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Courtois on Xabi Alonso: “Then we would have lost 6-0.”

Lesley Summerville
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Courtois on Xabi Alonso: “Then we would have lost 6-0.”

Real Madrid also lost to Manchester City, but in a completely different way than against Celta Vigo. Is this performance enough to secure Xabi Alonso’s job?

It cannot exactly be said that Real Madrid’s team has done much to make Xabi Alonso’s life easier in recent weeks. After numerous slip-ups in La Liga, Los Blancos also lost the coach’s supposed make-or-break game against Manchester City 1-2. They have only managed two wins in six competitive games.

But a lot was different compared to the debacle against Vigo (0-2) a few days earlier. First of all, of course, the personnel: Real had to do without Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappé, among others, and with Dani Ceballos, Gonzalo Garcia, and Rodrygo, three players who are usually found on the bench were in the starting lineup. Real, severely weakened by substitutions, put in an impressive performance against ManCity, and there was no lack of character this time. “They were clearly better than us at times in the first half,” said City coach Pep Guardiola. But is this improvement enough to secure Xabi Alonso’s job? In any case, the team unanimously backed the coach.
After the game, Rodrygo and Raul Asencio were the first to speak out in favor of Xabi Alonso, followed by Jude Bellingham. “The coach is great. I personally have a very good relationship with him, and I know that many of the guys feel the same way,” said the Englishman. Thibaut Courtois also sees no reason for a change of coach.
“We stand behind him,” said the goalkeeper. “If someone hadn’t done that, we would have lost 6-0 today.” Ultimately, it is the players who have to take responsibility for the results. “But we’re not good enough, and there’s no excuse for that,” the Belgian continued.

But at Real, they are used to winning, so the air is likely to get thin for Xabi Alonso. Unsurprisingly, Marca has already declared a “red alert.”

The upcoming tasks would at least offer a chance to get back into the green zone. This Sunday, they face Deportivo Alaves, who are eleventh in the table, followed by a cup match against CF Talavera, who are bottom of the Spanish third division. In their last match before the winter break, Sevilla FC will be the visitors to the Bernabeu.

Xabi Alonso expects to remain on the bench. “I’m fully focused on the next game,” he said when asked about his future. “Real Madrid is important. It’s about the team, the players, and how I can help them. It’s not about me.”

Why Gnabry is playing on probation—and why things are currently at a standstill

Jeffrey Gooding
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Why Gnabry is playing on probation—and why things are currently at a standstill

He has been wearing the Bayern jersey for more than seven and a half years now. After spells in London, Bremen, and Hoffenheim, Munich has become his home. If Serge Gnabry has his way, it will remain that way beyond the summer. For that to happen, he needs consistency and a pay cut. The bosses are waiting to see what happens.

On Tuesday evening, when Bayern came back from 0-1 down to win the game against Sporting Lisbon, Serge Gnabry (30) was the best Munich player alongside youngster Lennart Karl. The versatile attacker is in good form and is continuing his better Bayern performances this season. This may also be because he is playing for a new contract.

Gnabry’s contract expires in the summer. He himself would like to stay at FC Bayern, feeling very much at home in the state capital, at the club, with his colleagues, and under coach Vincent Kompany. After some difficult phases, partly due to injuries, he has just rediscovered his old joy of playing. Twelve points in 19 competitive games for Bayern (including the Super Cup) is a respectable haul.

Bosses want to wait and see due to Gnabry’s inconsistency

The attacker was already strengthened in the summer. Last year, 2025, he was considered a candidate for sale until late spring, but Munich’s sporting directors removed him from the potential transfer list before the Club World Cup. In a positive conversation with Gnabry, they explained his prospects for the season, which is now 13 match days old. It was a first sign for him that he is wanted and needed. At least until the summer.

What happens after that is still unclear. The Bavarian club’s management wants to take its time. It is quite possible that a decision on the Gnabry case will drag on until March. His performances in recent years have been too inconsistent, according to the office on Säbener Straße. This means that the bosses are generally satisfied with his current performances, but Gnabry continues to play on probation.

The quartet of the future is set

With Lennart Karl, who is 13 years younger, on his way to establishing himself as a permanent fixture, the Munich club now has five professionals for the three positions behind Harry Kane with the return of Jamal Musiala in the new year (Nicolas Jackson is considered the replacement for the Englishman). That would probably be just the right number. And Gnabry alongside the potentially established quartet of the future – Karl, Olise, Musiala, Diaz – would perhaps be the ideal addition. Simply because he can be used in all offensive positions; he could also take on Jackson’s role in an emergency.

Initial informal talks regarding his future have been held, but now – as in the case of Dayot Upamecano, albeit for different reasons – things have come to a standstill for the time being. The Bavarian club’s management sees no urgency in the Gnabry situation at the moment. Talks are expected to resume in the new year, but it is unlikely to be before February at the earliest. Until then, Gnabry needs to continue to perform consistently well.

After talks with Slot: Salah likely to return to Liverpool squad

Jason Maverick
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After talks with Slot: Salah likely to return to Liverpool squad

After being dropped for the away game at Inter Milan, Mohamed Salah is likely to return to the Liverpool squad for the match against Brighton. This is according to unanimous reports in the English media.

At Liverpool’s press conference on Friday morning ahead of their home game against Brighton (Saturday, 4 p.m.), the dominant topic was Mohamed Salah following his controversial interview after the 3-3 draw in Leeds. When asked whether the Egyptian would return after being dropped for the away game at Inter, coach Arne Slot did not give a real answer. “The next time I talk about Mo will be with him,” the Dutchman explained.

He did just that a few hours later—with a positive outcome for the player. According to unanimous reports in the English media, the 33-year-old is back in the Reds’ squad against the Seagulls. If Slot decides to use him as a substitute, as he did in Leeds—where the winger sat on the bench for the third game in a row—it would be at least his last game for the Reds for the time being. “I’m going to enjoy it, whether I play or not. And it’s time to say goodbye to the fans, then it’s off to the Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t know what will happen after that,” Salah had already explained last Saturday.

Salah may be out until after January 18

Meanwhile, Slot saw “no reason why Mohamed Salah should not stay at the club” at the press conference. While the left-footed player is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, possibly until after January 18—the date of the final—his agent Ramy Abbas is expected to talk to the club about his future and the current problems.

The top scorer in the Premier League last season has played 18 games across all competitions this season, scoring five goals. However, he has been on the bench for the entire duration of two of the last three league games.

 

 

After relegation: Stand fire rocks traditional Finnish club Haka

T0m@dmin1
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After relegation: Stand fire rocks traditional Finnish club Haka

Traditional Finnish club FC Haka is facing a turbulent few months. Just a few weeks ago, the nine-time Finnish champions were relegated to the second division. Now, a stand fire started by teenagers has rocked the club. The club is now hoping for support from a community campaign.

“The fire is a truly tragic event. Everyone, from the players to the fans, is deeply shaken,” Marko Laaksonen, chairman of FC Haka, was recently quoted as saying in a club statement. “Fortunately, no one was injured.” In addition, the fire department and other emergency services were able to prevent further damage to other buildings.

Nevertheless, this shock comes at an inopportune time for the nine-time Finnish champions (most recently in 2004). After being relegated to the second division, the club is already facing major challenges, even though “promotion back to the Veikkausliiga” has already been declared as its goal. The fire now exacerbates the financial challenges that already existed.

“We cannot yet quantify the financial damage caused by the fire. However, it is clear that the impact will be significant and that the club’s operations will be affected in many ways, at least temporarily,” said Laaksonen, who asked for “the support of the entire community.” Parts of the artificial turf pitch were also damaged in the fire and are now “partially unusable.”

Club launches community campaign – Pohjanpalo also helps out

Videos of the fire have also been circulating on social media recently. According to a report by Finnish broadcaster YLE, citing a police statement, three 15-year-olds were at the stadium at the time of the incident, one of whom confessed to setting an object on fire, causing the blaze to break out. Contrary to initial reports, however, it is unclear whether disappointment over the team’s relegation could have been the motive. On Wednesday, the club launched a community campaign. For a one-time payment, you can become part of the so-called Päätykatsomo community. In return, you will be entered into a raffle for worn jerseys—according to the club, Joel Pohjanpalo (currently Palermo), who is well known from the Bundesliga, has announced that he will donate his jersey. In addition, all supporters will receive an invitation to a Haka home game in the coming season.

“Insane”: Zirbes on the explosive Belgrade derby

T0m@dmin1
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“Insane”: Zirbes on the explosive Belgrade derby

Today, Friday, it’s that time again. Partizan and Red Star Belgrade face each other in a direct duel in the EuroLeague. It’s the hottest derby in Europe – and one person has experienced it up close several times. We asked Maik Zirbes about it.

The circumstances leading up to this derby couldn’t be more different. While Red Star changed coaches after only two games and then advanced to the top of the EuroLeague, chaos still reigns at Partizan.

Although the first two games after Zeljko Obradovic’s resignation (and all the aftermath) were won, one cannot shake the feeling that the mood could change at any moment.

The game against Bayern was simply bizarre, with the home team being booed throughout the entire first half. Things continue to simmer at Partizan, who started the season with high hopes and are now once again lagging behind.

Zirbes: There is respect on both sides

What could help more than a victory in the eternal derby? A game that no longer causes a stir within Serbia’s borders. Someone who understands this very well is former national player Maik Zirbes. In the autumn of his career, the center returned home to VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier in the summer of 2023, having previously been under contract with Red Star three times.

In total, the center played 215 competitive games for “Zvezda,” won nine trophies, and was named MVP of the Serbian league finals in 2016. Even today, the 35-year-old is still popular in the Serbian capital. “I was always treated with respect,” Zirbes told basketball-world.news. “When you go to a restaurant and the waiter is a Partizan fan, he tells you that you’re playing for the wrong team, but he also emphasizes that you’re a good player.”

With Zirbes, the Red and Whites mostly had the upper hand, and it is only in recent years that Partizan has caught up again after turbulent years of near bankruptcy. But that didn’t make the games any less explosive. “Suddenly there are so many security guards around, but also police and even the military. You know right away that this game is not normal.”

Belgrade Arena: Overwhelmed by the size

Emotions tend to boil over, and the two Serbian teams regularly have to pay fines for fan misconduct, while at the same time the EuroLeague likes to bask in the social media spotlight with atmospheric images from the Belgrade Arena. “The size of the arena almost overwhelms you with the sheer number of people. It’s just insane,” says Zirbes about the arena, who has also experienced derbies in the old and smaller Pionir Arena (Aleksandar Nikolic Arena), which was often completely overcrowded on such occasions.

Basketball in Serbia is simply a religion. Even the state pours several million euros into the two top clubs every year, and no one really minds. “I celebrate how passionately they follow the sport,” says Zirbes, who also knows how thin the line between fanaticism and fanaticism can be.

“I was once spat on and had things thrown at me, but thankfully I haven’t had any other negative experiences.” Instead, the center continues to follow his former team as best he can. Less so than before, as the Zirbes family has recently grown, but the derby is simply a must-see event.

“I always invite the whole team to the game and then we all watch it together.” And it’s not just the people of Trier who watch. At the beginning of the year, Shaquille O’Neal also expressed interest in watching this game live at least once. Will that happen this Friday? Probably not, but given the current situation of both teams in the EuroLeague, it could provide extra fuel for the fire.

FIA president confirmed in office – but there’s a catch

Lesley Summerville
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FIA president confirmed in office – but there’s a catch

Mohammed bin Sulayem has been elected FIA president for another four years – the vote was a mere formality, as no other candidates were allowed to stand.

Mohammed bin Sulayem has won the election for FIA President. The current incumbent was confirmed in office for another four years at the FIA General Assembly in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). The former rally driver will thus remain at the helm of the world motorsport governing body until at least the end of 2029.

Bin Sulayem’s election was merely a formality because he was the only candidate allowed to run. Tim Mayer withdrew his candidacy back in October, criticizing: “When elections are decided before the ballots are distributed, that’s not democracy.”

Swiss racing driver Laura Villars went one step further and took the FIA to court because she was also not allowed to stand for election. A trial will now begin in early 2026 to decide on the legality of Friday’s election.

This means that, in theory, the election could still be declared invalid retrospectively. There is no mention of this in the press release sent out by the FIA on Friday afternoon regarding Sulayem’s re-election. Instead, the president’s achievements during his first term in office are highlighted.

FIA praises “sustainable financial improvement”

For example, it states: “Over the past four years, the FIA has undergone a comprehensive transformation that has led to improvements in corporate governance and operational processes, as well as restoring the financial health of the federation.”

“These changes have strengthened the FIA’s position as the world’s leading motorsport governing body and the leading authority on safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility.”

It goes on to say: “Under the leadership of Mohammed bin Sulayem, the FIA has turned a loss of €24 million in 2021 into a robust operating profit of €4.7 million in 2024 – the strongest financial result the federation has achieved in almost ten years.”

In addition, the forecast is to close 2025 with an operating profit of €4.4 million, “demonstrating continued momentum and sustainable financial improvement.”

FIA emphasizes: “Election in accordance with the FIA statutes”

Mohammed bin Sulayem himself is quoted as saying: “I would like to thank all FIA members for their large turnout in the election and for placing their trust in me once again. We have overcome many obstacles, but today we stand here together and are stronger than ever.“

”It is a great honor to be President of the FIA, and I will continue to devote all my energy to the FIA, motorsport, mobility, and our member clubs in all regions of the world,” said the old and new FIA President.

Given the circumstances of the election, the last sentence in the press release is also interesting: “The election was conducted in accordance with the FIA’s statutes in a robust and transparent voting process that reflected the democratic principles of the federation and the collective voice of its worldwide members.”

Lando Norris receives World Championship trophy: Live stream of the FIA gala from Uzbekistan

Jeffrey Gooding
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Lando Norris receives World Championship trophy: Live stream of the FIA gala from Uzbekistan

A few days after his World Championship triumph in Abu Dhabi, McLaren driver Lando Norris will now receive the World Championship trophy: Live stream of the FIA gala starting at 7 p.m.

Lando Norris had to wait five days after his World Championship success in Abu Dhabi last Sunday, but now the McLaren driver can finally receive his World Championship trophy and officially call himself the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion.

The trophies will be awarded on Friday evening (December 12, 2025, starting at 7 p.m.) at the FIA Gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, not only to the new Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris, but also to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella for winning the Constructors’ World Championship, among others.

A small downer for Norris: the original world championship trophies remain in the possession of Formula 1 and are only presented symbolically at the awards ceremony. Only after the FIA Awards does the world champion receive a replica that he can take home with him.

Runner-up Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri, who will also be honored in Tashkent, will receive the original World Championship trophies. In all FIA series, the top three in the overall standings will be honored at the official awards ceremony.

In addition to the Formula 1 drivers, these include Sebastien Ogier, who secured his ninth World Rally Championship (WRC) title this year, and Nissan driver Oliver Rowland for his World Championship triumph in Formula E this year. Ferrari will receive the trophies for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) title.

This year’s theme for the FIA gala is “Dreams of a Champion,” honoring the many years of dedication and sacrifice required to achieve the ultimate goal in motorsport: winning an FIA world championship.

“Every success story begins with a dream, and under a starry sky in Tashkent, we will celebrate those dreams coming true,” it says. The FIA Awards will be broadcast on the FIA’s YouTube and social media platforms. The event will begin at 7 p.m. German time.

New life for the Vandervell 680: Vanwall wants to return to the WEC

Sotd Editor
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New life for the Vandervell 680: Vanwall wants to return to the WEC

After a two-year hiatus, Vanwall is working on a comprehensively redesigned hypercar and is aiming first for the ALMS and then a return to the WEC.

Vanwall is working on a return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC). For two years, the company has been fine-tuning its in-house LMH prototype after the project was temporarily halted after just one season in the WEC. Now, the traditional British brand, whose race car is managed by ByKolles, appears to be on the verge of a restart.

The Austrian team has used the past two years to address the problem areas of the Vandervell 680 LMH used in 2023. Not only has the powertrain been completely redesigned, but Vanwall has also said goodbye to the 4.5-liter Gibson V8, which caused plenty of trouble in its debut season. Instead, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 from Pipo is now being used, identical to the engine in the Glickenhaus SCG 007. In addition to the new engine base, the Vandervell 680 received a comprehensive upgrade in key areas such as aerodynamics and mechanics. Particular attention was paid to optimized air intakes and improved airflow around the bodywork. The radiator, intercooler, and exhaust system have also been retuned to take full advantage of the Pipo engine’s increased power.

The ACO’s decision to allow LMH and LMDh vehicles to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) is also providing a boost. Brands that are not currently represented in the WEC will thus have new opportunities to compete and can once again race their prototypes on a regular basis.

Vanwall officially announced on Thursday evening that it intends to compete in the 2026-2027 ALMS season. The series is intended to offer private teams and bronze drivers greater access to hypercar equipment. In addition, the brand clearly stated its goal of returning to the WEC in 2027, subject to an invitation from the ACO and FIA. “Careful performance analysis of our first WEC season has clearly shown where improvements are needed. I am convinced that the measures taken following the technical review and the latest modifications will lead to significant progress on the track,” says team boss Colin Kolles.

“We have had very constructive discussions with the WEC and ACO about a return in 2027. As always, however, participation depends on the team receiving an invitation. Our support for the new Hypercar class of the ALMS 2026 is a clear sign of our intention and long-term commitment.”

Vanwall has only competed in the 2023 WEC season so far. Its best result was eighth place in the Hypercar class and 30th place overall at the season opener in Sebring. While Esteban Guerrieri drove the entire year, five drivers took turns in the remaining two seats.

Helmut Marko opens up: “Something has been lost”

Phil Laffertey
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Helmut Marko opens up: “Something has been lost”

Helmut Marko reveals that he only decided to step down after the season finale in Abu Dhabi – would he have left even if he had won the title?

Helmut Marko’s retirement from Formula 1 was not planned well in advance. In an interview with ORF, the Austrian revealed that he only decided to take this step after the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
It was “a very bitter disappointment” to have missed out on the world championship title by just two points after Max Verstappen had previously staged a “unique” comeback. Marko reveals that this “hit him particularly hard,” as well as Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. “I felt right after the race that something had been lost,” he reports, explaining: “I then stayed in Dubai on Monday. That’s when I made the decision.” Incidentally, this did not necessarily have anything to do with the outcome of the championship, according to Marko. “Even if we had won [the title], it would have been a good reason to step down from this job. But now, conversely, because we lost, it’s also a good point,” said Marko, who emphasized: “I didn’t discuss this with anyone.”

Verstappen only informed on Tuesday

He said he “called Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff in Dubai and asked if we could meet briefly. A kind of championship dinner was planned. And we met before the dinner,” said Marko. That’s when he “conveyed my wish” to Mintzlaff.

“We discussed for a while whether a partial solution or something like that was still possible. I said that if we were going to do it, we had to do it completely,” Marko emphasized. The Thai Red Bull shareholders were also present at the meeting, and “everything went amicably and in a very good atmosphere.”

However, one important person from the Red Bull universe was not there. “Max [Verstappen] should have been there too. There were some problems with a flight, so he wasn’t there,” reveals Marko, who therefore only called the Dutchman “the next day.”

“There was a certain melancholy. He said he could never have imagined that he would ever achieve such success,” reports Marko, who nevertheless emphasizes quite soberly: “Everything comes to an end. I wished him all the best for the future.”

Marko emphasizes once again that the entire separation “took place on very good terms.” In this context, it is also interesting to note that Bild reports that Red Bull will still pay Marko his full annual salary of around ten million euros in 2026.

A very unusual procedure in the case of a voluntary resignation.

Nadal reveals physical ailment

Phil Laffertey
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Nadal reveals physical ailment

Rafael Nadal reveals a physical ailment. At the same time, the Spaniard shines with self-irony.

When the Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 12, the entire tennis elite will once again travel Down Under – but Rafael Nadal will not be there, as the Spaniard announced on social media that he will have to sit out due to injury.

What? Nadal? Didn’t the 39-year-old end his illustrious career last year? Is he planning a comeback? Not at all, his tennis career is over! Rather, there is a hint of self-irony behind his post with a serious background, as Nadal was repeatedly plagued by protracted injuries, especially in the autumn of his career.

Hand surgery for Nadal

Accompanying a photo showing Nadal with his right hand bandaged, the Mallorcan wrote: “Looks like I won’t be able to play in the Australian Open in 2026. I had to undergo hand surgery for a problem I’ve had for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!”

Next week, Nadal will travel to Saudi Arabia, where he will be the guest of honor at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah as ambassador for the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner played his last match on November 19, 2024, losing to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup Finals.

Since then, his family, his tennis academy, and golf have been the focus of his life, but injury concerns continue to plague the “Bull of Manacor” even after his retirement.

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