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đ¨Kylian MbappĂŠ on JosĂŠ Mourinhoâs turnaround at Real Madrid:
đŁď¸ Kylian MbappĂŠ: âBefore Mister arrived at Madrid, I was genuinely excited. Not because we didnât have good coaches before him, but because I knew JosĂŠ Mourinho would bring something different.
His ideas, the way he w he influences your thinking as a player are special. He doesnât just tell you what to do; he makes you understand why.
I remember playing against him when he was at Benfica. Honestly, that was a very difficult game for us.
Benfica outplayed us for long periods. They controlled the midfield, were very physical and made it difficult for us to play our usual football.
So when I heard Mourinho was coming to Madrid, I knew we were going to experience something different.
His arrival brought a different energy to the dressing room. But what surprised me most was our first training session.
I was paired with Vini, and we were playing very well together. We combined, created chances and scored a few goals.
Honestly, I thought, âOkay, I must have impressed Mister.â [laughs]
A few moments later, he called me over, gave me the ball and said, âKylian, score with the ball.â
I picked it up and started running towards the goal. Before I could finish, he called me back.
He bounced the ball and told me to score with it. I started running again, but he stopped me for a second time.
Then he picked up the ball, placed it down and kicked it straight into the back of the net.
He gave me another ball and said, âYour turn. Score with it.â I placed it down, struck it and scored.
I looked at him, wondering what he was trying to show me. Then he asked, âDid you understand why I showed you that?â
I told him honestly, âNot really, Mister.â
He looked at me and said, âBecause the ball is faster than you, Kylian.â
Then he continued, âYou donât always need to carry the ball into the box before you can score. You donât need to take another touch when the opportunity is already there.â
He told me, âAll you need is precision and focus. Learn to use the ball. Remember, the ball is faster than you.â
Honestly, I was shocked. Iâve played football at the highest level for years, and I thought I understood almost everything about attacking.
But that session made me realise there were things I could still improve. Sometimes I rely so much on my speed that I forget the simplest solution can be the most effective.
I went away thinking about what he said. It wasnât just about shooting from distance; it was about making decisions earlier and trusting my technique.
That training session changed my perception of Mourinho. I began to understand why he has such a reputation and why his teams are so difficult to play against.
He sees details that many people overlook, and he has a way of making you question things youâve been doing for years.
Since he arrived, I feel there is a different level of belief in the team. Everybody understands that talent alone is not enough; you have to work, listen and be willing to improve.
For me personally, I want to become a more complete player. I want to score more, make better decisions and help this team win the biggest trophies.
And honestly, I believe with JosĂŠ in charge, I can win the Ballon dâOr. I know what Iâm capable of, but I also know there is still more I can give.
Now, all I want is to fight for him, fight for this badge and give everything for Real Madrid. I want to win trophies here and make this team successful again.
When a coach makes you realise thereâs another level to your game, you want to work even harder to reach it.
Iâm ready to learn, ready to fight, and I want to win everything with JosĂŠ Mourinho.â
đŁď¸ Kylian MbappĂŠ: âBefore Mister arrived at Madrid, I was genuinely excited. Not because we didnât have good coaches before him, but because I knew JosĂŠ Mourinho would bring something different.
His ideas, the way he w he influences your thinking as a player are special. He doesnât just tell you what to do; he makes you understand why.
I remember playing against him when he was at Benfica. Honestly, that was a very difficult game for us.
Benfica outplayed us for long periods. They controlled the midfield, were very physical and made it difficult for us to play our usual football.
So when I heard Mourinho was coming to Madrid, I knew we were going to experience something different.
His arrival brought a different energy to the dressing room. But what surprised me most was our first training session.
I was paired with Vini, and we were playing very well together. We combined, created chances and scored a few goals.
Honestly, I thought, âOkay, I must have impressed Mister.â [laughs]
A few moments later, he called me over, gave me the ball and said, âKylian, score with the ball.â
I picked it up and started running towards the goal. Before I could finish, he called me back.
He bounced the ball and told me to score with it. I started running again, but he stopped me for a second time.
Then he picked up the ball, placed it down and kicked it straight into the back of the net.
He gave me another ball and said, âYour turn. Score with it.â I placed it down, struck it and scored.
I looked at him, wondering what he was trying to show me. Then he asked, âDid you understand why I showed you that?â
I told him honestly, âNot really, Mister.â
He looked at me and said, âBecause the ball is faster than you, Kylian.â
Then he continued, âYou donât always need to carry the ball into the box before you can score. You donât need to take another touch when the opportunity is already there.â
He told me, âAll you need is precision and focus. Learn to use the ball. Remember, the ball is faster than you.â
Honestly, I was shocked. Iâve played football at the highest level for years, and I thought I understood almost everything about attacking.
But that session made me realise there were things I could still improve. Sometimes I rely so much on my speed that I forget the simplest solution can be the most effective.
I went away thinking about what he said. It wasnât just about shooting from distance; it was about making decisions earlier and trusting my technique.
That training session changed my perception of Mourinho. I began to understand why he has such a reputation and why his teams are so difficult to play against.
He sees details that many people overlook, and he has a way of making you question things youâve been doing for years.
Since he arrived, I feel there is a different level of belief in the team. Everybody understands that talent alone is not enough; you have to work, listen and be willing to improve.
For me personally, I want to become a more complete player. I want to score more, make better decisions and help this team win the biggest trophies.
And honestly, I believe with JosĂŠ in charge, I can win the Ballon dâOr. I know what Iâm capable of, but I also know there is still more I can give.
Now, all I want is to fight for him, fight for this badge and give everything for Real Madrid. I want to win trophies here and make this team successful again.
When a coach makes you realise thereâs another level to your game, you want to work even harder to reach it.
Iâm ready to learn, ready to fight, and I want to win everything with JosĂŠ Mourinho.â
NEW: Kylian Mbappe is the early favorite to win the Ballon d'Or next year, via Kalshi.
Who else will be a top contender for the award?
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đ¨ Lamine Camara reveals why Monaco stopped his move to Chelsea on deadline day despite completing his medical:
đď¸ Interviewer: âYou were so close to joining Chelsea. What actually happened?
Lamine Camara: âIt was difficult to understand. I had completed my medical, the I was preparing for the next chapter of my career. Then, at the last moment, everything changed. I was left waiting while the clubs tried to resolve things.â
Interviewer: âWas Folarin Balogunâs proposed move to Everton connected to what happened?
Camara: âAbsolutely. Monaco were dealing with two major transfers at the same time. When the Everton situation changed, it affected my situation too. Suddenly, the decision was no longer just about Chelsea wanting me. Monaco had to decide which player they were prepared to let go.â
Interviewer: âLiverpool are now being linked with a âŹ50 million move for you in January. What do you make of that?
Camara: âLiverpool are a massive club. I know they have been following my progress, and hearing that they could come forward in January is exciting. Monaco know there is serious interest, and I believe they want to see how that situation develops. A âŹ50 million valuation shows how highly they rate me.â
Interviewer: âDo you feel Monaco were prepared to wait for Liverpool rather than let you join Chelsea?
Camara: âI cannot speak for every decision the club makes, but I know they wanted the right outcome for my future. When a club like Liverpool is interested, you understand why people might want to wait. I was disappointed about Chelsea because I was ready to go, but I havenât given up on reaching the very top.â
Interviewer: âWould you welcome a move to Anfield?
Camara: âOf course, it would be a huge opportunity. Liverpool have a special history, their fans demand everything from their players, and I love that kind of challenge. I want to play at the highest level, compete for major trophies and keep improving. If that opportunity comes in January, I would take it seriously.â
đď¸ Interviewer: âYou were so close to joining Chelsea. What actually happened?
Lamine Camara: âIt was difficult to understand. I had completed my medical, the I was preparing for the next chapter of my career. Then, at the last moment, everything changed. I was left waiting while the clubs tried to resolve things.â
Interviewer: âWas Folarin Balogunâs proposed move to Everton connected to what happened?
Camara: âAbsolutely. Monaco were dealing with two major transfers at the same time. When the Everton situation changed, it affected my situation too. Suddenly, the decision was no longer just about Chelsea wanting me. Monaco had to decide which player they were prepared to let go.â
Interviewer: âLiverpool are now being linked with a âŹ50 million move for you in January. What do you make of that?
Camara: âLiverpool are a massive club. I know they have been following my progress, and hearing that they could come forward in January is exciting. Monaco know there is serious interest, and I believe they want to see how that situation develops. A âŹ50 million valuation shows how highly they rate me.â
Interviewer: âDo you feel Monaco were prepared to wait for Liverpool rather than let you join Chelsea?
Camara: âI cannot speak for every decision the club makes, but I know they wanted the right outcome for my future. When a club like Liverpool is interested, you understand why people might want to wait. I was disappointed about Chelsea because I was ready to go, but I havenât given up on reaching the very top.â
Interviewer: âWould you welcome a move to Anfield?
Camara: âOf course, it would be a huge opportunity. Liverpool have a special history, their fans demand everything from their players, and I love that kind of challenge. I want to play at the highest level, compete for major trophies and keep improving. If that opportunity comes in January, I would take it seriously.â
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Still canât believe this sweet transition football is gone đđ
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đ¨Sergio Ramos on Real Madrid accusing Barcelona of paying the former vice-president of referees (Negreira):
đŁď¸Reporter: You spent many years at Real Madrid, captained the club and experienced the rivalry with Barcelona firsthand. What do you make of the accusations against mos: Listen, I spent some of the best years of my career at Real Madrid. I captained that club, defended that badge and understand what this rivalry means. But that doesnât mean I have to agree with everything my former club says.
Personally, I donât believe Barcelona were winning those years because they were paying referees. I played against that Barcelona. I know exactly what we were facing. Messi, Iniesta and Xavi were not ordinary footballers. They were world-class players who could make the best teams in Europe look helpless.
Sometimes, you simply have to accept that another team was better than you.
I remember those ClĂĄsicos. You could prepare all week, study their movements and come up with the perfect tactical plan, but once those players started moving the ball, you could spend 90 minutes chasing shadows. That wasnât something money could buy. That was football at its highest level.
What makes me uncomfortable is the timing of everything. Barcelona are beginning to build another frightening team, gathering world beaters again, and suddenly these accusations are being dragged back into the spotlight.
We saw something similar during their greatest era. They had Messi, Iniesta and Xavi, and nobody could get near them consistently. Now they are building another generation capable of dominating football, and the same controversy is becoming a major talking point again.
Iâm not saying every question surrounding Negreira should be ignored. If there is evidence, investigate it properly. Nobody should be above the law. But donât automatically discredit an entire generation of footballers because of allegations against the institution.
And let me be honest, I donât think Barcelona need anybodyâs help to produce great footballers. Their history speaks for itself. They have an identity, an academy and a philosophy that has produced extraordinary players for decades.
I know what it felt like to face that Barcelona. Believe me, you didnât need a referee to explain why they were beating you. They were simply that good.
đŁď¸Reporter: You spent many years at Real Madrid, captained the club and experienced the rivalry with Barcelona firsthand. What do you make of the accusations against mos: Listen, I spent some of the best years of my career at Real Madrid. I captained that club, defended that badge and understand what this rivalry means. But that doesnât mean I have to agree with everything my former club says.
Personally, I donât believe Barcelona were winning those years because they were paying referees. I played against that Barcelona. I know exactly what we were facing. Messi, Iniesta and Xavi were not ordinary footballers. They were world-class players who could make the best teams in Europe look helpless.
Sometimes, you simply have to accept that another team was better than you.
I remember those ClĂĄsicos. You could prepare all week, study their movements and come up with the perfect tactical plan, but once those players started moving the ball, you could spend 90 minutes chasing shadows. That wasnât something money could buy. That was football at its highest level.
What makes me uncomfortable is the timing of everything. Barcelona are beginning to build another frightening team, gathering world beaters again, and suddenly these accusations are being dragged back into the spotlight.
We saw something similar during their greatest era. They had Messi, Iniesta and Xavi, and nobody could get near them consistently. Now they are building another generation capable of dominating football, and the same controversy is becoming a major talking point again.
Iâm not saying every question surrounding Negreira should be ignored. If there is evidence, investigate it properly. Nobody should be above the law. But donât automatically discredit an entire generation of footballers because of allegations against the institution.
And let me be honest, I donât think Barcelona need anybodyâs help to produce great footballers. Their history speaks for itself. They have an identity, an academy and a philosophy that has produced extraordinary players for decades.
I know what it felt like to face that Barcelona. Believe me, you didnât need a referee to explain why they were beating you. They were simply that good.
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đ¨ đŁMAJOR BREAKING : Sheikh Jassim is preparing a massive takeover attempt to buy Manchester United outright from the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the end of the season.
The Qatari billionaire is reportedly ready to table a package worth close to âŹ10 billion for total is proposed plans include fully funding:
â˘A brand-new stadium or full redevelopment of Old Trafford
⢠State-of-the-art training facilities
⢠Substantial transfer budget backing
⢠Major local community regeneration projects
The decision now rests entirely with the current co-owners.
The Qatari billionaire is reportedly ready to table a package worth close to âŹ10 billion for total is proposed plans include fully funding:
â˘A brand-new stadium or full redevelopment of Old Trafford
⢠State-of-the-art training facilities
⢠Substantial transfer budget backing
⢠Major local community regeneration projects
The decision now rests entirely with the current co-owners.
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đ¨ Casemiro explains the difference between playing alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo:
đď¸ Interviewer: âYou won so much alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. How does playing with Messi compare?
Casemiro: âCristiano was incredible. His hunger, his mentality, ⌠I was lucky to share some of the biggest moments of my career with him. But Leo is a different experience. The way he understands football is difficult to explain until you actually play beside him.â
Interviewer: âWhat has surprised you most about Messi?
Casemiro: âHow simple he makes difficult things look. I can win the ball, look up and already know where he wants it. Sometimes I donât even need to take an extra touch. He creates the passing option before the opponent realises what is happening. It makes my job easier because I know I can trust his movement and his decisions.â
Interviewer: âDo you find yourself enjoying football differently now?
Casemiro: âAbsolutely. At this stage of my career, being able to share a dressing room with a player like Leo is a privilege. I spent years trying to stop him. Now I get to give him the ball instead. That is something special. I want to enjoy every training session, every match and every moment alongside him.â
Interviewer: âSo, what is it like having Messi on your side rather than facing him?
Casemiro: âHonestly? A relief! For years, we needed two or three players to try to stop him. Now I just have to win the ball and find him. People can debate who is greater, but when you play with Leo, you understand why so many defenders have suffered against him. He makes football look effortless.â
đď¸ Interviewer: âYou won so much alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. How does playing with Messi compare?
Casemiro: âCristiano was incredible. His hunger, his mentality, ⌠I was lucky to share some of the biggest moments of my career with him. But Leo is a different experience. The way he understands football is difficult to explain until you actually play beside him.â
Interviewer: âWhat has surprised you most about Messi?
Casemiro: âHow simple he makes difficult things look. I can win the ball, look up and already know where he wants it. Sometimes I donât even need to take an extra touch. He creates the passing option before the opponent realises what is happening. It makes my job easier because I know I can trust his movement and his decisions.â
Interviewer: âDo you find yourself enjoying football differently now?
Casemiro: âAbsolutely. At this stage of my career, being able to share a dressing room with a player like Leo is a privilege. I spent years trying to stop him. Now I get to give him the ball instead. That is something special. I want to enjoy every training session, every match and every moment alongside him.â
Interviewer: âSo, what is it like having Messi on your side rather than facing him?
Casemiro: âHonestly? A relief! For years, we needed two or three players to try to stop him. Now I just have to win the ball and find him. People can debate who is greater, but when you play with Leo, you understand why so many defenders have suffered against him. He makes football look effortless.â
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đ¨ Gary Neville on Manchester United continuing to back Michael Carrick despite results that would have cost Ruben Amorim his job:
đŁď¸ âIâm beginning to think Manchester United donât actually want a manager who can challenge them. They want someone who will sit quietly, smile in ake the board look good.
Letâs be honest, this is becoming embarrassing.
Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United with a reputation. He had won trophies at Sporting, built a recognisable system and established an identity. He wasnât some inexperienced coach who had suddenly found himself managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
But the moment he started demanding changes, questioning the squad and challenging the people above him, suddenly he became the problem.
Now look at the situation with Michael Carrick.
The results arenât convincing, performances remain questionable, and yet weâre being told the players are united behind him, the dressing room believes in him and the board wants to give him time.
Time? Where was this time when Amorim was asking for it?
I find it fascinating that Manchester United suddenly have patience when the manager isnât challenging the people upstairs.
And letâs stop pretending the players have suddenly discovered accountability. These are the same players who have watched manager after manager walk through that dressing room and leave with their reputation damaged.
How many managers must this club sacrifice before somebody finally admits the problem might be sitting in the boardroom?
Iâll say something that might upset a few people: Manchester United may have made it easier for players to get managers sacked than it is for managers to demand better performances from those players.
Think about that.
A manager questions the squad, heâs labelled difficult. A manager questions the board, heâs labelled disruptive. But when the football is poor under another manager, suddenly everybody needs to stick together.
What exactly are we protecting here? Manchester Unitedâs future or the egos of people who cannot admit theyâve made terrible decisions?
And Carrick must understand something too. Being a club legend doesnât automatically make you the right man for the job. This is Manchester United, not a retirement home for former players.
If heâs the right man, prove it on the pitch. Donât hide behind dressing-room unity and nice press conferences.
Because if Amorim was judged by results, Carrick must be judged by exactly the same standard.
Manchester United cannot keep changing managers while allowing the same players and decision-makers to escape accountability.
At this point, Iâm beginning to wonder whether the biggest problem at Old Trafford has ever been the manager.
Maybe the club doesnât have a managerial crisis.
Maybe it has a leadership crisis that has been hiding behind managerial sackings for years.â
đŁď¸ âIâm beginning to think Manchester United donât actually want a manager who can challenge them. They want someone who will sit quietly, smile in ake the board look good.
Letâs be honest, this is becoming embarrassing.
Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United with a reputation. He had won trophies at Sporting, built a recognisable system and established an identity. He wasnât some inexperienced coach who had suddenly found himself managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
But the moment he started demanding changes, questioning the squad and challenging the people above him, suddenly he became the problem.
Now look at the situation with Michael Carrick.
The results arenât convincing, performances remain questionable, and yet weâre being told the players are united behind him, the dressing room believes in him and the board wants to give him time.
Time? Where was this time when Amorim was asking for it?
I find it fascinating that Manchester United suddenly have patience when the manager isnât challenging the people upstairs.
And letâs stop pretending the players have suddenly discovered accountability. These are the same players who have watched manager after manager walk through that dressing room and leave with their reputation damaged.
How many managers must this club sacrifice before somebody finally admits the problem might be sitting in the boardroom?
Iâll say something that might upset a few people: Manchester United may have made it easier for players to get managers sacked than it is for managers to demand better performances from those players.
Think about that.
A manager questions the squad, heâs labelled difficult. A manager questions the board, heâs labelled disruptive. But when the football is poor under another manager, suddenly everybody needs to stick together.
What exactly are we protecting here? Manchester Unitedâs future or the egos of people who cannot admit theyâve made terrible decisions?
And Carrick must understand something too. Being a club legend doesnât automatically make you the right man for the job. This is Manchester United, not a retirement home for former players.
If heâs the right man, prove it on the pitch. Donât hide behind dressing-room unity and nice press conferences.
Because if Amorim was judged by results, Carrick must be judged by exactly the same standard.
Manchester United cannot keep changing managers while allowing the same players and decision-makers to escape accountability.
At this point, Iâm beginning to wonder whether the biggest problem at Old Trafford has ever been the manager.
Maybe the club doesnât have a managerial crisis.
Maybe it has a leadership crisis that has been hiding behind managerial sackings for years.â
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đ¨ Ralf Rangnick on why Manchester United are taking their time before sacking Michael Carrick:
âI think Iâm seeing something here that perhaps other people arenât seeing. And Iâll be honest, Iâm still standing firmly behind my belief that Michael Carrick is the right man for that position before. I know what it takes to rebuild a football club, and I can see that heâs on the right path.
This is exactly the kind of patience Manchester United have refused to show in recent years. When youâre building something special, it takes time. You cannot expect everything to change overnight.
Sacking Carrick now is not the solution. Bring in another manager, and perhaps youâll see a short-term improvement. But what happens after that? We start the entire process again. At some point, this club has to stop going around in circles and commit to a project.
Letâs be honest, there are players in this squad who simply donât fit Carrickâs style of football. But thatâs why we have a transfer window. Give him the opportunity to bring in the players he needs before judging what he can build.
In my opinion, Manchester United need at least 10 new players. Iâm not exaggerating. This squad needs a serious rebuild if the club wants to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Europeâs biggest clubs again.
We have to stop fooling ourselves. The manager cannot keep taking the blame for problems that existed long before he arrived.
Michael Carrick might not be the problem. Manchester Unitedâs biggest problem is that they keep changing managers without ever fixing the club.â
âI think Iâm seeing something here that perhaps other people arenât seeing. And Iâll be honest, Iâm still standing firmly behind my belief that Michael Carrick is the right man for that position before. I know what it takes to rebuild a football club, and I can see that heâs on the right path.
This is exactly the kind of patience Manchester United have refused to show in recent years. When youâre building something special, it takes time. You cannot expect everything to change overnight.
Sacking Carrick now is not the solution. Bring in another manager, and perhaps youâll see a short-term improvement. But what happens after that? We start the entire process again. At some point, this club has to stop going around in circles and commit to a project.
Letâs be honest, there are players in this squad who simply donât fit Carrickâs style of football. But thatâs why we have a transfer window. Give him the opportunity to bring in the players he needs before judging what he can build.
In my opinion, Manchester United need at least 10 new players. Iâm not exaggerating. This squad needs a serious rebuild if the club wants to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Europeâs biggest clubs again.
We have to stop fooling ourselves. The manager cannot keep taking the blame for problems that existed long before he arrived.
Michael Carrick might not be the problem. Manchester Unitedâs biggest problem is that they keep changing managers without ever fixing the club.â
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đ¨Bernardo Silva on the difference between playing in the Premier League and playing in LaLiga:
đŁď¸ Bernardo Silva: âPeople always ask me which league is more difficult. Honestly, I donât think you can compare them directly. They challenge you in different ways.
âWhen I arrived emember Pep telling me something that stayed with me.
âHe said, âBernardo, you will always have time to play football, but you will not always have time to think. You have to know what youâre going to do before the ball reaches you.â
âAt first, I didnât fully understand what he meant. Then I started training and playing in the Premier League, and I understood very quickly. [laughs]
âIn England, you receive the ball and somebody is already running towards you. You take one touch and another player is coming. You lose concentration for one second and the ball is gone.
âI remember some away games where you couldnât even hear your teammates properly because the supporters were so close to the pitch. The intensity is unbelievable.
âEven against teams fighting near the bottom of the table, you know youâre going to have a difficult afternoon. Nobody gives you an easy game.
âBut when I arrived at Real Madrid, JosĂŠ Mourinho told me something that made me look at football from another perspective.
âHe said, âYou can be faster than your opponent, you can be stronger than him, but if you donât understand the space before he does, you will always be one step behind.â
âThat was interesting because it was a different way of looking at the game.
âIn Spain, you meet teams that are very comfortable keeping possession. They know how to move you around, how to close spaces and how to make you chase the ball.
âSometimes you think you have time, but the space is already gone. You have to read the game before the situation develops.
âI experienced that against Spanish teams when I was still at City. You would press one player and suddenly the ball was somewhere else. You start asking yourself how they managed to escape.
âNow Iâm experiencing that style of football regularly. You have to be intelligent with your positioning, because one wrong movement can open a space for the opposition.
âPeople think LaLiga is easier because the tempo can look slower, but thatâs not true. You might not be running at the same intensity every second, but your concentration has to be there for the entire match.
âAnd in England, forget about taking a break. [laughs] You can be winning 3-0 and the opposition will still be running at you like itâs the last minute of a cup final.
âIâve played against defenders in the Premier League who make every touch uncomfortable. Iâve also played against midfielders in Spain who make you feel like youâre chasing shadows.
âBoth leagues demand a lot from you. The difference is how they test you.
âManchester City taught me to play under pressure, to move quickly and to compete with intensity. Real Madrid is giving me another appreciation of positioning, patience and understanding the tactical side of the game.
âI wouldnât say one league has better footballers than the other. Iâve seen incredible quality in both places.
âIf a young player asks me which league he should move to, I would tell him not to choose based on reputation alone. You have to understand what kind of football you are going into.
âYou can be technically gifted, but if you cannot adapt to the physical demands in England or the tactical demands in Spain, you will struggle.
âSo, for me, the Premier League tests how quickly you can react, while LaLiga tests how well you understand the game.
âAnd the funny thing is, both Pep and Mourinho were telling me something similar in their own way: donât wait for the ball to arrive before you start thinking. By then, itâs already too late.â
đŁď¸ Bernardo Silva: âPeople always ask me which league is more difficult. Honestly, I donât think you can compare them directly. They challenge you in different ways.
âWhen I arrived emember Pep telling me something that stayed with me.
âHe said, âBernardo, you will always have time to play football, but you will not always have time to think. You have to know what youâre going to do before the ball reaches you.â
âAt first, I didnât fully understand what he meant. Then I started training and playing in the Premier League, and I understood very quickly. [laughs]
âIn England, you receive the ball and somebody is already running towards you. You take one touch and another player is coming. You lose concentration for one second and the ball is gone.
âI remember some away games where you couldnât even hear your teammates properly because the supporters were so close to the pitch. The intensity is unbelievable.
âEven against teams fighting near the bottom of the table, you know youâre going to have a difficult afternoon. Nobody gives you an easy game.
âBut when I arrived at Real Madrid, JosĂŠ Mourinho told me something that made me look at football from another perspective.
âHe said, âYou can be faster than your opponent, you can be stronger than him, but if you donât understand the space before he does, you will always be one step behind.â
âThat was interesting because it was a different way of looking at the game.
âIn Spain, you meet teams that are very comfortable keeping possession. They know how to move you around, how to close spaces and how to make you chase the ball.
âSometimes you think you have time, but the space is already gone. You have to read the game before the situation develops.
âI experienced that against Spanish teams when I was still at City. You would press one player and suddenly the ball was somewhere else. You start asking yourself how they managed to escape.
âNow Iâm experiencing that style of football regularly. You have to be intelligent with your positioning, because one wrong movement can open a space for the opposition.
âPeople think LaLiga is easier because the tempo can look slower, but thatâs not true. You might not be running at the same intensity every second, but your concentration has to be there for the entire match.
âAnd in England, forget about taking a break. [laughs] You can be winning 3-0 and the opposition will still be running at you like itâs the last minute of a cup final.
âIâve played against defenders in the Premier League who make every touch uncomfortable. Iâve also played against midfielders in Spain who make you feel like youâre chasing shadows.
âBoth leagues demand a lot from you. The difference is how they test you.
âManchester City taught me to play under pressure, to move quickly and to compete with intensity. Real Madrid is giving me another appreciation of positioning, patience and understanding the tactical side of the game.
âI wouldnât say one league has better footballers than the other. Iâve seen incredible quality in both places.
âIf a young player asks me which league he should move to, I would tell him not to choose based on reputation alone. You have to understand what kind of football you are going into.
âYou can be technically gifted, but if you cannot adapt to the physical demands in England or the tactical demands in Spain, you will struggle.
âSo, for me, the Premier League tests how quickly you can react, while LaLiga tests how well you understand the game.
âAnd the funny thing is, both Pep and Mourinho were telling me something similar in their own way: donât wait for the ball to arrive before you start thinking. By then, itâs already too late.â
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đ¨Kylian MbappĂŠ on JosĂŠ Mourinhoâs turnaround at Real Madrid:
đŁď¸ Kylian MbappĂŠ: âBefore Mister arrived at Madrid, I was genuinely excited. Not because we didnât have good coaches before him, but because I knew JosĂŠ Mourinho would bring something different.
His ideas, the way he w he influences your thinking as a player are special. He doesnât just tell you what to do; he makes you understand why.
I remember playing against him when he was at Benfica. Honestly, that was a very difficult game for us.
Benfica outplayed us for long periods. They controlled the midfield, were very physical and made it difficult for us to play our usual football.
So when I heard Mourinho was coming to Madrid, I knew we were going to experience something different.
His arrival brought a different energy to the dressing room. But what surprised me most was our first training session.
I was paired with Vini, and we were playing very well together. We combined, created chances and scored a few goals.
Honestly, I thought, âOkay, I must have impressed Mister.â [laughs]
A few moments later, he called me over, gave me the ball and said, âKylian, score with the ball.â
I picked it up and started running towards the goal. Before I could finish, he called me back.
He bounced the ball and told me to score with it. I started running again, but he stopped me for a second time.
Then he picked up the ball, placed it down and kicked it straight into the back of the net.
He gave me another ball and said, âYour turn. Score with it.â I placed it down, struck it and scored.
I looked at him, wondering what he was trying to show me. Then he asked, âDid you understand why I showed you that?â
I told him honestly, âNot really, Mister.â
He looked at me and said, âBecause the ball is faster than you, Kylian.â
Then he continued, âYou donât always need to carry the ball into the box before you can score. You donât need to take another touch when the opportunity is already there.â
He told me, âAll you need is precision and focus. Learn to use the ball. Remember, the ball is faster than you.â
Honestly, I was shocked. Iâve played football at the highest level for years, and I thought I understood almost everything about attacking.
But that session made me realise there were things I could still improve. Sometimes I rely so much on my speed that I forget the simplest solution can be the most effective.
I went away thinking about what he said. It wasnât just about shooting from distance; it was about making decisions earlier and trusting my technique.
That training session changed my perception of Mourinho. I began to understand why he has such a reputation and why his teams are so difficult to play against.
He sees details that many people overlook, and he has a way of making you question things youâve been doing for years.
Since he arrived, I feel there is a different level of belief in the team. Everybody understands that talent alone is not enough; you have to work, listen and be willing to improve.
For me personally, I want to become a more complete player. I want to score more, make better decisions and help this team win the biggest trophies.
And honestly, I believe with JosĂŠ in charge, I can win the Ballon dâOr. I know what Iâm capable of, but I also know there is still more I can give.
Now, all I want is to fight for him, fight for this badge and give everything for Real Madrid. I want to win trophies here and make this team successful again.
When a coach makes you realise thereâs another level to your game, you want to work even harder to reach it.
Iâm ready to learn, ready to fight, and I want to win everything with JosĂŠ Mourinho.â
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đ¨ Mikel Arteta responds to criticism of Arsenalâs style of play:
đď¸ Interviewer: Some critics say Arsenalâs style of play is boring, overly physical and simply not entertaining. Does that criticism bother you?
Mikel Arteta: âHonestly? No. I find it fascinating. When we try to , they say we lack aggression. When we become aggressive, they call us dirty. When we control games, they call us boring. So tell me, what exactly do these people want?â
Interviewer: âBut some people argue that Arsenal prioritise winning over entertainment.
Mikel Arteta: âAnd what is wrong with that? We won the league last season. We reached the Champions League final. Now, after nine matches this season, we are top of the league again. At what point do we stop apologising for being successful?â
Interviewer: âDo you think rival fans are simply frustrated by Arsenalâs success?
Mikel Arteta: âSome people donât want football to be about winning. They want us to play their preferred style, make mistakes, leave spaces and give them something to celebrate. Sorry, but we are not here to make rival fans happy.â
Interviewer: âSo you would rather win ugly than lose beautifully?
Mikel Arteta: âAbsolutely. Give me three points over applause. Give me trophies over compliments. Nobody remembers how entertaining you were when you finish second. If people want entertainment, they can watch a show. We are competing for titles.â
Interviewer: âFinally, what would you say to those who still call Arsenal boring?
Mikel Arteta: âKeep saying it. Keep calling us boring, dirty, whatever you want. Just make sure you check the league table afterwards. Because while you are discussing our style, we are collecting points.â
đď¸ Interviewer: Some critics say Arsenalâs style of play is boring, overly physical and simply not entertaining. Does that criticism bother you?
Mikel Arteta: âHonestly? No. I find it fascinating. When we try to , they say we lack aggression. When we become aggressive, they call us dirty. When we control games, they call us boring. So tell me, what exactly do these people want?â
Interviewer: âBut some people argue that Arsenal prioritise winning over entertainment.
Mikel Arteta: âAnd what is wrong with that? We won the league last season. We reached the Champions League final. Now, after nine matches this season, we are top of the league again. At what point do we stop apologising for being successful?â
Interviewer: âDo you think rival fans are simply frustrated by Arsenalâs success?
Mikel Arteta: âSome people donât want football to be about winning. They want us to play their preferred style, make mistakes, leave spaces and give them something to celebrate. Sorry, but we are not here to make rival fans happy.â
Interviewer: âSo you would rather win ugly than lose beautifully?
Mikel Arteta: âAbsolutely. Give me three points over applause. Give me trophies over compliments. Nobody remembers how entertaining you were when you finish second. If people want entertainment, they can watch a show. We are competing for titles.â
Interviewer: âFinally, what would you say to those who still call Arsenal boring?
Mikel Arteta: âKeep saying it. Keep calling us boring, dirty, whatever you want. Just make sure you check the league table afterwards. Because while you are discussing our style, we are collecting points.â
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đ¨ Ole Gunnar SolskjĂŚr on Bruno Fernandes:
âI remember when Bruno first arrived at Manchester United. From our first conversations, I could see something different about him.
He wasnât just coming here to play football. He genuinely wanted to change Manchester United, win club back to where it belonged.
I remember how determined he was. Even in training, you could see how much losing hurt him. He wanted everyone to understand what it meant to play for Manchester United.
But I also remember the team we had at that time. We didnât have enough quality around him to consistently compete for the biggest trophies.
And somehow, Bruno kept carrying us.
He scored, created chances, took responsibility and kept believing things would improve.
There were games when he was the difference between winning and dropping points. For several seasons, almost everything good about our attacking football went through him.
But football isnât supposed to work like that. You cannot expect one player to carry an entire club for years and never feel the weight of it.
And now, when I watch Bruno, I sometimes see a player who looks tired. Not because he has stopped caring, but perhaps because he has been giving so much of himself to this club for so long.
People are quick to criticise his performances, his decisions and his body language. Thatâs football, and he has to accept criticism. But I donât think we should forget everything he has done for Manchester United.
You have to remember the responsibility he has carried, the seasons he has given everything and how often he has been left without enough help.
I would never use that to excuse poor performances, but I would certainly use it to understand them.
Bruno still has the quality. He still has the passion, and I believe he still wants to achieve something special here.
What Manchester United need to do now is give him the support he has lacked for so many years.
We need to see whether, with the right players around him and a team that shares the responsibility, we can get the very best out of Bruno again.
Because I remember the player who arrived here with a dream of changing Manchester United.
And I donât think that dream has ever left him.â
âI remember when Bruno first arrived at Manchester United. From our first conversations, I could see something different about him.
He wasnât just coming here to play football. He genuinely wanted to change Manchester United, win club back to where it belonged.
I remember how determined he was. Even in training, you could see how much losing hurt him. He wanted everyone to understand what it meant to play for Manchester United.
But I also remember the team we had at that time. We didnât have enough quality around him to consistently compete for the biggest trophies.
And somehow, Bruno kept carrying us.
He scored, created chances, took responsibility and kept believing things would improve.
There were games when he was the difference between winning and dropping points. For several seasons, almost everything good about our attacking football went through him.
But football isnât supposed to work like that. You cannot expect one player to carry an entire club for years and never feel the weight of it.
And now, when I watch Bruno, I sometimes see a player who looks tired. Not because he has stopped caring, but perhaps because he has been giving so much of himself to this club for so long.
People are quick to criticise his performances, his decisions and his body language. Thatâs football, and he has to accept criticism. But I donât think we should forget everything he has done for Manchester United.
You have to remember the responsibility he has carried, the seasons he has given everything and how often he has been left without enough help.
I would never use that to excuse poor performances, but I would certainly use it to understand them.
Bruno still has the quality. He still has the passion, and I believe he still wants to achieve something special here.
What Manchester United need to do now is give him the support he has lacked for so many years.
We need to see whether, with the right players around him and a team that shares the responsibility, we can get the very best out of Bruno again.
Because I remember the player who arrived here with a dream of changing Manchester United.
And I donât think that dream has ever left him.â
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đ¨đ¨đŁ Kobbie Mainoo on Manchester Unitedâs values:
âUnited is a huge club, and a lot of people know the values it holds. Those values have been passed down by the people who have worked and played here.
Having come through the academy, I feel a responsibility to spread that keep doing so for a long time.â #MUFC
âUnited is a huge club, and a lot of people know the values it holds. Those values have been passed down by the people who have worked and played here.
Having come through the academy, I feel a responsibility to spread that keep doing so for a long time.â #MUFC
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đ¨IF YOU CAN NAME AT LEAST 4 PLAYERS IN THIS MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP, YOUâRE A TRUE RED DEVIL LEGEND đ
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Xabi Alonso trusts Acheampong to hold Chelseaâs defence. Iraola trusts Nyoni to start against Arsenal and still backs Ngumoha. Pep trusted OâReilly enough for him to win PFA Young Player of the Year.
Meanwhile Carrick who should know better about Unitedâs academy foundation still wonât fully trust Shea Lacey despite him repeatedly showing he can contribute. Itâs just so frustrating how Michael Carrick his
Meanwhile Carrick who should know better about Unitedâs academy foundation still wonât fully trust Shea Lacey despite him repeatedly showing he can contribute. Itâs just so frustrating how Michael Carrick his
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đ¨VinĂcius Jr. on his heated altercation with Yan Diomande during Real Madrid training:
đŁď¸Reporter: There were reports of a heated exchange between you and Yan Diomande during training. What exactly happened?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âHonestly, I wasnât expecting that conversation. He g and said, âVini, it looks like Iâve replaced you now.â He was laughing as if it was some kind of joke, but I didnât find it funny. I asked him what he meant, and he told me that the left-wing position was beginning to look like his own.â
đŁď¸Reporter: Did you feel he was disrespecting everything youâve achieved at Real Madrid?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âOf course! I told him to be careful with the way he speaks. Before Yan even arrived at this club, I had already given everything to this badge. I won two Champions League titles here, played in big finals, scored important goals and helped this club win trophies. I wasnât handed anything. I had to fight for my position, deal with criticism and prove myself repeatedly.â
âI told him, âYou are talking to somebody who was already making history here before you even knew what it meant to wear this shirt. Respect the people who built the foundation youâre standing on.ââ
đŁď¸Reporter: What was his response?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âHe started laughing again. He looked straight at me and said, âVini, thatâs the past. Nobody is denying what youâve done, but football is about what happens now. You had your moment, you won your trophies, but Iâm the future of this club.â
âI couldnât believe what I was hearing. I told him that scoring a few goals and playing well doesnât automatically make you the king of Real Madrid. This club is bigger than both of us, and you have to earn the right to be its main man.â
đŁď¸Reporter: Did things get even more heated after that?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âYes. I told him that if he wanted my position, he should understand that he was competing with someone who had spent years earning it. He immediately replied, âIâm not competing with your past, Vini. Iâm competing for the present, and the present is mine.â
âThat was when I told him to let his football do the talking instead of laughing at people who have already achieved what heâs dreaming about.â
đŁď¸Reporter: How would you describe your relationship with him going forward?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âI have nothing against Yan. Heâs talented, heâs young and heâs doing very well. But I wonât pretend I enjoyed that conversation. I respect competition, but respect has to go both ways. I didnât come to Real Madrid to become somebodyâs stepping stone.â
âIf he wants to take my position, he knows what he has to do. Iâll be fighting for that shirt every single day. Replacing somebody is easy to say during training; becoming a Real Madrid legend is a completely different conversation.â
đŁď¸Reporter: There were reports of a heated exchange between you and Yan Diomande during training. What exactly happened?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âHonestly, I wasnât expecting that conversation. He g and said, âVini, it looks like Iâve replaced you now.â He was laughing as if it was some kind of joke, but I didnât find it funny. I asked him what he meant, and he told me that the left-wing position was beginning to look like his own.â
đŁď¸Reporter: Did you feel he was disrespecting everything youâve achieved at Real Madrid?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âOf course! I told him to be careful with the way he speaks. Before Yan even arrived at this club, I had already given everything to this badge. I won two Champions League titles here, played in big finals, scored important goals and helped this club win trophies. I wasnât handed anything. I had to fight for my position, deal with criticism and prove myself repeatedly.â
âI told him, âYou are talking to somebody who was already making history here before you even knew what it meant to wear this shirt. Respect the people who built the foundation youâre standing on.ââ
đŁď¸Reporter: What was his response?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âHe started laughing again. He looked straight at me and said, âVini, thatâs the past. Nobody is denying what youâve done, but football is about what happens now. You had your moment, you won your trophies, but Iâm the future of this club.â
âI couldnât believe what I was hearing. I told him that scoring a few goals and playing well doesnât automatically make you the king of Real Madrid. This club is bigger than both of us, and you have to earn the right to be its main man.â
đŁď¸Reporter: Did things get even more heated after that?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âYes. I told him that if he wanted my position, he should understand that he was competing with someone who had spent years earning it. He immediately replied, âIâm not competing with your past, Vini. Iâm competing for the present, and the present is mine.â
âThat was when I told him to let his football do the talking instead of laughing at people who have already achieved what heâs dreaming about.â
đŁď¸Reporter: How would you describe your relationship with him going forward?
đď¸VinĂcius Jr.: âI have nothing against Yan. Heâs talented, heâs young and heâs doing very well. But I wonât pretend I enjoyed that conversation. I respect competition, but respect has to go both ways. I didnât come to Real Madrid to become somebodyâs stepping stone.â
âIf he wants to take my position, he knows what he has to do. Iâll be fighting for that shirt every single day. Replacing somebody is easy to say during training; becoming a Real Madrid legend is a completely different conversation.â
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đ¨đď¸ Marc Cucurella on the difference between playing in La Liga and the Premier League.
đď¸Reporter: Youâve played in both La Liga and the Premier League. Which of the two would you say is more difficult to play in?
đŁď¸Marc Cucurella: Honestly, having experienced both, I think n to talk about this. I wonât sit here and say English football isnât tough because it really is. You have to be physically strong, and playing in England has taught me a lot as a defender. The intensity is something you donât find in many leagues. Every game is a battle until the final whistle. You donât get time to switch off.
But I think people sometimes look at La Liga and assume itâs not competitive enough, and I completely disagree with that.
Letâs look at my own career. I started in Spain, but I couldnât establish myself at the level I wanted until I moved to England and started making a name for myself. That should tell you something about the difference between these two leagues.
You can be as strong as the Hulk, as powerful as Thanos, but if you donât have football intelligence, youâll struggle in La Liga. Itâs a completely different challenge. The players you face are so technical, flexible and intelligent.
Theyâll take you on, change direction and make you look silly if you arenât clever enough to read the game. (laughs)
Thatâs why intelligence matters so much in Spanish football. Itâs not always about who is stronger or who can run faster. Sometimes, itâs about understanding the game two seconds before your opponent does.
I enjoyed my time in the Premier League, and I have nothing but respect for English football. But thereâs a reason why players who make their names in England still dream about playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona. Itâs not because England doesnât have big clubs. Itâs because of what Spanish football represents to the world and the history behind those clubs.
And if youâre asking me which league plays the best football, Iâll definitely say La Liga. I think Spanish football has a different understanding of the game. Thereâs more emphasis on technique, intelligence, movement and controlling situations rather than simply relying on physical power.
Thatâs just my opinion, having experienced both.â
đď¸Reporter: Youâve played in both La Liga and the Premier League. Which of the two would you say is more difficult to play in?
đŁď¸Marc Cucurella: Honestly, having experienced both, I think n to talk about this. I wonât sit here and say English football isnât tough because it really is. You have to be physically strong, and playing in England has taught me a lot as a defender. The intensity is something you donât find in many leagues. Every game is a battle until the final whistle. You donât get time to switch off.
But I think people sometimes look at La Liga and assume itâs not competitive enough, and I completely disagree with that.
Letâs look at my own career. I started in Spain, but I couldnât establish myself at the level I wanted until I moved to England and started making a name for myself. That should tell you something about the difference between these two leagues.
You can be as strong as the Hulk, as powerful as Thanos, but if you donât have football intelligence, youâll struggle in La Liga. Itâs a completely different challenge. The players you face are so technical, flexible and intelligent.
Theyâll take you on, change direction and make you look silly if you arenât clever enough to read the game. (laughs)
Thatâs why intelligence matters so much in Spanish football. Itâs not always about who is stronger or who can run faster. Sometimes, itâs about understanding the game two seconds before your opponent does.
I enjoyed my time in the Premier League, and I have nothing but respect for English football. But thereâs a reason why players who make their names in England still dream about playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona. Itâs not because England doesnât have big clubs. Itâs because of what Spanish football represents to the world and the history behind those clubs.
And if youâre asking me which league plays the best football, Iâll definitely say La Liga. I think Spanish football has a different understanding of the game. Thereâs more emphasis on technique, intelligence, movement and controlling situations rather than simply relying on physical power.
Thatâs just my opinion, having experienced both.â
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đ¨JĂźrgen Klopp on the footage of referee Andy Madley laughing and shaking hands with Arsenal players in dressing room during the Liverpool vs Arsenal game.
đŁď¸JĂźrgen Klopp:
âHonestly, I wouldnât be surprised if Arsenal win the Premier League again this season. They are a very t pretend we havenât noticed what is happening.
âHow can a referee be laughing and exchanging handshakes with opposition players in the middle of such a controversial game? Liverpool were denied a penalty, and now everybody is acting like nothing happened.
âThe problem is that when certain teams benefit from these decisions, everybody suddenly becomes quiet. Arsenal donât need anybody to hand them the title. They have quality players, but the officials must allow every team to compete on equal terms.
âAt this rate, I honestly wouldnât be surprised if Arsenal win the league again. Theyâve been getting some very favourable decisions, and nobody seems willing to speak up about it.
âI hope we can have an honest conversation about this because the Premier League is becoming difficult to watch when these controversies keep happening.â
đŁď¸JĂźrgen Klopp:
âHonestly, I wouldnât be surprised if Arsenal win the Premier League again this season. They are a very t pretend we havenât noticed what is happening.
âHow can a referee be laughing and exchanging handshakes with opposition players in the middle of such a controversial game? Liverpool were denied a penalty, and now everybody is acting like nothing happened.
âThe problem is that when certain teams benefit from these decisions, everybody suddenly becomes quiet. Arsenal donât need anybody to hand them the title. They have quality players, but the officials must allow every team to compete on equal terms.
âAt this rate, I honestly wouldnât be surprised if Arsenal win the league again. Theyâve been getting some very favourable decisions, and nobody seems willing to speak up about it.
âI hope we can have an honest conversation about this because the Premier League is becoming difficult to watch when these controversies keep happening.â
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đ¨Thiago Pitarch on trying to kiss Jude Bellingham before Real Madridâs game against Racing:
đŁď¸ Thiago Pitarch: âI know people might have seen the picture of me trying to kiss Jude, and honestly, when I saw it afterwards, I couldnât stop laughing. [laughs]
But yes, I did try to to deny it. There was a reason behind it, and it was nothing strange.
I love Jude like a big brother. Heâs someone I respect so much, not just because of the player he is, but because of the person he is around the younger players.
He teaches me a lot. Sometimes people only see what he does during matches, but they donât see how much he helps us during training.
When I make a wrong pass, heâs usually one of the first people to call me over and explain what I should have done differently.
If I overthink on the ball or look unsure about my next move, heâll come and talk to me. He doesnât make you feel stupid for making a mistake.
Heâll just tell you what he sees, explain how to improve and encourage you to try again. For a young player, having someone like that around means a lot.
Before the Racing game, we were talking, and Jude suddenly said to me, âThiago, you know youâre not starting today, right?â
I told him, âI know.â Then he looked at me and asked, âDo you know why?â
I said, âNo, tell me.â And he replied, âBecause your big brother is starting, and thatâs me.â [laughs]
I started laughing because thatâs Jude. He always finds a way to make you laugh, even when heâs teasing you.
So I told him, âOkay, then let me give you a good-luck kiss. Maybe youâll score a goal for us today.â
He laughed, and that was how the whole thing happened. I wasnât thinking about cameras or what people would say.
I just wanted to wish him luck before the match. Heâs always looking out for me, so sometimes you want to show that appreciation in your own way.
And the funny thing is, he actually went out there and scored. So now I can say my good-luck kiss worked perfectly. [laughs]
After the goal, I was even happier because I knew what we had spoken about before the game. I was looking at him and thinking, âSee? I told you!â
People can make whatever jokes they want about the picture. I know what happened, and Jude knows what happened. Thereâs nothing more to explain.
Heâs a big brother to me, someone I can approach whenever I need advice, and someone who genuinely wants to see me improve.
I hope I can learn as much as possible from him because heâs achieved so much already, but he still takes time to help young players like me.
And next time he tells me heâs starting because heâs my big brother, Iâll probably have another good-luck kiss ready.
After all, he scored the last time. Why would I change a winning formula?â
đŁď¸ Thiago Pitarch: âI know people might have seen the picture of me trying to kiss Jude, and honestly, when I saw it afterwards, I couldnât stop laughing. [laughs]
But yes, I did try to to deny it. There was a reason behind it, and it was nothing strange.
I love Jude like a big brother. Heâs someone I respect so much, not just because of the player he is, but because of the person he is around the younger players.
He teaches me a lot. Sometimes people only see what he does during matches, but they donât see how much he helps us during training.
When I make a wrong pass, heâs usually one of the first people to call me over and explain what I should have done differently.
If I overthink on the ball or look unsure about my next move, heâll come and talk to me. He doesnât make you feel stupid for making a mistake.
Heâll just tell you what he sees, explain how to improve and encourage you to try again. For a young player, having someone like that around means a lot.
Before the Racing game, we were talking, and Jude suddenly said to me, âThiago, you know youâre not starting today, right?â
I told him, âI know.â Then he looked at me and asked, âDo you know why?â
I said, âNo, tell me.â And he replied, âBecause your big brother is starting, and thatâs me.â [laughs]
I started laughing because thatâs Jude. He always finds a way to make you laugh, even when heâs teasing you.
So I told him, âOkay, then let me give you a good-luck kiss. Maybe youâll score a goal for us today.â
He laughed, and that was how the whole thing happened. I wasnât thinking about cameras or what people would say.
I just wanted to wish him luck before the match. Heâs always looking out for me, so sometimes you want to show that appreciation in your own way.
And the funny thing is, he actually went out there and scored. So now I can say my good-luck kiss worked perfectly. [laughs]
After the goal, I was even happier because I knew what we had spoken about before the game. I was looking at him and thinking, âSee? I told you!â
People can make whatever jokes they want about the picture. I know what happened, and Jude knows what happened. Thereâs nothing more to explain.
Heâs a big brother to me, someone I can approach whenever I need advice, and someone who genuinely wants to see me improve.
I hope I can learn as much as possible from him because heâs achieved so much already, but he still takes time to help young players like me.
And next time he tells me heâs starting because heâs my big brother, Iâll probably have another good-luck kiss ready.
After all, he scored the last time. Why would I change a winning formula?â
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đ¨IF YOU CAN NAME AT LEAST 4 PLAYERS IN THIS MANCHESTER UNITED SQUAD, YOUâRE A TRUE RED DEVIL LEGEND đ
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SethOfficial retweeted
đ¨đď¸ Mikel Arteta on how Arsenal managed to defeat Liverpool at Anfield:
đŁď¸ âPeople always talk about Anfield like itâs some impossible fortress, but honestly, I expected much more from the home supporters. We heard all the noise before the game, but once we scored, the hanged.
âI told my players not to be intimidated by the crowd. If anything, we made their supporters nervous. They were supposed to push Liverpool forward, but instead, you could feel the frustration growing every minute.
âLiverpool had 90 minutes to show us why Anfield is so special, but our players showed more character than their entire stadium.
âIâm sorry, but you cannot call yourselves the famous Anfield crowd and go quiet when your team needs you most. We came here, silenced the stadium and took all three points. Thatâs what champions do.â
đŁď¸ âPeople always talk about Anfield like itâs some impossible fortress, but honestly, I expected much more from the home supporters. We heard all the noise before the game, but once we scored, the hanged.
âI told my players not to be intimidated by the crowd. If anything, we made their supporters nervous. They were supposed to push Liverpool forward, but instead, you could feel the frustration growing every minute.
âLiverpool had 90 minutes to show us why Anfield is so special, but our players showed more character than their entire stadium.
âIâm sorry, but you cannot call yourselves the famous Anfield crowd and go quiet when your team needs you most. We came here, silenced the stadium and took all three points. Thatâs what champions do.â
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