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In the world of football, Birmingham City have replaced Wayne Rooney in the managerial role with Tony Mowbray, who was sacked last December by their fellow Championship club Sunderland. Talking about tennis, Venus Williams reacted to being mistaken for younger sister Serena Williams in ASB Classic Guide.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Birmingham City replace Wayne Rooney with Tony Mowbray for managerial role
Just six days after sacking the English footballing legend Wayne Rooney, who had won only two matches out of 15 during his managerial tenure, Birmingham City have appointed Tony Mowbray in his place on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The 60-year-old was sacked by Sunderland last December, the Championship rivals of Birmingham City, and in the meantime, the Blues fell to 20th place in the competition, six points above the relegation zone.
Pep Guardiola hails Kevin de Bruyne on his return to football
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed their talisman Kevin de Bruyne, who made his return to football during the club’s 5-0 win against Huddersfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium, assisting for Jeremy Doku. The 52-year-old was quoted as saying, “Kevin must know how much the people love him. He's incredible. Kevin, until he decides to leave or retires, will forever be one of the most beloved players. We are really pleased for him.”
Kylian Mbappe agrees deal to join Real Madrid after Paris Saint-Germain contract runs out: Report
The French forward Kylian Mbappe has reportedly agreed to a deal to join the Spanish giants Real Madrid after his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs out in the summer of 2024, as per Foot Mercato. The 25-year-old has been one of the best football players in the world for years, and after a tumultuous year citing his contractual situation in France, he is going to complete the big move to one of the biggest football clubs in the world in Spain.
Juventus pull out of race to sign Kalvin Phillips due to loan and salary issues: Reports
Juventus have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign the Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips due to the issues surrounding the loan fee and salary breakdown. As per Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are still interested in signing the 28-year-old to bolster their depleted squad but they might have to fight for his services with other clubs.
Some major results in football are as under:
International Friendlies
Egypt 2-0 Tanzania
FA Cup 2023-24
Luton Town 0-0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield Town
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
West Ham 1-1 Bristol City
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
Copa del Rey 2023-24
Racing Ferrol 1-2 Sevilla
Eibar 0-3 Athletic Bilbao
FC Cartagena 1-2 Valencia
Barbastro 2-3 Barcelona
Malaga 1-2 Real Sociedad
Serie A 2023-24
Empoli 0-3 AC Milan
Torino 3-0 Napoli
Salernitana 1-3 Juventus
Roma 1-1 Atalanta
Coupe de France 2023-24
Lens 2-2 Monaco
Thionville Lusitanos 0-1 Marseille
Revel 0-9 Paris Saint-Germain
It was a bit more difficult: Jurgen Klopp on changing position of Cody Gakpo in FA Cup clash
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp revealed that Cody Gakpo found it difficult after his position was changed to midfielder during the FA Cup clash against Arsenal on January 7. Klopp said, "For Cody [Gakpo], it was a bit more difficult, we put him again in that position, and then the front three I would say the timing was really not great for the pressing situations, that’s why they [Arsenal] could then pass too often. It was difficult, we try to prepare for everything [but] did I prepare for a double 10 and high winger? No, so more my fault than the boys’ fault."
Venus Williams hilariously reacts to being mistaken for Serena Williams in ASB Classic Guide
Venus Williams reacted to being mistaken for younger sister Serena Williams in ASB Classic Guide. Venus shared a photo from the 2015 Auckland Open tournament guide, where her picture was replaced by Serena’s in the achievements section. Venus posted the picture on her Instagram and shared that she just added a total of 15 Grand Slams to her resume. Venus wrote, " When the tournament labelled me as Serena Williams in the tournament guide. Quickly added 15 slams to my resume."
Elena Rybakina opens up her return to Australian Open after court snubbing
The newly-crowned Brisbane International champion Elena Rybakina opened up on her return to the Australian Open after last year's court snubbing. She said that she isn't bothered about which court she will be playing her matches on in the first Grand Slam of the year. Rybakina said, " By now I don't really care on which court I'm going to play. I just try to focus on my game and go so far in the tournament that I'm going to be playing always on centre court."
Sports Ministry to not recognise events hosted by suspended WFI
The Indian Sports Ministry issued a clarification that the WFI doesn't have any right to host the Senior National Championships. It also said that the events conducted by the body will be considered 'unsanctioned' and 'unrecognised'. In a letter, the ministry instructed the body, " As per this Ministry's order dated 24.12.2023, you have no authority to issue such a Circular or to use the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India wherein you claim affiliation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports."
