Carlo Ancelotti says he is close to deciding on his final Brazil squad for next summer's World Cup, which could come as a big blow to Neymar's prospects of representing his country one last time on the biggest stage. The Santos star was left out of the Selecao squad for the upcoming friendlies as he continues to shrug off fitness struggles.

Neymar’s wait for Brazil return continues

Brazil fans are patiently waiting for Neymar to put on the national team colours once more as the World Cup fast approaches. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not played for the five-time World Cup winners since October 2023, when Brazil lost 2-0 to Uruguay. Neymar had to be stretchered off in the stoppage time of the first half in that game, and Brazil’s worst fears came true after he was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The dazzling attacker spent almost a year on the sidelines, before marking his return for his then-employers Al-Hilal in October 2024.

He made a sensational return to his boyhood club Santos in winter earlier this year, but he has struggled to regain fitness and rhythm, missing 40 games in the past year alone. His recent hamstring injury saw him remain out of action for over six weeks. Neymar marked his return with a 23-minute cameo against Fortaleza in a 1-1 league draw, but that wasn’t enough to convince Brazil boss Ancelotti to include him in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDid Ancelotti hint at Neymar missing out on World Cup selection?

In October, Neymar was handed an international lifeline by Ancelotti, who claimed that doors to the Brazil national team will always be open for the 33-year-old as long as he remains in good physical condition. "Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems," the ex-Real Madrid boss told reporters. "When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent."

However, following the announcement of Brazil's squad for the upcoming international friendlies, reporters once again began speculating whether Selecao's all-time top scorer would make it to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, United States and Mexico next summer. During the press conference recently, Ancelotti said: "I haven't spoken to Neymar yet, we'll see what happens when he recovers and is able to play again." He also added that he "might call up a player who lacks fitness for the first match or two of the World Cup, but it is impossible" for him "to include a player who is not physically ready for the entire tournament. We need players who are at their best." 

Ancelotti's statements following the announcement of the squad might have added further weight to the notion that Neymar might indeed miss out on the flight for next year's marquee event. "I believe that the more time I spend with the players, the closer we get to the final list. I think we are close to what could be the final list for June, I think 17 to 18 players," said the Italian head coach.

Ancelotti's dream: Ending Brazil's 24-year wait for the World Cup

In an interview with earlier this year, the former AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Everton boss revealed his ambition to guide Brazil to World Cup glory next year. "The same thing we always hope for!", said Ancelotti when asked what he is hoping for from the Brazilian faithful at the World Cup. "They’ll show us great support. I think it’s our responsibility, in the Selecao, to give Brazilians what they want: to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years."

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Getty ImagesNeymar's future at Santos uncertain amid Brazil absence

Neymar is nearing the end of his contract with Santos, with reports suggesting that the Brazilian heavyweights are reportedly in a dilemma over the superstar's future at the club. Recently, Marcelo Teixeira, the club president, confirmed that they would like to renew Neymar's contract. But any extension will come with financial limitations. 

"The Neymar project isn’t for six months or a year. It’s for the 2026 World Cup," Teixeira said. "Santos knew how they would treat Neymar, the investment made. It’s a high investment. Santos and Neymar evaluate the situation periodically. We evaluated it when he came, and that evaluation isn't the same as today's. And the financial situation will be evaluated by both parties until the end of the year. He's not worried about the finances. And Santos has a limit.

"Neymar’s project is the 2026 World Cup. If we find common ground, his continuity will be confirmed. As long as Santos and Neymar, who have a strong and positive understanding of trust, reach a common ground. I believe we will resolve this situation at the right time."

Reports are suggesting that a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami could potentially materialise.

Celtic’s interim manager Martin O’Neill got off to a dream start on Wednesday night with a commanding 4-0 win over Falkirk at Parkhead in front of the home support.

The Hoops had lost their previous two matches in the Scottish Premiership, to Hearts and Dundee, before Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation from his role on Monday night.

O’Neill and his interim coaching team got a brilliant response out of the first-team player against Falkirk, with Johnny Kenny being one of the stars of the night.

Why Johnny Kenny is undroppable for Celtic

The Ireland U21 international has started the last two Premiership matches after Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a hamstring injury early on in the win over Sturm Graz in the Europa League last week.

Kenny failed to make much of an impact against Hearts on Sunday, but he stepped up with two goals from five shots in 66 minutes on the pitch against Falkirk, per Sofascore.

On top of his goalscoring exploits, converting from close range on two occasions, the Irishman won five of his nine duels and won three fouls for the team, per Sofascore, acting as the focal point in the number nine position.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With Iheanacho’s injury and Celtic’s lack of depth in the striker position, Kenny’s impressive performance against Falkirk should mean that he is undroppable for the time being.

The former Shamrock Rovers star is not the only Hoops ace who should be considered undroppable after Wednesday night, though, as Marcelo Saracchi was just as good.

Why Marcelo Saracchi should be undroppable already

The Uruguay international was brought in for experienced left-back Kieran Tierney, and barely put a foot wrong throughout the 90 minutes on the pitch.

Despite assisting Celtic’s goal, Tierney had a difficult afternoon against Hearts last time out. He lost three of his four aerial duels and failed to make a single tackle, per Sofascore, which is why the left-back position may not be guaranteed to him.

Saracchi came in against Falkirk on Wednesday and showed the defensive quality that was lacking from Tierney’s performance against Hearts, as he impressed for O’Neill.

Minutes

90

Tackles won

4

Interceptions

1

Ball recoveries

12

Ground duels won

7/11

Aerial duels won

3/3

Key passes

2

Crosses completed

3/6

As you can see in the table above, the Boca Juniors loanee made four more tackles and won 75% more of his aerial duels than Tierney did in his last outing at left-back.

On top of his impressive defensive work, with ten duels won and 12 ball recoveries, Saracchi also created two chances and had two shots on target, one of which was parried out to Benjamin Nygren for the third goal on the night.

It was a brilliant all-round display from the energetic full-back, who showed that he can contribute at both ends of the pitch. He has the bite, tenacity, and patience to provide quality defending, whilst also having the ability on the ball to make things happen in the final third, which is why he was just as good and influential as Kenny.

Saracchi, who earned an 8/10 player rating from 67HailHail, is now undroppable because his performance was one that the Hoops lacked when Tierney was in the XI against Hearts on Sunday, albeit that was away against the league leaders.

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O’Neill, should he still be in charge next time out, should consider the left-footed star an undroppable part of his team, along with Kenny, because of his sublime showing in and out of possession.

An “amazing” Everton player is now thought to be “seriously considering” leaving the club when the January transfer window arrives.

Beto under-fire among Everton fans

In the Blues’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, Beto again failed to score, meaning he has only found the net once in the competition this season.

Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers has revealed that one Everton fan slammed the Portuguese after the game, comparing him to “that riderless horse in the Grand National that keeps going even though he’s never going to win the race,” and adding that “hard work cannot be criticised but as a striker, you will be judged on goals and he just isn’t scoring enough of them”.

Beto hasn’t managed to consistently shine for the Blues since arriving at the club, but he isn’t alone, with too many new signings flattering to deceive in recent years.

While Jack Grealish has made a positive start to life at Everton, other fellow arrivals haven’t managed to hit the ground running, and one such figure is already reportedly eyeing a fresh challenge in his career.

Everton player "seriously considering" exit

According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Everton left-back Adam Aznou is “seriously considering” leaving the club in January, having not yet played a single minute of football for the Blues this season.

The £25,000-a-week Spaniard only moved to the Hill Dickinson Stadium from Bayern Munich in the summer window, but it looks as though a loan move away could be on the cards. A switch to La Liga is most likely, with Getafe leading the race, and Everton are open to the idea of loaning him out.

Aznou must be frustrated with how things are panning out at Everton, but there is no need to panic about his early struggles, considering he is a young player in a new country, especially given how tough the Premier League is.

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The former Bayern teenager is clearly a talent, being described as an “amazing player by scout Jacek Kulig, and a loan move elsewhere in the second half of the season could be more beneficial instead of him not even being involved in matchday squads.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Wilfried Zaha has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons, having received a red card for Charlotte FC in the MLS.

Zaha hits back at Jean-Philippe Mateta

One of life’s guarantees is that Zaha will have his say in an argument and Jean-Philippe Mateta recently found that out the hard way. The Crystal Palace striker initially name-dropped his former teammate when revealing that he used to mock him for his France ambitions at a time when he couldn’t even get a start at Selhurst Park.

As it turns out, it’s Mateta who’s had the last laugh. The forward is now one of the best in the Premier League and recently scored his first goal for France to silence any remaining doubters, but clearly hasn’t forgotten Zaha’s mockery.

The Charlotte winger sees things slightly differently, however. Hitting back at Mateta, Zaha said: “I’m sorry but my head’s on fire. I’ve got to clear up this Mateta situation because he doesn’t want to and this just shows me that…see the times when I was playing at Crystal Palace and all these people were watching me and it’s clear they weren’t happy for me because I never made anyone feel like s***.”

Since the public row, in which the winger reaffirmed he never meant to offend and merely thought he was joking amongst friends, Mateta has scored a hat-trick for Palace and Zaha has seemingly taken his fury to the pitch.

Zaha hits out at Jesus Bueno

If talent was the conversation, then Zaha would be one of the leading topics. He has been one of the best players in the MLS all season – scoring 10 goals and assisting another six as Charlotte reached the playoffs in style – but he remains ill-tempered.

It’s temper which has flared all throughout his career and something that was on show for all to see against Philadelphia in the MLS in his most recent outing as he hit out against Jesus Bueno in shocking fashion.

Philadelphia Union reporter Jose Roberto Nunez took aim at Zaha after the incident, slamming his “unnecessary red card” in a game which was effectively over, which will now see him miss Charlotte’s first of their best of three series against New York City in the MLS Cup.

From Mateta’s accusation to seeing red in the MLS, to say it’s been a couple of weeks to forget for Zaha would be an understatement.

يستعد منتخب مصر لخوض مباراة قوية أمام إنجلترا مساء اليوم الإثنين، في المواجهة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

وتقام مباراة مصر ضد إنجلترا، على ملعب رقم 7 بمنطقة أسباير في الدوحة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من المجموعة الخامسة ببطولة كأس العالم للناشئين.

ويشارك 48 منتخبًا لأول مرة في تاريخ بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا، تم تقسيمها إلى 12 مجموعة، ويتأهل أصحاب المركزين الأول والثاني في كل مجموعة بالإضافة إلى أفضل 8 منتخبات من أصحاب المركز الثالث إلى دور الـ32 من المسابقة.

طالع.. المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ32 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا (محدث باستمرار)

منتخب مصر يدخل اللقاء وهو متصدر للمجموعة الخامسة برصيد 4 نقاط، بعد الفوز في أول مباراة على هايتي، ثم التعادل مع فنزويلا في الجولة الثانية.

بينما يسعى منتخب إنجلترا لتحقيق نتيجة إيجابية لإنعاش آماله في التأهل، للدور التالي من منافسات كأس العالم. موعد مباراة مصر وإنجلترا اليوم في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

تقام المباراة بين مصر وإنجلترا، اليوم في تمام الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر وإنجلترا اليوم في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

من المقرر أن تذاع المباراة عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس” المفتوحة، وقناة الكأس 3 المفتوحة على النايل سات.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Liverpool fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, and their star players are taking significant criticism in the wake of their third straight loss in the top flight.

Carragher calls for Salah to be dropped

The Reds have now lost four matches in a row in all competitions, with Sunday’s loss at home to United the nadir in an increasingly concerning season for the champions.

It was another off day for Mohamed Salah, who missed a huge chance after the break and generally struggled to have any kind of positive impact on proceedings, with Jamie Carragher calling for him to be dropped on Sky Sports after the game, having also questioned his form before proceedings began.

“I don’t think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it’s like ‘first name on the teamsheet’. Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford. I don’t think Salah should start both of those games.

“He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, around the edge of the box and more often than not he scores in those situations today. But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don’t think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he’s in.”

Arne Slot finds himself under genuine pressure as Liverpool’s head coach, but he isn’t being helped out by star players, from Salah to recent signings.

Harry Maguire outscoring Liverpool strikers

Incredibly, Harry Maguire’s winner for United means that he now has scored the same number of goals at Anfield in the league this season as Salah (1), Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak combined, leading to plenty of fans panicking on social media after BBC journalist Statman Dave shed light on Isak in particular.

The latter pair are still waiting to strike for the Reds in the top flight home or away, having arrived as the two most expensive signings in Reds history earlier this year, and the Swede has racked up 1.4 expected goals even in his limited playing time, so really should have found the net by now.

To say that this statistic is damning would be an understatement, with almost nobody expecting Liverpool to make such an unconvincing start to their title defence.

Salah’s form is concerning, with signs that the 33-year-old may have peaked as a footballer, while Wirtz and Isak are taking longer to adjust to life at Anfield that a lot would have hoped.

There are mitigating factors surrounding their struggles, though, with fellow new signings Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez flattering to deceive, and the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister in poor form in too many games.

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Mo Salah is becoming an issue for Liverpool.

By
Kelan Sarson

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Wirtz and Isak will likely come good, and Salah is too special a footballer not to overcome this enormous slump, but if things don’t improve fast, Liverpool will be out of the Premier League title race by Christmas.

Big picture: Two teams in choppy T20I form

So far on tour [two Tests and three ODIs], Bangladesh have one win from five matches. This, they will feel, is not an apt reflection of how competitive they have been in Sri Lanka. They were running the back end of the first Test in Galle, were more competitive than Sri Lanka’s margins of victory suggested in the ODIs, and have had some promising players make significant contributions.The problem for Bangladesh is that T20I is the format they have been in the worst form. They have lost 11 of their last 15 T20Is. Even against Sri Lanka, who have not been especially good themselves in T20Is recently, they have lost four matches to the two won since 2020.Related

• Shanaka, Karunaratne, Wellalage back in SL squad for T20Is against Bangladesh

• Kusal 124 forms the centrepiece of Sri Lanka's series victory

• Litton Das hopeful of coming out of batting slump

There is added incentive here. Next year, part of the T20 World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka. The schedule for that tournament is yet to be released, but this could potentially be an important opportunity for Bangladesh’s younger players to become accustomed to these surfaces and grounds.Sri Lanka are in the midst of their most serious attempt at regeneration since their great T20 team of the early 2010s waned. It is difficult to know what to expect. They have both Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in form. But as a team, they are yet to string together consistent T20 performances, losing eight of their last 13 matches. In the T20 World Cup last year, their defeat to Bangladesh effectively put them out of the tournament.They have momentum on this tour, though, and with there only being one free day between the end of the ODI series and the start of the T20Is, Sri Lanka will hope their momentum carries them through.

Form guide

Sri Lanka: WLLLW
Bangladesh: LLLLLLitton Das needs to find form with the bat•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight: Litton Das and Sri Lanka allrounders

There is currently a captaincy spot up for grabs for Bangladesh, with Najmul Hossain Shanto having stepped down as captain after the second Test. Litton Das could potentially be their next leader in the longest format, though he is not the frontrunner right now (you’d think that would be Mehidy Hasan Miraz). But for that to become a serious possibility, he would have to lead Bangladesh well in the format he currently captain of – T20Is. And he would probably need to contribute runs to their victories as well. Although he was dropped from the one-day team after making a duck in the first match, he had hit 90 in the Galle Test.While in ODIs, Sri Lanka are trying to develop a seam-bowling allrounder with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, in T20Is, it seems like Sri Lanka are more intent on trialling Chamika Karunaratne and Dasun Shanaka for that role. On tracks that take big spin, Dunith Wellalage can turn the ball at speed, and also has outstanding control. But Sri Lanka want some big-hitting capability in their XI, and Wellalage doesn’t quite have the power game at present.Taskin Ahmed is expected to start for Bangladesh•AFP/Getty Images

Team news

Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud are out of the T20I squad, so Bangladesh have to make two changes in the bowling department. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are likely to play ahead of Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin. They also have choices in the spin department, though that would depend on how they perceive the Pallekele pitch.Bangladesh (probable XI): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt & wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Tanzim Hasan, 9 Rishad Hossain, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanSri Lanka’s main question will be the make-up of their attack. They’ll likely want two frontline quicks – Matheesha Pathirana the likeliest to play, but Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara also in with a good chance. On the spin-bowling front, Jeffrey Vandersay will likely replace the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.The other question is allrounders. Wellalage, Dasun Shanaka, and Karunaratne are all in a fight for a spot.Sri Lanka (probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kusal Perera, 4 Avishka Fernando, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Dunith Wellalage/Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Jeffrey Vandersay, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Nuwan Thushara, 11 Matheesha Pathirana

Pitch and conditions

Pallekele can often be a high-scoring ground, particularly if there is a little rain around and the ball becomes difficult for the bowlers to grip. There are showers floating around the hills surrounding Pallekele frequently, but this is generally not one of the wetter parts of the year.

Stats and trivia

• In four T20Is so far, Wellalage has taken six wickets and maintained an economy of less than six. But his batting is less impressive in this format – he has a strike rate of 106 in T20s.
• Litton Das is yet to hit a fifty as captain. After ten innings at the helm, he has hit 158 runs at a strike rate of 120.
• Sri Lanka last played Bangladesh at this venue in this format in March 2013. Sri Lanka won that game.

  Quotes

  “Sri Lanka were better, and that’s why they won the ODIs. In T20s, if you play good cricket on the day, you will win. They have a lot of experience playing here, and overall, their bowling is strong with several mystery bowlers.”
  “The important thing is managing players. We have to give the players who come into the scene a decent run and keep them in good form for the World Cup. We hope the LPL will take place before the World Cup and that’s a big thing for us.”

Former Real Madrid striker Ivan Zamorano has sparked controversy by claiming Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal 'doesn’t have the essence or soul' of a Real Madrid player. While dismissing the winger as unfit for Los Blancos, Zamorano showered praise on Pedri, calling him a 'phenomenon' and urging Barcelona to better guide Yamal amid recent off-field distractions.

• Yamal labelled ‘not Real Madrid material’ by Zamorano

  Former Madrid striker Zamorano has launched a strong criticism of Barcelona’s 18-year-old winger Yamal, saying the youngster “isn’t the essence or the soul of what a Real Madrid player should be.”

  The Chilean described Yamal as a talented player lacking the maturity and character expected at the Santiago Bernabeu. His comments arrive amid growing scrutiny of the teenager’s attitude and professionalism after a turbulent few weeks both on and off the pitch.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  'Pedri has the essence of Madrid' – Zamorano’s contrasting praise

  Speaking to Josep Pedrerol on the ex-Madrid star made his feelings clear when comparing Yamal to Barcelona midfielder Pedri, whom he described as a perfect example of humility and class.

  “I wouldn’t sign Lamine Yamal for Real Madrid. He’s a star, but he doesn’t embody the essence or soul of what a Real Madrid player should be,” Zamorano said. “I would sign Pedri, who is a star and a phenomenon… and without saying a word. He is humble, down-to-earth, and speaks only when necessary. Pedri has the essence, the soul, of Real Madrid.”

  Zamorano, who represented Los Blancos between 1992 and 1996, went on to emphasise that players wearing the white shirt must reflect the club’s “class and culture.” He added: “Real Madrid is a team with class and culture, and the players who play for Madrid have to represent that. I never heard Messi say that Real Madrid steals, and he was the best in the world.”

  His remark was a direct reference to Yamal’s pre-Clasico Twitch stream, where the teenager stirred controversy by quipping: “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain.” The comment reportedly angered several Madrid players and added fuel to the growing criticism surrounding his maturity.

• Barcelona urged to guide Yamal amid growing frustration

  Despite his criticism, Zamorano offered advice for Barca, suggesting that Yamal still has the potential to become a legendary player if properly mentored. “They have to try to guide Lamine Yamal. That way he’ll only become a great player. Players who leave a legacy are made of a different breed,” he said.

  The young winger’s struggles have been evident on and off the field. He has been battling a recurring groin issue, while also dealing with increased media scrutiny following his recent breakup with singer Nicki Nicole. He was also involved in a spat with Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal at the end of the recent Clasico clash between the two sides, which the Bernabeu club won 2-1.

  Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who continues to back the teenager publicly, addressed Yamal’s fitness concerns after the 3-1 win over Elche. “He has to manage his injury; he’s disciplined. He has to train, undergo treatment… he’s doing it. I can’t say the injury is over; it comes and goes. And he has to manage it,” Flick explained.

  The German manager has privately expressed frustration over the mounting distractions surrounding the winger but remains hopeful that Yamal’s focus will return once his injury stabilises and media pressure eases.

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  Focus turns to Brugge test before international break

  Barcelona’s attention now shifts back to football as they prepare to face Club Brugge in the Champions League. The Catalan giants currently sit ninth in the continental table and will aim for a crucial win to strengthen their qualification hopes before facing Celta Vigo in La Liga.

  Trailing five points behind leaders Real Madrid, Flick’s men are under pressure to close the gap before the international break. With fixtures piling up, the German coach is counting on his young stars including Yamal, who has four goals from nine matches this season, to rediscover their rhythm and help steady the club’s form during a crucial phase of the campaign.

Jim Gray and Bill Belichick locked down some of the most legendary coaches across sports for a roundtable episode of their podcast this week as Mike Krzyzewski, Nick Saban and Joe Torre all shared their championship insights.

In addition to talking about their philosophy for building winning programs and sustaining a winning culture, the quartet of coaches also delved into how coming so close to winning a title but falling just short is a pain that never goes away.

It's a really interesting conversation and was one because of the environment the coaches were speaking in. The public is not used to getting these candid looks into the psyche and humanness of the greats but being amongst similarly accomplished peers caused the group to be more open.

We went to 13 Final Fours, we won five," Krzyzewski said. "When I look back, we don't have the guys for all these games. You have them for that one little period of time. JJ Redick, who was one of the great players for me, we had a chance in 2004 to win a championship, but we lost in the semis. And he has always said to me, he says, And so I think as coaches and managers, we've had many opportunities, but these guys have a limited amount. And when we are not able to come through in that moment with them, that's what disappoints you more, that loss, the loss of those guys being the ultimate champion.”

"What Mike said really hit home with me," Belichick responded. "Two of the greatest players I've had, both in the Hall of Fame, Junior Seau and Randy Moss, didn't win with us. And I think that I have the same feeling for them that Mike just mentioned with JJ Redick. Those guys were such great players and we came close. It's heartbreaking for me that I couldn't deliver for them.”

“I had the same situation when we had that 3-0 lead on the Red Sox, and then we lost four straight," Torre added. "And the thing that hurt me more than anything, I had Don Mattingly on my coaching staff and Tony Clark on my team, and these guys had never gotten to the World Series. And if there was anything I was sorry about and couldn't get it done, was to have these guys get the taste of winning."

The entire extended conversation is worth a listen. Also worth thinking about is the trend of notoriously guarded or objectively opaque coaches transforming into open books upon retirement. Saban and Belichick are two of the biggest and best examples of this but it's interesting that there's a market for such thoughts. Especially because they are offered so sparingly when a coach is actively coaching.

These stories and touches may be a long time coming and seem overdue, but there's a countless amount of memories and lessons they can draw upon to share in their second acts and media personalities.

Pete Alonso played the hero on Thursday night as the New York Mets won Game 3 of their Wild Card series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Alonso's three-run shot was literally historic and caused Mets fans to feel something they haven't felt in October in years—joy.

One particular Mets fan was seated just beyond the fence in right field when Alonso hit his slump-busting shot. Not only was he recording when Alonso went yard, but he also apparelty managed to pick up the ball.

We can't be sure, but there is one fan in the picture of Sal Frelick watching the ball clear the wall who is holding a phone and wearing what appears to be a Mr. Met shirt.

According to his post, he was one of two Mets fans in the area where the ball landed. It's hard to imagine a better souvenir from a trip to the ballpark. Except maybe a pumpkin.