Ousmane Dembele 'surprised' by Luis Enrique benching as PSG boss explains selection gamble for AS Monaco clash

Ousmane Dembele 'surprised' by Luis Enrique benching as PSG boss explains selection gamble for AS Monaco clash

FBL-FRA-SUPER CUP-LENS-PSG - AFP

PSG hand Ousmane Dembele & Nuno Mendes time off as star duo set to miss Ligue 1 return

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes will be granted an extended period of leave following their recent international exploits. The decision means the influential duo will not be involved when the French champions return to domestic action this weekend.

'He is not a machine!' – Luis Enrique issues passionate defense of PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has robustly defended Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of Saturday's Ligue 1 meeting with Le Mans. The Spaniard insisted fans must remember the Georgian forward is human following recent criticisms over his consistency.

'It’s ridiculous' - Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho launches fierce defence of Kylian Mbappe amid nightclub and holiday criticism

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has come out swinging in defence of Kylian Mbappe, labelling the recent scrutiny of the forward’s off-pitch activities as totally absurd. The French superstar found himself under fire after visiting a nightclub and holidaying in Switzerland while sidelined with an injury during the international break.

Ex-Barcelona star Ansu Fati nears Monaco return against Toulouse following injury layoff

Ansu Fati is closing in on his long-awaited return to competitive football for Monaco this weekend after overcoming a frustrating calf problem sustained during pre-season. The Spanish forward could make his first official appearance of the campaign against Toulouse at Stade Louis-II, handing his side a major boost ahead of a demanding fixture schedule.

'There's a hunt for problems' Jose Mourinho speaks out on Kylian Mbappe 'bust-up' claims

Kylian Mbappe is unhappy at Real Madrid according to reports - with manager Jose Mourinho now reacting to stories in the media over the last week

Hansi Flick eases Barcelona fears over Raphinha setback as Gabriel Jesus prepares for full debut

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has moved to reassure supporters regarding Raphinha’s injury status despite confirming the Brazilian will miss the upcoming clash against Getafe. The German tactician also revealed that Gabriel Jesus is set to make his first start for the club as the La Liga leaders look to maintain their perfect start to the domestic campaign.

Mourinho's Real Madrid playing catch-up in Clasico countdown

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by six points as La Liga action resumes this weekend, with Spanish football starting the countdown to the Clasico after the extended international break.Madrid visit Barcelona at Camp Nou on October 25 in Mourinho's first Clasico since returning to the Spanish capital this summer, following his first stint at the helm between 2010-2013.

Chaos at Real Madrid! Two stars trade BLOWS while Kylian Mbappe risks Jose Mourinho’s wrath over cycling video

Real Madrid’s season has taken another dramatic turn for the worse following reports of a physical altercation between two high-profile members of the first-team squad. The tension at the Santiago Bernabeu is reaching a breaking point as internal conflicts threaten to derail the club's campaign under the intense spotlight of the global media. Meanwhile, superstar forward Kylian Mbappe has risked the fury of manager Jose Mourinho following a controversial cycling trip.

Mourinho lashes out at 'ridiculous' criticism of Mbappe

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho slammed criticism of star striker Kylian Mbappe, on Friday labelling the attacks as "ridiculous".Mourinho shrugged off the potential of a hostile reception for Mbappe on Saturday, reiterating that he was "certain" the all-time World Cup record goalscorer had fulfilled "his obligations to Real Madrid".

Axed Tottenham star is ready to explode, Omar Marmoush should be dropped vs Man United to make way

Manchester City versus Salford City, Omar Marmoush of Manchester City in a 26-27 Tottenham Hotspur kit / Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi looks on from the sidelines

'I was the one who did not give him a day off!' – Cristian Chivu responds to Turkey rumours over Hakan Calhanoglu

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has addressed rumours surrounding Hakan Calhanoglu's absence from the Turkey squad, confirming the midfielder is fully fit to face Parma. The Romanian also revealed Djed Spence is back in contention.

'The idea is for him to start!' – Hansi Flick confirms exciting Barcelona team news

Hansi Flick has revealed that forward Gabriel Jesus is set to make his first start for Barcelona against Getafe. The German head coach also provided selection updates on Joan Garcia, Frenkie de Jong, and Marc Bernal.

Jose Mourinho hits out at 'opportunists' over Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni racism row

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has strongly defended his handling of an explosive altercation between Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni earlier this year. The Portuguese manager revealed that he faced intense public backlash after refusing to take sides during the heated Champions League controversy between the two South American attackers.

Stefan Borson puzzled by Pep Guardiola's Man City return vs PSG

England FA Cup Football, Manchester City versus Salford City, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

Cristiano Ronaldo 'in good physical and mental shape' as Al-Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou dodges Portugal controversy

Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for domestic action following his early departure from the Portugal camp. The Australian tactician swiftly shut down questions regarding the forward's recent international drama, preferring to concentrate on his side's upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture.

Andoni Iraola handed double injury boost as Liverpool release new training footage before Man City clash

Positive news for Liverpool as they prepare for a return to Premier League action

Gianluca Prestianni reveals what he told Lionel Messi during emotional Argentina farewell match at Monumental

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has detailed his pitchside exchange with Lionel Messi during Argentina's 3-0 win against Benin. The 20-year-old was an unused substitute on the night, admitting he was starstruck by being part of the squad and revealing he made sure to embrace the veteran to thank him for his service during his final international bow.

‘Don’t forget Didier Deschamps!’ - Robert Pires hits back at Zinedine Zidane hype as France enter new era

Robert Pires has jumped to the defence of former France manager Didier Deschamps following Zinedine Zidane's impressive start in charge of Les Bleus. The former Arsenal winger insisted that Deschamps' historic achievements must not be forgotten amid early praise for his successor.

'He needs to be fully fit!' – Xabi Alonso fires back after Thomas Tuchel targets Cole Palmer

Xabi Alonso has robustly defended Cole Palmer after England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested the playmaker misses too many international matches. The Chelsea boss insisted Palmer remains fully committed to representing his country whenever fit.

Endrick to LEAVE Real Madrid? Wonderkid 'chooses' next club after Jose Mourinho snub

Real Madrid starlet Endrick is reportedly eyeing a January loan move to AC Milan after struggling for game time at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite a highly successful spell at Lyon last season, the Brazilian has found himself frozen out of the Spanish capital this term.