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Ligue 1 giants Marseille have officially parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso and drafted in Jean-Louis Gasset as their new manager.

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Marseille sack GattusoAppoint Jean-Louis Gasset as replacementMarseille 10th in Ligue 1WHAT HAPPENED?

The French club decided to sack the Italian coach just two days after they went down 1-0 against Brest in Ligue 1. It was their ninth defeat of the 2023-24 season and leaves Marseille down in 10th in the league. In the aftermath of the Brest defeat, a furious Gattuso claimed that the team had hit "rock-bottom". He added in his post-match press conference: "When you hit rock bottom, you have to take responsibility. It's my responsibility. There is nothing else to say. The table? The truth is that we're going to have to start looking behind us. We can no longer speak about Europe. We just need to take the necessary points to be calm in the standings."

The club have also announced the former Italy international's replacement, with former Ivory Coast boss Jean-Louis Gasset taking charge.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT HAS BEEN SAID

The official statement from the club regarding Gattuso's sacking read: "Olympique de Marseille announces the end of its collaboration with Gennaro Gattuso. Olympique de Marseille would like to particularly thank Gennaro and all of his staff for the flawless investment and great professionalism they have shown on a daily basis and wish them good luck for the future."

After being appointed as the new head coach, Gasset told the club's official website: "It is a huge honour for me to join this legendary club that is Olympique de Marseille. I can't wait to start working with this group to prepare for the next deadlines and give the best of ourselves."

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The 70-year-old French coach grabbed the headlines in the recently concluded AFCON as he was sacked midway into the competition by the host nation. The Ivory Coast, who eventually lifted the trophy, failed to make the top two in their group after a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Equatorial Guinea on matchday three, which led to Gasset's departure, but they still qualified for the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MARSEILLE?

Marseille will now shift their focus to European football as they are set to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of their Europa League knockout play-offs tie.

Tottenham seem to be at a crossroads at the moment. They don’t have their new stadium yet, they crashed out of two competitions in a week, and some of their players are being linked away from the club. 

What’s worse is that manager Mauricio Pochettino could well be leaving the club soon, not only due to the interest from rival clubs, but because he may be growing bored of the lack of trophies and progress Tottenham seem to be making.

One man that could bring a completely radical new approach to Tottenham is former Man United boss José Mourinho. Now we are not saying that the Portuguese is going to join Tottenham, or even linked with a move to north London, but it is a possibility that Daniel Levy may need to think about should his current manager leave.

This would be a controversial call, as Mourinho is a very divisive figure, but here are the pros and cons of Mourinho joining Tottenham:

Pros Status

Whether he is popular or not, there is no denying that Mourinho is one of, if not the most well-known manager in the world.

If Tottenham were able to attract the Portuguese to their club, it would send a huge message to the rest of the world. Some fans would even argue that they would suddenly be put in the same conversation as Chelsea, Man United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan- all European Giants that Mourinho has managed.

This would be a very good move for Tottenham’s global appeal.

Track record

Pochettino has made Tottenham into one of the most attractive teams to watch in England, and indeed Europe. He has overseen some very successful performances and seasons as a whole but there is one glaring blemish on his career so far and that is his lack of a trophy. He has made it to semi finals and indeed a League Cup final, but still has nothing.

Mourinho is almost stylistically the opposite of the Argentinian, creating boring and defensive teams to some, but he has undeniably had a lot of success. He could bring a winning mentality that Spurs have perhaps lacked in recent years. 

At every club he has been with, he has got silverware which to many Tottenham fans is all they may want. He could be the missing piece in their puzzle and toughen up a traditionally fragile team.

Cons Man management

For a long time there was no questioning the methods and style of Mourinho as it was hard to criticise a manager that had been successful in every club and country he had managed in.

But he started to turn a few heads with Man United, particularly regarding his man management.

He fell out with a number of players and oversaw a drastic drop in form by many of them. This was surely one of the leading factors in his sacking and he now has a job to prove that he is not a negative effect on others.

On the other hand, Pochettino has a great rapport with all his players and any senior figure at Tottenham will be wary of the Portuguese’s arrival.

Outdated

There were also questions during Mourinho’s spell at Man United whether he was becoming outdated as a manager. As teams like Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham play progressive football, Mourinho’s Man United look like they were from a different era.

Perhaps he is past his sell by date and Tottenham would not want to risk devastating a team that play so positively under Pochettino.

Verdict

Given the way that Mourinho tarnished his reputation at Man United, this is a risk that Levy should avoid. Whether fans agree with Mourinho or Paul Pogba after their ongoing feud, it is an environment that Tottenham just cannot afford to create.

That being said, Tottenham do need to look to a manager like the Portuguese in terms of their winning mentality if the situation does arise when they need a new manager. But this is a potential disaster they should avoid.

Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati is staring at a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering serious injury with Brighton against Nottingham Forest.

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Fati limped out against ForestWill be out for three monthsJoins lengthy injury list at BrightonWHAT HAPPENED?

Roberto de Zerbi has been handed a double blow before they face AEK Athens in the Europe League on Thursday as the Spanish forward joined Tariq Lamptey in the treatment room. Fati limped out during the first half at the City Ground during a slender 3-2 win over the Tricky Trees after lasting for just 21 minutes and could be out for three months. He was replaced with Joao Pedro who made the most of the opportunity by scoring a brace for the Seagulls.

AdvertisementWHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID ABOUT FATI & LAMPTEY

Speaking to reporters ahead of the AEK fixture, De Zerbi informed: "Ansu and Lamptey are both injured. We've lost them for a long time. The focus is on the players who can play tomorrow. We will have enough to compete. I don't know if we will win but we will fight to win the game.”

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De Zerbi has several reasons to fight for a win, despite going to Greece with a depleted squad, as three points on Thursday evening might propel them to the top of Group B given Marseille drop points against Ajax. However, it will be a tough task for the Premier League outfit as they will be without Danny Welbeck, Solly March and Pervis Estupinan apart from the recently injured Fati and Lamptey.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

Brighton will have to be on their toes when they take on the Greek side as they were beaten in the reverse fixture by 3-2 at the Amex Stadium back in September. However, they are unbeaten in their last six matches and if they continue their rich vein of form, De Zerbi's troops could avenge their earlier defeat.

Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring Flamengo youngster Lorran, it has been reported.

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English sides watching LorranTeenager featured four times for FlamengoHas €50m release clause in contractWHAT HAPPENED?

The Premier League sides recently sent scouts to keep an eye on the 17-year-old, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The attacking midfielder came through the Flamengo youth academy and has been given a taste of first-team football this season.

He made his senior debut in January when he came on as a late substitute against Audax Rio and went on to score his maiden goal in his first start, scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Bangu Atletico Clube. At 16 years old, it made him the youngest scorer in Flamengo's history.

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Chelsea have been shopping in the Brazilian league a lot recently, having already signed Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama and Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington from Santos.

United, meanwhile, currently have Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and winger Antony in their squad.

AND WHAT'S MORE

The Brazil Under 16 international has a €50 million (£43m/$53m) release clause in his contract with Flamengo, with his deal running until the end of 2025.

The highly-rated youngster has signed up with ROC Nation Sports, the agency of famous rapper Jay Z, alongside compatriots Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick.

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United and Chelsea will likely keep their eye on Lorran and track his progress before they decide whether or not to make an offer to sign him from Flamengo.

Ryan Reynolds made a hilarious sex joke after ex-Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster claimed to be behind the huge spike in the city's birth rates.

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Foster claims responsibility for birth rate riseWrexham's January births up 24% Reynolds make funny sex joke remarkGetty/YouTubeWHAT HAPPENED?

Retired goalkeeper Foster, who helped Wrexham get promoted to League Two last year after a short stint in his second spell with the club, posted a video about how there had been 205 January births at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, up 40 from the same time last year. Club co-owner Reynolds leapt at the chance to comment on this, referencing the 'pull the goalie' phrase – which is when a couple stop taking birth control and have unprotected sex to make babies.

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Hollywood star Reynolds tweeted about Foster's video and wrote: "Normally this happens when you pull the goalie, not the other way around. Trust me."

Getty ImagesWHAT BEN FOSTER SAID

In a Fozcast video, Foster said: "It's come to the attention of the club [Wrexham] that in January the birth rate in Wrexham jumped nearly 25 per cent from this time last year – and I feel kind of responsible."

After promoting his new partnership with VistaPrint, he added: "So to all you Wrexham-loving parents, congratulations! Here is hoping to more babies next January. Welcome to the world, fellow Bens!"

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In different ways, both Reynolds and Foster have played a huge role in progressing the club of late. The Welsh side ended their 15-year stay in the National League by coming first in the division last season and now they are fighting to get promoted to League One, with the Red Dragons just outside the automatic promotion spots. While Foster retired for a second time at the start of this campaign, he will go down as a club hero and Reynolds is, arguably, approaching legendary territory since taking over the club three years ago with fellow actor Rob McElhenney.

Arsenal have been linked with a surprising move for struggling Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk in the summer.

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Mudryk originally wanted by ArsenalSigned for Chelsea but has struggledGunners interested alongside JuventusWHAT HAPPENED?

The Ukraine international was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2022 for a staggering fee worth up to £89 million ($113m) including add-ons. Thus far Mudryk has come nowhere near living up to that price tag, with his most impressive showings arguably coming on his debut against Liverpool and during pre-season this term. Despite an underwhelming start to his Chelsea career, Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing him to north London, according to Spanish outlet .

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The report notes that Chelsea will listen to offers for the 22-year-old winger, with a primary objective being a loan transfer to build up his development. However, the Blues could be interested in a permanent sale, where Arsenal and Serie A giants Juventus are listed as potential suitors. That said, Chelsea would look to recoup a significant portion of that £89m investment which, as the report acknowledges, would be difficult given Mudryk's recent performances.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal, of course, were once seen as the primary location for Mudryk before his eventual switch to Chelsea. Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big fan from his Shakhtar playing days and only neglected to sign him after being usurped by the Blues' mammoth offer at the 11th hour. Videos had even been circling of Mudryk praising Arteta and wearing an Arsenal shirt.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MUDRYK?

Chelsea may hope their north London counterparts do them a favour as they did when signing Kai Havertz for a staggering £65m ($82m) last summer, and pay over-the-odds for another struggling forward. However, that eventuality would require Mudryk to build on his sorry tally of four goals in 26 appearances this term.

Inter Miami are in pursuit of Houston Dynamo standout defender Franco Escobar as they look to bolster their defense.

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Inter Miami chasing Franco EscobarArgentine played under Tata at Atlanta UnitedHerons boss keen for reunionWHAT HAPPENED?

According to Cesar Luis Merlo, the Herons are looking to bring Escobar to South Beach to shore up their defensive issues. Tata Martino is looking to reunite with Escobar, who he won the 2018 MLS Cup with at Atlanta United.

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The Herons defense has been a focal point of frustration during preseason, conceding sloppy and unnecessary goals across the seven-game stretch. In total, their goal-differential during the span was minus five, with 13 goals conceded.

Adding Escobar to the mix would immediately bolster the right-back position, while also allowing either 28-year-old or DeAndre Yedlin to insert as a right center-back in a back-three formation if needed. Martino opted for that in the first five games of preseason, but switched to a back-four for their final two games.

He has been a standout defender for the Houston Dynamo since arriving last January from LAFC. He made 41 appearances, scoring three goals in 2023.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alongside Escobar on the Atlanta United team that won the 2018 MLS Cup under Martino was current Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan – to this day – has commanded the largest-ever transfer fee for the league.

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Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

The Herons open their 2024 season against Real Salt Lake Wednesday evening. USMNT Olympic hopeful Diego Luna will look to lead the Western Conference side to victory over the 2023 Leagues Cup champions and Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi is the rightful winner of the Ballon d'Or after guiding Argentina to World Cup success last year, ex-Real Madrid star Eden Hazard says.

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Messi aiming to win Ballon d'OrGuided Argentina to World Cup winHazard says Inter Miami star deserves itWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi is seen as one of the top candidates to win the prize in a ceremony in Paris on Monday. The Inter Miami star's leading role in Argentina's journey to the World Cup title in Qatar last year has sparked many calls for the 36-year-old to be given a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or.

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However, Messi faces competition from Erling Haaland following his role in Manchester City's European and English treble triumph. Kylian Mbappe is also seen as a real challenger given he helped fire France to the World Cup final and scored a hat-trick in the decider that they ultimately lost to Argentina.

WHAT THEY SAID

Hazard claims Messi is the only one who deserves it this year, though, telling : “It wouldn’t be logical to not give the Ballon d’Or to the best player in history in the year that he won the World Cup."

Had the final in Qatar gone differently, however, the former Belgium and Chelsea attacker says PSG's star forward would be the right winner, adding: "And if the World Cup changes for France, Kylian has the Golden Ball. Without a doubt, 100 per cent!"

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The winner of the award will be announced on Monday in a ceremony in the French capital.

New York Red Bulls are offering their fans a deal for tickets to next season's MLS opener – but the promotion comes with a Lionel Messi clause.

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NYRB announce promotion for ticketsOffer involves first home match of new seasonDeal won't apply if it's against Inter MiamiWHAT HAPPENED?

The MLS side sent out an email to fans offering tickets to their first home game of the 2024 season as well as the derby with rivals New York City. However, reports there is a special detail in the email that states that: "If RBNY plays Inter Miami CF in the home opener, each home opener ticket will be replaced with a ticket to RBNY's 2nd home match."

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The decision to exclude Lionel Messi's Inter Miami team from the deal likely means the club will increase the ticket prices when the Florida side come to New York. There has been a huge demand for tickets to see Messi in action and fellow MLS team Columbus Crew have already said their tickets will go up from their usual $40 to between $382 and $679 when they meet Inter Miami at home next season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi's presence in the United States last season resulted in many fans reselling their tickets for much higher prices than they initially paid. He scored 11 goals for Inter Miami after joining the club in July, but only one of those came in MLS.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

The fixture list for the 2024 MLS season is expected to be released before the end of the calendar year. The campaign will then likely commence around late February or early March.

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his appreciation for Al-Nassr fans after he helped fire them to a comeback victory against Damac on Saturday.

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Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr to winScored free-kick in league matchThanked fans for tributeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Riyadh club went a goal down late in the first half on home soil in the Saudi Pro League clash, but came back to secure a 2-1 victory, with Anderson Talisca equalising before Ronaldo smashed home a free-kick.

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The win came after Al-Nassr fans put on an awesome display in honour of their star player. The Portuguese attacker made his 200th appearance for Portugal in midweek and the Saudi supporters displayed a huge banner depicting him as a superhero to commemorate the milestone.

WHAT THEY SAID

Ronaldo expressed his gratitude with posts on social media, saying: "Incredible atmosphere in the stadium tonight. Happy with the win and we keep working hard every game. Thank you to the fans for such a lovely tribute also."

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getty imagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Ronaldo will be in action again for Al-Nassr when they take on Qatari side Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.