The Sports Network - Soccer News

Real Madrid manager’s primary objective during the international break – report

Following a 3-1 win over Villarreal, Real Madrid are heading into the second international break of the season as league leaders, helped by Barcelona’s humiliating defeat to Sevilla.However, Real Ma...

Player of month Shankland 'just enjoying' Hearts run

Lawrence Shankland was avoiding title talk as he was named Scottish Premiership player of the month, the Hearts striker saying his side are "just enjoying where we are now". "It is a great start," Shankland told Sky Sports. "Obviously off the back of last season, there was a lot of frustration, so I think the boys are just enjoying it, where we are now."

Barcelona’s dressing room analysis: Attackers’ effort under scrutiny after latest defeats

Heading into the October international break, Hansi Flick is facing growing frustration with Barcelona’s performances, reports El Pais. His concerns stem from both tactical issues and player attitud...

BBC to show Highland League rivals in Scottish Cup

BBC Scotland is to provide live coverage of Formartine United v Buckie Thistle in the second round of the Scottish Cup on 24 October.

Leeds 'have come a long way in two years'

Before last weekend, Leeds United's last top-flight game against Tottenham Hotspur came in the final fixture of the relegation season two and a half years ago. Sam Allardyce was in the dugout that day and United lined up in a 5-4-1 formation, with a midfield featuring Robin Koch, Weston McKennie and Adam Forshaw. What followed was a performance so devoid of passion, competence and work-rate that it prompted then captain Liam Cooper to tell the players, in not so many words, that if they did not want to be at the club, to leave.

'Breathing room' - can Maresca make the most of it?

A win over the reigning champions is even better. Chelsea's win over Liverpool on Saturday brought their best performance of the season and the most raucous Stamford Bridge atmosphere perhaps since the Blues beat Manchester United 4-3 18 months ago. It could not have come at a better time for the team and their manager Enzo Maresca.