Credit: X
Former Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick has reportedly rejected Chelsea’s offer to take over Barcelona. Faisal Halim, the Malaysian footballer, who suffered severe burns on his body in an assault on May 5, is expected to make an emotional return to the sport after his recovery goes well.
Read below to learn more about the latest happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Hansi Flick rejects Chelsea offer to take over as Barcelona coach: Reports
Former Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick has reportedly rejected Chelsea’s offer to take over Barcelona. Flick was sacked by Germany’s national team last September and has been available since then. The reports by Catalunya Radio claimed that Flick has a 95% chance of becoming the new coach of Barcelona. He turned down the offers from Chelsea and Bayern Munich to get an opportunity at Barcelona. On the other hand, Fabrizio Romano said that Flick was never in talks with Chelsea and has been waiting for Barca option for months.
Malaysian footballer to make emotional return after suffering acid attack
Faisal Halim, the Malaysian footballer, who suffered severe burns on his body in an assault on May 5, is expected to make an emotional return to the sport after his recovery goes well. Shahril Baharim, the technical committee chairman of Selangor FC, where Faisal Halim plays, stated that his player will return in three to six months. Shahril Baharim spoke in a media briefing about the latest update on the condition of Faisal Halim on Wednesday, May 22. He said, as per Sportstar, “I was told that with this progress, there is a big possibility that he will be back (on the pitch) by three to six months. This is based on what the doctors told me, the faster the better, that’s our hope. His recovery is very, very good.”
Scotland announce provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2024
Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced a 28-man provisional squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. The Scots dominated through the qualification stage and will look to push for a deep run in the continental tournament. The Scottish squad includes two uncapped players Ben Doak and Ross McCrorie. The Scots are slotted in Group A at the Euros where they will take on Germany (June 14) in the tournament opener. Then Scotland will face Switzerland (June 19) and Hungary (June 23) and look to secure one of the two spots at the end of the group stage and reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Neymar to miss start of next Saudi Pro League season amidst ACL injury recovery
Neymar, the Brazilian footballing maestro, is set to miss the start of the next Saudi Pro League season for Al-Hilal amidst his ongoing recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury suffered last October. While speaking to reporters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jorge Jesus provided the latest update on when the Al-Hilal fans should expect to see him return to play for them. He said, as per NDTV Sports, “All I know now is that the time given to Neymar to recover and with similar injuries, it is approximately from 10 to 11 months. If we calculate mathematically, he will not be ready at the beginning of pre-season training.”
Players are responding well: Igor Stimac shares positive update from training camp ahead of qualifiers
Indian football head coach shared a positive update regarding the team from the training camp. The Blue Tigers will clash against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification matchup on June 6 in Kolkata. Ahead of the game, Stimac shared an update of the team on X and wrote, "10 days in, players are responding well. Happy to see the senior players making first-time campers feel comfortable and sharing their experience with the young boys on a daily basis.” The forthcoming game would be Sunil Chhetri’s last game with the Indian team, as revealed by the footballer a few days ago.
Tennis
Diego Schwartzman breaks down in tears after last French Open of career
Diego Schwartzman addressed the crowd at the French Open and broke down in tears. He lost to Quentin Halys in the second qualifying round by a scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7). After the game, he addressed the crowd and got emotional while doing so. He thanked the fans also for supporting him even while he was playing against a local player. Schwartzman said, "The last match here shows how I played the entire career. Roland Garros, for me, is very special. Thanks, everyone. It is not easy playing against a French guy, and I feel like, and I felt like I was at home.”
Hockey
We are focused on Olympics but also need to give our best to finish as champions: India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh
Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh spoke about the team’s campaign in the Pro League. He said, “Undoubtedly, we are focused on the Olympics but we also need to give our best to finish as champions (in Pro League) and secure direct qualification for the 2026 Hockey World Cup as well. To achieve both these targets (doing well ahead of the Olympics and secure direct qualification for 2026 World Cup), we will strive to give our all on the pitch and win all our matches.”
