Press conference news — SportsCatch

Maresca fires back at United's VAR fury: City still waiting for 2022 derby apology

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca deflected criticism over Erling Haaland's controversial VAR-assisted derby goal by pointing out that City received no apology for a near-identical offside incident involving Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes three years ago.

Football Sep 16

Arteta hails 'incredible' Dowman after 16-year-old scores twice to sink Ipswich in Carabao Cup

Max Dowman became only the second 16-year-old to score a brace for a Premier League club as Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-2 in the Carabao Cup, with manager Mikel Arteta urging caution over the teenage sensation's development.

Football Sep 16

Tuchel reveals grass-eating regret after England's emotional World Cup win over Mexico

Thomas Tuchel has admitted he wishes he had eaten some of the pitch after England's thrilling 3-2 last-16 victory over Mexico at the World Cup, calling the moment one of the most special of his tenure despite the Three Lions' semi-final exit to Argentina.

Football Sep 16

Brentford's Andrews urges referees to 'be human' as VAR controversy deepens after Manchester derby error

Keith Andrews has called for referees to make decisions without over-reliance on VAR, describing the wrongly-allowed Erling Haaland winner in the Manchester derby as 'pretty alarming'. His comments follow Pro Ref admitting an 'error of judgement' over the offside incident.

Football Sep 16

Arteta confirms Timber's Ipswich absence was precautionary as Merino shines on first start

Mikel Arteta has allayed concerns over Jurrien Timber after the Dutch defender missed Arsenal's 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich, confirming the omission was a managed rest following his return from a five-month groin injury.

Football Sep 16

Simeone names Messi Ballon d'Or winner « without a doubt » after World Cup

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone backed his compatriot Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or in a press conference, praising his eight goals and World Cup final appearance at age 37.

Football Sep 16

Scott Coker launches Ki MMA with 32-fighter Grand Prix to crown a champion in one year

MMA veteran promoter Scott Coker has officially unveiled Ki MMA, a new promotion set to launch in 2027 built around a 32-fighter featherweight Grand Prix spanning four continents, with Coker confident the tournament format will produce a recognisable star within its first year.

MMA Sep 16

Pantoja skips the trash talk and fixes his sights on reclaiming the UFC flyweight title from Van

Alexandre Pantoja has made clear he has no interest in pre-fight theatrics ahead of his flyweight title rematch with Joshua Van at UFC 331 on 19 September at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The former champion says his mind is locked entirely on fight night.

MMA Sep 16

Van and Pantoja both predict stoppages in UFC 331 flyweight title rematch

Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja head into their UFC 331 rematch on September 19 in Los Angeles with mutual confidence in a finish. Van targets a submission within three rounds; Pantoja's coach forecasts a fourth-round stoppage for the former champion.

MMA Sep 16

Tsarukyan is Ruffy's 'worst stylistic matchup' ahead of UFC 331 co-main event, coach warns

American Top Team Muay Thai coach Anderson França, who helped craft Arman Tsarukyan's game plan for UFC 331, rates the Armenian a 60-40 favourite over Mauricio Ruffy despite calling the Brazilian the best striker in the lightweight division.

MMA Sep 16

Stella admits Piastri is still 'thinking and driving' as McLaren plots MCL40 turnaround

McLaren principal Andrea Stella has identified Oscar Piastri's inability to drive the 2026 MCL40 on instinct as the root cause of his gap to Lando Norris, and says the team must help the Australian find a more natural rhythm before the season's end.

Formula 1 Sep 15

Tuchel reveals he regrets not eating the grass after England's 10-man World Cup win over Mexico

Thomas Tuchel has opened up on England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16, saying he wished he had eaten some of the pitch grass to preserve the feeling — and recalling how Jordan Henderson's broken arm during the celebrations showed the squad's unique bond.

Football Sep 15

Nicky Butt warns Michael Carrick could lose United job before January transfer window

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Michael Carrick's position is under threat after a four-game Premier League run that has yielded just four points, with Butt pointing to a lack of defensive reinforcements as a key factor.

Football Sep 15

Mourinho confirms Tchouaméni's gradual return against Elche

Still recovering from a thigh injury sustained during the 2026 World Cup, Aurélien Tchouaméni will make a second consecutive appearance with Real Madrid. José Mourinho promises him around thirty minutes of playing time against Elche.

Football Sep 15

Flick backs Yamal's Ballon d'Or 2026 ambitions against Mbappé

After Lamine Yamal declared himself worthy of the 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé, his coach Hansi Flick publicly supported the 19-year-old Barcelona prodigy's candidacy at a press conference.

Football Sep 15

Vitinha overheating: PSG at risk ahead of Classique against Marseille

An ever-present starter despite Luis Enrique's rotation policy, Vitinha has been accumulating fatigue for several months. His declining form is a concern as the Classique at the Vélodrome approaches.

Football Sep 15

Pocognoli names six uncapped players and recalls McBurnie in first Scotland squad

Sebastien Pocognoli has handed six new call-ups in his first Scotland squad, with Hull City striker Oli McBurnie also recalled after a four-year international absence. Billy Gilmour returns from injury for four Nations League fixtures.

Football Sep 15

McLaren says impossible overtaking at Madring cost Norris the Spanish Grand Prix

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Lando Norris had the pace to win the Spanish Grand Prix but was denied by the Madring's near-unpassable layout, with Sunday's race producing just 10 overtakes — fewer than Monaco.

Formula 1 Sep 15

Pat Lam calls for 30-man squads in PREM Cup after Bristol hit by three injuries

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is urging Premiership Rugby to allow 30-man matchday squads for the opening two rounds of the PREM Cup, after Noah Heward, Max Lahiff and Joe Batley were all sidelined with injuries sustained in the competition.

Rugby Sep 15

Tuchel to name first England squad on September 18 ahead of Nations League opener against Spain

Thomas Tuchel will announce his first England squad since the World Cup on Friday, September 18, with the Three Lions opening their Nations League Group A3 campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26.

Football Sep 15