Legendary Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho has opened up on his decision to return to Real Madrid as head coach.

The 63-year-old, who was officially announced as Los Blancos manager, admitted that his deep emotional connection to the club was the main driving force behind his comeback.

“I love Real Madrid, and this is the reason why I’m coming back. I don’t deny it,” Mourinho told reporters.

This will be Mourinho’s second spell at the Bernabéu. During his first stint between 2010 and 2013, he delivered success, winning the La Liga title with a record 100 points, along with the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

“I love Real Madrid, and this is the reason why I’m coming back. I don’t deny it”.
Since leaving Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has had a expansive coaching career.

He returned to Chelsea (where he won another Premier League title), followed by spells at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma (where he won the Europa Conference League), Fenerbahçe, and most recently Benfica.

He now returns to a Real Madrid squad that has endured two consecutive trophyless seasons, a rare drought for the Spanish giants.

Despite the challenge ahead, Mourinho insists his love for the club outweighs any difficulties.

The self-proclaimed “Special One” will begin his second chapter at the club with pre-season in July, aiming to restore Real Madrid’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Iran left a message saying “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations” following their World Cup group match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.

The handwritten note was left in their dressing room following a goalless draw in their second Group G game.

Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States – who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico – are in negotiations to end their war.

“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the message, which was released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).

“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity,” the note continued.

“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.

“And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.

“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

The message also made reference to an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war.

Iran played their opening match – a 2-2 draw with New Zealand – at Los Angeles Stadium, and will play their third and final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Their involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after its allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

Iran subsequently switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico, and face strict travel restrictions during their campaign.

They are allowed to fly into the US a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as the match, under the conditions of their visas.

This led to Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei saying they are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament following the draw with New Zealand.

However, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, says there are “discussions going on” about the timings for Iran’s travel to and from their game against Egypt.

– BBC

Accoridng to Lazio’s official announcement, Gennaro Gatusso, the former Milan, Napoli and Italy National Team head coach, is Lazio’s new head coach. 

Lazio’s Official Announcement:

SS Lazio announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the First Team.

The Club welcomes the new coach with satisfaction, believing that his experience, professionalism, and determination can contribute to the achievement of the Club’s sporting goals.

SS Lazio announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach of the First Team.

The Club warmly welcomes its new manager and is confident that his experience, professionalism, and determination will contribute to achieving the Club’s sporting objectives.