FOOTBALL
The Modric-Mario Mandzukic rift explained
Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic are football legends who brought glory to Croatia on the world’s biggest stage.
Mandzukic, who recently announcement his retirement from football, played with Modric for many years in the Croatian national team, but their relationship broke down a few years ago.
In his new autobiography ‘My Game’, Modric explains just what happened between the pair which caused a rift between them for years.
“Mario is a special guy. He sometimes seems grumpy and that he’s in a bad mood. Anyone who doesn’t know him well would think that really moody,” Modric wrote.
“All this time I knew him as a great guy, with a great heart. He was very dear to me from day one, although it took me a long time to understand just what he’s like. We spent a lot of time together in the national team.”
Modric explains the exact incident that led to the problem.
“On a visit to Iceland, when we were up against them in the playoffs to go to the World Cup in Brazil, I ran into Mario in front of the hotel elevator,” the midfielder continued.
“‘Come on, Mario, we’re going to go hard today,’ I told him, like we always do before training or games. Mandzukic, however, surprised me with his reaction.
“‘Look at yourself, leave me alone.'”
The relationship wasn’t the same from that day onwards and didn’t improve for several years.
“I always had a good relationship with Mario. We were in constant contact until then. Then there was silence, the relationship cooled off.
“If it happened today, I would have cleared it up immediately or, in the worst case, at the next team meeting. But I was defiant too.
“When two difficult people short circuit, the energy disappears. Frankly, I was wrong, but I didn’t want to take the first step. Obviously neither did he.”
Modric did try and discuss the matter with his countryman and they resolved the issue, as he details in the book.
“I waited for the right moment and started the conversation. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that we no longer have a close relationship,” I said.
I wanted to know why we have been speaking exclusively to each other in a professional way for over three years,” Modric noted.
FOOTBALL
Pep Guardiola Shoulders Responsibility for Manchester City Loss to United
Pep Guardiola blames himself! Pep Guardiola took full responsibility for Manchester City’s disappointing 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, admitting he “was not good enough.” The loss came in a closely contested derby that saw United capitalize on critical moments, leaving City to rue missed opportunities. Guardiola’s tactical decisions have come under scrutiny, with some analysts suggesting changes in formation or lineup may have been necessary to counter United’s gameplay.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola emphasized that the blame for the defeat lies with him. “I’m not good enough. I didn’t make the right decisions today,” he said, reflecting on the team’s performance. City started strongly, controlling possession and creating early chances, but United’s resilience and counterattacking strategy ultimately sealed the match in their favor. Pep Guardiola blames himself!
The result leaves Manchester City trailing in the league standings, with increasing pressure to secure consistent wins to stay competitive in the title race. Guardiola, however, remained optimistic, urging his squad to learn from the loss and focus on upcoming matches. Meanwhile, United celebrated a crucial victory that solidified their standing as strong contenders this season.
Fans and pundits alike are debating Guardiola’s admission, as City look to bounce back in their next fixture.
FOOTBALL
Bengaluru FC Aim to Leverage Home Advantage to End FC Goa’s Winning Streak
In the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) fixture, Bengaluru FC is set to host FC Goa at the Kanteerava Stadium, hoping to end Goa’s impressive unbeaten streak and claim a crucial three points. With Bengaluru’s strong home record, they look to exploit the advantage of playing in front of their passionate supporters to halt Goa’s momentum.
Bengaluru FC, who have been inconsistent this season, will be aiming to regroup and put their best foot forward in this clash. Their attacking options, led by the experienced Sunil Chhetri, will be key as they face one of the most solid sides in the league. Despite their inconsistency, Bengaluru will be looking to ride the wave of support from their home crowd and create the chances needed to break down Goa’s defense.
On the other hand, FC Goa comes into this match riding high on confidence, having remained unbeaten for a considerable stretch. Their well-balanced squad, with notable players like Edu Bedia and Jorge Ortiz, have been a force to reckon with. Goa’s fluid passing game and lethal counter-attacks have made them a tough opponent this season, and they will be keen to extend their winning run.
Bengaluru FC’s defense will be tested as FC Goa’s potent attack looks to exploit any gaps in the backline. Bengaluru’s defense, led by the experienced Juanan and the dynamic Sandesh Jhingan, will need to remain sharp and organized to limit Goa’s chances. If Bengaluru can shut down the creative outlets of Goa, they stand a good chance of taking the upper hand in this high-stakes encounter.
With both teams needing points for different reasons, this match promises to be a thrilling contest. Bengaluru FC is looking to put their recent struggles behind them, while FC Goa is keen on extending their unbeaten run. As the match approaches, the battle between Bengaluru FC’s home advantage and FC Goa’s unstoppable momentum is sure to capture the imagination of fans.
FOOTBALL
‘They have to be favourites’ – Liverpool ‘perfect’ in Champions League
Liverpool’s impeccable start to the season has made them strong contenders for the Champions League. After securing a place in the knockout rounds with a win over Girona, they’ve maintained a perfect European record.
Rio Ferdinand praised their momentum, highlighting their position as favorites based on form, though he cautioned that freshness, particularly for key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, will be crucial. Stephen Warnock echoed this sentiment, noting that Liverpool is a formidable opponent in both the Premier League and Champions League.
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