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Barcelona have been dealt a major setback ahead of El Clasico after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed their appeal against Hansi Flick’s red card. The German coach will serve a one-match ban following his dismissal against Girona, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu in a much-awaited game of the Spanish league.

Flick suspended after failed appeal

Barcelona’s hopes of having boss Flick on the sidelines for the El Clasico have been dashed after the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee rejected the club’s appeal, according to . The committee confirmed that Flick will serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the 2-1 victory over Girona, ruling that Barca’s evidence was insufficient to overturn the decision.

The German coach was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession from referee Jesus Gil Manzano, first for sarcastically applauding stoppage time and then for gesturing in protest moments later. Barcelona argued that the report “did not correspond to what happened,” but the disciplinary body concluded that “no evidence whatsoever” disproved the referee’s account.

“The request to annul the double caution must be rejected, and the disciplinary consequences arising from the expulsion of Mr. Hans-Dieter Flick must be maintained,” the committee stated. The decision invokes Article 120 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, confirming a one-match suspension with the corresponding fines.

AdvertisementAFPBarca leadership rallies behind Flick

Barca president Joan Laporta strongly defended his manager after the ruling, calling the referee’s handling of the situation “excessive” and “unfair.” Addressing club members during the General Assembly, Laporta said: “We’ve appealed both cards to our coach. The referee overstepped his bounds. I know it’s difficult to get his suspension overturned, but I’ve told the manager we’re with him.”

Laporta also criticised the referee’s history of dismissing prominent players and coaches before major matches, adding: “This man has always sent off all the players who stand out. He has a CV to show for it. We always think nothing will happen… and it always ends up happening.”

Flick felt remorseful about his touchline reaction, which was captured by cameras as he gestured in frustration following his dismissal, and he later also implored to set the right example. Laporta light-heartedly told him: “I told him he looked good while doing the gesture. But they pushed him to the limit with the cards.”

Deco claims referees are harsher with Barcelona

Barcelona sporting director Deco echoed Laporta’s sentiments, insisting that officials often treat the Catalan club with greater severity than others in La Liga. Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Deco said: “The referees against us are always more strict, they go much further to the limit.”

Deco admitted that while the suspension would not serve as an excuse for the upcoming El Clasico, it highlighted a persistent sense of unfair treatment.

“Winning with Barca is always more complicated, but it gives you greater satisfaction. We fought hard against many things. It won’t be an excuse, whatever the result against Madrid.”

Flick’s absence comes at a crucial moment for Balaugrana, who trail Los Blancos by two points at the top of the table. His leadership on the sidelines has been key since his arrival, with the team showing improved discipline, pressing and attacking fluidity under his command.

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AFPBarcelona plan final appeal as Clasico looms

Despite the committee’s ruling, Barca’s legal department reportedly has plans to file a final appeal to the Appeals Committee on Wednesday, leaving little time before Sunday’s showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If the suspension stands, assistant coach Marcus Sorg is expected to take charge from the touchline while Flick watches from the stands. The German tactician’s absence would be both tactical and emotional, particularly against a Real Madrid side that has started the season in strong form.

Barcelona are coming off a resounding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that boosted morale heading into one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The club remains optimistic that their final appeal could yield a reprieve, though precedent suggests the chances are slim.

As the countdown to Clasico continues, the spotlight now shifts from Flick’s suspension to whether Barcelona can overcome adversity and maintain their title push without their coach on the bench, remains to be seen.

Already plotting one January move, Manchester United and INEOS reportedly want to finalise their deal to sign a Premier League rival when the winter window arrives.

Gary Neville: Amorim "not off the hook" after Sunderland win

It was a good weekend for Man United and a much-needed one after defeat against Brentford prior sparked further questions about Ruben Amorim’s immediate performance. It was particularly promising to see summer signing Benjamin Sesko find back-to-back goals to truly get his Old Trafford career going. Alas, for all the positives, Gary Neville was quick to remind Amorim that there’s still work to be done.

The United legend and Sky Sports pundit said on the Gary Neville podcast: “It was a must-win game and I don’t think it lets him off the hook.

“There’s too many defeats, the record’s too poor so I don’t think anybody will be celebrating too much tonight at Manchester United but I think they’ll be relieved that there is a victory which allows a little bit of peace going into the international break.

“Manchester United win the odd game but that’s nowhere near enough. I don’t think anybody would be kidded on by the fact that Manchester United beat Sunderland at home. The fact that it was even in doubt before the game is probably the problem in itself.”

Romano reveals "ruthless" manager Man Utd chiefs are on speaking terms with

The Red Devils enter the international break after a mixed start to the campaign.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 6, 2025

What should help the Red Devils kick on is the introduction of Senne Lammens, who impressed on his debut against Sunderland. Whether it was Altay Bayindir or Andre Onana, Amorim’s had a goalkeeper problem for far too long, but one that could now be solved by his summer signing.

That said, it seems as though those at Old Trafford are still looking to ensure that their shot-stopping department receives further upgrades. Reports are now even suggesting that they’re ready to finalise one move to do exactly that in January.

Man Utd want to finalise Martinez move

According to reports in Spain, Man United now want to finalise their deal to sign Emiliano Martinez at Amorim’s request in the January transfer window. The Aston Villa goalkeeper very nearly became a Man United player in the summer, before they chose Lammens instead. Now, they reportedly want both and the Argentine could finally get his move as a result.

Going from Bayindir and Onana to Lammens and Martinez would represent the ultimate upgrade for Amorim’s side. From struggling to find a reliable No.1, the Portuguese manager would suddenly have a tough decision to make for all the right reasons.

If United do make their move for Martinez, Villa boss Unai Emery will be disappointed to have to face another transfer saga having praised Martinez so highly after he stayed put.

The Spaniard told reporters: “In football, things always happen with players—some leave, some stay, sometimes someone is close to joining, sometimes close to departing.

“For me, that’s normal; I completely understand it. The fact that Martínez is staying with us is fantastic news. I’m very, very happy. For me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. We have the best goalkeeper in the world. His commitment is immense.”

A former Premier League legend has urged Steven Gerrard to ignore an old football cliche after the Liverpool icon re-emerged as the favourite candidate to land the Rangers job. The club's hierarchy are in the market for a new head coach after they parted ways with Russell Martin earlier this month. Martin oversaw a nightmare start for the Gers in the 2025-26 campaign in the Scottish Premiership.

Gerrard pulled out of race to become Rangers boss after advanced talks

Rangers parted ways with Martin just a few months after the former MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton manager took charge at Ibrox. Gers got off to a nightmare start as they managed to register just one win in their first seven league matches. Martin also faced opposition from the fans, who went public with their anger during a Scottish League Cup clash, where they arrived at Ibrox with banners reading, "Russell out – worst manager in history." They also hurled balls onto the pitch, which led to a delay in the start of the game. A week before the international break, Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership. The result proved to be the last straw for the top brass, as the club announced the departure of the manager.

Following Martin's exit, the Gers began their hunt for a new coach and were reportedly in advanced talks with Reds icon Gerrard at one point, but the former England midfielder eventually withdrew his name from the race, although both parties kept the door open for future negotiations, and his name is now back in the headlines as one of the favourites to take the role.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesGerrard told to ignore football cliche

Premier League and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has opened up on the Rangers' situation as he addressed Gerrard pulling out of contention for becoming the Scottish giants' next head coach.

Speaking to , Shearer said: "I don't know Steven's tax situation with him being back in the UK and he can only answer that. There is that 'never go back' saying but if he wants to get back to management, he knows what it's like up there, he's done it and been successful before. He's a huge name in football. I don't think Celtic are that great either. Hearts are top of the SPFL at the moment so that tells you that Celtic aren't a great team either. Steven, or whoever goes into that role may fancy their chances and say it's worth the opportunity and worth going up there to compete. Rangers are miles off it at the minute and it's no surprise that Russell lost his job. The fans were going mad up there and it's not nice to see because of the human behind it and at the end of it. That's what you have to think of but you also know the score when you go into management – if you don't win games, you'll get sacked. The Rangers job will be a brilliant one for whoever takes over."

Was Gerrard afraid of becoming a 'laughing stock'?

Former Scotland star Pat Nevin backed Gerrard's decision to pull out of the running for the coaching role as he felt it would have been difficult for the 45-year-old to manage a team that had made a disastrous start in the new season. 

Speaking to , Nevin said: “Steven Gerrard's the last one that won a title and it stopped Celtic doing the ten titles in a row. So he's literally as good as anyone else and he's certainly got a tune out of that team that season. I feel sorry for the board because when you look elsewhere it's tough. It's really, really tough to get a top manager because when you come into Rangers, it's not just Russell Martin. You're behind the eight ball already. When you walk in, they're so far behind the league just now. The expectation is, if you got second this season, even from so far behind, people will still be a bit grumpy with you. I understand that, they've got high standards. But the amount of managers that have gone in there and come out and been trashed, absolutely trashed. And there's no win for it. Celtic typically have so much more money. Celtic have got a base there. Celtic can go and blow Rangers out of the water with money just now if they want, (but) they're not. They've got plenty in the bank they can use. There's all sorts of stuff that Celtic have got in place. Rangers have got this team that's been built by a whole bunch of different managers. And I go to see Celtic-Rangers games a lot and you think, so who's playing for Rangers now? And that's not what you want.“

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Getty Images SportMan Utd coaches in contention to become new Rangers boss

Ex-Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his former assistant coach at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick, are linked with the Rangers job. Both managers are currently out of work after getting sacked by Besiktas and Middlesbrough, respectively, earlier this year. Rangers are also looking at options like Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, although he may be difficult to prise away from the Suffolk side.

Out-of-form sides look to turn the corner in this series

Danyal Rasool27-May-2025Big pictureLike one of those stifling work dinners there’s no getting out of, this Pakistan-Bangladesh series is to be endured rather than enjoyed. Initially meant to be three ODIs and as many T20Is, it was shortened to five T20I games, before the PSL encroached into its window and lopped off the two games in Faisalabad. Now, Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in three T20Is at the tail end of May and the start of June, midway through a heatwave, as two out-of-form T20 sides look to turn the corner.It’s less than 48 hours ago that the PSL concluded with a spectacular final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where these three games will all take place. Ticket prices have been slashed, and the start time has been pushed back by an extra half-hour to allow the relatively cooler evening conditions time to take hold.Pakistan begin yet another new era, though the frequency of these reboots likely stretches the meaning of that word to breaking point. Mike Hesson has been appointed the white-ball coach. Regarded as one of the game’s canniest thinkers with a stellar resume of leading teams to success behind him, you’d think his arrival represents an exciting new time in Pakistan cricket. A bit like when Gary Kirsten was appointed to the same position 12 months earlier.Related

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Litton Das named Bangladesh T20I captain

Pakistan are coming off a chastening 4-1 series loss to New Zealand in March, but have largely stuck to the same mentality, if not necessarily the personnel, for this tour. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi are all absent. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman return from injury, while Naseem Shah is also back. Meanwhile, performances in the PSL have seen Hasan Ali and Sahibzada Farhan called up to the squad.Bangladesh’s form isn’t much better. Last week, they fell to an ignominious series defeat to the UAE, who came from behind to inflict a 2-1 defeat. Head coach Phil Simmons insisted the mood remained upbeat despite that defeat, but complicating Bangladesh’s task in Pakistan is the absence of several first-choice players.Mustafizur Rahman, Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed are out injured, while Nahid Rana has opted out of the tour. They will, though, have the services of new fast bowling coach Shaun Tait, who previously served in that role with Pakistan.As with the later stages of the PSL, there will be no Hawkeye available during this series. The provider of the technology did not return to Pakistan once the PSL resumed, and the PCB has not deemed it cost-effective to arrange a replacement.Form guidePakistan LLWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLWWWIn the spotlightSaim Ayub is fully fit, but didn’t hit his stride properly during the PSL. Starting off with a trademark half-century for Peshawar Zalmi, he followed it up with six successive single-digit scores as his tournament ended with a whimper. Five months earlier, when he last played T20I cricket before an ankle injury doomed him to a spell on the sidelines, he was in irresistible form; his most recent T20I score is an unbeaten 57-ball 98 against South Africa at Centurion. Pakistan will hope he can pick up where he left that sort of form.Litton Das was named T20I captain recently•BCCIAll eyes will be on Litton Das, who oversaw Bangladesh’s 2-1 defeat against UAE last week. Litton is the newly appointed T20I captain after Najmul Hossain Shanto stood down from the position earlier in the year. Litton got the position on the back of his good leadership in the West Indies in December. However, his batting form remains suspect. He made 65 runs against the UAE, often looking uncertain with his role in the batting order. Litton may have to take the anchor role with the bigger hitters around them, while at the same time managing the bowling attack.Pakistan are coming off a series defeat against New Zealand•Getty ImagesTeam newsA side strain has ruled Mohammad Wasim Jnr out of the series, with Abbas Afridi named his replacement. With this being Hesson’s first squad, there are positions up for grabs in the batting order, while Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf are expected to make up the seam-bowling numbers.Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan/Mohammad Haris (wk) 2 Saim Ayub 3 Fakhar Zaman 4 Hasan Nawaz 5 Salman Ali Agha (capt) 6 Shadab Khan 7 Khushdil Shah 8 Faheem Ashraf 9 Haris Rauf 10 Hasan Ali 11 Abrar AhmedBangladesh have a limited pace attack so they will have to bring in at least two of their spinners into the XI. It might be a choice between vice captain Mahedi Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Jaker Ali (wk), 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz/Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Shoriful IslamPitch and conditionsIt remains hot and dry in Lahore, though an occasional evening breeze does make conditions around match time more bearable. If the PSL is any indicator, the surfaces should be conducive to high scores.Stats and triviaBangladesh have a woeful T20I record against Pakistan, winning 3 and losing 16 matches. They did, however, win the last time these two sides played, though it involved second-string sides at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan are one and two wickets away respectively from becoming the fourth and fifth Bangladeshi bowlers to take 50 T20I wicketsPakistan’s T20I record since the start of 2024 makes for grim reading. Excluding games against Ireland, Canada and Zimbabwe, they have won four of 23 T20Is in this periodQuotes”Taskin and Fizz [Mustafizur] are key bowlers. But the young guys step up in their absence. They have a big opportunity to show their skills. We have a very good balanced side. We believe in our bowlers who are quite capable.”

Juventus have been warned by club legend Alessandro Del Piero that Igor Tudor's sacking will not solve the problems at the club. The former Italy international has explained that the issues inside the club are more complex than what the decision-makers believe and that it is not a coaching problem which has led to their dismal start to the campaign.

What led to Tudor's sacking?

A 1-0 loss to Lazio in Serie A on Sunday saw the Juventus board fire head coach Tudor. The Bianconeri have rarely produced magical moments and seldom showcased dominance in the league. The Serie A campaign kick-started on a bright note, as they defeated Parma, Genoa and heavyweights Inter. However, the game against Cristian Chivu's side was in fact the last fixture that saw them emerge triumphant. Since then, they have been held to five successive draws and three consecutive losses. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportClub legend Del Piero addresses Juventus' issue

After Tudor was relieved of his duties, former player and club legend Del Piero sneaked into the fray. He defended the Croatian and highlighted that coaching was not the root problem. Rather, the club has certain complex issues to address. He said: "I don't think the word confusion is the most appropriate for Igor. I know him well as a player and a boy, I even spoke to him in Madrid: it's not a question of confusion. Juve doesn't have a coaching problem but a more complex one, regarding how the team has come together in this start to the season and the results. The team has shown it is alive, it hasn't played poorly and perhaps the draw was fairer . They also did well in Madrid, the problem was in Como. I don't think this team could win the championship with another coach. It's a broader issue. They still don't have a starting eleven: not because Tudor doesn't want to have them or because he wants to make everyone lively, but because beyond 2-3 players like Yildiz and Thuram, the others have struggled to perform consistently. You can't always blame the coach alone. Looking at the strongest teams in Italy and Europe, more or less all of them have a starting eleven chosen."

Tudor was not concerned about getting sacked

The seven-game winless run ahead of the Lazio game might have created buzz in Italy about Tudor's position under scrutiny. However, the Croatian was never interested in such rumours and pressure. In fact, before the Lazio game, he made some bold comments when questioned about his future. He said: "Honestly, I don’t have this fear, not at all. I enjoy it, even in difficulties. I’m aware of what’s around me. It’s all clear to me. When you see things clearly, you have a strength that you wouldn’t have had in other moments. I think about how to motivate players, make them rest, and find solutions." 

The issue raised by Del Piero was touched upon by Tudor after the Lazio game. He said to the reporters: "I think we prepared for the match in the right way, but we’re still missing something. There’s no need to dramatise the situation, we’re all responsible for this difficult period."

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AFPWho are Juventus considering as Tudor's replacement?

This is the second time that Juventus have changed their head coach before November in a season. The last time it happened was way back in 1969, when the Bianconeri replaced Luis Carniglia with Ercole Rabitti. The Old Lady have fixtures in quick succession. On Wednesday, they will be up against Udinese at home, before taking on Cremonese in an away match on Saturday. However, they would need to finalise a new head coach soon. As per a report in Juventus are aiming to get former Italy national team manager Luciano Spalletti on board. Initial contact has been established between the parties, with the project and financial conditions being discussed. In case the deal doesn't see daylight, Juventus will be expected to turn to Roberto Mancini, who was once looked upon as a favourite to replace Thiago Motta last year. 

Setting their sights on January additions, Celtic are now reportedly set to sign a midfield star who Jurgen Klopp once described as “unbelievable”.

Celtic must solve goalscoring problem

By Celtic’s standards, it’s been a frustrating season so far. The Bhoys sit two points behind shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and have struggled to get going in the Europa League. Whilst they’ve been solid defensively, their frontline has struggled without Nicolas Kuhn and without Daizen Maeda at his very best.

Something must change after the international break if those at Celtic Park want to avoid handing Hearts an even greater advantage in what is proving to be an unexpected title race.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s form at the start of his Celtic career has at least provided Rodgers with one boost, but he still needs Maeda to find his form when the Bhoys return to action this weekend.

Of course, there is also a chance that the Japan international leaves when the January transfer window swings open. He has already attracted reported interest from the Premier League and will have just one year left on his current deal when next summer arrives.

Celtic dud who should be in "bottom end of League One" is on borrowed time

This Celtic attacker is now on borrowed time at Parkhead ahead of the January window.

ByDan Emery Oct 16, 2025

If that does prove to be the case, then Celtic will need to find an instant replacement for another key man. Whether they have the funds to do that in January is the big question, especially amid rumours that they’re already preparing to splash the cash on another upgrade.

Celtic set to sign Bobby Clark

According to The Times, Celtic are now set to sign Bobby Clark from Red Bull Salzburg in a January deal worth as much as £6m. The attacking midfielder is currently on loan at Derby County and is now expected to seal a permanent exit away from Salzburg courtesy of the Bhoys this winter.

At just 20 years old, Clark is still a player full of potential even if things haven’t worked out in Austria. Klopp knew the gem that he had on his hands during his time at Anfield and Rodgers could now get the best out of him when January arrives.

The former Liverpool boss praised both Clark and fellow youngster Stefan Bajcetic in 2023 after opportunities emerged for both, saying: “Obviously, we have a squad where everybody is needed. We are not like 25, 26 [key] players. But on the other side, it opens up opportunities, and I’m really, really happy with the boys Stefan [Bajcetic] and Bobby [Clark].”

“I’m not sure whether they would be that close to the first team already at 17 years old if we would have them all [the whole squad] available, and then now they make real steps. It’s unbelievable, every day in training. So that’s good. But of course, you would prefer to have an extra striker, an extra midfielder.”

Konstas reflects on managing nerves in his early Test outings, learning to stay composed under pressure, and growing within a stacked Australian squad

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2025For Sam Konstas, the biggest challenge in his early taste of Test cricket wasn’t the batting – it was managing the emotion of playing in front of a huge crowd at the MCG last December. At just 19, he is learning to steady his breath, trust his game, and find calm in the chaos of the international stage.”It was my first few Test matches, and the emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas told reporters in Barbados, reflecting on his debut series against India which started with his 60 off 65 balls at the MCG. “But having a bit of time off to reflect and strengthen my game has helped.”Konstas is a confirmed starter for Australia’s first Test against West Indies in Bridgetown, beginning June 25, with selectors announcing he and Josh Inglis will return to the side. Marnus Labuschagne was dropped while Steven Smith was ruled out with a dislocated finger.Related

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Labuschagne dropped, Smith ruled out of first WI Test

This will be his third Test cap after not playing in Sri Lanka, where Travis Head opened in a tactical switch, and narrowly missing out on the XI for the World Test Championship final when Labuschagne was promoted. With a week to prepare for the Barbados Test after landing in the Caribbean, Konstas spoke about his personal diary, which he started at school, becoming a key tool to revisit the basics.”The diary’s been important,” Konstas, who has Test cap No. 468 tattooed on his forearm, said. “Just reflecting on games, going back to my checkpoints, especially when you’re overseas. It helps me get grounded again.”He also credited much of his early learning to the senior players in the Australian squad. “I’m just trying to control my breath and have a good relationship with my batting partner to talk about things and how to go through, especially heated moments, when the game changes,” he said.”I always try to get advice from Uzi [Usman Khawaja], Marnus, Smith, just seeing how they go about things. I’m lucky to be around them, especially at 19. Playing for your country, travelling the world, it really is a dream come true.””For me, I just hope to grab an opportunity because it’s such a strong side. I’m very grateful for that.”It is expected that Konstas, who is favoured to open although the batting order has yet to be confirmed, will have all three Tests against West Indies to try and bed himself into the side ahead of the Ashes later this year after a period where Australia have had a revolving door of openers since David Warner’s retirement.After the first Test in Bridgetown, the series will move to Grenada for the second Test from July 3 and then to Jamaica for the third Test from July 12.

Antonio Rudiger and Real Madrid have mutually agreed to pause contract extension talks until 2026 as the defender recovers from a significant muscle injury, according to reports in Spain. The 32-year-old’s priority is to stay, but he is not short of options, with a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia on the table and his former club Chelsea monitoring the situation.

Rudiger's recovery stalls contract dialogue

Rudiger and Madrid had opened preliminary discussions regarding a contract renewal, but talks are now on pause, according to a report from Spanish outlet .

The 32-year-old's current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season and initial conversations between the club and the player's representatives reportedly began several months ago, with financial figures already on the table and a mutual desire to reach an agreement. However, these negotiations have been mutually postponed following the muscle injury the German international sustained in late September.

The decision to halt negotiations was made by common accord, with both the player and the club feeling it was not the appropriate time to finalise figures while Rudiger focuses on his recovery.

The 81-cap Germany international has been sidelined for months with a hamstring injury that required surgery, and his expected return date is not until mid-December 2025.

The established roadmap, according to , is to resume the dialogue in the early part of 2026. This restart is contingent on Rudiger returning to first-team action and demonstrating that his physical level remains that of an "indisputable pillar" for Carlo Ancelotti's defence.

The club initiated the talks months ago, signalling their intent to keep the former Chelsea man as an important part of their sporting project.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesDefender's stance clear amid external interest

The report adds that Rudiger's desire is unequivocally to continue at Real Madrid. He is said to be happy with the project, his role in the team and his life in the Spanish capital.

This firm stance comes despite the defender not being short of suitors. Significant interest has reportedly emerged from Saudi Arabia, with clubs prepared to present an "economically potent" offer that would surpass the financial terms Madrid can table.

Furthermore, his former club, Chelsea, has reportedly not closed the door on a potential return. The Premier League side, which Rudiger left on a free transfer in 2022, are said to maintain a cordial relationship with his entourage.

Despite these lucrative and familiar options, Rudiger's priority remains clear: to continue wearing the white of Real Madrid.

'I would do it again': Rudiger on playing through pain

Rudiger's current hamstring injury follows a gruelling two-year period where he played almost constantly for club and country. The report notes that the defender previously played through "a lot of pain" with a meniscus issue, highlighting his commitment.

In a recent statement addressing his recovery, Rudiger was clear about his frustration and his focus.

"There’s nothing I hate more than being injured. I’ll be back soon," he said. "I needed this time because the preseason after the Club World Cup was very short. I need a little more time. I’m really looking forward to returning soon. I needed this time to disconnect, both mentally and physically. I’m happy to be back."

Reflecting on his decision to play through previous discomfort, Rudiger was defiant about his mentality.

"What happened was crazy. But I would do it again if necessary," he stated. "I was in pain, but that's just me. I always want to help, and I could still sprint. That's why I said, 'Why not?' I would do it again."

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Bernabeu hierarchy value leadership and mentorship

Madrid's interest in retaining the 32-year-old extends beyond his on-pitch aggression and defensive attributes. The club's technical staff reportedly value him as a "current leader and a reference" for the squad's younger players.

His impact is measured not only in successful tackles but also in his leadership and character. highlights that Rudiger is considered a natural mentor within the dressing room. He has forged a "big brother" relationship with emerging centre-back Dean Huijsen, actively helping the youngster integrate and understand the high demands of playing for Real Madrid.

This off-pitch influence is complemented by his personal stability. Rudiger is described as being in a moment of "personal plenitude." He is reportedly happy in Madrid, residing in La Finca with his family, who are fully adapted to life in the city. He is a popular and respected figure in the dressing room, and the club views this contentment as a significant factor in their desire to secure his continuity.

Without being guilty of stating the obvious, it’s not a great time to be a West Ham United fan at the moment.

The team looked terrible under Graham Potter at the start of the season, and apart from a brief moment against Everton, they’ve not looked much better under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Portuguese coach has a tough job on his hands to get the Hammers out of the relegation zone, and things have only just got more complicated.

It now seems that Lucas Paqueta wants to leave the club, although his departure wouldn’t be ideal, West Ham appear to have a player who could step into his shoes.

Latest on Lucas Paqueta's West Ham future

As if Nuno’s task to keep West Ham in the Premier League wasn’t already challenging enough, it now seems that the incredibly talented Paqueta wants to jump ship in the winter window.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

At least, that is according to a recent report from the Times, which claims that, despite a move to Aston Villa not materialising in the summer, the Brazilian ace is still keen to leave the East Londoners as soon as possible.

It is unclear just how much money it would take for the Irons to sell, but given his desire to leave, underwhelming performances and the fact that there are less than two years left on his £150k-per-week contract, it seems unlikely they’ll make a profit on the £51m they paid Lyon for him in 2022.

However, while losing the Paquetá-born midfielder would be far from ideal, it might not be the nail in the club’s Premier League coffin that many might spin it as.

After all, even though his talent is undeniable, has the 28-year-old star actually been as effective for the club as fans hoped he would be when he first joined?

25/26

10

3

24/25

36

5

23/24

43

15

22/23

41

12

Well, across his 130 appearances for the Irons, the former Lyon ace has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists, which works out to a decent but unspectacular average of a goal involvement every 3.71 games.

Moreover, last season saw him score just five goals in 35 games, of which two were penalties, meaning he averaged a non-penalty goal every 11.66 games, which isn’t good enough for someone meant to be a team’s talismanic number ten.

In short, while the best situation would be one in which Nuno could get the best back out of Paqueta, losing him in the winter might not be as bad as some would have you believe, as he’s barely contributed to the team for over a year now.

Moreover, West Ham already have a creative gem who could potentially prove to be a brilliant replacement in the long run.

West Ham's Paqueta replacement

While there are undoubtedly other ways in which Nuno and West Ham could approach a Paqueta-less side, perhaps the best would be to use Mateus Fernandes.

The former Southampton star joined the club for around £40m in the summer, and while he’s spent more time in central midfield since then, he’s no stranger to playing further up the pitch.

For example, during his time with the Saints, the “exceptional” Portuguese ace, as dubbed by analyst Mattinson, made 21 appearances in attacking midfield.

Moreover, despite playing for a team that were relegated and, for some time, looked in danger of breaking Derby County’s most unwanted record, the 21-year-old still produced six goal involvements in 36 league games.

For comparison’s sake, Paqueta scored just four goals in 34 league games.

Finally, on top of possessing the ability to play “those KDB-type passes,” as Mattinson puts it, the former Southampton ace is also happy to help out all over the pitch, as his underlying numbers show.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for percentage of aerial duels won, the top 5% for tackles and ball recoveries, the top 11% for long passes attempted and completed and the top 14% for passes into the final third, all per 90.

% of Aerials Won

62.5%

Top 2%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.39

Top 3%

Tackles

2.75

Top 5%

Ball Recoveries

5.54

Top 5%

Interceptions

0.87

Top 7%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

26.82

Top 9%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.03

Top 10%

Passes Completed (Long)

3.40

Top 11%

Passes Attempted (Long)

6.06

Top 11%

Dribblers Tackled

1.02

Top 11%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

85.9%

Top 14%

Passes into Final Third

3.03

Top 14%

Shots Blocked

0.25

Top 14%

Total Passing Distance

569.45

Top 15%

Blocks

1.33

Top 15%

Ultimately, in an ideal world, West Ham would keep hold of Paqueta and help him get back to his best this season.

However, if he really is to leave in the winter, then fans should not worry too much, as Fernandes could step in and step up.

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