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Welcome to the Nutmeg, each week, you can expect: Exclusive previews of major football events – Spotlight features on top football creators – In-depth analysis of trending football culture.
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KLOPP JOIN RED BULL

Jurgen Klopp is back in the game, but not where you might expect. The former Liverpool boss has taken up the role of Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, starting January 1, 2025. After almost a decade of success at Anfield, Klopp will now oversee Red Bull's network of clubs, including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, and Red Bull Bragantino.

Unlike his touchline days, Klopp’s new role is more strategic—he’ll be shaping the clubs' vision, supporting their sporting directors, and mentoring coaches. It's a major shift for Klopp, but he’s excited to contribute to the growth of Red Bull’s football empire globally​

MANCHESTER’S FADING RED

Manchester United is officially off to their worst start ever in the Premier League era, and it’s not pretty. With just eight points from their first seven matches, they sit 14th in the table, only five points clear of the relegation zone. Scoring just five goals so far, United's attack looks flat, and only Southampton has fewer goals. It's a tough time for Erik ten Hag, who's under immense pressure as his squad continues to underperform.

The situation isn't helped by the fact that United has gone winless in their last five matches across all competitions​. Ten Hag insists he’s on the same page as the club’s board, pointing to the team’s “resilience” and “togetherness,” but fans are becoming restless, with whispers of a potential managerial change in the air​. Will United find their form, or is this slump the new norm?

MIAMI IS HAPPIER THAN PARIS

Brecht Dejaegere recently shared a candid chat he had with Lionel Messi after a match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami. According to Dejaegere, Messi didn’t hold back when talking about his time at Paris Saint-Germain, calling it “la merda” (Italian for “s**t”). The Argentine legend, who now plays for Inter Miami, expressed that while the Parisian fans initially welcomed him, the atmosphere turned sour after PSG's Champions League failures. The ultras began booing him at every touch, which left a bitter taste in his mouth despite winning two Ligue 1 titles​.

Dejaegere admitted it was surreal to talk to his idol, even if Messi didn’t remember playing against him during his Toulouse days. Still, he was thrilled to meet his favorite player and hear the truth straight from the GOAT himself.

Other news you shouldn’t let slip through your legs:

🇯🇵Japanese fire power. Japan’s World Cup qualifiers have been nothing short of impressive, as they remain undefeated and have yet to concede a goal in three matches. Their latest win, a 2-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia, was secured by goals from Daichi Kamada and Koki Ogawa. This clean sheet streak highlights coach Hajime Moriyasu’s tactical brilliance and the strength of their European-based stars like Kaoru Mitoma. With their next match against Australia in Saitama, Japan is looking to continue their historic defensive run and edge closer to securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.

💉Free test. Paul Pogba’s doping ban has been reduced from four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Initially, Pogba faced a long suspension for testing positive for testosterone in 2023, but CAS accepted his argument that the substance was taken unintentionally as part of a treatment prescribed by a doctor in Florida. Pogba is now eligible to resume training in January 2025 and return to competitive action in March. With Juventus considering terminating his contract, Pogba might be eyeing a fresh start elsewhere when he returns.

🇬🇷First time for everything. England suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat against Greece at Wembley in the UEFA Nations League. Vangelis Pavlidis was the hero for Greece, scoring twice—once early in the second half and again with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Jude Bellingham had given England hope with an equalizer in the 87th minute, but Greece's resilience paid off as they secured their first-ever victory versus England.

🎉Kylian Mbappe found himself in hot water after being spotted partying in Stockholm while France faced Israel in the Nations League. Mbappe had been left out of the squad due to a reported thigh injury, yet just days before, he appeared fit enough to play for Real Madrid. This sparked debate, as critics questioned his commitment as France’s captain​.

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