×
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

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

World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.

The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.

Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.

“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.

“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”

ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.

“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.

Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.

But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.

“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”

Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open">Sinner wants to use Madrid Masters to boost career Grand Slam chances ahead of French Open  World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comebackDespite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.Published on Apr 21, 2026  #Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open

Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.

“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.

Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.

But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.

“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”

Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open">Sinner wants to use Madrid Masters to boost career Grand Slam chances ahead of French Open

World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.

The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.

Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.

“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.

“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”

ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.

“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.

Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.

But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.

“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”

Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open
Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson  Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.  With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.  But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.  “It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.   Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.  “This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”  Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.  The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.   “This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”  The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.  “I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.   “… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”  Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.  The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #EmersonApr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.

With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.

But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.

“It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.

Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.

“This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”

Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.


The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.

“This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”

The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.

“I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.

“… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”

Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.

The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson">Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson  Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.  With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.  But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.  “It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.   Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.  “This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”  Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.  The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.   “This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”  The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.  “I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.   “… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”  Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.  The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

Post Comment