The Bombers and Blues are eyeing new coaches. Neither have yet spoken with John Longmire (original) (raw)

Sydney’s 2012 premiership coach is expected to be on the radar of both Melbourne powerhouses in due course. ......read full story

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Diego Simeone struggled to contain his emotions as Antoine Griezmann officially brought his Atlético Madrid career to a close. The Argentine coach delivered a heartfelt farewell message, underlining both the Frenchman’s on-field brilliance and the deep personal bond they had forged over the years.\n“Thank you for the player and the friend you are,” Simeone said, his voice cracking with sentiment. The words were simple yet loaded with meaning, reflecting the club’s gratitude for Griezmann’s seven-season contribution and the respect he had earned in the dressing room.\nGriezmann, who joined Atlético from Real Sociedad in 2014, leaves having established himself as one of the club’s most beloved recent figures. He won the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup, and played a key role in the side that reached the 2016 Champions League final. His goal-scoring ability, combined with his work rate and versatility, made him a fan favourite at the Wanda Metropolitano.\nFor Simeone, the departure is more than a mere transfer; it is the end of an era defined by shared ambitions and a relentless pursuit of success. The coach’s tears were a reminder that, beneath the tactical intensity and steely demeanour, there is a profound human connection that binds the Atlético family.\nAs Griezmann prepares for a new challenge, his legacy at Atlético Madrid will endure. And while the details of his next move are still unfolding, one thing is certain: he leaves with the love and respect of a club that he helped elevate to new heights

Goal 2026-04-08, 17:54

The Bestia Negra is back with an upgrade: Why Real Madrid were 'at the mercy' of Bayern Munich – and can still hold out hope\nReal Madrid may have been overrun by Bayern Munich in the latest instalment of their European rivalry, but the Spanish giants can take solace from history. The term “Bestia Negra”-Spanish for “black beast”-refers to Bayern’s traditional status as Madrid’s bogey team, and Tuesday’s convincing win merely reinforced that nickname. Yet, as the scoreline suggested, Los Blancos remain capable of mounting a comeback, just as they have done on previous occasions.\nBayern dominated possession, pressed high, and punished every error, exactly as the pre-match script predicted. Thomas Müller’s early header set the tone, and subsequent strikes from Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry underlined the German champions’ superiority. For large spells, Madrid’s defence looked exposed, their midfield overwhelmed, and their famed counter-attacking threat nullified. Carlo Ancelotti’s side could consider themselves fortunate to have conceded only three goals.\nNevertheless, the tie is far from over. Bayern’s fans will recall that Madrid have twice overturned deficits in the competition’s knockout phase this season alone, displaying resilience that few other clubs can match. With stars such as Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior primed to strike, a single away goal in the return leg could shift momentum instantly. Moreover, Ancelotti’s experience in managing big games-and his familiarity with Bayern’s tactics-gives Madrid a fighting chance.\nFor now, Bayern hold the upper hand, but the tie remains open. The next 90 minutes will test both teams’ mental strength, tactical discipline, and ability to perform on the biggest stage. Until the final whistle blows in Madrid, neither side can afford to relax. The Bestia Negra may be prowling, but the Spanish giants are far from finished

Goal
2026-04-08, 17:54

Ajax academy graduate dreams of the Premier League: 'I’m far from finished'\nThe 22-year-old attacker, who has come through the famed youth system at Amsterdam Arena, has made no secret of his ambition to test himself in England’s top division. “I feel like I’m just getting started,” he told reporters after scoring a late winner for Ajax in the Eredivisie. “The Premier League is the ultimate stage for any player, and I believe I have the qualities to succeed there.”\nStanding at 6’2” and boasting a powerful left foot, the forward has attracted interest from several mid-table clubs who are monitoring his progress ahead of the summer transfer window. His agent has confirmed that preliminary talks have taken place, though no formal offer has yet been submitted.\nAt Ajax, the player has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 28 appearances this season, numbers that catch the eye of scouts looking for versatile attackers capable of operating on the wing or through the middle. His combination of pace, strength and technical ability mirrors the profile of previous Dutch exports who have thrived on British soil.\nSupporters in Amsterdam are aware of his desire to move on, yet they remain hopeful that he will stay for at least one more campaign to help the club secure a Champions League spot. For now, the player insists he is focused on finishing the season strongly, but the siren song of the Premier League is hard to ignore.\n“I’m far from finished,” he repeats, his eyes fixed on the horizon. “But I’m ready for the next challenge when the time is right.”

Goal
2026-04-08, 18:48

In a fiery video clip, veteran broadcaster Medhat Shalabi has launched a scathing attack on Egyptian giants Al Ahly, labelling the club’s recent performance a “complete farce” and urging the board to study the example of Saudi side Al Ahli Jeddah.\nSpeaking with characteristic passion, Shalabi argued that Al Ahly’s on-field results and off-field decisions have reached a crisis point, with fans and observers alike losing faith in the management’s ability to steer the club back to its traditional standards of excellence. He pointed to Al Ahli Jeddah as a model of modern, ambitious football governance that prioritises both domestic dominance and continental competitiveness.\nShalabi’s comments have ignited a fresh debate among Red Devils supporters, who have long prided themselves on their club’s rich heritage and unrivalled trophy collection. Many have taken to social media to echo his concerns, calling for immediate reforms in player recruitment, coaching strategies and strategic planning. Others, while acknowledging the current struggles, warn against hasty changes that could further disrupt the club’s delicate balance.\nAl Ahly’s board has yet to respond publicly to Shalabi’s critique, but sources close to the club suggest that internal discussions are underway to address the issues raised. With the season entering its decisive phase, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether Al Ahly can recover its status as Egypt’s pre-eminent football powerhouse or whether deeper structural changes will be required to recapture past glories

Goal
2026-04-08, 23:19

Barcelona face their “nemesis” in a fiery clash with Atlético Madrid. The Catalans know that, to keep their title hopes alive, they must overcome a side that has repeatedly exposed their weaknesses in recent seasons. Diego Simeone’s disciplined, counter-attacking style has become the stuff of nightmares for Barça supporters, and Sunday’s encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano promises more of the same intense, physical battle that favours the home side.\nHistorically, Atlético thrive on stifling Barcelona’s fluidity, using aggressive pressing and clinical set-piece delivery to punish even the slightest lapse in concentration. For Barcelona, the challenge is twofold: first, to regain the ball quickly through high-energy pressing; second, to maintain enough composure to exploit the limited spaces that Atlético’s compact defence inevitably leaves. Lionel Messi, ever the X-factor, will look to unlock the game with his trademark dribbles and razor-sharp vision, but he will need support from the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati if the visitors are to break the spell that Atlético have cast over this fixture.\nFor neutrals, the match represents a classic clash of styles: possession versus pragmatism, artistry versus organisation. The outcome could well hinge on which coach-Ronald Koeman or Diego Simeone-better reads the rhythm of the contest and makes the decisive tactical tweak at the right moment. With both teams chasing Champions League qualification, the stakes are high, and the 90 minutes at the Wanda Metropolitano may yet define their respective seasons

Goal
2026-04-08, 22:25

In a fiery video clip, veteran broadcaster Medhat Shalabi has launched a scathing attack on Egyptian giants Al Ahly, labelling the club’s recent performance a “complete farce” and urging the board to study the example of Saudi side Al Ahli Jeddah. Speaking with characteristic passion, Shalabi argued that Al Ahly’s on-field results and off-field decisions have reached a crisis point, with fans and observers alike losing faith in the management’s ability to steer the club back to its traditional standards of excellence. He pointed to Al Ahli Jeddah as a model of modern, ambitious football governance that prioritises both domestic dominance and continental competitiveness. Shalabi’s comments have ignited a fresh debate among Red Devils supporters, who have long prided themselves on their club’s rich heritage and unrivalled trophy collection. Many have taken to social media to echo his concerns, calling for immediate reforms in player recruitment, coaching strategies and strategic planning. Others, while acknowledging the current struggles, warn against hasty changes that could further disrupt the club’s delicate balance. Al Ahly’s board has yet to respond publicly to Shalabi’s critique, but sources close to the club suggest that internal discussions are underway to address the issues raised. With the season entering its decisive phase, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether Al Ahly can recover its status as Egypt’s pre-eminent football powerhouse or whether deeper structural changes will be required to recapture past glories

Yahoo Daily News
2026-04-08, 23:30

Diego Simeone struggled to contain his emotions as Antoine Griezmann officially bid farewell to Atlético Madrid, describing the French forward as both a exceptional player and a true friend. “Thank you for who you are, as a player and as a person,” the Argentine coach stated, his voice hoarse with feeling.\nThe departure marks the end of a fruitful chapter during which Griezmann established himself as one of the club’s most beloved figures. Having joined the Rojiblancos in 2014, he went on to score 134 goals in 257 appearances, delivering decisive moments in La Liga, the Champions League and domestic cup competitions. His ability to combine flair, work-rate and clinical finishing earned him widespread respect among teammates, staff and supporters alike.\nSimeone, known for his intense passion and unwavering loyalty to the Atlético cause, recognised Griezmann’s contribution to the club’s modern-day success. The Argentine underlined the forward’s leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the team’s collective ethos. “He always gave everything for this shirt, for these colours,” Simeone added. “That’s why it hurts to see him go, but I’m also proud to have shared the field with him.”\nAs the pair embraced on the edge of the training pitch, the raw sincerity of the moment spoke volumes about the bond forged over five seasons. Griezmann’s move to pastures new will undoubtedly create a void, yet Simeone’s words served as a reminder that certain ties transcend transfer fees and tactical diagrams. For Atlético fans reflecting on the news, the memory of those late-night goals, those relentless sprints and those shared celebrations will remain long after the final whistle on this era

Goal
2026-04-08, 18:30