Football

India's preparations for their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification match against Kuwait on June 6 are in full swing, with head coach Igor Stimac expressing optimism about the team's progress.In a video posted on social media, Stimac highlighted the positive atmosphere within the training camp, where senior players are mentoring younger teammates. "Players are responding well," he said. "The senior players are making first-time campers feel comfortable and sharing their experience."India currently occupy second place in Group A with four points, behind Qatar. Their only victory in the campaign came against Kuwait (1-0) in the first round of fixtures. To advance to the next round of qualifiers, India must defeat Kuwait and hope for a favorable result in their final match against Qatar, who have won all four of their qualifiers so far.The match against Kuwait holds immense significance for Indian football, as it will be the last time that legendary striker Sunil Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer, will represent the country. This will undoubtedly provide additional motivation for the squad.Stimac has selected two squads of probables for the training camp, comprising 41 players. After the camp concludes, he will finalize the squad that will travel to Kuwait and Qatar for the crucial matches.India's preparations have been boosted by the return of key players such as Sandesh Jhingan, who missed the previous qualifiers due to injury. The team is determined to put in a strong performance and secure a positive result against Kuwait, which would keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.

Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of an unprecedented treble received a significant boost with the return of talismanic midfielder Florian Wirtz to full fitness ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final against Atalanta.Wirtz, a pivotal figure in Leverkusen's maiden Bundesliga title triumph, has been carefully managed in recent weeks by coach Xabi Alonso, who has prioritized his star player's health for this crucial encounter. Despite playing through a muscle injury, Wirtz has remained influential, scoring a hat-trick off the bench in Leverkusen's 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen that clinched the league title.In the subsequent two league matches, Wirtz provided late equalizers against Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, extending Leverkusen's unbeaten streak. Alonso recognizes Wirtz's exceptional talent, describing him as the club's "only true superstar."At just 21 years old, Wirtz has already amassed 18 goals and 20 assists this season. His performances have drawn comparisons to Ballon d'Or winners, with some German media suggesting he could be a contender this year if Germany performs well at the Euros.Alonso has taken calculated risks with Wirtz despite his injury, bringing him off the bench in the second leg of Leverkusen's Europa League semi-final against Roma. The hosts scored a crucial goal shortly after Wirtz's introduction, extending their unbeaten run to 49 games and breaking a 59-year-old European record."He couldn't run well, he was limping, but he wanted to help the team," Alonso said after the match. "He's still a pretty good player when he's 70 percent fit, but he still needs a bit more time."Wirtz missed the next two league games but returned on Saturday, with Alonso stating that he "feels much better... (and) could play from the start."Leverkusen, who have won only the 1988 Europa League and the 1993 German Cup in their 120-year history, are now on the cusp of an unbeaten treble. They face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday.Atalanta, who lost the Coppa Italia final to Juventus on Wednesday, will be desperate to end their trophy drought. However, they face a Leverkusen side that has shown remarkable resilience and a knack for scoring late goals.Leverkusen have scored 15 goals after the 90-minute mark this season, often snatching victory or a draw from the jaws of defeat. Their relentless ball movement and late surges have proven too much for opponents to handle.In the Europa League knockout rounds, 11 of Leverkusen's 12 goals have come after the 70-minute mark. Alonso remains optimistic about his team's chances, saying after Saturday's win over Augsburg, "With this atmosphere, with this energy, there are reasons to be optimistic -- and to believe."

Atalanta, the unassuming club from Bergamo, stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday. The Italians aim to become the first team to defeat the newly crowned German champions this season and etch their name in European football folklore.Gian Piero Gasperini's side has already tasted heartbreak this season, losing the Coppa Italia final to Juventus. However, they have a chance to end their 61-year trophy drought in Dublin. Atalanta's remarkable journey to the final has seen them overcome Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool, and Marseille, all teams with illustrious histories and larger fan bases.The Bergamo club has defied expectations under Gasperini, reaching the Champions League four times and establishing themselves as a force in Italian football. Their success is built on a strong connection with their local community and a commitment to attacking football.Star forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca have been instrumental in Atalanta's success this season. De Ketelaere, on loan from AC Milan, has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists, while Scamacca has been a constant threat with his physicality and finishing ability.However, Atalanta will be without key midfielder Marten De Roon due to a hamstring injury. Gasperini has expressed his disappointment at De Roon's absence, calling it a "real loss."Despite the setback, Atalanta remains confident in their ability to overcome Leverkusen. They will rely on the brilliance of De Ketelaere and Scamacca, as well as the potential return of defender Sead Kolasinac.Gasperini, who has lost his previous three finals with Atalanta, is determined to make history in Dublin. He believes that qualifying for the Champions League is the best Atalanta can achieve, but he is eager to see his team perform at their best on Wednesday.Atalanta's journey to the Europa League final has been a testament to their resilience and determination. They have overcome adversity and defied expectations to reach the pinnacle of European football. Now, they stand on the brink of history, ready to write a new chapter in the club's illustrious history.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has emphasized the importance of winning the FA Cup to reward the unwavering support of the club's loyal fans. Despite a disappointing Premier League campaign that saw United finish eighth, their worst position since 1990, Ten Hag believes that lifting the FA Cup would provide some solace.United's hopes of European qualification now hinge on their performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend. A victory at Wembley would also have a significant impact on Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford, following a tumultuous season marked by injuries and poor results.The Dutchman acknowledged the unwavering support of United's fans throughout the difficult campaign, despite the team's struggles. "We have the best fans in the world," Ten Hag said. "They have been with us through thick and thin, and we owe it to them to give them a trophy."Ten Hag emphasized the need for improvement in the upcoming season, stating, "We have to perform better. We have to pay back our fans and give them something to cheer about."United's disappointing league campaign saw them suffer 14 defeats and finish with a negative goal difference. However, Ten Hag believes that the team has the potential to bounce back and achieve success."We have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that we can turn things around," Ten Hag said. "We have a talented squad, and we are determined to make our fans proud."

Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea tenure remains uncertain despite a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday that secured European football for the Blues next season. The Argentine manager dined with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly ahead of the match, but Pochettino expressed uncertainty about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea's victory, aided by Moses Caicedo's spectacular goal from the halfway line, ensured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. However, the club's European fate remains in limbo, as an FA Cup final victory for Manchester United over Manchester City could relegate Chelsea from the Europa League to the Conference League.Pochettino had anticipated a meeting with Chelsea executives at the end of the season to assess the campaign, but he admitted on Sunday that he was unsure if it would take place. "I don't know if (the meeting) is going to happen or not," he said. "On Friday night, Todd invited me for dinner. It was a very nice dinner together."Despite the uncertainty, Pochettino expressed some optimism from his dinner with Boehly. "If I invite you alone, and you and me have a dinner, it's not for a bad thing," he said. "If I need to tell you something, I call to go for a coffee, not for a dinner."Chelsea's victory over Bournemouth marked their fifth consecutive league win, a testament to the progress made by a young squad under Pochettino's guidance. Raheem Sterling doubled Chelsea's lead after halftime, and although Bournemouth pulled a goal back through Enes Unal's deflected strike, the Blues held on for the win.Pochettino emphasized the importance of continuity for Chelsea's future. "Always you can improve," he said. "They're going to be much better next season. They're going to have one year experience, tough experience. That's the advantage of being solid and consistent and not too many changes.""If next season we keep 80, 85 percent of the squad, for sure it's a big step forward. It's about having continuity in the ideas, and the knowledge between (the players)."

Pep Guardiola's remarkable reign at Manchester City has reached a crossroads, with the legendary manager expressing uncertainty about his long-term future after securing a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.City's 3-1 victory over West Ham on Sunday marked their sixth top-flight triumph in seven seasons under Guardiola, a feat surpassed only by Sir Alex Ferguson's 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United. The Catalan has transformed City into a dominant force, leading them to an unprecedented domestic treble in 2019 and emulating Manchester United's 1999 treble last year.However, after achieving such sustained success, Guardiola admits it is becoming increasingly difficult to find motivation. "The reality is I'm closer to leaving than to staying," he told Sky Sports. "It's eight years, will be nine."Guardiola's contract expires at the end of next season, and he is unsure whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad. "Right now my feeling is I want to stay next season," he said. "We talked with the club, we have time to talk next season because I have to see the players as well (to see) if they follow me, they follow us, for many reasons. I will stay and during the season we will talk when calm."Guardiola's comments have raised questions about his future plans. He has previously expressed a desire to return to Barcelona, where he enjoyed immense success as a player and manager. However, he has also spoken highly of the Premier League and the challenges it presents.For now, Guardiola is focused on enjoying the moment and celebrating City's latest triumph. "When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you're insane -- no way," he said.But the question remains: how much longer will Pep Guardiola's extraordinary journey at Manchester City continue?

Jurgen Klopp's final match as Liverpool manager was a fitting tribute to a transformative era at Anfield. The 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on a sun-drenched afternoon showcased the connection Klopp has forged with the club and the city.Klopp's pre-match routine was familiar: touching the "This is Anfield" sign, patrolling the field with his hands behind his back, and soaking in the rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone." But this was no ordinary day.Liverpool fans had lined the streets to welcome Klopp and his players, and a paper mosaic of the word "JURGEN" adorned the stand opposite the dugouts. The atmosphere was electric, and Klopp admitted to feeling "completely in game mode."Liverpool responded with a dominant performance, scoring through Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah. Klopp embraced each member of his backroom staff and Wolves manager Gary O'Neil after the final whistle. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was in tears as he hugged Klopp near the center circle.Klopp's legacy at Liverpool is immense. He led the club to seven major trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. He also transformed the team's style of play, making them one of the most feared attacking forces in Europe.Beyond the trophies, Klopp has forged an unbreakable bond with the Liverpool faithful. His passion, charisma, and commitment have endeared him to the city. He has been compared to Bill Shankly, the club's legendary manager from 1959-74.As Klopp departs, Liverpool fans will cherish the memories of his transformative reign. The 2-0 win over Wolves was a fitting farewell, and the club will forever be grateful for the legacy he has left behind.

Inter Milan's Serie A title celebration was dampened by a 1-1 draw against Lazio at the San Siro on Sunday, as the champions prepare to lift the trophy amidst financial uncertainty.Inter's title triumph was sealed weeks ago, but the trophy ceremony will take place against an uneasy backdrop. The club faces a major debt deadline of around 395 million euros ($429 million) to US fund Oaktree, which must be repaid by Tuesday. If Inter fails to meet this obligation, Oaktree could take control of the club, similar to how AC Milan was acquired by Elliott Management in 2016.Inter's sporting CEO Giuseppe Marotta expressed optimism before the match, stating that the club was in a "solid" position. However, a banner in the stands read "Thanks Steven," referring to president Steven Zhang, suggesting that fans have doubts about Suning's future as owners.On the pitch, Inter struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Lazio side. Daichi Kamada gave Lazio the lead in the 32nd minute, and Inter failed to respond until Denzel Dumfries equalized in the 87th minute.The result was inconsequential for Inter's title hopes, but it highlighted the financial challenges facing the club. Inter has won seven trophies, including two Serie A titles, and reached two European finals since Suning acquired the club in 2016. However, the club's future is now uncertain as it grapples with its debt obligations.In other Serie A action, Sassuolo's 11-year stay in the top flight came to an end after a 2-0 defeat to Cagliari. Udinese snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw with Empoli in the 14th minute of stoppage time, securing their Serie A status.

Arsenal's valiant title chase ended in heartbreak on the final day of the Premier League season, as they fell just short of ending their 20-year wait for the championship. Despite a 2-1 victory over Everton, Manchester City's triumph at home against West Ham denied the Gunners the title.Arsenal's season had been a tale of resilience and growth. After a disappointing end to the previous campaign, they began this season with renewed determination. They set the pace for much of the season, showcasing their skill and character in crucial moments.However, a challenging December period, which included defeats to Aston Villa, West Ham, and Fulham, threatened to derail their title hopes. But the Gunners responded with an impressive eight-game winning streak, scoring a remarkable 37 goals.Arsenal's squad depth and firepower were key factors in their success. Declan Rice, a £105 million signing from West Ham, proved to be a midfield powerhouse, while the partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at center-back provided stability. In attack, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka remained influential figures.Despite their valiant efforts, Arsenal ultimately fell short. The pressure of the title race seemed to weigh heavily on them, as they struggled to maintain composure in clutch situations.However, the Gunners can take solace in the progress they have made under Mikel Arteta. They have a young and talented squad, with several key players in their mid-20s. They will believe that their time to lift the Premier League trophy is just around the corner.