COMEDY OF ERRORS

 

Image Credit- BBC.

Tottenham Hotspur fired head coach Ange Postecoglou just days after winning the Europa League and snapping a 17-year trophy drought. The decision, which the club acknowledged in an official statement, is a significant change for the North London team, which had a terrible Premier League season despite their success in Europe.

Postecoglou has managed two different seasons at Spurs before taking over in June 2023 after a good spell at Celtic. Tottenham finished fifth in the league during his rookie campaign, just missing out on playing in the Champions League. However, Spurs' domestic record plummeted in the 2024–25 season, finishing 17th and narrowly escaping relegation with just 11 victories in 38 games.

In an interview conducted prior to the 2024–25 season, Postecoglou stated that he typically won in his second year. Tottenham only won one of their first four league games, which was a terrible start to the season. Following a 1-0 loss to Arsenal on September 15, Postecoglou provided clarification on his preseason statement, saying, "I'll correct myself—I don't usually win things; I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed. I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them."

Many members of the press took this to mean that Postecoglou will award a trophy at the end of the season. Numerous players had injuries during the campaign, which prevented them from playing in many games. Tottenham finished in 17th place, their lowest-ever Premier League finish. On May 21, 2025, Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, guided by Postecoglou, despite their dismal league performance, to win their first trophy in 17 years. It was their first European trophy since the 1983–84 UEFA Cup and their first championship since the 2007–08 Football League Cup. The victory earned them a spot in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League phase and the opportunity to play in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup against the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League winners. Postecoglou became the first manager from Greece and Australia to win a European tournament. 

Postecoglou publicly pushed for a return for the upcoming season during the Europa League victory parade on May 23, saying, "For all the best TV series, season three is better than season two." However, Postecoglou was soon dismissed of his responsibilities as Tottenham's head coach on June 6, precisely two years after his appointment. All were stunned. Who, after 17 arduous years, fires a manager who has won you a trophy? 

But you see, this is Tottenham. A clown-filled club. Shortly before the Cup final, they fired Mourinho. Now, after winning a European trophy, they fired Ange. In Tottenham, it seems like winning trophies is a sin. 

To put it simply, North London is a comedy of errors.

THE END IS NEAR

Image Credit- The Indian Express. 

After leaving Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed that he will take a hiatus from coaching, which he acknowledges might last up to 15 years. After winning 18 trophies, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League, the 54-year-old Spaniard is the most successful manager in City's history. Guardiola has once again stated that his break is decided, even if he has not stated when he will depart the team, though his contract expires in 2027. "A year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen—I don't know how long I'll stop. But after this phase with City, I'm going to leave because I need to take a break and pay attention to my body and myself."

The lines sound identical to what Klopp said during his departure from Liverpool. One cannot deny the fact that the fatigue is real, and it is not just for players but also for the managers. Even though Guardiola anticipates a great comeback from City ["Speaking on behalf of Manchester City, it has been very healthy for us," he stated. "Because you can become confused by success. Although the players have suffered numerous injuries this season, it hasn't perplexed us in a long time. Nevertheless, I believe it will be excellent for the next five or ten years. And next year [this coming season] we'll perform better."] One cannot deny the fact that we are in the endgame now. Klopp has left; Pep is about to go. The Great Rivalry is coming to an end. The Rivalry which shaped the English Football. 

GOODBYE THOMAS, YOU WILL BE MISSED

 

Image Credit- BBC

At the end of the Club World Cup game, Thomas Müller bid farewell to the Bayern Munich. The defeat saw the culmination of his 25-year stint with the German Giant. In a hard-fought game, PSG overcame all the obstacles to defeat Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup. The 35-year-old Müller lost 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain, marking the painful conclusion to a tenure full of success. It was in the year 2000 when Müller joined Munich as an 11-year-old boy. Slowly and steadily, he rose up and made his place on the senior team. He was not someone as charismatic and magical as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But he was someone who always made his presence felt by performing at the time when it was needed the most.

Müller has received recognition for his placement, finishing, and tactical awareness despite his lack of physical power. He is "impervious to pressure," according to former Germany manager Joachim Löw, and he possesses amazing mental toughness, according to former Bayern manager Louis van Gaal. The media has lauded Müller's clever movement off the ball and his heavy involvement in buildup play. He describes himself as a player who can locate gaps in the opponent's defense but isn't very strong at dribbling or one-on-ones. "Raumdeuter" (literally "space interpreter") is how Müller characterizes this position.

Since his club debut in 2008, Müller has become the symbol of both Bayern and the German National Team. He was an instrumental figure in the success of both the club and the national side. Hence, it won't be an easy task for Bayern to replace someone who has been so crucial in their successful campaigns. However, this is football. The traditions and responsibility have always passed on from old to young, and thus the show has continued without any stop. However, one cannot deny that the phases of transition are always tough. Nonetheless, the successor has a huge responsibility on his shoulder. Afterall there can never be another Thomas Müller. 

Farewell Sire. You will be missed. 

Luka Modrić Bids Farewell to Real Madrid: A Glorious Era Ends, a New Chapter Begins at AC Milan

AUTHOR- ANUPAM GAURAV 

IMAGE CREDIT- BBC.

After over a decade of glittering triumphs and midfield mastery, Luka Modrić’s legendary journey at Real Madrid has officially come to an end. The Croatian maestro, now headed to AC Milan, leaves behind a legacy that is not only decorated with trophies but etched into the soul of the club.

The End of an Era

Since joining Los Blancos in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur, Modrić has become more than just a world-class midfielder — he became the heartbeat of Real Madrid. At 39, as he prepares for his final footballing chapter in Milan, fans across the globe are left in awe of what he has accomplished in white.

The Most Decorated Madridista

Modrić departs Real Madrid as the most decorated player in the club’s illustrious history:

* 6 Champions League titles

* 4 La Liga titles

* 5 FIFA Club World Cups

* 5 UEFA Super Cups

* 2 Copa del Rey titles

* 5 Spanish Super Cups

* 1 FIFA Intercontinental Cup

That’s 28 major trophies — a number unmatched by any other Real Madrid player. Beyond the silverware, he redefined the rhythm of Real Madrid’s midfield with elegance, intelligence, and unshakable calm under pressure.

From Underrated to Undisputed

When he first arrived at the Bernabéu, doubts lingered. Some critics labeled him a poor signing — a notion quickly silenced by his performances. By 2018, Modrić had not only won the Champions League and led Croatia to a World Cup final but also broke the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or duopoly. His vision, control, and ability to dictate tempo made him indispensable.

A Milanese Finale

His move to AC Milan is not a farewell to football but a graceful continuation. At San Siro, Modrić will bring experience, class, and a champion’s mentality. For the Rossoneri, it’s a strategic and symbolic signing — a legend who still has magic in his boots.

Gracias, Lukita

Real Madrid will move on, as clubs do. But Luka Modrić’s era will be remembered as one of the finest. He leaves not just as a champion, but as a symbol of loyalty, humility, and brilliance.

Thank you, Luka. The Bernabéu will always be your home.

REST IN PEACE JOTA. YOU WILL BE MISSED

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports News.

Diogo Jota and his brother, André, died in a car accident in the Spanish town of Zamora on July 3, 2025, while they were traveling back to Liverpool for preseason training. Prior to getting married, Jota had recently undergone minor lung surgery in Porto, Portugal. Jota intended to take a ferry from Santander, Spain, back to England after being advised by a doctor not to fly. According to the Spanish Civil Guard, he and his brother were traveling to Santander to catch the boat when their Lamborghini Huracán experienced a tire blowout while passing another car on the A-52 freeway. In the municipality of Cernadilla, the vehicle swerved off the road close to kilometer point 64 and caught fire. Unfortunately, both the brothers passed away in the spot. 

The Footballing World is in the state of mourning and grief since this news came out. After managing Jota for four seasons after signing him to Liverpool in 2020, Klopp shared on Instagram: "This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger ­purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace – Love." 

Ronaldo, who played for Portugal with Jota, wrote the following in Portuguese and shared it on social media: "Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife, your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P Diogo and André. We will all miss you."

One might not be familiar with Jota if you don't watch the beautiful game. He wasn't the face of a World Cup, a brand's poster boy, or a worldwide celebrity. However, he was the silent metronome to Liverpool fans, disappearing into the box, scoring goals late, and creating brilliant moments with subtle consistency. He didn't yell to get notice. He just appeared. Liverpool's spirit was Diogo Jota. Every football fan, not just those who support Liverpool, will miss him terribly.

Diogo, may you rest in peace.