Sports

Bournemouth close to appointing Rose

Image source: Getty ImagesByNizaar KinsellaFootball Reporter17 April 2026406 commentsBournemouth is close to appointing Marco Rose to replace departing Andoni Iraola. Although Iraola’s departure was a shock to the Cherries but it wasn’t a total surprise. Bournemouth’s succession plan included a discussion with Rose, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McNa, and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez. Rose, 49, is without a club after being fired by RB Leipzig back in March 2025. He has never managed in England before. He has extensive experience, having worked at Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg. Rose was also considered by Tottenham Hotspur after the dismissal of Thomas Frank in Feburary. “I have some information because I speak to the club. I’ve heard some names, but it’s up to them to make the decision. “And, whoever decides, whenever they decide to hire the new manager, I will give my opinion. “Will Iraola’s summer departure speed up the managerial merry go round?3 days agoBournemouth manager Iraola will leave club at the end of the season’Rose’s intensity would fit Bournemouth well’ByConstantin EcknerGerman football writerMarco Rose is from Red Bull’s school of football. He began as a coach for his local club Loch Leipzig. He was a very successful coach at RB Salzburg, winning the youth championship with them and then becoming the senior team manager. He then moved to the Bundesliga, where he coached Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig for a period of time. He wants a new challenge after achieving so much in the Bundesliga. He can develop as a person and coach by going to the Premier League, doing what Oliver Glasner did in recent years, and proving himself. There are a lot more fouls, but that is part of the high press. Red Bull wanted him to introduce this style and he developed it as an academy coach. Although he hasn’t been that successful in his latter stages at RB Leipzig, joining a new league and culture might not be a bad thing for him.Related topicsPremier LeagueBournemouthFootballMore on this storyLatest Bournemouth news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Bournemouth – what do you want to know?

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From FA ban to double Euros winners – Lionesses reach 500 games

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Fitzpatrick’s wild birdie and superb 63 puts him in Heritage lead

Image source: Getty ImagesByTom RstanceBBC Sport Journalist1 hour ago37 commentsRBC Heritage, Second Round-14 M Fitzpatrick, (Eng); -13V Hovland, (Nor); -10H English, (US); -9S Straka, (Aut), L Aberg, (Swe), P Cantlay, (US)Selected : -8 R MacIntyre, (Sco), R Fowler, (US); -7 Fitzpatrick admitted that the shot was indeed lucky. It’s nice when you get that in a hurry, but it’s even better to use it. Hovland, of Norway, remains his closest competitor after a stunning birdie on the 17th hole kept him in contention. Hovland, who was playing alongside Fitzpatrick and world number one Scottie Schaffler, shot a disciplined 67. The American, despite hitting every fairway and converting several birdie chances, is seven shots behind.

Sports

How Coventry earned Premier League return after 25 years

Nick Mashiter, Football reporter, 17 April 202994 CommentsAfter 25 Years, Coventry is back in the Premier League. The Sky Blues have been in the Premier League for 9,113 days. They were relegated by Aston Villa after a 3-2 loss on 5 May 2001. After 11 years in the Championship they were relegated and fell into bankruptcy in 2013. After 11 years in the Championship, they were relegated to League One and fell into administration in 2013. Sources admit that there was cautious optimism when the season began, but they didn’t expect such success to happen so quickly. Lampard, who replaced Mark Robins as fan favourite in November 2024, had a calming influence in his first summer at the club. Carl Rushworth has had the most impact on the team, but it is still largely the same as last season despite the additions of Romain Onyeka and Frank Onyeka mid-season. Insiders are impressed by how Lampard has led the squad after last season’s disappointment. After they consolidated themselves in the top 2, the goal of automatic promotions changed to winning the group title. Lampard was hired ahead of ex-player John Eustace because King, the owner, is a big fan. King has a permanent office at the training grounds, where he regularly chats with staff and knows them all by names. He is often seen in the canteen, making coffee and talking with the chef. Sky Blue Lodge has a more inclusive atmosphere because there is no separate area for first team. The training ground is now a place for players to build team spirit. An upgraded, expanded gym allows everyone to train together. The players used to rotate in groups to use the old gym. Even the drive up to the training ground was upgraded in recent times – a sleek and professional set-up with well-lit banks has replaced the old, unkempt grassy banks. Lampard is a unique and special promotion for Coventry. Image source: Getty Images. Lampard has an aura of a player that has won it all in club football. His influence convinced players who had other options to sign with Coventry. Lampard has to make sure that his players, both new and established, feel like they are part of the team even when they don’t play much. Lampard has been able to pass on his experience and advice to players who have not played much. This is especially true after last year’s semi-final loss to Sunderland. Matt Grimes, the captain, has also given motivational messages. He has talked about other title-winning teams and even inspired the players when they had a stutter in January. The players are confident in Lampard even though they know that there will be some changes made to prepare them for the top flight. I don’t want to talk too much. My situation in a big match 15 years ago is probably different from theirs, but it could be one of the benefits of having a long and successful career. You’ve lived it. “I can offer some personal reflections or words that can impact the players. I’ve been here before. If you don’t play the game correctly – by relaxing or letting the pressure get to you – then every game can be a banana peel. “I try to keep things simple, but if I want to poke them, I will. “I think I get along well with them. I can poke them and sometimes you have to try to find the best situation. “Those pokes were rarely needed this year. Only once have they lost consecutive league games, losing to Norwich and QPR respectively in January after a 10-point advantage evaporated. Middlesbrough and Coventry were tied on 58 points by the end of January. Coventry has won eight of the 13 games since then. Boro even reached the top spot in February, but Coventry beat them 3-1 in order to regain control. In 99 seasons, Coventry has only won five consecutive games five times. Three of those came under Lampard, this season, after another streak in last season. “You’re welcomed,” he joked. “I’m glad, of course I’m, it should reflect on the staff and the players.” “I, Chris [Jones] & Joe [Edwards] drove here a year and a half ago and we were all new. “We’ve enjoyed it, but the boys and everyone else have worked so hard. The players are those who deliver. “Of all the changes Lampard has brought about, none is more important than changing the pessimistic Sky Blue mindset. Coventry fans can be forgiven their pessimistic outlook after a decade of blows both on and off the pitch. Regaining a top-flight position has restored faith. “I watched them fall through the leagues. Lampard said that the syndrome may be a right of the fans. “I was a West Ham supporter growing up and it was the same, but in a different manner, as they reflected back on 1966. I went to Everton and it felt similar. It’s human nature. Maybe it’s British cultural – expect the worst, but I get it. “It is part of the fun. It doesn’t sound like fun, but you have to suffer in order to enjoy the good stuff. “Related topicsCoventry CityChampionshipFootball

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‘Mums thank me for changing the narrative’ – how motherhood in rugby evolved

ByAlastair TeleferBBC Sport Journalist17 April 2026Seeing Abbie Ward walk around the sold-out Allianz Stadium holding the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy in one hand, and her daughter Hallie with the other, was an image that stuck in the mind of teammate Lark Atkin Davies. Lock Ward is expecting her next child later this year. She returned to international Rugby in 2024, after becoming the first contract England woman to give birth since the Red Roses turned professional in 2019. Motherhood did not need to wait until her career. She returned to international rugby in 2024, 17 weeks after having her baby. Just two years later she started and scored in 2025 World Cup Final. Hooker Atkin Davies, a replacement for Ward in that final, was inspired by Ward’s comeback to rugby and announced in December 2025 that she was pregnant with the first of her children. Like Ward, Atkin Davies is due to deliver this summer. Atkin-Davies said to BBC Sport that “seeing Abbie go through the pregnancy with Hallie” was a turning point. “I’ve always wanted to be a mother, but I didn’t know how it would look. Rugby is a big part of my identity. “I thought it would be great to have a child and then return, but I wasn’t sure how that would work. It’s not something that many people have tried. “Seeing Abbie on the field after the World Cup Final, with the Trophy in her hand, was one of the key moments. I saw that it was possible and I wanted to give it a try. I saw it was possible, and I want to give it a shot. Ward told BBC Sport that she heard a lot of outside noise about whether or not you should be training. “The first thing that you hear when you visit your doctor or search online is to not lift heavy objects. I lift heavy objects every day as part of my work, and I’ll continue to do so. “I want to talk about it because the narrative is changing regarding what women are capable of. The NHS recommends that you continue “your normal daily activity” as long as it is comfortable for you during pregnancy. Ward added, “The advice is to do what is normal for YOU.” “Our normal is different from that of the average person. “That has brought me a lot of positive feedback on social media as well as in person. The number of mums that have come up to thank me for changing the narrative. They have done something they thought they couldn’t do. “The guidance is changing compared to what it was historically. Women are capable of a lot. “World Cup winner Kildunne reveals body dysmorphia struggle3 days agoWomen’s Six Nations guide: Fixtures, results and BBC coverage14 hours ago’Fire and desire’ to be at 2029 World Cup with a three-year-oldPreviously, the RFU did not have a maternity policy specifically designed for players, with former England prop Vickii Cornborough – the second Red Rose to announce a pregnancy after the update – describing the old policy as “not fit for purpose”.Cornborough, a Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) representative, helped create the policy through input from the RPA and players themselves.Following the birth of twins, 74-cap Cornborough announced her retirement from international rugby at the age of 34, saying she did not feel mentally ready to return.With their babies due this summer, Atkin-Davies and Ward are both aiming to be back playing by the start of next season.Ward, who played in two World Cup finals with Cornborough, warned her pregnant team-mates that returning will not be straightforward. “It’s amazing to know that women have options and a choice – great if i played any part in this,” she added. “There’s also pressure because I hope I didn’t fool them into thinking that it was easy. Everyone will discover that it is not an easy task. “Hooker Atkin Davies has won 74 cap and been a regular ever since her England debut back in 2015.Having played at the past two World Cup Finals, the 31 year-old wants to be part of the next World Cup celebrations in Australia in 2025 and have a moment similar to Ward’s. Atkin-Davies said, “Becoming a mother and having a child will make me a stronger person and player.” “I am aware that it will be hard. I know this. I don’t just want to return – I want it to be better. “That’s what you really want to do as well. It may take some time as your body and brain undergo so many changes but I am determined to be at the World Cup in 2029, with a three year old. “Those big moments running out with my child at Ashton Gate, or Allianz Stadium, would be absolutely amazing. But it will be difficult. “Related TopicsRugby Union

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Arsenal are judged on perception, partly because of Guardiola – Balague

BBC Sport Guillem Balague column graphic

1 hour ago
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Former colleagues. Master and apprentice. Title rivals.

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s relationship has cut across a range of strands over the years – and evolved along with their managerial styles.

The pair go head to head at Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a match many have billed as a Premier League title decider. A win for Guardiola and second-placed Manchester City would cut the lead of Arteta’s Arsenal side to just three points, with a game in hand.

The Spaniards’ relationship started in 1997 when Arteta joined Barcelona’s academy – meeting his idol, Barca skipper and fellow midfielder Guardiola. Their time as team-mates was brief, but a friendship was forged.

Communication between the two managers cooled significantly when Arteta gave up his role as Guardiola’s assistant in Manchester back in 2019 to take charge of Arsenal.

While the City boss’ other former assistants maintained closer contact, Arteta stepped away – and that distance created silence.

Guardiola appreciates those that give and take continuously, but if that is not clearly expressed, relationships can fracture even without a clear conflict. Arteta is someone who moves forward without being dependent on past professional bonds.

Contact was eventually re-established in the last year and tensions eased. Nobody wants to say who made the first call, but they speak again.

They are now competing for the same trophies but, at the same time, recognise the strength of the friendship, and both suffer in that solitary place that is managing a football team at the very top.

Man City smell blood – why Arsenal should fear title rivals
- 4 days ago

‘Bottle word will be used’ as Arsenal blow title advantage

19 February

Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

How Guardiola created a new way of winning

There was a time when Spanish football on Sunday evenings became a kind of ritual for coaches across Europe when the Guardiola-led Barcelona were in action. For 90 minutes everyone tried to understand what they were watching.

Liverpool-born Andy Mangan, opposition scout for Brazil this summer, remembers it as an education.

“At first I didn’t understand what he was doing,” said Mangan. “But every week he would identify a space to attack, and every Sunday you watched those players play with joy. We were kids but it was inadvertently a vital learning period of so many coaches’ lives.”

Guardiola built a successful team, but he also created a new way of winning.

Pep Segura, former director of football at Barcelona and ex-Liverpool academy head, added: “Of the four phases of the game – attack, defence, offensive transition, defensive transition – until Pep arrived, most teams structured themselves defensively and took whatever the game gave them. They were reactive. Guardiola arrived and said, ‘no, we will think about how we play from the way we attack’.”

Football reorganised around possession, positioning and numerical superiority with the ball as the centre of everything. This triggered a response and was where Arteta’s story began.

“Teams started asking themselves how to counter this… with pressing and, above all, quick transitions,” said Segura.

The game evolved in response to Guardiola’s approach; transitions became sharper, physical demands increased, players had to think about what they were doing or had to do.

Crucially, Arteta grew up as a coach in that world.

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‘A formidable dance partner’

Those who worked closely within that period describe Arteta’s time alongside Guardiola at City not just as an apprenticeship. He was remembered as a “formidable dance partner”, immersed in the intensity of the manager’s methodology.

Guardiola valued his input highly as he helped raise standards in training, particularly in intensity, aggression and competitive detail.

Having played for both Everton and Arsenal, Arteta opened Guardiola’s eyes about the Premier League tempo, refereeing, emotional volatility of fans and physical demands.

But he was never a “fundamentalist” of Guardiola’s ideas. While aligned in principles when he was his assistant, he was already developing his own thinking. Guardiola innovated and Arteta imagined how the game would adapt.

Segura added: “Unlike Pep, who had to learn transitions which he started doing in Germany, Arteta was born and grew up with them. He played in England, he knows them.”

Guardiola’s teams, at their core, have always dominated two phases of the game; attacking organisation and defensive transition. They control matches through possession and react immediately when the ball is lost.

Arteta’s early Arsenal teams leaned heavily on control, but eventually moved on.

Former Celta Vigo assistant David Martinez explained: “I think he understood that to be competitive and aspire to win titles – offensively there are teams with more resources and talent than Arsenal. He understood he had to base his improvement on dominating everything.”

Robert Moreno, former Spain coach, argued Arteta developed his own voice into producing one of the most effective units in Europe.

Mangan also added: “What’s fascinating with Mikel is that he’s understood where the game is going very quickly – duels, set-pieces, long throws… all the things that now decide matches.”

But that process Arteta has worked on comes at a price.

The more a team relies on rehearsed mechanisms, the more it depends on precision. If execution drops, the system can struggle.

This is a key distinction from Guardiola.

Elite teams managed by him maintain an ideal combination of intelligence within structure, and he has players capable of improvising solutions when patterns break down.

At times, Arsenal are perceived as more rigid. There are moments where, instead of breaking structure to solve problems, players remain locked into roles.

‘Winning isn’t enough any more’

While Arsenal learned to compete at the highest level, Guardiola continued to evolve.

That tension – between adapting and remaining faithful to an idea – defines the 55-year-old’s career.

“He starts incorporating new concepts,” said Segura. “Above all defensive transition, that’s where he evolves enormously.

“Arteta incorporated more physical profiles than Pep. Pep seeks more technical players… Arteta looks for strength, speed, power.”

But there are still plenty of points of convergence.

“Both have looked for pieces to improve the offensive transition,” added Segura. “City with [Erling] Haaland… Arteta with [Viktor] Gyokeres.”

There is an element where the comparison becomes most revealing. In elite football, what defines coaches is how they respond to difficulty.

Arteta is in that moment now. He has built a team capable of competing with the best. But the final step – winning consistently at the very top – is where he wants to get to.

When results do not follow, the temptation is always the same; change and react to external pressure. Arteta has not abandoned those ideas. He has doubled down. He has asked more of his players, pushed harder but within the same framework.

In elite sport, losing is considered part of the process. The next step is evolving and trying again with the same effort, or more.

Guardiola has lived that cycle repeatedly. After setbacks, after criticism, he has returned to his principles and expanded them.

Former Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has witnessed that resilience up close.

“In difficult times, Pep didn’t panic,” he said. “He adjusted, but he stayed true to what he believes.

“I think it’s brilliant management from Pep, and Arteta… they have tried to win a certain way, but they have also evolved to play in ways that we knew before.”

There is another layer to the challenge Arteta faces, one created, in part, by Guardiola himself.

“The biggest shift in football now is that winning isn’t enough anymore,” added Dyche. “People ask how you win.”

Guardiola changed expectations.

So now Arsenal, despite their development, are judged on results of course, but also on perception.