ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti dives into Gareth Bale’s saga at Real Madrid, calling the star’s antics “idiotic.” Shaka Hislop questions whether or not Gareth Bale will leave Real Madrid in January. Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale said anger over his treatment and media speculation about his future at the Spanish club had not distracted him from
Clubs
Stewart Robson offers his plan to fix Man United, starting with a change to the system to help Marcus Rashford. Craig Burley addresses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fit at Manchester United and credibility as a manager. Man United usually fight for a top six spot, but Mark Ogden says they might be fighting to avoid the
Stewart Robson offers his plan to fix Man United, starting with a change to the system to help Marcus Rashford. The transfer windows in Europe’s top leagues are closed, but it’s never too late to look forward to January. Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip
Rodri tells Sid Lowe the challenges of being a defensive midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s system. Mark Ogden explains why Man City couldn’t pursue another top centre-back after missing out on Harry Maguire. The FC guys break down how Wolves shut down a potent Manchester City attack in their 2-0 upset at the Etihad. Manchester City
Alexis Nunes and Gab Marcotti break down Bayern’s surprising defeat against Hoffenheim after beating Spurs 7-2. The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to bring you all the weirdest stories, quirkiest viral content and top trolling that the internet has to offer, all in one place. Jump to: Man United make a signing | Ex-Liverpool player top
Alexis Nunes and Julien Laurens question whether Frank Lampard could ever win the Premier League with Chelsea. Christian Pulisic is struggling for time at Chelsea, and Craig Burley says the reason why is simple. Craig Burley says Frank Lampard has rejuvenated Chelsea with youth after the Blues’ 4-1 win over Southampton. When Olivier Giroud arrived
The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to bring you all the weirdest stories, quirkiest viral content and top trolling that the internet has to offer, all in one place. Thursday night saw the world premiere of the new Cirque du Soleil show inspired entirely by the life and times of Lionel Messi. Messi
The ESPN FC crew debate whether or not Arsenal are good enough to finish third this year. Arsenal are up to third, and Craig Burley says Unai Emery’s side can still go to another level. Craig Burley and Stevie Nicol say Nicolas Pepe looks like “a flash in the pan” after failing to live up
The transfer windows in Europe’s top leagues are closed, but it’s never too late to look forward to January. Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip below. Top 10 free agents in 2020 | European transfer review TOP STORY: Manchester United nearing Mandzukic deal Tuttosport is reporting
LAS ROZAS DE MADRID, Spain — The handle turns, the door opens and Saul Niguez bursts into the room. There’s just enough space to slip quietly past, out towards the training pitch and up to the players’ residence for lunch, but he’s not about to do that. He’s been listening in from a small office
Rodri tells Sid Lowe the challenges of being a defensive midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s system. Mark Ogden explains why Man City couldn’t pursue another top centre-back after missing out on Harry Maguire. The FC guys break down how Wolves shut down a potent Manchester City attack in their 2-0 upset at the Etihad. Manchester City
Lionel Messi felt “mistreated” and thought of leaving Barca when under investigation for tax fraud in 2013. Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was in Madrid court on Wednesday to face charges of tax fraud after opting not to accept a plea bargain. The former Spain international could face up to a five-year prison sentence and
Christian Pulisic is struggling for time at Chelsea, and Craig Burley says the reason why is simple. Gregg Berhalter insists Christian Pulisic is a focal point for the U.S. despite his lack of playing time at Chelsea. Shaka Hislop and Mark Donaldson debate the merits of a loan move for Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic in January.
Alejandro Moreno breaks down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on El Clasico. Alejandro Moreno examines the players Barcelona may have to sell to get their books in order. The ESPN FC crew analyse Barcelona’s performance sans Antoine Griezmann in their 4-0 win over Sevilla. Steve Nicol weighs in on the rumours Barcelona may try
Arsenal held on for a scrappy 1-0 win over Bournemouth after dominating much of the first half. The Gunners moved up to third behind Manchester City and Liverpool, but will be disappointed at the lacklustre nature of the win as Eddie Howe’s men almost pulled off a shock at the Emirates. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fizzed a
Gab Marcotti muses over how Paris Saint-Germain will integrate their injured stars back into the lineup. Steve Nicol weighs in on the rumours Barcelona may try to swap Antoine Griezmann for PSG’s Neymar. Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop say Neymar’s performance on the field is the only way to win fans back after a dramatic
The ESPN FC crew analyse Barcelona’s performance sans Antoine Griezmann in their 4-0 win over Sevilla. Steve Nicol weighs in on the rumours Barcelona may try to swap Antoine Griezmann for PSG’s Neymar. Frank Leboeuf explains why Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann’s on-field relationship won’t improve any time soon. The FC crew choose which of
The Serie Awesome crew discuss the strengths of Stefano Pioli ahead of his expected appointment at AC Milan. Alexis Nunes and Gab Marcotti detail Milan’s dramatic 2-1 win over Genoa. AC Milan have named former Inter boss Stefano Pioli as the replacement for Marco Giampaolo, who was sacked on Tuesday. Pioli’s last role in management
12:18 PM ET Atletico Madrid lost ground to La Liga leaders Real Madrid as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to Real Valladolid on Sunday, their third goalless draw in four games, after the hosts squandered a penalty in the first half. Striker Sandro Ramirez sent the ball flying over the crossbar from
From as early as I can remember, football was always the great equalizer. By now, everyone knows I have obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette’s syndrome. It hasn’t been easy. But on the pitch, nobody cared. My facial tics, the coughing, none of it mattered as long as I stopped the ball from ending up in