J. Koundé

Simeone: Álvarez remains central to Atleti plans

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has told ESPN he is still planning to build his team around Julián Álvarez despite Barcelona's interest in signing the wantaway Argentina forward.

Mbappé becomes leader of France’s collective under Deschamps’ regime of trust

Les Bleus’ thrilling front four is built on the spirit the head coach has fostered in his squad, allowing them to be both secure and adventurousIt was a striking image, the picture that best captured France’s World Cup campaign to this point. Not the one that caught Michael Olise in full flight as he executed a perfect bicycle kick that only sprang ungratefully off a Swedish post. Nor the one of the squad posing together on their private jet, turqoise hoods drawn tight to their chins. Instead it was the one of the hug, first between Kylian Mbappé and Didier Deschamps, and then with the rest of the squad too, as they celebrated the opening goal of their 3-0 last 32 victory over Sweden in a purposeful manner.Deschamps said later that Mbappé’s dash towards the technical area had “touched me deeply”. The head coach had briefly stepped back from his duties the week before to grieve the loss of his mother. Mbappé and the squad had wanted publicly to show how much he meant to them. “The group is united,” Deschamps said. “They delivered when I was away and now I’m back, they know I’m here 100%. Team spirit doesn’t win you matches but it can help you lose them. The collective strength is above everything and Kylian is the best shining example.” Continue reading...

WSL latest: Barcelona want Man City forward Kerolin

Laporta: Barcelona offer for Álvarez still stands

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the Spanish champions have made an offer for want-away Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez and that it remains on the table.