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Niko Kovac adamant Borussia Dortmund not in crisis 

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:11
Niko Kovac adamant Borussia Dortmund not in crisis Niko Kovac adamant Borussia Dortmund not in crisis 

Borussia Dortmund haven’t won any games since the end of the lengthy international break. However, head coach Niko Kovac believes the team is far from crisis. 

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Champions League game against Sabah Baku, the 55-year-old coach said, “When we arrived back then, we were eleventh. You can’t compare the two. We’re second, level on points with Bayern. I can put that into perspective. We dominated Bremen, had an unfortunate 2–2 draw, and now against Union it was a clear 0–0 game. What we’re not entirely happy with are the results. Two draws and one defeat, but I’m not making a big deal out of it.”

Kovac believes the team will be able to turn results around as soon as possible: “The team has the quality to turn things round as early as tomorrow, and I’m convinced of that. So, I’ll stick to it: read nothing. That’s the easiest and best way to go about it.” 

With the recent run of poor results, doubts are resurfacing about Kovac. The coach recently extended his stay at BVB until 2029, with fans divided on whether the new contract was the right decision. 

Tuesday night’s game is an opportunity to get back to winning ways, as anything other than all three points will possibly increase the discontent around the club. 

GGFN | Brook Genene 

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‘He Ain’t Wrong,’ ‘This Is Why He Doesn’t Have An Extension’ — NFL Fans Split as Troy Aikman Claims Analytics Can Cost HCs Their Jobs on MNF Broadcast

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:10
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Monday Night Football commentator Troy Aikman before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. © Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesNov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Monday Night Football commentator Troy Aikman before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Troy Aikman has been a popular conversation piece these last few weeks, mostly because it’s public knowledge that he’s in the final year of his broadcasting contract with ESPN and has had no negotiations with the four-letter network about an extension. Meanwhile, his long-time broadcast partner, Joe Buck, recently signed a six-year extension, keeping him around until 2032.

On Week 6 Monday Night Football, the focus was back on Aikman’s analysis as the San Francisco 49ers picked up a 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders. It wasn’t anything that would get the Hall of Fame quarterback in trouble, but it sure has generated quite a bit of discussion.

Troy Aikman’s Take on Analytics Splits Opinion Down the Middle

Analytics have become a huge part of sports, including the NFL. But don’t tell that to Aikman, who clearly doesn’t think highly of the trend.

Case in point, during the “Monday Night Football” broadcast, Aikman said, “I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach.”

That may be true, but it could also be a great way to improve a coach’s win-loss record if they can master their situational awareness.

Not everyone agreed with Aikman’s assessment of analytics.

One commenter simply said, “This is why he doesn’t have an extension.”

Another piggybacked off that take, “Says the commenter about to lose his job.”

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Yet, others agreed. One commenter said, “He ain’t wrong.”

Another defended Aikman for being willing to share his opinion, even if it is unpopular with some. “He’s free to have his own opinion, it is literally his job to give it. Weird how defensive people are about analytics.”

Another urged Aikman to “keep speaking your mind.”

However, one commenter suggested the opposite of what Aikman said is true.

“Actually it’s usually the opposite. Most of the time analytics give coaches cover with their numbers-obsessed owner overlords. Going with your gut exposes you.”

However, another argument was made that it’s not actually relying on analytics that gets anyone fired; it’s simply the act of losing games rather than winning them.

“Nobody gets fired for going for it. They get fired for losing, and the list of coaches who punted their way into unemployment on fourth and short is a lot longer than the list of analytics casualties.”

Ultimately, this feels like one of those battles that will lead to a split opinion. Can analytics help make more informed decisions? Absolutely. But blindly following them can also get a coach in trouble.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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Swiatek withdraws from the Ningbo Open with a left thigh injury

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:10

NINGBO, China (AP) — Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Ningbo Open in China because of an injured left thigh, diminishing her chances of contesting the season-ending WTA Finals at Indian Wells next month.

The six-time major winner lost to eventual champion Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals at the Wuhan Open last week a nd struggled at times in that match.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw from the tournament,” Swiatek said in a statement posted on social media Tuesday by the Ningbo tournament. “I’ve been experiencing an ongoing problem with my left thigh over the past weeks and I feel that giving myself the time to rest and recover is the right decision.”

Swiatek was one of three players in contention for the last spot in the eight-player field for the WTA Finals with Karolina Muchova and Marta Kostyuk ahead of tournaments this week.

The WTA, in a preview of the Ningbo tournament, said if Swiatek didn't reach the quarterfinals and Kostyuk doesn't reach the final here, Muchova will secure the remaining spot for the season-ending tournament at Indian Wells starting Nov. 8.

___

See AP’s full tennis coverage here

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Why the Rays don’t have what it takes to beat Brewers in the World Series

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:10

Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images.

Why the Rays don’t have what it takes to beat Brewers in the World Series appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays have earned their place in the World Series. But earning a chance at a championship and having the tools to finish the job are two different things. Against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Rays face an opponent better prepared to win the moments that matter most.

Milwaukee’s biggest advantage is its bullpen. Through eight postseason games, Brewers relievers have posted a 1.33 ERA. That kind of reliability changes the way a team approaches October baseball. When a starter falters or a close game reaches the late innings, Milwaukee can turn to fresh arms without surrendering control. Tampa Bay’s starters may keep games tight, but that only makes the strength of the Brewers’ relief corps more important.

Rest adds another layer to that edge. The Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games to reach the World Series, while Tampa Bay needed six to get past the Cleveland Guardians. Extra days off do not guarantee sharper performances, but they give the Brewers more flexibility to manage their pitchers and prepare for situations. Over a seven-game series, those decisions can make all the difference.

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The Brewers also have the more dangerous offensive approach. They are capable of extending at-bats, getting runners aboard and applying pressure without waiting for one dramatic swing. Against the Rays’ rotation, that patience could be crucial. Even excellent pitchers eventually have to work through traffic, and Milwaukee has shown it can capitalize when opportunities appear.

Then there is home-field advantage. The Brewers finished 103-59, compared with Tampa Bay’s 98-64, earning the right to host the opening two games and, if necessary, the final two. In a matchup that could turn on a handful of pitches, playing those pivotal games in Milwaukee matters.

None of this means the Rays are completely overmatched. Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta anchor Tampa Bay’s starting pitching, and the team’s ability to survive a championship series deserves respect. Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz can change a game with one swing. The Rays have already proved they can withstand pressure.

But surviving pressure is different from controlling it. The Brewers have the deeper late-inning options, a rested pitching staff, an offense built to create chances and the benefit of its home crowd when the stakes rise.

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The Rays have enough talent to challenge the Brewers, but Milwaukee’s depth, experience and versatility give it the edge in crucial moments. Tampa Bay will fight until the end, but Milwaukee has everything it needs to finish the job in six games.

Related: Brewers’ sweeping of Dodgers sets new NLCS viewership record not seen in 11 years

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The best quotes about Eric Cantona

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:10
The best quotes about Eric CantonaThe best quotes about Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona remains one of the Premier League's most impactful footballers. Cantona was the signing that proved to be the catalyst behind Manchester United's dominance of the division, helping break the club's long title wait before taking over the league.

Having helped Leeds United to the title in the final pre-Premier League campaign, achance conversation between the rivals saw Cantona move to Manchester, and the landscape of English football shift.

Cantona won four titles in five seasons at Manchester United, and possessed an unmissable, unmatched presence.

His trademark upturned collar, puffed-out chest, and ability to conjure moments of magic, remain etched into the minds of fans from that era.

Cantona came, saw, and conquered with signature swagger. An icon of thePremier League, here are some of the best tributes towards the French forward.

The best tributes to Eric Cantona"If ever there was one player, anywhere in the world, that was made for Manchester United, it was Cantona. He swaggered in, stuck his chest out, raised his head and surveyed everything as though he were asking: ‘I’m Cantona. How big are you? Are you big enough for me?'”

- Sir Alex Ferguson

“In my eyes, he was responsible for the Premier League developing as quickly as it did. Everyone took to him, controversy or not. He oozed charisma and genius in equal measure, and is by far and away the best ever in the Premier League. It was an honour to have played with him.”

- Peter Schmeichel

“Collar up, back straight, chest stuck out, he glided into the arena as if he owned the f***ing place. Any arena, but nowhere more effectively than Old Trafford. This was his stage. He loved it, the crowd loved him.”

- Roy Keane

“When Cantona did come to United I knew that we’d win the title because he just had the aura and presence about him. He took the responsibility away from all of us lot. He was unbelievable."

- Paul Ince

“What hasn’t already been said about Eric Cantona? A sublime player, and the guy who opened the door for so many other Frenchmen in the English championship. A player with character – the King!”

- Emmanuel Petit

“Once he got to United, everything changed. It was as if he’d found the place he belonged and the stage he thought he deserved."

- David Beckham

“Eric Cantona (also) brought an extra dimension (to Manchester United). Plenty of things he tried didn’t come off, but you remember the ones that did — the flicks, the outrageous lobs. He made things look easy that weren’t easy at all. Before him, we struggled to score as a team, but as soon as he arrived the goals flowed."
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English right-back is coming to Liverpool

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:10
English right-back is coming to LiverpoolEnglish right-back is coming to Liverpool

An exciting right-back is coming to Liverpool's first-team.

The right-back position is something the Reds have failed to figure out for a while. For close to a decade it was so easy for Liverpool.

In Trent Alexander-Arnold, they had the best right-back on the planet. No one else could compete with the way he played. He was so instrumental to Liverpool's success.

Alexander-Arnold made things happen with ease on the pitch. He controlled the creativity and the build-up of Jurgen Klopp's side. During his peak years he could unlock any defence and Liverpool were visibly worse when he was not playing.

However, he then decided to ruin it all by saying something like - I want to join Real Madrid. With that declaration it was all over. He left Anfield on a free transfer in what has been a terrible move for every party involved.

Could Trent come back to Liverpool?

The reality is that Liverpool still haven't replaced him. They've tried with Jeremie Frimpong but he simply isn't good enough. Dominik Szoboszlai doesn't want to play there and Ronald Araujo is solid but he is a temporary solution.

Meanwhile, things have not worked out for Alexander-Arnold either. He arrived at Real Madrid wanting to win trophies and personal accolades like the Ballon d'Or.

Instead he's found himself in a troubled Madrid side with Barcelona dominating and Alexander-Arnold mostly sitting on the bench.

He's had three managers now and none of them have made him their first-choice right-back. It doesn't make sense for Madrid to be paying him high wages and for him to be spending his prime years sitting on the bench.

But a return to Liverpool would have to hinge on a lot of things. A reasonable transfer fee, and probably reduced wages. Alexander-Arnold might not want to take that, and perhaps neither will Real Madrid.

Liverpool's new English right-back - Ollie O'Connor

With the injury to Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds are now without a recognised back-up right-back which means there's an opportunity for a youngster from the academy to join the first-team.

And that means Ollie O'Connor will now likely be heading to Andoni Iraola's team for the next few games until Frimpong is back fit.

Why?

Well, O'Connor is Liverpool's best right-back at U21 level. He's caught the eye in EFL Trophy games against senior opposition and he has all the characteristics you need to make it at a high level.

O'Connor is hard-working, he covers a lot of ground and he never gives up. The Englishman is someone who Andoni Iraola will enjoy working with.

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Raptors predicted to trade for $186M rebounding machine to pair with Kawhi Leonard in mega deal

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 09:23
Kawhi Leonard Masai Ujiri

Raptors predicted to trade for $186M rebounding machine to pair with Kawhi Leonard in mega deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It is no secret that the Sacramento Kings have been looking to trade Domantas Sabonis this offseason as they try to offload his contract. The big man has been an excellent rebounder throughout his career, but his time in Sacramento could eventually come to an end.

Sabonis has led the league in rebounding multiple times. Over the summer, Sacramento reportedly tried to complete a trade with the Detroit Pistons involving Sabonis.

“There was a trade on the table from the Kings for Jalen Duren. They were willing to offer Domantas Sabonis to the Pistons but that's not what the Pistons want. They want to bring Jalen Duren back and secure him on a long term deal," ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel stated.

During the offseason, Sabonis also switched agents. The move has raised questions about whether a trade could be on the horizon.

“I do think it’s somewhat interesting that he changed agents this offseason," ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said. "He hired Aaron Mintz from CAA. This last year, Mintz and his group executed the trade for Trae Young away from Atlanta. They executed the trade for Walker Kessler away from [the Jazz]. Domantas Sabonis just hired him. At the risk of parodying myself, why would he do that?”

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes the Kings should consider trading Sabonis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett.

“Toronto sniffed around at last year's deadline. The Raptors are so loaded defensively that they can cover his vulnerabilities on that end of the floor, and the Poeltl and Barrett contracts cover matching salary if the Kings are willing to take them. The Raptors traded for a former All-Star center when they won the 2019 championship. Maybe history repeats itself,” Quinn wrote.

This could be a beneficial move for the Raptors, who would add another physical rebounder alongside Kawhi Leonard. Toronto appears to be going all-in after acquiring Leonard, and a deal for Sabonis could further strengthen its roster.

Sabonis is currently under a $186 million contract with Sacramento. For the Kings, this proposed deal would bring back Barrett and Poeltl, giving them a different combination of perimeter scoring and interior presence. However, the Raptors are chasing a championship, and adding a player of Sabonis' caliber could help them compete in a crowded Eastern Conference.

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49ers’ George Kittle sounds off on San Francisco’s approach amid scorching 6-0 start

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 09:23

Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

49ers’ George Kittle sounds off on San Francisco’s approach amid scorching 6-0 start appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Coach Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers are 6-0 and trending toward a possible unbeaten season that would match the ’72 Dolphins after a huge win over the Washington Commanders. The Week 6 win didn’t come without trouble as Mike Evans suffered an Achilles injury that knocked him out of the game.

George Kittle, a touchdown catch recipient from Brock Purdy early on in the Commanders game, sounded off on the 49ers’ hot start after the game in comments made to ESPN’s Sportscenter.

“That’s our goal, right, when we talk about it, it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m in year ten right now, I just want to win,'” Kittle said.

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“If you look at the big picture too much, I think it adds way too much pressure…And like, that’s all it is, so I think we’re doing a really good job this year, of like, one week that’s all that matters.”

Kittle added that starting fullback Kyle Juszczyk helped the team adopt its Week 6 strategy of focusing on the Commanders game and getting a win at all costs ahead of its October 25 game at the Falcons.

The result was an early lead for Brock Purdy’s team as Kittle opened the game’s scoring with a brilliant 11-yard scoring catch on a route to the middle-left corner of the end zone that was picture perfect in idea and execution.

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Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ unit shut the door with a sack from Romello Height on Jayden Daniels that ended up as one of the walk-off variety. The 49ers are 6-0, and Kittle believes he has the formula for more wins, with few fans doubting it ahead of Week 7.

Related: 49ers WR Mike Evans’ Achilles injury gets huge update after MNF win vs. Commanders

Related: Of course the Pat McAfee Commanders-49ers MNF broadcast was unhinged

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An Intro to New Orioles GM Jared Banner

Yahoo Sports - Tue, 10/20/2026 - 08:31
A general view of a Baltimore Orioles logo at Camden Yards. The Orioles have hired Jared Banner as their new general manager.BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: A general view of a Baltimore Orioles logo in the stadium before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 23, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Evan Thompson

The Baltimore Orioles made a front-office shakeup on Monday, bringing in assistant general manager of the Chicago Cubs, Jared Banner, to become the new general manager alongside President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias. Banner, who served as the Cubs’ assistant GM from 2024 to 2026, joined after Elias expressed a desire to add “fresh voices” to the front office.

Banner’s arrival could mark the start of a transitionary period between who controls the club and where the team is slated to go after a disappointing 2026 season. Regardless, it signals that the Orioles want to move away from a single-voice approach to roster building toward a more democratic, tiered approach.

The Orioles post-deadline dust has settled. Is this organization in a better spot than it was before Monday?Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias welcomes the media and VIPs to the new facility. The Baltimore Orioles unveiled their new Player Development Complex to the media on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. The 47,700 square-foot facility includes indoor batting cages and infield, a biomechanics lab, new outdoor covered batting cages and more fan access areas. Main Image Credit: Mike Lang / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWho Is Jared Banner?

Jared Banner isn’t a well-known figure outside front office circles in Major League Baseball, but he’s certainly not an unknown suit.

Banner started his journey in 2007 after his baseball playing career ended, starting as a Boston Red Sox intern after a successful internship. He then became a scout under head scout Ray Fagnant, helping comb the team for prospects in the 2011 draft. That draft brought in notable names, including pitcher Matt Barnes, outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., and a high school prospect named Mookie Betts.

Jared Banner has been named our next General Manager.

Welcome to Birdland, Jared! https://t.co/eMxXVzfnoH

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) October 19, 2026

Then-executive Vice President Theo Epstein praised Banner’s work with Fagnant in the Northeast and his noted work ethic, which led to several roles focused on player development and farm system work. That work also led Banner to a stint with the New York Mets as their farm director, along with his mentor, Allard Baird. Between 2019 and 2024, Banner oversaw the development of Pete Alonso, Andres Gimenez, Francisco Alvarez, and other notable Mets prospects.

His most notable stint came between 2021 and 2024, when he became Vice President of player development for the Cubs. He was instrumental in overseeing Pete Crow-Armstrong’s development after the 2021 trade that sent Javier Baez to the Mets. The Cubs also saw success in their farm system with Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, and Michael Busch. He left the position for the assistant GM slot, building the Cubs’ farm system to number two before the 2024 season.

Jared Banner’s Direction Is Clear

Banner comes to the Orioles at a time when they are struggling to see progress in their pitching development, but have rebuilt their farm system with top-of-the-line rotation prospects. In fact, ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted on Monday that Banner’s resume in player development ultimately led Baltimore to secure him for the spot. That move also reunites him with Alonso from the Mets.

News: The Baltimore Orioles are hiring Jared Banner as general manager, sources tell ESPN. Banner, who was an assistant GM with the Cubs, joins Mike Elias in Baltimore’s leadership after nearly two decades working a range of executive jobs with the Cubs, Mets and Red Sox.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 19, 2026

The Orioles have one of the youngest rosters in MLB, with plenty of young talent in Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, Samuel Basallo, and Colton Cowser. Behind the current roster is a deep prospect pool that includes three strong rotation pieces (Anthony Eyanson, Joseph Dzierwa, and Caden Hunter) and three potential outfielders (Eric Booth Jr., Ike Irish, and Enddy Azocar).

It comes as the Orioles deal with numerous holes in their roster, especially in the outfield and rotation. Taylor Ward was traded midseason, Tyler O’Neill hasn’t lived up to his potential, and the Orioles have no dependable fourth outfielder. In the rotation, Shane Baz needs help as impending free agent Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish regressed in 2026. The bullpen isn’t faring any better either, with the closer-by-committee approach failing to lock down games.

With Banner coming on and getting a larger say in player development and structure, that bodes well for the top prospects. Three of them are projected to make their debut in 2027, while two could get the call the next year. If their player development works too well, it does open up an interesting predicament.

Could Banner Make Trades to Win Now?

Given the Orioles’ deep prospect pool, teams could call and offer big names to rebuild their own farms. If the Orioles have a strong farm system that improves in 2027, could Banner buck the trend and sell prospects to win now?

It’s unclear what the trade market will look like, given the uncertainty around the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. Still, if pitchers like Logan Gilbert from the Seattle Mariners or Edward Cabrera from the Cubs come on the market, they might make a move. It depends on how fast a deal is done and how weak the free-agent market is, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

The Last Word

Banner’s hire marks a shift in the organization’s tone and approach going forward. The team wants to prioritize player development and hashing out the pieces they already have on the major league roster. Whether they feel like trading pieces they don’t really need or trading for franchise faces remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Mike Elias’s days as the franchise’s sole dictator are over.

 

More Orioles News:

Félix Bautista’s Return Sets Comeback Tone for Next Season

Meet the O’s Prospects Set to Play in the Arizona Fall League

Which Orioles Prospects Deserve to Make Next Year’s Roster?

 

Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

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