Football

AC Milan's star signing Alvaro Morata has been forced to relocate after the mayor of his chosen residence, Corbetta, publicly announced his arrival on social media. The incident has sparked a heated exchange between the footballer and the mayor, highlighting concerns over privacy and the responsible use of social media.Morata, who recently joined AC Milan from Atletico Madrid, had chosen Corbetta as his family's new home. However, his privacy was compromised when Mayor Marco Ballarini posted a welcoming message on Instagram, revealing his arrival to the town's 17,000 residents.The 31-year-old striker expressed his anger on social media, accusing the mayor of violating his privacy and endangering his children's safety. He emphasized that he had hoped for privacy in Corbetta but was now forced to move due to the mayor's actions.The mayor responded with a dismissive "Ciao, ciao" message, accompanied by the badge and colors of Inter Milan, AC Milan's arch-rivals. This further fueled Morata's frustration, who has since been forced to find a new residence.The incident has raised questions about the appropriate use of social media by public officials and the importance of respecting individuals' privacy. Morata's concerns are particularly relevant given his high profile and the potential risks to his family's safety.On the pitch, Morata has made a solid start to his AC Milan career, scoring two goals in four league matches. However, he is yet to secure a starting spot under coach Paulo Fonseca. AC Milan currently sit third in Serie A, level on points with fourth-placed Inter Milan.

Reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have endured a sluggish start to the season, culminating in their first defeat since January. Carlo Ancelotti's side succumbed to a setback at Lille in the Champions League and trail Barcelona by three points in La Liga.Madrid host Villarreal on Saturday, aiming to level points with their Catalan rivals at the summit of the table for the first time this season. Los Blancos commenced the campaign with a draw at Mallorca and have been playing catch-up ever since.Barcelona's seven-match winning streak was halted at Osasuna last weekend. Madrid failed to capitalize fully, drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid. However, they can apply pressure on Barca, who visit Alaves on Sunday, with a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.To achieve that against a formidable Villarreal side, just a point behind Madrid in third, they will need to elevate their performance significantly. Madrid's loss in France marked their first defeat in 37 matches across all competitions."When we lost the derby (against Atletico) last year, it was a fantastic wake-up call, and hopefully, this defeat can also be a fantastic wake-up call," said Ancelotti. "We did everything wrong -- with the ball, transitions, the intensity, we lost the duels... we have to look at things with a cool head and not throw everything away, but we have to improve."Madrid welcomed Kylian Mbappe against Lille after a thigh injury, and the French striker could start against Villarreal. Despite Villarreal's strength, led by Spain international Ayoze Perez, they have conceded in every match this season.Madrid continue to struggle without midfield maestro Toni Kroos, who retired after helping the team to a La Liga and Champions League double. Los Blancos will also field Ukrainian goalkeeper Andre Lunin between the sticks with Thibaut Courtois out injured."We have to analyze and improve in the next game because there is no time -- there are many games, and we have to win," said Lunin after the Lille defeat.Villarreal may be without Perez, who missed Monday's win over Las Palmas with muscular discomfort, and Gerard Moreno is also sidelined. However, striker Thierno Barry is finding form for Marcelino Garcia Toral's side. The French striker scored and got an assist as Villarreal moved up to third with the 3-1 win.Girona and Atletico Madrid also suffered Champions League defeats on Wednesday and both are in action on Sunday, against tricky Basque sides Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad respectively.

Manchester United's struggles continued as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, Erik ten Hag's team conceded three goals and saw Bruno Fernandes sent off for the second consecutive game.United started brightly, with Christian Eriksen setting up Marcus Rashford for the opening goal in the seventh minute. Eriksen was also involved in the second goal, finding Rashford who assisted Rasmus Højlund for a powerful strike.However, Porto responded with two goals in quick succession from Pepê and Samu to level the score before halftime. After the break, Samu scored again to give Porto the lead, but United fought back with a late equalizer from substitute Harry Maguire in the first minute of injury time.Fernandes' red card in the 81st minute for a high boot on Nehuen Perez compounded United's misery. The Portuguese midfielder had also been sent off in a 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.Ten Hag expressed frustration with his team's performance, saying, "We started the game very good, we dominated, we scored two good goals but then we lost control. The middle part was no good and then we finished very good. ... We got the equalizer so it is good for the spirit."The draw leaves United with two draws in the Europa League group stage and without a win in their last four games in all competitions. They will face Omonia Nicosia in their next Europa League match on October 13.

Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), a renowned grassroots football program in India, has taken a significant step forward by partnering with Southampton Football Club (SFC) as its International academy partner. This collaboration aims to enhance India's grassroots coaching system and nurture young football talent.Having operated for over a decade, BBFS has been instrumental in developing players for the national team and various I-League and ISL clubs. However, to further its growth, BBFS recognized the need for specialized expertise and knowledge. The partnership with SFC, known for its exceptional youth development program, will provide BBFS with access to world-class coaching methodologies and resources."As one of India's largest grassroots football programs, BBFS has been a feeder for the national team and various I-League and ISL teams, but we need more expertise and knowledge to grow further," said Bhaichung Bhutia, founder of BBFS. "That's where Southampton FC comes in with one of the most important aspects being coaches' education. That will benefit not just BBFS but Indian football in a big way."The partnership will focus on developing a comprehensive coaching curriculum for BBFS coaches, covering all aspects of player development from the under-6 to under-16 levels. SFC's Performance Plan, which includes tactics, strategy, and curricula, will be shared with BBFS. Additionally, there will be exchange and training programs for both players and coaches in India and England."The tie-up will enable BBFS to get full access to SFC Academy's Performance Plan including tactics, strategy, and curricula from the under-6 to -16 levels," said Andy Martino, SFC Football Development Manager. "There will also be exchange and training programs for both players and coaches both in India and England with players benchmarked at the same level as the trainees back in SFC."Currently, BBFS trains 2000 coaches annually free of cost. With the support of SFC, BBFS aims to increase this number significantly. The partnership's primary objective is to create a steady pipeline of world-class coaches who can nurture young talent and contribute to the overall development of Indian football.

Former Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has expressed his support for defender Anwar Ali, who recently faced a four-month ban for contract violations. Chhetri urged players to avoid controversies and focus on their performance.Ali's ban stemmed from his termination of a contract with Mohun Bagan and subsequent signing with East Bengal. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) deemed his actions unjust and imposed a ban along with a compensation demand of Rs 12.90 crore.Despite the controversy, Chhetri believes Ali is a valuable asset to the national team. "He's one of the assets of the national team. I would want him to stay away from controversies as much as possible," Chhetri said.Chhetri emphasized the importance of avoiding distractions for young players. "All the national team boys, especially the ones who are upcoming and young, I want them to stay away from controversies as much as possible," he said.Chhetri also discussed his retirement from international football in June. He admitted to missing the game but is still adjusting to his new life. "It's not been nice, I miss it," he said.Chhetri expressed confidence in India head coach Manolo Marquez's ability to balance his roles with the national team and FC Goa. "He'll be able to handle it," he said. "He will know exactly what team to pick."Chhetri shared his experiences of fatherhood with fellow athlete Virat Kohli. "We talk a lot about kids, that's a common topic now," he said. However, they have not yet discussed post-retirement plans.Chhetri remains committed to playing in the Indian Super League as long as he can contribute to his club, Bengaluru FC. "As long as I'm enjoying, as long as I'm adding value to the club, I'm here," he said.

Real Madrid's impressive unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Lille in the Champions League. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the team's subpar performance and welcomed the criticism that followed.Ancelotti admitted, "The criticism we've received for today's game is fair and accurate. We must accept it. We played poorly." Jonathan David's penalty just before halftime sealed Lille's well-deserved victory.This defeat marked Real Madrid's first loss in 37 games across all competitions since January and their first in the Champions League since May 2023. Ancelotti, who led the team to victory in last season's final, acknowledged, "This hasn't happened to us much lately. Our opponents outplayed us and deserved to win."Despite having chances towards the end, Ancelotti recognized that a draw would have been undeserved. "We need to learn from this. There are areas we need to improve."Ancelotti dismissed concerns about the potential consequences of the defeat in the new Champions League format, which features 36 teams in a single pool. "The disappointment stems from the team's performance. You can lose games, but the way we played was not acceptable," he said.Real Madrid had previously defeated VfB Stuttgart 3-1 in their opening game but now joins Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid in losing one of their first two matches. The top eight teams after eight games will advance directly to the last 16, while the remaining spots will be determined through play-offs.Jude Bellingham, a Ballon d'Or candidate, had a disappointing performance for Real Madrid. Ancelotti noted, "He's playing in the same position as last season but without the same success. It wasn't a good night. We need to improve."In contrast, Lille coach Bruno Genesio expressed his delight at overseeing one of the club's most significant European victories. "It's a fantastic performance from everyone and a wonderful reward for the club and our fans," Genesio said. "This shows what we're capable of, but we need to build on it."Genesio added, "It demonstrates that we can challenge the best teams in Europe over 90 minutes," acknowledging that Lille's next matches will be away to Atletico and at home to Juventus.

Arne Slot's Liverpool reign has begun with an unprecedented eight wins in nine matches, as the Reds secured a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League. Slot's tactical acumen has seamlessly transitioned from Feyenoord, where he guided the Dutch club to the Champions League knockout stages.Alexis Mac Allister, who has flourished under Slot's more flexible approach, opened the scoring in the first half. The Argentine midfielder's incisive run and clinical finish showcased his newfound freedom. Liverpool's dominance continued, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez threatening to extend the lead.However, Bologna emerged from their slumber and nearly equalized. Riccardo Orsolini's header was blocked, Dan Ndoye's drive struck the woodwork, and Kacper Urbanski forced a fine save from Alisson Becker. Liverpool's defense, led by Trent Alexander-Arnold, was tested but held firm.In the second half, Liverpool regained control and Salah delivered the knockout blow. The Egyptian maestro cut inside from the right flank, effortlessly glided past Juan Miranda, and curled a superb strike into the far corner. Salah's 49th Champions League goal sealed the victory and extended Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season.Slot's understated approach has ensured Liverpool's seamless transition from Jurgen Klopp's successful era. The Dutchman has deftly maintained the team's attacking prowess while instilling a renewed sense of discipline and tactical flexibility.Liverpool's victory against Bologna is a testament to Slot's managerial acumen and the team's unwavering belief in his vision. As the Reds embark on another Champions League campaign, they will be buoyed by the confidence and momentum gained under their new manager.

Atletico Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, their worst performance of the season. The Portuguese side dominated the match from start to finish, leaving Diego Simeone's team shell-shocked and outplayed.Benfica took the lead in the 13th minute through Kerem Aturkoglu, who fired past Jan Oblak after a quick counterattack. Former Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria doubled the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half after Conor Gallagher fouled Vangelis Pavlidis.Alexander Bah headed home the third from a corner in the 75th minute, and Orkun Kokcu completed the rout with another penalty late on after Zeki Amdouni was tripped. Atletico barely troubled Benfica throughout the match, with Oblak and Axel Witsel enduring a tough evening against their former club.Simeone admitted that his team was "not up to it" and displayed an uncharacteristic lack of grit. "This is nothing good and I can't say much more than that -- today we weren't up to it and it was a bad game, the worst game of the season," Oblak said.Atletico's defeat was their joint biggest European defeat, tied with five other occasions they have been beaten by the same margin. It also extended their poor away record in the Champions League, with just one win in their last 10 matches on the road.Benfica, on the other hand, were efficient and clinical in their performance. They took advantage of Atletico's errors and punished them ruthlessly. The victory gives them a second win in two matches in the competition and puts them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.

Antonio Conte's Napoli have surged to the summit of Serie A, but the pragmatic manager remains grounded despite the fans' title aspirations. Napoli's next challenge comes on Friday against Cesc Fabregas' in-form Como.Napoli's resurgence is partly attributed to their absence from European competition, which allows them to focus solely on domestic matters. However, Conte acknowledges both the advantages and disadvantages of this situation."There is an advantage and a disadvantage," Conte said. "The advantage is that you can train the team all week, the disadvantage is that the squad is not as competitive as those that do play in Europe."Despite Napoli's impressive start, Conte emphasizes the need for patience and realism. "Not even three months have passed," he said. "The president is the first to have spoken of a total reconstruction."Conte's cautious approach stems from the recent departures of Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zielinski. "I know there are high expectations for me because I have done important things," he said. "Let's let the fans dream, but I have to keep my feet on the ground."Meanwhile, Fabregas' Como have impressed in their first two Serie A matches, winning both 3-2. Patrick Cutrone has been in fine form, scoring four goals in the campaign. However, Fabregas is concerned about his defense, which has conceded 11 goals."We can't keep conceding two goals in every match," Fabregas said. "We should keep analyzing our mistakes and improve."