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Wednesday Kickoff: Pellegrini, Zidane, FIFA and more

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As temperatures drop on the East coast, and the MLS Combine looms this weekend, here is a look at some of the top news from around the world on this Wednesday morning:

Amid reports linking his club with Pep Guardiola, Manuel Pellegrini insists that he would rather win the title and be sacked than fail and remain on the job. Pellegrini’s contract is set to expire following the 2016-17 season. (REPORT)

One day after investigators recommended an extension of the secretary general’s suspension, FIFA has announced that Jerome Valcke has been banned for an additional 45 days. Valcke was originally suspended in September following allegations that he planned to profit from black market World Cup ticket sales. (REPORT)

Zinedine Zidane insists that Real Madrid will “play beautiful football” while he is at the helm. Zidane, who has taken charge on a two-and-a-half-year deal, took charge of training for the first time on Tuesday. (REPORT)

FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali says it would be “catastrophic” for the game if he did not win the upcoming election. (REPORT)

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Serbian Marko Grujic from Red Star Belgrade, who will keep the midfielder on loan for the rest of the season. (REPORT)

After resigning in December, Marco Polo Del Nero has returned as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation. (REPORT)

Neymar is set to become the first soccer player with his own Air Jordan shoe. (REPORT)

Liverpool have reportedly asked to cancel Thiago Illori’s season-long loan at Aston Villa following a series of injuries to the club’s centerbacks. (REPORT)

Wolfsburg striker Nicklas Bendtner is unhappy in his current situation with the club due to lack of playing time. (REPORT)

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebeayor is considering offers from Watford and Crystal Palace. (REPORT)

TUESDAY REWIND

Jordan Morris announced his decision to start his professional career. Following this week’s Hermann Trophy ceremony, the Stanford and Seattle Sounders academy product will train with German club Werder Bremen. (REPORT)

The USL have terminated the ownership of the league’s 2015 champions, the Rochester Rhinos. (REPORT)

Haji Wright has reportedly agreed to a deal to join Bundesliga club Schalke following his 18th birthday. (REPORT)

Luis Silva has officially been added to Tigres’ roster ahead of the upcoming Liga MX campaign. (REPORT)

The LA Galaxy are reportedly nearing a deal to sign free agent Mike Magee, who played for the club from 2009-13. (REPORT)

What do you expect from Manchester City and Pellegrini this year? Do you foresee further suspensions coming from within FIFA? How will Zidane fare is Real Madrid manager?

Share your thoughts below.

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