Sport
“Tebas Is Disrespecting Real Madrid and Coaches” — Carlo Ancelotti Says
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has openly criticized LaLiga president Javier Tebas for his recent remarks concerning the team’s scheduling complaints and substitution strategies. Ancelotti expressed frustration, suggesting that Tebas is overstepping his role by commenting on coaching decisions.
The tension arose after Real Madrid voiced concerns about playing matches with less than 72 hours of rest, highlighting a specific instance where they faced Villarreal shortly after a Champions League game. Ancelotti emphasized that both Villarreal and the broadcasting networks were amenable to rescheduling for adequate rest, but LaLiga opposed the change without justification.
He underscored the importance of respecting the 72-hour rest period to ensure player well-being and hinted at seeking FIFA’s intervention if scheduling practices don’t improve.
In response to these grievances, Tebas reportedly mocked Ancelotti’s handling of player substitutions, insinuating that the coach shouldn’t complain about rest periods if he delays making changes until after the 85th minute. This comment was made during the ISDE Sports Convention 2025.
Ancelotti retorted by questioning Tebas’s involvement in coaching matters, stating, “I didn’t know that Tebas wants to be a coach.” He accused Tebas of disrespecting Real Madrid and the coaching profession, asserting that the LaLiga president should concentrate on administrative responsibilities rather than interfering with club affairs.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about a difficult period in his career, revealing that he almost stepped away from football.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bassey shared that he once made a personal promise to himself to quit pursuing football professionally if he failed to secure a spot at a professional club.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.”
It has been reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined Egypt $5,000 following their clash with Zimbabwe for failing to manage post-match media obligations.
It was noted that after the match, the Egyptian players ignored the media. This action was said to be a violation of CAF’s media regulations, which led to the fine being imposed.
Head of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, shared that the big-name players on the team are not happy about being benched.
He recalled when he took out Samuel Chukwueze during the match against Tanzania.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.”
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we have to protect the wing.”
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Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Nearly Walking Away from Football
