Kick Off: Alonso sacked; Liverpool advance to FA Cup fourth round

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

OFFICIAL: Xabi Alonso is no longer the Real Madrid manager

On 12 January, Real Madrid have officially announced that Xabi Alonso will no longer serve as the team's head coach.

Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley: Wirtz, Szoboszlai & Ekitiké score to seal qualification

Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike linked up for two late goals to secure Liverpool a 4-1 win over Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield.

Match Reports

Juventus 5-0 Cremonese: 5 different scorers on the sheet as hosts cruise to win

Juventus declared their Scudetto ambitions after demolishing Cremonese 5-0 to catch Roma and Napoli, including another Jonathan David goal and impressive Weston McKennie.

PSG 0-1 Paris FC: Enrique's side suffer shock exit by cross-town rivals

The Champions League winners bow out in the Round of 32 with a home 1-0 loss against their Paris FC neighbours. For the first time since joining PSG in 2023, Luis Enrique won't win the Coupe de France.

Al Hilal 3-1 Al Nassr: Ronaldo's side suffer comeback as Neves scores late pen

Al-Hilal came out on top in a tussle between the Saudi Pro League title favourites on Monday, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's goal for Al-Nassr.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: Alvaro Arbeloa replaces Xabi Alonso as new Real Madrid head coach

Alvaro Arbeloa, the former Real Madrid defender, has been promoted from his role as reserve team head coach to replace Xabi Alonso.

Schira: Kanté is demanding a two-and-a-half-year contract from Fenerbahçe

According to Nicolò Schira, 34-year-old Kanté is demanding a two-and-a-half-year contract from Fenerbahçe.

Thomas Partey set for Villarreal exit as Marcelino decides against renewal

Thomas Partey’s time at Villarreal appears to be drawing to a close, with the Ghanaian midfielder set to leave the Spanish club at the end of the season. According to sources close to the club, head coach Marcelino has already informed the Villarreal hierarchy that Partey will not be retained beyond the expiration of his current contract, barring a late change of plans.

Carrick beats Ole to Man Utd job: Club to announce interim boss in next 48 hours

Manchester United are set to announce Michael Carrick as the club's interim manager within the next 48 hours after talks progressed, Daily Mail Sport understands.

FIFA Secretary General hails Morocco for “Setting a global standard” in AFCON

Morocco’s organization of the Africa Cup of Nations has received glowing praise from FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, who described the country’s hosting of the tournament as a benchmark not only for Africa, but for world football at large. In strong words that underline the scale of the achievement, Grafström said Morocco “has set a global standard” with its delivery of the competition.

Alonso was initially surprised upon knowing his dismissal, then expressed relief

On January 12, Real Madrid officially announced the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso. According to a recent report by Josep Pedrerol of La Sexta, Alonso was initially surprised upon learning of his dismissal, but then expressed relief.

Man Utd could play mid-season friendly to ease financial burden of cup exits

Manchester United could seek a mid-season friendly to ease the financial woes of being knocked out early of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup

Three things Carlo Ancelotti liked most about Álvaro Arbeloa

Just seven months after appointing him as head coach, Real Madrid have parted company with Xabi Alonso.

FA Cup fourth round draw: Aston Villa v Newcastle United, Liverpool v Brighton

The Emirates FA Cup fourth round proper draw has been made for the 2025-26 season.

Here we go! Romano: Conor Gallagher will join Tottenham for a €40m fee

Here we go! Romano: Conor Gallagher will joinTottenham for a €40m fee

Xabi Alonso’s departure a bombshell for stunned Real Madrid players

The two statements published on Real Madrid’s website caught everyone off guard. And when we say everyone, we mean everyone - except those who made the decision and a select few inside the club’s communications department.

OFFICIAL: Barcelona confirm Cancelo passes medical & signing to be on Tuesday

The Portuguese player undergoes physical tests with signing to make him a blaugrana to come on Tuesday.

Lucas Paqueta wants to leave to join Brazilian side Flamengo

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and play for Flamengo.

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta slams Kylian Mbappé

A bitter Sunday night for Real Madrid ended with defeat and controversy, as FC Barcelona beat their rivals 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final. Beyond the result, attention quickly shifted to Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly asked his teammates not to form the traditional pasillo, the guard of honor for the champions, after the final whistle.

Conte kicks water bottle, yells in fourth official's face and is sent off

Antonio Conte lost his cool and was sent off during Napoli's intense 2-2 draw with Inter Milan on Sunday evening.

What They Say

Rooney says he would join Carrick's backroom staff if asked

Wayne Rooney says he would be willing to return to Manchester United as part of Michael Carrick's backroom staff.

Liverpool's FA Cup win over Barnsley too 'tight', concedes Slot

Arne Slot was delighted that Liverpool were able to secure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup, but admitted their win over Barnsley was a bit too tight for comfort.

De Zerbi ties Marseille future to Benatia: The day he leaves, I leave too

Roberto De Zerbi says he will leave Marseille the day that sporting director Medhi Benatia does, after the former defender cast doubt on his future at the club.

'It was a pleasure to learn from you' – Mbappe thanks Alonso after Madrid exit

Kylian Mbappe said it has been a "pleasure to play for and learn from" Xabi Alonso after the latter was sacked by Real Madrid.

Merino 'buzzing' to have Havertz back for Arsenal

Mikel Merino is "buzzing" to have Kai Havertz back from a long-term injury and is excited for Arsenal to have "one more asset" in their bid for trophies.

Arsenal are not 'set-piece FC', says Chelsea boss Rosenior

Liam Rosenior says Chelsea's EFL Cup semi-final opponents Arsenal are about more than dead balls, hitting out at critics who have described the Gunners as "set-piece FC".

Bianchi: McTominay would've played in my team with Maradona and Careca

Bianchi, who was coach of Napoli's first Scudetto-winning team with Diego Maradona and Careca, saw the Azzurri draw with Inter Milan yesterday with McTominay scoring twice.

Simeone: I apologize to Vinícius & Florentino, Barcelona deserve the victory

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone attended a pre-match press conference for the Copa del Rey today. When a reporter asked for his thoughts on the Spanish Super Cup final, Simeone first apologized for the conflict with Vinícius during the Supercopa de España.