Pablo Blackwood

Trophies are won on the pitch 🇸🇳⭐️⭐️

Every time I’ve watched England Under-21s train at home or abroad over the past five years, Ashley Cole was out there early, laying out the balls and cones (pic below), discussing the session with the head coach Lee Carsley. He gave individual instruction to defenders like Levi Colwill and Tino Livramento. They spoke highly of Cole’s counsel and desire to improve them as players. His work ethic and humility inspired them. In matches, Cole would sort the subs with the fourth official. No airs or graces, even though Cole was a genuine superstar as a player. He was the most consistent of the Golden Generation, England’s greatest ever left-back, seventh on his country’s all-time appearance list with 107 caps, winner of seven trophies with Arsenal, nine with Chelsea. He stood up to Cristiano Ronaldo and Arjen Robben. He nailed his two shootout penalties in the 2008 and 2012 UCL finals. He was an elite competitor and winner. After retiring at 38, Cole could have played golf or gone into punditry. Instead, he’s built a coaching career. Along with some other reporters, I helped Cole do the media module of his Pro Licence at St George’s Park. Cole's attention to detail and desire to deliver in his second career was very clear to us. Cole worked his way up, assisting Frank Lampard at Derby, coaching in Chelsea’s academy when Lampard went to the Bridge, and then assisting Lampard at Everton. He assisted Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City. He also assisted Carsley in his six games as caretaker of England’s seniors before becoming a full-time FA coach. Cole, 45, now takes on his first managerial role – at Cesena in Serie B. It’s only until the end of June but an experience, an education and with the possibility of a longer stay. Good luck to Cole. He’s earned the opportunity. He’s grafted for it.

Vincent Kompany defends Vini Jr and criticizes José Mourinho for his statements after the game

🇩🇪 Before the Holocaust, Germany committed genocide in 🇳🇦 Namibia. 80,000 Herero and Nama people killed. Land stolen. Skulls sent to Berlin for "research." More than a century later, descendants are still waiting. No justice. No reparations. Just documentaries and empty apologies. The West cries "never again," while the graves in Africa remain unmarked. Watch. Learn. Remember. Because they won't teach this in schools.

FIFA and UEFA’s refusal to enforce its own statutes vis-a-vis Occupied Palestinian territory— is an egregious breach of its legitimacy and, its constitution duty to uphold and respect human rights.

🚨 José Mourinho: “Vini Jr. provoked the fans? In how many stadiums has this happened? He’s an incredible player, I love him but when you score a goal like this, celebrate with your teammates.” This is how you used to celebrate Jose, don’t moral police now 🤫

No one, and I emphasis no one — should be expected to endure and accept being racially vilified, dehumanised in their workplace - whether from opponents or the spectators. If your answer is Vini brings racist abuse on himself, you’re part of the problem.