Mighty Mitrovic strikes again as Al-Hilal go 10 points clear
RIYADH: Al-Hilal moved 10 points clear at the top of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday with a 2-0 win over Al-Wehda.
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Paris Saint-Germain will be better in Spring, says Luis Enrique
POISSY, France: Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique predicted his new-look side will shift up a gear in February now that they have secured qualification for the knockout round of the Champions League. The French champions have moved on from the Latin American star duo of Neymar and Lionel Messi and Luis Enrique, who arrived in the summer, has established a youthful and disciplined line-up spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe. The Qatar-owned side are now nurturing a less star-based approach to recruitment. The former Barcelona and Spain coach predicted the Ligue 1 leaders would do even better after the winter break having “grown” in battling through their Champions League group. “I have no doubt that we will be better, all my teams have been better over time,” he said. “Big players will come back from injury by then and we are already among the best in the Champions League, whether in terms of chances created, shots on goal or possession,” he said, three days after a nail-biting draw at Dortmund sealed a place in Monday’s draw for the last 16. PSG were drawn alongside the Germans, Newcastle and AC Milan in what was the toughest group on paper. “The risk (of this difficult group) was to fail to qualify, but in terms of growth it was the best group we could have had.
Guardiola uncertain over Haaland fitness for Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia
LONDON: Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is a doubt for the Club World Cup, with the striker set to miss Manchester City’s home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Former Nice and PSG coach Christophe Galtier stands trial over alleged racism
NICE, France: Christophe Galtier stood trial on Friday for accusations of racism during his time as coach of his former club Nice and said some of the comments he made during that period had been taken out of context or distorted.
Inter Miami adds Tokyo stop to Messi tour next February
MIAMI, USA: Lionel Messi’s world tour with Inter Miami next year added Tokyo as a stop on Friday, with the Major League Soccer club announcing plans to face Japan League champion Vissel Kobe. The Argentine superstar will lead Inter Miami into the match at 60,000-seat Japan National Stadium on February 7 as part of an MLS pre-season tour that also features matches in Hong Kong and Riyadh. “Tokyo is an inspiring destination with a fervent football community that we’re looking forward to getting acquainted with,” Inter Miami chief business officer Xavier Asensi said. “We’re thrilled to visit Japan as one of our stops as we continue to bring joy to our global fan base.” Vissel Kobe is the former club of iconic Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta, who will attend the match and reunite with long-time Barcelona teammates Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami. The players won a UEFA Champions League crown and four La Liga titles while together for the Spanish giants while Iniesta won the World Cup with Busquets, and the European Championship with both Busquets and Alba for Spain. “Vissel Kobe is a powerhouse club in Asia coming off of a historic season after winning the J1 League, so we’re thrilled about this opportunity to sharpen our team in a match like this one,” Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said. “We continue to look for the best ways to prepare for 2024 and feel confident this match and this tour will help us do that.” Inter Miami will launch its 2024 journey with a match at El Salvador on January 19, then travel to Saudi Arabia for matches on January 29 against Al-Hilal and February 1 against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr before playing in Hong Kong on February 4.
Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games set for decisive last 2 nights
RIYADH: The Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games are set for some decisive match-ups on Friday night that will decide who advances to Saturday’s finals.
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon to host record 25k runners
ABU DHABI: The fifth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday morning is set to host a record 25,000 runners from 168 countries, as well as a host of elite athletes.
Boxing card set in honor of Smokin’ Joe Frazier on the late champion’s 80th birthday
PHILADELPHIA: Smokin’ Joe will headline one more boxing card.