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• Trent Alexander-Arnold dealt brutal verdict by Spanish media as Jurgen Klopp blamed

  Despite Real Madrid’s victory over Celta Vigo, the Spanish press has launched a scathing attack on Trent Alexander-Arnold, blaming his defensive frailties for the opposition’s goal and questioning his fit at the club. ​Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a barrage of criticism from Spanish outlets following Real Madrid’s narrow win in Vigo. Despite contributing to the buildup of the opening goal, his defensive positioning was slammed after Williot Swedberg outmaneuvered him to assist Celta’s equalizer. Mundo Deportivo labeled the former Liverpool star a “complete flop,” while Cadena SER commentator Antonio Romero described his performance at right-back as a “disaster.” ​The harsh assessments even targeted former manager Jurgen Klopp, with Marca suggesting the German failed to teach the defender basic discipline. Some outlets awarded him a measly three out of ten rating, noting he appears “sluggish” and lacking motivation. With a massive Champions League clash against Manchester City looming on Wednesday, concerns are mounting over whether the Englishman can handle elite-level defensive pressure.

• Robert Pires makes Ethan Nwaneri claim amid Habib Beye arrival

  Robert Pires insists he’s not worried about Ethan Arsenal legend Robert Pires has dismissed concerns regarding Ethan Nwaneri’s loan spell at Marseille following a managerial change, insisting the teenager will thrive under new head coach Habib Beye.

  ​Robert Pires has voiced strong support for Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi from Marseille.

  Despite the managerial upheaval, Pires believes the 18-year-old’s technical quality remains undeniable.

  “The English aren’t afraid of anything,” Pires stated, noting that new boss Habib Beye’s English proficiency and playing experience in the Premier League will facilitate a smooth transition for the youngster.

  ​Nwaneri recently made a substitute appearance in Beye’s first game, signaling a potential shift in momentum after being sidelined during a brief interim period.

  Under the terms of the deal, Marseille’s loan fee could rise to €4m if Nwaneri lacks regular minutes.

  Pires remains optimistic about the partnership, remarking, “Over the last three months, Habib Beye can bring him something – and vice versa.”

• Victor Pereira leads Nottingham Forest to dominant victory in Istanbul

  New manager Vítor Pereira enjoyed a perfect debut as Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 away win against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League playoff first leg.

  ​Forest took control through goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and captain Morgan Gibbs-White, placing them firmly in the driver’s seat for the return leg.

  Pereira, the club’s fourth coach this season, replaced Sean Dyche only days ago.

  The victory provides a massive boost for the Premier League side, who currently sit 17th domestically and face a daunting clash against Liverpool this Sunday.

  ​Elsewhere in European action, Genk secured a 3-1 victory in Zagreb, while Bologna edged out Brann 1-0 thanks to a Santiago Castro winner.

  Premier League counterparts Crystal Palace struggled, managing only a 1-1 draw against Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League.

  These two-leg playoffs determine which sides will join the top eight teams in the prestigious round of 16 next month.

• Rayan Cherki reflects on Pep Guardiola’s assessment of his style

  Rayan Cherki has praised Pep Guardiola’s high-intensity coaching and his natural chemistry with Erling Haaland as key factors in his successful first six months at Manchester City.

  Rayan Cherki has credited Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy as the primary motivation behind his summer move to Manchester City.

  The 22-year-old arrived at the Etihad from Lyon last Rayan Cherki has credited Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy as the primary motivation behind his summer move to Manchester City.

  The 22-year-old Frenchman, who joined from Lyon, has quickly integrated into the squad, tallying seven assists and four goals in 18 appearances.

  Speaking on his adaptation, Cherki noted: “Pep has always been my vision of football. Ever since I entered the professional world, Pep has always been the vision of football that I had in my head.”

  ​Beyond the manager’s influence, Cherki highlighted his burgeoning on-field chemistry with striker Erling Haaland.

  The playmaker attributed their “instant connection” to their shared personalities and similar approach to the game.

  Off the pitch, the duo’s rapport has translated into a lethal partnership that has helped City maintain second place in the Premier League.

  Cherki remarked, “If they hit it off the pitch, they’re bound to hit it on it, and we’re very happy with that relationship.”

  ​Looking toward the second half of the season, the French international expressed immense confidence in City’s pursuit of silverware.

  Currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by four points, the squad remains active in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

  Cherki emphasized his commitment to entertaining the Etihad crowd while maintaining clinical efficiency, stating: “It’s all about being effective and to give pleasure to my team-mates, to give pleasure to the fans.”

• Preview: Embattled Xabi Alonso faces crisis match against Alavés

  Under immense pressure after winning only two of his last eight matches, Xabi Alonso takes his injury-plagued Real Madrid side to face an in-form Deportivo Alavés in a match where defeat could cost him his job.

  Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces intense scrutiny as his side travels to Deportivo Alavés, having won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions.

  Following an impressive start of ten wins in 11 matches, the team’s form has quickly unravelled since a November loss to Liverpool.

  A defeat at the Estadio de Mendizorrotza on Sunday is widely speculated to be the “final nail” in Alonso’s coaching coffin.

  The match presents an unusually difficult challenge for Real due to a severe injury crisis, especially in defense. Alonso was without eight defenders against Manchester City mid-week, and key players like Militão, Alexander-Arnold, Mendy, and Carvajal are confirmed absentees for the Alavés tie.

  Further complicating selection are suspensions for Endrick, Carreras, and Fran García, making a functional starting XI difficult to assemble.

  Meanwhile, 11th-placed Alavés are on a decent run of form, entering the match on a two-game winning streak following victories in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

  Their top scorer, Carlos Vicente, with six goals this season, poses a threat to Real Madrid’s decimated defense.

  While a narrow 2-1 win is predicted for Madrid, the result may not be enough to secure Alonso’s long-term future.