Want Backheel Breakfast in your inbox? Sign up for the email version here.
Mexico have a new manager for Confederations Cup playoff vs. USMNT
Tuca Ferretti is here to save the day.
Lucas Uebel/Getty Images
Mexico are waiting to name a permanent manager to replace Miguel Herrera, who got fired for punching a journalist, but they’ve found someone to take over for the Confederations Cup playoff. UANL Tigres boss Ricardo ‘Tuca’ Ferretti will be El Tri’s manager when they face the United States at the Rose Bowl.
Tuca is Brazilian, but is a Mexican citizen. He started playing in the Mexican Primera in his 20s and has worked in the country for nearly 40 years. He’s won the Liga MX title with Chivas Guadalajara, Pumas UNAM and Tigres, and recently guided Tigres to the final of Copa Libertadores.
If you don’t follow Liga MX, you probably best know Tuca for that time he got a red card and tried to hide behind the bench instead of leaving.
In the news
Your goal of the day is Odd scoring in just 19 seconds against Dortmund. (r/soccer)
Surprise! Jack Wilshere won’t be fit to play in England’s next Euro qualifiers. (BBC)
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino says he will sign a striker. (Guardian)
Tim Ream has moved from Bolton to Fulham. (MLS)
Pedro’s first club is using their solidarity payment to clear their debts and buy real estate. (AS)
Louis van Gaal says he could have gotten Pedro if he wanted him. Sure buddy, we believe you. (Telegraph)
Don’t expect Jordan Henderson to play against Arsenal on Monday. (Mirror)
You should be reading
Bo Franklin on the rise of ultras in MLS. (Vice)
Swiss Rambler on Ipswich’s finances. (Swiss Ramble)
Paolo Bandini on Juventus and the new Serie A season. (Guardian)
Fun with transfer rumors
The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.
Chelsea are making a £100 MILLION DOUBLE SWOOP for Paul Pogba and John Stones. (Star)
Juventus are interested in signing Asier Illaramendi from Real Madrid. (AS)
AC Milan look close to signing Roberto Soriano. (Football Italia)
Spurs are upping their bid for Saido Berahino. (Indy)
Real Madrid are willing to throw Keylor Navas into a deal for David De Gea. (Mail)
Thursday’s games
What to watch this weekend (click for listings, all times ET)
Ligue 1: Montpellier vs. PSG (Friday, 2:30 p.m.) - The pick of the Friday games.
EPL: Manchester United vs. Newcastle (Saturday, 7:45 a.m.) - Watchable, at least.
Bundesliga: Hoffenheim vs. Bayern Munich (Saturday, 9:30 a.m.) - Bundesliga on FS1. What a country.
EPL: Leicester vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Saturday, 10 a.m.) - Leicester might be better than Spurs right now.
Bundesliga: Ingolstadt vs. Borussia Dortmund (Sunday, 9:30 a.m.) - Probably high-scoring.
EPL: Everton vs. Manchester City (Sunday, 11 a.m.) - What version of Everton will we get? Nobody knows.
La Liga: Athletic Club vs. Barcelona (Sunday, 12:30 p.m.) - The scheduling gods have a sense of humor.
MLS: LA Galaxy vs. NYCFC (Sunday, 5 p.m.) - Our very own El Cashico.
See More:
