Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk believes his players were guilty of talking about Liverpool too much before their crucial Super Lig clash with rivals Besiktas.

The defending champions won 1-0 at Besiktas on Saturday thanks to a Victor Osimhen goal and despite seeing their former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane be sent off.

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Raheem Sterling’s first start for Feyenoord ended in disappointment and derision from the Dutch media, as the veteran winger struggled with match fitness and pace during a 3-3 draw against NAC Breda.  

​Raheem Sterling’s first start for Feyenoord since leaving Chelsea was labeled a failure by Dutch outlets, who criticized his dwindling speed and sharpness.

After being substituted in the 63rd minute, Sterling admitted he disagreed with head coach Robin van Persie’s decision, stating, “I felt good enough to continue, but it is the coach’s choice.”

Despite his optimism, local press described his performance as “fruitless” and uninspiring.

​The 31-year-old endured sarcastic chants from NAC Breda supporters, who mocked his weakened shot power.

De Volkskrant noted that Sterling frequently lost possession and was easily beaten for speed, while AD highlighted his struggle to impact the game.

Sterling remained hopeful about his integration into the Eredivisie side, remarking, “It is understandable that it is not yet possible. It is another new step in the right direction.”

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has launched a scathing attack on President Joan Laporta, alleging that the club is controlled by advisor Alejandro Echevarría and claiming the president personally blocked a finalized deal for Lionel Messi’s return.

Xavi Hernández has ignited an institutional crisis just a week before Barcelona’s presidential elections, claiming his 2024 sacking was orchestrated by Laporta’s right-hand man, Alejandro Echevarría.

In a bombshell interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi asserted, “That’s how this Barça works; it’s practically run by Alejandro Echevarría.”

He accused Echevarría of sabotaging his relationship with players by falsely claiming Xavi wanted to sell stars like Pedri and Araujo.

The most shocking revelation involved Lionel Messi, with Xavi insisting a 2023 return was “basically done” before Laporta vetoed it to avoid a “power war.”

Xavi stated, “The president told me, word for word, that if Leo came back it would mean war for him.”

Laporta has since hit back, describing the claims as an attempt by rival candidate Víctor Font to “dirty” the electoral process.

This internal warfare comes at a critical moment on the pitch. Hansi Flick’s side traveled to Newcastle today for Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg, facing a defensive emergency.

With Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde both sidelined by hamstring injuries, Flick must reshuffle his backline.

While Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski lead the attack, the club’s political turmoil threatens to overshadow their European ambitions.

Arsenal have been 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 in cup competitions this season 🤯💎

16 games, 16 wins ✅ pic.twitter.com/ssMbRsvcor

— LiveScore (@livescore) March 8, 2026

🚨 UNREAL SCENES! 🤯

A real WAR broke out between the players of Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro today. 🇧🇷

pic.twitter.com/XJgJTWv7qh

— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) March 9, 2026

PARIS — PSG midfielder Vitinha has drawn a sharp contrast between the club’s former star-studded attack and its current iteration, suggesting the trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe lacked defensive commitment. “You can’t afford to have one, two or three who don’t run,” Vitinha told Canal 11, explaining the tactical evolution under manager Luis Enrique.

While acknowledging their greatness—”They are some of the best in history”—Vitinha added “that’s not always the best thing for the team.” The Portuguese international highlighted how current attackers embrace defensive responsibilities: “The attackers mark the full-backs like crazy. You see a Dembele, a Goncalo, pressing at the edge of the area.”

“That is the difference with the current PSG,” Vitinha said, crediting Luis Enrique for fostering a collective mentality. Despite occasional results not going their way, the midfielder emphasized the squad’s commitment to a high-pressing system, marking a philosophical shift from the club’s previous galaxy of individual stars.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Ryan Gravenberch has signed new long term deal at Liverpool valid until June 2032. pic.twitter.com/oMXMulZFfA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2026

🚨 NEW: Jude Bellingham is set to make his return at the Etihad against Man City!

He was supposed to be out until the end of March, but he recovered well from his injury and he's set to be back against Man City. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/x2OdTPh776

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 7, 2026

The football world was rocked today by news of Edu Gaspar’s dismissal from his position as global director of football for Nottingham Forest. The surprising development was announced via a social media post:

🚨 BREAKING! 😳

Edu Gaspar has been dismissed from his role as global director of football for Nottingham Forest. 🌳

ℹ️ @MatteMoretto pic.twitter.com/GMSBO8Hd1F

— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) March 7, 2026

Further details surrounding Gaspar’s departure have yet to be released.

📸 Max Dowman starts at Mansfield Town, becoming the youngest player for Arsenal in Emirates FA Cup history, breaking a record set by Marli Salmon in the previous round.

Salmon also gets his first senior start. pic.twitter.com/5NcNXaX5Jp

— HF World (@hfworld_) March 7, 2026