From abrupt sackings to mounting pressure on underperforming coaches, this campaign is shaping up to be one where the dugout is as unpredictable as the pitch. 

Here, GOAL, delves into the managerial merry-go-round, focusing on the casualties, potential departures and the ever-looming shadow of performance expectations.  

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Kylian Mbappe has named Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane as players he wishes he could played against.

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has named two footballers he wishes he could have played alongside.

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The France captain has shared a dressing room with some high-profile players in his career, namely Neymar and Lionel Messi. 

Mbappe starred alongside the Brazilian and Argentinian at Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, while he also spent a short time of his international career with Karim Benzema. 

The 26-year-old, though, wishes he could have played with Les Bleus legend Zinedine Zidane and Los Blancos icon Cristiano Ronaldo. 

“I would say Zinedine Zidane,” he told beIN Sports when asked which player he would have liked to play with. 

“I’ve played with great players: Messi, Neymar, Griezmann, Pogba, Benzema…

“It would have been fun to play with Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s going to be very complicated now. But I was lucky enough to play against him, a legend of the sport.”

Mbappe has enjoyed fine goalscoring form in recent weeks for the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners. 

Check Out: ‘Ronaldo Will Always Be The GOAT’

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man has now struck 12 times in his 22 appearances for Real since joining the club as a free agent. 

Paul Pogba’s older brother (right) has been punished for extorting the former Manchester United midfielder.

Mathias Pogba, the older brother of the former Manchester United midfielder, has been sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, after being convicted of attempting to extort the French footballer.

Check Out: Top Club Admits Contact With Pogba

The 33-year-old was also fined €20 000 (R380 000) but will avoid serving time behind bars. Instead, he will serve one year under electronic surveillance.

Five other men were also found guilty of extortion and related crimes, with sentences ranging from four to eight years handed down in a Paris court on Thursday.

Paul Pogba, 31, revealed he had been “tricked by childhood friends” who held him at gunpoint in 2022 and demanded €13m (£10.8m).

He confirmed he paid them €100 000 (R1.9 million). Mathias Pogba’s lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, described the sentence as “extremely harsh” and suggested they would appeal, speaking to RMC Sport.

The five other defendants received the following sentences: Roushdane K, eight years; Boubacar C, four years (with two suspended); Adama C, five years; Mamadou M, five years (with 12 months suspended); and Machikour K, four years (with three suspended).

Check Out: Guardiola To Sign Surprise EPL Striker?

Last year, Paul Pogba told Al Jazeera that he had even considered retiring from football due to the traumatic extortion attempt.

Jethren Barr has left Drogheda United.

South African goalkeeper Jethren Barr would have certainly wanted to stay on at Drogheda United, but he did not leave the club with a heavy heart.

Barr sounds grateful for the title he spent with the club and he is now looking forward to his next adventure in Europe, after being part of the Drogheda side that won the FAI Cup

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The former Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits goalkeeper was on the books of Drogheda in the Ireland Premier Division for a season. The club did not renew his contract when it expired at the end of November, but he remains grateful for the experience there.

During the season, Barr sustained an injury which kept him out for a few months. By the time he came bac from injury, the club had signed another goalkeeper and it was not easy to get back into the team. 

“Drogheda was good. I really enjoyed my time there. The supporters were close with us and we were close with them. It was a nice experience playing there,” Barr told the Siya crew.

“Ultimately, the injury that I got, which kept me out for four-five months, was just unlucky. I lost my place after that, and they ended up signing another goalkeeper who did well. It was a nice experience, and it was a tough league, especially for goalkeepers because it’s physical and demanding with the shots you face.

READ: Dolly To Welcome Ex-Chiefs Teammate At Galaxy?

“I am looking forward to what’s next. I am happy I won the cup with them. I am happy that I left the club in a very good way.”

By Tshepang Mailwane

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Kaizer Chiefs legend Jackie Masike has passed away.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Jackie Masike has sadly passed away, the club have confirmed.

The Soweto giants confirmed on Friday that the former Chiefs player passed on Thursday evening.

“Kaizer Chiefs are deeply saddened at the news of the passing of the legendary Jackie Masike last night,” the club confirmed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones and we wish them strength and comfort in this time of grief.

‘”Asinimali’s’ legacy as a Kaizer Chiefs great is undisputed and his contribution to the history of our Club will always be remembered and appreciated.

“May your soul rest in peace.”

The Premier Soccer League have also confirmed that a moment of silence will be observed for the upcoming matches.

Statement:

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is deeply saddened by the passing of football legend Jackie “Asinamali” Masike.

A highly respected figure in South African football, Masike had a distinguished career with Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, leaving an enduring legacy both on and off the field.

To honour his remarkable contributions, a moment of silence will be observed at the Carling Cup match on Saturday and all Betway Premiership fixtures next week.

The PSL extends its heartfelt condolences to the Masike family during this difficult time.

May his soul repose peacefully.