Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca and one of their former greats is excited to see the Italian given the opportunity
Ilkay Gundogan is delighted to see the ‘incredible’ Enzo Maresca taking over from Pep Guardiola as the next Manchester City manager. Former City assistant Maresca has agreed a three-year deal to succeed one of the greatest coaches of all time and will be tasked with continuing a golden era of success for the club.
That would be a daunting task for anybody, but it is one that Maresca has been willing to take on. And from his time working as a No.2 to Guardiola during the 2022/23 season when City won the Treble, the Italian left a big impression on players.
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Gundogan was captain that season, and across eight years at the club over two spells became one of the most reliable players for Guardiola. The two saw football in the same way and Gundogan could be trusted to know what his manager wanted in games and transfer that message to teammates.
That connection also drove the midfielder’s passion for coaching, and he is open to a return to City in the future after he has finished his playing career. In the meantime, while Guardiola has warned against anybody trying to copy and paste his methods, Gundogan has seen a lot from Maresca already to believe that the pair have enough similarities for City and their fans to be excited about the new appointment.
“As a coach I think he has amazing qualities,” he said. “Maybe they are now obviously different than he was when he was an assistant – this is something I can’t really judge – but you know that he’s smart and he knows exactly what he does. As a human being he’s unbelievable, honestly.
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“In this football world I have not met many other people like him to be honest. I think he will be incredible and, similar to Pep, he has the intelligence to do the right decisions and to do the right tactical things. But then also the human side, to get everyone on board. I’m sure that probably 99% of the people inside the club will also be very happy.”
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams.
The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut.
Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday.
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“We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said.
Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.”
Campbell signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts).
Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) celebrates with tight end Trey McBride (85) after running for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Have you heard the one about Kyler Murray? The guy loves video games so much that it interferes with his daytime job, playing in the NFL as a starting quarterback? If you’ve ever found merit in that rumor, Murray’s former teammate, Trey McBride, has a message for you.
McBride spoke with Bussin’ with the Boys this week and laid the video game talker to rest. It isn’t true.
McBride Gives Vikings Fans a Cleaner Read on Murray
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after McBride caught a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 28, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, giving Arizona a second-half scoring moment during a late-season NFC West matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
McBride: Murray Never Said a Single Word about Video Games
McBride played alongside Murray for four years — so the same amount that Justin Jefferson played with Kirk Cousins — enough to know about his habits.
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Bussin’ with the Boys asked McBride about Murray’s alleged ardor for Call of Duty, and he replied, “It was never really a thing. He never talked about playing video games, but every single week he was in the media…he never talked about gaming or anything. I think they were just finding any stat to get on him.”
McBride added about Murray’s on-the-field tools, “Kyler’s not the tallest guy. He’s a baseball guy, so he throws from every different arm angle. He’s scrambling around so he’s a very different quarterback than I’ve played with. It was cool, we had a lot of success together.”
An Internet Rumor with a Life of Its Own
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Somewhere along the line, approximately five to six years ago, NFL fans collectively decided that Murray loved video games and that hobby prevented him from reaching his full potential. It was almost like the Mandela Effect. It showed up online, and folks decided to remember it without fact-checking.
People even constructed Reddit threads to study Murray’s efficiency around video game release dates, unreal behavior for folks with too much time on their hands.
Zone Coverage‘s Tom Schreier noted earlier in the offseason, “Four years ago, a Reddit poster discovered that Kyler Murray played worse in games that coincided with Call of Duty ‘double experience’ weekends. In Call of Duty’s multiplayer mode, players compete online to rack up the most “kills” in the military shooter. On certain weekends, players get double the experience points, which lets them improve their weapons and gives them an edge over the competition.:
“Many athletes play video games. They’re a healthy way to relax after a tough game or hard practice. Professional athletes are naturally competitive and want to dominate a popular game that anyone with a console and internet connection can play.”
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Then, when the Cardinals extended Murray’s contract four years ago, they initially built in the infamous “study hall clause,” and those tracking Murray’s video game enjoyment lost their minds while feeling vindicated.
Since then, the joke/theory just stuck: Murray prefers video games to real life.
… and Who Cares about Video Games Anyway?
Listen, the Vikings have a wide receiver named Jordan Addison who has been arrested three times since joining the franchise. If video games were his problem, fans would rejoice because it would imply his worst deed is playing too many.
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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) lines up against the Chicago Bears during regular-season action at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Nov. 3, 2024, as the young pass catcher continued emerging as one of Kyler Murray’s most trusted targets inside Arizona’s evolving offense and weekly passing-game structure. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
There are worse problems to have than Murray playing video games — if that narrative is quasi-true in the first place. If Murray likes to play them, and he just so happens to throw for 3,900+ passing yards, post 30 total touchdowns, and bank 600+ rushing yards every 17 starts — those are his career numbers — let him have his hobby. Mind ‘ya business.
A Chance to Be the Vikings’ Long-Term QB
If Murray performs at his usual level, the situation in Minnesota simplifies quickly: the Vikings would undoubtedly retain him next offseason. Having already let Sam Darnold depart once, they won’t make the same mistake with a quarterback who effectively ran Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
This presents an ideal scenario for Murray. He could leverage 2026 as a stepping stone to a long-term future with the Vikings, securing a significant extension and the QB1 position well into his thirties. With Minnesota’s infrastructure and Murray’s track record, this is his prime opportunity to transform a fresh start into a permanent role.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrate after running back James Conner scored a first-quarter touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 17, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, showcasing another early connection point in Arizona’s offense under Murray’s direction. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Conversely, if Murray underperforms, the Vikings can thank him for his one year of service and move on in 2027. He would then enter free agency as a recognizable quarterback but with more questions than answers. A team like the New York Jets might be a fit, but it would require Murray to rebuild his reputation elsewhere.
Thus, this season is pivotal. Murray could either establish himself as Minnesota’s long-term signal-caller or embark on the next phase of his career as a high-profile journeyman. The stakes are skyhigh.
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All he has to do is ball out. If he happens to play video games along the way, all the power to him. Who cares? McBride says the narrative isn’t even true.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell against the Las Vegas Raiders during “Monday Night Football” at Allegiant Stadium.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
The male was then detained by police before officers found the “unresponsive elderly female” inside the home, prompting homicide investigators to report to the scene.
Ciarre Campbell now faces two counts of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit a felony, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Calais Campbell’s family released a statement to the NFL Network.
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Calais Campbell poses for a photo after winning the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award during NFL Honors at the Symphony Hall on Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona.(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell. While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement said. “We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honor her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family.”
Calais Campbell is getting ready to play in his 19th NFL season after signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He has spent 10 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals in two different stints and had stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and also the Ravens.
Calais Campbell talks to the media after Baltimore Ravens Mandatory Minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center on June 9, 2026, in Owings Mills, Maryland.(G Fiume/Getty Images)
Felix Auger-Aliassime celebrated Canada Day with a victory.
The Montreal native won his second-round Wimbledon match 7-6 (2), 6-3, 7-5 over Croatia’s Dino Prizmic on Wednesday.
Auger-Aliassime, seeded third, has yet to drop a set through two matches at the All England Club.
He will next face U.S. qualifier Michael Zheng, who upset England’s Cam Norrie in Round 1.
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Auger-Aliassime fired 15 aces to beat Prizmic against just three for the Croatian, winning 86 per cent of points on his first serve. He also converted on two of four break-point opportunities without giving up a break himself.
Just one other Canadian remains alive in the singles draws with Gabriel Diallo set to face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in a second-round match on Thursday.
Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski will open play with Brazilian partner Luisa Stefani as the No. 2 seed in women’s doubles on Thursday.
Stevenson has won all 25 of his fights to date, claiming world honours at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, and super lightweight since making his debut back in April 2017.
His last triumph came against Lopez himself, earning a one-sided unanimous decision victory at Madison Square Garden in New York back in January to win the WBO title at 140lbs.
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While Lopez was unable to get the better of Stevenson, he has now named the man who he feels has what it takes to end that unbeaten record.
In a feature with Daily Mail Sport, Lopez was discussing several possible match-ups in the welterweight division, where he was asked to predict who would win in a battle between Stevenson and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney.
“I think Devin Haney.”
Haney previously reigned as undisputed lightweight champion before then holding the WBC super-lightweight title, and he became a three-division world champion in November when he earned the WBO welterweight strap with a dominant points win over Brian Norman Jr.
Stevenson and Haney have been linked to a fight with one another for several months, but one sticking point appears to be the 144lb catchweight offer that has been bandied about the two camps.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field before kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium, on Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Flores prepared his defense for a pivotal NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers, continuing to shape one of the league’s most aggressive and disciplined units. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Getty Images.
If you believe Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is one of the top defensive coaches in football, you are not alone. NFL writer Daniel Rios ranked all playcallers on defense this week, and unsurprisingly, Flores got his flowers.
Rankings for defensive coaches are rare, but this go-around, Flores checked in at No. 4.
Vikings Defense Keeps Its Loudest Advantage
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores addresses reporters at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on Oct. 16, 2024, discussing defensive adjustments, accountability, and the continued growth of Minnesota’s scheme as the Vikings navigated the middle portion of their regular-season schedule under Kevin O’Connell’s staff with postseason goals still clearly in view. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Flores grabbed No. 4 on Rios’s list, and he explained the placement: “Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has completely transformed the team’s defensive identity since arriving. His aggressive approach forces offenses to play on his terms, using pressure packages and constantly changing looks to keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.”
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“Few coordinators disguise pressure as effectively as Flores. His defenses often show six or seven potential rushers before dropping multiple defenders into coverage, creating hesitation and forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions.”
Flores basically has a 100% approval rating among fans.
“Flores deserves credit for maximizing his personnel. Minnesota doesn’t always feature the league’s most talented defense, but its scheme consistently elevates players by putting them in a position to succeed,” Rios continued.
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“The aggressiveness occasionally leaves his defenders vulnerable to explosive plays, but the overall results speak for themselves. Week after week, Flores creates game plans that completely alter how opposing offenses operate, cementing himself among the league’s elite playcallers.”
Deservedly So
The ranking won’t get any shade from any reasonable people, and if anything, it could be too low.
Since Flores took over the Vikings’ defense, it has fundamentally changed for the better. Here’s the money stat to know:
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Vikings Defense, per EPA/Play, NFL Ranking:
The 3 Years before Brian Flores: 20th The 3 Years with Brian Flores: 2nd
Only the Cleveland Browns have a better defense since 2023, mainly because former Brown Myles Garrett is such a tyrant. Minnesota’s 2022 campaign was undone by a strangely poor defense, marshaled by Ed Donatell, but it put its foot down during the 2023 offseason and onboarded Flores. Since then, defense has become the team’s calling card, a sweet perk for a team with an offense-first head coach in Kevin O’Connell.
He’ll Have an Offense Next to Him in 2026
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Suddenly, the Vikings can be a serious team again. The offense might be back. In 2025, Minnesota finished with a 9-8 record despite showcasing the NFL’s fifth-least-efficient quarterback play, courtesy of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski signed Kyler Murray in March for $1.3 million, and he has the chance and the physical tools to unlock an offense that floundered last season and prevented a playoff berth. The Vikings were also a win away from taking the NFC North. That’s in play again with Murray in the house.
New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores stands on the sideline against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sep. 11, 2016, as New England’s defense worked through a narrow road matchup that ended with the Patriots defeating Arizona 23-21 under prime-time conditions in the 2016 opener. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Minnesota will also showcase these weapons, an upgrade from last year due to the Jennings free-agent addition:
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Jauan Jennings
T.J. Hockenson
Aaron Jones
Jordan Mason
Demond Claiborne
That revised group of playmakers could feast in 2026 if Murray lives up to his first overall draft stock in 2019. Flores’s defense won’t be asked to do it all — like last year.
Who’s the Best?
The league’s best defensive mind? Rios capitalized on Seattle Seahawks’ skipper Mike Macdonald’s Super Bowl triumph, naming him the top dog.
He wrote, “It’s hard not to have Mike Macdonald in the top spot after what he did last season with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s quickly become the NFL’s premier defensive playcaller after leading dominant defenses in Baltimore and Seattle.”
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“He’s established himself as the coach every franchise hopes to find when building a championship defense. Macdonald’s greatest strength is unpredictability. His defense rarely shows quarterbacks the same picture before and after the snap, using disguised coverages, simulated pressures and changing personnel groupings to create confusion. Unlike aggressive coordinators, Macdonald generates pressure without relying on a ton of blitzes.”
Former Vikings Sam Darnold received much of the credit for the Seahawks’ unforeseen Super Bowl sprint, but the defense really did most of the heavy lifting.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline during NFC wild card action at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13, 2025, studying coverages, personnel groupings, and situational tendencies while managing defensive calls in a high-pressure postseason road environment against the Los Angeles Rams that night. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Rios added, “He uses creative fronts and pressure packages to create one-on-one opportunities for pass rushers while keeping seven defenders available in coverage. What may be even more impressive is his adaptability.”
“Whether facing a run-heavy offense or an elite passing attack, Macdonald consistently adjusts his scheme to eliminate the opponent’s biggest strength. Combined with elite player development and good in-game adjustments, he enters the 2026 season as the NFL’s best defensive playcaller.”
Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve Spagnuolo from the Kansas City Chiefs checked in at No. 2 and 3, respectively.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates her victory against McCartney Kessler of the United States in their second round women’s singles match, at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
LONDON–World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough second set against American McCartney Kessler to reach the Wimbledon third round on Wednesday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has reached 14 successive major quarter-finals, won 6-1, 7-6 (11/9) on Court One to secure a last-32 meeting with former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.
“That was a true battle and I’m super happy that I was able to stay in that second set to get into that tie-break,” said Sabalenka.
“She really tested me and I’m super happy to pass the test.”
Sabalenka has never won Wimbledon, losing in the semi-finals on each of her past three visits.
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Kessler missed two set points when serving for the second set at 5-3 ahead, before Sabalenka fought back and took a tie-break, in which her 57th-ranked opponent saw another two set points come and go.
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With the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles now in his possession, it appears that ‘Boots’ will either look to go in search of the other belts at 154lbs, or turn his attention to a long-awaited showdown with fellow unbeaten star Vergil Ortiz.
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Ortiz is promoted by De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, but there have been legal issues in recent months that contributed to the clash between ‘Boots’ and Ortiz never coming to fruition.
It has been reported recently that those issues could be on the brink of getting resolved, with Ortiz said to be nearing a return to the ring.
With that in mind, De La Hoya has posted on social media praising Ennis for the performance against Zayas, before stating his desire to make ‘the biggest fight in boxing’ against Ortiz.
“Boots Ennis, what a great fight, you are a machine. Zayas a little inexperienced, but you will be back, you’re a great fighter. Let’s make the biggest fight in boxing today. Vergil Ortiz, Boots Ennis, let’s go.”
Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has vowed to deliver an improved performance for the club in the 2026-27 season following his FIFA World Cup snub. The England international was overlooked for the Three Lions squad to the Mundial after failing to impress for much of the campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer posted a video of himself in training ahead of the commencement of pre-season, and he got a comment from a fan, hoping to see him back to his best. The midfielder responded with his usual assuredness, promising the fan that he will be back to his best for the new season.
Thanks for the submission!
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“@dutchieroberts we will be there”, he commented.
Cole Palmer failed to make Thomas Tuchel‘s FIFA World Cup squad after an injury-hit below par campaign for Chelsea. The 24-year-old managed ten goals in 26 league appearances, with his tenth and final goal coming on the final day of the season. The Blues finished a disappointing tenth in the league following a collapse in the second half of the campaign.
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Palmer delivered moments of brilliance, such as when he scored a hat-trick against Wolves in February, but he failed to perform consistently. Tuchel’s snub has enabled the talented midfielder to get a rare summer off for the first time in four years.
Cole Palmer promises a fresh start under Xabi Alonso and with his injury problems firmly behind him. The number ten for Chelsea helped the club to win two titles in the 2024-25 season, and will look to reach those levels in the new campaign, once more.
Chelsea set date for pre-season resumption for non-FIFA World Cup players
Chelsea have announced the date for their players to resume pre-season training ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Blues are set to launch a new era under the management of Xabi Alonso, who joined as a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after just 104 days in charge.
The Blues will have their players back on Thursday, July 9, for the commencement of pre-season under Alonso. This does not include their players who are at the FIFA World Cup with their various teams, as well as those who have been eliminated from the competition.
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Chelsea have a light FIFA World Cup contingent, with the likes of Jorrel Hato and Moises Caicedo already eliminated and Reece James injured. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson are all expected back a bit later following the tournament.
Alonso will enjoy the benefit of working with most of the squad from the start of pre-season, an opportunity that they were not afforded last summer. The players will proceed on a tour of Asia after a period of training in the club’s own training ground.
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