EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy is in line to take the head coach role at Premier League strugglers Leicester City, sources have told ESPN.Talks between Leicester and Van Nistelrooy, who has also been linked with Hamburg, are ongoing but there is increasing positivity that a deal will be agreed for the Dutchman to succeed Steve Cooper…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Real Madrid star Gareth Bale defended Kylian Mbappé after the forward disappointed in the club's Champions League defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, during which he missed a crucial penalty.Mbappé could have levelled for Madrid in the second half at Anfield, with Liverpool leading 1-0, but his spot kick was saved by Caoimhín Kelleher, and the home side…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti said Kylian Mbappé is suffering from "a lack of confidence" after the forward missed a penalty in Real Madrid's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.Mbappé had the chance to level the game at 1-1 in the 61st minute -- after Alexis Mac Allister had put Liverpool ahead at Anfield -- but his spot kick…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLIVERPOOL, England -- Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday that leaves the reigning European champions in danger of missing out qualification for the knockout stages.Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo at Anfield sealed Liverpool's fifth successive Champions League victory and moved Arne…