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Barcelona needs its leaders to fulfil Champions League dream: Hansi Flick  Barcelona requires leaders on the pitch if it is to achieve its coach Hansi Flick’s dream of winning the Champions League, the German said on Tuesday.The 61-year-old was speaking a week after his Champions League dream was dashed for a second successive season – this time ousted in the quarterfinals by La Liga rival Atletico Madrid.Flick – whose side went out in the semifinals last season to Inter Milan – guided Barcelona to the domestic double last term, and his players are on course to retain their league title as they are nine points clear of Real Madrid with seven games to play.“It is not an excuse, but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available,” he said at his press conference on the eve of their league match with Celta Vigo.ALSO READ | PSG, Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha’s availability ahead of Champions League semis“Against Atletico, we were missing Frenkie (de Jong) and Raphinha. Last year, we had Inigo (Martinez), who was a great leader. We need these types of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarterfinals or semifinals of the Champions League, and to show the way,” Flick added.Flick added that the team, largely made up of players who came through the club’s youth system, was “young” and must “learn” from each defeat to progress.“I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market,” he said.Flick would not go into any further detail on the type of forward Barcelona will be looking to recruit, nor on his future, even if he hopes his “contract is extended” in what he repeated would be his “last job”.Published on Apr 21, 2026  #Barcelona #leaders #fulfil #Champions #League #dream #Hansi #Flick

Barcelona needs its leaders to fulfil Champions League dream: Hansi Flick

Barcelona requires leaders on the pitch if it is to achieve its coach Hansi Flick’s dream of winning the Champions League, the German said on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old was speaking a week after his Champions League dream was dashed for a second successive season – this time ousted in the quarterfinals by La Liga rival Atletico Madrid.

Flick – whose side went out in the semifinals last season to Inter Milan – guided Barcelona to the domestic double last term, and his players are on course to retain their league title as they are nine points clear of Real Madrid with seven games to play.

“It is not an excuse, but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available,” he said at his press conference on the eve of their league match with Celta Vigo.

ALSO READ | PSG, Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha’s availability ahead of Champions League semis

“Against Atletico, we were missing Frenkie (de Jong) and Raphinha. Last year, we had Inigo (Martinez), who was a great leader. We need these types of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarterfinals or semifinals of the Champions League, and to show the way,” Flick added.

Flick added that the team, largely made up of players who came through the club’s youth system, was “young” and must “learn” from each defeat to progress.

“I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market,” he said.

Flick would not go into any further detail on the type of forward Barcelona will be looking to recruit, nor on his future, even if he hopes his “contract is extended” in what he repeated would be his “last job”.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Barcelona #leaders #fulfil #Champions #League #dream #Hansi #Flick

Barcelona requires leaders on the pitch if it is to achieve its coach Hansi Flick’s dream of winning the Champions League, the German said on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old was speaking a week after his Champions League dream was dashed for a second successive season – this time ousted in the quarterfinals by La Liga rival Atletico Madrid.

Flick – whose side went out in the semifinals last season to Inter Milan – guided Barcelona to the domestic double last term, and his players are on course to retain their league title as they are nine points clear of Real Madrid with seven games to play.

“It is not an excuse, but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available,” he said at his press conference on the eve of their league match with Celta Vigo.

ALSO READ | PSG, Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha’s availability ahead of Champions League semis

“Against Atletico, we were missing Frenkie (de Jong) and Raphinha. Last year, we had Inigo (Martinez), who was a great leader. We need these types of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarterfinals or semifinals of the Champions League, and to show the way,” Flick added.

Flick added that the team, largely made up of players who came through the club’s youth system, was “young” and must “learn” from each defeat to progress.

“I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market,” he said.

Flick would not go into any further detail on the type of forward Barcelona will be looking to recruit, nor on his future, even if he hopes his “contract is extended” in what he repeated would be his “last job”.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

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#Barcelona #leaders #fulfil #Champions #League #dream #Hansi #Flick

#Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle">Egypt’s World Cup loss is being compared to the Falcons’ 28-3 debacle  It’s been almost a decade, but the Atlanta Falcons still aren’t living down the horrific memories of their 28-3 Super Bowl collapse against the New England Patriots. Just when you think there’s no possible way for the Falcons to catch a stray during the World Cup, Argentina vs. Egypt happens — in Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, no less.Egypt legitimately looked like a team about to pull off the upset of the tournament up 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go. Then, in the span of four minutes, Argentina roared back to life with two goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to even the score. It’s here the comparisons began.The collapse was seemingly unstoppable. Egypt were reeling, clearly panicking from the back-to-back goals, then Enzo Fernandez drove the dagger in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3-2 comeback win. If there was ever time for a perfect social media post it was now, and we got one.Two teams who wear red and black, both about to pull off a stunning upset that nobody saw coming, both with huge, seemingly insurmountable leads — both crumbling into dust. There’s only one thing left in a moment like this, and that’s to hear from someone with intimate knowledge of the legendary 28-3 collapse.On the plus side Falcons fans, if Brady himself says Egypt’s loss in Atlanta was worse than y’alls then he might have exorcised a few demons? I guess that’s the only bright side for this one I can think of.  #Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle

Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.

Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.

Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.

“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.

“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”

ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNER

Djokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.

RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals">Wimbledon 2026: ‘Racket and heart’ as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to enter semifinals  Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNERDjokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTSThe move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”Published on Jul 08, 2026  #Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals

Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals">Wimbledon 2026: ‘Racket and heart’ as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to enter semifinals

Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.

Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.

Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.

“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.

“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”

ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNER

Djokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.

RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals

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