McFarlane defends Enzo Fernandez's Madrid trip
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane defended Enzo Fernandezs decision to travel to Madrid after the squad were given time off following Sundays FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds.
The Argentina international was suspended internally for two matches recently after appearing to court a move to Real Madrid during a podcast interview, saying he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
Fernandez was seen attending the Madrid Open with team-mates Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro.
We gave the lads three days off, said McFarlane. I think it says a lot about the group that they go away together. I love the fact that they spend time together.
Theyve gone to Madrid to watch tennis. I dont see an issue with it. He was there last year with his team-mates. The last time they had a break they spent time together as well. I think its a positive sign for the unity within the group.
'I've never needed clarity' | Howe calm over future at Newcastle
'Newcastle in a much better place ahead of summer transfer window'
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe on summer recruitment structure:
"I think the structure is in place now.
"Last summer was obviously very difficult for the football club. We were going into the biggest window that we'd had in recent memory without the infrastructure.
"The club were well aware of that, it was an unfortunate situation. But now with Ross Wilson's' expertise and experience, and David Hopkinson's expertise and experience, I think we're in a much better place to make quicker decisions, better decisions, and conclude deals better and quicker.
"Naturally, I think we're a lot stronger in that respect now.
"Whether it's easier to do deals and recruit players, that's sometimes unknown. But in terms of our part, I can assure everybody we'll be a lot better placed this summer.
"There will be an element of change in the team. Idea is to recruit in every window, drop feed unlike last summer. But with smart editions I think you can improve very quickly. Think recruitment is important.
"I want the best players at the lowest cost. If we can find ways to do that than Im all for it."
'I have to have confidence I'll be here next season'
Eddie Howe's own future has been a topic of intense debate in recent weeks following a run of nine defeats in 12 Premier League games which has left Newcastle in 14th place in the table, eight points shy of European qualification, but separated from the relegation zone by the same margin.
While he knows a continuation of that run - the Magpies face Brighton at St James' Park on Saturday - could prove problematic for him, he insists he remains fully focused on taking the club forward.
He said: "I've never needed clarity in my head [on the future], in the sense that I'm here, I'm working and I'm committed. A football club has to do what a football club has to do. The football club needs to see we are going in the right direction and there's a positive feeling and fighting on all fronts. You can talk as much as you want but the proof is in how the team performs. I'm under no illusions that that needs to be positive.
"I don't need reinvigorating. I'm invigorated. My motivation levels are really high.
"I think you learn a lot from these moments we are in. I'm learning a lot currently. Difficult runs force you to really revaluate everything and improve so sometimes in the most disappointing moments are the times when you improve the most."
"I have to retain that confidence (that I'll be here next season). It's doesn't serve anybody, not to have that long term vision. But we need to win games.
"I feel there's unity within the football club. But in my position, I'm under no illusion, I have to get results - to keep that feeling and that trust. It's a responsibility that comes with the job."
'Villa monitoring PSG teen Mbaye'
Aston Villa are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, according to the Daily Mail.
Villa will reportedly target younger players this summer, with attacker Mbaye among those they admire.
But it is claimed the deal would not be easy for Mbaye, who has two years left on his contract, with Villa not the only club to show interest.
Mbaye has made 21 appearances this season for PSG, scoring once and assisting twice.
He is set to play at this summer's World Cup for Senegal.
'Barca boss Flick set to sign new contract'
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is set to sign a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The German's current contract expires at the end of next season but it is claimed he has agreed a one-year extension plus an option for another year to potentially take him to the end of the 2028/2029 season.
Flick took over from Xavi Hernandez in the summer of 2024 and is on course for his second consecutive LaLiga title this season, with Barca nine points clear of Real Madrid with five games remaining.
The 61-year-old's long-term commitment at the Spotify Camp Nou comes after the re-election of Barca president Joan Laporta.
Man City midfielder Coombs to retire at end of season
Manchester City midfielder Laura Coombs has announced that she will retire at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old, who first moved to the Joie Stadium in June 2019, has spent the majority of her 19-year playing career in Manchester, making 147 appearances in all competitions, placing her eighth in the Citys all-time professional rankings.
Coombs also earned seven senior international caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the 2023 Womens World Cup final.
For City, she has won one FA Cup and League Cup and scored 27 times, and there could yet be more silverware to come with Andre Jeglertzs team still in the hunt for success in both the Womens Super League and Womens FA Cup.
Speaking about her retirement, Coombs said: I'm so excited to be a fan of this team in the future. What they're trying to build here, I think it's incredible.
The way Manchester City are putting our women's team in a position to really go on and be successful long-term is so exciting. I'm very glad I got to play a part in that and I'm very excited to watch in the future."
