## From Istanbul Glory to Transfer Chaos: The Untold Story of Gerrard's Near-Exit from Liverpool

Steven Gerrard immortalized himself in football history by leading Liverpool to one of the sport's most dramatic comebacks in the 2005 Champions League final. Yet, remarkably, within just two months of that unforgettable triumph, he was ready to turn his back on the club he had loved since childhood.

A new Netflix documentary exploring Liverpool's legendary Istanbul victory sheds fresh light on the turbulent emotional journey Gerrard experienced during that pivotal summer — one that nearly ended his Anfield career before it truly reached its peak.

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## The Greatest Night That Almost Led to Goodbye

In May 2005, Gerrard captained Liverpool through what is widely regarded as the greatest European Cup final in history. Trailing AC Milan 3-0 at half-time, the Reds staged a breathtaking second-half fightback, eventually clinching the club's fifth European Cup title in a dramatic penalty shootout.

For supporters, it felt like the moment that would cement Gerrard's loyalty to Liverpool permanently. Interest from Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho's Chelsea — the reigning Premier League champions at the time — had been circling, but surely no player walks away after a night like that.

As it turned out, they were wrong.

Six weeks after the final whistle in Istanbul, Gerrard publicly announced he was leaving Liverpool. Then, just as suddenly, he reversed his decision entirely.

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## A Head Like a Box of Frogs

Speaking candidly in the documentary, the 45-year-old admits he was in a deeply unsettled mental state during that period.

"Mourinho was on the phone — the best manager in the world at the time, offering silly contracts, which would naturally turn your head," Gerrard recalls. "Chelsea were spending fortunes. He was guaranteed success there."

"I can't park my relationship with Liverpool," he continues. "When they came, I didn't know which way to go. Mentally, I was in a bad place. My head was like a box of frogs."

Beyond the lure of Chelsea's wealth and ambition, Gerrard points to a more personal source of his uncertainty — his fractured relationship with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

"I felt like he didn't rate me, he didn't trust me, he didn't want me," Gerrard says. "I've always been clear that I want to be a Liverpool player and a Liverpool player only, but with that doubt and with that coldness, that's when your head gets turned."

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## Benitez's Tough Love and Tactical Obsession

The documentary paints a vivid picture of the cultural clash between Gerrard's passion-driven approach to the game and Benitez's cold, analytically precise management style.

"My game was about emotion, passion, desire, commitment — for the badge, for the family," Gerrard explains. "I felt like he wanted to remodel me entirely."

Benitez, for his part, pushed back against the sentiment-first culture he inherited at Anfield.

"When I joined Liverpool, there was a culture based on emotion," the Spaniard says. "Football requires more than that. If you're really emotional, you don't find the way to success."

Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who played alongside Gerrard throughout that era, believes his teammate simply needed human reassurance — something Benitez was constitutionally unable to provide.

"Rafa Benitez was never going to put an arm around his shoulder," Carragher says. "He's very unemotional."

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## The Michael Owen Parallel

Gerrard's near-departure was not an isolated incident. A year earlier, striker Michael Owen — another product of Liverpool's celebrated academy — had grown similarly disillusioned with life at Anfield.

Following Gerard Houllier's dismissal in the summer of 2004, after Liverpool finished a staggering 30 points behind champions Arsenal, Benitez was appointed as the new manager. His very first challenge was persuading his two most important players to remain at the club.

Benitez travelled to Portugal, where Gerrard, Owen and Carragher were on international duty with England at the European Championship. Rather than delivering a warm sales pitch, the new manager launched straight into tactical demands.

"He was on me immediately," Gerrard recalls. "'I don't want this, I don't want that. You can't play in this team unless we trust you.' It was intense. And I was thinking to myself, 'I guarantee you, you'll need me before I need you.'" 

Owen's experience was equally unimpressive. The 2001 Ballon d'Or winner was told by Benitez that he needed to learn to "turn on the ball quicker."

"That's absolutely what I was probably the best in the world at, at the time," says Owen, now 46. "He certainly didn't go any way to convincing me to stay, put it that way."

In August 2004, Owen departed for Real Madrid in a deal worth £8 million.

Benitez, however, remembers the meeting differently. "You can see when you talk with someone if he's happy with the conversation," he says. "I think they were quite happy."

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## Time Heals — And Changes Perspectives

Despite the tension and emotional turbulence of those years, Gerrard has arrived at a place of genuine appreciation for what Benitez brought to his career and to the club.

"I look back at Rafa and think he's the best coach I have ever worked with," he says — a remarkable endorsement from a player who once nearly fled Anfield to escape him.

It is a reminder that in football, as in life, the relationships that challenge us the most can ultimately shape us the best.

Steven Gerrard almost left Liverpool just weeks after the iconic 2005 Champions League final. A Netflix documentary reveals the full turbulent story.

Gerrard's Near Liverpool Exit After 2005 Champions League Wi

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From Istanbul Glory to Transfer Chaos: The Untold Story of Gerrard's Near-Exit from Liverpool

## Andy Murray Steps Into Coaching Role With Jack Draper

British tennis star Jack Draper has enlisted the support of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray as part of his coaching team for the grass-court season. The announcement follows Draper's decision to part ways with his former head coach Jamie Delgado, who had been working with the young Brit since October last year.

Murray, 38 and a former world number one, had been absent from the professional tour since his six-month coaching collaboration with Novak Djokovic concluded in 2024. He will now work alongside Draper and the Lawn Tennis Association's existing support staff through the summer grass-court swing, which includes Wimbledon starting June 29.

## Draper Speaks Out on the Transition

Draper, who climbed to a career-best ranking of fourth in the world last year, expressed genuine appreciation for the work Delgado had put in during their brief time together.

"I am very grateful for everything Jamie Delgado has done for me over these past six months. He is a world-class coach and a great man," Draper said in a statement.

"In the interim, I will continue to be supported by the excellent team at the LTA, with the addition of Andy Murray, who will be supporting me throughout the grass-court season."

Despite his credentials, Delgado's time working directly with Draper was severely limited. The pair only managed to collaborate at four tournaments this season due to a string of injury setbacks that have plagued the 24-year-old.

## Injury Struggles Have Derailed Draper's Season

Draper has endured a difficult stretch on the ATP Tour, largely sidelined by physical problems that have caused significant disruption to his campaign. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 US Open, he went nearly six months without competitive tennis due to a bruised humerus bone in his serving arm.

He made a tentative return during Great Britain's Davis Cup tie against Norway before rejoining the ATP Tour in Dubai in late February. However, his comeback has been fragile — he has completed just eight tour matches since returning and was forced to withdraw from his clay-court schedule after suffering a knee tendon injury during a match in Barcelona.

As a result, Draper will miss this year's French Open and has seen his world ranking tumble, with projections placing him outside the top 75 following the Italian Open.

## A Return to the Grass — and a Plan for Wimbledon

Draper is targeting a return to competitive action during the grass-court swing following Roland Garros. A potential comeback at the Stuttgart ATP tournament in early June — where he claimed his first ATP title back in 2024 — is currently under consideration, with the Queen's Club Championships in London scheduled the following week.

The pinnacle of the grass season, of course, remains Wimbledon, where Draper will be eager to make a significant impression in front of a home crowd.

## Murray and Draper: A Natural Partnership

While the timing may come as a surprise to some observers, the working relationship between Murray and Draper has long felt like an inevitable development. Draper has frequently spoken of Murray as a "big brother" figure throughout his career, regularly turning to the Scot for advice and guidance off the court.

Their close personal bond was memorably captured in a viral video from a 2023 Davis Cup celebration, which showed a jubilant Draper singing alongside Murray on their journey home — with Murray playing the role of the long-suffering older sibling to comic effect.

That chemistry and mutual respect form a natural foundation for a professional coaching arrangement, even if it arrived sooner than many anticipated.

### Why Murray Said Yes

Only weeks ago, Murray had publicly indicated he was not ready to return to coaching. His priorities included spending quality time with his family, developing his business portfolio, and working on his golf game — all pursuits he had embraced since stepping back from the sport.

However, the chance to help guide Draper through arguably the most important stretch of the grass-court calendar — without requiring extensive international travel from his home in Surrey — proved difficult to resist.

Murray's value to Draper extends far beyond tactical knowledge. Nobody in British tennis understands the weight of expectation that descends on a homegrown player at Wimbledon quite like Murray does. He also carries hard-won wisdom about navigating serious physical setbacks as a young player and building the resilience needed to sustain a career at the highest level.

For Draper, still piecing together his fitness and form, having that insight and experience in his corner this summer could prove invaluable.

Andy Murray joins Jack Draper's coaching setup for the grass-court season including Wimbledon, after Draper parts ways with coach Jamie Delgado.

Andy Murray Joins Jack Draper's Coaching Team for Wimbledon

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Andy Murray Joins Jack Draper's Coaching Setup for Grass-Court Season

## From the Goalpost to the Crease: Nigel Martyn's Cricket Dream

Nigel Martyn built a distinguished career between the goalposts for England, earning 23 international caps across two World Cup campaigns. Now, well into his late 50s, the former goalkeeper is pursuing an achievement that would place him among the most uniquely accomplished sportsmen in English history — becoming a dual international in both football and cricket.

### A Rare and Celebrated Club

The list of Englishmen to have represented their country in both football and cricket is extraordinarily short — just 12 individuals — and their names evoke an era of sporting romance long since passed. Legends such as Denis Compton, CB Fry, and Tip Foster all claimed that rare distinction. The last man to achieve it was Arthur Milton, who played his first Test match in 1958, a full seven years after earning his solitary football cap against Austria.

Martyn is now on the cusp of joining that exclusive group.

### A Love for Cricket That Never Faded

Despite spending his professional career focused on football, Martyn's passion for cricket never disappeared — it was simply put on hold. The demands of professional goalkeeping meant that playing cricket during the summer months was strictly off-limits, given the very real risk of hand and finger injuries.

A stress fracture in his ankle during the latter stages of his career led him to believe he might never play cricket competitively again. However, after receiving medical clearance around 2011, he returned to the sport with renewed enthusiasm.

"It's pretty special," Martyn told BBC Sport. "Obviously as a professional goalkeeper I wasn't allowed to play cricket in the summer, as it would threaten breaking fingers and things like that. I retired with a stress fracture on my ankle so I didn't think I was able to play cricket again. But I got the all-clear to do it in about 2011 so I started playing again."

### A Football Career Worth Celebrating

Born in St Austell, Cornwall, Martyn's football journey began at Bristol Rovers in 1987 — a break he secured thanks to an unlikely recommendation from the club's tea lady, Vi Harris, who brought him to the attention of then-manager Gerry Francis. From those early beginnings, Martyn went on to represent Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton, accumulating an impressive 666 league appearances before hanging up his gloves in 2006.

At international level, he attended the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups but remained an understudy to David Seaman throughout, never making an appearance at either tournament.

### The Road Back to Cricket

Martyn currently plays club cricket for Scarcroft CC, located just outside Leeds, and previously helped Knaresborough CC earn promotion to the North Yorkshire Premier Division alongside fellow former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

His pathway to international cricket recognition came through Cornwall's age-group structure — a commitment that demands an 800-mile round trip from his Yorkshire home for each match.

"My good friend Sean Hooper, who was the captain of Cornwall Over-50s, spoke to me about six years ago asking if I fancied playing," Martyn explained. "We last played when we were together with Cornwall Schools Under-15s. From there Cornwall recommended me to England."

### Earning His Place on Merit

Despite his considerable sporting reputation, Martyn received no special treatment when he attended England Over-60s trials at Loughborough University earlier this year. He was assessed purely on his cricketing ability as a wicketkeeper — and he made the cut.

Following an intra-squad fixture, Martyn was selected for the England Over-60s 'Lions' squad, an emerging player pool that supports the senior side. He officially turns 60 on 11 August, a date that — by a matter of days — rules him out of this year's Over-60s Cricket World Cup in Canada, which begins shortly before his birthday.

Nevertheless, his sights are firmly set on future World Cup selection.

### Transferable Skills and Shared Passion

Martyn credits legendary England wicketkeepers Alan Knott and Bob Taylor as major inspirations, and acknowledges that goalkeeping and wicketkeeping share more common ground than many might expect.

"Because I wanted to be a goalkeeper, I also wanted to be a wicketkeeper," he said. "There's some transferable skills of hand-eye coordination and I'm sort of used to a round object being either thrown or kicked at me. I've had several thousand of those things happening to me in my life. So I can seem to get my hands pretty much in the right place most of the time."

On the standard of the competition, Martyn has nothing but admiration.

"The batting and bowling standard is really, really high. The fielding is the one area where it gets more difficult, but there's still blokes in their 60s diving around stopping the ball — it's quite incredible to watch. I just love playing. If you're going to play into your 60s and 70s, you've got to love it. I love the camaraderie that you get."

With a Cricket World Cup appearance in his future plans and a place in sporting history within touching distance, Nigel Martyn's second act is shaping up to be every bit as compelling as his first.

Ex-England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is on the verge of becoming a dual international, representing England in both football and cricket for the Over-60s side.

Nigel Martyn Pursues England Cricket Dual International

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From Football Gloves to Cricket Whites: Nigel Martyn Eyes Dual International Status

## Packer Proves She's Still the Real Deal with Four-Try Masterclass

At 36 years old, Marlie Packer is refusing to let anyone write her off. The veteran England flanker silenced any remaining doubters with a breathtaking four-try display in England's commanding 61-33 victory over Italy in Parma, setting up a Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France next Sunday at the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux.

It is the kind of performance that reminds everyone exactly why Packer has remained one of the most formidable forwards in international women's rugby — and why her decision to keep playing was absolutely the right one.

## From the Fringes to the Spotlight

Not so long ago, Packer's place in the England setup looked uncertain. She had lost the captaincy to Zoe Stratford at the beginning of last year and was battling just to secure a spot in the squad for the home World Cup. Although she ultimately featured at the tournament, she was kept out of the knockout stages as England claimed the title.

Despite being overtaken in the pecking order by rising star Sadia Kabeya — who was named player of the match in the World Cup final — Packer made it crystal clear just days after lifting her second World Cup trophy that she had no intention of retiring. Contracted with Saracens until June 2026 and feeling in the best shape of her career, she committed to pushing on.

That determination has paid off handsomely. With injuries and pregnancies depleting head coach John Mitchell's starting pack, Packer has seized her opportunity with both hands.

## A Four-Try Performance for the Ages

In Parma, Packer was simply unstoppable. She opened her account with a sharp burst of acceleration to collect a well-placed kick through, before going on to bully her way through the Italian defence on three further occasions — most memorably smashing past multiple defenders to complete her fourth score.

The performance earned her the player-of-the-match award, adding to a similar accolade she received after a two-try outing against Wales earlier in the tournament. With 12 tackles made and 92 metres gained from 14 carries against Italy, her numbers were as impressive as her tries.

### Packer Speaks Out on Her Resurgence

"My secret weapon is that I am enjoying it and I have a smile back on my face," Packer told BBC Sport. "I am getting the minutes. For the last couple of years, Sadia Kabeya has had the nod over me but fair play, I have my opportunity at the moment and I am enjoying it. There is no pressure."

## Mitchell and Jones Sing Her Praises

Head coach John Mitchell was characteristically direct when asked about his veteran flanker, who has now earned 115 caps and led England to back-to-back Grand Slams in 2024.

"Marlie doesn't go away, does she?" Mitchell told BBC Sport. "After the World Cup she was asking where she stood, and I told her she is one of the best sevens in the country. She is so determined and has achieved so much. The standards we hold ourselves to have been shaped by the way she leads."

England captain Megan Jones was equally effusive in her admiration for her former skipper. "She has a never-say-die attitude and is next level," Jones said. "She goes 100% even when we are just walking."

## England's Dominance Continues — But Cracks Appear

Saturday's result in Parma extended England's extraordinary unbeaten Six Nations run to 38 consecutive victories. The world champions have not suffered a tournament defeat since 2018 and are now chasing an eighth consecutive title along with a fifth straight Grand Slam — a level of dominance that is virtually unparalleled in the sport.

However, Mitchell will not be entirely satisfied. Both Wales and Italy have managed to score bonus-point tries against England in recent rounds, registering 24 and 31 points respectively — the highest tallies either side has ever posted against the world champions. Against Italy, England also missed 15 tackles, a defensive statistic that will demand attention ahead of the France showdown.

The squad has also been heavily disrupted, with nine of the 13 forwards who featured in the World Cup final currently unavailable. Two players — Haidee Head and Christiana Balogun — made their international debuts as replacements in Parma.

### The Grand Slam Decider Awaits

Since the Women's Six Nations format was restructured in 2022 to place England and France in a climactic final-round fixture, every edition has culminated in a Grand Slam decider. England have won all four of those meetings, though last year's contest at Allianz Stadium was decided by a single point — the closest their historic winning run has come to ending.

Now, with the 42,115-capacity Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux as the stage and Marlie Packer in the form of her life, England will be confident of making it five from five. For Packer herself, it represents a chance at the kind of fitting finale she missed out on last year — and if her recent performances are anything to go by, France had better be ready.

Marlie Packer scores four tries as England beat Italy 61-33, setting up a Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France in Bordeaux.

Marlie Packer Fires England Into Six Nations Grand Slam Fina

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Unstoppable Marlie Packer Scores Four Tries as England March Toward Women's Six Nations Grand Slam Glory

## Anfield Frustration Reaches Boiling Point

Arne Slot is quickly learning one of football's most unforgiving truths — the Anfield crowd does not do passive. Liverpool supporters expect relentless energy, pressing football, and a team that punishes opponents the moment an opportunity presents itself. This season, far too often, they have received none of that.

The latest flashpoint came during a home draw with Chelsea — a side that had lost six consecutive Premier League matches heading into the fixture. When Liverpool took an early lead, the script appeared to be writing itself. Instead, Slot's men sat back, lost control of the game, and allowed a struggling Chelsea outfit to work their way back into the contest.

Enzo Fernandez's equaliser ensured the points were shared, and with it came a deeply uncomfortable statistic: Liverpool have now surrendered nine points from winning positions in Premier League home games this season — their worst return at Anfield since the 2015-16 campaign, the year Jurgen Klopp arrived to replace Brendan Rodgers.

## No Intensity, No Identity

The phrase "our identity is intensity" was famously associated with Pep Lijnders, Klopp's long-serving assistant. It captured everything that made Liverpool under the German manager so compelling to watch. Under Slot, that phrase feels like a distant memory.

Slot was never expected to replicate Klopp — that was made clear from the moment he was appointed. But forging his own identity has proved far more difficult than anticipated. His side currently lack a coherent style, a consistent defensive shape, and the kind of relentless forward momentum that once made Anfield a fortress.

Wayne Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, offered a blunt assessment: "Liverpool started reasonably well, scored, and then Chelsea simply took over. Marc Cucurella caused constant problems down the flank. The crowd were edgy — which you almost never see from Liverpool fans — and that reflects a season that has fallen short of expectations, especially given the money spent."

## Boos Echo Around Anfield

The full-time reaction was damning. Loud boos rang around the stadium despite the team not losing — a sign that the fanbase's patience is wearing dangerously thin. Online discontent is easy to dismiss, but when paying supporters voice their displeasure inside the ground, it signals something deeper.

Slot acknowledged the reaction with measured honesty. "It probably has something to do with us not winning," he told TNT Sports. "If Liverpool don't win, it makes complete sense that people are disappointed."

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was less diplomatic, suggesting the supporters need to show more backing. "We need them behind us for the full 90 minutes," he said. "When they were with us in the second half, we pressed really well. I don't think we deserved that reaction after a draw."

His comments are likely to prove divisive. Telling a frustrated fanbase to be more patient rarely lands well — particularly when performances continue to underwhelm.

## The Ngumoha Substitution That Inflamed the Crowd

The loudest boos of the evening actually arrived in the 67th minute, when Slot withdrew teenage winger Rio Ngumoha — Liverpool's most threatening player on the night. The reaction was immediate and fierce, arguably louder than anything heard at full-time.

Slot later clarified that the 17-year-old had been suffering with cramp, making the substitution unavoidable. "I knew the moment his number went up, that would be the reaction," said the manager. "It wasn't my intention to take him off. He is a talented player, but I don't believe he is ready to operate at 50 or 60 percent and still make the difference at this level."

Federico Chiesa was introduced in the 77th minute in place of Cody Gakpo, but the Italian international — who has become a fan favourite at Anfield — failed to add any meaningful spark. Despite his popularity in the stands, Chiesa is widely expected to depart the club this summer.

## A Summer of Significant Change Awaits

Sporting director Richard Hughes was present at Anfield to witness the unrest first-hand. Liverpool's leadership is acutely aware that the club stands at a crossroads. The summer transfer window will need to deliver not just quality additions, but players who can thrive within a system that the fans can genuinely connect with and celebrate.

Slot, for his part, spoke with the conviction of a man who believes he will navigate this difficult period. "I am 100 percent convinced we will be a different team next season, if we can have the summer we want," he insisted.

Those words carry weight — but they also carry expectation. Liverpool's hierarchy, their supporters, and the broader football world will be watching closely to see whether Slot can transform a season of underperformance into the foundation of something meaningful. The summer ahead may well define his entire tenure at one of the world's most demanding football clubs.

Boos at Anfield expose Liverpool's lack of intensity and identity under Arne Slot. Can a big summer rebuild fix a frustrating season for the Reds?

Liverpool's Identity Crisis: Slot Faces Fan Fury at Anfield

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Crisis at Anfield: Liverpool's Identity Problem Puts Slot Under Pressure

## Packer Shines as Red Roses Demolish Italy in Parma

England's seasoned flanker Marlie Packer put in a commanding display in Parma, crossing the try line four times to help the Red Roses dismantle Italy and keep their pursuit of an eighth successive Women's Six Nations title very much alive.

The emphatic victory, which also stretched England's extraordinary unbeaten run to 37 consecutive matches, sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling Grand Slam showdown next Sunday at the 42,115-capacity Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux — provided France secured their own win over Scotland in Edinburgh later that same day.

## Explosive Start Lays the Foundation

England wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing to a try bonus point within the opening 15 minutes. Mia Venner applied the finishing touch to seal that milestone, as the visitors made their intentions clear from the very first whistle.

Packer, 36, was instrumental throughout — bagging two tries in each half — while hooker Amy Cokayne also crossed twice and playmaker Helena Rowland added another to the tally. A clever kick through from fly-half Zoe Harrison got the ball rolling for Packer, who had already impressed with a two-try outing against Wales in Bristol the previous round.

## Italy Fight Back With Bonus Point of Their Own

Despite England's overwhelming control, Italy refused to simply roll over. The hosts secured their own try bonus point through scores from Vittoria Vecchini, Alissa Ranuccini, a penalty try, and Francesca Sgorbini — whose second effort late in the game pushed Le Azzurre beyond 30 points.

England's defensive vulnerabilities remained a concern for head coach John Mitchell. The concession of 21 first-half points drew comparisons to Wales, who had recently posted their highest-ever score against England, and Mitchell will undoubtedly be looking to tighten things up ahead of the Bordeaux decider.

## Disruption Off the Pitch, Dominance On It

England's preparations were far from smooth. Number eight Maddie Feaunati withdrew during the pre-match warm-up, forcing a last-minute reshuffle in the pack. Abi Burton shifted to number eight, while 19-year-old lock Haineala Lutui was promoted straight into the starting lineup.

Despite the disruption, England's set-piece remained a formidable weapon and a consistent source of attacking momentum. Burton herself was rewarded for a strong display with a well-deserved try in the second half.

## Packer's Legacy Grows With Every Game

With this four-try haul, Packer now sits just two tries behind Sue Day's all-time England try-scoring record — a remarkable achievement for a player who missed out on selection for the knockout stages of the recent World Cup, which England won in September.

The 115-cap veteran, who captained England to back-to-back Grand Slams in 2023 and 2024, is proving that she still has plenty to offer at the highest level. Her blistering form will make it very difficult for Mitchell to overlook her for the high-stakes clash in Bordeaux.

## Grand Slam Decider Awaits in Bordeaux

England's remarkable consistency this campaign is all the more impressive given the lengthy injury list and absences due to pregnancy that have depleted their squad. Yet the Red Roses continue to find ways to win — and win convincingly.

France remain the only side to truly test England in recent memory, pushing them to within a single point in last year's Grand Slam decider at Allianz Stadium, scoring 42 points in a narrow defeat. With that rivalry in mind, England will enter Bordeaux as heavy favourites, but Les Bleues will certainly not be written off.

One thing is certain — women's rugby's biggest occasion of the season is set to deliver a spectacular finale.

Marlie Packer's four-try masterclass powers England past Italy in Parma, setting up a thrilling Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France in Bordeau

Packer Scores Four as England Chase Grand Slam Glory

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Marlie Packer's Four-Try Masterclass Keeps England's Grand Slam Dream Alive

## Djokovic Stunned by Qualifier Prizmic in Rome Second Round

Novak Djokovic's long-awaited return to competitive tennis ended in disappointment on Wednesday as the Serbian superstar was knocked out of the Italian Open by 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic, who claimed a stunning 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory at the Foro Italico.

### A Rusty Return to Clay

Ranked fourth in the world, Djokovic had not stepped onto a tennis court since March 12, sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained at Indian Wells. More significantly, this was his first clay-court match of the entire season — a considerable disadvantage heading into one of the sport's most demanding surfaces.

Despite receiving a first-round bye in Rome, the six-time Italian Open champion looked far from his commanding best. While he opened the contest with authority — dropping only three points on serve throughout a dominant first set — his level dropped noticeably as the match progressed, with reports suggesting he may have been battling illness during the second set.

### Prizmic Seizes His Moment

Prizmic, a wild-card qualifier who counts Djokovic among his personal heroes, refused to be intimidated by the occasion or the opponent. Armed with a thunderous serve and an even more punishing forehand, the young Croatian reeled off four consecutive games to commandeer the second set and level the match.

Djokovic labored behind the baseline, repeatedly deploying drop shots to cut short the rallies — a tactic that Prizmic largely neutralized, finishing with 13 winners in the set alone. Both players left the court before the deciding third set, and while Djokovic appeared to return with renewed energy, Prizmic remained relentless.

The Croatian broke serve to go 3-2 ahead in the final set after Djokovic pushed a volley beyond the baseline, and he never looked back. When the moment came to serve for victory, Prizmic was ice-cold — unleashing a series of powerful groundstrokes before sealing the win with an ace out wide.

In an emotional tribute after the final point, Prizmic picked up a courtside camera and wrote *"Nole, it was a pleasure"* on the lens — a heartfelt message to the champion he had idolized for years.

### What This Means for the French Open

This defeat carries significant implications for Djokovic's Roland Garros preparations. The 38-year-old confirmed after the match that he will not compete again before the French Open begins on May 24, meaning he will carry just one clay-court match into one of the year's four Grand Slam events.

Djokovic, who will turn 39 just two days before the Paris tournament gets underway, acknowledged the difficulties of his current situation with characteristic honesty.

*"I'm not definitely where I want to be to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far,"* he said. *"I don't recall the last time I had a preparation where I didn't have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into a tournament. There's always something — kind of a new reality I have to deal with."*

### Prizmic Continues Impressive Run

For Prizmic, the victory represents the pinnacle of his young career — and follows a similarly impressive win over world number six Ben Shelton at the Madrid Open just weeks ago. The Roland Garros boys' champion from three years ago is clearly making the transition to the senior tour with growing confidence.

Djokovic, a semifinalist at Roland Garros last year and a finalist at this season's Australian Open — where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets — remains one of tennis's most formidable competitors in Grand Slam conditions. However, arriving in Paris with minimal match practice on clay will test even his extraordinary ability to elevate his game when it matters most.

All eyes will be on the French Open draw to see whether the veteran Serbian can find enough early-round rhythm to rediscover his best tennis before the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock Italian Open defeat to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic, raising concerns ahead of the French Open on May 24.

Djokovic Beaten by Qualifier Prizmic at Italian Open

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Djokovic Falls to Fearless Qualifier Prizmic at Italian Open

## Glasgow Warriors Surge to URC Summit With Emphatic Cardiff Demolition

Glasgow Warriors delivered a statement performance on Friday night, rolling over Cardiff with six tries to claim top spot in the United Rugby Championship table ahead of the final round of the regular season.

The bonus-point victory — sealed well before the final whistle — positions Glasgow perfectly heading into next weekend's crucial clash with Ulster in Belfast, where a four-try win would guarantee a first-place finish and the coveted home advantage throughout the play-off stages.

### First Half Dominance Sets the Tone

After a slow opening quarter, Glasgow shifted gears emphatically. Number eight Jack Dempsey broke the deadlock, driving powerfully along the touchline before ultimately forcing his way over the line. The Warriors wasted little time adding to their tally when a sharp strike move off a scrum released Kyle Steyn into open space, with the captain finishing with ease.

Cardiff responded through a sharp close-range finish from winger Josh Adams, converted by Sheedy, to briefly cut the gap. But Glasgow were in no mood to let momentum slip. Johnny Matthews — departing Scotstoun at season's end for French club Montauban — crossed twice before half-time, both times powering over from a rolling line-out maul. Glasgow led 21-7 at the interval, with a bonus point already secured.

### Second Half Confirms Glasgow's Authority

Cardiff showed brief signs of life when replacement prop Danny Southworth burrowed over from close range early in the second half. However, Glasgow quickly reasserted control as substitute Patrick Schickerling responded with a try of his own to make it five for the evening.

The pick of the night's scores came from Kyle Rowe, who burst through the Cardiff defensive line in stunning fashion to register Glasgow's sixth. A late consolation effort from Jacob Beetham added a touch of respectability to the scoreline, but the contest had long since been decided.

George Horne was named player of the match for his influential display at scrum-half, a recognition that drew warm praise from head coach Franco Smith.

### Post-Match Reaction

Glasgow head coach **Franco Smith** reflected on the victory with measured satisfaction, speaking to Premier Sports:

> "Obviously, we are happy, although it wasn't as fluent as we've been. There's still a bit of work to do. The determination to stay on top of the game was important."

On the standout performance of George Horne, Smith added: "He's a brilliant player and an integral part of the squad. What a competitor he is."

With several key figures departing at season's end — including try-scorers Matthews and Dempsey — Smith acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: "We had to deal with the emotion of it all."

Cardiff head coach **Corniel van Zyl** was candid in his assessment, speaking to Scrum V:

> "We know they are a quality side, and we wanted to have a go at them, but unfortunately, we lost the ball too much in contact in the first half. All credit to Glasgow — very good at the breakdown tonight."

### What's at Stake in the Final Round

Glasgow's path to finishing first overall runs through Belfast, where they face Ulster knowing a bonus-point victory seals top spot and home-ground advantage for every potential play-off fixture, including the final.

Cardiff, meanwhile, face a must-win scenario of their own. The Welsh region hosts Stormers in the final round and must secure the right result to guarantee a top-eight finish and a place in the post-season.

### Match Summary

**Glasgow Warriors Tries:** Dempsey, Steyn, Matthews (2), Schickerling, Rowe
**Conversions:** Horne (4), O. Smith

**Cardiff Tries:** Adams, Southworth, Beetham
**Conversions:** Sheedy

Glasgow Warriors claimed top spot in the United Rugby Championship with a dominant six-try bonus-point victory over Cardiff, setting up a final-round showdown.

Glasgow Warriors Go Top of URC After Big Cardiff Win

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Glasgow Warriors Claim URC Summit After Dominant Six-Try Victory Over Cardiff

## Formula 1 Approves Engine Design Shift for 2027 Season

Formula 1's key stakeholders have reached a unanimous agreement to modify engine specifications for the 2027 season, following widespread criticism of the new power units that debuted this year. The decision came out of a high-level meeting involving all ten teams, commercial rights holder Formula 1, and the sport's governing body, the FIA.

## What Is Changing and Why

At the heart of the issue is the current near-equal split between internal combustion engine (ICE) power and electrical power. Drivers have voiced frustration that this balance, combined with strict energy management demands, has taken the edge off qualifying — traditionally one of the most thrilling aspects of the sport.

Under the newly agreed framework, the proportion of power generated by the internal combustion engine will increase by 50kW (equivalent to 67bhp), with electrical output reduced by the same amount. The intended result is a more instinctive, conventional driving experience, particularly during qualifying sessions.

### The Problem With Current Power Units

The present generation of cars demands sophisticated energy recovery techniques even while drivers are at full throttle. This creates noticeable speed dips approaching corners and through certain high-speed sections — a dynamic that has drawn near-universal criticism from the driver community.

McLaren's reigning world champion Lando Norris, who finished second at last weekend's Miami Grand Prix, summed up the sentiment bluntly.

"It's a small step in the right direction, but it's not to the level that Formula 1 should still be at yet," Norris said. "If you go flat out everywhere and you try pushing like you were in previous years, you still just get penalised for it. You should never get penalised for that kind of thing and you still do."

## Miami Race Changes Welcomed as a Positive Signal

The Friday meeting also acknowledged that engine operational adjustments made ahead of the Miami Grand Prix had been positively received. Drivers were almost unanimous in describing the tweaks as a move in the right direction, though most agreed further progress is still needed.

## What Happens Next

While the agreement is currently in principle, the finer technical details will be worked through by specialist groups comprising team representatives and power-unit manufacturers. A final, comprehensive package is expected to be confirmed following those discussions.

The changes will require meaningful development work on existing engine platforms. However, the mood within the paddock appears optimistic. As one senior insider put it: "Everybody is in the mood for a challenge."

With 2027 representing a pivotal moment for Formula 1's technical regulations, this engine adjustment could prove to be a defining step toward recapturing the raw, unfiltered racing that fans and drivers alike have been calling for.

Formula 1 bosses unanimously approve an engine overhaul for 2027, shifting power balance back to internal combustion to restore the thrill of qualifying.

F1 Agrees Engine Design Change for 2027 Season

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Formula 1 Set for Engine Overhaul in 2027 After Driver Complaints

## Neymar Owns Up After Training Ground Altercation with Robinho Jr

Brazilian football icon Neymar has issued a public apology to his Santos teammate Robinho Jr following a controversial incident during a training session on Sunday, in which the veteran forward reportedly slapped the 18-year-old after being dribbled past.

The 34-year-old did not shy away from accountability, openly admitting that he overstepped the mark. "If you want an apology in front of the media, here it is," Neymar stated, acknowledging that his reaction was far from appropriate.

### What Happened During Training?

The altercation reportedly took place at the Rei Pele Training Centre, where Robinho Jr — son of former Brazil international and ex-Manchester City and Real Madrid star Robinho — allegedly received what he described as "a violent slap to the face" from Neymar after successfully beating the veteran with a dribble.

Following the incident, Santos Football Club launched an official investigation into the matter. However, both players have since resolved the issue, with the club confirming on Tuesday that everything had been "all sorted."

### Neymar Reflects on His Reaction

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, with an impressive tally of 79 international goals, was candid about losing his composure during the session.

"I did overreact in the way I responded. It could have been handled differently, but I ended up losing my head," said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.

"Everyone makes mistakes. It was my mistake, his mistake — though I made the bigger one. He's a young man I genuinely care for and have a special fondness for. Arguments happen in football — between friends, between brothers. That's the nature of the game."

### Robinho Jr Accepts Apology and Moves Forward

The teenager, who grew up idolising Neymar, confirmed that the experienced forward recognised his error almost immediately and offered repeated apologies following the incident.

"It was a situation that really upset me, because Neymar has been my idol since I was a child," Robinho Jr admitted. "People around us say a lot of things that aren't true, and it's sad to see it escalate to this level. But I'm fine — I like him a lot. We've spoken and it's all been resolved."

### A Symbolic Reconciliation on the Pitch

In what appeared to be a gesture of goodwill, Neymar celebrated his goal during Santos' 1-1 Copa Sudamericana draw against Recoleta on Tuesday by warmly embracing substitute Robinho Jr — a moment that signalled the pair had put the dispute firmly behind them.

The episode serves as a reminder that even the most experienced professionals are not immune to moments of frustration, and that resolving conflicts with honesty and accountability remains essential — both on and off the pitch.

Neymar publicly apologises to 18-year-old Santos teammate Robinho Jr after slapping him in training, admitting he crossed the line and lost his temper.

Neymar Apologises for Slapping Santos Teammate Robinho Jr

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Neymar Publicly Apologises to Young Santos Teammate After Training Ground Slap Incident

## Celtic Still in the Hunt — But What Comes Next?

Despite one of the most turbulent and contentious seasons in recent memory, Celtic remain very much alive in the race for both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup. Yet even if silverware arrives, the club faces a summer of potentially sweeping changes that could reshape its identity from top to bottom.

### A Club United — At Least on Match Day

When Celtic and Rangers lock horns this Sunday at Celtic Park, every supporter, player, and staff member inside the ground will be pulling in the same direction. That shared intensity will hold firm until the title is either clinched or slips away — only the second time that could happen in 15 years.

Behind that surface unity, however, a series of unanswered questions are quietly building pressure. Who will manage the club next season? What will the football structure look like? And will the current boardroom faces survive growing fan discontent? Nobody seems to have definitive answers — at least not publicly.

## The O'Neill Question

Martin O'Neill, 74, has been one of the more remarkable stories of this Celtic season. Brought back from retirement twice — first after Brendan Rodgers' bitter exit and again following Wilfried Nancys brief and disastrous eight-game tenure — the veteran manager has averaged more Premiership points per game than any of his contemporaries across his two stints this season.

The argument can reasonably be made that had O'Neill been installed from the moment Rodgers departed, Celtic would likely be comfortable champions by now. That raises a straightforward but loaded question: has he done enough to earn another season in the dugout?

Speaking to talkSPORT this week, O'Neill hinted at an openness to continuing without making any firm commitments.

"I feel a sense of renaissance, coming back and working with young people — it's really, really terrific," he said. "We'll have to see how we stand at the end of the season, and that's nearly upon us now."

Despite his legendary status at the club, some supporters believe it is time to move on. Paul John Dykes of the A Celtic State of Mind podcast was direct in his assessment.

"Martin O'Neill has been dreadfully let down by the Celtic board," Dykes told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "There's no way he came to Celtic in January, one week into a transfer window, on the promise of four loanees and an out-of-contract player to win the double. Regardless of what happens, Martin O'Neill's legacy is intact — he should go and enjoy his retirement."

## The Contenders: Keane and Askou

If O'Neill does step aside, two names have emerged most frequently in discussions around the managerial vacancy.

### Robbie Keane

The 45-year-old former Republic of Ireland striker, currently managing Hungarian side Ferencvaros, has declined to discuss his future publicly while focused on securing a second Hungarian league title — having previously won a league in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. His deep familiarity with Celtic, his winning mentality, and his experience navigating European competition make him an appealing candidate.

### Jens Berthel Askou

Motherwell manager Askou has quietly become one of the most talked-about coaches in Scottish football. In his debut season in the country, the Danish tactician has transformed a side that finished in the bottom half in each of the past two seasons into genuine European contenders — all while playing a high-intensity, attacking brand of football that has drawn widespread praise.

Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday was fulsome in his admiration when speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"It's a style of football in Scotland I've not seen, probably outside of Ange Postecoglou's Celtic," Halliday said. "When you consider he has Paul McGinn at 35 playing the best football of his career, Stephen O'Donnell at 34 doing the same — and he's created sellable assets in players like Tawanada Maswanhise, Elliot Watt, Lukas Fadinger, and Emmanuel Longelo — he's transformed the club financially as well."

## Boardroom Turmoil Adds to the Uncertainty

Off the pitch, fan protests and simmering discontent in the stands have been as defining a feature of Celtic's season as the football itself. Whether the current board survives the summer — with or without a trophy — remains one of the most pressing and unresolved storylines surrounding the club.

Celtic's period of extraordinary domestic dominance is under genuine threat. How the club navigates the months ahead — in the dugout, in the transfer market, and in the corridors of power — will define its next chapter.

Celtic are still chasing a domestic double, but major changes loom in management and the boardroom. Who could replace Martin O'Neill this summer?

Celtic Double Hopes and Summer Changes: What Comes Next?

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Celtic's Double Dream Alive — But Major Changes Loom Regardless of Outcome

## McIlroy Steps Back Onto Tour With Fresh Fire After Augusta Glory

Rory McIlroy has declared himself more driven than at any stage of his professional career as he makes his long-awaited return to competitive golf following a historic back-to-back victory at the Masters.

The world number two cemented his place in golfing legend last month when he successfully defended his Green Jacket at Augusta National, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler to become only the fourth player in history to win consecutive Masters titles.

## A Different Kind of Triumph

This latest Augusta win carries a distinctly different emotional weight for McIlroy. Last year, the Northern Irishman made history by becoming just the sixth golfer ever to complete the career Grand Slam, claiming a dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose. Yet he admits that this second successive Masters title has left him feeling something altogether new.

"Even winning felt different," McIlroy reflected ahead of his PGA Tour comeback at this week's Truist Championship. "Winning the Grand Slam was going to be this life-changing thing, and in some ways it was — but I had to remind myself that I still have a lot of career ahead of me and I want to keep competing."

He described this year's victory as a form of personal validation, confirmation that the extensive work he has invested over recent years to rebuild and sharpen his game has been thoroughly worthwhile.

## Learning From Last Year's Struggles

McIlroy is well aware of the pitfalls that followed his 2024 Grand Slam success. After completing that milestone, he struggled to maintain momentum, failing to contend at either the USPGA Championship or the US Open before a respectable top-ten finish at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush — played in front of a passionately supportive home crowd.

He went on to claim his second Irish Open title and played an influential role in Europe's Ryder Cup victory over the United States in New York, helping to round off the season on a high note.

This time around, McIlroy has made a conscious effort to keep the post-Masters celebrations more measured and less hectic, allowing him to channel his energy directly into preparing for the challenges ahead.

## Eyes on the Major Season

With six major titles already to his name, McIlroy is looking ahead to an exciting stretch of golf's most prestigious events. He turns 37 this week, yet shows no signs of easing off.

"I'm excited for this week, I'm excited for Aronimink next week for the USPGA Championship, then Shinnecock for the US Open, and Birkdale for the Open," he said. "If anything, I feel more motivated after what happened at Augusta this year than I've ever been."

## A Special Homecoming at Quail Hollow

McIlroy tees off at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow on Thursday at 15:05 BST, embarking on a bid for a remarkable fifth title at the North Carolina venue. He first tasted victory there in 2010 and went on to win again in 2015, 2021, and 2024, with a play-off defeat to Rickie Fowler in 2012 the one that got away.

The 37-year-old spoke warmly of his affection for the course and its supporters, suggesting the relationship between the tournament and the players it attracts is genuinely unique.

"I feel like I've gotten more from this golf tournament than I've given back," he said. "The atmosphere is what makes it stand apart from so many other events on tour. It's amazing how the community rallies behind this event, and it's always wonderful to come back, see familiar faces, and feel that incredible support."

With his motivation at an all-time high and a schedule packed with major opportunities, McIlroy looks primed to make the rest of the 2025 season one to remember.

Rory McIlroy says he is more motivated than ever as he returns to the PGA Tour following his historic back-to-back Masters title defense at Augusta.