Cherki Turns Heads
At Manchester City, it’s said that “Cherki can reign supreme“, according to the Daily Mirror. Rayan Cherki delivered a standout performance in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, revitalizing the Citizens’ Champions League aspirations. Arriving this summer for €35 million after the failed transfer of Florian Wirtz, Cherki fills the gap left by Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester Evening News even suggests he could “be the new Mahrez“. Despite initial skepticism from fans, he is proving his worth with creativity and intensity, stepping up as a successor to Riyad Mahrez. He was substituted in the 70th minute for Foden and Haaland against Madrid, earning Pep Guardiola’s trust ahead of the Crystal Palace match. His recent mentality on the pitch, particularly against Fulham and Sunderland, has made him indispensable. Guardiola appreciates the blend of boldness and simplicity in the French player, who is becoming a key asset in crucial matches.
Ticket Prices Criticized
In England, the Daily Star headlines read: “They’re laughing in our faces.” Supporters are protesting against the dramatic rise in ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, deemed unaffordable for “ordinary” fans. They accuse FIFA of betraying the tournament’s popular spirit for purely commercial interests. For the final, the cheapest ticket is around €3,500, considered “exorbitant” by fan associations. The Football Supporters Europe group estimates that attending all matches of a team, from the opening game to the final, could reach €7,000—approximately five times more than at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The organization describes this as a “monumental betrayal” of World Cup traditions and is calling for an immediate halt to ticket sales and a complete review of pricing and categories. During the U.S. bid in 2018, they had promised tickets starting at $21, a commitment that has now been completely abandoned.
Battle of the Milan Clubs
In Italy, the Gazzetta dello Sport headlines: “The Scudetto is ours“. During the Gazzetta Awards yesterday, Luka Modrić and Lautaro Martinez expressed their ambitions, both eyeing the Serie A title. The Croatian noted that Serie A is “very difficult and competitive“. He also shared his dream of wearing the rossonero jersey, a club he admired as a child. He praised Massimiliano Allegri as a “great coach and winner“, who leads champions with passion. According to Modrić, the Italian coach creates a supportive locker room atmosphere for pursuing the Scudetto. From the Inter side, Lautaro Martinez, recognized for his performance in 2025, stated that his team has never been stronger with Chivu. With the help of a psychologist, he manages criticism with calm: “If I’m being attacked, it’s out of envy.” Loyal to Inter, he aims to win it all: “Scudetto or Champions League? I won’t choose.“
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