Latest news with #Florian
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Arne Slot 'used Florian Wirtz approach' to convince Hugo Ekitike to join Liverpool
Liverpool have won the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike after Arne Slot went on a charm offensive to bring the Frenchman to Anfield amid competition from Newcastle Liverpool boss Arne Slot managed to win Hugo Ekitike over by telling the forward exactly how he would fit into his tactical set-up at Anfield on a video call. The Reds have won the race to snap up the in-demand Eintracht Frankfurt star despite competition from Newcastle. The Premier League champions have agreed a total package amount to around £82million. It is yet another huge outlay on a player from the Bundesliga after sealing a British transfer record move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who was also impressed by Slot's approach. But Liverpool showed how serious they were about signing a new striker after approaching Frankfurt and committing towards a huge fee after Newcastle had a £70m bid rejected. Ekitike will be joining a star-studded team that has just won the title but L'Equipe has detailed how Slot attempted to convince the Frenchman to join Liverpool on a video call, presenting how he would help the team in his high press. He also explained to Ekitike how he would factor into the team's style of play while they are in possession and the possibility of him dropping deeper to get the ball - with the player "seduced" by Slot's extensive analysis. It is claimed Slot specifically referenced his 4-2-3-1 formation and how would he fit in as the focal point of the system. The Kop boss explained how he sees Ekitike being pivotal to the evolution of their style, with a more creative and mobile number nine. The Dutchman pulled off a similar persuasion technique to land Wirtz last month for a huge £116.5m despite huge interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City. His father Hans-Joachim revealed the lengths Slot went to to convince Wirtz as he used a similar ploy to the one he adopted for Ekitike, informing the player of how he would be involved in their tactical set up and how he could improve his game with the team. " Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch," he said. "He's also a very pleasant person. Florian's best coaches have always been those who gave him plenty of freedom. "And those with the greatest empathy have also reached Florian. "He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism. "Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas. "This made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Miami Herald
Driver accused of using phone apps before fatal crosswalk crash, CO officials say
A 59-year-old woman crossing the street in a marked crosswalk died after being hit by an SUV and sent more than 10 feet in the air, Colorado prosecutors said. Now, Mary Landry, 64, has pleaded guilty to careless driving resulting in death and been sentenced to 300 hours of community service, the Boulder County District Attorney's Office said in a July 15 news release. Attorney information for Landry was not immediately available. 'This is a heartbreaking case, and it is a reminder of how fast lives can be changed,' District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in the release. 'Our hearts go out to Judy Florian's family. We are grateful to them for their strength and courage throughout this difficult process.' As Florian, 59, crossed the street at a Louisville intersection in a crosswalk 'after having activated the flashing crosswalk lights,' Landry 'came over the hill' in her SUV on July 8, 2024, prosecutors said in a December news release announcing charges against the driver. Landry, however, 'did not see Ms. Florian' and hit her, sending her 12 to 15 feet in the air, according to prosecutors. At the time of the crash, multiple people called 911, including Landry, prosecutors said. When Louisville police officers arrived, prosecutors said, Florian had no pulse and was lying in front of the SUV without shoes. Officers 'found one of her shoes in a nearby storm gutter,' prosecutors said. She was pronounced dead on scene, according to prosecutors. Evidence from Landry's cellphone showed that near the time of the crash, 'both her messaging app and the Pandora radio app were opened,' prosecutors said. After police detectives completed their investigation, detectives worked with the district attorney's office to determine what, if any, charges should be filed, prosecutors said. Whether a vehicular fatality is 'the result of an accident, careless driving, reckless driving or driving under the influence, or intentional conduct' is determined by the driver's actions, prosecutors said. In November, prosecutors said, Landry was charged with careless driving resulting in death and misuse of a wireless telephone while driving resulting in death. In addition to community service, prosecutors said Landry is required to take a distracted driving course, pay a fine and perform 'restorative justice at the discretion of the parties.' 'Nothing will bring Judy Florian back, but we hope this plea and sentence brings some closure to them,' Dougherty said in the release. 'Even though the defendant was sober and driving the speed limit, this case demonstrates the tragic consequences of distracted driving. We worked closely with the victim's family throughout this process.' Florian's husband of 25 years said his wife's death turned his and his daughter's lives upside down, according to a July 2024 Facebook post. 'The other day there was a spider on some flowers in our house. I took the flowers outside and managed to flick the spider into our yard,' he wrote. 'I kinda feel like that spider. My life has been flung from here to there and I can't make sense of what happened.' Florian, who was raised in Wheaton, Illinois, was a 'true life-long learner,' her obituary says. 'She earned a BS in mathematics from the University of Chicago, an MA in experimental psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Michigan, and an MSW from the Metropolitan State University of Denver,' according to her obituary. She held a number of roles, including 'education researcher, a middle and high school teacher, a paraeducator, a certified nursing assistant, a hospice worker, and a social worker in a senior living community,' her obituary says. But, her obituary says, 'the role she cherished the most was being a mother.' Louisville is about a 20-mile drive northwest from Denver.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Florian Wirtz's dad reveals what made £116m signing snub Bayern for Liverpool
Florian Wirtz was at the centre of a tug-of-war between Liverpool and Bayern Munich before deciding to join the Premier League champions for a record-breaking £116million Florian Wirtz's dad has revealed that Arne Slot was a key factor in his son choosing Liverpool over Bayern Munich. Wirtz, 22, had been courted by Bayern for many years, having shone for Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen either side of a devastating cruciate ligament injury in 2022. But the Leverkusen star ended up snubbing the German giants in favour of Liverpool, who broke the British transfer record to secure a £116million deal. Wirtz has signed a long-term contract - understood to run for five years - and the forward soon be strutting his stuff in the Premier League, as the Reds begin their title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15. A 'decisive' reason why Liverpool beat Bayern to his signature was Slot. In addition, Wirtz and his family were impressed by the club's AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. "Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas," his dad, Hans, told Der Spiegel. "This made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive." Hans is also a fan of the Liverpool manager, adding: "Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch. He's also a very pleasant person. "Florian's best coaches have always been those who gave him plenty of freedom. "And those with the greatest empathy have also reached Florian. He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism." Rejecting Bayern wasn't easy, though, especially after club legend and honorary president Uli Hoeness made a kind gesture to Wirtz following his ACL injury. "The situation with Bayern was difficult because Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge made incredible efforts and also clearly analysed the sporting possibilities," he continued. Will Florian Wirtz live up to his price tag at Liverpool? Give us your prediction in the comments section. "I have the greatest respect for Uli Hoeness and his lifetime achievements. After Florian's cruciate ligament tear in 2022, he selflessly helped us quickly get an appointment for the surgery in Innsbruck. "We are still grateful to him for that. That's why the final phone call with Uli Hoeness was very difficult for me. We had spoken several times beforehand, so he was as objective and fair as I'd ever known him. "But of course, he couldn't hide his disappointment. After all, he had personally worked hard to secure this transfer." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Revealed: Why Florian Wirtz Chose to Sign for Liverpool Over Bayern Munich
Florian Wirtz: Why Liverpool Move Won Over Bayern Munich Florian Wirtz's father and agent, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, has explained why the German playmaker chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich this summer. Last month, Liverpool secured the signature of Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £116 million, setting a new club record. The agreement includes £100 million guaranteed, with a further £16 million in add-ons. If all conditions are met, it would also become the British transfer record, surpassing Chelsea's £107 million move for Enzo Fernandez in 2023. Liverpool's Ambition Captures Wirtz's Attention Wirtz, now 22, arrives at Anfield after an outstanding spell at Leverkusen, where he made 197 appearances and scored 57 goals. His contributions were key in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga title win in the 2023/24 season. Following his transfer, Wirtz spoke about his motivation to join the Premier League champions under Arne Slot. 'I would like to win everything every year. First of all, we have to do our work,' Wirtz said after completing his move. 'Last season they won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I'm really ambitious. 'I'm really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League. 'I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. 'I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it's perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I'm really looking forward to playing my first game.' X: @LFC Arne Slot's Influence Was Key Liverpool were not the only club keen on Wirtz, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich both expressing strong interest. City eventually turned to Rayan Cherki from Lyon, but Bayern remained in the hunt, especially after Jamal Musiala's serious leg injury at the Club World Cup. Hans-Joachim Wirtz revealed that the Liverpool manager played a decisive role in shaping his son's decision. 'Arne Slot was able to convince Florian personally. He's also a very pleasant person,' Wirtz said. 'Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas. That made a decisive impression on Florian.' Bayern Munich's Efforts Fell Just Short Despite Bayern's determined pursuit, the decision ultimately came down to subtle factors. 'Vincent Kompany also had very good thoughts and ideas about how he wanted to integrate Florian into the Bayern Munich team,' Hans-Joachim Wirtz added. 'In the end, it was nuances that ultimately influenced the decision, which had to do with the different sporting situations and the role for Florian. 'And financially, there were no major differences between the two clubs anyway. Once again: Bayern Munich really tried hard, but a decision had to be made.' Hans-Joachim Wirtz also shared details of his final discussion with Bayern president Uli Hoeneß. 'We had spoken several times before, so he was as objective and fair as I had come to know him. But of course he couldn't hide his disappointment. After all, he had personally put a lot of effort into this transfer.' With Liverpool now preparing for the new season, the arrival of Florian Wirtz signals their intent to build on last year's success and challenge for honours at home and in Europe.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Every part of it was miserable': Why is Ilia Topuria done cutting to 145? One retired UFC fighter understands
Ilia Topuria left his UFC featherweight title — and the division as a whole — behind when he'd finally had enough of the brutal weight cut to make 145 pounds. When UFC star Ilia Topuria first explained that he was vacating his featherweight title, not so much because of pure ambition, but because he simply didn't want to keep making the 145-pound limit, many fans couldn't understand it. To leave behind a UFC title — and the pay-per-view money that comes with it? To hope that he'd be able to win another belt at lightweight, where he challenges former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 317 on Saturday? It seemed like such a gamble. And all so he could weigh 10 extra pounds. Advertisement But one person who immediately understood is retired UFC fighter Kenny Florian. He knew better than most what Topuria had been going through, because he went through it himself. 'I relate to what he's saying, definitely,' Florian told Uncrowned. 'And let me tell you, when I did it, it was miserable. Every part of it was miserable.' For most of his UFC career, Florian fought at lightweight. It felt like the natural weight class for his body, since he typically walked around somewhere in the 180-pound range. That left him with 25 pounds to lose ahead of weigh-in day, which, for the already extreme world of professional fighting, was considered manageable. Then, late in his career, Florian decided to make a change. After having his hopes for a lightweight title dashed, Florian moved down a weight class, hoping for a fresh start in the featherweight division. Advertisement 'I was purely thinking: Pay-per-view numbers,' Florian said, referring to the cut of pay-per-view revenues that UFC champions typically receive. 'If I can get pay-per-view numbers, I can suffer through it. I definitely didn't think I was going to stay [at featherweight] for years. But I thought maybe I could win the belt, be lucky enough to defend it once or twice, and call it a career.' But making 145 pounds required a cut almost identical to the one Topuria has been making. Dropping 35 pounds — about 20% of his body weight — entirely on fight week was not a realistic or wise option. Instead, Florian had to completely rework his diet and training plan weeks out from the fight. Advertisement 'It was a beast of a weight cut,' Florian said. 'Everything was around making weight and eating a specific way, when a training camp really should revolve around the preparation for your opponent. To me, everything else was secondary to just making sure I'm able to make that weight, and that's not a great headspace to be. I was never really in that headspace before. It was always about proper preparation, strategy, technique, all that stuff. Then everything was just around eating no more than 1,500 calories a day, training three times a day, six days a week. So it was awful. There's weight cuts, and then there's lifestyle changes. This was a significant lifestyle change. It's not like I wasn't eating clean before and training year-round. I was. But this was a caloric restriction that was not healthy.' Florian's featherweight debut came against Diego Nunes at UFC 131. Those of us in attendance saw Florian get physically carried out of the host hotel, wrapped in sweats with a towel tucked into the hood, and placed into a van headed to the pre-fight weigh-in. He hit the mark on the scale, then won the fight via unanimous decision the next night. But it all came at a cost. 'It was a whole different type of stress,' Florian said. 'I was dragging ass going from [training] session to [training] session, as opposed to having full energy in those sessions. And that leads to mental stress, physical stress, spiritual stress. Just week after week after week where you can easily start to kind of doubt yourself. Like, how am I going to be on fight night? And that's the other thing, it was always the stress of not knowing how your body is going to perform after all that.' There were also long-term physical costs. Though Florian only fought twice at featherweight — once against Nunes, then an unsuccessful title shot against then-champion Jose Aldo — he believes the lifestyle changes required to make the drop in weight had lasting effects. Advertisement 'I'm on thyroid medication right now because of those cuts to 145 [pounds],' Florian said. 'It's not a major deal, but I probably wouldn't be on thyroid medication if I didn't have to do those cuts. And who knows what else it can do to you. Dehydrating and depleting your body and your brain is one thing, but doing it and then getting hit in the head after is quite another.' Kenny Florian's cuts to 145 pounds were far from ideal. (Josh Hedges via Getty Images) After announcing his decision to go up in weight, Topuria referenced many of these same concerns. He's also opened up in interviews about the diminished quality of life that comes with keeping his body so close to its lowest possible threshold. 'I think not a lot of people understand how hard is the weight cut,' Topuria told Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani on Monday. 'When you get tired of the weight cut, there's no name in the world that motivates you to fight. There's no money in the world. You just want to take care of your health. It's the reason why I switched the weight class.' Advertisement Topuria said that, prior to vacating the title, he met with UFC executives and explained his decision to them. It wasn't that he felt he needed a title in a second UFC division, he said. It was only about health and longevity, as well as his mental well-being. 'It makes me at some point hate the sport,' Topuria said. 'When you cut the weight, you're like, 'This is the last time I'm fighting. This is the last time I'm cutting the weight.' And in reality, I love the sport. I love my job. I love what I'm doing. So I had to make some changes.' How those changes will impact his performance remain to be seen. Topuria was unstoppable at featherweight, dethroning two longtime former champions in one calendar year, with both wins coming by knockout, becoming Uncrowned's 2024 Fighter of the Year in the process. He's never lost as a professional in that division. But at lightweight he faces larger opponents like Oliveira, and it's not yet clear how his size and power and range as a striker will be impacted by the move. What is already clear, however, is that the move has made him happier and healthier headed into fight week. Advertisement 'Dramatically different,' Topuria said of his experience so far. 'Right now I feel good, I feel happy. I'm able to keep eating, keep drinking. I didn't have to kill myself to get to this point.' As for Florian, he said he understands entirely what Topuria went through and why he felt he needed to make the change. And while he said he wouldn't be surprised if the former featherweight champ struggles early on in Saturday's main event to adjust to the size and reach of Oliveira, he still expects Topuria to find success in his new weight class. 'It's going to be interesting, just because Ilia is going against a pretty large lightweight — and former featherweight — in Charles Oliveira,' Florian said. 'But I've said this many times, that I think that [Topuria] is probably the most skilled mixed martial arts on the planet right now. "He definitely wouldn't be one of the largest lightweight champs we've ever seen. But I think he could be well-poised to hold onto that lightweight belt for a long time.'
