Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann believes Toni Kroos is an "exceptional player" who can remain at the top level with Real Madrid for another four seasons.

Kroos has made 395 appearance and won a remarkable 18 trophies – including the Champions League four times – for Madrid during nine seasons with the club.

The 33-year-old remains a key player for the LaLiga giants, starting 26 of their 34 games this term – only Federico Valverde (29) and Vinicius Junior (32) have started more often.

However, the midfielder's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of this season and he stated last week he will not rush into making a decision on his future.

Kroos has made clear he will not join another club after he brings an end to his Madrid career, and Klinsmann is hopeful he will hold off from retiring for many more years.

"What he has achieved in the last 10 or 15 years is truly fabulous," Klinsmann told Stats Perform. "He's won it all. I don't even know how many trophies he has won. 

"He is an exceptional player who can manage his energies not only for 90 minutes but up to 120, giving it all for Real Madrid. 

"He could easily play at this level for another three or four seasons, even more since he unfortunately retired from the German national team to save further energy. 

"I hope he can go on playing because it would be sad for him to quit so soon."

Kroos' influence has once again been clear for Los Blancos this season, with his 1,219 completed passes the most of any player in LaLiga, despite missing three games.

He also ranks highest in the division for passes attempted per 90 minutes (94) – 11 more than any other player – among those to have featured more than twice. 

Commenting on his future after helping Madrid to another Club World Cup title last weekend, Kroos said: "I will end my career here.

"I just don't know exactly when yet. I'm thinking about it. It won't take many more months, but there is still no decision."

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) have distanced themselves from former LaLiga referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira in the wake of allegations involving Barcelona.

LaLiga giants Barca are alleged to have paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by Negreira between 2016 and 2018.

Negreira, who was the vice president of the CTA, held his role with the RFEF from 1994 to 2018. It is alleged Barca wanted to ensure "that there would be complete neutrality" in refereeing decisions affecting the club.

Barca responded with a statement on Wednesday saying they had hired the services of an external consultant that supplied the club's technical secretaries with reports in video format of youth players from other clubs in Spain.

The Blaugrana added that "the relationship with that supplier extended to technical reports related to professional refereeing in order to complement the information requested by the first and second team coaching staff. This a common practice among professional football clubs."

Barca revealed they would be taking legal action against "those who are trying to tarnish the club's image with possible insinuations against its good reputation that could be caused by the release of such information."

However, the RFEF issued a statement distancing itself and the CTA from any links with Negreira since he left his role five years ago, and vowed to support any investigation into the matter.

"The CTA wants to make it clear that Mr Enriquez Negreira is not part of any federative structure since the change of government carried out after the 2018 elections," a statement issued on RFEF's official website read.

"The CTA regrets the behaviours that may be likely to violate the ethics of the establishment. No active arbitrator or member of the CTA bodies may carry out any work that is likely to enter into a conflict of interest. 

"The CTA makes itself available to offer its maximum collaboration in any type of information that this committee can provide."

Barca president Joan Laporta said it was "no coincidence" that the allegations had come to light with the Blaugrana sitting 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta thinks it is "no coincidence" allegations that the club made large payments to a former vice-president of Spain's Technical Committee of Referees have been made now.

Radio station Ser Catalunya on Wednesday claimed Barca paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by Jose María Enriquez Negreira between 2016 and 2018.

Former LaLiga referee Negreira held his role with the Royal Spanish Football Federation from 1994 to 2018.

It is alleged Barca wanted to ensure "that there would be complete neutrality" in refereeing decisions affecting the Catalan club.

Barca responded with a statement on Wednesday saying they had hired the services of an external consultant that supplied the club's technical secretaries with reports in video format of youth players from other clubs in Spain.

The Blaugrana added that "the relationship with that supplier extended to technical reports related to professional refereeing in order to complement the information requested by the first and second team coaching staff. This a common practice among professional football clubs."

Barca revealed they would be taking legal action against "those who are trying to tarnish the club's image with possible insinuations against its good reputation that could be caused by the release of such information."

Laporta believes it is no coincidence allegations have been aimed at the club while they are sitting pretty at the top of LaLiga and preparing to face Manchester United in a Europa League play-off on Thursday.

"It's no coincidence that this information comes out now," he said. "FC Barcelona in the past had contracted the services of an external consultant to obtain reports from players in the lower categories of Spanish football, and arbitration advice, which is a service that other Spanish clubs hire.

"The news is surprising and it is no coincidence that is has come out now. Any tendentious interpretation that insinuates things that are not will receive a proportional response from the club, we will defend the honour and interests of FC Barcelona."

Barca head coach Xavi said during a press conference: "The club has made a statement, so in line with the club, [I have] no more [to say]. They are years in which I was not in the club, but I defend it."

Massimiliano Allegri emphasised the importance of the Europa League, particularly as it may be Juventus' only potential route into next season's Champions League.

Juve were recently hit with a 15-point deduction in Serie A related to financial irregularities from past transfer dealings, and sit 12 points off the top four with 16 games remaining.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of their Europa League playoff first leg against Ligue 1 side Nantes, Allegri said the competition is an "important objective".

"Tomorrow the Europa League begins, which also becomes an important objective as a gateway to next season's Champions League," he told reporters. "We want to get through the knockouts to reach the round of 16 and then go all the way.

"We know it won't be easy, French teams are difficult to face. Nantes are doing well and have quality and technical players up front. This fixture is played over 180 minutes, we will have to lay the foundations to go to Nantes with a good advantage."

Allegri confirmed Juan Cuadrado and Leonardo Bonucci are back in contention, and injured duo Paul Pogba and Kaio Jorge are the only players unavailable to him on Thursday.

After switching between three and four in defence this season, the 55-year-old admitted he still is not sure which he will use against Nantes, and that several factors will come into consideration.

"I haven't decided on the formation yet, I have to evaluate everyone's conditions, also taking into consideration that we play Spezia on Sunday," he said. "The future? Now we are focused on the present, continuing to work and improve."

Centre-back Gleison Bremer also addressed the media on Wednesday, and insisted he does not mind whether he plays in a three or a four.

"Defence in three or four? I'm available for the team, there's no problem" he said. "I'm happy with what I've done personally so far, I have to keep growing. We have shown our value as a team, we know what we are worth."

Allegri also offered words of condolence to Cameroonian striker Ignatius Ganago, who will not play against Juve following the death of his five-year-old daughter.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to send a big hug to Ganago," Allegri said.

Carlos Alcaraz has described Novak Djokovic as "like a god", but fully intends to take his world number one spot back from the Serbian.

Alcaraz has been out of action for four months through injury, but will return at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires on Wednesday when he faces another Serbian, Laslo Djere.

The 19-year-old had been top of the men's world rankings when he suffered a leg muscle injury, causing him to miss the Australian Open.

Djokovic leapfrogged Alcaraz into top spot after he won in Melbourne, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in last month's final.

"It has been a long time [I spent] at No. 1," Alcaraz said. "Now it's a goal for me to recover No. 1 and try to do my best in these tournaments to be back on that number. I'm looking for that."

The young star acknowledged that he has a big job on his hands though, recognising that Djokovic is one of the greatest of all time.

"He has no weaknesses. Every shot, it's amazing," he said. "His physical condition is amazing, his mental condition is amazing.

"He's like a god and I admire him over the years staying at the same level, staying at the top. It's really, really difficult and I admire that."

Despite his ultimate lofty goals, Alcaraz does not want to push himself too fast after his injury, and suggested his main aim at the Argentina Open is just to regain fitness and confidence.

"It's tough to play my first tournament after a long time for me, after four months," he said. "So it's going to be really, really tough to win the tournament or be close to winning.

"My hope is to feel that I am okay with the injury, with my body and try to play well."

Xavi urged his Barcelona side to show they can compete against an elite European side when they face Manchester United in a "spectacular" tie on Thursday.

Barca and United will do battle at Camp Nou in the first leg of a blockbuster Europa League play-off, with the return fixture to come at Old Trafford a week later.

Xavi's side are unbeaten in 16 games since they were consigned to a 3-0 Champions League defeat at home to Bayern Munich on October and they have reeled off 11 consecutive victories.

The Red Devils have also been resurgent under Erik ten Hag, losing only one of their past 15 matches and sitting third in the Premier League table.

Barca failed to make it out of their Champions League group, but head coach Xavi is relishing the opportunity to show the strides they have made as they go in search of a place in the Europa League round of 16. 

He said: "Tomorrow is a great match. It's a spectacular tie. Both teams arrived at the best moment of the season. Ten Hag has changed the face of the team. It's been hard for them, but they're doing a great job.

"I expect a game with a lot of intensity and rhythm. It's Europe and we want to show that we can compete against a top-level European rival."

Xavi does not believe the Blaugrana are favourites to advance.

The former Spain international said: "A lot will be decided at Old Trafford. I see two very close matches. The pity is that we won't play the second leg at home.

"I don't think we are favourites. There are very good teams in this competition, it's a very tough competition."

Xavi added: "United is a great club. They are not in the best moment in their history, but there are players who are in a great moment. In recent weeks they have been good and it will be very hard to win the game.

"We want to show that we are at a high level and that we all work hard and are aggressive. Tomorrow is an important test to compete in Europe."

Joao Cancelo described reports he fell out with Pep Guardiola as a "lie" and said the Manchester City boss and the club "gave me everything".

Portugal full-back Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season in one of the more surprising moves of the January transfer window.

Cancelo had found himself out of the team at the Etihad Stadium and it was suggested he had a bust-up with Guardiola.

However, the former Juventus defender said he is grateful for what Guardiola has done for his career.

Speaking to Movistar after Bayern beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, Cancelo said: "People who say that I fought with Guardiola [it] is a lie. 

"I didn't feel important in the team in the last games. I spoke with the coach and he also agreed. And together with the club we decided that I had to leave, that it was the best for me."

Cancelo's contract at City runs until June 2027 and he conceded it remains a possibility he will play for the club again in the future.

"I like the new opportunities, it's not against City," he added.

"I think that at City he has taken the step to the level he wanted to reach, that's where I became the player I am today. 

"I am grateful to both Pep and the club because they gave me everything. My daughter was born in Manchester and it's a club I'll never forget. 

"And who knows, in football you never know and at the end of the year I can return."

Draymond Green has questioned the Golden State Warriors' "will to defend" after they slipped to 29-29 for the season in their last game before the All-Star break.

The reigning NBA champions were beaten 134-124 by the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, conceding 44 points in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena.

The Warriors have conceded on average 118.5 points per game this season, with only the Charlotte Hornets (119.1), Detroit Pistons (119.7) and San Antonio Spurs (122.7) faring worse.

That is a significant rise on their average of 105.5 points against per game in the regular season last year, which was the third-best in the league.

"It has to come from within," Green said. "Defense is all about will, a want to defend.

"Defense isn't fun. You've just got to do it if you want to win, and we haven't.

"It's the will to defend, stop and guard your man, and sink, and drop the box and rotate. Defense is just one or two steps extra... that's all will, and we don't have that as a team."

Kawhi Leonard top-scored for the Clippers with 33 points, while Norman Powell recorded 24, getting away 17 field-goal attempts despite only being on court for just over 25 minutes.

"Every guy has to decide to take on that challenge himself," Green added. "That challenge isn't just guarding the ball. The challenge is I'm supposed to be there to help, and that guy has to be able to trust that I'm going to get there. 

"If he doesn't trust that I'm going to get there, then what do you do? You foul. We all know that's been a problem for us.

"I can be better. I'm as much of a culprit as anyone else. I'm not going to point the finger at anyone or point blame. If you're a leader at something and you are failing at it, it's your fault."

Green also acknowledged Golden State's need to improve quickly or risk missing out on the playoffs, as they sit ninth in the Western Conference.

"It's now or never," Green said. "We are .500 at the break. Middle-of-the-pack team with those middle-of-the-pack stats.

"You've got to come out of the break and win and do it at a high level, or you go home at the beginning of April. I wouldn't be happy with that. But that will be the result if we don't get there."

Part-timer Matija Pecotic had to put a request in for another day off work to play in the second round of the Delray Beach Open after pulling off a shock win over Jack Sock.

The Croatian came through qualifying to make his ATP Tour main-draw debut in Florida and the 33-year-old is through to the last 16 after a 4-6 6-2 6-2 victory against former world number eight Sock on Tuesday.

World number 784 Pecotic has a full-time job in finance and he will be in the money after setting up a meeting with Marcos Giron in the last 16 of the ATP 250 event.

The Princeton and Harvard graduate's boss was in his box to watch him see off Sock and Pecotic hopes he will get a chance to book a quarter-final spot on Wednesday rather than return to balancing the books.

He quipped: "I had to leave work early today. I had to send an email to the whole team. [My boss] let me off. I'm going to have to ask for another day off tomorrow."

Pecotic, who served 10 aces and struck 30 winners, added: "I certainly didn't expect to win, but certainly didn't come into the match thinking that I'm definitely going to lose.

"You've got to be realistic. This is a former top 10 guy with an incredible amount of tennis experience, with a huge serve.

"He came out serving 134 [mph] on the first serve. It would be arrogant to think that I'm going to come out and expect to win.

"But I certainly figured if I could sink my teeth into the match and work on the two or three patterns that I prepared before, that I'm going to have a chance. And then let's see... if I was going to fall under pressure or not be able to serve it out at some point. But I didn't and I got the win."

Mercedes have revealed the new W14 car tasked with getting them back to the top of Formula One in the 2023 season, with Lewis Hamilton insisting it shows they "mean business".

The design is a return to a predominantly black car, with Mercedes using minimal paint in an effort to reduce weight.

Mercedes surprisingly finished third in the constructors' championship last season, 244 points behind winners Red Bull.

"We've redesigned, optimised, and innovated so many parts of the car and that is impressive," Hamilton said. "And I love the new livery. It says: 'we mean business'."

Hamilton finished the season sixth in the drivers' championship, behind team-mate George Russell (fourth), but the seven-time world champion sounded confident about the new car giving him a chance of challenging again this year.

"I love being part of a team that is working towards a common goal," he said. "I always believe I can get better. I always love that challenge, the physical and mental element, having to deep dive and extract more performance from yourself and the people around you.

"The car is always changing, there's always new tools, and I love that. I'm planning to stay here a little bit longer."

Team boss Toto Wolff is also confident Mercedes can challenge Red Bull and Ferrari again, though admitted they are "playing catch-up."

"Our hopes and expectations are always to be capable of fighting for a world championship," Wolff said. "However, our competitors were very strong last year, and we are playing catch-up.

"Racing at the front requires resilience, teamwork, and determination. We face up to every challenge, we put the team first, and we will leave no stone unturned in the chase for every millisecond.

"This year, we are going all in to get back in front."

Wolff also admitted faults with last season's car, which led to focus on how the weight could be reduced to maximise performance.

"We were overweight last year," Wolff added. "This year we have tried to figure out where we can squeeze out every single gram. So now, history repeats itself."

The new season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged those responsible to learn from their mistakes after the findings from an independent review into organisational issues at last season's Champions League final were revealed earlier this week.

The showpiece clash last May between Liverpool and Real Madrid – which the latter won 1-0 – was twice delayed before kick-off at the Stade de France, with fans unable to enter the ground and tear-gassed by police.

UEFA initially blamed Liverpool fans attempting entry with "fake tickets" before an independent review, commissioned by European football's governing body, said it was in fact the organisers who had been responsible.

The report released on Monday apportioned "primary responsibility" to UEFA, while also criticising the actions of the French Football Federation and local police authorities.

Liverpool have demanded action from UEFA following what the report described as a "near-miss", while club captain Jordan Henderson said it must be a "turning point" for the treatment of fans.

"I think it's super-important that, finally, it's official, let me say it like this," Klopp told Liverpool's official website. "I'm not sure, at least in my life, there was never a case with more evidence, where I knew more about [it] when I was not directly involved, because I was on the other side of the wall in the stadium, pretty much.

"But families, friends, they were all there and everybody knew how our supporters behaved, but it really feels good, it feels just right that it's now official and everybody knows it now because there were so many things said after the game, which we knew they were wrong. It was just lies. So, I'm really happy that it's finally said officially."

The report outlined 21 recommendations for avoiding similar incidents in future, including for safety and security to be at the forefront of planning and matches to be managed with a "facilitation and service" approach towards supporters, rather than viewing them as a public order problem.

"There were big mistakes made," Klopp added. "That they had to change the venue a few months before [from Saint Petersburg to Paris due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine]... I understand and that's difficult. But to put it into a stadium which is not used regularly, so just for some big events and stuff like this and not all the time. 

"So, as an example, I'm German and this is why I say it, but as an example if you used Berlin – a big city, enough hotels, is used to having every two weeks big events with 70,000 people in the stadium and stuff like that, it would have been exactly the same, but the supporters wouldn't have been from Germany, but from Spain and England [and] that would be the only difference.

".Big events are organised so often and when you are under pressure, you have time pressure, you still have to make the right decisions and that's [a] responsibility for specific people. And so yes, I hope they listen, I hope they learn."

The report also said that deaths being avoided was only "a matter of chance," and mainly down to the behaviour of fans.

"I think we were really lucky that not more happened," Klopp said. "It was a day of, I'm not sure how you say it, but the day of 'goodwill lies' – when you have to lie to protect the other person.

"Because we all had messages from our people outside before the game and then the game got delayed, so we started looking at the smartphone again, 'What's happening?' We knew because people couldn't get in and everybody said, 'No, I'm fine, I'm fine...' and nobody was fine. Nobody was fine.

"Then the game started and I heard from people that everybody who was in the stadium was just there and thought, 'I made it somehow, wow.' It was not the mood you are in when you want to watch a Champions League final.

"So what it all took away and the strangest thing is that after the game, like an hour after the game, the least important information on that night was that we lost the final. That's really crazy. And that shows just how it all went."

Ultimately, Klopp just wants lessons to be learned, adding: "When you hear it [for the] first time, you cannot believe it, that that all happened in that time, but it did.

"So, yes, there's a lot to improve and I hope everybody learned from it."