Sports Calendar

Heynckes back taking on giants of Germany

Once touted as hottest young manager, former West Germany international has rediscovered his magic touch at Bayer Leverkusen

Mourinho’s Italian love affair showing cracks

The Inter Milan coach enjoyed a favourable first season in Serie A despite European failure, but his carping has started to grate the locals

Blatter needs to overhaul tinpot trophy

Gabriele Marcotti suggests how to improve the Club World Cup, a tournament that barely registers with most football fans

Tenacious minnows leave heavyweights on edge

Many of European football’s big guns, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, still have work to do to qualify in Champions League

Balotelli abuse not just a black and white issue

Gabriele Marcotti says skin colour is not the only reason the black Italian superstar footballer is one of the most abused footballers in Europe

Braga tilting balance of power in Portugal

A well-run club with a strong medium-term plan can, writes Gabriele Marcotti, succeed regardless of who appears on the pitch

Africa’s day of destiny prolonged by Egypt

If you were looking for down-to-the-wire excitement at the weekend, there was one place to be: Africa, says Gabriele Marcotti

Beckham is no Beckenbauer in diplomacy stakes

If there is a factor holding back England’s World Cup bid it is the lack of a recognisable, heavyweight figure behind it

Ronaldo in middle of club-versus-country row

Real Madrid insist world’s most expensive player has an ankle injury, but Carlos Queiroz still plans to call him up for Portugal

Pellegrini safe for now at Bernabeu

Under-fire Real Madrid coach thankful to see his side rally against ten-man to gain a crucial victory over Getafe

Van Gaal's mess needs divine intervention

Dutch coach may have previously compared himself to God but his masterplan at Bayern Munich leaves much to be desired

Are outbursts by coaches acceptable?

How much abuse and what kind of abuse are fans and the media entitled to direct at coaches, asks Gabriele Marcotti

Maradona gets another ‘hand from God’

Heavens open in Buenos Aires and veteran Martin Palermo sneaks in unmarked at back post to keep World Cup hopes alive

Disgruntled Milan fans forced to live off former glories

Struggles continue for former European champions with season-ticket holders plummeting and results disapppointing

Stars of tomorrow getting shabby treatment today

Poor timing and the lack of big-name players the reason behind the Under-20 World Cup creating barely a ripple in Egypt

Platini is not just another member of the blazer brigade

He has his critics, but Uefa president has attempted to do more in less than three years than his predecessor did in 17

Mourinho plays mind games with Ibrahimovic

Inter manager suggests Samuel Eto'o is a better forward than the Swede on the eve of the Champions League group stage