M. Expérience
CONCACAF Gold Cup · Midfielder · #19 · Haiti · 26 yrs
M. Expérience news
Grealish brings 'experience' and 'something different' - Lake
Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake hopes Jack Grealish will be "given an opportunity" under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he believes the left winger brings "great attitude and personality". The club triggered a £100m release clause to prise Grealish away from boyhood club Aston Villa in August 2021. Since then, he has won three Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup at Eithad Stadium.
‘It wasn’t the match we all expected,’ Argentina legend Mario Kempes analyzes World Cup loss to Spain
Mario Kempes analyzed Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, admitting that the team did not produce the performance expected. Mario Kempes has analyzed Argentina‘s performance in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, admitting that the team did not produce the performance that many expected while defending the players from claims that they failed to compete. Kempes said: “I want to tell you something quickly. You know what it meant to me to put on the Argentina jersey: there is nothing greater that can happen to a player than representing his country. And I was lucky enough to have that opportunity. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t the game we all expected.” The Argentina legend knows what it means to represent the national team after winning the competition in 1978 as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, including two in the 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in the final. Kempes on Argentina’s performance The World Cup winner acknowledged that Argentina fell short of the level it had shown earlier in the tournament, but said that such fluctuations are part of soccer and that the team must now move forward. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida por Mario kempes (@mario.kempes78) For the former striker, it was also essential to reject claims suggesting that Argentina did not compete in the final, arguing that a team can have a poor performance without its commitment being questioned. Kempes said: “It was clear that the team was not at the level of the previous three. And that happens in soccer: there are better days and worse days. I’ve experienced it many times. A team dropping its level in a game is not the same as a team that doesn’t compete. Those versions going around out there without any evidence don’t do anyone any good.” Kempes asks for criticism to be based on facts The former player asked supporters and the media not to amplify claims that have no basis. Kempes said: “I ask that, if we want to be demanding of the team, let’s do it properly, but let’s not echo every unfounded thing that circulates. This jersey is respected in good times and bad, so let’s go, Argentina forever.”
Luka Modric could break Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record as AC Milan’s oldest player after contract renewal
With AC Milan announcing the renewal of Luka Modric, the Croatian legend could break Zlatan Ibrahimovic's record as the oldest player to feature for the Rossoneri. Luka Modric will remain on the pitch for at least one more season as AC Milan officially confirmed a one-year contract extension with the Croatian playmaker through June 2027. With another campaign on the horizon at San Siro, Modric is positioned to break Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s long-standing record as the oldest player in Rossoneri history. Following days of optimism surrounding a new deal, AC Milan issued an official statement on July 23 confirming the agreement. “A key figure in the Rossoneri midfield since his arrival, Luka has brought his experience and quality to the service of the team, both on and off the pitch, with humility and great passion,” the club noted. After a decorated decade with Real Madrid, Modric made the move to Milan ahead of the 2025-26 season on an initial one-year deal through the 2026 World Cup. Having recently retired from international duty following Croatia’s World Cup run, the veteran midfielder chose to extend his club career at San Siro, a decision inspired by his childhood admiration for club icon Zvonimir Boban. His debut season in Milan proved challenging from a team perspective, as the Rossoneri finished fifth in Serie A to miss out on Champions League qualification, leading to an offseason coaching change that saw Rúben Amorim replace Massimiliano Allegri. “Ci vediamo presto" 🔜Parola di Luka Modrić pic.twitter.com/IybmopjSyg— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 23, 2026 Despite the team’s struggles, Modric remained a reliable engine in the midfield, making 37 appearances while recording two goals and three assists. His new deal retains his financial terms from last season: a €3.5 million base salary with bonuses pushing the total package to €4.5 million. Chasing Ibrahimovic’s longevity record The tactical pace of Serie A has offered a fitting environment for Modric to maximize his vision and game management late in his career. A central figure under Allegri at age 40, he is expected to serve as the brain in midfield under Amorim. Zlatan Ibrahimovic currently holds the title of the oldest player ever to feature in a competitive match for AC Milan. The Swedish striker set the benchmark during a Serie A fixture against Udinese in March 2023, taking the pitch at 41 years, five months, and 15 days old. Modric, who turns 41 in September 2026, will eclipse Ibrahimović’s mark if he features in the second half of the 2026-27 campaign. Should he play through the season’s conclusion in May 2027, the Croatian legend would push the club’s record to 41 years and eight months old.
Former Scotland captain Corsie joins Aberdeen board
Aberdeen have appointed former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie to their board of directors. A lifelong supporter of the football club, Aberdeen say she brings "a blend of elite sporting experience, strategic thinking and commercial expertise". As well as a distinguished playing career, Corsie is also a qualified chartered accountant.
Report: Pep Guardiola demands €20M salary to consider Italy job amid negotiations with Paolo Maldini
Over the last few days, Paolo Maldini and Italian Soccer Federation president Giovanni Malagò have revealed that they are in negotiations with Pep Guardiola. However, the legendary head coach is reportedly set to reject the offer, requesting a salary of €20 million. Italy have begun the process of renewing their sporting project, led by Paolo Maldini and president Giovanni Malagò. While several Italian coaches have been linked with the job, Pep Guardiola is the chosen one, as both executives have revealed that negotiations with the Spaniard are ongoing. Despite the formal talks, the legendary head coach is reportedly determined to reject the job, requesting a salary of €20 million. According to Elisabetta Esposito, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, his advisor, have returned to Italy with very little optimism. Pep Guardiola is not very willing to accept a new job as a coach, as he wants to take a break to spend time with his family, something he has not been able to do for years. In addition, he is requesting an annual salary of €20 million, while Italy’s offer is €10 million. Despite this situation, Italy are reportedly remaining in the negotiations, looking to improve their offer and convince him over the coming weeks. Needing a deep restructuring, the possible arrival of Guardiola would be the ideal move, as he develops young players. In addition, the Spaniard coach would be key to adjusting the playing style toward a more modern and competitive approach. Italy reportedly shortlist three Pep Guardiola alternatives Amid the negotiations with Pep Guardiola, Italy do not seem willing to stand still. Although Silvio Baldini is the coach currently in charge, they are determined to appoint a manager with extensive experience and a more suitable profile. While they still maintain active hopes of landing the Spanish coach, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) is reportedly considering only three names as alternatives to become the new head coach. Italian legend and coach Andrea Pirlo is speaking during the FIGC Hall of Fame Event. Even though he has not managed a European club since 2024, Andrea Pirlo is the ideal candidate to take over as Italy’s head coach as backup for Pep Guardiola, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite being under contract with United FC of the UAE Pro League until 2027, he could leave without much difficulty to take charge of the national team. Alongside Pirlo, the FIGC and Paolo Maldini are also considering Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, in that order, Elisabetta Esposito reveals. However, they are viewed as emergency options rather than priorities, as the FIGC is looking for a fresh direction for the national team. While both coaches have already succeeded at the highest level, they represent continuity in the sporting project, something they do not fully want to pursue.
Bournemouth add De Boever to coaching staff
Frederic de Boever has been appointed as Bournemouth's new first-team goalkeeper coach. De Boever has also spent time as goalkeeper coach at Club Brugge and Al-Arabi, as well as working in Qatar and Singapore. The Cherries like that he has both Champions League and Europa League experience, and he has also worked with high-profile goalkeepers like Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens and Simon Mignolet.
Italy FA president Giovanni Malago confirms talks with Pep Guardiola after World Cup disaster
After failing to qualify to the last World Cup, Italy FA president Giovanni Malago confirmed the talks with Pep Guardiola to turn into the next head coach. The Italy national team has once again failed to qualify for the World Cup, falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA playoffs. Now operating under a revamped executive hierarchy, newly elected Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago confirmed that the federation has initiated talks with Pep Guardiola to take over as head coach of the Azzurri. Speaking to the Italian program Vivavoce on June 22, Malago addressed the search for a new manager, acknowledging that financial accommodations might be necessary to secure a premier target, especially following reports of a recent meeting between Italian executives and the former Manchester City boss: “Exceptions have been made that, for example, concern the name that is so present these days: Pep Guardiola.“ Elected as FIGC president on June 22, Malago clarified that while financial flexibility alone won’t guarantee a deal, it marks a significant step in pursuing their top priority. Over the weekend, Sporting Director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo traveled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola directly, attempting to gauge his interest in leading the four-time world champions back to prominence. Malagò added that despite opening dialogue with Guardiola, the federation remains in contact with alternative candidates. “This is by no means a lack of respect towards other candidates, with whom discussions have already begun, and adding another name would in no way detract from the process. There are also financial and budgetary considerations. In the short to medium term, to say that we’ll have to tighten our belts is an understatement,” Malago noted Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on during his farewell ceremony. Italian options remain under consideration for 2030 World Cup cycle Guardiola has maintained a relentless pace since launching his managerial career at FC Barcelona in 2008, moving to Bayern Munich before concluding his transformative ten-year run at Manchester City in June 2026. While Italian executives hope to lure the tactical mastermind with a compelling sporting vision toward the 2030 World Cup, there remains a strong possibility he chooses to take a sabbatical before accepting his next project. Should a deal for Guardiola fall through, former Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to the Euro 2020 crown, and Andrea Pirlo remain prominent domestic contenders. “If we are evaluating a specific profile, those names certainly fit within our criteria,” Malago remarked when asked about alternative Italian candidates. Resistance builds in Italy over hiring a foreign manager If appointed, Guardiola would follow a growing trend of elite managers taking over foreign national teams, echoing Carlo Ancelotti’s move to Brazil and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment with England. However, the prospect of appointing a Spanish manager to lead the national team has met pushback within Italy’s sporting hierarchy. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and Malago’s successor at the organization, voiced strong opposition to hiring a non-Italian coach: “I don’t want to offer advice to Giovanni Malago, who has made a very good start as the new president of the Italian Federation. The only thing I ask of him is to appoint an Italian national team coach. The vast majority of Serie A managers are Italian. They are good, professional, and the product of our tradition. Why leave them out?“ Buonfiglio pointed to his previous experience leading the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation (FICK), where he appointed a German head coach to mixed results. “He was talented, but he never truly made an effort to understand the Italian mindset,” Buonfiglio explained. “We came away empty-handed, and much of the foundational work built before his ar
‘If I see Olmo, I will apologize to him in person,’ Roberto Ayala reflects on post-match incident between Argentina and Spain
Roberto Ayala reflected on the incident involving Dani Olmo after the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, admitting his mistake. With emotions running high at the end of the World Cup match that saw Spain beat Argentina in the final, some players became involved in an altercation that included pushes between both teams. Argentina’s staff tried to separate the players, but Roberto Ayala found himself pushing Dani Olmo, an incident he later explained in an interview with Valencia Capital Radio. Ayala said: “It is a shame, and you have to accept responsibility for the actions you take on the field. I cannot do that regardless of what I may have received. I went in to separate them. It was more of a push than anything else, it was not a punch. It was a reaction to something that was said, but if I see Olmo, I will apologize to him in person. I regret it.” The incidents began when Spain’s substitute players entered the field to celebrate, with some of them mocking Argentina’s players. This led to a confrontation between Leandro Paredes, Eric García and Gavi that was later joined by more players. In the background, Ayala was seen slightly shoving Olmo. Ayala on the match itself The visible face of the coaching staff is the manager, with Lionel Scaloni being the leader of the team. Around him are experienced figures such as Ayala, who played for more than a decade during a successful era for Valencia. García sparked the incident after the match (Al Bello/Getty Images) Losing the final in that way was a huge disappointment, albeit the former player commented that the reception they received in Argentina after returning helped them deal with the result against a Spain team he also congratulated. Ayala said: “They were superior and deserved to win the World Cup. We showed a part of our game, but we did not have the same level in our legs as we did in 2022. We have to congratulate Spain. They were better and they overpowered us. It was another learning experience for us. Spain played attractive soccer that many people enjoy. There was nothing that happened in the locker room, there was simply a team that played better, was superior and won.” Ayala on the referee’s performance The appointment of UEFA referee Slavko Vincic for a final involving a European team generated controversy, especially because Argentina had only lost two World Cup matches under Scaloni before the final, with the previous defeat coming against Saudi Arabia in Qatar. However, Ayala did not use the referee’s decisions as an excuse when discussing Enzo Fernández’s red card. Ayala said: “I don’t know how to rate it. He did not call the small plays. There were fouls that he let go. I think he rushed with the first yellow card for the sending-off. The second one was a fairly direct challenge that is a yellow card because of the force of the tackle. We cannot fall into the idea that the referee was bad. I think he did well while officiating the final.”