Q: Inter collapse or PSG masterclass? What’s your take?
@Rozario_11 via Instagram
A: It’s a little bit of both, but I would credit Paris Saint-Germain with delivering a tactical masterclass in last Saturday's Uefa Champions League final.
PSG, unlike in previous seasons, were the most balanced side in the competition. While their movement and fluidity in possession were impressive, it was their relentless work off the ball that ultimately secured them the coveted trophy.
Luis Enrique knew how to neutralise Inter's threats and expose their weaknesses. Club football’s biggest trophies are won when players are willing to sacrifice and work hard for one another.
Seeing top goalscorer Ousmane Dembele pressing Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer to force him into long balls made a huge difference.
Inter are an accomplished side in possession, but they were simply not permitted to rotate the ball and build opportunities. Every lane was blocked, and every player was tightly marked. Watch how Achraf Hakimi closed down passing lanes while PSG’s midfielders remained tight when marking opponents. When the first defensive pass broke down, Inter went into disarray.
PSG pressed and harried and forced mistakes. Once the Parisiens won back possession, it was wave after wave of clever attacks, designed to isolate and confuse the Nerazzurri backline.
Luis Enrique capitalised on the youth of the squad; they ran relentlessly, made 22 clearances, robbing Inter of control and time, and had 23 shots on goal.
Q: Do you think Luis Enrique’s PSG could create a similar legacy to Pep's Barca?
@Vermiciouskinid via Instagram
A: If there’s any coach who can create a winning legacy, it’s Luis Enrique. In my opinion, he’s the best coach in the world, at par with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti. He’s been underrated for so long that it’s stupefying. Rarely have I heard his name mentioned when the debate on the best coaches in the world comes up.
Former Barcelona striker described Enrique as "the best coach I've ever had. For the personality he has, for what he transmits and for the sincerity he has."
Another former Barca alumnus, Lionel Messi, said: "I was lucky that I had a lot of time with Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the two best. Having them [for so long] made me grow a lot in football and in the tactical wisdom that they taught me."
Daniele De Rossi, a former Italy international and World Cup winner, recently hailed Enrique as "perhaps the coach who impressed me the most in my career".
PSG are lucky to have a coach who can produce the kind of football we’ve seen from PSG, especially in the second half of the season.
Armed with a young squad, a great sporting director in Luis Campos who can identify the best of talents, and with lots of money in the bank, the future looks incredible.
Rather than buying established talents, they brought in youth with great potential. The €50 million spent on Desire Doue from Rennes could turn out to be the deal of the century, while the purchase of Kvara Kvaratskhelia from Napoli made a huge difference to the team’s performance.
The squad was one of the youngest in the Champions League, and the average age of the starting XI in the final was 25 years. This is the beginning of what I imagine can be a glorious winning project.
Q: What’s gone wrong at Leicester City?
@_Jonfollows
A: Disjointed planning, poor results, and a breakdown in trust between fans and the club’s leadership all contributed to a toxic atmosphere and growing uncertainty about the future.
It was always going to be tough to lose Enzo Maresca, but I can't comprehend the thinking behind hiring Steve Cooper, spending money, and then sacking him after 12 games.
To then hire and stick with Ruud van Nistelrooy as they were hurtling towards relegation also seemed bizarre. The club didn’t know whether to stick or twist.
The side lacked midfield creativity and appeared tactically confused. Goals were especially hard to come by; the team failed to score in eight consecutive games. Under Van Nistelrooy, there didn’t appear to be a clear attacking strategy and the shape was often too rigid.
Players were second-guessing themselves on the pitch. Every move was overthought, every pass was played with hesitation.
There needs to be a squad overhaul, and the club must have a clear direction. They can’t just depend on a coach to bring it all together.
Q: AC Milan have confirmed Max Allegri as their new coach. I understand you’re a fan of his. What makes him so special?
@Iam_tim via Instagram
A: I am a fan of his because I’m a Juventus fan and under his guidance, Juventus became a force in Europe and won the double practically every season during his first stint as coach. I think he overachieved with the squad he had, considering Antonio Conte quit because he thought the club’s ambitions were too grand and almost delusional. Allegri arrived and they reached the Uefa Champions League final.
Creating a winning dynasty is difficult, but Allegri made it look easy. Even with the best squad in Italy, Inter couldn't win relentlessly, and yet Allegri’s Juve did. Always aiming for the treble.
He beat Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Uefa Champions League with Stefano Sturaro in midfield, a player with limited quality. He knows how to make players play with their heart, how to mask weaknesses and how to allow his best players the freedom to dictate.
He’s a practical coach; he doesn’t dazzle, but he wins. He creates a winning mentality and a harmonious atmosphere and knows how to keep it all together when a club doesn’t provide the necessary support.
He cannot produce the type of football Luis Enrique or Guardiola can. The beauty lies in his tactical simplicity. He never overcomplicates it.
Q: Who should win the Ballon d’Or this season? And who do you think will win it?
@Sasahsani via Instagram
A: There are so many candidates who have dazzled this season, from Mohamed Salah to Lamine Yamal and, of course, Dembele.
Dembele is the favourite . He has contributed 33 goals and 13 assists in 55 appearances for PSG this season. Not only did he win the quadruple with PSG but also the Uefa Champions League Player of the Season and Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards.
His performance in the Champions League final was mesmeric, sacrificing himself to help the team defend. His work off the ball has been as impressive as his offensive contributions. He proved to be a leader.
The Ballon d'Or should go to the team that has won the most trophies, and he is rightfully the favourite.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
While you're here
Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Movie: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 3
Producer: JAR Films
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi
Rating: 3 star
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
How Sputnik V works
Towering concerns
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The five types of long-term residential visas
Obed Suhail of ServiceMarket, an online home services marketplace, outlines the five types of long-term residential visas:
Investors:
A 10-year residency visa can be obtained by investors who invest Dh10 million, out of which 60 per cent should not be in real estate. It can be a public investment through a deposit or in a business. Those who invest Dh5 million or more in property are eligible for a five-year residency visa. The invested amount should be completely owned by the investors, not loaned, and retained for at least three years.
Entrepreneurs:
A five-year multiple entry visa is available to entrepreneurs with a previous project worth Dh0.5m or those with the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
Specialists
Expats with specialised talents, including doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, and creative individuals working in the field of culture and art are eligible for a 10-year visa, given that they have a valid employment contract in one of these fields in the country.
Outstanding students:
A five-year visa will be granted to outstanding students who have a grade of 95 per cent or higher in a secondary school, or those who graduate with a GPA of 3.75 from a university.
Retirees:
Expats who are at least 55 years old can obtain a five-year retirement visa if they invest Dh2m in property, have savings of Dh1m or more, or have a monthly income of at least Dh20,000.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
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MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
On Women's Day
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said:“The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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While you're here
While you're here
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Tomorrow 2021
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
While you're here
TV (UAE time);
OSN Sports: from 10am
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
Whiile you're here
Key facilities
Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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While you're here
While you're here
Mountain Classification Tour de France after Stage 8 on Saturday:
1. Lilian Calmejane (France / Direct Energie) 11
2. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana) 10
3. Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step) 8
4. Robert Gesink (Netherlands / LottoNL) 8
5. Warren Barguil (France / Sunweb) 7
6. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 6
7. Guillaume Martin (France / Wanty) 6
8. Jan Bakelants (Belgium / AG2R) 5
9. Serge Pauwels (Belgium / Dimension Data) 5
10. Richie Porte (Australia / BMC Racing) 4
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels