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Manchester City’s Guardiola demands slimmer squad for next season

Manchester City’s Guardiola demands slimmer squad for next season
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is thrown in the air by teammates during a tribute after the match as he plays his last match at the Etihad Stadium. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Updated 21 May 2025

Manchester City’s Guardiola demands slimmer squad for next season

Manchester City’s Guardiola demands slimmer squad for next season
  • City have 28 players in the first team, not counting four who are out on loan, and have one of the most valuable squads in the world
  • Guardiola, who extended his contract with City until 2027 in November, will lead the club as they defend their Club World Cup title next month

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told the club he wants to work with a tighter squad next season as it troubles his “soul” to leave so many players in the stands when everyone is fit.
Regular internationals Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov and Claudio Echeverri were all unable to find a place in the squad on Tuesday as City beat Bournemouth 3-1. England’s James McAtee and Rico Lewis also missed out.
City have 28 players in the first team, not counting four who are out on loan, and have one of the most valuable squads in the world with some media reports valuing it at over 1.3 billion euros ($1.47 billion).
“I said to the club ... I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer,” Guardiola told reporters after City moved up to third with one match left in the campaign.
“I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”
Despite their huge squad City faced an injury crisis late last year, with the side going on a five-match losing streak in all competitions between October-November.
They brought in Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez at a cost of more than $224 million in the January transfer window to help address the problem.
But with defenders John Stones and Nathan Ake the only two players currently out with injury, Guardiola said it was “impossible” for his “soul” to keep telling so many players they would be watching the match from the stands.
“It is a question for the club. I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players when everyone is fit. If I have injuries, unlucky, we have some players (from) the academy and we do it,” the manager added.
Guardiola, who extended his contract with City until 2027 in November, will lead the club as they defend their Club World Cup title next month.


’Over the moon’: Filipino Eala bags historic first at US Open

’Over the moon’: Filipino Eala bags historic first at US Open
Updated 40 sec ago

’Over the moon’: Filipino Eala bags historic first at US Open

’Over the moon’: Filipino Eala bags historic first at US Open

NEW YORK: Alexandra Eala produced a jaw-dropping late comeback to carve out a piece of tennis history at the US Open on Sunday, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a Grand Slam singles match with a first round upset of Danish 14th seed Clara Tauson.
The 20-year-old from Quezon City recovered from a 5-1 deficit in the deciding set to score a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13/11) triumph.
“I’m super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third,” Eala said. “It’s a very special win for me.”
Eala’s breakthrough comes at the end of a season where she had already served notice of her talent.
She took down Australian Open champion Madison Keys and former world number one Iga Swiatek during a giant-killing run to the semifinals of the Miami Open in March.
But Sunday’s triumph on the Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows catapulted the youngster — who won the US Open girls title in 2022 — into the history books.
“I’m so blessed to be the first to do this,” Eala said. “I take so much pride in representing my country. It makes what I do bigger than myself, and it adds meaning to what I do.”
Eala collapsed to the court after her victory, later revealing that past experiences had helped her dig deep to clinch the tiebreak.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates match point against Clara Tauson of Denmark on August 24, 2025. (Getty Images via AFP)

“I was just so over the moon, and it was just such a rush of emotions,” she said.
“I think so many factors made the match so special. I’ve been on the losing side of these tight tiebreaks before, so to be on the winning side, it’s very memorable.”
Eala said she plans to take the same never-say-die mentality into the remainder of the tournament.
“The key for my upcoming match is just to come in with the same mentality, same fight,” she said. “Right now I’m just focused on recovering.”
Eala’s win came on the same day that another player from Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, scored another upset to send 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova crashing out.
“I’m so happy to see the progress of tennis in Southeast Asia in general,” Eala said. “I’ve known (Janice) for a long time, so I’m happy for her. I’m happy that players from this region are coming up and starting to be successful.
“I’m so happy for her, and it’s nice to see someone that you grew up with on the biggest stages in the world.”
 


Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo

Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo
Updated 25 August 2025

Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo

Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo
  • For Oviedo, returning to Spain’s top flight after an absence of almost a quarter of a century

OVIEDO, Spain: Kylian Mbappe was again on target for Real Madrid as they overcame Real Oviedo 3-0 in La Liga on Sunday.
For Oviedo, returning to Spain’s top flight after an absence of almost a quarter of a century, the arrival of the 15-time European champions was a gala occasion, and the Asturian fans made their presence heard.
Star turns Mbappe and Vinicius Junior made the difference in the north of Spain. The Frenchman notched a brace before the Brazilian slid in a late third.
Coach Xabi Alonso made a couple of notable changes to his starting line-up from Madrid’s opening 1-0 win against Osasuna, dropping Vinicius and Trent Alexander-Arnold for Rodrygo Goes and club captain Dani Carvajal, returning from injury.
But the dropped Vinicius responded by producing an assist and a goal in his half-hour cameo.
Argentinian teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono made his full debut in another change for Los Blancos.
The 18-year-old showed his explosive dribbling ability early on when he burst past two defenders into the Oviedo box before going down and looking appealingly at the uninterested referee.
A rare foray forward by the hosts saw Leander Dendoncker run onto a throughball and try to catch Thibaut Courtois out with a chipped effort in the 23rd minute. The Belgian shotstopper beat a hasty retreat before easily plucking the ball from the sky.
Madrid came close to forcing a breakthrough when Arda Guler drive from inside the box was excellently saved by goalkeeper Aaron Escandell.
The Turkish international turned provider as he drilled a pass into Mbappe’s feet on 37 minutes, which the Frenchman welcomed on the turn before firing across Escandell.
The goal was met by furious protests from the home side after Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni seemed to follow through strongly on Dendoncker when winning possession back for his side in the build-up.
Madrid nearly doubled their lead five minutes into the second period when a defensive mix-up resulted in a clearance sliced straight into the hands of a grateful Escandell.
Rodrygo and the lively Mastantuono made way for Vinicius and Brahim Diaz just after the hour.
Diaz immediately created a gilt-edged chance for the galloping Fede Valverde when his cushioned pass found the Uruguayan inside the box, but Escandell produced a fingertip save to keep the score at 1-0.
Kwasi Sibo came within inches of sending the home support wild when, out of nowhere, he struck the post for Oviedo with Courtois rooted to the spot on 81 minutes.
That chance served to wake Madrid up. Vinicius won the ball two minutes later and drove forward toward the box before slipping a disguised pass to Mbappe who slotted home first time.
The Brazilian then scored in the 93rd minute, when Diaz found him in space and he slipped home a composed finish.
Elsewhere, Villarreal hammered Girona 5-0 at home as new signing Tajon Buchanan netted a hat-trick to open his La Liga account.
A second-consecutive defeat to start the season leaves Girona, who played Champions League football last season, bottom of the table with seven goals conceded and none scored.
The home side raced into a 4-0 lead inside 30 minutes, with Nicolas Pepe and Rafa Marin scoring as Buchanan grabbed a brace.
The Canadian then got his third four minutes after the hour to cap a scintillating performance by the Yellow Submarine.
Real Sociedad fought back from being 2-0 down at half-time in the Basque country to earn a point against Espanyol.
Pere Milla and Javi Puado gave the Catalans the lead, before Ander Barrenetxea and Orri Oskarsson hit back for Sociedad in eight second-half minutes.
Ante Budimir’s ninth-minute goal gave Osasuna a 1-0 win over 10-man Valencia.


Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium

Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium
Updated 24 August 2025

Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium

Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium
  • Grealish was the creator with a drilled left foot cross that Ndiaye timed his run perfectly to meet at the back post on 23 minutes

LONDON: Manchester United remain without a Premier League win this season after being held 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday, while a Jack Grealish-inspired Everton opened their new stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Ruben Amorim’s United were left to rue Bruno Fernandes’ wayward first-half penalty as they were pegged back at Craven Cottage.
Rodrigo Muniz’s own-goal put United in front on the hour mark, but Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to rescue a point for Fulham.
Amorim is seeking an upturn on a disastrous 15th-placed finish last season, but so far his new £200 million ($270 million) forward line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who again started on the bench, is yet to fire.
Despite an encouraging performance, United lost 1-0 to title-chasing Arsenal in their season opener last weekend and will feel another two points slipped away in west London.
Fulham, though, felt the visitors got the better of two controversial calls.
United’s penalty was awarded after a VAR review for grappling by Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount.
Fernandes is normally reliable from the spot, but blasted his effort high over the bar.
When United did finally get their first goal of the season it came via a Fulham body as Muniz deflected Leny Yoro’s header into his own net.
However, the home side were furious that this time VAR did not intervene for a push by Yoro on Bassey.
Fulham still managed to rescue a point when former Arsenal midfielder Smith Rowe’s run into the box was not tracked and he turned in Alex Iwobi’s cross 17 minutes from time.
After an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892, Everton are hoping the move to a new 53,000 capacity stadium will rekindle their bygone glory days.
Only four clubs have won more English top-flight titles than Everton’s nine.
However, they have not won a major trophy for 30 years and spent their final seasons at Goodison battling relegation.
“We’re trying to find a way of moving the club on. I think this is a big step forward for Everton,” said manager David Moyes.
Grealish has so far been the marquee new addition to Moyes’ squad and showed glimpses of the talent that saw Manchester City pay Aston Villa £100 million for him four years ago, providing the assist for both goals.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the final goal at Goodison against Southampton in May and made more history with the first goal at Everton’s new home.
Grealish was the creator with a drilled left foot cross that Ndiaye timed his run perfectly to meet at the back post on 23 minutes.
Brighton should not have come away from Merseyside empty-handed but wasted a series of chances.
Kaoru Mitoma struck the bar and Jan Paul van Hecke’s effort came back off the post, while Danny Welbeck spooned over with the goal gaping.
James Garner doubled Everton’s lead early in the second period with a blistering strike from Grealish’s lay-off.
Brighton still had the chance to set up a nervy finale, but Jordan Pickford saved Welbeck’s poor penalty to round off a memorable afternoon for the Toffees.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo insisted he wants to remain in charge after his side’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Callum Hudson-Odoi rescued a point for Forest after Ismaila Sarr’s first-half opener for Palace.
Nuno said on Friday his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated as odds on him being the first Premier League manager of the season to be sacked were slashed.
“That is nonsense. That does not make any kind of sense,” said the Portuguese coach on whether he is trying to engineer an exit from the club.


Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach

Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach
Updated 24 August 2025

Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach

Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach
  • Hamburg next faces city rival St. Pauli for a derby at home next Friday

BERLIN: Hamburger SV returned from a seven-year absence and emerged from its first game back in the Bundesliga with a 0-0 draw at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The promoted side spent much of Sunday’s game defending, with goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes diving well to deny Gladbach captain Rocco Reitz among other saves.
“We knew we were coming up against a strong team that would have many people in midfield, so we kept it tight in the center and tried to hit on counterattacks,” Heuer Fernandes said. “Of course you never know where you stand after such a (difficult) pre-season, but I think everyone saw today how we can take on the league and that’s exactly how it should go.”
Hamburg substitutes Jean-Luc Dompé and Yussuf Poulsen increased their team’s attacking threat for the last 15 minutes. William Mikelbrencis, another substitute, thought he’d scored a late winner but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Hamburg was the last surviving member of the Bundesliga to have played every season since its formation in 1963, earning the nickname “der Dino,” until it was finally relegated in 2018 after several close shaves.
Hamburg next faces city rival St. Pauli for a derby at home next Friday.
Gladbach signed Gio Reyna from Borussia Dortmund on Saturday but the American wasn’t included in the squad.
Cologne’s successful return
Cologne marked its return as second-division champion with a 1-0 win at Mainz, which had Paul Nebel sent off on the hour-mark for a tactical foul to stop Jakub Kaminski. Kaminski would have been through on goal.
The sending off provided encouragement for Cologne, which had been primarily defending up to then, and Kaminski’s strike partner Marius Bülter headed the winner in the final minute.
“The whole 90 minutes were wild,” Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok said after his Bundesliga debut. “It wasn’t a culinary delight from a footballing point of view.”


NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions

NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions
Updated 24 August 2025

NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions

NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions
  • Throughout the day, a range of sessions highlighted the global momentum of gaming and esports

RIYADH: By the time the second and final day of the New Global Sport Conference 2025 ended in Riyadh, the city had truly come alive.

Leaders, influencers, creators and gamers all shared one clear message: ֱ is not just hosting the conversation on the future of gaming and esports — it is shaping it. With electric energy buzzing through every corridor, the closing day felt less like an ending and more like a launchpad for what is to come.

As Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC, told Arab News: “ֱ is the only country in the world that has an esports strategy as part of Vision 2030.” Speaking during one of the sessions, he added: “Esports will open the Kingdom’s arms to the world … I leave here blown away by what this country can do.”

Among the many standout discussions was “Content for the Next Generation: Revolutionizing Platforms, Formats, and Fan Engagement,” where Toshimoto Mitomo, chief strategy officer at Sony, spotlighted the impact of the MENA Hero Project — a program that has already drawn more than 200 applications from local developers and is now helping five projects prepare for commercial launch.

“Our role is to incubate creators so their games can reach global markets,” Mitomo said. “We’re enabling a vibrant ecosystem powered by local ingenuity and global ambition.”

The final session of the day — and of the conference —had attendees packing the room: “Blurring the Lines Between Games and Cinema.” Hosted by Rolling Stone’s senior gaming editor Christopher Cruz, the panel featured legendary game creator Hideo Kojima and acclaimed filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn. Together, they explored the merging worlds of interactive entertainment and cinema, touching on advancements such as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics, and online connectivity that are redefining how stories are told.

Kojima, reflecting on ֱ’s bold investments in gaming, praised the Kingdom’s forward-thinking approach: “The country I look at and they’re kind of creating something for the future. I feel so envious of this country. Everyone’s looking at this future … You have everything you need to create something new — art, movies, games. Let’s create the future together. And I want to play that, and I want to see that.”

Throughout the day, a range of sessions highlighted the global momentum of gaming and esports. Panels such as “Power Moves: Next-Gen Dealmakers in Gaming & Esports Investments” and “Content for the Next Generation” explored how innovation, technology, and investment are rapidly expanding opportunities — not just for players and developers, but for entire communities.

When the final applause echoed through the venue, it was clear that NGSC 2025 had achieved more than just two days of dialogue. It had galvanized a movement. Attendees left with notebooks filled with ideas, pockets full of LinkedIn connections, and a sense of shared purpose.

In just two days, Riyadh had established itself as more than a meeting ground; it had become the nerve center of a global industry in motion. NGSC 2025 did not simply end — it launched a new chapter, proving that ֱ is no longer just part of the game. It is helping to define its future.