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Xavi denies reports that Barcelona’s leadership is considering firing him

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Xavi Hernandez on Saturday denied reports in Spanish media outlets that Barcelona’s leadership is considering firing the coach for having said that the club’s poor finances will impede it from competing with Real Madrid.

“The club has transmitted to me that I should stay calm and continue working with the same motivation and commitment. Nothing has changed,” Xavi said at a pregame news conference.

Almost all the questions he faced were about the speculation in Spain’s sports press that club president Joan Laporta was upset with Xavi for having said earlier this week that “the situation is very difficult, above all on the economic level, for us to compete with our top rivals, whether it be Real Madrid or teams in Europe.”

The media reports said Laporta is pondering a replacement for Xavi this summer.

Xavi insisted Saturday that he had heard no such thing from the club. “I don’t know and I don’t care where that information is coming from. I have the support of the president and Deco, our sports director,” the former Barcelona midfielder said.

Neither Laporta nor the club have made any public statements about the rumors. The club said it had no comment on them when asked by The Associated Press.

Even if Barcelona keeps Xavi on, it is still an awkward situation for a coach who just three weeks prior had reversed a previous decision made in January to leave the club this summer. In April, Xavi said that he had changed his mind after his players showed him that they believed in the team’s potential and had improved their performances.

Laporta inherited a club mired in debts of more than €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), and football’s most expensive payroll, when he returned to run the club for a second time in 2021.

A few months later he brought back fan favorite Xavi, who had been coaching in Qatar, to lead a team rebuild following the exit of superstar Lionel Messi.

But with no cash on hand and mounting debts, Laporta had to sell off future television revenues and other club assets, which Laporta dubbed financial “levers,” to sign Robert Lewandowski and other players two seasons ago.

With those reinforcements, Xavi guided Barcelona to the Spanish league title last campaign. But Barcelona has struggled this season and will finish without any titles.

Xavi’s words earlier this week seemed aimed at curbing the expectations of fans used to the club making significant signings in the summer.

The club’s wages still exceed the salary cap established by the Spanish league and it is more likely to sell players this off-season than bring in new talent.

Barcelona plays Rayo Vallecano on Sunday seeking a win to lock up a second-placed finish in the domestic league and secure a spot in the Spanish Super Cup.

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Preakness Stakes 2024: Mystik Dan eyes Triple Crown, Bob Baffert returns seeking record-extending win

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The first Triple Crown winner since 2018 is on the line this weekend as Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan competes in the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore this weekend. 

Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert, who was not eligible to enter a horse at the Kentucky Derby because of his ban at Churchill Downs, is also making his return to the Triple Crown races on Saturday with Imagination as he seeks his record-extending ninth win at the Preakness.  

Bob Baffert talks to the media

Trainer Bob Baffert speaks with reporters ahead of the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Mystik Dan will be ridden by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. in hopes of becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Baffert’s Justify won it in 2018. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“He didn’t win the Derby without the job Brian did. I’m thrilled Brian is finally getting the credit he deserves,” McPeek racing said last week. 

Read below for more on the racing field, odds, and where to watch.  

Imagination works out at Preakness

Preakness Stakes entrant Imagination works out ahead of the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Who is racing, and what are the betting odds?

  1. Mugatu (Joe Bravo) 20-1
  2. Uncle Heavy (Irad Ortiz Jr.) 20-1
  3. Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat) 7-2
  4. Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr.) 8-5
  5. Seize the Grey (Jamie Torres) 12-1
  6. Just Steel (Joel Rosario) 12-1
  7. Tuscan Gold (Tyler Gaffalione) 9-2
  8. Imagination (Frankie Dettori) 3-1

PREAKNESS STAKES FAVORITE AND BOB BAFFERT-TRAINED HORSE RULED OUT AFTER SPIKING A FEVER

Who are the favorites to win?

Mystik Dan leaves the track

Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness Stakes entrant Mystik Dan leaves the track after a workout ahead of the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Muth, a Baffert-trained colt, was the early favorite heading into the Preakness this week until it was announced that Zedan Racing Stables had ruled the horse out after it spiked a fever. 

“We are incredibly disappointed that Muth won’t be able to run in the Preakness due to high fever,” the group said in a statement Wednesday. “Based on the recommendation of our trainer, we are giving priority to the horse’s long-term health and keeping him from this race. We expect Muth to fully recover soon.”

Baffert will still have a horse entered this weekend, but the heavy favorite following Muth’s exit is none other than Kenny McPeek’s Mystik Dan. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

How to watch?

  • Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
  • When: May 18, 2024
  • Projected post time: 6:50 p.m. ET
  • TV: NBC
  • Purse: $2 million

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Man City’s Foden voted Premier League player of the season

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Phil Foden has been voted the Premier League’s player of the season, the league announced on Saturday after the 23-year-old had the best campaign of his career to help put Manchester City within reach of its fourth consecutive league title.

Foden has scored 17 goals and grabbed eight assists in 34 league games this season playing centrally as well as on the wing when needed. He has 25 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Heading into the final day of the season, City is two points ahead of Arsenal and should Pep Guardiola’s side lift the title, Foden will become the youngest player ever to have won six Premier League trophies.

“I am extremely proud,” Foden said. “It is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons.”

READ | Elneny to leave Arsenal after eight years

“I’ve been very happy with the way I have played this season and really pleased that I have been able to contribute with the goals and assists throughout the season.”

Foden topped an eight-man shortlist which also included Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Virgil van Dijk and Ollie Watkins.

City players have now won the award five years in a row as Foden joins Ruben Dias, Haaland and two-time winner Kevin De Bruyne in winning the prize.

The last player not from City to win the award was Liverpool’s Van Dijk in the 2018-19 season.

England international Foden also won the Football Writers’ Association’s player of the year award earlier this month.

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Elorda Cup 2024: Nikhat Zareen defeats Zhazira Urakbayeva to win gold

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Two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen defeated Zhazira Urakbayeva of Kazakhstan by a unanimous decision 5-0 to win the women’s 52kg category at the Elorda Cup on Saturday.

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IPL 2024: Jitesh Sharma to lead Punjab Kings in final game of season

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Jitesh Sharma will lead Punjab Kings for its final match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, the side announced on Saturday.

Sam Curran, the side’s stand-in captain in Shikhar Dhawan’s absence due to injury, has returned to England for international duty.

The wicketkeeper-batter was named the vice-captain of the side before the start of the season. Kings sit in the ninth place with 10 points from 13 games and are no longer in contention for the playoffs.

MORE TO FOLLOW

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Impact Player rule has disrupted the balance of game: Virat Kohli

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Echoing India skipper Rohit Sharma’s sentiments, star batter Virat Kohli has criticised the Impact Player substitution rule and said it is “disrupting the balance” of the game.

The mid-innings substitution rule, adopted in the previous edition of the IPL, has sparked a row with Rohit expressing his displeasure in a podcast last month.

Now, Kohli has urged for a rethink of the rule. “I agree with Rohit. Entertainment is one aspect of the game but there is no balance,” Kohli said on Jio Cinema.

“I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me,” he said.

Rohit had said, “I’m not a big fan… It’s going to hold back all-rounders. Cricket is played by 11, not 12 (players).”

The Impact Player rule has led to an increase in team totals during the ongoing edition of the IPL. Punjab Kings set the record for the highest successful chase in T20 history when they overhauled Kolkata Knight Riders’ 262 with eight balls to spare.

Sunrisers Hyderabad also smashed the record for the highest-ever total in franchise cricket by posting 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This edition has witnessed eight 250-plus totals and Kohli felt the bowlers’ pain.

“Bowlers are feeling like what they should do,” Kohli said. “I have never experienced anything like it where bowlers think they will concede four or a six on every ball.

“Not every team has a Bumrah or the mystery of Rashid Khan,” he said.

“I am telling you, with one extra batter, there is a reason I am playing with 200-plus strike rate in the powerplays. I know there is a batsman waiting at No. 8 as well. We are playing a high level of cricket and it should not be that dominant in my opinion. There is a beauty about having an equal balance between bat and ball,” Kohli added.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has said that the Impact Player rule is a “test case”, implemented to give two Indian players opportunity in a game.

He has also indicated that they would talk to the stakeholders for using it in future editions of the IPL.

“I am sure Jay (Shah) bhai has mentioned it already that they will review it and I am sure that they will come to a conclusion which brings the game into balance,” said Kohli.

“As a batsman, I can say this rule is good but the match should be exciting. Only fours and sixes are not exciting in cricket. Exciting is that you can defend 160 as well,” Kohli said.

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Thailand Open 2024: Satwik-Chirag pair through to final

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India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Lu Ming-Che and Tang Kai-Wei of Chinese Taipei 21-11, 21-12 to enter the Thailand Open final on Saturday.

From the start, the Indian duo never lost control of the game despite some slip ups and held onto it till the very end.

While the Taiwanese pair seemed to have gained the upper hand in the first half of the second game, seven consecutive game points gave the Asian Games gold medallist a 17-10 lead.

The Indian duo will face China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the summit clash.

Other Indians in fray are Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa, who will fight against Thailand’s Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai in the women’s doubles semifinal.

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Bologna Vs Juventus Preview And Prediction

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As we approach the second-to-last weekend of the 2023/24 Serie A season, some teams are already celebrating their qualification for Champions League football.

This Sunday, Bologna will face off against Juventus at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Match Preview

Bologna are currently sitting in 3rd place with 67 points, tied with Juventus but ahead on goal difference.

They come into this match after an impressive 2-0 win against Napoli last weekend.

Bologna struck early, scoring twice in the first 12 minutes, and then held the defending champions scoreless for the remainder of the match.

This victory extends Bologna’s unbeaten streak to eight games in Serie A, which includes wins over Empoli, Roma, and Salernitana.

They have also secured draws against Monza, Udinese, Frosinone, and Torino.

Bologna have lost only four of their last 35 Serie A matches. However, they’ve struggled somewhat at home recently, winning just one of their last four home games and seeing under 2.5 goals in five of their last six home fixtures.

Juventus, fresh from their Coppa Italia triumph over Atalanta, will be in high spirits.

They secured the trophy with a 1-0 victory, taking an early lead in the 4th minute and maintaining it for the rest of the match.

Despite this recent success, Juventus have had mixed results in the league.

They are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, but three of those were draws against AC Milan, Salernitana, and Roma.

Juventus have struggled to win on the road, drawing their last five Serie A away games and failing to secure a victory in their last seven away league matches.

However, they are unbeaten in their last 23 encounters with Bologna in Serie A.

Team News & Updates:

Bologna will be missing Joshua Zirkzee, Lewis Ferguson, and Adama Soumaoro due to injuries.

Juventus will travel without the injured Mattia De Sciglio, both Paul Pogba and Nicolò Fagioli will miss out due to suspensions.

Prediction & Analysis:

Both teams have already secured their places in next season’s Champions League, but third place is still up for grabs.

Juventus, buoyed by their recent cup victory and strong record against Bologna, will be a tough opponent.

However, Bologna have been a formidable side this season and will not go down easily.

Our prediction is a draw with under 2.5 goals scored.

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Justin Langer rules himself out of contention amid BCCI’s search for new head coach

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Justin Langer is unlikely to apply for India’s head coach job, despite having quite an impressive resume in international cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the lookout for a new head coach with incumbent Rahul Dravid deciding to step down at the end of India’s T20 World Cup campaign in June.

While there have been several names doing the rounds – including that of Gautam Gambhir – there were speculations that Langer might also throw his hat in the fray. However, the former Australian player indicated on Friday that he may not be in the race. “It would almost be the biggest job in cricket being the head coach of the Indian cricket team because of the huge volume of cricket, the huge expectation. It would be a great challenge, it would be great fun. It would be a wonderful opportunity to win ICC titles, but with all these things, the timing has gotta be right,” Langer said.

“I did four or so years with the Australian cricket team. It’s all-encompassing. It is exhausting and I think someone else like Rahul Dravid will probably tell you the same thing, Ravi Shastri will tell you the same thing. The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive. So. I’m sure the next person who gets the job will be really looking forward to the project,” Langer, who coached Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL this year, said.

RELATED | How did Rahul Dravid do as India coach? A look back at his highs and lows in the team India top job

‘Dropped catches cost us’

While his team failed to make it to the playoffs, Langer believes that sloppy fielding ‘really killed’ LSG in the end.

“I think dropped catches cost us,” Langer said. “If you go back to the Delhi game at home, we dropped (Jake) Fraser-McGurk on 17 off Marcus Stoinis. And I think he hit 26 (21) runs off the next over and it really kick-started his whole season. I saw a stat today that we’ve dropped a lot of catches. We’ve probably got the best fielding coach in the world (Jonty Rhodes) and we dropped some catches. And often it’s (something) as simple as that to (decide) the outcome of the season,” Langer said.

The side also missed the services of speedster Mayank Yadav midway into the season. “We missed Mayank, he was huge. Mohsin (Khan) had quite a sore back for some of the tournament. But I think dropped catches is the thing that really killed us in the end,” Langer concluded.

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IPL 2024: MI head coach Mark Boucher believes Rohit Sharma is the ‘master of his own destiny’

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On the eve of Mumbai Indians’ last Indian Premier League fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, head coach Mark Boucher sat down with Rohit Sharma to analyse the season. During the conversation, Boucher asked Rohit about his future plans, to which the India captain replied, “It’s the T20 World Cup…”

After being removed as a captain of the Mumbai Indians this season, there were debates about Rohit’s future in the franchise and the tournament as well. However, after a long conversation with the India skipper, Boucher believes that Rohit is the ‘master of his own destiny’.

“It’s a big auction next season. Who knows what’s going to happen? We will have to take each day as it comes,” Boucher said while terming this as a season of two halves for Rohit, who scored 417 runs in 14 outings. “It was almost a season of two halves for him. He started really well, was hitting the ball sweetly in the nets, and got a great hundred against CSK as well,” Boucher said.

READ | RCB vs CSK Bengaluru weather forecast live updates: Sunny morning but rain likely to play spoilsport

“We honestly thought that he was on a great path for us to go out there and get some good runs for us. Unfortunately, it’s just the nature of T20 as well,” he added.

Having seen Rohit from close quarters for two seasons, Boucher believes that the star batter continued to adapt to the new way of playing as an aggressive opener. “He went out there trying to be aggressive, which is the new way of playing as an opening batter. He got a couple of low scores, which unfortunately didn’t help us in that particular situation,” he said.

“But he finished off with a fantastic knock — a competition of two halves for him. If you had to ask Ro, he’d probably say that it was an average season for him, especially with the start that he got off to,” Boucher added.

As Mumbai Indians ended another disappointing season, Boucher did not hesitate to admit that there would be a fair assessment of what went wrong in the season and then a call would be taken about the future of the coaching group – including him. 

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