#portuguese-football

#portuguese-football

The table is so tight that the title race and the fight to survive relegation looks like going to the wire, with teams battling for Europe still also looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.

Italy's elimination from the World Cup playoffs, sealed in a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina, marks a watershed moment in European football, as they become the first former World Cup winners to miss three consecutive tournaments.

The ongoing discussions regarding future structural changes to the game, such as the introduction of new tournaments (eg. Fifa Club World Cup), further intensify this challenge. These changes have the potential to significantly reduce the downtime available to elite players, affecting their recovery and overall well-being.

When I set out there were no role models, no Spanish players, Martinez says. Only Nayim, from Ceuta. England was unknown. It's the Third Division. You've spent your whole life learning you have to look after the ball, then you get there and the first thing they say is: Second ball'.

I'm happy with Marcus, he plays well. The last few weeks he's had problems, he's been injured, so it's an opportunity for him. There are other options, Fermín, Gavi. I'm happy that Gavi is at a great level.

I never had this feeling - I'm not involved in all this social media thing. I think that's a good thing. Every supporter of Barcelona can see it's great to have him in the team. For me it's fantastic to see, because he enjoys training, he enjoys playing with these guys. And he has huge quality.

"It's really frustrating when one of your best players gets injured in a friendly," he told Mon Esport. "You can't shift the blame onto the player because he's a professional, and he plays for his country and is obligated to give his all."