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• Alvarez unhappy to be left out of Man City's 'important games'

  Julian Alvarez has expressed doubts over his Manchester City future after being left out of 'important games'.

  Alvarez played 2657 minutes in the Premier League for City last season, his most in a single campaign since joining the club in January 2022.

  He made 31 starts in the league, though mainly as an attacking midfielder, and in other competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup, in which the Citizens reached the final, he was often second choice to Erling Haaland.

  The Argentinian, who is currently representing his country at the Olympics, admitted his frustration at not getting a chance in big games when asked about his future.

  "I haven't stopped to think about what I'm going to do," Alvarez told DIRECTV Sports.

  "Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.

   

  "But it's true: in the end, in some important games, it's not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.

  "I haven't stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself."

  Alvarez has scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City in all competitions, also providing 18 assists.

  Arsenal, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in the 24-year-old's signature should he decide to move away from the Etihad.

• 'It's not over' - Marta ready to fight after shock loss to Japan at Olympics

  Marta has urged Brazil to bounce back quickly from their stoppage-time defeat to Japan at the Olympics on Sunday.

  The Brazil great made her 200th appearance for the national team in their second group-stage game, but it was marred by a late lapse in concentration that saw Japan score twice in stoppage time to win 2-1.

  Jhennifer's 56th-minute goal looked set to book Brazil a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, but instead, they slipped down to third in Group C after Saki Kumagai and Momoko Tanikawa's goals.

  And with world champions Spain up next for the two-time silver medallists, Marta, who is retiring at the end of the year, noted why it is so important that they quickly put that result behind them.

  "All that mattered to Japan was winning the game," Marta said. "We took our eye off the ball and that has obviously ended up costing us.

  "We could have been here celebrating a win, but instead we have to remain focused. But it's not over yet. We have to give it everything as a group. That is football. Anything can happen. Nothing has been decided."

  The top two teams in each of the three groups advance into the knockout rounds, along with the two best third-place sides.

  While Brazil would go through as things stand, that could all change on the final day, and head coach Arthur Elias echoed Marta's call to learn from the loss.

  "I need to make amends, I need to tell the players the truth, no matter if it hurts," he said. "They obviously need to reflect. But I really recognise the effort of each and every one of them."

• Elliott enjoying 'fresh start' under new Liverpool boss Slot

  Arne Slot is bringing an "elegant" style of play to Liverpool, and Harvey Elliott is relishing a "fresh start" under the Dutchman.

  Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp at the start of July, with the latter having called time on his near nine-year stint at Anfield.

  Klopp led Liverpool to great success during his time at the club, and Slot acknowledged he has big shoes to fill.

  But Elliott, who was a regular under Klopp last season, playing 34 times in the Premier League and scoring three goals, says former Feyenoord boss Slot has hit the ground running.

  "It's [a] very elegant, Dutch style, it's very nice," Elliott said, as reported by BBC Sport.

  "The style of play is a lot different. It's more about in possession now.

  "The players are excited, we play certain patterns, it is a good buzz around the team and the lads are excited to apply it in games.

  "It's a fresh start for everyone. I don't think it is nerves but excitement. I think we will learn very quickly.

  "We have seen in the last game there were certain moments where the amazing football was free-flowing.

  "It's pre-season and it is only the first couple of games and we need to keep trusting what they are teaching us. We need to keep going if things don't work out [immediately] because it is all new."

  Liverpool beat Real Betis 1-0 in their opening pre-season friendly under Slot in the United States, and next up is a test against Premier League rivals Arsenal.

  Despite his strong performances for the Reds, Elliott was not included in England's squad for Euro 2024, and the 21-year-old's next aim is to cement himself in Slot's line-up to earn a Three Lions call-up.

  He said: "It's just down to me to put in the work, put in the performances.

  "You can say it all you want but it is down to me to work as hard as I can, perform in training and games, so it is on myself. There's no one I could blame apart from me.

  "I just wanted to come back early to get to grips with the new style of play and meet the coaching staff and gaffer for the first time.

  "It gives me a chance to get up and running in pre-season. I feel like I've done that. I just need to keep going and building."