Open

'Heartbroken' Kyrgios pulls out of Australian Open

While Kyrgios will be missing, 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal -- who has not played since this year's Australian Open due to injury -- is on the entry list.

Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open on Saturday as he continues to struggle for fitness after a long injury absence, calling the decision "heartbreaking".
While Kyrgios will be missing, 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal -- who has not played since this year's Australian Open due to injury -- is on the entry list.

Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open on Saturday as he continues to struggle for fitness after a long injury absence, calling the decision "heartbreaking".

The Australian showstopper had knee surgery in January and then aborted plans to return at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his wrist.

He said last month "the stars would need to align" for him to be ready for his home Grand Slam in January, and the one-time world number 13 confirmed on Saturday time had run out.

"So, this is a very disappointing time for me, but I won't be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open," Kyrgios said on the subscription website OnlyFans, which he joined as a content creator last week.

"Obviously, heartbreaking. I've had so many amazing memories there, and I just want to really get back to playing at the top of my game and doing it right, and I need a little more time.

"Even though I won't be there competing this year at the AO, I still will be around, commentating matches, being around," he added.

Last month, Kyrgios said that winning a Grand Slam remained his driving force, having come closest at Wimbledon in 2022 when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the final.

The Australian Open runs from January 14-28 at Melbourne Park, with Aryna Sabalenka defending the women's title and Djokovic, the men's.

While Kyrgios will be missing, 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal -- who has not played since this year's Australian Open due to injury -- is on the entry list.

So too is four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who gave birth to daughter Shai in July. She has not played since September 2022, having also struggled with her mental health.

mp/sco

SerieA

Gatti strikes again to send Juventus top

It was the 25-year-old's second consecutive winning goal for Juventus, after his 94th-minute strike at Monza last Friday.

Defender Federico Gatti grabbed his second goal in as many matches as Juventus saw out a 1-0 home win against champions Napoli on Friday to go top of Serie A. The centre-back rose highest shortly after the break to nod in the only goal of a closely contested match between two of Italy's footballing powerhouses.
It was the 25-year-old's second consecutive winning goal for Juventus, after his 94th-minute strike at Monza last Friday.

Defender Federico Gatti grabbed his second goal in as many matches as Juventus saw out a 1-0 home win against champions Napoli on Friday to go top of Serie A.

The centre-back rose highest shortly after the break to nod in the only goal of a closely contested match between two of Italy's footballing powerhouses.

Victory in Turin sends Juventus to top spot in the table, although Inter Milan will have the chance to restore their two-point lead when they host Udinese on Saturday.

"Winning this evening was very important, because we put Napoli at -12 and that is a great result," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri to DAZN.

"As for dreams and the Scudetto, we need to keep improving step by step, especially when we make too many mistakes," he added.

Fifth-placed Napoli had the better of the opening exchanges and looked the more likely side to break the deadlock in the first half.

Matteo Politano fizzed one just past the Juve goal on nine minutes and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had the best early chance just before the half-hour mark.

Excellent hold-up play by Victor Osimhen sucked in the hosts' defence before he squared to his Georgian teammate, who uncharacteristically snatched at the chance and ballooned it over the bar.

Then, 11 minutes later Giovanni Di Lorenzo looked certain to open the scoring after a defensive mix-up, but Wojciech Szczesny flew off his line to make a fine one-handed save to keep things level.

The home team started the second half strongly and Dusan Vlahovic rattled the post on 49 minutes, following good play by Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie.

Two minutes later, Andrea Cambiaso collected a Napoli clearance and swung the ball into the box and onto the forehead of Gatti, whose towering header at the back post was enough to separate the sides.

It was the 25-year-old's second consecutive winning goal for Juventus, after his 94th-minute strike at Monza last Friday.

Szczesny nearly turned villain when his miskick was headed back to Osimhen who stole in ahead of the 'keeper before rolling the ball into an empty net, only to be denied by the linesman's flag with 20 minutes remaining.

Despite Napoli pressure at the end, the Old Lady held on comfortably to see out the victory.

Coach Walter Mazzarri nonetheless saw positives in the defeat.

"The lads played a great game, I think they dominated the match, forced Juventus to defend in their own area for almost the entire second half," he said.

But Gatti's third goal of the season, the most of any Serie A defender this term, remained the difference as Napoli endured already their fifth loss of the campaign, one more than they had in 2022-23.

nf/jc

RSA

Bordeaux thrash Connacht in Champions Cup opener, Saints down Glasgow

They had only won one of their 10 matches in the competition across the two previous seasons.

Bordeaux-Begles made a dream start to their Champions Cup campaign on Friday with a 41-5 away thumping of Connacht in Galway, while Northampton won 28-19 at Glasgow as the competition got under way.
They had only won one of their 10 matches in the competition across the two previous seasons.

Bordeaux-Begles made a dream start to their Champions Cup campaign on Friday with a 41-5 away thumping of Connacht in Galway, while Northampton won 28-19 at Glasgow as the competition got under way.

France wing Damian Penaud played a starring role for Bordeaux, notching the visitors' second try to give his side a 12-5 half-time lead after Romain Buros had opened the scoring before Shamus Hurley-Langton hit back for Connacht.

The Top 14 club dominated the second period, with Buros' second try sealing a bonus point.

Pablo Uberti also touched down twice, Bordeaux were awarded a penalty try and Maxime Lucu kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Bordeaux, who sit seventh in the French top flight, are next in Pool 1 action a week on Saturday at home against Bristol.

They had only won one of their 10 matches in the competition across the two previous seasons.

"It was a test of character," said scrum-half and captain Lucu.

"We were promised hell and we wanted to show that we're progressing and that we're coming to win because we had a little difficulty during the previous campaigns."

The loss was a fourth defeat in five matches in all competitions for Connacht, a worrying run of form which has seen the Irish province ship 22 tries.

Northampton eased to victory in their Pool 3 opener in Scotland, despite a late rally from Glasgow.

Tommy Freeman scored two tries, with England's Courtney Lawes also dotting down.

All of Saints' tries came in the first half, after Argentina wing Sebastian Cancelliere's interception effort had given Glasgow an early lead.

Fly-half Fin Smith kicked 13 points and his two penalties put Northampton 28-5 ahead and they held on despite Ollie Smith's score and a late penalty try for the hosts.

Record five-time champions Toulouse kick off their campaign on Saturday against Cardiff, while holders La Rochelle start their bid for a third straight title with a repeat of last season's final against Leinster on Sunday.

jc/nf

women

Healy appointed Australian women's cricket captain

"Alyssa brings a wealth of experience to the role, and we have great confidence in her ability to successfully lead the Australian women's team in tandem with Tahlia as vice-captain," said Cricket Australia's executive general manager Ben Oliver.

Star wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy was Saturday appointed Australia's women's cricket captain across all three formats after the retirement of long-time skipper Meg Lanning.
"Alyssa brings a wealth of experience to the role, and we have great confidence in her ability to successfully lead the Australian women's team in tandem with Tahlia as vice-captain," said Cricket Australia's executive general manager Ben Oliver.

Star wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy was Saturday appointed Australia's women's cricket captain across all three formats after the retirement of long-time skipper Meg Lanning.

The 33-year-old has led Australia since June in series against England, Ireland and West Indies, and has now been handed the role full-time.

Tahlia McGrath, fresh from leading the Adelaide Strikers to consecutive women's Big Bash League titles, was named vice-captain and at 28 is positioned to eventually take over from Healy.

"I am honoured to accept the role of captain and am grateful for the opportunity to lead our team," said Healy, who is married to Australian men's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.

"I've really enjoyed the support of the players over the past few months and their encouragement to continue to be who I am and lead the group like I normally would from within."

"It's an exciting time to be involved with this team, we're seeing the emergence of incredible young talent and are challenging ourselves to continually evolve as a group," she added.

Lanning retired from the international game last month after almost a decade in charge, leading Australia to four Twenty20 World Cup titles, one 50-over World Cup triumph and a Commonwealth Games gold.

"Alyssa brings a wealth of experience to the role, and we have great confidence in her ability to successfully lead the Australian women's team in tandem with Tahlia as vice-captain," said Cricket Australia's executive general manager Ben Oliver.

Lanning will continue to play in domestic competitions.

mp/djw/jc

Messi

Messi has brought 'transformational year' for MLS says Garber

BY SIMON EVANS

Messi's arrival early in a new 10-year global streaming deal with Apple TV meant "more fans watch MLS games here and around the world than ever before" said Garber, without revealing overall audience figures from Apple.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says his league has enjoyed a "transformational year" crediting the arrival of Lionel Messi and the broadcast deal with Apple TV for unprecedented interest.
Messi's arrival early in a new 10-year global streaming deal with Apple TV meant "more fans watch MLS games here and around the world than ever before" said Garber, without revealing overall audience figures from Apple.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says his league has enjoyed a "transformational year" crediting the arrival of Lionel Messi and the broadcast deal with Apple TV for unprecedented interest.

But while he said North America would become the "epicenter" of the game with the World Cup, Copa America and FIFA Club World Cup all coming to the region, Garber acknowledged squeezing in all the club and country competitions was a headache.

In his annual "state of the league" address ahead of Saturday's MLS Cup final between Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC, Garber said MLS was trending upwards in all key areas.

"Lionel Messi had many options for the next chapter of his iconic soccer career. The magnitude of his decision to join MLS cannot be over-stated," Garber said.

"A World Cup champion, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is playing in our league. We're not just part of the global conversation of sports but one of the biggest stories in the world, certainly one of the biggest stories this summer," added Garber.

Messi's arrival early in a new 10-year global streaming deal with Apple TV meant "more fans watch MLS games here and around the world than ever before" said Garber, without revealing overall audience figures from Apple.

MLS has also seen rising numbers of fans in stadiums across the country with the derby between Los Angeles FC and Los Angeles Galaxy attracting a league record 82,110 to the Rose Bowl on July 4.

Smashing Success

Garber said there had been a record of "nearly 12 million fans" at MLS games throughout the year and also hailed the new Leagues Cup, held jointly with clubs from Mexico's Liga MX, as a "smashing success".

The tournament in the middle of the MLS regular season was won by Messi and Inter Miami and the World Cup-style format won over my skeptics.

"It was a success on every measure and as with so many things this year went on to exceed so many of our expectations. It is only the beginning. This is a tournament which will continue to grow in scale, in scope and reach in the years ahead," he said.

But the addition of Leagues Cup games comes into a calender that will be squeezed by the major tournaments coming to the USA in the coming years.

Next year will see the USA host the Copa America before the new, expanded 32-team, FIFA Club World Cup is held in the country a year ahead of the World Cup itself, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.

"For the next few years, North America will be the epicenter for the beautiful game," he said.

But with the Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, the US Open Cup as well as the regular season and the playoffs, fitting all the games in while protecting players from burn-out remains a challenge.

Garber said MLS would not stop play during Copa America saying they could not afford to halt their season but would have to be "creative" with their schedule.

MLS usually plays through the regional CONCACAF Gold Cup but Garber said there was no question of the league continuing during the World Cup.

"Clearly the World Cup in 2026 is a different animal, I can't imagine we are going to be playing games during that, but the economic impact of that is significant," he said.

Garber said the big picture may require some changes to how the MLS season is organised and hinted that "Apertura and Clausura" system, used in some South and Central American countries along with Mexico, where the season is split into two separate halves, could be one option.

Garber also said MLS was talking to US Soccer about how to improve the knockout US Open Cup.

"That process is ongoing and there might be changes to our participation sometime in the future, there is nothing we can announce right now," he said.

sev/bb

Nancy

Frenchman Nancy's journey reaches MLS summit

BY SIMON EVANS

After the last stop of his lower division journey in France concluded in Orleans, Nancy ended his playing career in Canada, with the University of Quebec.

Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy had a modest playing career as a journeyman in the lower divisions of French football but now, as a coach, he finds himself one game away from a place in Major League Soccer history.
After the last stop of his lower division journey in France concluded in Orleans, Nancy ended his playing career in Canada, with the University of Quebec.

Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy had a modest playing career as a journeyman in the lower divisions of French football but now, as a coach, he finds himself one game away from a place in Major League Soccer history.

In his debut season in Columbus, Nancy's brand of attractive, possession football has taken the Crew to the final of MLS Cup where they will face defending champions Los Angeles FC on Saturday.

The 46-year-old from Le Havre may still be little known in his homeland but in North America he has quickly built a reputation as a progressive coach whose team play a brand of football that has broken totally with the stereotypes of MLS as a league dominated by physical and direct football -- and American coaches.

"Their style of play is unbelievable, impeccable. They are not just beautiful to watch but really effective too," says LAFC's former Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

"They are very good and they have a fantastic teacher, or Maestro if you prefer, in coach Nancy," he added.

After the last stop of his lower division journey in France concluded in Orleans, Nancy ended his playing career in Canada, with the University of Quebec. While there he began coaching at a private French language school.

He eventually took on a role at youth level with MLS club Montreal in 2011 and came up the ranks, eventually working as assistant to Thierry Henry.

When Henry left the club early in 2021, Nancy was given a chance as Montreal's head coach and he swiftly set about putting his ideas into practice.

Last year, Columbus tempted him to leave the club and it was a move that has delivered instant results.

Nancy certainly has no regrets about his move, but is keen to ensure the credit for the Crew's run to the final goes to his players.

"Without my players, I can’t do anything. They’re on the pitch writing the story we want to do. I'm so happy with the city, the fans, the organization and the players, we deserve it."

Nancy talks of "empowering" his players, but it is clear that like a lot of innovative coaches he demands much of them.

"Honestly, it's really intense. You have to be focused all the time with him," said the Crew's French centre-half Steven Moreira.

"You have to think a lot, a lot, be focused a lot. But that's very good," said the former Toulouse and Lorient defender.

Creative

Nancy's approach combines a strong defensive core to his midfield but as part of a fluid tactical system which he believes gives his players a platform to express their creativity.

Uruguayan Diego Rossi, operating as a "number 10" and roaming Colombian forward Cucho Hernandez have taken advantage of that freedom to cause problems for defences throughout the campaign.

Audacity

Nancy says he looks for players who can thrive in such an approach.

"The type of profile that I'm looking for is one, effort, two, brain, and three, audacity," he said.

"If a player doesn't have the effort, he cannot play well. Audacity, because the way we want to play, we have to be audacious.

"When we are trying to be high on the pitch, we have to defend a big space. And sometimes the players don't want to do that because they have to take care of the ball, but also they have to defend behind. So that's why they have to be audacious for that.

"And the brain, because the way I see my job is to give structure, but to give the possibility to my players to express themselves," he said.

Audacity is certainly something Nancy himself has shown with his decisions to leave France and move to Canada and then depart his first job to take on another new challenge in Ohio.

"For me, there is one virtue really important for me in life. This is courage. Without courage, you can't do anything. So, it's been in my life.

"I wanted to be a coach, I didn't know where, but I knew I wanted to coach. I'm happy because I am able to see a different culture, to grow as a man and grow as a coach," he said.

"It's my passion but it's also at the same time my job. I'm happy, it's as simple as that."

sev/bb

IOC

IOC clears Russians to compete in Paris as neutrals

Also missing out will be "athletes who actively support the war" as well as "athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies".

Olympic chiefs on Friday gave the green light to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at next year's Paris Games as neutrals, outside of team events and as long as they did not actively support the war on Ukraine.
Also missing out will be "athletes who actively support the war" as well as "athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies".

Olympic chiefs on Friday gave the green light to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at next year's Paris Games as neutrals, outside of team events and as long as they did not actively support the war on Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee added that there were currently only eight athletes from Russia and three from Belarus who had qualified as neutral athletes.

In comparison, more than 60 Ukrainian athletes have qualified for next year's Paris Olympics.

The IOC's executive board "decided that Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) who have qualified through the existing qualification systems of the International Federations (IFs) on the field of play will be declared eligible to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024".

But only, it added, if they meet strict eligibility conditions.

That includes the exclusion of "teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport".

Also missing out will be "athletes who actively support the war" as well as "athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies".

Additionally, "no flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications whatsoever of Russia or Belarus will be displayed at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in any official venue or any official function".

"No Russian or Belarusian government or state officials will be invited to or accredited for the Olympic Games Paris 2024."

Russia denounced the conditions placed on its athletes as "discriminatory", but said athletes who meet the criteria would go to Paris.

"The conditions are discriminatory, they are going against the principles of sport," said Russian sports minister Oleg Matytsin.

"They are damaging the Olympic Games themselves, and not Russian sport. The approach is unacceptable."

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, though, insisted that there would be no neutral athletes taking part in track and field at the Games.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced sanctions from a multitude of sports since Moscow launched its assault on Ukraine in February 2022.

Over the past year a number of Olympic sports have eased restrictions, allowing athletes from both countries to return to competition under certain conditions.

However, Russians and Belarusians have remained banned from athletics.

"You may well see some neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus in Paris, it just won't be in athletics," Coe told a press conference.

"The position that our sport took and has consistently taken is unchanged."

Federation pressure

In March, the IOC lifted an outright ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete as neutral athletes provided they did not support the Ukraine conflict and had no ties to the military.

The issue was raised again on Tuesday when representatives of international sports federations and national Olympic committees called for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be admitted under a neutral flag for the July 26 to August 11 2024 Games in Paris "as soon as possible".

During the Olympic summit in Lausanne, athlete representatives also asked for "clarity" on the issue.

In an interview with AFP on Thursday, Ukraine's acting sports minister said his government was "very concerned" by that call from those IFs and NOCs.

Matviy Bidnyi said Kyiv was concerned that the move gave the impression that the IOC "does not want to demonstrate the necessary leadership in the matter of Olympic fairness and justice".

"As aptly stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky: 'Obviously, any neutral flag of Russian athletes is stained with blood'," Bidnyi told AFP.

"We count on a responsible decision and leadership of the IOC, which will not allow Russia to use sport for military propaganda.

"Even if it's sport under a neutral flag."

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) remains suspended, the IOC having instigated a ban in October for its violation of the territorial integrity of the membership of Ukraine by recognising illegally annexed territories.

ROC has recognised organisations from four Ukrainian territories annexed since Russia's invasion began in 2022.

Russia's Olympic body last month launched an appeal against its suspension by the IOC at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

cfe/lp/bsp/jc

WC

USA and Mexico submit bid to host 2027 Women's World Cup

"The U.S. and Mexico are in a unique position to host a World Cup that will leverage the same venues, infrastructure, and protocols used for the Men's World Cup just a year prior," she said.

The United States and Mexico have submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the two federations announced on Friday.
"The U.S. and Mexico are in a unique position to host a World Cup that will leverage the same venues, infrastructure, and protocols used for the Men's World Cup just a year prior," she said.

The United States and Mexico have submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the two federations announced on Friday.

The bid is expected to face opposition from Brazil and a three-nation European bid including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Should the North American bid succeed it would extend a streak of major international tournaments being held in the region.

The USA is hosting CONMEBOL's Copa America next year with FIFA's expanded Club World Cup in the country in 2025 before the 2026 World Cup itself which is being co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.

U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said that they hoped to replicate many elements of the 2026 men's tournament.

"The U.S. and Mexico are in a unique position to host a World Cup that will leverage the same venues, infrastructure, and protocols used for the Men's World Cup just a year prior," she said.

"As a result, we believe the time is right to host a FIFA Women's World Cup that features a truly world-class experience for players and fans, alike. This will not only unlock the economic potential of women's soccer, it will send a message to young players around the world that there is no limit to what they can achieve," she added.

Last year's women's World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand. The USA has hosted the tournament twice in the past -- in 1999 and 2003.

The last time the tournament was held in North America was when Canada hosted in 2015.

The USA are the most successful nation in the women's game having won the World Cup on four occasions.

sev/jc

Liga

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti expecting Vinicius to return in January

"I think we'll have to wait until next year, but when we come back (from the winter break), they will both be ready to train," Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Saturday's league match at Real Betis.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday that he hopes Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga can return from injury absences after La Liga's winter break.
"I think we'll have to wait until next year, but when we come back (from the winter break), they will both be ready to train," Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Saturday's league match at Real Betis.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday that he hopes Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga can return from injury absences after La Liga's winter break.

Vinicius has been sidelined since suffering a left thigh injury while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Colombia last month.

Camavinga has missed Real's last three matches with a knee problem.

"I think we'll have to wait until next year, but when we come back (from the winter break), they will both be ready to train," Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Saturday's league match at Real Betis.

Madrid's first game in the new year is a home clash with Real Mallorca on January 3.

Vinicius has scored six goals in 13 appearances for the La Liga leaders this season.

Ancelotti also denied reports that star midfielder Jude Bellingham would need shoulder surgery.

"He has to take care of his shoulder with certain work, but he has no problem playing and is getting better and better," the Italian said.

"If it continued to deteriorate it's obvious that he'd need surgery, but for now that's been ruled out because he feels good and he's improving day by day."

Madrid can go three points clear at the top of La Liga with victory at Betis, ahead of second-placed Girona's visit to third-placed Barcelona on Sunday.

bur/jc/nf

Pr

Spurs won't compromise on attacking football, says Postecoglou

The Australian said his team must impose themselves on Newcastle, who are seventh in the league, and make the most of the chances they create.

Ange Postecoglou said his Tottenham team will stick to their attacking principles despite a damaging run of results that has caused a tumble down the Premier League table.
The Australian said his team must impose themselves on Newcastle, who are seventh in the league, and make the most of the chances they create.

Ange Postecoglou said his Tottenham team will stick to their attacking principles despite a damaging run of results that has caused a tumble down the Premier League table.

Spurs were early pacesetters in the English top flight but have lost four of their past five games and have slipped to fifth, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

Worryingly, they have taken the lead in every one of those matches, including Thursday's 2-1 home defeat by West Ham, but have failed to win any of them -- last week they drew 3-3 draw at Manchester City.

But Postecoglou, in his first season in charge, said he would stick to his philosophy as he prepares to welcome Newcastle to London on Sunday.

"Nothing really changes, we stay the course," he told SpursPlay. "We want to set a standard in terms of the type of football we want to play and we're not going to waver on that.

"Obviously we're going through a tough time in terms of results at the moment, there's areas of our game we need to keep working on and improving and that only comes from what we do on the training track and information we give the players.

"And I'm sure the players are as determined as anyone to turn things around in terms of the result process but at the same time not wavering from the football we want to play."

Postecoglou said Newcastle, who like Spurs have been badly hit by injuries this season, would be fired up after their 3-0 defeat at Everton on Thursday.

"They'll be coming here pretty determined to turn it around and it's going to be a tough challenge for us," he said.

The Australian said his team must impose themselves on Newcastle, who are seventh in the league, and make the most of the chances they create.

"If we are dominant in periods we need to take advantage of that," he said, adding that the fans deserved a win.

"The support has been outstanding but we've got to give back," he said. "I think they are seeing the efforts we are making but we need to give them a reward for the support they've given us so far."

Spurs captain Son Heung-min was substituted in the final minutes against West Ham after suffering a blow to his back.

"No update yet," said Postecoglou. "We'll see how he is because he was a bit sore after the game."

jw/jc

Pr

Pochettino says pressure at Chelsea is 'massive' but future bright

"We cannot forget that we are at Chelsea and the pressure is massive," he said.

Mauricio Pochettino admitted the pressure on Chelsea to perform is "massive" after another setback against Manchester United in midweek but insisted he was "building something that will pay off".
"We cannot forget that we are at Chelsea and the pressure is massive," he said.

Mauricio Pochettino admitted the pressure on Chelsea to perform is "massive" after another setback against Manchester United in midweek but insisted he was "building something that will pay off".

The Blues failed to build on last week's 3-2 victory over Brighton, falling to Scott McTominay's second-half header in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

But the Chelsea boss belives that success for the big-spending London club is only a matter of time.

"We cannot forget that we are at Chelsea and the pressure is massive," he said. "It is about to win and when we don't win, we feel the pressure.

"That is why we know what we need to do and it's a matter of time. Sometimes it's six months and sometimes it's a year, but we need to analyse the situation.

"We are building something that will pay off. We knew when we accepted this offer that it was going to be tough."

Chelsea are 10th in the table and have made little concrete progress since last season's bottom-half finish.

But Pochettino remains hopeful that his young team will eventually challenge for the top four.

"We are going to challenge (for the top four)," he said. "Maybe not now, but for sure in the future. Who knows, we hope as soon as possible, but for sure we are going to challenge."

Sunday's opponents, Everton, have won three out of their past four games after their 3-0 victory over Newcastle on Thursday.

Pochettino, who has only lost to Sean Dyche once in his career, is expecting a tough challenge.

"He is aggressive, he's brave and I think we are going to find a team who will press high and build from the back and be direct," said the Argentine. "It's going to be interesting because it will be a massive challenge for us.

"We need to match the energy because they are a team who brings great energy."

Everton were deducted 10 points for breaching Premier League financial rules last month but are now out of the relgation zone.

Pochettino thinks the ruling was unfair and believes it has galvanised fans at Goodison Park.

"In adversity you can build something special," he said. "When something like this happens it will unify everyone and make them feel part of the unfair decision.

"We are going to find a tough atmosphere and if we want to perform in the Premier League we have to deal with this."

jw/bsp

Pr

Guardiola says Man City have been handed brutal reality check

Guardiola, whose team won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season, admitted City could miss out on qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's recent Premier League slump has delivered a much-needed reality check as he prepares for Sunday's match at lowly Luton.
Guardiola, whose team won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season, admitted City could miss out on qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's recent Premier League slump has delivered a much-needed reality check as he prepares for Sunday's match at lowly Luton.

Guardiola said he and his treble-winning players had enjoyed being stroked "like a cat" for too long during their period of domination and they "needed a shake".

City were outplayed at Aston Villa in their 1-0 defeat on Wednesday -- a result that extended their winless run in the Premier League to four games and pushed them down to fourth in the table.

Guardiola's men, chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive top-flight title, are now six points behind leaders Arsenal.

"As a manager I sometimes need that, I need that challenge," Guardiola told a press conference on Friday.

"I think for everyone it is good. I think it's necessary to live that. For a long time, we've lived like a cat (strokes head) and (known) how good we are.

"We need it to say 'Guys this business -- it's terrible'. You are unbeatable and then, oh my God, you cannot win one game -- from nothing.

"Maybe for myself first, I need that challenge to prove myself, that I'm a good manager, to help the players overcome that situation.

"For the players it's a good challenge to say 'Aston Villa were miles better than all of us, so imagine the other ones'."

Guardiola, whose team won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season, admitted City could miss out on qualifying for next season's Champions League.

"We have to work hard," he said. "As soon as we realise (it) we come out of here quicker.

"The club needed it. One month ago I thought the club needed a shake, to be shaken. The bad results can help you to live that."

City will have influential midfielder Rodri back at Kenilworth Road after he completed his latest ban. The Spaniard has now missed four games through suspension this season and Guardiola's side have lost them all.

Guardiola again overlooked Kalvin Phillips when selecting his side at Villa Park, fuelling further speculation the England midfielder could leave the club in January.

Phillips has failed to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium since his move from Leeds in 2022.

Guardiola said: "I don't know what will happen. I feel so sorry for my decisions for him. He doesn't deserve for one second not to have minutes but it's just that I visualise things and struggle a little to see him."

Kevin De Bruyne, who has been out since undergoing hamstring surgery in August, has been named in City's squad for the Club World Cup later this month but it is not yet clear if he will be fit to play.

Guardiola said: "Maybe it is a little bit early, but I don't know."

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IOC

IOC clears Russians to compete in Paris as neutrals

Also missing out will be "athletes who actively support the war" as well as "athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies".

Olympic chiefs on Friday gave the green light to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at next year's Paris Games as neutrals, outside of team events and as long as they did not actively support the war on Ukraine.
Also missing out will be "athletes who actively support the war" as well as "athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies".