Football
‘He’s a soldier!’ – Erik ten Hag hails Arsenal defender after Real Madrid win
Erik ten Hag has expressed high praise for his former player Jurrien Timber following Arsenal’s impressive 3-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners stunned Europe by dismantling the reigning champions in the first leg of their quarter-final clash, taking a commanding lead into the return fixture at the Bernabeu.

While much of the attention went to Declan Rice—who netted two stunning free-kicks—and Bukayo Saka, who returned from injury to torment Madrid’s defense, Timber’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed.
The Dutch defender played a key role in helping Arsenal maintain a clean sheet against the dangerous attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo.
Ten Hag, who worked with Timber during their time together at Ajax, has been closely following the defender’s progress since his £34 million move to the Premier League.
Despite a difficult debut season that was disrupted by an ACL injury, Timber has bounced back this year to become a consistent performer for Mikel Arteta’s side, making over 40 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Ten Hag admitted he didn’t watch the match live, opting instead for Bayern Munich’s clash with Inter Milan, but he caught the highlights of Arsenal’s dominant performance.
He revealed that Timber’s standout display came as no surprise, given what he has seen from the 23-year-old throughout the season.
The Dutch coach described Timber as a “soldier” on the pitch—ruthless, focused, and always ready to execute any tactical instruction without hesitation.
According to Ten Hag, Timber understands the demands of top-level football and approaches every game with a proactive mindset, never waiting for the action to come to him.
He emphasized that Timber’s mentality is rooted in the belief that elite football is a battleground where it’s “eat or be eaten.
” That competitive fire has earned Timber a regular starting role at Arsenal and, in Ten Hag’s view, the young defender is on track to grow into a leadership figure within the squad.
Ten Hag, who has been out of managerial work since parting ways with Manchester United in November, remains an admirer of his former players and their evolution at the highest level.
Timber’s rapid rise, after such a serious injury setback, only reinforces Ten Hag’s confidence in his former protégé’s mental toughness and technical quality.
As the second leg against Real Madrid approaches, Timber’s defensive presence could prove vital in helping Arsenal close out the tie and book a place in the semi-finals.
With praise from a coach who knows him intimately and performances that continue to impress on Europe’s biggest stage, Timber’s journey from Ajax to Arsenal is fast becoming a blueprint for success at the elite level.
Ten Hag, reportedly a candidate for upcoming vacancies across Europe, including at Borussia Dortmund, will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Timber’s continued progress—and possibly even hoping for a future reunion.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
-
Football11 months ago
Antony scores another worldie with stunning free-kick vs ex-Man Utd team-mate
-
Football10 months ago
Guardiola refuses to shake hands with Palace star as Man City boss makes his feelings clear at the final whistle
-
Football10 months ago
Lionel Messi involved in furious argument with referee after Inter Miami game
-
NBA1 year ago
9 Years After ESPN Punishment, Radio Host Reveals Miami Heat’s Role in LeBron James’ Billboard Controversy
-
Football9 months agoDone deal: Details of Paul Pogba’s transfer to Monaco
-
Football11 months ago
Man Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘Next Yamal’ could snub Spain for England
-
Football10 months ago
REVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham
-
Football11 months ago
Amorim spotted with new plaster on his knuckles after half-time vs Bilbao
