Ange Postecoglou is relishing the task of facing the "unbelievable" Claudio Ranieri when Tottenham Hotspur face Roma in the Europa League on Thursday.
Ranieri came out of retirement earlier this month to take charge of the Giallorossi until the end of the season, returning for a third stint at the club.
Across his previous two spells, the 73-year-old managed 96 games in all competitions, registering 53 wins, with a win percentage of 55.21%.
His first game in charge ended in defeat, however, with Roma losing against Napoli, as former striker Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the game for Antonio Conte's side.
Thursday's meeting will be the first between Roma and Tottenham, and Postecoglou is looking forward to the tie, as well as taking on Ranieri.
"It's unbelievable. It just goes to show the passion he has for the game, because I'm sure there's more enjoyable, simpler ways to enjoy his life now, but he still has that in him," he said.
"I haven't come across him before, but I'm looking forward to saying hello because it's always nice to actually meet some of these people who have made such a massive impact on football, particularly in my field, management.
"He's always come across as a gentleman. I'm looking forward to meeting him, and it just goes to show that kind of bug for being a manager on the touchline doesn't leave you."
Spurs come into the encounter on the back of an impressive 4-0 victory over Manchester City last Saturday, inflicting Pep Guardiola's fifth defeat in as many matches.
Postecoglou's side have also impressed in Europe, winning their last seven home matches in the Europa League without conceding, while also scoring 19 goals themselves.
Spurs have endured an up and down start to the campaign, with consistency in results failing to transpire, particularly in the Premier League thus far.
While Postecoglou acknowledged there had been some difficult moments this term, he lauded his players for some of the outstanding football they have played this season.
"You'll see the same Spurs you see every game. It's about going out there and trying to play our football and try and be the best we can be," Postecoglou said.
"Sometimes, that doesn't work out and hasn't worked out for us in a couple of games this year. We know that and it's something we need to kind of improve.
"At the same time, it's been more good than bad. If you are looking for likely outcomes, I'd say good but we have had the flat spots that we are working through.
"I don't discount the football we have played either. We've played some outstanding football. For me, it is about progress.
"I keep saying that we're a better side than we were last year and we want to keep improving and if we keep improving, the areas where there are gaps, we will slowly overcome."
Reggae boy Kaheim Dixon scores four in Charlton U21s’ 9-2 rout of Wingate & Finchley
Jamaican international Kaheim Dixon delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday evening, scoring four goals to lead Charlton Athletic’s U21 side to a dominant 9-2 victory over Wingate & Finchley in the third round of the London Senior Cup. The match, held at the Maurice Rebak Stadium, showcased Dixon’s clinical finishing and skill as the young Addicks advanced to the fourth round of the competition.
Charlton took control early, with Kai Enslin opening the scoring in the fifth minute, chesting down a lofted ball before firing in a precise finish. The Addicks doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Nathan Asiimwe, stepping down from the first team, headed home a pinpoint cross from Toby Bower.
Wingate & Finchley briefly pulled one back after halftime through Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, whose low strike beat goalkeeper Lennon MacLorg. However, Charlton quickly reestablished their dominance as Enslin netted his second with fancy footwork and a composed finish.
Drakes-Thomas added another for the hosts, but from then on, it was the Kaheim Dixon Show. The 20-year-old forward opened his account in the 67th minute with a long-range effort that left the keeper helpless. Moments later, Ibrahim Fullah added Charlton’s fifth before Dixon delivered a spectacular bicycle kick in the 75th minute, converting a cross from Enslin with flair.
Dixon completed his hat-trick just two minutes later, rounding the keeper after being played through on goal. He added his fourth deep into stoppage time, driving into the box and slotting a calm finish into the far corner to cap off a memorable night.
The match also saw contributions from Jacob Safa, who scored Charlton’s eighth after coming off the bench, and Enslin, who finished with a brace.
Charlton U21s manager Chris Lock praised Dixon’s impact and the team’s performance, saying, “Kaheim was outstanding tonight. His composure, skill, and hunger for goals were top-class. It was a strong team effort, and these kinds of performances are crucial for the development of our players.”
Dixon’s standout display is the latest milestone in his promising career, as the Jamaican continues to impress at club level and build his reputation as a rising star for the Reggae Boyz.
Charlton will now look forward to the fourth round of the London Senior Cup, with confidence running high after their emphatic display.
Walter dismissed as Hull coach after nine-game winless run
Tim Walter has been sacked as Hull City's head coach after just six months in charge at the MKM Stadium.
The German was appointed in May as successor to Liam Rosenior, who guided the Tigers to a seventh-place finish in the Championship last season.
However, Walter has been unable to build on that momentum, winning just three of his 17 league matches in charge.
Tuesday's home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday extended a nine-game winless streak for Hull, who occupy 22nd place in the table, and ultimately spelt the end for the 49-year-old.
"Hull City can confirm we have parted company with head coach Tim Walter with immediate effect," a statement on the club's website read. "Assistant head coaches Julian Hubner and Filip Tapalovic have also left the club.
"First-team coach Andy Dawson will take interim charge while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a permanent successor.
"We would like to thank Tim, Julian and Filip for their efforts during their time at the MKM Stadium and wish them well for the future."
Suarez signs new one-year contract extension with Inter Miami
Luis Suarez has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
Suarez joined the Herons in December 2023, reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The Uruguayan registered 37 goal involvements (25 goals, 12 assists) in 37 games in all competitions last season, helping Miami to their first Supporters' Shield title.
In the MLS, only D.C. United's Christian Benteke (23) scored more goals than Suarez (21, level with Messi and Denis Bouanga).
The Herons set a MLS regular-season points record of 74 but were defeated by Atlanta United in the first round of the play-offs.
"I'm very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fanbase, which for us is like family," Suarez said.
"We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy."
News of Suarez's new deal comes the day after Miami appointed his former Barcelona team-mate Javier Mascherano as head coach following the resignation of Gerardo Martino.
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