Football Insights from The Athletic FC
The Athletic FC delivers a daily dose of football insights straight to your inbox, keeping you updated on the world of soccer. This week, we delve into the ongoing saga of Cristiano Ronaldo and his aspirations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, alongside developments in club management and transfers.
Ronaldo’s Continued Commitment
Recently, Ronaldo showcased his immense value to the Portuguese national team, netting his 138th goal in a critical UEFA Nations League final against Spain. The emotional victory left him in tears, further solidifying his commitment to contributing to his team’s success. Critics may argue that coach Roberto Martinez is overly indulgent in incorporating the aging star, yet there’s no denying Ronaldo’s determination to leave a lasting impact before potentially stepping back from international play.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino can count on Ronaldo at the next World Cup, even though the forward has opted out of this year’s Club World Cup, hinting at his continued allegiance to Al Nassr in the Saudi Arabian league.
Italian Turmoil
In stark contrast, Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti finds himself in turmoil following a brutal 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier. He abruptly announced his dismissal during a press conference, only to still oversee an upcoming match against Moldova. The Italian football scene appears to be in disarray, as Spalletti faces betrayal accusations after a player publicly questioned his decisions, while social media interactions from his predecessors add to the chaos.
Challenges for the U.S. Men’s National Team
Meanwhile, in the realm of national teams, U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear he is not pursuing the open managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur. His squad is grappling with its own challenges, recently suffering a 2-1 loss to Turkey, extending their defeat streak to three matches amidst questions about their defensive strategies. These struggles highlight how transitioning to international management presents unique obstacles even for seasoned coaches.
Transfer News and Managerial Search
On the transfer front, Chelsea is aggressively pursuing new talent, further expanding their roster with the potential signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. If negotiated successfully, this deal would add the young England Under-21 winger on a contract for the next seven years. Concurrently, Liverpool’s interest in Florian Wirtz has soared to £113 million, although Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price complicates negotiations.
The latest buzz in the Premier League also centers around Tottenham’s managerial search, with Thomas Frank emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void left by Ange Postecoglou. Frank’s deep-rooted experience at Brentford, where he has effectively built a sustainable team, positions him as a favorable option.
A Lighthearted Moment
Lastly, in a lighthearted moment from the weekend, an adorable toddler’s interruption during an MLS match drew attention as they dashed onto the field amid a staggering 7-1 defeat for D.C. United against the Chicago Fire. Though the child’s motives remain unknown, one can’t help but empathize with the innocent temptation to join the action on the pitch.
