Friday, December 19, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog

Füllkrug: Milan instead of Wolfsburg?

Jason Maverick
-
0
Füllkrug: Milan instead of Wolfsburg?

VfL Wolfsburg recently showed interest in Niclas Füllkrug, but now the striker could be heading to Italy instead. According to media reports, AC Milan has already made an offer.

His spell at West Ham United continues to be unsuccessful. Niclas Füllkrug was not in the Hammers’ matchday squad for their 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, and the 32-year-old striker, who has been repeatedly hampered by injuries during his time in the Premier League, has now been waiting for a goal in the Premier League since the beginning of April. This is another reason why there are increasing signs that the 24-time German international could leave London as early as this winter. Among others, VfL Wolfsburg had seriously considered signing him in January. Pirmin Schwegler, who recently became sporting director at VfL, once played alongside Füllkrug at Hannover 96. Wolfsburg would like to sign a striker in the winter, but is also considering other options.

Loan with option to buy on the table

Things now seem to be taking shape for the national striker with another club: according to several media reports, AC Milan wants to sign Füllkrug. The Rossoneri are looking for a replacement for Santiago Gimenez, who is out for the long term due to ankle surgery. Füllkrug is said to have initially been one name on the list, which also includes Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United, among others. One argument in Füllkrug’s favor is that the transfer would probably be easier to complete in the winter and would involve less financial risk.

Now, Milan’s interest in the German striker is said to have become more concrete: Sky and Bild are even reporting that the Italians have made an offer to West Ham. There is talk of a loan with an option to buy. West Ham is said to be open to a loan deal, but would prefer a subsequent obligation to buy. According to Italian media reports, an agreement between the player and the club has already been reached.

For Füllkrug, a winter transfer would increase his chances of jumping on the World Cup bandwagon. Füllkrug missed the two training camps in October and November due to injury, and in 2025 he only played two international matches for the DFB team.

Real Madrid struggles against third-division team – but can rely on Mbappé

Phil Laffertey
-
0
Real Madrid struggles against third-division team – but can rely on Mbappé

Real Madrid completed its task in the Copa del Rey without any frills, winning 3-2 against third-division team Talavera in the round of 32. In the end, the Royals had to sweat more than they would have liked.

The roles were clearly defined, of course, with Los Blancos going into the game as clear favorites against third-division side Talavera CF. But just how difficult such a match can be was demonstrated on Tuesday by FC Barcelona, who had to wait a long time for their two goals in a 2-0 win over Guadalajara, also a third-division side.

Real strike twice before the break

Xabi Alonso gave several regulars a break after the 2-1 win at Deportivo Alaves, with Endrick and Gonzalo given the chance to prove themselves alongside Mbappé in attack. The Royals set the tone from the start, with Mbappé having an early chance, but home keeper Gonzalez was on hand (4′). The underdogs played courageously up front here and there, especially in the opening minutes, when Moreno had Talavera’s best chance of the first half, but his header was saved by Lunin (18′). From then on, Real got serious and created several chances, but Gonzalo (22′), Dani Ceballos (24′) and Arda Güler (27′) were unable to convert. Mbappé then made up for it by confidently converting a rather generous handball penalty (41′). The favorites even increased their lead before the break when Mbappé made a great run on the left side of the box and forced an own goal from Farrando (45’+1).

Talavera shows great spirit

After the break, things were quiet at first, with Mbappé (52′), Arda Güler (68′) and Jimenez (75′) all missing chances to make it 3-0. It looked like the Royals were cruising into the round of 16 – and then came the final phase. The underdogs pulled one back through Arroyo and were back in the game (80′).

But just eight minutes later, Gonzalez, who had been strong up to that point, let Mbappé’s long-range shot slip through. Talavera didn’t let the 1-3 score throw them off course and pulled another goal back through Di Renzo’s tap-in after Isaiah’s free kick (90’+1). The underdogs almost forced extra time, but Lunin was on hand to save Isaiah’s header shortly before the end. Real ultimately progressed 3-2, but had to endure more of a scare than the Royals would have liked. Once again, the Madrid side were fortunate to have Mbappé in their ranks, as the Frenchman scored two goals and provided one assist.

What’s next? Talavera plays Arenas Club de Getxo in the Third Division on Sunday (12 noon). Real faces Sevilla the day before (9 p.m.).

“Terrible fourth quarter”: Herbert curses after late Bayern defeat

Jason Maverick
-
0
“Terrible fourth quarter”: Herbert curses after late Bayern defeat

Bayern have been waiting for a win in the EuroLeague since the beginning of November. They came close against bottom-of-the-table Lyon, but once again missed out on a breakthrough due to a disastrous fourth quarter.

Bayern continue to sink from one low point to another in the EuroLeague. The game against Lyon, who are bottom of the table, was supposed to be a turning point – but it turned out to be exactly the opposite. The double-digit lead they had built up after the break crumbled away in the final quarter. “We had a really good third quarter and a terrible fourth,” said coach Gordon Herbert. “We just had too many turnovers again, just like in the second quarter.” The lack of rhythm on offense thus “destroyed” the defensive organization. Oscar da Silva was also clear in his assessment afterward. The forward complained that his team was unable to score points at crucial moments: “We just can’t seem to execute in the final quarter, especially on offense. We turn the ball over and can’t score.”

Da Silva: “There are just too many mistakes”

Defensively, Bayern’s performance was not bad at all. But the lack of offense gave Lyon confidence and allowed them to get back into the game.

With a record of 5-11, Bayern remain in second-to-last place in the EuroLeague. They are already four wins behind the play-in spots. “All we can do now is look ahead and keep going,” said da Silva. “We have to find a way to stop making mistakes, because there have been too many in recent weeks.”

The chance for redemption and an end to the losing streak comes less than 48 hours after the end of the game. That’s because Bayern will be guests at AS Monaco on Friday at 7:30 p.m., where they will face German national player Daniel Theis.

Infantino’s “historic step”: The new FIFA game will be released exclusively on Netflix

Phil Laffertey
-
0
Infantino’s “historic step”: The new FIFA game will be released exclusively on Netflix

Out of nowhere, Netflix announced a new FIFA game on Tuesday. Only those who subscribe to the streaming service will be able to play it, as the soccer simulation will be released exclusively for Netflix Games.

Anyone who assumed that FIFA would leave the virtual playing field for the 2026 World Cup to EA SPORTS or focus entirely on FIFA Rivals is wrong. Many social media users were astonished when Netflix announced a new FIFA game on Tuesday afternoon. Why? Because it will be available exclusively through the streaming service.

The soccer simulation, which has not yet been publicly named, will be part of Netflix Games. Delphi Interactive, a studio founded in 2020 that is involved in the upcoming 007 First Light, among other projects, will serve as the developer and publisher.

A “new era of digital soccer”

Gianni Infantino is “very excited about the collaboration with Netflix Games and Delphi Interactive.” The FIFA president praises the “significant cooperation” as an “important milestone.” And, as usual, he doesn’t hold back with big announcements: The upcoming title is set to “redefine the very concept of simulation games.”

According to Infantino, a “new era of digital soccer” is also on the horizon. He speaks of nothing less than a “historic step for FIFA.”

Beginner-friendly with online feature

The new FIFA game will include a single-player mode and an online mode for matches against friends. Netflix announces a format that is “quick to learn, exciting to master, and designed so that anyone can jump right in.”

“The FIFA World Cup will be the cultural event of 2026. Fans can celebrate their enthusiasm by bringing the game right into their living rooms,” says Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix: “We want to bring soccer back to its roots with something that anyone can play at the touch of a button.”

FIFA game without a real money option?

“All you need is Netflix and your smartphone,” announces the streaming service. What initially sounds like a purely mobile title will probably be a hybrid. This is because many games on Netflix Games can also be played on smart TVs or PCs – but sometimes with the help of a cell phone. The new FIFA is set to be ready in time for the World Cup in the summer of 2026 – and will be free for Netflix subscribers.

What’s exciting about the choice of platform is that the games on Netflix Games will reportedly not require any in-app purchases. This stands in stark contrast to FIFA’s gaming history, as can be easily seen in the old soccer spin-offs from EA SPORTS and FIFA Rivals.

Former world champion explains why no one can beat Verstappen in the Red Bull

admin3r
-
0
Former world champion explains why no one can beat Verstappen in the Red Bull

So far, no teammate has been able to hold their own against Max Verstappen: Jacques Villeneuve does not believe this is because “the car is made for Max.”

Whether it’s Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Perez, or Yuki Tsunoda: Max Verstappen’s teammates to date have all been overshadowed by the four-time world champion. They couldn’t get to grips with the Red Bull and weren’t able to get the same performance out of the car as the Dutchman.
This has repeatedly led to speculation in the past that the team would tailor and develop its cars to suit Verstappen. “Everyone always says, ‘Oh, but the car is made for Max. Poor, poor second driver,’” recalls Jacques Villeneuve in the High Performance podcast.

However, the 1997 Formula 1 world champion does not share this opinion. “That’s not actually the case,” says Villeneuve. “Max is working on it, making the car better and better.” And that’s exactly what his teammates didn’t do in the past, or rather, they had difficulties doing so, believes the former Formula 1 driver.

Villeneuve: “Max Verstappen is getting faster and faster”

“If you’re not able to drive the car or figure out where the problem lies during the season, you’ll get slower and slower. Not because you’re actually slower, but because Max is getting faster and faster. That’s because you don’t really understand what’s happening with the car.”

“Of course you work with Max, and of course the car becomes uncontrollable for you at some point,” Villeneuve recalls. “We saw that with [Sergio] Perez. Every year they started the season on equal terms, and that was it. Perez didn’t slow down – Max just got faster and faster.”

The 54-year-old Canadian had already been critical of Yuki Tsunoda this season, who had been significantly behind his teammate. He called on the team to put a “young rookie or someone surprising” in the cockpit. Isack Hadjar will drive for Red Bull in the 2026 season.

Verstappen understands what happens with the car

Villeneuve believes that so far only Verstappen “could actually understand what happens with the car” and was therefore able to make the right decisions. “Sometimes you have understeer because the front axle is too soft, other times because it’s too hard. Yet another time, it all depends on what exactly happens.”

“And then there’s the aero package,” says the 1997 Formula 1 world champion, highlighting another difficulty. “The closer you are to the ground, the more grip you have. Then you need a very stiff car. But a stiff car slips mechanically.” In this case, you have to find the right way to improve.

“So you have to figure out how to get into the perfect zone where the car becomes an extension of your body and you don’t have to think about it anymore,” says Villeneuve, who is convinced: “Very few drivers can do that.” And Max Verstappen is one of them.

Honda to unveil new Formula 1 engine for Aston Martin in Tokyo in January 2026

Sports Of The Day
-
0
Honda to unveil new Formula 1 engine for Aston Martin in Tokyo in January 2026

Honda has revealed the date for the presentation of its Formula 1 engine: the new power unit will be unveiled on January 20, 2026, at an event in Tokyo.

Honda will remain in Formula 1 as Aston Martin’s factory partner despite Red Bull’s departure next year. The Japanese manufacturer has now revealed when the new power unit for the 2026 season will be unveiled: the presentation will take place on January 20, 2026, at an event in Tokyo.

The presentation of the new Formula 1 engine, which will be livestreamed on YouTube, will be attended by Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll, and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“This is the Japanese brand’s first power unit under the drastically reformed regulations, which stipulate a 50 percent combustion engine power and 50 percent electric power split,” according to an official statement from Honda.

“At this event, we will share the goals of Honda and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team as we take on the challenge of competing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsports. We will also explain the new regulations and introduce our new power unit for the coming season.“

He continued: ”2026 marks the beginning of a new era for Honda in Formula 1, having first entered the sport in 1964. Since then, Honda has established itself as one of the most successful power unit manufacturers in the history of the sport.”

Until now, Honda has been Red Bull’s engine supplier. In the future, however, the Milton Keynes-based team will use its own Red Bull Powertrains in collaboration with Ford. That is why the Japanese manufacturer has now entered into an exclusive partnership with Aston Martin.

The Formula 1 team, which will continue to compete in 2026 with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, has high hopes for the future, and not just because of the collaboration with Honda: technical genius Adrian Newey will become the new team principal of the British racing team next year.

Like Vettel before him: Arrivabene warns Hamilton of fatal Ferrari mistake

Andrew Jackson
-
0
Like Vettel before him: Arrivabene warns Hamilton of fatal Ferrari mistake

Maurizio Arrivabene sharply criticizes Lewis Hamilton’s technical dossiers—the former team boss sees parallels with Sebastian Vettel and warns of the end.

Former Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene sees dark clouds gathering over the collaboration between Lewis Hamilton and the Scuderia. In his opinion, the seven-time world champion’s current behavior could be a sign that the relationship with the Maranello team is already “over” before it has really taken off.

Hamilton, who moved from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season, has struggled to adapt to his new employer. In July of this year, the Brit revealed that he had submitted several technical documents to the team after the British Grand Prix in order to advance the development of the car.

“I’ve had a lot of meetings. I’ve sat down with the team’s executives, with John [Elkann], Benedetto [Vigna], and Fred [Vasseur],” Hamilton explained at the time.

Hamilton’s technical analyses

The Brit went into great detail: “I sat down with the head of our vehicle development, Loic [Serra], and the heads of various departments and talked about next year’s engine, the front suspension, the rear suspension.”

It was about “things you want and problems I have with this car,” Hamilton continued. “I sent documents, which I did throughout the year. After the first few races, I put together a complete dossier for the team. During the break, I sent two more documents, which I would now like to address.”

For Arrivabene, who steered Ferrari’s fortunes from 2014 to 2019, such statements set off alarm bells. He draws a direct comparison to the era of Sebastian Vettel, who drove for the Reds between 2015 and 2020.

Arrivabene: Vettel’s dossiers were “useless”

“Sebastian Vettel also sent such dossiers. He wrote, spoke and shared everything,” Arrivabene reveals to Sky Sport Italia. However, the Italian’s verdict on these efforts is damning: the Heppenheim native’s documents were “almost useless.”

“I don’t want to say anything bad about Sebastian, but everyone should mind their own business,” the former team boss clarifies, adding: “When a driver starts playing engineer, that’s it. Then it’s really over.“

Arrivabene explains his stance: ”Drivers spend two or three days in the simulator and get a general impression, but the devil is in the details. When the car is on the track, the driver has to provide relevant feedback so that the engineers can make targeted improvements—especially when there is potential.”

Despite the doom and gloom from outside, attempts are being made internally to smooth the waters. Ferrari’s chief track engineer, Matteo Togninalli, recently emphasized that the relationship between Hamilton and Ferrari is far less tense than it appears.

Bucking the paddock trend: Why Luca Marini does without an assistant

Andrew Jackson
-
0
Bucking the paddock trend: Why Luca Marini does without an assistant

In the MotoGP paddock, having a personal assistant is almost standard practice—Luca Marini is taking a different approach—the focus is on clear processes and trust in the crew

Almost all MotoGP riders are accompanied by a personal assistant who supports them with the various tasks involved in a race weekend. These include organizational tasks as well as preparing the helmet and providing mental support.

World champion Marc Marquez, for example, has had Jose Luis Martinez at his side for many years. What started as a training partnership in motocross turned into a close friendship. Francesco Bagnaia is supported by his older sister Carola. Pedro Acosta also relies on his older sister Miriam, who accompanies him to the races. Fabio Quartararo has had his good friend Thomas Maubant as his personal assistant and helper in the paddock for years. On the other hand, Luca Marini does without a personal helper and supporter on race weekends. “Yes, but we also have a lot of people around us who work with us and can help when we need support,” says the Italian. “For example, the people from AGV and Dainese: when I need help from them, they are there. When I need help from someone in the team, everyone is there to help me. I get on well with everything. It’s just a method.”

Marini takes a pragmatic view: “When you have the complete schedule before the weekend, you already know when you have to go where or what appointments you have or don’t have. I like that. And being alone has never scared me. I’m doing so well.”

Occasionally, the 28-year-old is accompanied to races by his wife Marta and their daughter. However, this is the exception rather than the rule: “When my family can come, I’m naturally even happier, with my wife and daughter.”

“But I like to stay very close to my team and try to have good people around me. Because I think we spend so many days away from home, and it’s important to have a good relationship with the crew.“

”That’s why I don’t need an assistant to spend my time with. I always want to spend my time with my crew.” With his move to Honda, Marini has tried to contribute to the team not only technically, but also personally.

This way, everyone can pull together during the difficult catch-up process. “That’s something I’ve learned from my experience,” says Marini. “Also from watching ‘Vale’. When I joined HRC, everyone told me about Marc.”

Marc Marquez had a strong bond with his Honda team. This year, he has been working to build a good atmosphere at Ducati, rallying the team members around him so that they can go the last mile together to be successful. “Vale was always fantastic to his team, too,” Marini recalls. “He always tried to have a good relationship. In the end, ‘Vale’ stayed with the same crew his whole life. So in the end, they were like a family.”

Marini’s attitude is exemplary of an alternative approach to the increasing demands of MotoGP. While many riders rely on assistants, the Italian deliberately relies on clear structures, personal responsibility, and close cooperation within the team.

Big surprise: Alcaraz parts ways with successful coach

Sports Of The Day
-
0
Big surprise: Alcaraz parts ways with successful coach

Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero are going their separate ways with immediate effect—despite their highly successful collaboration. What are the reasons behind this decision?

In a completely surprising move, Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has announced the end of his collaboration with successful coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. “We started this journey when I was still a child, and you accompanied me on an incredible adventure, both on and off the court. I enjoyed every single step with you. We have reached the summit, and I think that if our sporting paths are to part, then this is exactly where it should be,” wrote the world number one on social media.

Ferrero (45) coached Alcaraz (22) for seven years and turned the former exceptional talent into a global tennis star. With the former world number one in his corner, Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles, among other achievements. He is currently the best tennis player in the world alongside Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

Star coach admits: Wanted to stay longer

The exact reasons for the split were not initially disclosed. However, Ferrero’s farewell message on Instagram suggests that the decision was not his: “I wish I could have stayed longer. I am convinced that beautiful memories and good people always find their way back to each other.“

Alcaraz chose words of praise for his Spanish compatriot as he said goodbye. ”You helped me develop as an athlete, but above all as a person,“ he wrote. But now, he said, ”a time of change is ahead, bringing with it new adventures and projects.” “But I am sure we will master it with flying colors and, as always, give our best. Always in close cooperation.” Ferrero, who had previously also coached German tennis star Alexander Zverev, thanked Alcaraz for “the trust, the commitment, and for making me feel so special through your manner in competition. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally.“ He is closing this chapter ”with sadness, but also with pride and anticipation for what may come.”

Boxing world champion ends his career

admin3r
-
0
Boxing world champion ends his career

Crawford scored his last major victory against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September.

Undefeated boxing world champion Terence Crawford has announced his retirement. The 38-year-old is ending his career just three months after his prestigious victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, which secured him the super middleweight world title.

Crawford (42 wins, 31 knockouts) announced his retirement in a video posted on social media. “I am retiring from competitive sport – not because I am done fighting, but because I have won a different kind of fight,” he said: “The fight where you retire on your own terms.”

Crawford won 18 world titles

The American is retiring as the reigning world champion of the WBA, IBF, and WBO. Crawford won a total of 18 world titles in five weight classes during his career, culminating in his victory over Alvarez. He remained undefeated in all 42 professional fights and never officially went down. All of his victories were achieved by unanimous decision or surrender, with no judge ever scoring in favor of an opponent during his career.

123...1,726Page 1 of 1,726

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Sports of the day is your sports news website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the sports industry.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

Responsible Gambling, when the fun stops, stop.

© 2021 sportsoftheday.com