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Spain coach discloses Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal discussions following dramatic Clasico confrontation, discusses dispute between Barcelona and Real Madrid stars.

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Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has dismissed fears about a potential schism between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal following their heated conversation after El Clasico. The Roja manager believes there is “no strange behaviour” in the group and confirms he has spoken with the Barcelona and Real Madrid players, emphasizing unity ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifiers.

Spain head coach De la Fuente has dismissed concerns of tension between Yamal and Carvajal following their on-field confrontation at the end of Clasico between Madrid and Barca. The incident occurred after Madrid’s win at the Bernabeu, where Carvajal was seen confronting the teenage winger for comments he made in Gerard Pique’s Kings League ahead of the clash.

Los Blancos’ captain, appeared to tell Yamal that he “talks too much”, sparking a brief but highly public exchange between the pair. Given both players’ crucial roles in Spain’s setup, the altercation prompted questions about whether club rivalries might affect the national team’s harmony.

However, De la Fuente quickly moved to downplay the matter during an appearance on the Resonancia de Corazon podcast. “There has never been any incident, no strange behaviour from anyone,” he insisted. “Because of a school fight? No, there is no school fight. Really, there is no fight. The feeling within the group is one of family and union.”

De la Fuente confirmed that he has spoken directly to both Yamal and Carvajal following the altercation but reiterated that there was no lasting issue. “I have spoken a lot with Lamine, as well as with Dani Carvajal,” he explained, confirming that both players had been addressed privately after the Clasico. When asked directly if he had spoken with Carvajal, De la Fuente simply replied: “Yes, I spoke with Dani.”

The Spanish coach was firm in maintaining that the matter should now rest with the players’ clubs, signalling his intention to keep the national team’s focus on collective goals rather than off-field controversy.

By taking this stance, De la Fuente made clear that he expects professionalism and maturity from his players, especially given the high stakes of Spain’s upcoming international fixtures. His remarks also reflect his ongoing commitment to ensuring the national team remains unaffected by domestic rivalries, no matter how intense they may become.

The 63-year-old tactician repeatedly returned to one theme during the interview, unity. “In addition, the feeling within the group is of family, of union. The common good is prioritized over the individual, and that says a lot about this group of players,” he said.

To illustrate his point, De la Fuente recalled a memorable moment from Euro 2024, when Yamal assisted Carvajal for a crucial goal before the pair embraced in celebration. “I’ll always remember the image from the Euros, Lamine’s cross, Carvajal’s finish, the hug they shared, their expressions… that’s what happens in the national team,” he explained. “I am totally convinced that the only interest here is the general interest.”

De la Fuente’s words carry weight not just because of his authority but because of his insistence on fostering a collective spirit within the squad. By framing his team as a “family”, he sends a clear message to both players and fans that Spain’s ambitions come before any personal rivalries or egos.

Vinicius Jr’s outburst ‘no big thing’ as ‘amazing’ Real Madrid player supported by center-back Dean Huijsen following Clasico tantrum

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Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen has defended his teammate Vinicius Junior after his rage tantrum during the 2-1 victory over Barcelona. The Brazilian was upset when Xabi Alonso requested him to come off in the second half, and his behavior sparked widespread outrage. Huijsen, on the other hand, blamed the media for making such a “huge fuss” about the affair.

Vinicius Junior looked like a man possessed – a player on a mission – as he tore down the left flank in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona in last month’s El Clasico. From the opening whistle, the Brazilian was relentless, dazzling with his trademark pace and footwork, and keeping the Catalan defence constantly on edge. But despite his effervescent performance that caused the visitors considerable damage, the night took an unexpected turn. In the 72nd minute, head coach Xabi Alonso called for Rodrygo, signalling for Vini to come off.

“Me? Me? Mister, mister! Me?” Vini Jr. shouted in disbelief as Alonso prepared the substitution. The Madrid No.7 trudged off visibly frustrated before heading straight for the tunnel. “Always me… I am leaving the team. I am leaving. It’s better I leave,” he reportedly muttered, bypassing the bench and disappearing from view.

His reaction drew immediate attention – and criticism. Cameras captured his visible anger, sparking debate across Spain and in media about the winger’s temperament and professionalism. Vini did eventually return to the dugout before the final whistle, but the incident had already made headlines.

Huijsen spoke to reporters on Monday and provided his thoughts on his team-mate’s Clasico substitution controversy. The former Bournemouth centre-back criticised the media for overexaggerating things. His words acted as a shield for his Real Madrid team-mate, who is often in the spotlight for reasons not related to his game.

“There’s a lot written in the press, and you’ve made a huge fuss over something that wasn’t such a big deal,” said Huijsen. “He apologised, which I thought was fair, but he’s an incredible teammate, a really good guy, and it’s no big deal. These things happen in football.”

In the aftermath of his controversial temper tantrum, the Brazil international issued a public apology, but did not mention Alonso in the statement. “Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico,” he wrote. “Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president. Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.”

As if his theatrics after being substituted weren’t enough, the apology drew further criticism for not including his head coach in the statement. However, Alonso was quick to quash any speculation, insisting that everything had been cleared up after a frank, face-to-face conversation with the attacker.

“Has Vinicius apologised to me? We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable,” the Madrid manager told reporters last weekend. “He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter.

“It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart. What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. I’ve already said it, I was very proud and the matter was settled on Wednesday itself. We trained well yesterday, I see Vini doing well, and we’re all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction.”

Virgil van Dijk spoke to Real Madrid about a free transfer before joining with Liverpool, but the Spanish giants chose to pursue Dean Huijsen instead.

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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was in communication with Real Madrid last season via his entourage about a possible free transfer in the summer. Van Dijk turned down offers from many other teams, notably Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, because he preferred to join Madrid. However, the Spanish team decided to search elsewhere and instead signed defender Dean Huijsen.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Madrid was reportedly unconvinced about signing Van Dijk due to concerns over his age and the serious ACL injury he suffered in 2020. Despite having a contract extension offer on the table from Liverpool last season, the Dutch defender was keen on a move to the Spanish giants and offered his services to them through his agents. Van Dijk’s desire to join Madrid saw him turn down approaches from several other clubs, with Al-Hilal offering a lucrative deal.

However, Madrid ultimately choose instead to sign young defender Huijsen from Bournemouth as part of their long-term defensive planning. With Madrid no longer an option, Van Dijk eventually accepted Liverpool’s two-year contract extension. 

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for what was then a world record fee for a defender. Since his arrival, Van Dijk has made 333 appearances for the club, scoring 30 goals. The Dutchman has been a key figure under both Jurgen Klopp and current manager Arne Slot, helping Liverpool secure major trophies including two Premier League titles, one Champions League and one FA Cup. His influence goes beyond team success, as he redefined the role of a modern defender with his consistency, positioning, and reading of the game.

Individually, Van Dijk was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for the 2018–19 season and finished second to Lionel Messi in the 2019 Ballon d’Or rankings, recognition of his outstanding performances and immense contribution to Liverpool’s rise to the top of European football.

Liverpool have struggled for consistency this season despite retaining Van Dijk and investing heavily during a major summer transfer window. The Reds began the campaign strongly, winning seven consecutive matches across all competitions, but their form has since dipped sharply. A series of poor performances has raised concerns about the team’s balance and defensive stability. Their slump was highlighted by six defeats in seven games, including four consecutive losses to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League and Champions League. The disappointing run has cast doubt over Liverpool’s ability to challenge for major honours despite their strong start and talented squad.

The recent results have drawn criticism towards Van Dijk, with United legend Wayne Rooney questioning his leadership. Rooney said: “Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.

“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid sit comfortably at the top of La Liga, five points clear of rivals Barcelona following their recent 2-1 victory in El Clasico. Xabi Alonso’s side have been in exceptional form, losing only once across all competitions this season. Their success has been built on a solid defensive foundation, boasting the best record in La Liga with just 10 goals conceded. The signing of Huijsen has proven instrumental, further strengthening Madrid’s already resilient backline.

Volta Economic Forum charts path to investment-led growth, calls for strategic collaboration

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The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), in partnership with the Volta Corridor Investment Centre (VCIC), has extended appreciation to stakeholders who supported the successful hosting of the maiden Volta Economic Forum.

The historic event brought together senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional authorities, diplomatic missions, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, and civil society representatives to deliberate on accelerating the region’s transformation through targeted investment and coordinated planning.

In a statement signed by Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Commissioner and Volta Representative to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and Chair of the Volta Economic Forum Steering Committee, described the Forum as “a defining step in positioning the Volta Region as a frontier for inclusive and sustainable growth.”

“We are deeply grateful to all our partners and participants for their commitment to this new vision. The Volta Region’s strategic location, natural endowments, and human capital present unmatched opportunities for industrialization, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, and agri-business development,” the statement said.

The discussions at the Forum identified clear pathways for transforming the region’s economic landscape, focusing on renewable energy expansion, agro-industrial value chains, logistics infrastructure, tourism development, and blue economy initiatives.

The VRCC announced plans to engage Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, the private sector, and development partners to translate the investment prospects identified into bankable projects and structured public–private partnerships.

“Our next phase is action. The Region is committed to deepening collaboration with investors and institutions to deliver concrete results that create jobs, boost productivity, and enhance the well-being of our people,” it added.

Traditional Leaders and key private sector participants also reaffirmed their readiness to partner in realizing the Forum’s outcomes, emphasizing the importance of local participation and sustainable resource utilization.

The Volta Region aims to build on the momentum of the Forum by institutionalizing it as an annual platform for policy dialogue, investment matchmaking, and regional development coordination, ensuring continuity and accountability in the delivery of development commitments.

The statement called on all stakeholders — public, private, and international — to maintain active collaboration in shaping the Region’s next chapter of growth, anchored on transparency, innovation, and regional inclusivity.

“The Volta Economic Forum is not an event but a movement — a movement towards economic transformation, investment confidence, and shared prosperity,” the statement concluded.

Lighthouse Chapel delegation extends condolences to family of late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

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A delegation from the United Denominations originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), has extended condolences to the family of the late former First Lady, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on behalf of the church’s founder, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills.

The delegation led by Bishop Eddie Fabin, included bishops, reverend ministers and pastors, met with the children and relatives of the late First Lady to convey the sympathies of Bishop Heward-Mills who is on Ministerial Engagement overseas and the UD church family.

During the solemn engagement, the delegation offered prayers for the bereaved family and signed the book of condolences on behalf of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. Fifty cartons of bottled water were also presented to the family as a gesture of support and solidarity.Speaking after the presentation, Bishop Eddie Fabin recalled the kindness and compassion shown by the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings during a difficult time for the church’s founder.

He noted that when Bishop Heward-Mills lost his son, the former First Lady personally visited to commiserate with him and his family. “Her thoughtfulness and empathy left a lasting impression,” he said.Bishop Eddie Fabin described the visit as an opportunity to honor that same spirit of compassion and to extend comfort to her loved ones. He added that the church continues to uphold the family in prayer, asking God to strengthen them through this period of mourning.

Lamine Yamal’s injury recovery is not being managed correctly by Barcelona, as ex-Real Madrid star discloses ‘concern’ about teenage talent.

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Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares has criticized Barcelona’s handling of Lamine Yamal’s injury, suggesting that the club risks exacerbating the youngster’s condition. The 18-year-old has been dealing with groin problems for some weeks and was not at his best during Barcelona’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Concerns over Yamal’s fitness are developing both within and outside of Barcelona. The youthful winger has been dealing with pubalgia, a recurring groin problem that is limiting his speed and agility. Medical experts say the discomfort can come and go, but it frequently worsens during hard matches, making recovery difficult without adequate rest. The 18-year-old missed four matches for the Spanish club after returning from an international break owing to the same illness, but has since played frequently.

Sports traumatologist Doctor Pedro Luis Ripoll recently discussed Yamal’s condition and revealed that the injury can reduce a player’s movement and shooting power by almost half, and rushing a player back only makes it worse. Barcelona’s medical staff are managing Yamal’s workload carefully, but with so many injuries across the squad, the Spaniard continues to play regularly, a decision that’s beginning to raise eyebrows among experts and former players.

Speaking on Radio Marca, Canizares openly questioned Barcelona’s medical management and believes the club isn’t handling Yamal’s recovery properly, which could put the Spaniard at greater risk.

“It’s not the best club for recovery. They have a lot of injuries, and some of them are relapses. This worries me more than giving Lamine a rest or two,” the former Real Madrid shortstop said.

However, Yamal’s situation wasn’t the only example Canizares highlighted. The 55-year-old also pointed to the recurring injuries of Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, adding that Barcelona’s medical staff “isn’t getting their players’ recovery right”.

Meanwhile, former Madrid forward Alberto Bueno warned that Yamal’s situation may worsen if his playing time is not handled well, saying: “I don’t see him at 100%. Barça needs his best version, but perhaps he should take a short break.”

Barcelona’s injury crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. Key players like Raphinha, Ter Stegen, Gavi, Christensen, Dani Olmo, and Joan Garcia remain sidelined. Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, is nearing his return from a muscle issue and could feature in the weekend’s clash against Elche. With so many stars missing from last season’s title-winning squad, it’s no surprise that Flick continues to rely on Yamal, who is clearly not 100%. The decision might make sense short term, but with pubalgia known to worsen under fatigue, the risk of aggravation is high and could sideline the Spain international for the long term. 

The 2-1 defeat to Madrid has left Barca five points behind their arch-rivals, who lead La Liga with nine wins from 10 games. Yamal’s limited impact in the El Clasico alongside the team’s growing injury list, has put more pressure on Flick to manage his resources wisely. The German manager, who served a suspension after being sent off in last weekend’s game against Girona, will return to the touchline as Barcelona face Elche on Sunday. The Blaugrana will be hoping to bounce back and cut the gap at the top of the table. But as the fitness worries grow, the club may have to decide what’s more important – chasing Real Madrid or protecting one of their brightest young stars.

Barcelona has suffered another huge injury setback, with Pedri becoming the latest star to be ruled out following the Clasico loss.

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Barcelona’s injury situation has worsened, with Pedri out after suffering a hamstring strain following El Clasico. The midfielder, who has been a near-constant under Hansi Flick, will miss several vital games as the Catalan giants face an increasingly long list of absentees, including Raphinha, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, putting further pressure on the German coach ahead of a crucial run of games.

Barcelona have confirmed that Pedri has suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh, ruling him out for several weeks. The midfielder, who looked visibly fatigued during the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, was unable to train the following morning and instead worked in the gym as medical staff assessed the damage.

The club released an official statement: “The first team player Pedri has suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh. The player’s recovery will dictate his return to action.”

The 22-year-old has been Flick’s most consistent performer this season, starting all 13 of Barcelona’s competitive fixtures and logging over 1,000 minutes, more than any other player in the squad. Moreover, he started all four of Spain’s World Cup qualifying matches across September and October. His relentless workload appears to have caught up with him, with fatigue and overuse likely contributing to the latest setback.

Pedri was already due to miss this weekend’s clash with Elche due to suspension, having been sent off at the end of the Clasico loss, but will now be sidelined through the international break, missing the Champions League match against Club Brugge and the La Liga fixture versus Celta Vigo. AS  reports that the Canary Islander midfielder could be out for up to three weeks.

Pedri’s injury compounds an already dire situation for Barcelona’s medical department. The club are currently without several key players, including Raphinha, Gavi, Ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen, while Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde and Ferran Torres continue to nurse lingering fitness issues. The losses have left Flick with limited options, particularly in midfield, where Pedri’s creativity and control have been crucial. 

It’s the latest in a long string of injury blows that have derailed Barcelona’s early-season momentum. The Catalans have already endured damaging defeats against Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla and Madrid, slipping five points behind Los Blancos in La Liga. The situation highlights not only Flick’s tactical challenges but also the physical strain on a squad stretched thin by fixture congestion.

Flick now faces the difficult task of patching together a midfield without his most influential player. The German coach is expected to rely on academy graduates such as Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez, and Dro Fernandez in the coming weeks.

While Robert Lewandowski, Joan Garcia and Dani Olmo are nearing full fitness, their returns are unlikely to offset the impact of losing Pedri, who is widely seen as the “metronome” of Barca’s midfield. The young Spaniard’s technical ability, intelligence, and vision have been irreplaceable, with his injury forcing Flick to consider tactical adjustments heading into a busy run of fixtures.

With the Catalan giants still reeling from their Clasico defeat, Flick’s immediate focus is on stabilising results ahead of the international break in November. The Blaugrana face Elche this weekend, followed by Club Brugge in the Champions League and Celta Vigo in La Liga, all matches they must navigate without Pedri. Should his recovery go as planned, the Spain international could return to the fold after the break for crucial encounters against Athletic Club and Chelsea, but the Catalan club will not rush him back given his injury history.

For German coach Flick, Pedri’s absence could hardly come at a worse time. As the injury list grows, so does the pressure and Barcelona’s response to their recent slump in the next few weeks may determine whether they remain in contention for domestic and European honours this season.

Juventus and Luciano Spalletti have reached an agreement for Spalletti to succeed Igor Tudor. The former manager of Italy and Napoli has been offered a Champions League incentive.

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After an agreement was reached to replace the fired Igor Tudor, Luciano Spalletti is expected to return to club management with Juventus. The 66-year-old, who led Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, will sign a contract that will expire in June 2026; qualification for the Champions League will automatically extend it. Following Juventus’ match against Udinese, his official unveiling is anticipated.

Spalletti’s long-anticipated return to Serie A is almost complete, as Juventus have reached a full agreement with the veteran coach to replace Igor Tudor. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spalletti will sign a contract running until June 2026, which automatically extends by a year if the club secures Champions League qualification.

As per reports, the 66-year-old is expected to be present at the Allianz Stadium for Juve’s Serie A fixture against Udinese on Wednesday evening, although interim coach Massimo Brambilla will take charge of the game. His formal presentation and first press conference are scheduled for Thursday, with his debut on the bench anticipated for Saturday’s clash against Cremonese.

The appointment marks a major reset at Continassa after an eight-game winless run led to Tudor’s dismissal earlier this week. The Croatian’s final match in charge came in a 1-0 loss to Lazio, leaving the club languishing in eighth place, nine points adrift of leaders Napoli.

Spalletti acknowledged the magnitude of the opportunity when asked about his candidacy for the role on Tuesday. “Whoever replaces Tudor will be lucky; he’ll certainly find a team he can manage. Juventus is a great club with a great history. I think anyone would be happy to coach them; it could be the fortune of any coach,” he said. The former Italy manager had been out of work since June following his dismissal after the Azzurri’s disappointing start to World Cup qualifying.

The Tuscan-born tactician, known for his attacking brand of football, last managed Napoli, where he masterminded the club’s first Scudetto in over three decades during the 2022-23 season. His title-winning campaign with the Partenopei remains one of the most celebrated in recent Serie A history, showcasing his ability to build dynamic, possession-based sides.

Spalletti’s reputation as a meticulous planner and a player’s coach has long made him one of Italy’s most respected tacticians. His return to domestic football brings both intrigue and expectation as he looks to restore Bianconeri to the summit of Italian football amid inconsistency.

As per il bianconero, Giorgio Chiellini, who is part of Juventus’ management structure, played a decisive role in securing Spalletti’s appointment. Both men were said to be in full agreement that Spalletti’s philosophy aligns with the club’s long-term vision, particularly in balancing competitive football with the development of emerging players.

Spalletti’s first task will be to evaluate the squad and halt Juve’s ongoing winless streak. The Bianconeri have gone eight games without a victory in all competitions and currently sit adrift of the Serie A top four, the worrying reason why Tudor was also sacked.

He is expected to take charge officially in the weekend fixture against Cremonese, before leading Juventus into a crucial phase of the season that includes league clashes with Fiorentina and Inter Milan, as well as the decisive Champions League group-stage fixtures.

Amnesty demands an investigation into the US attack that killed several migrants in Yemen.

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Amnesty International is calling for an investigation into a U.S. airstrike that killed over sixty African migrants detained in a Houthi-run prison in the Saada district of Yemen in April of last year, claiming the incident might be considered a war crime.

A detention center that is known to house Ethiopian migrants trying to enter Saudi Arabia via Yemen’s conflict zone was the target of the April 28 strike. Amnesty claims that the bombing was indiscriminate and draws attention to continuous abuses committed by all sides in the catastrophic conflict in the nation.

According to Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, “the U.S. attack on the migrant detention facility in Saada qualifies as an indiscriminate strike and should be investigated as a war crime.”

Transfer Fees: Liverpool Face £80m Decision Over Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo

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(Image: Sky Sports)

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, but face a steep asking price which sources claim is around £80 million.

Semenyo, 25, has impressed this season, recording nine goal contributions in nine appearances. Bournemouth, who rejected reported €57 million (£50m) bids from both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur last summer, are determined to maximise his sale after tying him to a new contract.

The £80 million figure highlights the high cost of acquiring proven Premier League talent. Semenyo’s fit within the system of manager Arne Slot is considered “ideal” by some figures at Anfield, but the decision will test the club’s financial valuation of the Ghana international, particularly in the run-up to the January transfer window. For more on local football talent, see our report on the Volta Region drawn in Group B of the maiden MTN Elite U-19 Championship.

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