The 2026 Tour de France will feature two consecutive stages concluding at Alpe d’Huez, with Stage 19 covering a distance of 128km. This particular stage will see the full climb of the mountain, promising a challenging race from start to finish.

The race organisers have designed a route that could significantly impact the general classification. The short distance of 128km for Stage 19 suggests an intense and fast-paced competition. Teams vying for the overall victory will need to strategically approach this stage, especially given the full ascent of Alpe d’Huez.

General Classification Implications

The current leader, Tadej Pogacar, holds a lead of 4 minutes 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel. Pogacar, a four-time winner, is aiming for a fifth title, which would place him among a select group of riders. His performance in mountain stages has been strong, having secured a first and a second place in previous summit finishes this year.

The approach of other general classification teams to Stage 19 will be closely watched. One team, UAE, has reportedly been affected by illness among some of its members, and has lost rider Brandon McNulty. This could influence their strategy and potentially open opportunities for rivals.

Stage 18 and Breakaway Opportunities

Prior to Stage 19, Stage 18, which took place on Thursday, July 23, covered a route of 185km from Voiron to Orcieres-Merlette. This mountain stage, while not as demanding as the upcoming Alpe d’Huez climbs, presented an opportunity for a breakaway to succeed.

The route for Stage 18 included the category one Cote d’Engins early on, followed by three lower-category climbs before a 7.1km ascent to the finish. Riders such as Richard Carapaz, Davide Piganzoli, Tobias Johannessen, Luke Plapp, and Valentin Paret Peintre were considered likely candidates for an escape group.

Richard Carapaz, who is currently 12th overall, was seen as a strong contender for Stage 18. His position in the general classification means he poses no threat to the podium contenders, making him a prime candidate for a stage win from a breakaway. He is the best-placed rider for EF Education-Easypost, a team known for its active stage-hunting approach. Carapaz has demonstrated strong form in tougher stages, securing top 12 finishes in four of them, and the shorter finish of Orcieres-Merlette was expected to suit him.

The climb to Orcieres-Merlette is 7.1km with an average gradient of 6.7 per cent, which is less steep than the 11.3km climb at 9.1 per cent for the upcoming Alpe d’Huez summit finish. This difference in gradient made Stage 18 more conducive for breakaway riders to maintain their lead.

Pogacar, despite being a strong favourite for any mountain stage, might have been more focused on conserving energy for the more demanding challenges ahead at Alpe d’Huez. He also had the option of trying to set up his teammate, Isaac del Toro, for a stage victory, as he did in a previous summit finish.

The 2026 Tour de France began on Saturday, July 4, in Barcelona and is scheduled to conclude on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Sunday, July 26.

Source: cyclingmole.com

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Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen their central defence following news that William Saliba is expected to be sidelined for an extended period with a back injury. The club is considering options such as Aston Villa‘s Ezri Konsa and former Manchester City centre-back John Stones, who is available as a free agent. Stones is said to be open to a move to London, with his prior relationship with Gunners manager Mikel Arteta potentially influencing his decision.

In other transfer news for Arsenal, the club has announced the signing of 24-year-old forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a £34m deal. Arsenal are also reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. However, Newcastle is said to be frustrated by a perceived lack of contact from the Premier League champions regarding the midfielder.

Liverpool and Tottenham pursue wingers

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has indicated a clear need for a winger in the current transfer window. The club has reportedly turned its attention to Monaco‘s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain. PSG’s Bradley Barcola remains another target for Liverpool, with reports suggesting an official bid has been made for the 23-year-old, who was a part-time player for PSG last season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed satisfaction with the team’s ongoing summer spending, stating that the transfer market is “not finished yet.” De Zerbi aims to build a strong team with a distinct “soul.” Tottenham has already made contact with Benfica regarding winger Andreas Schjelderup, with Chelsea and Liverpool also reportedly interested.

In other Tottenham news, the club has acquired Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in an £85m move. West Ham, following their relegation to the Championship, has agreed a £60m deal to sell winger Crysencio Summerville to Al Hilal. Summerville, a 24-year-old Netherlands international, was expected to leave West Ham, and Al Hilal is set to beat other Premier League clubs for his signature. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has confirmed his intention to remain with the club next season.

Midfield and defensive movements across the league

Manchester United are actively seeking to add another midfielder, having already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The club has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with France international Manu Kone. Manchester United is also stepping up its interest in Orlando Gill, a goalkeeper from San Lorenzo. Additionally, Manchester United is reportedly ready to make a $68.5 million (£51 million) bid for PSG midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Real Madrid is reportedly interested in Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who was named player of the tournament at the World Cup. Rodri, 30, has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract and is reportedly keen on returning to Spain. This potential move could impact other players, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, who have been linked with Manchester United. Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have also joined the race to sign Rodri, with Barcelona’s interest contingent on the sale of Frenkie de Jong.

Chelsea has emerged as a front-runner to sign 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, who impressed for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup. Alajbegovic rejoined Bayer Leverkusen before the tournament, and Xabi Alonso‘s side is expected to rival Juventus for the attacker. Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson has completed a £116m move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest, signing a five-year deal. This transfer made Anderson the most expensive English player ever, until Chelsea subsequently paid £117m for Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa has shown interest in Rafael Leao, the 27-year-old Portuguese attacker from AC Milan, who could be available for around £50m. Villa is also likely to sign Pervis Estupinan from AC Milan, with Lucas Digne potentially moving to PSG. Nicolas Jackson, a striker for Chelsea, is reportedly interested in reuniting with manager Unai Emery at Aston Villa. Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea.

Barcelona has reached an agreement to sign 18-year-old winger Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge for a fee of $9.7 million (€8.5 million).

Source: independent.co.uk

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Manchester City has confirmed the signing of midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal valued at £116m. The 23-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract, which will keep him at the club until June 2031. Anderson expressed his determination to join City, stating that he wanted to test himself at the highest level.

The transfer fee for Anderson was initially set to be a record for a British player, but it was later surpassed by Morgan Rogers‘ £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea. Anderson’s move to City was first agreed upon during his participation in the World Cup with England, with an agreement reached between Forest and City on the eve of England’s Group L game against Panama.

Anderson’s Impact and Aspirations

Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 for £35m. During his time at Forest, he became a key player, contributing to the club’s seventh-place finish in the Premier League and their first qualification for European competition in 30 years. Last season, he helped Forest reach the Europa League semi-finals and led the Premier League in touches and duels won. He also featured in every game for Thomas Tuchel‘s England side at the World Cup.

Upon his arrival, Anderson described City as the “kings of Manchester” and highlighted his desire to be part of a team that consistently wins trophies. He noted City’s dominance over the past 10 to 12 years as a key reason for his decision to join. Anderson is taking a three-week break following his World Cup commitments but is looking forward to playing for City, particularly mentioning the first Manchester derby of the new season on 13 September as a standout fixture.

Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, praised Anderson as one of the world’s outstanding young midfield talents. Viana highlighted Anderson’s energy, work rate, and exceptional passing range, noting his impressive improvement in recent years. He believes that at 23, Anderson has significant potential for further development to become a complete midfielder.

New Leadership and Player Style

Anderson will be playing under former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who took over as City manager in June after Pep Guardiola stepped down following 10 years in charge. Anderson expressed his anticipation for working with Maresca, having heard positive feedback from players who worked with him at Chelsea. He also mentioned that he likes to play with intensity and energy, aiming to excite the fans.

Anderson’s England debut occurred last September in a 2-0 victory against Andorra. He believes he has much more to achieve in his career, stating, “I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels and I definitely think I’m not there yet.” He also cited Kevin De Bruyne, who departed City two summers ago, as an idol, having always wanted to play like him since his academy days at Newcastle.

Anderson’s time on loan at Bristol Rovers in 2022 earned him the nickname “Geordie Maradona” among supporters, a moniker he says gives him confidence. Reflecting on the World Cup, he found it personally enjoyable despite the team’s disappointment, feeling he performed well. The deal was finalised this week after Anderson’s return from the World Cup.

Source: bbc.com

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Derby Match Preview

Hull FC is set to face Hull Kingston Rovers in a Betfred Super League Round 20 fixture at the MKM Stadium on Thursday. The match, which kicks off at 8pm, will be broadcast on Sky Sports+. This derby comes just three weeks after Magic Weekend, marking another significant encounter between the city rivals.

Hull Kingston Rovers secured a 26-12 victory over Hull FC on July 4 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This win was their tenth in the last 12 meetings between the two teams. Despite this historical dominance, recent performances suggest a shift in momentum for the reigning Super League champions.

Hull Kingston Rovers have experienced two consecutive losses since their win on Merseyside. They were defeated 34-12 by Warrington last Saturday, and Wakefield secured a 20-6 victory the week prior. These results have seen Willie Peters’ side drop out of the playoff positions. The team also relinquished their Challenge Cup earlier this season. While Hull Kingston Rovers had a successful 2025 season, winning three trophies and following it up with the World Club Challenge at the start of the current season, their recent form indicates a departure from the side that lost only five times in 2025.

Team News and Squad Updates

Interim Head Coach Andy Last has announced Hull FC’s 21-man squad for the upcoming match. Two changes have been made to the squad that played against Leigh last week. Lewis Martin returns after completing his head injury protocols, and Max Wood has rejoined the team on a one-month loan from Warrington.

These additions replace Yusuf Aydin, who is out due to head injury protocols, and Ben Johnson. Several players remain sidelined for Hull FC due to various injuries, including Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pectoral), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Arthur Romano (ankle), Connor Bailey (clavicle), Brad Fash (MCL), Will Kirby (knee), and Joe Ward (ACL).

Hull FC’s starting lineup includes Logan Moy, Barron, Hardaker, Litten, Briscoe, Arthur, Sezer, Salabio, Cust, Hill, Batchelor, O’Neill, and Bell. Substitutes for Hull FC are Bourouh, Clark, Ese’ese, and Wood. During the last match, Salabio was substituted for Wood at 20 minutes, Cust for Clark at 35 minutes, and both Hill for Ese’ese and Bell for Bourouh at 25 minutes.

For Hull Kingston Rovers, the starting lineup features Broadbent, Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess, Mourgue, May, Sue, Litten, Hadley, Whitbread, Batchelor, and Minchella. The substitutes for Hull Kingston Rovers are Amone, Luckley, Lawton, and Dezaria. In their previous game, Sue was substituted for Amone at 20 minutes.

Recent Form and Outlook

Hull FC has faced a challenging period, losing nine of their last ten matches. Only Huddersfield currently sits below them in the standings. Despite these results, the team has shown signs of competitiveness. In their recent 32-22 loss to Leigh, Hull FC demonstrated resilience by scoring 22 unanswered points in the second half after being 28-0 down at half-time.

This fighting spirit will be crucial against Hull Kingston Rovers. However, given their recent form, Hull FC is considered to be in a more difficult position than their rivals. The match is anticipated to be a cagey affair, with Hull Kingston Rovers looking to regain their winning momentum. The fixture between Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers is scheduled for Thursday, July 23.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Mercedes addresses power unit issues

George Russell has indicated that his Mercedes team has identified and resolved an engine problem that affected his performance in recent races. The issue, related to electrical energy deployment, particularly impacted him at Silverstone and Spa, circuits known for their energy demands. Russell expressed frustration after the problem contributed to his exit from the Belgian Grand Prix.

During the Belgian Grand Prix, Russell reported a lack of electrical energy when exiting turn one on the opening lap. This left him vulnerable to other cars, including Ferraris, and led to a collision with Lewis Hamilton, resulting in Russell’s retirement from the race. Mercedes acknowledged a problem with the car’s energy management but initially struggled to pinpoint the cause of the erratic performance, which is governed by electronic control systems within the engine’s hybrid battery unit.

Russell confirmed that the team has found a solution before the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. He stated, “I’m feeling good and glad there are some positive answers that have come back from the battery and it’s eyes forward now.” He added that the new power units are complex, and the issue was difficult to detect. Russell also mentioned that Spa and Silverstone likely highlighted the problem due to their track characteristics.

Incidents at the Belgian Grand Prix

At the Belgian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli secured a victory from pole position. This win extended Antonelli’s lead over Russell in the drivers’ championship. Russell’s race ended prematurely due to the collision with Hamilton.

The stewards investigated the incident between Hamilton and Russell. They determined that Russell was making a legitimate overtaking attempt and was entitled to racing room. The collision was attributed to Hamilton’s car sliding, despite his attempts to correct the steering. Hamilton was deemed at fault for the collision and received a five-second time penalty, reduced from the standard 10 seconds due to his attempt to avoid contact and the incident occurring on the opening lap.

Another incident involved Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Oscar Piastri of McLaren. The stewards ruled that Piastri was not far enough alongside Leclerc’s car to be entitled to the same racing room as Russell in his incident with Hamilton. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented on the need for drivers to leave sufficient space when cars are alongside each other for extended periods.

Broader power unit challenges

The issues experienced by Mercedes and McLaren at Spa highlight the complexity of the current Formula 1 hybrid engines. Both Russell and Piastri encountered a mystery lack of energy during qualifying and the race. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted that all Mercedes engines had an energy deficit out of Turn One, affecting Russell more significantly than Antonelli.

The highly intricate nature of these power units and their operating rules means that teams are still learning about their behaviour. Small variations in driving can have a substantial impact on energy availability, a factor that drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with. Stella, known for his technical communication, has discussed these challenges extensively throughout the season.

The Belgian Grand Prix saw a record attendance of 400,000 over the weekend. Despite the popularity of circuits like Spa, the compilation of the F1 calendar involves various factors, including financial considerations. Spa is scheduled to host the Belgian Grand Prix for four out of six years of its current contract, meaning it will be replaced in 2028 and 2030.

Beyond the immediate issues, discussions are ongoing regarding the F1 calendar. The possibility of the Malaysian Grand Prix returning this year has been mentioned, potentially fitting between the races in Baku and Singapore on 4 October. Additionally, alternatives are being considered for the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if they are cancelled, with Portimão in Portugal being a potential candidate two weeks after the Las Vegas round.

The sport will delay a decision on cancelling the Middle East meetings until as late as possible.

Source: theguardian.com

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Aston Villa have confirmed the loan signing of Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, with the deal set to run until the end of the 2026-27 season. The transfer includes a conditional obligation for Villa to buy the player permanently next summer if specific criteria are met. Garnacho has already agreed to a four-year contract at Villa Park.

Chelsea stated that the 22-year-old’s transfer would become permanent next summer if certain conditions are met. The terms of the obligation to buy clause have not been publicly disclosed by either club. However, Chelsea believes the terms are easily achievable and anticipate receiving their original £43m valuation for the player.

Garnacho’s move from Stamford Bridge follows Chelsea’s acquisition of Morgan Rogers from Villa for a reported £117m. Villa head coach Unai Emery expressed his satisfaction with Garnacho’s arrival, highlighting the player’s talent, youth, and desire to contribute to the club’s project.

Villa’s summer transfers and financial considerations

Garnacho marks Villa’s fourth signing this summer, joining Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Modou Keba Cisse. The club’s player sales this summer have totalled nearly £200m, with Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lewis Dobbin all departing.

Chelsea had been looking to offload Garnacho despite signing him only last September in a £40m deal from Manchester United. Manchester United would be due 10% of any eventual transfer fee. Garnacho’s impact at Stamford Bridge was limited to one Premier League goal, and the arrivals of Rogers and Sporting winger Geovany Quenda increased the need to reduce the squad size.

The deal for Garnacho, which includes an initial loan with an obligation to buy if certain clauses are met, provides Villa with some financial control. This is an important consideration given the club’s need to manage finances in line with the Premier League’s and Uefa’s financial fair play rules. Villa received a partially suspended £19.4m fine from Uefa earlier this summer for a breach of squad-cost rules in 2025.

Garnacho’s departure from Stamford Bridge occurred after he was informed he was not guaranteed regular playing time under Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso. He did not report for pre-season duty as pre-arranged, and it was agreed he would stay away from the training ground while his departure was finalised.

Player performance and future expectations

Garnacho arrives at Aston Villa with considerable promise, and Emery has shown faith in the Argentina international as he aims to rebuild his squad. The winger’s performance at Chelsea saw him score one goal and provide four assists in 24 Premier League games last season, and eight goals in 43 appearances across all competitions.

His previous record at Manchester United included eight assists and 16 goals in 93 games. These statistics suggest that Garnacho will need to elevate his game to meet the demands of Emery at Villa. The club hopes that the move will become permanent, and if so, Garnacho will have achieved what some other attacking players on loan at Villa have not.

Previous loan spells at Villa for players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Harvey Elliott had varying degrees of success. Rashford’s 17-game spell at Villa Park in 2024-25 reportedly led to an England return. Sancho, who spent last season on loan at Villa from Manchester United, was not signed permanently despite becoming a free agent. Emery’s decision not to play Elliott more was to avoid triggering an obligation for a permanent transfer. Garnacho was named in Argentina’s initial 55-man selection but missed out on this summer’s World Cup.

Source: bbc.com

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Aston Martin is set to introduce a significant upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, a move that driver Fernando Alonso views with optimism, though he cautions against high expectations. This marks the team’s initial upgrade of the season, following a challenging start where their car and engine performance fell short of optimal levels.

The comprehensive upgrade includes a new, lighter chassis and substantial aerodynamic modifications. This approach of implementing a single, large upgrade rather than a series of smaller ones was chosen to efficiently manage the team’s budget within the sport’s spending cap. However, this strategy has meant that Aston Martin has progressively fallen further behind competitors in recent races.

Team’s Performance Challenges and Strategic Decisions

The team’s performance has been particularly difficult at high-speed circuits like Silverstone and Spa, largely due to the limitations of their Honda engine. Even at the more corner-dependent Spanish Grand Prix last month, Aston Martin was notably off the pace, several seconds behind pole position and the leading midfield teams.

Adrian Newey, Aston Martin‘s chief technical officer, explained that the team made the decision early in the season to delay developments. This allowed them to reorganise and implement new systems for the future, despite knowing it would widen the performance gap in the interim. He noted that the ’26 car development had a very competitive timescale, leading to pressure over the winter.

Newey also highlighted that the team began serious work on the ’26 car in mid-March 2025 and did not get a model into the wind tunnel until mid-April, putting them several months behind rivals. He further mentioned that the team had been relying on older tools and processes, some dating back to the early 1990s, which they have since used this challenging period to overhaul.

The upgrade package for Hungary is described as the first stage of their development, with a second stage planned for Zandvoort. While the core structural elements like the chassis and gearbox architecture remain, weight has been removed from both, necessitating re-homologation and crash testing of the forward chassis. The front suspension is unchanged, but the rear suspension has been slightly revised, alongside a new nose and substantially revised aerodynamic surfaces. The aim is to bring the car very close to the weight limit.

Alonso’s Perspective and Future Considerations

Fernando Alonso, who will be 45 on 29 July, is currently weighing his future in Formula 1 as his contract concludes at the end of the season. Despite his commitment to Aston Martin for the long term, his decision to continue racing will not be solely based on the performance of the new upgrade.

Alonso has expressed concerns about the high levels of energy management required by the latest generation of F1 engines, questioning if it provides him with sufficient enjoyment and adrenaline as a driver. This issue is more pronounced on high-speed tracks, but the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit is slower, meaning engine management is not expected to be a factor.

He stated that he feels fresh, motivated, and fast, but needs to enjoy what he does. He found recent races at Silverstone and Spa unenjoyable. Alonso believes that Adrian Newey will eventually provide the best car on the grid and that Honda will address the power unit issues over time. He is looking to see the initial progress with the new package.

Aston Martin‘s Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, emphasised that the most important goal for the team with these upgrades is to return to competitive racing, as they have struggled to keep up with the midfield in recent events. The Honda engine upgrade is scheduled to arrive at the Dutch Grand Prix, following Formula 1‘s four-week summer break.

Shintaro Orihara, Honda‘s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, noted that the relationship between Aston Martin and Honda has strengthened through challenging moments, building a foundation for collaboration. Krack added that both teams worked together through difficult discussions, improving their technical collaboration between Silverstone and Sakura.

Reserve driver Jak Crawford, runner-up in F2 last season, has played a crucial role in the development push, complementing his real-life runs with extensive simulator work, where he has already tested the upgraded AMR26.

The team’s internal targets suggest the upgrade could be worth several seconds of lap time, potentially as much as two seconds, covering the new aero package and car revisions for Hungary, plus the Honda engine upgrade for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Lance Stroll, Alonso’s teammate, has also voiced frustration with the car’s current performance, stating that there are no strengths and that the team can only improve. He even deliberately provoked the car at Silverstone to demonstrate its poor performance to the team. The Aston Martin team is under pressure to deliver with this upgrade, especially given their performance at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Hungarian Grand Prix will provide the first opportunity to assess the impact of these significant changes.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Tyson Fury weighed in lighter than his opponent, Mariusz Wach, for the first time in 15 years as he prepares for their fight in Thailand on Friday. The British boxer registered 18st 13lb (120kg), which is 26lb less than Wach’s weight of 20st 11lb (132kg) for the heavyweight contest.

The fight, which will take place in Pattaya, is expected to draw approximately 1,500 fans and will not have a television broadcaster. Fury, who is 37, will face the 46-year-old Wach in what marks only the fourth occasion in his professional career that he has weighed less than his opponent. His last such instance was during his initial fight against Derek Chisora in 2011. He also weighed less than John McDermott and Daniil Peretyatko in a career that has spanned over 17 years and included more than 38 professional fights.

Fury arrived at the weigh-in wearing a designer robe and a large cross chain. He engaged in playful banter and laughter with Wach during their face-off before they posed for photographs. His current weight is 3lb lighter than his last fight in April against Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Preparation for Future Bouts

The bout against Wach is seen as a low-risk, low-key tune-up fight for Fury, designed to provide preparation without jeopardising a potential major fight in British boxing. The fight is being held behind closed doors at his training base in Thailand. Promoter Frank Warren stated that Fury wants to remain active and avoid long periods out of the ring, having fought only once in the preceding two years if a proposed November fight were to occur.

Fury’s last appearance in the ring was in April, where he defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision. His previous fight before that was in December 2024. He expressed his desire to stay busy, mentioning that he might have as many as 10 fights this year. He also noted that he wants to box for 10 rounds, but would not mind if the fight ended earlier.

The decision to fight Wach was made because he is considered a credible and durable opponent who can provide the necessary test for Fury without posing a significant risk to a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua. Wach’s record stands at 39-13 (20 KOs) from 52 fights, with losses to fighters such as Tyson Fury’s cousin Hughie Fury, Dillian Whyte, Frazer Clarke, and a points loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2012. Wach has lost seven of his past 10 fights, including a knockout defeat to Moses Itauma two years ago, and enters this contest having lost three of his last four fights, including a second-round TKO defeat to Moses Itauma in July 2024.

Fight Logistics and Future Implications

The fight is scheduled for around 10pm local time (4pm UK) on Friday, with Fury unusually being the first fight on the card. He mentioned that boxing in Thailand in a 1,500-seater stadium will be a unique experience, akin to a kickboxer movie atmosphere, and that he has never opened a show in his career before.

The reason for the lack of live television broadcast is that promoters Eddie Hearn and Warren have indicated that a defeat for either Fury or Joshua in their warm-up bouts could jeopardise their highly anticipated fight. This situation has led Fury to seek a balance between getting sharp for Joshua and minimising the risk against a warm-up opponent. Wach was chosen as the safest option, even if it means the fight might not appeal to broader television audiences.

Footage from the Wach fight is expected to be included in the third season of Fury’s Netflix series, At Home with the Furys. Without live broadcast revenue, Fury is anticipated to receive a smaller purse than he typically earns, but he is expected to recover some of this through his Netflix deal. The fight is taking place in Thailand because Fury has been training there for the Joshua showdown, appreciating the local culture and low profile it offers. He intends to give back to the community by hosting the fight at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya and donating ticket profits to local charities. He will also receive the inaugural WBC Humanitarian title on fight night.

Remaining in Thailand also offers logistical advantages, with minimal travel required for promotion or participation in the fight. The behind-closed-doors bout is described as a glorified sparring session, with the increased stakes due to the potential impact on his plans to fight Joshua. A defeat for Fury against Wach would raise significant questions about his readiness to face Joshua, potentially leading to paused negotiations and a reduced financial valuation for the mega-fight, increasing the risk of it not happening at all. The objective of this low-risk return is to gain valuable rounds, sharpen his timing, and maintain momentum while minimising the chances of an upset derailing the long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua, who has his own warm-up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Source: bbc.com

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The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malagò, has indicated that financial “exceptions” are in place to potentially allow Pep Guardiola to become Italy’s next head coach. This comes after Guardiola departed Manchester City at the conclusion of last season, ending a 10-year tenure where he secured six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League.

Guardiola, who has previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is currently unattached and has been linked with the Italy vacancy for some time. Reports earlier this week suggested that he has engaged in discussions with the FIGC. The position became vacant in April following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after the four-time World Cup champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament.

Malagò was quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport stating, “Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.” He added that these exceptions are for “obvious reasons” but noted that the appointment is not yet certain.

FIGC’s pursuit of Guardiola

The FIGC has held talks with Guardiola in an effort to persuade him to take on the role of national team head coach. Officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola over a three-day period in Barcelona, where they outlined their vision for the national team’s future. The FIGC is prepared to make “exceptional” adjustments to its budget to secure his appointment.

The proposal presented to Guardiola extends beyond a simple coaching role. The FIGC envisions him as a central figure in an ‘Azzurro project’ aimed at rebuilding Italian football from its foundations. This comprehensive overhaul would encompass not only the senior national team but also other national teams. Guardiola has reportedly listened to the offer and is now considering his response.

The appointment of a new national coach is seen as a crucial initial step in reforming Italy’s youth and talent infrastructure, which has faced significant challenges. Italian football has experienced a period of difficulty, marked by an early exit from European club competitions last season and the failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Other candidates and Guardiola’s past comments

Alongside Guardiola, other reported candidates for the head coach position include Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 success, and former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo. When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only names on the shortlist, Malagò clarified that this was not the case, but confirmed these names fit the desired profile.

Guardiola is a free agent for the first time in a decade after concluding his association with Manchester City, where he won 20 trophies and achieved a win ratio of 70.8 per cent. Prior to his departure from City, Guardiola had expressed an intention to take a break from football to spend more time with his family, reiterating this sentiment in his final press conference.

He previously stated in an interview that he would be interested in the challenge of international management, noting, “What I’m not going to do is leave Manchester City and go to another country to do the same thing as I am now.” He added, “Maybe a national team, but that’s different.” Italy’s next scheduled fixture is a Nations League Group A match against Belgium on 25 September.

Source: theguardian.com

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McInnes names team for friendly fixture

Derek McInnes named his Rangers team for the friendly match against AS Saint-Étienne at Ibrox. Several new signings were included in the starting lineup for the first pre-season friendly at the stadium. Among those starting were Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil, and Lawrence Shankland.

The team lined up with Pandur in goal, supported by a back four consisting of McCrorie, Godfrey, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Tuur Rommens. In midfield, Neil partnered with Tochi Chukwuani, while Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis were positioned on the wings. The attacking duo featured last season’s top scorer, Youssef Chermiti, alongside Shankland.

The bench included Cammy Devlin, making his first appearance in a Rangers squad, along with Liam Kelly, Rydnn McGuire, Thelo Aasgaard, Nedim Bajrami, Lyall Cameron, Oliver Antman, Clinton Nsiala, Ryan Naderi, Dujon Sterling, Djeidi Gassama, Bojan Miovski, Zander Hutton, Ross McCausland, and Paul Nsio. The match kicked off at 7:45 pm.

Match action and key moments

Rangers secured a 2-1 friendly victory over Saint-Étienne, with penalties from Lawrence Shankland and Thelo Aasgaard. The match marked manager Derek McInnes’ home debut. Shankland converted an early spot-kick after Mohamed Diomande was fouled in the box. Ivor Pandur, making his starting debut, made a notable save to deny Jakob Breum.

Youssef Chermiti hit the crossbar before the Ligue 2 side, managed by Ian Cathro, equalised through Breum. Rangers began the match in a 4-4-2 formation, with Diomande playing on the right and Findlay Curtis on the left. Cammy Devlin made his debut as a half-time substitute for the Scotland winger.

Aasgaard was introduced around the hour mark and scored the hosts’ second penalty in the 82nd minute after Bojan Miovski was brought down by goalkeeper Gautier Laesonneur. Ben Godfrey, who captained the team, was noted for his composed performance at the back. Cammy Devlin was named man-of-the-match for his energetic display in the second half.

The match provided the first public appearance for Rangers after several games played behind closed doors. Shankland’s penalty marked his first goal for his boyhood club. Pandur, who joined from Hull City, received applause for a smart save, though he later had a moment where the ball nearly dribbled over his foot. Saint-Étienne’s equalizer came late in the first half after Tuur Rommens and Findlay Curtis failed to deal with a bouncing ball, allowing Thierno Ballo to set up Breum.

Upcoming fixtures for Rangers

Rangers are scheduled to host West Ham on Sunday in another friendly fixture. This will be McInnes’ final opportunity to assess his team in a non-competitive setting before the start of the league season. Following the friendly against West Ham, Rangers will begin their Scottish Premiership campaign away to Dundee United a week on Friday.

McInnes will not be in the dugout for the match at Tannadice, as he has been handed a four-match ban, with one suspended, for comments made towards the end of last season regarding a Celtic penalty award. Rangers have stated their intention to appeal this decision. The match against Saint-Étienne was Rangers’ first home outing since mid-May.

The club has seen significant changes, including the departure of former manager Danny Rohl and ex-captain James Tavernier. The arrival of McInnes and a series of transfer activities, including the imminent arrival of midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade, are part of an extensive rebuild following the previous season.

Source: rangers.co.uk

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