Manchester United face a managerial decision at the end of the Premier League season, with Michael Carrick considered a strong contender to take the job permanently
David De Gea has praised his former Manchester United teammate and interim head coach Michael Carrick for the ‘unbelievable’ job he is doing at Old Trafford. United have lost only one game since Carrick took over in January and are on course to qualify for European football, sitting third in the table.
The Spanish goalkeeper returned to England on Thursday night as Fiorentina faced Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter‑final at Selhurst Park. The Italian side have a mountain to climb in the return leg in Florence after a 3-0 defeat.
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Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, De Gea, who played alongside Carrick between 2011 and 2017, was asked about the 44‑year‑old’s return to United.
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“He’s doing unbelievable,” the shot-stopper began. He’s a great guy, he knows how the players feel, so it’s easy to talk with him.
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“He’s doing an amazing job, United is winning a lot of games now, playing well.
“Hopefully we can get the Champions League spot and keep growing, growing, and let’s see United again in the high positions and fighting for trophies.”
Carrick is a strong contender for the permanent manager’s job at M16, with winger Amad backing the former midfielder as the ‘right man’ for the role and hinting at similar feelings within the squad.
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“Obviously it’s not for us as a player to decide his future, but he’s been very good, he’s been doing so much for the team,” Amad said.
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“He has a lot of experience, he knows the club and has the DNA. We think he’s the right man.
“He knows the club, he played for the club, so he has great experience to manage this club. Sometimes this kind of manager can bring a club where they belong.”
United return to Premier League action on Monday after the March international break. Carrick’s side host Leeds United at Old Trafford, with kick-off at 8pm.
Watch Fury vs Makhmudov with free Netflix subscription
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Tyson Fury has come out of retirement to face Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov in a heavyweight clash in London on April 11. The fight will stream live on Netflix, which fans can get for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle or £24 Ultimate TV bundle, the latter of which also includes HBO Max and Disney+.
Jannik Sinner cruised past Felix Auger-Aliassime to set up a semi-final with Alexander Zverev in the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Italian second seed defeated his Canadian opponent 6-3 6-4 to extend his winning streak in Masters 1000 events to 20 matches – a run during which he has lifted titles at Paris, Indian Wells and Miami.
“I feel like it was a step forwards today,” said Sinner, who dropped a set at a Masters event for the first time in 186 days during his last-16 win against Tomas Machac.
“It was a very tough match. I knew I had to get better in certain areas. The serve is not there yet, where I would love it, but all things considered I’m very happy.
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“But in any case, very happy to be back in the semis.”
Nico Schlotterbeck has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United – if the Reds are still keen on the Borussia Dortmund defender, they now know his transfer fee
Manchester United will have to fork out between £43.6million and £52.3m if they want to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund. The versatile defender has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The Germany international appeared to be a cost-effective option for the summer, as he would have entered the final year of his deal in the summer. However, the goal posts have now moved as he has put pen-to-paper on a brand new contract at the Signal Iduna Park.
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He had been negotiating with club officials for months before finally agreeing to a new deal. However, there is understood to be a release clause within his deal.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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According to German outlet Kicker, a fee between €50m and €60, which works out to between £43.6m and £52.3m. The left-footed defender is one of the most versatile defenders in Europe who is also known for being composed on the ball.
United’s current left-footed central defender options are Lisandro Martinez and sometimes Luke Shaw, but both players have endured numerous injury issues over the last two seasons. Schlotterbeck would provide cover for both central defence and at left-back, if he were to arrive at Old Trafford.
Last week, reports from Germany claimed Schlotterbeck could be available for as much as £26m, but this new contract has surely ended that possibility. Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with a move.
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United director of recruitment Christoph Vivell, as a result of his vast knowledge of the Bundesliga, may still be interested in signing the 26-year-old. However, it’s likely any transfer move will not be made until United announce who will be in charge of them next season.
Nevertheless, there have been some key internal moves within Old Trafford. Harry Maguire recently signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2027.
This means United will go into next year with Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as their central defensive options. It’s understood Maguire took a wage cut to remain at Old Trafford.
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When the deal was signed, he said: “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day.
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“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
The 2026 Masters gets serious on Saturday, April 11, with the third round at Augusta National Golf Club. You can find full Masters tee times for Round 3 at the bottom of this post once they are determined Friday night.
Masters Round 3 tee times: What to know
While we don’t yet know when they’ll tee off on Saturday, we do have a good idea who the primary competitors will be. Defending champion Rory McIlroy is chief among them, hoping the win rare back-to-back green jackets.
But two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, Jason Day and more are planning to give McIlroy a tough contest over the weekend at Augusta.
We won’t know the exact third-round tee times for this year’s Masters until the second round is complete on Friday evening. Once that happens, the cut will be made, and the surviving players will be organized into two-player pairings. The leaders will tee off last on Saturday afternoon. The players who just made the cut will open the third round Saturday morning.
We can look to the past to get a better idea of what the Masters Saturday tee times will be. On Saturday at the 2025 Masters, Rose and Bryson DeChambeau teed off in the final pairing at 2:40 p.m. ET. Tom Kim opened Round 3 at 9:50 a.m. ET. We can this Saturday’s tee times to be similar.
You can watch Saturday’s third round of the 2026 Masters on TV via CBS, with coverage scheduled for 2-7 p.m. ET. Paramount+ and Masters.com will provide early streaming coverage from 12-2 p.m. ET. You can watch other streaming coverage all day Saturday via Masters.com, the Masters app, the ESPN App, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ and DirecTV including exclusive early action, featured group coverage and much more.
You can check out the complete Round 3 tee times for the 2026 Masters below once they are released
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2026 Masters tee times for Saturday: Round 3 (ET)
(TBD)
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Apr 08, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and forward Alex Antetokounmpo (29) after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks will wrap up their home slate this season when they face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night in a rematch of a game earlier this week.
It will not be a potential final sendoff for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, as the superstar already has been ruled out for the game because of “left knee hyperextension, bone bruise,” according to the injury report.
The NBA continues to investigate the dispute between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks (31-49) regarding his injury status, as he has voiced his desire to play despite the Bucks not medically clearing him.
“You have to make tough decisions in tough circumstances, and the lens, again, is to make the best professional judgment that we can that’s best for him and us regarding his health,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst told The Athletic.
“Of course, I care about what he feels and what he cares about. And I have his entire career. There’s no gamesmanship here. There’s no angling. We just care about doing what’s right for him and for us.”
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Antetokounmpo’s brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are on the Bucks’ active roster. Had they played in a game with Giannis, they would have become the first trio of brothers to do so in NBA history. They already have made history by being on the same active roster.
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his 13th consecutive game on Wednesday. Milwaukee fell for the second straight game as the Pistons won in Detroit 137-111.
Ryan Rollins returned from injury to lead the Bucks with 23 points. Ousmane Dieng added 17 while Jericho Sims contributed a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
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“It was awesome, it was good for Jericho. In a rough season, a rough night, playing the best team in the East. I thought our guys did well,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said.
Both Milwaukee and Brooklyn have been eliminated from postseason contention.
The Nets (20-60) come into Milwaukee on the second night of a back-to-back set after a 123-94 blowout loss at home Thursday to the Indiana Pacers.
The setback ended a two-game winning streak for Brooklyn, its first since early March. E.J. Liddell led the way with 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, and Ben Saraf added 19 points.
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The Nets played with just a seven-man rotation, with five players playing at least 37 minutes. Thursday also marked the NBA-leading 26th game Brooklyn has scored under 100 points this season. The Bucks are second in the NBA with 16 games of less than 100 points.
“The effort and the purpose was there, we took the right shots, they just didn’t go in. I was happy with the shots that I saw,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said.
On the injury front, Milwaukee’s report outside of Antetokounmpo is still lengthy with Kevin Porter Jr. (knee surgery) out for the season and Bobby Portis (wrist), Myles Turner (ankle) and Kyle Kuzma (Achilles) each listed as out.
Brooklyn was without Nic Claxton (illness), Noah Clowney (ankle), Egor Demin (plantar fascia), Terance Mann (patella tendinosis), Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring), among a list of 10 players.
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The Nets have the chance to win the four-game season series over Milwaukee for the second consecutive season with a victory as they lead 2-1.
The Nets won a tight one over Milwaukee 96-90 on Tuesday in Brooklyn, led by 21 points from E.J. Liddell and 19 from Ben Saraf. AJ Green led Milwaukee with 20 points while Taurean Prince added 16 with 11 rebounds.
The two spoke about it after the poolside pictures went viral. They both denied anything nefarious happening. And now, we haven’t really heard a peep from anyone of importance since.
Until, of course, 97.5 the Fanatic in Philadelphia had Adam Schefter on their show Wednesday, and absolutely GRILLED ESPN’s top insider about the whole thing.
Broadcaster Adam Schefter of ESPN’s Monday Night Football Countdown is seen on the sideline prior to the NFL International Series game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 21, 2022.(Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
And I mean grilled. Poor Schefty. Or, I guess, not poor Schefty? I don’t know. He chose to go on the show, so I assume he knew what was coming.
Still, this is 10 straight minutes of absolute peppering, and 10 minutes of hemming and hawing from Schefter.
Take a look!
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Adam Schefter did his best, but the Big Js are taking on water
Thoughts? First impressions?
I don’t know. I think it’s fine, if we’re being honest. Again, what do we expect Adam Schefter to say here? At least he said … something? The Big Js are being real quiet on this one. Too quiet. They never shut up, and now all of a sudden nobody is really talking about it in the media? Seems fishy to me.
Now, Schefter didn’t really give us anything of substance. Like, at all.
“I didn’t report it. I saw it like everybody else did. And uh, I guess my thought would be, I don’t know what’s right. I don’t know what’s wrong. Uh, I feel bad for the families involved. It’s unfortunate, you know? Um, I know both individuals.
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“Um, and yeah, I guess my first thought would be they went to the families of the people involved and, you know, I just wish everybody the best and hope everything works out with everybody.”
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on the field before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Moving stuff, Adam. Poetic. Quite the wordsmith!
Again, I’m not sure what I’d say here, either. Russini isn’t an ESPN employee, so Adam certainly had runway to talk about this, and he sort of clammed up and kicked the can down the road every time these guys asked him about it.
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Obviously, Russini used to work at ESPN, so she and Schefter go way back. He probably doesn’t want to break some sort of Big J code by dragging her, which I understand.
But, let me just remind everyone here, that the Big Js LOVE to act holier-than-thou … when it’s convenient for them. They have no problem speaking up when they have the chance to virtue-signal about something, as long as it fits their narrative.
Remember the Liam Coen press conference incident back in January after the Jags got bounced from the playoffs? The sweet old lady reporter from some small Duval newspaper with a circulation of 10 told Liam Cohen how great he was after the season, and all the Big Js FREAKED out.
They acted like she had just committed murder. They wanted her banished from the beat FOREVER.
Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026.(Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
And now, three months later, when a fellow Big J is caught taking a swim with an NFL head coach at a romantic resort, they’re all quiet?
OK. Sure thing!
PS: the tampering question in this interview was among the dumber questions in the history of time. I’m with Schefter on that one. Unfathomably stupid question.
WNBA free agency is underway, and Friday provided our first big surprise: Nneka Ogwumike is leaving the Seattle Storm to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, according to ESPN. The Sparks selected Ogwumike No. 1 overall in the 2012 WNBA Draft, and in 2016, she was named the MVP while helping the Sparks win the title. Now, after a short sojourn in Seattle, she has decided to return to Los Angeles to team up with Kelsey Plum. The Sparks have not made the playoffs since 2020, which is the longest drought in the league. Ogwumike’s return will give them a real chance to get back to the postseason.
What will be the busiest and most expensive free agency period in league history began on Monday (April 6), when teams were first allowed to hand out qualifying offers and core designations.
On Thursday, the Aces retained another key piece of their core as they were finalizing a one-year deal to bring back Jackie Young, per ESPN. Additionally, ESPN reported that Alyssa Thomas will return to the Phoenix Mercury and Brionna Jones will return to the Atlanta Dream.
Here’s a look at the free agency schedule:
WNBA free agency key dates
April 6-7: Teams can make qualifying offers and “core” player designations
April 8-10: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents, but no deals can be signed
April 11: Players can officially sign contracts and offer sheets
With a new CBA agreed to by players and the league, this is the biggest free agency class in league history. Aside from Kalani Brown and Lexie Brown, every single player not on a rookie scale contract is a free agent, including Wilson, Collier and Stewart. This will also be the richest free agency class in history. Thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement, the minimum salary in 2026 will be more than $100,000 higher than the supermax in 2025.
The supermax in 2026 is set at $1.4 million, and players like Wilson, Collier and Stewart are expected to sign it and stay with their incumbent teams.
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2026 WNBA salaries
2025
$66,079
$120,000
$249,244
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2026
$270K — $300K (based on years of service)
$583,000
$1.4 million
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There will inevitably be some movement and some surprises, however. And we’ll be keeping track of the most notable moves right here during 2026 WNBA free agency. Below is our free-agent tracker for the top 50 players in the class.
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
With the 2026 NFL draft now less than three weeks away, there will soon be an influx of new talent in Minnesota following this year’s Vikings draft. It will be a dream come true for the rookies entering the league, but after this year’s draft is finished, some current players will be looking over their shoulders.
Six Vikings Feeling Immediate Heat From Incoming Draft Class
When the time comes to cut down to a final 53-man roster in August, it would be a surprise if any drafted rookie didn’t make it, assuming they are healthy. That leaves those on the edge of the roster in jeopardy, as players are drafted at their position. There are several players currently on the Vikings roster that aren’t expected to be there come the start of the season, barring a phenomenal preseason performance.
However, there is a group of players who would be penciled in on the 53-man roster right now, but could be out come January, especially if this year’s Vikings draft sees rookies drafted at their position. There are six that should be watched carefully during the draft.
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Michael Jurgens — Center
The Vikings have confirmed that Blake Brandel is moving to center and looks set to be the starter as it stands. I’ve gone on record with my doubts about that and suggested drafting a center early is required to make that plan more viable. If Minnesota drafts a center on Day 2 it pushes Jurgens down to third choice, however, he has the versatility to play guard.
Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Michael Jurgens (65) anchored the line of scrimmage on Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during second-quarter action of the preseason matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie center showcased his poise and technique in live reps as Minnesota’s offensive unit continued to evaluate depth and cohesion ahead of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Vikings look very weak at guard outside the two starters, which could give Jurgens a way to stay on the roster, but the Vikings probably need to look to strengthen the offensive line on Day 3. Jurgens has been in Minnesota for two years now and got the opportunity to start a couple of games last season. We didn’t see anything to suggest he was about to break through.
Joe Huber — Guard
As stated above, the depth at guard in Minnesota is weak and desperately needs attention. Joe Huber got limited playing time during last season’s OL injury crisis, and last year’s undrafted rookie struggled.
He may show development during his second preseason, but the Vikings absolutely need to bring in some depth and competition at this position. Huber should only be on the final roster if he’s earned it; right now, he’s getting on there by default.
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Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew — Tight End
TJ Hockenson will remain the Vikings’ TE1 this year, but his reworked deal sees him as a free agent at the end of the season. Josh Oliver is a good TE with excellent blocking ability, but not the dynamic passing TE that Kevin O’Connell’s offense needs.
Rather than waiting until next year, the Vikings could look to draft that player a year early if the board falls the right way during the draft, giving them a Kenyon Sadiq or Eli Stowers.
If that did happen, it would leave at least one of Ben Yurosek or Gavin Bartholomew facing the chop. Both entered the league last year, Bartholomew as a sixth-round pick and Yurosek undrafted. Bartholomew lost his rookie season to injury, allowing Yurosek to jump ahead of him.
Whether it is for a final spot on the roster or to determine who is TE3, this could be an interesting training camp battle.
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Dwight McGlothern — Cornerback
Another of the many undrafted players who have gotten onto the Vikings roster in recent seasons. There was a lot of hope surrounding Dwignt McGlothern, but despite cornerback not being a strong position for the Vikings, he has seen minimal playing time.
McGlothern doesn’t play much special teams either, often finding himself inactive on game day. With the signing of James Pierre in free agency, if the Vikings look to add at CB in the draft, McGlothern’s days could be numbered.
Theo Jackson — Safety
Theo Jackson has done a solid job as a good depth player in Minnesota over the last four seasons. 2023 fourth-round draft pick Jay Ward has developed to a point that he should be ahead of Jackson now. While the future of Harrison Smith still seems uncertain, safety is the favored position for the Vikings to select in the first round of this year’s draft, according to most draft analysts.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Whether that is the case or not, I would expect a safety to be drafted at some point. With Tavierre Thomas re-signing as a special teams specialist, it would leave Jackson on the edge of the roster bubble.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.
The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.
While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.
However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.
“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.
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“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”
The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.
Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.
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“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”
With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.
“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.
“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”
Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss and elected to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Rajasthan Royals made a change to their XI with Brijesh Sharma coming in for Tushar Deshpande, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru bolstered their pace attack by bringing back Josh Hazlewood in place of Jacob Duffy, adding experience and control to their bowling lineup. Riyan Parag said the pitch was expected to be dry, but rain could leave early moisture, while stressing that his side has been clinical and focused on playing strategic cricket as planned before the tournament. Parag also noted he is content having less to do personally as long as the openers continue their strong form at the top.
“We are going to be bowling first. It was supposed to be a dry wicket, but it has been raining, and there will be some moisture on this pitch. We would like to extract the most from the pitch,” said RR captain Parag.
Rajat Patidar said the strong crowd support is making it feel like a home game for his side, while confirming that Duffy has missed out with Josh Hazlewood coming into the lineup, describing him as an experienced addition. However, just as he spoke, rain returned to interrupt proceedings, halting momentum after it seemed the weather had cleared.
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“This is the first away game. Thanks to everyone. You are making us feel that it is a home crowd. We all love you. Unfortunately, Duffy misses out on this game. Josh Hazlewood is in the team in place of Duffy. Duffy also bowled brilliantly in the last two games. We know Josh is an experienced player. His presence will definitely put us in a good frame of mind,” said RCB captain Patidar.
Real Madrid are reportedly considering France head coach Didier Deschamps as their potential head coach option this summer. Los Blancos could consider changing the leadership if Alvaro Arbeloa fails to lead them to any significant titles in this campaign.
Arbeloa took over the helm after former boss Xabi Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid mid-season in January. However, his stint has been a mixed bag so far. Los Blancos bowed out of the Copa del Rey and are seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga table. As such, Arbeloa’s future at the club may depend on how the Spanish giants end the season. They still have a fair chance of winning the Champions League and could make a comeback in LaLiga, but winning neither could spell trouble for the current coach.
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According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins (h/t One Football), Real Madrid are considering France head coach Didier Deschamps as a potential option to replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer. Deschamps is set to leave the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be available.
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The report states that Los Blancos are specifically impressed by Deschamps due to three factors. The Frenchman has an exceptional record of winning with Les Blues, having led them to two consecutive World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, and winning the first time. He also boasts a stellar record with clubs like AS Monaco, Marseille, and Juventus.
Secondly, Didier Deschamps’ closeness to Kylian Mbappe is reportedly another factor behind considering his candidature. Mbappe will remain an integral part of Real Madrid’s plans, and Deschamps’ close relationship with him could help the side. Finally, Deschamps is well-experienced in handling big dressing rooms, which is essential for the Spanish giants.
The final decision could depend on how Arbeloa handles things for the rest of the season, with both the Champions League and LaLiga at stake.
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane set to take over the France national team as head coach after Deschamps’ departure: Reports
Zidane – Source: Getty
Reports from French outlet Le Parisien last month suggest that Real Madrid legend and former coach Zinedine Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps as the France head coach after the World Cup. He has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to take over the helm.
In an interview with Le Figaro, FFF President Phillipe Diallo mentioned that they’ve already finalized Deschamps’ replacement, although he did not mention Zidane.
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“Yes, I know his name. We need a profile that ticks many boxes and that can also garner the support of the French people, since this French national football team is the team of the French,” he said.
Zinedine Zidane has been away from management since working with Real Madrid in the 2020-21 season, which marked his second managerial stint with the club. The midfield legend boasts a stellar record with Los Blancos both as a player and as a coach, having led them to three consecutive Champions League titles in his first stint.
;)
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