Bayern Munich are planning for a "long future" with Julian Nagelsmann regardless of Bundesliga success this term, club president Herbert Hainer suggested.

The Bundesliga champions are embroiled in one of the tightest title races Germany has seen for years, joint-top of the table with Borussia Dortmund and only three points ahead of Union Berlin.

A defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in mid-February handed Bayern a setback, though they returned to winning ways against Union at the weekend.

For Nagelsmann, it is among the toughest periods he has faced in charged at Allianz Arena, but Hainer has no reservations about his place in the dugout.

"He learns something new every day and will learn from difficult situations," Hainer told Sky Sport Deutschland. "He will gain experience; I know that from my own professional situation.

"Whenever it matters, he delivers for the team. We are planning for a long future with him."

Regardless of that security, Hainer remains convinced Nagelsmann can deliver another title this term for the Bavarian giants, even with Dortmund and Union breathing down their necks.

"The whole of Germany wanted a more exciting competition in the Bundesliga," he added. "We certainly have that now.

"But I'm very optimistic. We're top of the table, and we still have to play Dortmund in our own stadium. You saw what the team was capable of on Sunday [against Union]."

Bayern also remain in the mix for the Champions League, with a 1-0 advantage over Paris Saint-Germain ahead of next week's last-16 second leg.

Hainer feels they will progress in that competition as well, adding: "We're in a good starting position after the 1-0 win.

"The players I speak to tell me how hot they are. They want to do better than last year."

Dawid Malan was unconcerned by the pressure of being England's match-winner in a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Number three batsman Malan picked up the pace following a considered start to eventually finish on 114 not out and drag England to victory in the first ODI.

Having limited Bangladesh to 209, England's response for a while looked in danger of falling short.

But Malan fittingly clinched the win after scoring his fourth ODI century, making him the second-fastest man to that mark in his 16th match.

The 35-year-old, who has spent time playing in the Bangladesh Premier League, also had a hundred in his previous ODI innings against South Africa last month.

"I've spent a fair bit of time in Bangladesh, especially at this ground, which helps," Malan said.

"I told Jos [Buttler] it would have been tough to chase if they'd have got 30 to 40 more runs. It's satisfying to get over the line, handling pressure is part of the job."

Malan was required to do the heavy lifting alongside a succession of low-scoring partners as England were reduced to 65-4 at one stage.

Victory was achieved with eight balls to spare, however, leaving captain Jos Buttler delighted.

"These are tough conditions," he added. "Mala's innings was outstanding and is an example for us on how to play on these wickets.

"There was plenty in the wicket for both spinners and pacers. There's plenty of areas to work and improve on. It's about small partnerships on wickets like these. [They] can be really valuable."

Jose Mourinho will serve a two-match ban after his touchline flare-up in Roma's 2-1 loss at Cremonese on Tuesday. 

The Roma head coach was sent off for the third time this season just two minutes into the second half after a heated exchange with the fourth official. 

Leonardo Spinazzola's strike had cancelled out Frank Tsadjout's opener for the hosts, but Mourinho watched on from the stands as Daniel Ciofani's late penalty secured Cremonese's first league victory of the season and their first in Serie A for 26 years.

Mourinho decided to further argue his case with the officials in their dressing room after the full-time whistle and will now face a two-match suspension and a $10,000 fine as a result.

A statement from Serie A said that the Giallorossi boss will be banned for "having contested a refereeing decision in a forceful and provocative manner in the second minute of the second half and repeating this behaviour at the time of sending off.

"Furthermore, for entering the referees' dressing room and addressing the fourth official with offensive expressions and inferences at the end of the match."

After the game, Mourinho defended his actions that saw him sent off for an altercation with the fourth official.

"I'm emotional but not crazy. For the first time in my career a referee has spoken to me in an unjustifiable way," he said.

"To have the reaction I had is because something happened. I need to know now if I can do something from a disciplinary point of view."

The ban will see Mourinho miss Sunday's clash with Juventus and Roma's home game against Sassuolo on 12 March. 

Roma sit fifth in Serie A after Wednesday's defeat, one point behind rivals Lazio in fourth.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a potential number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Carter is to be arrested on the basis of a charge of reckless driving and racing amid an investigation into the January 15 road accident that killed a player and recruiting staffer from the University of Georgia.

Carter was allegedly street racing with Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy, who died along with Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock when the car they were travelling in left the road and hit nearby power poles and trees.

A statement from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on Wednesday said: "As a result of the ongoing investigation into the January 15, 2023, fatal crash that occurred in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured arrest warrants for Jalen Carter, 21, for Reckless Driving and Racing.

"The investigation found that Chandler LeCroy, driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition, and Jalen Carter, driver of a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM.

"The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. Evidence indicated that shortly before the crash the Expedition was travelling at about 104 miles per hour.

"The toxicology report indicated that LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.

"The case will be given to the Solicitor General's Office."

Carter was scheduled to meet the media at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

He has been considered the best prospect in this year's draft, although the Chicago Bears are likely to receive significant offers for the first overall pick from teams looking to select one of the top quarterbacks in the class.

Aaron Rodgers will make a decision on his future "soon enough" amid ongoing speculation.

It is unclear whether the veteran quarterback will return to the NFL in 2023 and, if he does, whether he would end his long association with the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers has completed a four-day "darkness retreat", and while he does not have a decision, he is calm about the situation and intends to reach a final outcome "soon enough".

"It's best for anybody who has an interest in this to make a decision sooner rather than later. For everybody involved directly and indirectly, it's best for a decision earlier," he said on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast.

"I feel really good about the conversations that are going to be had, that have been had with important people in my life.

"But I'm not looking for somebody to tell me what the answer is. All the answers are right inside me. I touched many of the feeling on both sides in the darkness. I'm thankful for that time.

"There's a finality to the decision. I don't make it lightly. I don't want to drag anybody around. I'm answering questions about it because I got asked about it. I'm talking about it because it's important to me.

"If you don't like it, and you think it's drama, and you think I'm being a diva or whatever, then just tune it out. That's fine. But this is my life. It's important to me.

"I'll make a decision soon enough, and we'll go down that road. I'll be really excited about it."

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said on Tuesday of Rodgers and the team's options at QB: "He's a great player, but until we have those conversations, I think all options are on the table right now."

Red Bull will not be selling its second Formula One team AlphaTauri, team principal Franz Tost confirmed.

Reports Germany over the weekend suggested Red Bull's senior management was considering the sale of the team or a relocation from their current base in Faenza, Italy to Milton Keynes, England.

However, a sale has been ruled out in a statement issued by Tost on Wednesday.

"I had some very good meetings with Oliver Mintzlaff [Red Bull's CEO of corporate projects and new investments], who confirmed that the shareholders will not sell Scuderia AlphaTauri, and that Red Bull will continue supporting the team in the future," he said.

"All these rumours have no foundation, and the team has to remain focused for the start of the season to perform better than last year."

Red Bull has owned AlphaTauri – previously known as Toro Rosso – since 2006 and serves as a steppingstone to the senior team for younger drivers.

Speculation of changes across the F1 grid are ever present, with Audi set to take over naming rights of Sauber next season before becoming an official factory team in 2026.

Porsche are also looking to join their sister company the same year, while American motorsport giants Andretti have confirmed their desire to enter F1.

Dawid Malan's sublime knock inspired England to a three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first ODI at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts struggled after electing to bat first, setting a target of just 210, but England's response for a while looked in danger of falling short.

Malan picked up the pace following a considered start, however, eventually finishing on 114 not out to reach 212-7 and brilliantly drag England over the line.

Tamim Iqbal (23) began purposefully but Bangladesh soon had their momentum disrupted by Mark Wood (2-34) and Chris Woakes (1-28), the former dismissing the hosts' captain with an emphatic delivery.

The spinners then took care of Bangladesh's middle order, with each England bowler claiming at least one wicket.

Najmul Hossain Shanto (58) proved the biggest nuisance, his maiden half-century crucial in helping the hosts surpass 200.

But a tremendous catch from Jason Roy sent him back to the pavilion at 159-5 in what proved a turning point – Bangladesh added only another 50 runs.

England's chase received an early blow when Roy (4) fell to a simple Iqbal catch in the first over, while Phil Salt (12), James Vince (6) and Jos Buttler (9) were not much better.

Taijul Islam (3-54) took two of the first four wickets as England found themselves on 65-4, but amid all the floundering, Malan was calmly plugging away.

A close escape from an lbw appeal in the 22nd over proved vital, with Malan first playing it steady as he reached 50 off 92, before then getting his century off 134.

He secured the ton with a clip through midwicket that brought up his 10th boundary, and another four – whacked through wide mid-on – fittingly ensured Malan clinched victory.

Malan's the man of the moment

England's bowlers did some sterling work early on, with Jofra Archer, Wood, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid all taking two wickets each, but the generally disappointing nature of the visitors' chase meant Malan had to take on the role of firefighter.

After looking all at sea at 65-4, Malan took charge. In claiming his 100, he becomes the second-fastest player to four ODI centuries.

Taijul gave Bangladesh a chance

Bangladesh were also largely better with the ball than the bat. Taijul was the pick of the bunch for the hosts, taking three wickets – more than anyone else in the match.

His efforts were central to England getting off to a stuttering start. In the end, one man's class was the difference, and to be fair to Bangladesh, Malan looked like he could bat another 50 overs and still not get removed.

Xavi says Barcelona enter their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Madrid in a strong position, but considers Carlo Ancelotti's side the favourites to reach the final.

The fierce rivals meet at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday in the first of three Clasicos in a month, with a crucial LaLiga fixture sandwiched between their two-legged cup tie.

Barca have won two of their four meetings with Madrid since Xavi took charge, which includes a 4-0 league win last season and 3-1 Supercopa de Espana final victory in January.

The Catalan giants are also seven points better off at the top of the league, but Xavi believes Madrid's status as reigning Spanish and European champions makes them favourites.

"Madrid will continue to be the favourites because they are champions of LaLiga and the Champions League," he said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"That is regardless of what happened in the Super Cup, where we did well, or any other factors.

"We may have beaten them in the Super Cup, but this is Madrid. I have to be honest. But I also think we can hurt them and I expect a very even tie overall."

Barcelona have enjoyed an impressive first full season under Xavi, but back-to-back losses have halted their momentum.

Despite being eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United and dropping three points against Almeria, Xavi is happy with the position his side find themselves in.

"The loss to Almeria made me very angry, but we start again with a clean slate," Xavi said. "It's a competition we're doing well in, and we're three games from another title.

"This will provide us with another chance to react. We know we have to be more of a team than ever, with the small details making the difference.

"The message to the fans is that we remain in an ideal, privileged situation to win two more trophies. We are in the Copa semi-final and are leaders in the league.

"We know things can go wrong, but we are here to try to avoid that from happening."

Barcelona are without Robert Lewandowski for the first leg, while Pedri and Ousmane Dembele remain sidelined, but Ansu Fati has returned from injury and is part of the squad.

"He's had a bruised knee but is training with the group and feels good," Xavi said. "I see a happy and motivated player who is important for the team."

Darren Till has confirmed UFC granted his release but vowed he is "not going anywhere".

Till last fought in December, losing via third-round submission to Dricus du Plessis.

He was removed from the middleweight rankings on Wednesday.

Posting on Twitter, the 30-year-old confirmed he had the release from UFC, in which he has fought since 2015.

"What's happening everyone," Till posted.

"Me, Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] are still cool as f***. I asked UFC to remove me just to sort some other s*** for the foreseeable.

"They happily agreed to release me out of contract which I appreciate. I'm not going anywhere, got big plans to execute and I'll be back."

Till was unbeaten in his first six fights before challenging Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title in September 2018. He lost via second-round submission and, following a knockout defeat to Jorge Masvidal, moved up to middleweight.

The English fighter won his first bout at the weight against Kelvin Gastelum but has since struggled, failing to win any of his last three fights, losing to Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson prior to his most recent defeat against Du Plessis.

Carlo Ancelotti has labelled Vinicius Junior as one of the world's best players ahead of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey tie against Barcelona.

The Brazil international has five goals in as many games in all competitions, most recently netting a brace as Madrid came from behind to beat Liverpool 5-2 in their Champions League last-16 first leg.

He has 18 goals in 36 games overall for Madrid this campaign – only eight players across Europe's top five leagues have scored more.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Madrid boss Ancelotti refuted suggestions of an over-reliance on Vinicius and backed the Brazilian to get the better of his opposite number Ronald Araujo in Thursday’s fixture.

He said: "It's a positive aspect. He is one of the best players in the world, who sometimes changes games in our favour. It's quite normal to be dependent on it.

"You don't have to say anything special to Vinicius. We are not going to change. It is true that Araujo is a very strong defender, but it will be a very entertaining duel. Hopefully, Vinicius can win it."

Real Madrid lost their most recent fixture against Xavi's side in the Supercopa de Espana final in January but have plenty of chances to exact revenge.

Sandwiched between both legs of the Copa del Rey tie is a third Classico in the league, with Madrid hoping to reduce the seven-point lead Barcelona currently have at the top of the table. 

Ancelotti also provided an update on the fitness of Toni Kroos, who has started just one of Madrid’s last four games.

"These are games in which you need many things, including personality and energy. It may be that because of the energy, Kroos is not in the eleven," he added.

"But we also need experience so I have to think about this."

Mikel Arteta suggested there is little that can be done to combat online abuse in the wake of the death threats received by Chelsea head coach Graham Potter.

Potter was hired in September following Thomas Tuchel's dismissal but Chelsea have endured a barren run of form and sit tenth in the Premier League.

Indeed, Chelsea have won just three of their last 17 games in all competitions, losing their last three on the run.

Potter revealed that he and his family have been the target of online abuse and death threats but Arsenal manager Arteta is unsure what can be done to tackle the issue.

"It’s very difficult to control, I think," Arteta said at a press conference.

"We have had this discussion many, many times. Where do you draw the line, what is acceptable, and what is not?

"Unfortunately, it happens, it's very easy to hide behind a phone."

Arteta also endured a slow start to his tenure when he was first appointed by Arsenal but refused to comment on whether he had received similar levels of abuse as Potter has done.

Despite this, he did reveal that he often reaches out to fellow managers to provide support during challenging times.

He added: "When you have a close relationship with managers, which I had in Spain, some of them were in Italy, some of them were here of course, you get in touch – sometimes they give you support.

"We all do when someone is going through a difficult time. Maybe not on the phone but just a nice text of support."

Arsenal face Everton on Wednesday with the chance to move five points clear of second-place Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti vowed Real Madrid will not endure the same mistakes as they did in the Supercopa de Espana ahead of Thursday's latest Clasico in the Copa del Rey.

Defeat in Saudi Arabia resulted in Barcelona's first trophy of the Xavi era and a treble-winning campaign for Los Blancos' fierce rivals remains on the cards.

March stands as a crucial month for Madrid, with both legs of the Copa del Rey semi-final coming as part of a trio of Clasicos that also sees the pair meet in LaLiga – where Barcelona currently hold a seven-point lead.

Mistakes proved costly in the previous meeting in Riyadh, but Ancelotti insisted those errors will not happen again.

"In the Super Cup we lacked commitment, with individual mistakes that will not be repeated," he told a press conference.

"We are close to winning an important competition and we will compete. It's not the decisive game, but we want to take advantage.

"We do not have the desire for a rematch of the Super Cup, but because we are close to a title, the boiler rises in temperature."

Ancelotti believes that slight progress has been made compared to last year, with Madrid continuing on three fronts as they also hold a first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the Champions League last 16.

"So far, I have said that, compared to last year, we have two points less in LaLiga. But we were also out of the Copa del Rey," he added.

"We're not much better off than last year; we're where we've deserved to be. But now comes the good stuff.

"We've got to March competing in all competitions. Let's see if we can win something."