat Aston Villa at Wembley. Lampard said his aim was to take Derby back to the Premier League for the first time since 2008 when the club finished rock bottom. "We want to build on the club's top six finish in the Championship last season, while at the same time bringing through some of the excellent youth and academy talent we have at Pride Park," added Lampard. After starting his career at West Ham, Lampard joined Chelsea and had 13 successful years at Stamford Bridge. He remains the club's leading goalscorer with 211 goals and, as well as his hat-trick of Premier League medals, also lifted four FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League during a trophy-laden stay. His career came to a close at New York City -- but he did return to England briefly, scoring against Chelsea while on loan at Manchester City.

Former England mid-fielder Frank Lampard steps into management at Derby

<p>Coach Darren Lehmann appears to have survived the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket, even as the win-at-all-costs mentality he instilled in the team comes under fresh scrutiny.</p>

<p>Lehmann was hailed as a saviour when he took over in 2013, but critics now accuse him of overseeing a toxic culture that has dented the reputation of the famed Baggy Green cap.</p>

<p>After being appointed, Lehmann's response when asked to list his top three priorities was telling:&nbsp</p>

<p>"Probably win, win, win, for a start," he told reporters.</p>

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<p>Cricket Australia (CA) had other ideas when it gave him the job.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Discipline, consistency of behaviour and accountability for performance are all key ingredients that need to improve," chief executive James Sutherland said at the time.</p>

<p>"And we see that the head coach is ultimately responsible for that."</p>

<p>If part of Lehmann's brief was to improve the Australian team's behaviour, there is little doubt he has failed.</p>

<p><strong>'Out of control'</strong><br />
Players were once considered role models for children, but the situation has become so bad that CA is setting up an independent review into the team's conduct and culture.</p>

<p>Even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in to criticise the practice of sledging -- taunting opponents verbally with the aim of distracting them.</p>

<p>"It has gotten right out of control. It should have no place," Turnbull told reporters this week, lamenting the demise of a sport once regarded as the epitome of fair play.</p>

<p>CA insists Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the plot to doctor the ball in the third Test against the Proteas.</p>

<p>But Australian Broadcasting Corporation senior cricket commentator Jim Maxwell said the coach had to accept some blame for an "arrogant" team culture where some players felt cheating was preferable to losing honourably.</p>

<p>"He's done a very good job with the side but has a very narrow view of the way players should conduct themselves," Maxwell said.</p>

<p>"Teams can no longer get away with being in the face of the opposition in the way they have in recent years."</p>

<p><strong>Boof and the boys</strong><br />
Lehmann became national coach in dramatic circumstances after Australia sacked the first foreigner to hold the post, Mickey Arthur, on the eve of the Ashes.</p>

<p>A respected former batsman who played 27 Tests and 117 one-dayers for Australia, he was seen as an antidote to the disciplinarian Arthur.</p>

<p>Whereas his South African predecessor asked players to provide written self assessments, Lehmann was an insider who had come through the Australian ranks.</p>

<p>A clue to his knockabout appeal lies in his nickname "Boof", short for boofhead -- Australian slang for an amiable prankster, one of the boys in the dressing room.</p>

<p>"It's important to talk about the game whether it's with a beer or a Diet Coke," Lehmann said after taking the job.</p>

<p>Australia lost Lehmann's first Ashes series in charge but later in 2013, after he had stamped his mark on the team, they crushed England 5-0 in ruthless fashion.</p>

<p>While the plaudits rained down, there was also discomfort among some Australian fans at their team's conduct, particularly Lehmann's baiting of England paceman Stuart Broad.</p>

<p>"I hope the Australian public give it to him (Broad) right from the word go for the whole summer and I hope he cries and goes home," he said in a taunting tone not heard before from an Australian coach.</p>

<p>It was a dark side Lehmann also displayed as a player in 2003, when he yelled a racial insult in the dressing room after being dismissed in a one-day international against Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Under Lehmann, unsavoury antics have become common as players took the Steve Waugh-era goal of "mental disintegration" and turbo-charged it with vitriol.</p>

<p>It has become such a part of the game-plan that before the current tour of South Africa, the Australians asked host broadcasters to turn down the stumps mic between balls so their jibes would not be recorded.</p>

<p>The Australians have been successful under Lehmann, with a Test record of 30 wins, 19 losses and eight draws under his stewardship.</p>

<p>But as Cricket Australia has belatedly acknowledged with its culture review, winning is not everything and changes are needed in the dressing room, with or without Lehmann.</p>


Lehmann was hailed as a saviour when he took over in 2013, but critics now accuse him of overseeing a toxic culture that has dented the reputation of the famed Baggy Green cap

Coach Darren Lehmann appears to have survived the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket, even as the win-at-all-costs mentality he instilled in the team comes under fresh scrutiny. Lehmann was hailed as a saviour when he took over in 2013, but critics now accuse him of overseeing a toxic culture that has dented the reputation of the famed Baggy Green cap. After being appointed, Lehmann's response when asked to list his top three priorities was telling: "Probably win, win, win, for a start," he told reporters. 'Probably win, win, win, for a start,' Lehmann told reporters when he was asked, after he had been appointed coach, what his priorities were × Cricket Australia (CA) had other ideas when it gave him the job. "Discipline, consistency of behaviour and accountability for performance are all key ingredients that need to improve," chief executive James Sutherland said at the time. "And we see that the head coach is ultimately responsible for that." If part of Lehmann's brief was to improve the Australian team's behaviour, there is little doubt he has failed. 'Out of control' Players were once considered role models for children, but the situation has become so bad that CA is setting up an independent review into the team's conduct and culture. Even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in to criticise the practice of sledging -- taunting opponents verbally with the aim of distracting them. "It has gotten right out of control. It should have no place," Turnbull told reporters this week, lamenting the demise of a sport once regarded as the epitome of fair play. CA insists Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the plot to doctor the ball in the third Test against the Proteas. But Australian Broadcasting Corporation senior cricket commentator Jim Maxwell said the coach had to accept some blame for an "arrogant" team culture where some players felt cheating was preferable to losing honourably. "He's done a very good job with the side but has a very narrow view of the way players should conduct themselves," Maxwell said. "Teams can no longer get away with being in the face of the opposition in the way they have in recent years." Boof and the boys Lehmann became national coach in dramatic circumstances after Australia sacked the first foreigner to hold the post, Mickey Arthur, on the eve of the Ashes. A respected former batsman who played 27 Tests and 117 one-dayers for Australia, he was seen as an antidote to the disciplinarian Arthur. Whereas his South African predecessor asked players to provide written self assessments, Lehmann was an insider who had come through the Australian ranks. A clue to his knockabout appeal lies in his nickname "Boof", short for boofhead -- Australian slang for an amiable prankster, one of the boys in the dressing room. "It's important to talk about the game whether it's with a beer or a Diet Coke," Lehmann said after taking the job. Australia lost Lehmann's first Ashes series in charge but later in 2013, after he had stamped his mark on the team, they crushed England 5-0 in ruthless fashion. While the plaudits rained down, there was also discomfort among some Australian fans at their team's conduct, particularly Lehmann's baiting of England paceman Stuart Broad. "I hope the Australian public give it to him (Broad) right from the word go for the whole summer and I hope he cries and goes home," he said in a taunting tone not heard before from an Australian coach. It was a dark side Lehmann also displayed as a player in 2003, when he yelled a racial insult in the dressing room after being dismissed in a one-day international against Sri Lanka. Under Lehmann, unsavoury antics have become common as players took the Steve Waugh-era goal of "mental disintegration" and turbo-charged it with vitriol. It has become such a part of the game-plan that before the current tour of South Africa, the Australians asked host broadcasters to turn down the stumps mic between balls so their jibes would not be recorded. The Australians have been successful under Lehmann, with a Test record of 30 wins, 19 losses and eight draws under his stewardship. But as Cricket Australia has belatedly acknowledged with its culture review, winning is not everything and changes are needed in the dressing room, with or without Lehmann.

Win, win, win: How the Lehmann ethos hurt Australian cricket

<p>Ricky Ponting will be an assistant coach during Australia&#39;s Twenty20 international series against England and New Zealand next month, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The former Australia captain will work under head coach Darren Lehmann, while Troy Cooley and Matthew Mott will help out during the series.</p>

<p>They have been brought on board while&nbsp;regular support staff Graeme Hick, David Saker and Brad Haddin are in South Africa to assist in preparations for Australia&#39;s four-Test tour from March.</p>

<p>Lehmann has previously said he will not seek to renew his contract when his current deal expires at the end of 2019, with Ponting seen as a potential successor.</p>

<p>Ponting undertook the T20 role last year when he worked with the Australia squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>He has extensive experience of the shortest form of the game, captaining his country in the first ever T20 international against New Zealand in 2005, and then leading the side in the first two editions of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and 2009.</p>

<p>&quot;I loved working with the squad last year against Sri Lanka and I can&rsquo;t wait to be working alongside Darren, Troy and Matthew this time around,&quot; Ponting said.</p>

<p>&quot;Watching the Big Bash League in my role as a commentator has shown me we have a wealth of talent available to us in this format and a tri-series like this will give us a great chance to establish a pattern of play that works best for the players.&quot;</p>

<p>The T20 series will involve matches against New Zealand in Sydney (February 3) and Auckland (February 16) and England in Hobart (February 7) and Melbourne (February 10).</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Australia's current coach Darren Lehmann will retire in 2019, Ricky Ponting is considered as a potential successor

Ricky Ponting will be an assistant coach during Australia's Twenty20 international series against England and New Zealand next month, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday. The former Australia captain will work under head coach Darren Lehmann, while Troy Cooley and Matthew Mott will help out during the series. They have been brought on board while regular support staff Graeme Hick, David Saker and Brad Haddin are in South Africa to assist in preparations for Australia's four-Test tour from March. Lehmann has previously said he will not seek to renew his contract when his current deal expires at the end of 2019, with Ponting seen as a potential successor. Ponting undertook the T20 role last year when he worked with the Australia squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka. He has extensive experience of the shortest form of the game, captaining his country in the first ever T20 international against New Zealand in 2005, and then leading the side in the first two editions of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and 2009. "I loved working with the squad last year against Sri Lanka and I can’t wait to be working alongside Darren, Troy and Matthew this time around," Ponting said. "Watching the Big Bash League in my role as a commentator has shown me we have a wealth of talent available to us in this format and a tri-series like this will give us a great chance to establish a pattern of play that works best for the players." The T20 series will involve matches against New Zealand in Sydney (February 3) and Auckland (February 16) and England in Hobart (February 7) and Melbourne (February 10).

Ricky Ponting named Australia assistant coach for T20s

<p>Real Madrid may have ended the year badly, but Zinedine Zidane has been named French coach of 2017 for leading the club to a Liga and Champions League double.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to show that I can also be a good coach in tough circumstances,&quot; Zidane said in an article published on Tuesday in France Football magazine, which gives the award.</p>

<p>Real are going through a bad run. They are fourth in La Liga, 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, and they ended 2017 with a crushing 3-0 defeat at home in the Clasico.</p>

<p>Recently, Zidane has commented on his future at Real Madrid, insisting that his achievements as a player do not give him any protection when it comes to his role as manager of&nbsp;a club.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????????????⚽️ Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zidane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zidane</a>! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadrid</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/4mmFXWQ4fF">https://t.co/4mmFXWQ4fF</a></p>
&mdash; Real Madrid C.F.???????? (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/950452418910851072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Today, yes, the danger is there, but I&#39;m not going to change. I am aware that I have in front of me great players who listen to me. Playing football, I know how to do that. So things will sort themselves out in the end,&quot; Zidane said.</p>

<p>&quot;Some people may think that everything is always easy for me, that I do everything from instinct, but that&#39;s not true! Whether it is as a player or as a coach, I&#39;ve always worked,&quot; said Zidane.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m not protected by what I achieved as a player for this club. Zinedine Zidane is no longer a Real player. That Zidane does not exist anymore. Now it is the coach Zinedine Zidane who must create a career,&quot; he concluded.</p>

<p>His side will continue their defence of the Champions League against a French team coached by a Spaniard when Real take on Unai Emery&#39;s Paris Saint-Germain in the first knockout round on February 14 and March 6.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The award is given by the France Football magazine

Real Madrid may have ended the year badly, but Zinedine Zidane has been named French coach of 2017 for leading the club to a Liga and Champions League double. "I want to show that I can also be a good coach in tough circumstances," Zidane said in an article published on Tuesday in France Football magazine, which gives the award. Real are going through a bad run. They are fourth in La Liga, 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, and they ended 2017 with a crushing 3-0 defeat at home in the Clasico. Recently, Zidane has commented on his future at Real Madrid, insisting that his achievements as a player do not give him any protection when it comes to his role as manager of a club. ????????????⚽️ Congratulations to #Zidane! ????#RealMadrid | #HalaMadrid https://t.co/4mmFXWQ4fF — Real Madrid C.F.???????? (@realmadriden) January 8, 2018 × "Today, yes, the danger is there, but I'm not going to change. I am aware that I have in front of me great players who listen to me. Playing football, I know how to do that. So things will sort themselves out in the end," Zidane said. "Some people may think that everything is always easy for me, that I do everything from instinct, but that's not true! Whether it is as a player or as a coach, I've always worked," said Zidane. "I'm not protected by what I achieved as a player for this club. Zinedine Zidane is no longer a Real player. That Zidane does not exist anymore. Now it is the coach Zinedine Zidane who must create a career," he concluded. His side will continue their defence of the Champions League against a French team coached by a Spaniard when Real take on Unai Emery's Paris Saint-Germain in the first knockout round on February 14 and March 6.

Zinedine Zidane named French coach of the year

<p>Liverpool&nbsp;manager Juergen&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;believes his side have the&nbsp;depth&nbsp;in the&nbsp;squad&nbsp;to compete in&nbsp;different&nbsp;competitions&nbsp;but did not rule out signing reinforcements in January.</p>

<p>Having missed out on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk,&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;brought in Mohammad Salah, Dominic Solanke, Andrew Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the close season.</p>

<p>Ahead of the team&#39;s trip to Leicester City for their League Cup third round clash, the German said he was happy with the personnel at his disposal &quot;at the moment&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;From today&#39;s perspective, yes - we will see how it is in January,&quot; he told the club&#39;s website (www.liverpoolfc.com).</p>

<p>&quot;I think the&nbsp;squad&nbsp;is wide enough to play in&nbsp;different&nbsp;competitions&nbsp;and to come as far as possible and that&#39;s the plan at the moment.&quot;</p>

<p>Questions have been raised about&nbsp;Liverpool&#39;s back line which&nbsp;has&nbsp;leaked nine goals in five league games. They lost 5-0 to Manchester City before the weekend&#39;s 1-1 draw with Burnley.</p>

<p>The club&#39;s defensive frailties were also exposed in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Champions League last week but&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;said there was no need to panic.</p>

<p>&quot;We will see how it is in January but, in this moment, I feel comfortable when I think aboutdifferent&nbsp;opportunities to use the players and to bring the players in&nbsp;different&nbsp;games,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Klopp&nbsp;said Oxlade-Chamberlain&#39;s switch to Merseyside from Arsenal made &quot;complete sense&quot; and that the England international had been roped in as a long-term prospect.</p>

<p>&quot;A new start is... kind of a relief. You are in a situation in your old club... and you accept it at some point and then it&#39;s difficult to make the next step,&quot;&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>&quot;I thought it made complete sense for Alex to change club, especially to come here. So far, I can see that he&nbsp;has&nbsp;settled in perfectly.&quot;</p>


Having missed out on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk,?Klopp?brought in Mohammad Salah, Dominic Solanke, Andrew Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the close season.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp believes his side have the depth in the squad to compete in different competitions but did not rule out signing reinforcements in January. Having missed out on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, Klopp brought in Mohammad Salah, Dominic Solanke, Andrew Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the close season. Ahead of the team's trip to Leicester City for their League Cup third round clash, the German said he was happy with the personnel at his disposal "at the moment". "From today's perspective, yes - we will see how it is in January," he told the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com). "I think the squad is wide enough to play in different competitions and to come as far as possible and that's the plan at the moment." Questions have been raised about Liverpool's back line which has leaked nine goals in five league games. They lost 5-0 to Manchester City before the weekend's 1-1 draw with Burnley. The club's defensive frailties were also exposed in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Champions League last week but Klopp said there was no need to panic. "We will see how it is in January but, in this moment, I feel comfortable when I think aboutdifferent opportunities to use the players and to bring the players in different games," he said. Klopp said Oxlade-Chamberlain's switch to Merseyside from Arsenal made "complete sense" and that the England international had been roped in as a long-term prospect. "A new start is... kind of a relief. You are in a situation in your old club... and you accept it at some point and then it's difficult to make the next step," Klopp said. "I thought it made complete sense for Alex to change club, especially to come here. So far, I can see that he has settled in perfectly."

Liverpool squad has depth for different competitions, says Klopp

Ryan Giggs has rejected an offer to stay at Manchester United and is ready to end his association with the club after 29 years, a British newspaper reported today.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Giggs, who played 963 times for United after joining the club as a 14-year-old, worked as a coach under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
But the Daily Mail said he has decided against taking up an offer of a reduced role from new manager Jose Mourinho.<br />
<br />
&quot;Giggs representatives are now in negotiations with United over a pay-off for the final year of his contract,&quot; the Mail said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
It was reported that Giggs has not spoken directly to Mourinho, who starts work at United on Monday.<br />
<br />
Giggs is likely to be questioned about his future on British television today when he starts work as an ITV pundit ahead of the Euro 2016 quarter-final between Poland and Portugal.<br />
<br />
The Welshman had been tipped as a future Manchester United manager but is now expected to seek a role with another club.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Ryan Giggs played 963 times for United after joining the club as a 14-year-old and also worked as coach under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal

Ryan Giggs has rejected an offer to stay at Manchester United and is ready to end his association with the club after 29 years, a British newspaper reported today. Giggs, who played 963 times for United after joining the club as a 14-year-old, worked as a coach under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. But the Daily Mail said he has decided against taking up an offer of a reduced role from new manager Jose Mourinho. "Giggs representatives are now in negotiations with United over a pay-off for the final year of his contract," the Mail said. It was reported that Giggs has not spoken directly to Mourinho, who starts work at United on Monday. Giggs is likely to be questioned about his future on British television today when he starts work as an ITV pundit ahead of the Euro 2016 quarter-final between Poland and Portugal. The Welshman had been tipped as a future Manchester United manager but is now expected to seek a role with another club. (Reuters)

Giggs 'set to leave' Manchester United after 29 year of association

Serbian Milovan Rajevac has been appointed the new coach of Algeria, the country&#39;s football federation has confirmed.<br />
<br />
Rajevac came close to helping Ghana, who became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and takes over from Christian Gourcuff, who resigned in April ahead of a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.<br />
<br />
Rajevac, 62, will be expected to lead Algeria to the World Cup in Russia but faces a difficult qualification group that also contains Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia. Only the top team advances to the finals.<br />
<br />
Algeria have already qualified for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon starting next January.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

He takes over from Christian Gourcuff who resigned in April ahead of a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais

Serbian Milovan Rajevac has been appointed the new coach of Algeria, the country's football federation has confirmed. Rajevac came close to helping Ghana, who became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and takes over from Christian Gourcuff, who resigned in April ahead of a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. Rajevac, 62, will be expected to lead Algeria to the World Cup in Russia but faces a difficult qualification group that also contains Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia. Only the top team advances to the finals. Algeria have already qualified for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon starting next January. (Reuters)

Milovan Rajevac confirmed as new coach of Algeria

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs will leave Old Trafford after rejecting Jose Mourinhos offer of a reduced backroom role, according to British media reports today.<br />
<br />
Giggs is the most decorated player in United illustrious history and he amassed a record 963 appearances and 35 major trophies before going on to serve as an assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.<br />
<br />
But the 42-year-old is set to quit United because he feels snubbed both by the clubs hierarchy, who reportedly told him he would be offered the chance to succeed van Gaal when the Dutchman left, and Mourinho, who opted not to give him a senior role in his coaching team.<br />
<br />
Giggs had one more year on his contract as assistant manager, but Mourinho was said to be concerned the former Wales winger had distanced himself from both Moyes and van Gaal rather than offering public support during the teams struggles in recent years.<br />
<br />
Mourinho was also believed to be worried that Paul Scholes, a close friend and former United colleague of Giggs, had become a very vocal critic of Moyes and van Gaal.<br />
<br />
Instead of risking a similar scenario during his reign, Mourinho, who officially starts work with United this week after his May appointment, will give the role of assistant manager to his long-time associate Rui Faria.<br />
<br />
Mourinhos only concession to Giggs was reported to have been the offer of a position overseeing the connection between United youth teams and the first team.<br />
<br />
But, after considering his options on a holiday in Dubai, he decided he was dissatisfied with that role and how the club has been run during the post-Alex Ferguson era.Although United hoped Giggs could be persuaded to stay on in a different role, he has decided to call time on almost three decades with the club.<br />
<br />
Giggs, who won two of his four matches as Uniteds caretaker manager following Moyes sacking in 2014, this week worked as a television pundit during Euro 2016.<br />
<br />
But, rather than go into the media, he is said to be keen to land a permanent managerial position and, according to the Daily Mail, United are in negotiations with his advisors over a pay-off for the final year of his contract, with an official statement expected in the coming days.<br />
<br />
Giggs has passed all his coaching badges, was linked with the managers job at Swansea last season and is unlikely to be short of coaching offers once the first managers are axed next season. Giggs, who joined United on his 14th birthday in 1987, contributed to some of the greatest moments in the clubs history during the golden reign of Ferguson, who was the Welshman`s only club manager until he retired in 2013.<br />
<br />
He turned professional aged 17 in November 1990 and made his first team debut against Everton in March 1991.<br />
<br />
Eventually becoming the most decorated British player of all time, Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the European Super Cup and nine Community Shields.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

The Welsh winger played 963 times for United and won 35 major trophies before serving as an assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs will leave Old Trafford after rejecting Jose Mourinhos offer of a reduced backroom role, according to British media reports today. Giggs is the most decorated player in United illustrious history and he amassed a record 963 appearances and 35 major trophies before going on to serve as an assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. But the 42-year-old is set to quit United because he feels snubbed both by the clubs hierarchy, who reportedly told him he would be offered the chance to succeed van Gaal when the Dutchman left, and Mourinho, who opted not to give him a senior role in his coaching team. Giggs had one more year on his contract as assistant manager, but Mourinho was said to be concerned the former Wales winger had distanced himself from both Moyes and van Gaal rather than offering public support during the teams struggles in recent years. Mourinho was also believed to be worried that Paul Scholes, a close friend and former United colleague of Giggs, had become a very vocal critic of Moyes and van Gaal. Instead of risking a similar scenario during his reign, Mourinho, who officially starts work with United this week after his May appointment, will give the role of assistant manager to his long-time associate Rui Faria. Mourinhos only concession to Giggs was reported to have been the offer of a position overseeing the connection between United youth teams and the first team. But, after considering his options on a holiday in Dubai, he decided he was dissatisfied with that role and how the club has been run during the post-Alex Ferguson era.Although United hoped Giggs could be persuaded to stay on in a different role, he has decided to call time on almost three decades with the club. Giggs, who won two of his four matches as Uniteds caretaker manager following Moyes sacking in 2014, this week worked as a television pundit during Euro 2016. But, rather than go into the media, he is said to be keen to land a permanent managerial position and, according to the Daily Mail, United are in negotiations with his advisors over a pay-off for the final year of his contract, with an official statement expected in the coming days. Giggs has passed all his coaching badges, was linked with the managers job at Swansea last season and is unlikely to be short of coaching offers once the first managers are axed next season. Giggs, who joined United on his 14th birthday in 1987, contributed to some of the greatest moments in the clubs history during the golden reign of Ferguson, who was the Welshman`s only club manager until he retired in 2013. He turned professional aged 17 in November 1990 and made his first team debut against Everton in March 1991. Eventually becoming the most decorated British player of all time, Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the European Super Cup and nine Community Shields. (AFP)

Ryan Giggs ends 29-year association with Man U on sour note

England manager Roy Hodgson has said he is prepared to remain in the job after Euro 2016 but will not be &#39;begging&#39; for a new deal.<br />
<br />
Hodgson&#39;s contract expires after the tournament in France and Football Association (FA) chairman Greg Dyke indicated last week that the 68-year-old may have to lead the team to the semi-finals to guarantee staying on.<br />
<br />
&quot;I&#39;m not begging for the job. I am prepared to carry on,&quot; Hodgson told British media ahead of Monday&#39;s last-16 match against Iceland in Nice. &quot;It is different to wanting it. I&#39;m prepared to carry on if the FA want me to. If they don&#39;t want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how it will be. I believe in the team I am working with and believe the team is showing such potential that it will go on to do good things and if the FA want me to continue with me looking after them, I will be happy to do so.&quot;<br />
<br />
England reached the last 16 after finishing second to Wales, who have already reached the quarter-finals, in Group B.<br />
<br />
They beat Wales 2-1 but draws against Russia and Slovakia left them in what turned out to be a much tougher half of the draw. They have scored three goals from their three games to date.<br />
<br />
If they beat Iceland, their next opponents will be either hosts France or Ireland.<br />
<br />
World champions Germany are also in that half of the draw, along with holders Spain and Italy.<br />
<br />
Hodgson&#39;s decision to make six changes for the final group game against Slovakia, which ended goalless, drew some criticism although FA chief executive Martin Glenn denied that he and Dyke had any problems with Hodgson&#39;s decisions.<br />
<br />
&quot;He has our full support, he has been a great manager and I think we are going to do great things in this tournament,&quot; said Glenn.<br />
<br />
Asked about the criticism of his tactics, Hodgson indicated that it came from the media rather than from within the England hierarchy.<br />
<br />
&quot;The FA will make the decision on what they want to do,&quot; he said. &quot;One hopes they will do it on their thinking and their observations and judgement and analysis on what is happening with the national team and not because some journalist has written something contrary to that.&quot;<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

England reached the last 16 after finishing second to Wales, who have already reached the quarter-finals, in Group B

England manager Roy Hodgson has said he is prepared to remain in the job after Euro 2016 but will not be 'begging' for a new deal. Hodgson's contract expires after the tournament in France and Football Association (FA) chairman Greg Dyke indicated last week that the 68-year-old may have to lead the team to the semi-finals to guarantee staying on. "I'm not begging for the job. I am prepared to carry on," Hodgson told British media ahead of Monday's last-16 match against Iceland in Nice. "It is different to wanting it. I'm prepared to carry on if the FA want me to. If they don't want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how it will be. I believe in the team I am working with and believe the team is showing such potential that it will go on to do good things and if the FA want me to continue with me looking after them, I will be happy to do so." England reached the last 16 after finishing second to Wales, who have already reached the quarter-finals, in Group B. They beat Wales 2-1 but draws against Russia and Slovakia left them in what turned out to be a much tougher half of the draw. They have scored three goals from their three games to date. If they beat Iceland, their next opponents will be either hosts France or Ireland. World champions Germany are also in that half of the draw, along with holders Spain and Italy. Hodgson's decision to make six changes for the final group game against Slovakia, which ended goalless, drew some criticism although FA chief executive Martin Glenn denied that he and Dyke had any problems with Hodgson's decisions. "He has our full support, he has been a great manager and I think we are going to do great things in this tournament," said Glenn. Asked about the criticism of his tactics, Hodgson indicated that it came from the media rather than from within the England hierarchy. "The FA will make the decision on what they want to do," he said. "One hopes they will do it on their thinking and their observations and judgement and analysis on what is happening with the national team and not because some journalist has written something contrary to that." (Reuters)

Euro 2016: Hodgson happy to continue, but will not 'beg' to stay

Brazil fired Dunga as coach on Tuesday, the national football confederation (CBF) said, two days after his side failed to get past the group stages of the Centenary Copa America.<br />
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The Brazilians drew 0-0 with Ecuador and beat Haiti 7-1 but were beaten 1-0 by Peru to exit the competition at the group stages for the first time since 1987.<br />
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Dunga, who was in his second spell as Brazil coach, was fired after a meeting at the CBF in Rio de Janeiro.<br />
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&quot;The Brazilian Football Confederation decided this Tuesday to dissolve the technical commission of the Brazilian national team,&quot; the CBF said in a short statement.<br />
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&quot;National teams coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi, coach Dunga and their entire team will leave their posts.<br />
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&quot;The CBF has began the process of choosing a new technical commission for the Brazilian team.&quot;<br />
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The overwhelming favourite to become Brazil&#39;s new coach is Corinthians 55-year-old manager Tite.<br />
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The new man will also be charged with leading the under-23 squad in August&#39;s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the only major tournament Brazil have never won.<br />
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Tite led Sao Paulo&#39;s biggest club to Brazil&#39;s Serie A title in 2011 and 2015 as well as the Copa Libertadores and World Club Cup for the first time in 2012.<br />
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Dunga had never coached until he was first hired as Brazil boss in 2006. He led them to the Copa America in Venezuela in his first major tournament the following year.<br />
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He was fired in 2010, immediately after Brazil were eliminated by the Netherlands at the quarter-final stage of that year&#39;s World Cup.<br />
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After coaching his boyhood club, Internacional, for a year in 2013, Dunga was a surprise choice to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari after Brazil&#39;s humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup.<br />
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Dunga, who was captain of Brazil&#39;s 1994 World Cup winning side, was given the task of revamping the national set-up but his defensive style of play and curt manner won him few fans.<br />
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Led by Barcelona striker Neymar, Brazil performed well in friendlies, but were knocked out of the 2015 Copa America at the quarter-final stage by Paraguay and, without several first-team players, they were poor again at this year&#39;s tournament in the United States.One of the main priorities for the new boss will be ensuring Brazil qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. After a poor start, Brazil sit in sixth place in the South American qualifying group.<br />
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The top four teams qualify automatically for the tournament and the fifth-placed side enter an inter-continental playoff.&nbsp;<br />
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(Reuters)

This is the first time in 30 years that the South American powerhouse hasn't got past the first round

Brazil fired Dunga as coach on Tuesday, the national football confederation (CBF) said, two days after his side failed to get past the group stages of the Centenary Copa America. The Brazilians drew 0-0 with Ecuador and beat Haiti 7-1 but were beaten 1-0 by Peru to exit the competition at the group stages for the first time since 1987. Dunga, who was in his second spell as Brazil coach, was fired after a meeting at the CBF in Rio de Janeiro. "The Brazilian Football Confederation decided this Tuesday to dissolve the technical commission of the Brazilian national team," the CBF said in a short statement. "National teams coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi, coach Dunga and their entire team will leave their posts. "The CBF has began the process of choosing a new technical commission for the Brazilian team." The overwhelming favourite to become Brazil's new coach is Corinthians 55-year-old manager Tite. The new man will also be charged with leading the under-23 squad in August's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the only major tournament Brazil have never won. Tite led Sao Paulo's biggest club to Brazil's Serie A title in 2011 and 2015 as well as the Copa Libertadores and World Club Cup for the first time in 2012. Dunga had never coached until he was first hired as Brazil boss in 2006. He led them to the Copa America in Venezuela in his first major tournament the following year. He was fired in 2010, immediately after Brazil were eliminated by the Netherlands at the quarter-final stage of that year's World Cup. After coaching his boyhood club, Internacional, for a year in 2013, Dunga was a surprise choice to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari after Brazil's humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup. Dunga, who was captain of Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning side, was given the task of revamping the national set-up but his defensive style of play and curt manner won him few fans. Led by Barcelona striker Neymar, Brazil performed well in friendlies, but were knocked out of the 2015 Copa America at the quarter-final stage by Paraguay and, without several first-team players, they were poor again at this year's tournament in the United States.One of the main priorities for the new boss will be ensuring Brazil qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. After a poor start, Brazil sit in sixth place in the South American qualifying group. The top four teams qualify automatically for the tournament and the fifth-placed side enter an inter-continental playoff. (Reuters)

Dunga gets the sack after Brazil fail to get past group stage

Ireland manager Martin O&#39;Neill has warned his side to be prepared for a backlash when they take on a smarting Belgium in their European Championship match in Bordeaux on Saturday.<br />
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Belgium, who were at number one in the FIFA rankings for the first three months of 2016 and second since then, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group E.<br />
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In contrast, a spirited Ireland side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Sweden.<br />
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&quot;Belgium are a really fine side, really fine,&quot; O&#39;Neill told reporters in France.<br />
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&quot;Individually they are as talented as any side in the competition. They are very dangerous anyway, but even more so now they are a bit of a wounded animal.&quot;<br />
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&quot;They will cause us problems so we have to show the same spirit and determination again and try and play as strongly with the ball as we did the other night.&quot;<br />
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&quot;I think overall they have the players (to hurt us). If they are disappointed themselves with not playing well against Italy, they will feel they can rectify it.&quot;<br />
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Ireland will conclude their group stage campaign against Italy on June 22.<br />
(Reuters)

Belgium, who were number one in the FIFA rankings for a few months of 2016, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has warned his side to be prepared for a backlash when they take on a smarting Belgium in their European Championship match in Bordeaux on Saturday. Belgium, who were at number one in the FIFA rankings for the first three months of 2016 and second since then, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group E. In contrast, a spirited Ireland side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Sweden. "Belgium are a really fine side, really fine," O'Neill told reporters in France. "Individually they are as talented as any side in the competition. They are very dangerous anyway, but even more so now they are a bit of a wounded animal." "They will cause us problems so we have to show the same spirit and determination again and try and play as strongly with the ball as we did the other night." "I think overall they have the players (to hurt us). If they are disappointed themselves with not playing well against Italy, they will feel they can rectify it." Ireland will conclude their group stage campaign against Italy on June 22. (Reuters)

O'Neill warns Ireland against 'wounded animal' Belgium

Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko says he will quit after his team&#39;s last group game against Poland at Euro 2016 on Tuesday.<br />
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Ukraine have no chance of reaching the knockout stages after defeats to Germany and Northern Ireland in Group C.<br />
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&ldquo;What sense does it make to continue after failing with the task that was set for the tournament?&rdquo; Fomenko told Ukraine&#39;s national TV channel &ldquo;Football&rdquo;.<br />
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&ldquo;I did not feel the united team that clinched the spot at the Euros finals. I paid attention to this during warm-up games against Cyprus and Wales. Everyone saw what was going on at the end of the Ukrainian championship. This situation affected the team&rsquo;s psychology.&rdquo;<br />
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Ukraine&#39;s preparations for the tournament suffered a setback after an unseemly row between two of their high-profile players. Shakhtar midfielder Taras Stepanenko and Dynamo Kiev&#39;s Andriy Yarmolenko were involved in a spat during a league game.<br />
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&quot;I would like peace and friendship to prevail inside our team,&quot; Fomenko said. &quot;As a man, I am used to being responsible for my actions. I admit my fault. I did it all wrong in that situation.&quot;<br />
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Former striker and assistant coach Andriy Shevchenko has been rumoured to be a possible successor.<br />
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&ldquo;Why not? He has experience in football, finished coaching courses and has got his PRO-diploma,&quot; Fomenko said. &quot;God bless him to be as good a coach as he was a player.&rdquo;<br />
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(Reuters)

Assistant coach, Andriy Shevchenko, has been rumoured to be a possible successor

Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko says he will quit after his team's last group game against Poland at Euro 2016 on Tuesday. Ukraine have no chance of reaching the knockout stages after defeats to Germany and Northern Ireland in Group C. “What sense does it make to continue after failing with the task that was set for the tournament?” Fomenko told Ukraine's national TV channel “Football”. “I did not feel the united team that clinched the spot at the Euros finals. I paid attention to this during warm-up games against Cyprus and Wales. Everyone saw what was going on at the end of the Ukrainian championship. This situation affected the team’s psychology.” Ukraine's preparations for the tournament suffered a setback after an unseemly row between two of their high-profile players. Shakhtar midfielder Taras Stepanenko and Dynamo Kiev's Andriy Yarmolenko were involved in a spat during a league game. "I would like peace and friendship to prevail inside our team," Fomenko said. "As a man, I am used to being responsible for my actions. I admit my fault. I did it all wrong in that situation." Former striker and assistant coach Andriy Shevchenko has been rumoured to be a possible successor. “Why not? He has experience in football, finished coaching courses and has got his PRO-diploma," Fomenko said. "God bless him to be as good a coach as he was a player.” (Reuters)

Ukraine coach Fomenko to quit

Leonid Slutsky has stepped down as head coach of the national team, the Russian Football Union (RFU) said on Thursday.<br />
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Slutsky announced he would not extend his contract after Russia were knocked out of the European Championship last week, finishing bottom of Group B with one point from three games.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;The RFU would like to thank Leonid Slutsky, who helped Russia to qualify for the 2016 European Championships, for his professionalism and we wish him all the success in his coaching career,&quot; the RFU said in a statement on its website (www.rfs.ru). &nbsp;<br />
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&quot;Information regarding the new coaching staff of the Russian team will be published on the RFU&#39;s official website as soon as there is any information,&quot; it added.&nbsp;<br />
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The 45-year-old, who is also CSKA Moscow coach, had been in charge of the national team since August 2015.&nbsp;<br />
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(Reuters)

Leonid Slutsky, who is also CSKA Moscow coach, had been in charge of the national team since August 2015

Leonid Slutsky has stepped down as head coach of the national team, the Russian Football Union (RFU) said on Thursday. Slutsky announced he would not extend his contract after Russia were knocked out of the European Championship last week, finishing bottom of Group B with one point from three games. "The RFU would like to thank Leonid Slutsky, who helped Russia to qualify for the 2016 European Championships, for his professionalism and we wish him all the success in his coaching career," the RFU said in a statement on its website (www.rfs.ru). "Information regarding the new coaching staff of the Russian team will be published on the RFU's official website as soon as there is any information," it added. The 45-year-old, who is also CSKA Moscow coach, had been in charge of the national team since August 2015. (Reuters)

Russia coach Slutsky leaves job after Euro 2016 debacle

What started as a social media joke seems to hold some special powers - #thelendleffect is working.<br />
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It began after world number two Andy Murray rehired his old coach Ivan Lendl last month, and immediately began a nine-match winning streak on grass to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.<br />
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The return of the Czech eight-times grand slam champion prompted much talk from pundits about the quick impact on Murray&#39;s game after their relationship the first time round netted the Scot the 2012 Olympic gold, the 2012 US Open and the 2013 Wimbledon title.<br />
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Murray&#39;s brother Jamie, ranked doubles number one, quipped on Twitter: &quot;Just ordered my Thai takeaway decisively with the minimum of fuss. #thelendleffect.&quot;<br />
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Doubles partner Bruno Soares picked up the theme: &quot;Feel like I&#39;m playing better already because Lendl is back with Andy, that&#39;s Jamie`s brother, that is my partner. #thelendleffect.&quot;<br />
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Vesnina who plays mixed doubles with Soares replied back in June: &quot;Bruno, so logically, I should be the next who will be under #thelendleffect.&quot;<br />
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And so it came to pass as she beat 19th seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2 to Tuesday set up a semi-final showdown with world number one Serena Williams.<br />
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&quot;You see, I have it now. I need to speak about that with Bruno ... That&#39;s definitely the Lendl effect,&quot; she told reporters, laughing.<br />
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&quot;I am in the semi-final of Wimbledon. There is something in it.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
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(Reuters)

Tennis players took to the social media hashtag after Andy Murray started his winning run since rehiring his old coach, Ivan Lendl

What started as a social media joke seems to hold some special powers - #thelendleffect is working. It began after world number two Andy Murray rehired his old coach Ivan Lendl last month, and immediately began a nine-match winning streak on grass to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals. The return of the Czech eight-times grand slam champion prompted much talk from pundits about the quick impact on Murray's game after their relationship the first time round netted the Scot the 2012 Olympic gold, the 2012 US Open and the 2013 Wimbledon title. Murray's brother Jamie, ranked doubles number one, quipped on Twitter: "Just ordered my Thai takeaway decisively with the minimum of fuss. #thelendleffect." Doubles partner Bruno Soares picked up the theme: "Feel like I'm playing better already because Lendl is back with Andy, that's Jamie`s brother, that is my partner. #thelendleffect." Vesnina who plays mixed doubles with Soares replied back in June: "Bruno, so logically, I should be the next who will be under #thelendleffect." And so it came to pass as she beat 19th seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2 to Tuesday set up a semi-final showdown with world number one Serena Williams. "You see, I have it now. I need to speak about that with Bruno ... That's definitely the Lendl effect," she told reporters, laughing. "I am in the semi-final of Wimbledon. There is something in it." (Reuters)

This Wimbledon, everyone's feeling the magic of #thelendleffect

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