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India Today
14-08-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Premier League: Can Pep Guardiola's Manchester City reclaim the crown in 2025–26?
It was a season to forget for Manchester City. Third place in the Premier League, an FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, and a shock Champions League Round of 32 exit combined to create one of Pep Guardiola's most underwhelming campaigns in his managerial a club used to measuring success in silverware, the absence of trophies hit hard. The criticism inevitably followed — questions about Guardiola's longevity, whispers about whether the squad had reached the end of a cycle, and debates over whether rivals had finally worked out City's blueprint. But instead of walking away, Guardiola made his decision clear: he would stay and lead the club through what is shaping up to be a major rebuilding WITH BIG MOVESCity have been active in the market, intent on refreshing their squad with a mix of youth and proven quality. James Trafford has returned from Burnley to compete for the goalkeeper's spot, while AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders adds energy and drive to the midfield. Rayan Alt-Nouri, signed from Wolves, offers a dynamic attacking option at left-back. The arrival of 21-year-old Rayan Cherki from Lyon could prove the most intriguing signing — a creative, two-footed attacker capable of playing across the influx comes alongside painful departures. Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most influential players in the club's history, has moved on, leaving a void in creativity, leadership, and match-winning moments. Kyle Walker's exit robs City of defensive steel and experience. These changes mark the end of an era and the start of something AND SQUAD DEPTHDespite the turnover, City's depth remains the envy of the Premier League. The defensive core of Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji gives Guardiola flexibility in shape and selection. The full-back department is equally versatile — Matheus Nunes offers a more attacking profile on the right, while Rico Lewis can invert into midfield to overload central midfield, Rodri's return from a long injury layoff could be the single most important boost. City's struggles without their Ballon d'Or-winning holding midfielder last season were telling — his positional discipline and distribution form the backbone of Guardiola's system. But his return at the Club World Cup was marred with yet another injury leaving his return to the side up in the air. If he remains unavailable, it could be a long season for Man FOR NEW LEADERSPhil Foden now steps into a defining role. Long seen as the future of the club, the 25-year-old will need to shoulder greater creative responsibility in De Bruyne's absence. After a subdued 2024–25, Foden should be recharged and ready to dictate City's attacking Marmoush, signed last season, is another who could level up. The Egyptian winger produced flashes of brilliance — including a Goal of the Season contender — but consistency will be key if he is to become one of the Premier League's most feared wide men. Cherki, meanwhile, will have to adapt quickly to the league's intensity and physicality to justify the faith shown in front, Erling Haaland's form remains a talking point. Since his record-breaking debut season, his goal output has dipped slightly, and Guardiola may need to tweak his system to get the Norwegian back to his lethal AHEADCity's early fixtures offer no breathing room — Tottenham, Manchester United, and Arsenal all await in the opening five games. A slow start could heap pressure on a squad still finding its rhythm. The competition is fierce: Liverpool and Arsenal are both tipped as favourites, while United appear to be back on track for the are also external factors. Financial Fair Play investigations still hover in the background, creating uncertainty off the pitch. Injuries, particularly to Rodri or Haaland, could derail progress in an increasingly competitive league.A DEFINING SEASON FOR PEP AND MAN CITYThis season feels different for Manchester City. It's not about extending dominance, but about proving they can evolve and rise again. Guardiola's decision to stay, despite speculation, sends a clear message — he believes this team can be remoulded into talent is there, the tactical possibilities are vast, and the hunger to reclaim glory is palpable. Whether this rebuild leads to another era of dominance or marks the start of a more turbulent chapter will depend on how quickly City can translate potential into thing is certain: in the 2025–26 season, Manchester City's fight to reclaim their throne will be one of the Premier League's most compelling storylines.- Ends advertisement
The Irish Sun
13-08-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Carabao Cup draw in full: Man Utd face trip to League Two side as Red Devils enter 2nd round for first time in 11 years
Elsewhere, there are several mouth-watering all-Prem ties TAKE A BAO Carabao Cup draw in full: Man Utd face trip to League Two side as Red Devils enter 2nd round for first time in 11 years MANCHESTER UNITED were pitted against League Two Grimsby in the Carabao Cup after entering the second round draw for the first time since 2014. The Red Devils found themselves in the pot alongside 10 other Premier League clubs not competing in Europe this season. Advertisement 2 Man Utd have discovered their Carabao Cup second round fate Credit: Getty 2 The draw was made live on Sky Sports Ruben Amorim's side finished 15th in the table last term to wrap up a miserable campaign. But with some exciting new faces on board, United will be looking to reclaim the Carabao Cup after winning it last year under former boss Erik ten Hag. And their first opponent on their potential way to Wembley will be Grimsby, with all second round games commencing from the week of August 25. Carabao Cup second-round draw in full Northern section Tranmere or Burton vs Lincoln Acrrington vs Doncaster Wigan vs Stockport Stoke vs Bradford Burnley vs Derby Sunderland vs Huddersfield or Leicester Birmingham or Sheffield Utd vs Port Vale Preston vs Wrexham Barnsley or Fleetwood vs Rotherham Bolton or Sheffield Weds vs Leeds Everton vs Mansfield Grimsby vs Man United Southern section Fulham vs Bristol City Norwich vs Southampton Oxford vs Brighton Reading vs AFC Wimbledon Bournemouth vs Brentford Millwall vs Coventry Wolves vs West Ham Swansea vs Plymouth Bromley vs Wycombe Cardiff vs Cheltenham or Exeter Cambridge vs Charlton THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL LAST GIFT Ballon d'Or-winning Man Utd star Denis Law's will revealed after death aged 84 The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Scottish Sun
13-08-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Carabao Cup draw in full: Man Utd face trip to League Two side as Red Devils enter 2nd round for first time in 11 years
Elsewhere, there are several mouth-watering all-Prem ties TAKE A BAO Carabao Cup draw in full: Man Utd face trip to League Two side as Red Devils enter 2nd round for first time in 11 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANCHESTER UNITED were pitted against League Two Grimsby in the Carabao Cup after entering the second round draw for the first time since 2014. The Red Devils found themselves in the pot alongside 10 other Premier League clubs not competing in Europe this season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Man Utd have discovered their Carabao Cup second round fate Credit: Getty 2 The draw was made live on Sky Sports Ruben Amorim's side finished 15th in the table last term to wrap up a miserable campaign. But with some exciting new faces on board, United will be looking to reclaim the Carabao Cup after winning it last year under former boss Erik ten Hag. And their first opponent on their potential way to Wembley will be Grimsby, with all second round games commencing from the week of August 25. Carabao Cup second-round draw in full Northern section Tranmere or Burton vs Lincoln Acrrington vs Doncaster Wigan vs Stockport Stoke vs Bradford Burnley vs Derby Sunderland vs Huddersfield or Leicester Birmingham or Sheffield Utd vs Port Vale Preston vs Wrexham Barnsley or Fleetwood vs Rotherham Bolton or Sheffield Weds vs Leeds Everton vs Mansfield Grimsby vs Man United Southern section Fulham vs Bristol City Norwich vs Southampton Oxford vs Brighton Reading vs AFC Wimbledon Bournemouth vs Brentford Millwall vs Coventry Wolves vs West Ham Swansea vs Plymouth Bromley vs Wycombe Cardiff vs Cheltenham or Exeter Cambridge vs Charlton THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL LAST GIFT Ballon d'Or-winning Man Utd star Denis Law's will revealed after death aged 84 The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Hamilton Spectator
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Spain hopes for Bonmati recovery at Euro 2025 and bids for ‘historic generation' status
MADRID (AP) — Spain's final preparations for the Women's European Championship have been upended. Again. Three years ago, Alexia Putellas tore an ACL days before the competition. This time, a different Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder's tournament is in question after Aitana Bonmatí was hospitalized with viral meningitis . Bonmatí came down with a fever during practice Friday and later checked in to a Madrid hospital. The team planned to travel to Switzerland on Sunday for the tournament, where it is considered one of the favorites after winning the 2023 World Cup, even though it has never reached a Euros final before. Spain coach Montse Tomé revealed after Friday's 3-1 victory in a friendly against Japan that the 27-year-old star tested positive for viral meningitis. 'The word is scary, but the doctor tells me that she is under control. She will remain in the hospital and we don't know for how long,' Tomé said. Spain's first game is against Portugal on Thursday in Bern. It will also face Belgium and Italy in Group B. Stability after Rubiales scandal Bonmatí's setback aside, Spain had been enjoying some peace and stability now that the Luis Rubiales scandal is behind them. Spain is arriving for Euro 2025 just a few months after Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault for an unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony. The conviction helped end one of the worst chapters in the history of Spanish soccer. The kiss sparked outrage and marred the nation's celebrations of the team's first major title in women's soccer. It ignited an unprecedented crisis that left the Spanish federation and women's soccer in turmoil. Spanish society called for more support for women, and sports officials ultimately were forced to review outdated protocols and improve the conditions for the women's team that is among the main title favorites at Euro 2025. 'I remember when I used to come to play for the national team and I didn't enjoy it. I just wanted to go home, to be honest,' playmaker Bonmatí, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner , said a few days before falling ill. 'It was tough to play here. The situation wasn't good. But now everything is better, there is more stability for everyone and that benefits the group.' The crisis prompted by the kiss on Hermoso — who was not called up by Tomé for the Euro 2025 squad — helped expedite changes that players had been demanding for a long time, including by some who refused to play for the national team even before the World Cup. 'The conditions have changed a lot,' said Putellas , another two-time world player of the year. 'Especially in terms of travel, nutrition, training. Things have changed radically. Now we are enjoying conditions that are at the top level of the men's team. It's something that has taken a lot of effort and work by many people.' Putellas said it's clear that the structure provided for the women's team is much more professional now, including in areas such as marketing and communication. 'We are finally where we wanted to be for some time,' she said. 'Because we have pushed for it, and also because a lot of people have helped us. Now we are just ready to compete and enjoy it.' Rubiales was convicted in February and ordered to pay more than 10,000 euros ($11,700) in fines. He was prohibited from approaching Hermoso or communicating with her for a year. Prosecutors had asked for a prison sentence. Rubiales was acquitted of a charge of coercion for allegedly trying to make Hermoso downplay the kiss on the lips. Tomé left out Hermoso from the squad saying that 'there's a lot of competition in her position.' Spain established itself as one of the powerhouses in women's soccer by winning the World Cup and following it up by lifting the trophy of the inaugural Women's Nations League in 2024. It then just missed out on a medal by finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics, when it lost to Brazil in the semifinals and to Germany in the bronze-medal match. Spain still a favorite Spain has never reached a final at the European Championship. Its best result was a last-four appearance in 1997. It was eliminated in the quarterfinals at each of the last three Euros. Still, it's a team that includes Barcelona and Real Madrid stars — and they've been playing well. In early June, Cláudia Pina scored twice in Spain's 2-1 victory over defending European champion England in the Nations League. 'We have been carrying the 'favorite' tag for a few years now, since we won the World Cup,' Bonmatí said. 'We are used to it and we take it with responsibility. There are other top teams and we need to respect them.' Even if Bonmatí needs time off, Spain will feel confident in the group stage. Spain had a 4-0 record this year against Portugal and Belgium — all in the group stage of the current Nations League edition. That included a 7-1 home victory over Portugal in April. 'Winning the European title would come as a confirmation that this is a historic generation for Spain's women's soccer,' Bonmatí said. ___ AP soccer:
Winnipeg Free Press
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Spain hopes for Bonmati recovery at Euro 2025 and bids for ‘historic generation' status
MADRID (AP) — Spain's final preparations for the Women's European Championship have been upended. Again. Three years ago, Alexia Putellas tore an ACL days before the competition. This time, a different Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder's tournament is in question after Aitana Bonmatí was hospitalized with viral meningitis. Bonmatí came down with a fever during practice Friday and later checked in to a Madrid hospital. The team planned to travel to Switzerland on Sunday for the tournament, where it is considered one of the favorites after winning the 2023 World Cup, even though it has never reached a Euros final before. Spain coach Montse Tomé revealed after Friday's 3-1 victory in a friendly against Japan that the 27-year-old star tested positive for viral meningitis. 'The word is scary, but the doctor tells me that she is under control. She will remain in the hospital and we don't know for how long,' Tomé said. Spain's first game is against Portugal on Thursday in Bern. It will also face Belgium and Italy in Group B. Stability after Rubiales scandal Bonmatí's setback aside, Spain had been enjoying some peace and stability now that the Luis Rubiales scandal is behind them. Spain is arriving for Euro 2025 just a few months after Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault for an unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony. The conviction helped end one of the worst chapters in the history of Spanish soccer. The kiss sparked outrage and marred the nation's celebrations of the team's first major title in women's soccer. It ignited an unprecedented crisis that left the Spanish federation and women's soccer in turmoil. Spanish society called for more support for women, and sports officials ultimately were forced to review outdated protocols and improve the conditions for the women's team that is among the main title favorites at Euro 2025. 'I remember when I used to come to play for the national team and I didn't enjoy it. I just wanted to go home, to be honest,' playmaker Bonmatí, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, said a few days before falling ill. 'It was tough to play here. The situation wasn't good. But now everything is better, there is more stability for everyone and that benefits the group.' The crisis prompted by the kiss on Hermoso — who was not called up by Tomé for the Euro 2025 squad — helped expedite changes that players had been demanding for a long time, including by some who refused to play for the national team even before the World Cup. 'The conditions have changed a lot,' said Putellas, another two-time world player of the year. 'Especially in terms of travel, nutrition, training. Things have changed radically. Now we are enjoying conditions that are at the top level of the men's team. It's something that has taken a lot of effort and work by many people.' Putellas said it's clear that the structure provided for the women's team is much more professional now, including in areas such as marketing and communication. 'We are finally where we wanted to be for some time,' she said. 'Because we have pushed for it, and also because a lot of people have helped us. Now we are just ready to compete and enjoy it.' Rubiales was convicted in February and ordered to pay more than 10,000 euros ($11,700) in fines. He was prohibited from approaching Hermoso or communicating with her for a year. Prosecutors had asked for a prison sentence. Rubiales was acquitted of a charge of coercion for allegedly trying to make Hermoso downplay the kiss on the lips. Tomé left out Hermoso from the squad saying that 'there's a lot of competition in her position.' Spain established itself as one of the powerhouses in women's soccer by winning the World Cup and following it up by lifting the trophy of the inaugural Women's Nations League in 2024. It then just missed out on a medal by finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics, when it lost to Brazil in the semifinals and to Germany in the bronze-medal match. Spain still a favorite Spain has never reached a final at the European Championship. Its best result was a last-four appearance in 1997. It was eliminated in the quarterfinals at each of the last three Euros. Still, it's a team that includes Barcelona and Real Madrid stars — and they've been playing well. In early June, Cláudia Pina scored twice in Spain's 2-1 victory over defending European champion England in the Nations League. 'We have been carrying the 'favorite' tag for a few years now, since we won the World Cup,' Bonmatí said. 'We are used to it and we take it with responsibility. There are other top teams and we need to respect them.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Even if Bonmatí needs time off, Spain will feel confident in the group stage. Spain had a 4-0 record this year against Portugal and Belgium — all in the group stage of the current Nations League edition. That included a 7-1 home victory over Portugal in April. 'Winning the European title would come as a confirmation that this is a historic generation for Spain's women's soccer,' Bonmatí said. ___ AP soccer:
