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Djokovic: I Was Poisoned Before Australian Open Deportation

Novak Djokovic has made explosive claims that he was poisoned while detained in Melbourne in 2022, just before his Australian Open deportation. The Serbian tennis star, whose visa was canceled over his vaccination status, said the food he was given at the detention hotel caused high levels of lead and mercury in his body. Djokovic did not offer concrete evidence but firmly stands by his allegations.

Despite the painful experience, Djokovic emphasized that he does not harbor resentment toward the Australian people. He shared that many Australians expressed regret over his treatment and apologized. Djokovic's return to Melbourne a year later was marked by him winning his 10th Australian Open title, and he expressed gratitude for his visa reinstatement and the opportunity to play in the country again.

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Guardiola Excited for FA Cup Clash with Salford

Pep Guardiola is looking forward to Manchester City’s FA Cup tie against Salford City, managed by the iconic Class of 92. Owned by David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Nicky Butt, Salford has rapidly risen through the ranks since 2014. Guardiola acknowledged their smart decisions, given their football background, and noted their ambition to climb further in the Football League.

Guardiola also has a personal connection, as he’s lived in Salford for eight years. He believes the club's former stars will help push Salford up the ranks, just like Stockport's rise to League One.

City are on a recovery streak, winning their last two games after a tough period with multiple injuries. Key players like Ederson and Oscar Bobb are back in training, though John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Rodri remain sidelined.

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Deschamps’ Exit and Zidane’s Potential Role

Didier Deschamps will depart as France’s head coach after the 2026 World Cup. Despite a successful career, many believe his time ended after Euro 2024 due to the squad's changes and challenges.

Zinedine Zidane, with his strong ties to the team and Mbappé, is expected to replace him. Thierry Henry is another option but Zidane is the favorite to take over.

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Barcelona Set for Spanish Super Cup Final After Beating Athletic Club

Barcelona defeated Athletic Club 2-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, thanks to goals from Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Gavi scored early in the 17th minute, and Yamal added a second in the 52nd minute.

Inaki Williams' late strike was disallowed for offside, and Barcelona will face either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the final on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, recently granted provisional registration by the Spanish sports council, were unavailable for this match but could play in the final.

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Ruben Amorim on Kobbie Mainoo's Future at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, has expressed his desire to retain Kobbie Mainoo but has not made any promises about the midfielder’s future at the club. Mainoo, 19, has been linked to a potential move to Chelsea amid ongoing contract negotiations.

United has been focused on securing extensions for Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo, but Mainoo’s situation is complicated by the club's financial constraints and the Premier League’s financial regulations, which encourage the sale of homegrown players to create room for new signings.

“We want to keep the best players," said Amorim, "but we understand the club’s position.” Despite the uncertainty, Amorim has praised Mainoo’s progress, adding, "I’m really happy with Kobbie. He is improving."

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Man City's Oscar Bobb Returns to Training After Five-Month Absence

Manchester City midfielder Oscar Bobb has resumed training after a five-month layoff due to a fractured leg. The 21-year-old Norwegian sustained the injury in training just before the Premier League season began, missing out on league action since then.

Although Bobb will not be available for City's FA Cup third-round match against Salford City, manager Pep Guardiola shared positive news, confirming that Bobb is back training with the team on a partial basis.

"It's good news that he's back," Guardiola said. "It was a bone injury, and it’s already fixed. Oscar is on his way back."

Guardiola also confirmed that defender Ruben Dias is improving but not yet ready to return, while John Stones remains sidelined. Brazil's goalkeeper Ederson, out since mid-December, has now returned to full fitness.

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Neymar Declares 2026 World Cup Will Be His Final Tournament

Neymar has officially confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, expressing his determination to play in the tournament. The 32-year-old attacker told CNN, "This will be my last World Cup, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to make it."

Although Neymar has not played for Brazil in over a year due to injury, he remains confident in the team's ability to qualify. Currently, Brazil is in fifth place in the South American qualifiers, five points ahead of seventh.

Additionally, Neymar spoke about the possibility of joining former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami in the future. “It would be amazing to play with them again,” he said.

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Graham Potter Appointed as West Ham Manager After Lopetegui’s Exit

West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new head coach after parting ways with Julen Lopetegui earlier this week. The 49-year-old, who has managed both Brighton and Chelsea, has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract. Potter arrives with the club in 14th place in the Premier League, holding a slim seven-point lead above the relegation zone.

"I’m very excited about this opportunity," Potter stated, expressing his belief that the club is the right fit for him. "I share the same values as the board, and together, we aim to create the foundation for success both in the short term and long term."

Potter’s managerial journey includes stints at Ostersunds FK, Swansea City, Brighton, and Chelsea, with his tenure at Brighton bringing notable success. His first match in charge of West Ham will be the FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on Friday.

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Olmo and Pau Victor Can Play for Barcelona After CSD Approval

Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Pau Victor are now eligible to play for the club, following a decision by the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) on Wednesday. The duo, who joined Barcelona in the summer, had not been registered by the club before the deadline due to financial constraints.

However, with temporary licenses in place, they are now cleared to play for the Catalan side.

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West Ham Sack Lopetegui, Graham Potter to Take Over at London Stadium

Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as West Ham manager after a disappointing 22-match spell. The team currently sits in 14th place, seven points above the relegation zone. Lopetegui’s tenure was marred by inconsistent performances, including heavy losses to Arsenal and Liverpool, and the board decided to take action after a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.

West Ham are expected to appoint Graham Potter, the former Chelsea boss, as his replacement. Potter, who has been out of management since April 2023, is set to take the reins for the team’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa.

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Ancelotti Says Vinicius’ Red Card Ban Is Unjust

Carlo Ancelotti has defended Vinicius Junior, calling his two-match suspension for a red card against Valencia “unfair.” Vinicius was sent off for pushing goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the neck, but Ancelotti emphasized the racial abuse the player has endured, which he believes influenced the red card decision.

Ancelotti pointed out that discussions often overlook the insults Vinicius faces in stadiums. “The ban is not right,” Ancelotti said. Vinicius will miss two La Liga games but is eligible to play in the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca this week.

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Arteta Claims Carabao Cup Ball Contributed to Arsenal’s Loss Against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has blamed the Carabao Cup match ball for his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the semi-final first leg. Arteta pointed out that the ball’s flight and grip were significantly different from the Premier League ball, making it difficult for his players to adapt.

Despite dominating possession and creating 23 shots, Arsenal only managed three on target, and Arteta believes the ball’s characteristics played a role in the many missed chances. “The ball flies differently and has a different grip,” Arteta explained. Arsenal now face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit in the second leg.

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⚡️Nigerians React to Eric Chelle’s Appointment as Super Eagles Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

While Chelle’s experience in African football is seen as a fresh perspective for the team, his appointment has sparked controversy. Many Nigerians are questioning why local coaches, like Emmanuel Amunike or Samson Siasia, were overlooked in favor of a foreign coach. Some fans feel the NFF’s decision is an insult to local coaches, citing concerns about pay disparities between foreign and Nigerian coaches.

Despite the criticism, some fans remain hopeful that Chelle’s expertise will improve the Super Eagles. The appointment has divided opinions, and time will tell if it leads to success for the team.

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Eric Chelle Takes Over as Super Eagles Coach with Key Responsibilities Ahead

Eric Chelle has officially been appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles. The 47-year-old Malian coach faces significant challenges but also exciting opportunities to help Nigeria return to its peak in international football. Here's what you need to know about Chelle and his new role:

1️⃣ Leading Mali to the AFCON 2023 Quarter-Finals

Chelle’s recent coaching success came when he led Mali to a quarter-final finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire. Despite their strong run, Mali's tournament came to an end after a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Côte d'Ivoire.

2️⃣ A Powerful Emotional Moment After AFCON Defeat

After Mali’s quarter-final defeat, Chelle’s emotional reaction drew attention. The coach was seen hyperventilating on the sideline, overwhelmed by the loss. His assistants had to help revive him, which showed how deeply invested Chelle is in his team's success.

3️⃣ Coaching Experience in France’s Lower Divisions

Before his time with Mali, Chelle worked with several French clubs in the lower leagues, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. These experiences allowed him to build his coaching expertise despite working with limited resources.

4️⃣ A Humble Playing Career

Chelle’s playing career was not high-profile, but his time with clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, and Lens, as well as his five appearances for Mali, shaped his coaching approach. His modest playing background gave him a unique perspective on the game.

5️⃣ World Cup Qualification Task for Super Eagles

Chelle’s first task as Nigeria’s head coach is to lead the Super Eagles through the challenging 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria is currently struggling, sitting fifth in their group with no wins, making Chelle’s role crucial in securing qualification.

6️⃣ Crucial Qualifying Matches in March

Chelle’s first competitive matches with Nigeria will come in March, when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in must-win qualifiers. These matches are essential for the team's World Cup qualification campaign and will test Chelle’s tactical abilities.

7️⃣ The Super Eagles Look for a Fresh Beginning

Chelle's appointment brings hope for a new era for the Super Eagles. With a talented squad and a devoted fan base, Chelle has the opportunity to rejuvenate the team and help them rediscover their winning ways, backed by his international coaching experience.

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Newcastle Take Control with 2-0 Win Over Arsenal in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Newcastle United edged closer to a first-ever League Cup title with a commanding 2-0 win over Arsenal in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday. Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon secured a vital lead for the Magpies, leaving Arsenal with a tough task in the return leg on February 5.

Isak opened the scoring with a thunderous strike, marking his 14th goal in 15 games, and played a crucial role in Gordon’s second-half goal. Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to convert their chances, with Martinelli hitting the post and Havertz missing a glaring opportunity.

Newcastle now look poised to meet either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final.

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Super Eagles Name Eric Chelle as New Coach

The NFF has appointed Eric Chelle, a 47-year-old Malian, as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The decision, made by the federation’s Executive Committee on January 7, follows a recommendation by its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

Chelle brings experience from his tenure as Mali’s head coach, where he guided the team to the AFCON 2024 quarter-finals in Côte d’Ivoire. Now, he faces the immediate task of reviving Nigeria's AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C and need to secure wins in their upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to keep their hopes alive.

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Deschamps to Leave France Role After 2026 World Cup

Didier Deschamps will step down as head coach of the French national team when his current contract expires following the 2026 World Cup, a source close to the team confirmed on Tuesday.

Deschamps famously led France to the 2018 World Cup title, becoming only the third person in history to win the tournament as both a player and a coach.

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⚡️ Elon Musk Shows Interest in Buying Liverpool FC

Elon Musk is reportedly considering adding Liverpool FC to his expansive business empire, according to his father, Errol Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur, valued at $418 billion, has expressed interest in the iconic Premier League club, though formal negotiations are yet to be confirmed.

Speaking with Times Radio, Errol Musk revealed that while Elon is intrigued by the idea, any official steps could raise the club’s price. “He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to—so would I!” Errol quipped.

The Musk family shares historical ties to Liverpool, as Elon’s grandmother, Cora Amelia Robinson, was born in the city’s Mossley Hill district in 1923 before emigrating to South Africa. Musk has often spoken fondly of her influence, crediting her with shaping his values.

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Salah to Carragher: ‘You’re Obsessed with Me’ Amid Future Uncertainty

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has accused Jamie Carragher of being “obsessed” with him, following heated speculation over the player’s contract situation.

With just six months left on his deal, Salah’s potential exit from Anfield has dominated headlines. His eligibility to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs has only added fuel to the debate.

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