La Liga

REAL MADRID have reportedly decided on who they want to appoint Carlo Ancelotti.The Italian is under contract until 2026 and looks set to step aside when his deal expires.Ancelotti has been a big success in his two spells at the Bernabeu, having won La Liga twice and the Champions League on three occasions.Real have been eyeing his successor and have settled on Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, according to Sport via Bild.The Liverpool legend is highly sought-after having led Bayer Leverkusen to Bundelsiga glory last season without losing a game.He turned down a chance to return to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp but it now appears he will not stay at Leverkusen for long.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlonso’s contract also expires in the summer of 2026 but it is understood he could leave next summer, should Ancelotti decide to quit.Leverkusen have been searching for Alonso’s replacement with his departure a matter of when, not if.Alonso still has a home in Madrid having played for Real Madrid between 2009-2014.Meanwhile Ancelotti has hinted at international management when he steps down from Real.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophiesHe has been heavily linked with the Brazil job with the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, saying last year that Ancelotti was an obvious choice for the role.Ancelotti told the Obi One Podcast: “I think it will be my last club, I have to say.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid draw”If there would be an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know.”I’m not so excited to be in a national team for the fact that I would lose what I like more, the day-by-day.”The day-by-day I like. To be here, to prepare the training, to talk to the players, to prepare the games.”This is my 29th season as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot but imagine the number of titles I lost. I lost a lot.” More

MANCHESTER CITY title winner Jesus Navas has declared “I can’t take it anymore” after admitting that chronic pain is forcing him into retirement.The 38-year-old Spaniard spent four seasons at the Etihad between 2013 and 2017, scoring eight goals in 183 outings.Jesus Navas admits crippling pain is set to force him into retirementCredit: GettyThe Spain icon won a Premier League title during his time at Man CityCredit: GettyNavas made 48 appearances in all competitions as City scooped a Premier League and Carabao Cup double in his first season.And he remained an important squad player until his return to boyhood club Sevilla.After 393 games and two Europa League wins in his first spell, Navas went on to scoop two more continental cups in 301 games with the club.He is now on a “lifetime contract” that will eventually see him move into a backroom role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Navas admits that could come as soon as the start of 2025 after dealing with crippling pain.The World Cup and two-time Euro winner says he “can’t take it anymore” after spending the past six months suffering.And Navas concedes he may even call time on his playing career before December.The right-back said: “Hopefully I can make it until December, because every game starts to be more difficult.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve been in this situation for four years. It is a wear and tear, it is getting more and more, more and more continuous, more intense.“It’s complicated – when you finish a game, I haven’t been able to talk for two or three days, which becomes complicated.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers“For me, these six months were a very big challenge. I wanted to be with the team.“I hope I can make it until December because every game starts to be difficult.“I can’t take it anymore, it’s a health issue. There are days when I can’t be with my children. I have it decided.” More

A FRENCH journalist has claimed Neymar wrote to Real Madrid’s Brazilian stars to warn them that playing alongside Kylian Mbappe is “HELL.”Mbappe joined Los Blancos on a stunning free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and has since netted four goals in six games for his new side.Neymar has reportedly warned Real Madrid’s Brazilian stars over playing alongside MbappeCredit: AFPThe World Cup winner was treated like a king in the French capital, where he won six titles and scored 256 goals in seven seasons.But Mbappe’s important role at PSG saw him clash several times with old team-mate Neymar.Brazil captain Neymar joined the Parisians in August 2017 for a world-record fee of £198million.But he quickly saw his thunder stolen when then-wonderkid Mbappe was signed just weeks later on loan, with a compulsory purchase of £166m the following year. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring their time together, Neymar and Mbappe clashed over several set-pieces as they jostled for the title of star forward.And the Frenchman even left his former team-mate fuming after refusing to play a simple pass to him two years ago.Ultimately, Mbappe won the battle, becoming the Ligue 1 side’s all-time top scorer with 256 goals.Neymar, meanwhile, left a year ago for a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal, having netted 118 times in all competitions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNeymar has since gone on to like not one but TWO social media posts criticising Mbappe.And it’s now incredibly been claimed that Neymar has written to Real’s Brazilian stars to warn them about Mbappe’s supposed antics.Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe features in advert for ‘Chinese Instagram’How Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne FermieKYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.Carlo Ancelotti’s side boasts several Samba stars including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick and Eder Militao.And Neymar has reportedly not held back with his scathing analysis of playing alongside Mbappe.Journalist Cyril Hanouna, who has 5.9m followers on X, said on French radio station Europe 1: “The Brazilians (at Real) are friends with Neymar.“It has always been a war between Neymar and Mbappe.“Neymar has sent a paper about Mbappe to the Brazilians, telling them that it was catastrophic, that it was hell.”Neymar is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury sustained last year, meaning he has made just three appearances for Al-Hilal.As for Mbappe, he has started all of Real’s games since joining and will be hoping to net in Tuesday’s Champions League group stage opener against Stuttgart.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

CONOR GALLAGHER has scored his first goal since joining Atletico Madrid in the summer.The midfielder opened the scoring in his side’s LaLiga victory over Valencia on Sunday night.Conor Gallagher scored his first Atletico Madrid goal on Sunday nightCredit: AlamyThe midfielder opened the scoring in a 3-0 home victory over Valencia in LaLigaCredit: GettyHis strike was followed by second half goals from Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez as Atletico ran out 3-0 winners.Gallagher capped off a flowing passing move from the home side to score his first goal for the club.The England international calmly stroked the ball under the goalkeeper inside the penalty area before being mobbed by his team-mates.His effort had fans praising the 24-year-old on social media as he continues to settle in Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to the goal, one supporter wrote: “His movement there is class, between the lines. Chelsea had him so wrong.”Another added: “Movement and vision are incredible. He would have worked well this season in that Chelsea side.”A Chelsea fan also commented: “We lost a good one there. Hope he smashes it.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Living the dream in Spain. He’ll be in the next England squad no question.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGallagher kept his place in the England squad for this month’s Nations League matches but was an unused substitute against both Ireland and Finland.Meanwhile, he has now won all three of his matches since joining Atletico in August.Conor Gallagher sends packed Atletico Madrid stadium wild at unveiling by speaking SPANISH after Chelsea exitThe Chelsea academy graduate completed a £34million move to the Spanish capital after 16 years with the Blues.He penned a five-year deal with the club and is already a fan favourite, with supporters giving him his own song.Gallagher was also welcomed to the club in a bonkers unveiling following his move, with a motorbike gang and Spidermen appearing at the Metropolitano Stadium.Gallagher has won all three matches he has played in since joining Atletico from ChelseaCredit: GettyChelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More