Tag Futebol

أرسل النادي الأهلي خطابًا رسميًا إلى الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم كاف”، مطالبًا خلاله باتخاذ حزمة من الإجراءات العاجلة لضمان السلامة في الملاعب، وذلك بعد أحداث مباراة الفريق أمام الجيش الملكي المغربي، في إطار لقاءات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وحل الأهلي المصري ضيفًا على الجيش الملكي المغربي أمس الجمعة، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات بدوري أبطال إفريقيا. وشهدت المواجهة مشادات قوية بين لاعبي الفريقين، إلى جانب أعمال شغب جماهيري من قبل جماهير الجيش الملكي، أسفرت عن إصابة محمود حسن تريزيجيه، بسبب إلقاء آلة حادة نحو لاعب الأهلي.

طالع | موندو عن أحداث مباراة الأهلي والجيش الملكي: فيلم سينمائي مخزٍ وسكين يهدد تريزيجيه

وتضمن خطاب الأهلي 4 مقترحات أساسية؛ أولها الالتزام بتطبيق جميع إجراءات السلامة قبل المباريات وفق خطط تأمينية واضحة تضمن إقامة المنافسات في أجواء رياضية تليق بمكانة الكرة الإفريقية، وثانيها اتخاذ خطوات جادة لدمج تقنية الفيديو في كل مباريات دوري الأبطال لتحقيق أعلى درجات العدالة بين الفرق.​

كما طالب الأهلي بإسناد المباريات الحساسة وذات الجماهيرية الكبيرة لحكام النخبة في القارة والحاصلين على تصنيف الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”. خطاب الأهلي إلى الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”

أرسل النادي خطابًا اليوم للاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم، بعد الخروقات التي شهدتها مباريات الجولة الثانية في دور المجموعات لدوري رابطة الأبطال والتي تم تدوينها في تقارير الحكام والمراقبين..

تضمن الخطاب أربعة اقتراحات عاجلة للحد من الانتهاكات التي تشهدها الملاعب، وتأمين سلامة كل عناصر اللعبة وتعزيز الروح الطيبة بين الجماهير.

جاءت اقتراحات النادي التي تهدف في ذات الوقت إلى تطوير ونجاح المسابقات وبما يخدم مصلحة الكرة الإفريقية كالتالي:

تطبيق كافة إجراءات السلامة قبل كل المباريات في ضوء خطط تأمينية تضمن إقامة المنافسات في أجواء رياضية، وبما يتناسب مع مكانة الكرة الإفريقية.

اتخاذ خطوات جادة نحو دمج تقنية حكم الفيديو المساعد «VAR» في جميع مباريات دوري الأبطال، بوصفها المسابقة الإفريقية الأكبر؛ لتحقيق الحد الأقصى من العدالة بين كافة الفرق.

إسناد جميع المباريات القادمة ذات الحساسية والجماهيرية الكبيرة إلى حكام النخبة في إفريقيا والمصنفين لدى الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم «فيفا».

التطبيق الحاسم للوائح «كاف» والعمل على امتثال جميع عناصر اللعبة بما يحقق مبدأ تكافؤ الفرص بين المتنافسين.

Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs eased to Test centuries in the first two sessions, making South Africa’s lead gargantuan, before the quicks snapped up five Sri Lanka wickets. Having utterly dominated the match since lunch on day two, South Africa finished the third day only five wickets short of going 1-0 up in a vital World Test Championship series. Sri Lanka are 413 runs adrift, on a surface on which the bounce can no longer be fully trusted.The late Sri Lanka wickets produced some drama, but it was the 249-run partnership – which equalled a record for the fourth wicket at this ground – that was the centerpiece of Friday’s action. Stubbs and Bavuma had laid the groundwork for their centuries in the morning, negotiating some occasionally testing early overs.It was clear that by then, however, the Kingsmead pitch had lost much of the nip it had had in the first few sessions of this match. South Africa raised their tempo in the second session, going at 4.81 runs an over in the afternoon.The Sri Lanka quicks were down on pace on day three, as perhaps could be expected of an attack that was closing in on 150 overs for the match. They did, eventually manage to dismiss Stubbs and Bavuma late in the second session. But by that stage, South Africa’s lead had ballooned to more than 500. When they declared at tea, only five wickets down, they had set Sri Lanka 516 to win.It was the two South Africa batters’ hundreds, however, that most enthused the crowd at Kingsmead, and the more dramatic of the trips to triple figures was Bavuma’s. He had appeared tentative in the 90s, with Sri Lanka raising lbw appeals against him, and forcing plays and misses as well.Kagiso Rabada struck in his first spell•AFP/Getty Images

Bavuma getting to his third century provided the most dramatic moment of the day. Batting on 98, he had got low to lap sweep Prabath Jayasuriya, and was hit on the pad. The umpire turned down the lbw appeal as the batters ran three.But having removed his helmet to celebrate, he was made to wait a little longer, when Sri Lanka reviewed the decision. Thankfully for Bavuma, real-time snicko had caught the very slight deflection off his glove into pad, and as soon as this was shown on the big screen, Bavuma swung his bat in the air, and the crowd acknowledged him, even before the final “not out” decision came. This was only his third career ton, but his second as captain.Stubbs got to his second Test hundred in more straightforward fashion. He had spent only 14 balls in the 90s, before working Asitha Fernando through midwicket for a couple to complete the milestone. Stubbs was given lbw in the next over, off Lahiru Kumara, but he reviewed and the ball was found to have struck him outside the line of off. In the first session, he had also been dropped for 33 off Vishwa Fernando, by Angelo Mathews, who spilled a chance low to his left at slip.Although conditions had eased, Bavuma and Stubbs batting out the entire first session was nevertheless extraordinary, given 19 wickets had fallen the previous day. Both were cautious to start with, as Kumara went short at the batters, and Jayasuriya flighted the ball, searching for early dismissals.Stubbs, typically, was stronger down the ground, while Bavuma was more adept at hitting square, often using his feet to the spinner, and occasionally playing the hard, flat sweep in addition to the dinky one past the keeper. Aside from that one chance off Stubbs, both batters appeared largely in control, though there were occasional lbw shouts – none of which was especially close.Marco Jansen finished day three with nine wickets in the match•Associated Press

In the final session, South Africa’s quicks were rampant again, and Sri Lanka’s batters continued to be indisciplined, even as the light waned and the opposition was still running hot. Sri Lanka also managed to burn all three of their reviews, with Pathum Nissanka and Angelo Mathews reviewing lbw decisions that were more or less plumb, before Kamindu Mendis reviewed after providing a feather edge to the wicketkeeper.When confirmed out, it was Kamindu’s first twin failure in his nine Tests so far, having fallen for 13 in the first innings, and 10 in this one.South Africa’s taller quicks got more out of the surface than Sri Lanka’s seamers had earlier in the day, though Mathews’ lbw in particular was down to low bounce – the ball shooting through into his pads, although he had expected it to bounce up to perhaps waist height. That was off the bowling of Marco Jansen, who now has nine wickets in the match.But it was Kagiso Rabada who had made the first breakthrough, having Dimuth Karunaratne caught at third slip, as the opening batter drove on the up at a ball well outside off stump in the fifth over of the innings. Rabada also took the last wicket of the day – that of nightwatcher Jayasuriya, who fell to a spectacular reflex catch by short leg Tony de Zorzi.

Former head coach blames “our own system” for disrespecting and discrediting “our own people” and local coaches

Umar Farooq01-Feb-2023Former Pakistan captain and coach Misbah-ul-Haq sees the likely rehiring of Mickey Arthur by the PCB as “a slap on Pakistan cricket”. Arthur is likely to come on board as the Pakistan men’s team director. Misbah blamed former Pakistan players for damaging the credibility of the system and forcing the PCB, led at the moment by Najam Sethi, to look outside the country for top coaching roles.The PCB’s talks with Arthur, who had coached Pakistan from 2016 to 2019, had stalled three weeks ago but have picked up considerable pace again. So much so that the board is believed to be close to agreeing a deal with him as team director and not, as in his previous stint, as head coach.The Pakistan job, should Arthur accept it, will run concurrently to his long-term deal with Derbyshire. Arthur does not want to leave the Derby job and both parties have worked out an agreement and schedule allowing him to fulfill both roles. It will be an unusual arrangement for international cricket, in which Arthur will not be with the Pakistan team on every tour but will have a handpicked group of support staff running operations.Related

• Misbah-ul-Haq set to work with the PCB again

• Pakistan might rest Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to manage workloads

• Yasir Arafat on Mickey Arthur's radar to be Pakistan's new bowling coach

• PCB's talks with Mickey Arthur to coach Pakistan fall through

• Mickey Arthur set to be appointed Pakistan team director

“It’s a slap on our cricket system that we are not able to find a high-profile full-time coach,” Misbah told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s a shame that the best ones do not want to come and we insist on having someone who is looking at Pakistan as a second option.”I blame our own system, which is vulnerable enough with so many weak lines for anyone to exploit it. We are to be blamed ourselves that we have disrespected and discredited our own people to make a bad image. The present and former lot don’t respect each other, with media and former players using their own YouTube channels for ratings, damaging the credibility and value of our cricket which, as as result, gives an impression that we are not capable.”The Pakistan cricket fan is always disgruntled; he is picking up things from the media and is under the wrong impression. Players speaking against each other with grudges and talking openly with disdain just devalues our community, and that becomes the common perception. The game is hardly a subject of objective and constructive discussion.”Cricket is the most popular sport in the country but sadly never hits the headlines in the right way. It’s chaos; former cricketers ridiculing their fellow cricketers on national channels with fans getting the wrong sense. There is no empathy, no respect, and no conducive environment in the cricketing quarter of our country.”Mickey Arthur is set to join PCB as team director for the men’s team•AFP

Misbah’s comments on Arthur come with their own context, of course. Misbah was part of the committee that recommended the discontinuation of Arthur’s tenure after the 2019 World Cup. And he then replaced Arthur in the head coach position, with unprecedented influence by also becoming – uniquely – the chief selector. Misbah then resigned with a year left in the role, in September 2021.There has always been plenty of debate in Pakistan about foreign and local coaches, and Misbah said that the handling of each individual has been inconsistent by the PCB administration, with local coaches facing more scrutiny.”PCB is always ready to back foreign coaches but never supports the local ones,” Misbah said. “They are fond of having overseas coaches because they think locals can easily be politicised and are incapable. But do we know it’s the PCB bureaucracy who politicised the structure? They throw the local ones under the bus when they come under pressure and there has never been accountability of this bureaucracy in PCB. It’s the mismanagement and the consistent changes at the helm that is a problem and we are never able to find one solid line for our cricket.”Now there is a common narrative that Pakistan cricket does not even have a single capable guy and they are forced to look outside. Successful teams like India have completely shifted to homegrown coaches but sadly the policies here are so inconsistent and vague that we are never able to reach a consensus on what we want to do. We have some very good people in our system who can contribute well like Haji (Mohammad Akram), Aaqib Javed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, etc. but their reputation has been tarnished so badly and people think they are not right for the job.”During Ehsan Mani’s tenure, the PCB tried to rope in younger former cricketers but several former players were reluctant to join because of the board’s inherent instability and internal working culture. Wasim Akram is a prime example, having always distanced himself from taking up a PCB job and has preferred to work on a short-term role away from public scrutiny. Inzamam joined as chief selector and decided not to take a long-term role either, after completing his original tenure.Under Mani, the PCB had formed a blueprint for developing home-grown coaches and revamped the National Cricket Academy by turning it into a high performance centre for player and coach development, and recruited a large number of coaches in the system. But Ramiz Raja, after becoming PCB chairman, brought in overseas coaches at the grassroots and domestic level and reset the entire structure.

Big picture – How will Shafali-Mandhana bat?

The stakes couldn’t be higher.Australia are here with a clean slate. They have been pushed back multiple times during this World Cup, and they’ve found a way back each time. Two of their batters, Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner, have scored two centuries each. Two of their bowlers, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King, have taken more than ten wickets each. And apart from everything else that makes them such intimidating opponents, Australia have not lost an ODI knockout game since they lost to India in the the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup.Related

• How to beat Australia in three easy steps (step 1 – invent a miracle)

• Tactics board: Mandhana's level-up, Sutherland's steady hand

• Shafali tunes up for Australia, a day after destiny's call

• What will Harmanpreet vs Australia bring us this time?

India are riding a wave of emotion. They recovered from a three-game losing streak to sneak into the semi-finals. In their last full game, played at the same venue, they posted their record World Cup total. No team has pushed Australia harder than India in recent times. And they are now two wins away from doing what no India women’s team has ever done.Their key player Smriti Mandhana has scored 105, 58, 117, 125 and 80 in her last five ODIs against Australia. But she’ll start from 0 again, and this time she’ll have an adjustment to make, with her usual opening partner Pratika Rawal, with whom she added a record 212 against New Zealand, ruled out of the World Cup. Mandhana is all set to open with Shafali Verma, and the new combination could have an effect on how she bats.In ODIs involving Shafali, Mandhana averages 51.83 and strikes at 85.55. When these two opened together, Shafali was usually the early aggressor. Mandhana took on that role when Shafali went out of the side, however, as her numbers in matches involving Rawal suggest: an average of 62.65, a strike rate of 108.75. How will the new (old) opening combination bat on Thursday?For Australia, there is a fair bit of intrigue around Healy’s availability. A minor calf strain sidelined her ahead of the game against England, and she missed two matches subsequently. Australia would not want to be reminded of the T20 World Cup semi-final from last year; Healy missed the clash and South Africa romped to an eight-wicket win.The second semi-final, for which the cheapest tickets were priced at INR 150 (as opposed to INR 100 for the Guwahati semi-final), is a sell-out. You can expect all of Navi Mumbai to cram itself into the DY Patil Stadium. They could get to witness an epic.Shafali Verma waits for her turn at the nets•ICC/Getty Images

Form guide

Australia WWWWW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India WLLLW

In the spotlight – Phoebe Litchfield and Deepti Sharma

Phoebe Litchfield loves playing India. She has one century and four fifties in just eight ODI innings against them, and averages 63.50. She has a wide range of sweeps that could potentially upset the rhythm of India’s spinners. After a pair of low scores against England and South Africa, Litchfield may feel she is due some runs too.Deepti Sharma has been India’s leading wicket-taker at this World Cup with 15 at 22.46. There will be a lot of focus on her during this game, because she has a fine record against Australia’s middle-order batters. She has dismissed Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner twice each in ODIs, while going at less than a run a ball against both, Ellyse Perry three times, and Tahlia McGrath five times in nine innings. Only Perry and Annabel Sutherland from the current side have managed to hit Deepti for a six in ODIs.

Team news – Australia sweat on Healy’s availability

While Healy batted and kept wicket during Tuesday’s training session, she opted out of optional training on Wednesday, with Georgia Voll batting in partnership with Litchfield. Head coach Shelley Nitschke said Australia would give Healy “as much time as she needs” and will take a call on her participation on Thursday. That aside, expect Sophie Molineux to come back into the spin attack for Georgia Wareham, who played against South Africa but did not get a chance to bowl.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Beth Mooney, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath, 8 Sophie Molineux, 9 Alana King, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Megan Schutt.Shafali is likely to swap straight into India’s XI in Rawal’s place at the top of the order. Richa Ghosh, who was rested against Bangladesh after injuring her finger during the match against New Zealand, did not look in any discomfort during her keeping drills and batted a fair bit on Tuesday. Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud, both of whom were also rested against Bangladesh, could come back into the XI.India (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Jemimah Rodrigues, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Deepti Sharma, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Kranti Gaud, 10 N Shree Charani, 11 Renuka Singh.2:15

Australia coach Nitschke: Not underdogs, but also not favourites’

Pitch and conditions

The game will be played on the pitch on which Sri Lanka played Bangladesh. That track was devoid of grass and had a bright brown look to it. It is expected to be a high-scoring game. There has been rain in Navi Mumbai in the lead-up to the match, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for Wednesday and Thursday, but the forecast for matchday has cleared up somewhat. The match will go into a reserve day should it not finish on Thursday.

Stats and trivia

• Mandhana and Shafali have opened together 25 times in ODIs, adding 893 runs at an average of 37.20 and a run rate of 5.38. Mandhana and Rawal, who have opened together 23 times, are India’s most successful opening pair in ODIs, having put on 1799 runs at 78.21 and 6.06.
• Alana King’s average of 34.63 and economy rate of 5.93 against India are her worst by a distance against any opposition in ODIs. Mandhana (160.00), Harleen Deol (116.66), Harmanpreet Kaur (114.58), Jemimah Rodrigues (113.23) and Deepti Sharma (105.40) have 100-plus strike rates against the legspinner.
• Australia are on a 15-match winning streak in ODI World Cups. They had also won 15 in a row across the 1997 and 2000 editions.
• Megan Schutt is one wicket away from becoming the leading wicket-taker for Australia in ODI World Cups. She has 39 now, on par with Lyn Fullston

Quotes

“Ash [Gardner] has been unbelievable. We all know what she’s capable of with the bat, but to take her game to the next level, and do that in a World Cup, has been fantastic. She’s someone who is very diligent in everything she does; she’s a hard worker. When she’s at her best, it’s about making sure that she’s enjoying the game and enjoying the environment and she’s getting in the contest.”
“I was playing domestic cricket and was in good touch. [Semi-finals] are not something new for me because I’ve played many semi-finals before. It’s just a matter of keeping my mind clear and giving myself confidence. I’ve been in such situations earlier, so it’s nothing new. I’ll keep telling myself to stay calm and believe in myself. So absolutely, I’ll do well, 200%.”

da brwin： Newly-appointed West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s arrival is set to spark a significant shake-up of the Hammers squad, according to reports in the last few days.

West Ham planning to back new manager Nuno Espírito Santo in January

da lvbet： Vice-chairman Karren Brady was reportedly a key driving force in West Ham’s decision to hire Nuno, who swiftly jumped into Graham Potter’s shoes just hours after the east Londoners announced his departure.

Potter left Rush Green despite significant support from senior members of the West Ham squad (The Telegraph), and Nuno took West Ham training that same day as the Portuguese quickly got to work ahead of his debut clash in the dugout against Everton.

His first match ended in a 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen’s excellently-taken equaliser cancelling out Michael Keane’s early opener — largely thanks to some impressive work down the left by summer signing El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Everton 1-1 West Ham – best players of the match

Match rating

Michael Keane

8.0

Max Kilman

7.3

Alphonse Areola

7.3

Jarrod Bowen

7.3

James Garner

7.1

via WhoScored

The latter is standing out as a shining light in an otherwise dismal season for West Ham so far, with members of the media already calling Malick Diouf one of the best finds of 2025/2026.

All signs suggest that the Senegal international could be a key player for Nuno, but West Ham are also prepared to bring in new January recruits to support the 51-year-old’s attempts to save the Irons’ season.

West Ham committed to a long-term deal with Nuno by agreeing a three-year contract, even if chairman David Sullivan was initially contemplating a reunion with former manager Slaven Bilic on an interim basis until the end of the season (Pete O’Rourke).

The club must go all in with their new manager, who guided Nottingham Forest back to Europe for the first time since 1995 last season, with West Ham apparently ready to make winter signings in the forward areas to back Nuno.

The ex-Tottenham and Wolves boss will already have a good idea of the players he wants out too.

Nuno caused a stir when he dropped midfielder James Ward-Prowse from the matchday squad against Everton.

The Englishman’s omission was solely Nuno’s tactical decision and not due to injury, with a report now shedding more light on his long-term future at the London Stadium.

James Ward-Prowse resigned to leaving West Ham after Nuno's arrival

According to GiveMeSport and reporter Andrew Dillon, Ward-Prowse is resigned to quitting West Ham in January after Nuno’s arrival, and the former Southampton star has already been told that he has no place in the new boss’ plans.

Nuno’s call to axe Ward-Prowse just two days after his appointment apparently sent “shockwaves” through the squad, but the 30-year-old has accepted his fate with professionalism with no behind-the-scenes bust-ups occurring.

Nuno briefly worked with the 11-cap England international at Forest, who signed on a season-long loan there at the start of 2024/2025, but they cut his temporary spell short midway through the season and sent him back to London.

Taking this into account, Nuno has clearly never fancied Ward-Prowse that much, with the player now poised to leave this winter in pursuit of a new club.

Ward-Prowse was a firm regular under Potter, and his threat from set-piece delivery was viewed as a prime reason why David Moyes brought him to Rush Green for £30 million in August 2023.

He’s just one free-kick goal away from equalling David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18, but that’s now unlikely to happen at West Ham.

Potter was always a fan of Ward-Prowse, even calling him a “quiet leader” in the team, but Nuno views the player very differently.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will have been left relieved after his side went into the international break off the back of a last-minute winner against Burnley in the Premier League.

The Red Devils had picked up one point from the first two matches in the division and lost to League Two Grimsby in the League Cup before Bruno Fernandes’ last-gasp penalty secured all three points at Old Trafford against the Clarets.

It has been far from a perfect start to the campaign, with one win in four games in all competitions, and there has been debate around the manager’s calls on Kobbie Mainoo’s game time.

Why Kobbie Mainoo is not starting for Man Utd

The England international has not started any of the club’s three matches in the Premier League. He also came off the bench in just one of those games, which was the 3-2 win over Burnley.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Mainoo has found himself on the bench because the signings of Mateus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have moved Fernandes into a central midfield role alongside Casemiro.

This has left the 20-year-old academy graduate without a space in the team because of the 3-4-2-1 set-up that Amorim has favoured throughout his time at the club so far.

The quotes from the manager in the graphic above explain why Mainoo has not started in the Premier League, because he sees him as an alternative to the captain, rather than an alternative to Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.

Amorim could find a way to get the English maestro into the starting line-up, though, by finally changing his formation from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1.

Why Ruben Amorim should change his Man Utd formation

The Portuguese head coach has been criticised in some quarters for his lack of flexibility with his formation. It is not hard to understand why that has been the case when you look at his record in the Premier League.

Matches managed

27

3

Wins

7

1

Draws

6

1

Losses

14

1

Points

27

4

Position

15th

9th

As you can see in the table above, Amorim has lost 15 of his 30 matches in charge of the club in the division, winning just eight, so it may finally be time for a change.

That would allow Mainoo to slot into a midfield three that suits him, with Casemiro or Ugarte as the number six and Mainoo, Fernandes, and Mount battling it out for the two number eight roles.

In order to facilitate this change in formation, Amorim must ruthlessly ditch Luke Shaw from the starting line-up, as he will need to remove one of his three centre-backs to put another central midfielder in.

Shaw, who earns £150k-per-week, has not done much of note in his three starts in the Premier League this term, losing 56% of his duels and failing to make a single interception, per Sofascore, and is not a natural centre-back, which is why taking him out seems to be the most logical move.

The English defender, who was described as “disastrous” by podcaster Adam Joseph earlier this year, could be dropped to the bench to be a back-up to Patrick Dorgu at left-back, which would then allow the formation to change to a four-back with three central midfielders to revive Mainoo’s career.

Given that Fernandes is the talisman and captain of Manchester United, it seems unlikely that Mainoo’s career is going to be revived at Old Trafford unless Amorim makes this change in system, which is why he should consider it.

This would also allow Fernandes to push further forward, with Mateus Cunha, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo competing for places out wide, to impact matches in the final third.

Therefore, this is a move that could work out for the best of the team and for Mainoo by getting United’s attacking players into their best roles to affect games consistently, and help Amorim to finally string a run of wins together after a dismal time in Manchester so far.

Man Utd tipped to join race for Premier League star who's an "absolute gem"

What a coup this would be for the Red Devils.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 6, 2025

After a recent flurry of transfers, Nottingham Forest could welcome another late arrival amid reports that they’ve submitted an opening offer to sign an attacker from Paris Saint-Germain.

Nottingham Forest eyeing last-minute moves

Whilst the headlines have centred around Nuno Espirito Santo’s fallout with Evangelos Marinakis as of late, Nottingham Forest have been enjoying quite the transfer window. After a quiet start, a recent flurry has seen them welcome Nicolo Savona, James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz with more potentially on the way.

It’s been the summer of the Brazilian’s at the City Ground, with Cuiabano and John Victor reportedly set to join former Botafogo teammates Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus in the Midlands before the deadline. Add Luiz into that and Forest’s South American contingent is up to five arrivals in recent months.

Yet, the question still remains. Will Espirito Santo still be in charge to lead the summer arrivals? As things stand, Marinakis has insisted that will be the case and that a meeting to clear the air this weekend was scheduled, but how that meeting has gone may provide the final answer to that question.

The Greek owner told reporters earlier this week: “Everything is solid. We all want Nottingham to succeed. We are here in the good days but we are even closer in the difficult days, so personally I don’t see a problem.”

After deciding to keep a united front away from the pitch, Nottingham Forest could yet hand their manager his biggest addition yet to round off an excellent summer.

Nottingham Forest submit Lee Kang-in offer

As reported by L’Equipe, Nottingham Forest submitted an opening offer to sign Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain. The Midlands club reportedly offered a package worth as much as €60m (£52m) to sign the talented winger, with €30m (£26m) coming in add-ons, but have already seen that rejected by PSG.

Medical booked: Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign "phenomenal" Brazilian

The Midlands club are closing in on another arrival.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 30, 2025

Amid competition from Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue – just to name a few – the move could also make sense for Lee this season. At 24 years old, he needs to be playing a prominent part and Espirito Santo may well be able to offer him exactly that.

After getting a taste of facing English opposition when he scored a stunning strike against Tottenham Hotspur in PSG’s comeback Super Cup win too, the winger should face no trouble adjusting to the Premier League.

Described as a “complete player” by Luis Enrique, there’s little doubt that Lee would be another impressive addition by Forest as the deadline approaches.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been calling a highly-rated player in the build up to deadline day as he looks to tempt him with a Stamford Bridge move, according to an intriguing new report.

The west Londoners are prioritising a new attacker as we fast approach this year’s summer transfer cut-off, and they’ve held extensive talks for two stars in particular.

Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho is clamoring for a move to Chelsea, having already told friends that he’ll be joining Maresca’s side (talkSPORT), and personal terms are believed to be fully agreed.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons has also agreed terms with Chelsea, but the Bundesliga side and Blues are yet to shake hands on a club-to-club deal, as is also the case with Garnacho.

If Maresca had to choose one or the other, he’d select Garnacho, as his priority is a winger, but deals for either one of the pair still centre around Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku finding new clubs.

It isn’t simply a case of Simons or Garnacho, either, as credible reports now claim that Chelsea have reached out and contacted the representatives of Barcelona star Fermin Lopez (David Ornstein).

Lopez has become a star at the Camp Nou since Hansi Flick’s arrival last year, scoring eight goals and bagging 10 assists in 46 total appearances last year as Barça went on to clinch a domestic treble.

The Spaniard has emerged as an alternative to Simons if they cannot get a deal done for him, even if the Leipzig ace is still their priority as things stand, although this could change pretty quickly (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea ready to nearly triple Fermin Lopez's salary as Enzo Maresca calls him

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, and journalist Jordi Gil, Chelsea are ready to nearly triple Lopez’s current salary if they pivot towards the 21-year-old as their top playmaker target.

Lopez earns around £99,000-per-week in Catelonia right now, but Maresca’s side would hand him a contract of around £250,000-per-week in west London – which comes as surprising, given Chelsea aren’t known to shatter their wage structure on players.

What’s more, Maresca is believed to be personally calling Lopez over a move to Chelsea, so there is serious intent from the tactician to land him, not to mention admiration.

All of this means Lopez is starting to reconsider his future after previously stating he would remain at Barca, and Chelsea are apparently prepared to offer Flick’s side around £50 million for his services.

However, they’re still some way off the mark, as the La Liga champions are demanding £60 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he intends to keep playing for a "few" more years, despite his family’s attempts to convince him to retire. The Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar has revealed his loved ones are pushing for him to hang up his boots following an incredible career which has seen him become of the greatest players of all time, but the striker is adamant he still has the desire to pursue more history in the sport.

Ronaldo's ridiculous number of trophies at club level

Since breaking into the first team at Sporting CP in 2002, Ronaldo has gone on to lift a remarkable number of trophies during his career. After moving to Manchester United in 2003, the forward claimed three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson’s stewardship. He then became the world’s most expensive player at the time when he joined Real Madrid for £80 million (€94m/$107m) in 2009, adding a further four Champions League crowns – as well as two La Liga titles – to his illustrious CV. Ronaldo also won Serie A twice with Juventus and took in a second spell at United before moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2023.

AdvertisementCR7 has also tasted glory on international stage

In addition to winning countless major honours at club level, Ronaldo has also tasted glory on the international stage with Portugal. Making over 200 appearances to become the most-capped men’s player in international football history, Ronaldo captained his nation to victory at the 2016 European Championship. He has also won the Nations League twice with Portugal, with the second triumph coming in June following a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Spain.

AFPRonaldo still gunning for 1,000-goal milestone

However, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo insists he still wants to push himself to achieve more milestones in the near future. The 40-year-old has opened up about how his family are keen for him to bring an end to his playing days, but he is defying their pleas as he closes in on achieving the mind-boggling feat of scoring 1,000 career goals, for which he is currently just 54 short.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Portugal star keen to keep playing for a 'few' more years

After being awarded the inaugural Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globe Awards gala on Tuesday night, Ronaldo said of his immediate future: “I want to keep playing for a few years, not many, I have to be honest. I want to thank all my team-mates, for having learned from all of them – and even from this younger generation as well. For me, it's a privilege to be with you. Our [Portugal’s] goal is to win the next two games and be in the World Cup. The World Cup will come soon. We have to think solely and exclusively about the present, but with our thoughts ahead. It would be a dream. But step by step. Congratulations to all the winners, to women's sports, which has done so much, to the president for gala and to all the people who are here. And I think that's enough. Good evening, everyone.”

Darren Sammy was appointed West Indies captain until the end of the current season. He looks back at his stint thus far, the criticism that has come with it, and the way forward

Interview by Sriram Veera12-Jul-2011People have questioned your place in the side, let alone your position as captain. How do you handle all this?
As long as you have mental toughness you can achieve anything you believe [in]. That’s how I go about doing things. I don’t see myself as a saviour. I see myself as someone who tries his best to make a difference, brings the guys together and leads in the best manner possible.How did the players react when you became captain, and how have you gone about trying to get respect?
I have always been a team player. I give my all, be it as a 12th man or as a player. That’s just my nature. Of course, my record doesn’t match up to a world-class player, but what I have is passion, the heart, and the motivation. If someone is going through a rough patch, I can relate to him because I have been through it myself. As the team is rebuilding, everybody is going through a rough patch. My being captain gives them the assurance that we are in it together. That’s the message I am trying to bring across.What did you tell the team when you took over?
The talk in the media was I shouldn’t be captain and I am not the person for the job. I remember, before the World Cup I pulled the guys aside and told them: I did not ask for this position. It was given to me. West Indies cricket is not about me. Anybody who has West Indies cricket at heart will go out there and give their best. And that was my message to them. They are not playing for me or the coach. They are playing for the millions of supporters who wake up early morning or stay up in the night to watch us.What did they say?
I guess they bought into it. When we play you can see signs of us giving a fight, especially when we are out there as a bowling unit. The work the coach has done with the bowlers is paying off. As we saw in the last Test [against India], Kirk Edwards put his head down, Shiv [Chanderpaul] did what he is accustomed to doing, you saw the young [Darren] Bravo in the first innings of the second Test… you have seen guys trying to play for the team.Were you comfortable when the captaincy was thrust on to you? Did you ever think you will become captain so soon?
I never pictured becoming captain. I was just delighted to play for West Indies; it was my childhood dream. When it [captaincy] was given to me I knew the state our cricket was in, and understood it would be a very difficult job. I saw it as another chapter, another challenge in my life, that I was meant to face. It has its ups and downs but I am a fighter. I am trying to do my best for West Indies.You knew when you accepted that job that it would be portrayed as Sammy v Chris Gayle. Did you think about that?
My wife told me before I was captain that I was the most-loved cricketer in the region []. Today, at the end of the Test, you saw a full stadium, West Indies earning a draw, and the people rally behind us. When I meet people in the streets they urge me to keep doing what I am doing. It gives me motivation to go on. Somebody has pointed out to me that critics voice their opinions quite loudly, but the majority of the people are silent. So I should just keep doing what I am doing.People saw some leadership qualities in me. Today if they tell me, “Darren you are not doing what we thought you could have done,” life goes on. I am that type of person. If I am not doing what I am supposed to be doing, then I will give it up without a fuss.How did you bear with West Indies’ poor results when taking over as captain?
Our cricket has been in decline for the last 15 years. When I took up the job I knew I was not going to perform miracles. That’s the reality you have to accept. We have been losing for a long time and have been doing the same things over and over. A new coach came on board and he brought a different feel. My feeling is, if you remain the same, you will never improve. The coach is bringing some new ideas, a more professional attitude, and unless the guys buy into it you will find inconsistency in our performances. As long as we buy into what the coach has put forward, this team can do well.Let’s flip it around. If you are not the captain, you won’t get into the Test team. So in some ways, was it a selfish decision for you to accept this role? Kemar Roach would be there in the team, for example. So how you respond to criticism from certain quarters that it was a selfish decision?
Ha! I just keep doing what I am doing. At the end of the day if I look at my Test record, it’s okay. In every team somebody will be always be the fall guy. So far it’s always been me. Kemar… it’s tough luck on him. At the end of the day the selectors pick the team and Fidel Edwards came and took so many wickets on his return to international cricket. What’s good is that we have competition for spots in the bowling department.I also think I have justified my selection as a bowler in the team. My batting has obviously not been up to scratch. It’s something I have to work on.Do you feel you have to prove a point each time you play?
I take five wickets in a match and the credit goes to the pitch. I have accepted that people will criticise whatever I do. Whether I perform or not, people will have something to say about it. I tend not to focus on that. I have a job to do and believe in my ability and the task I have been given. I think I am doing quite well. I don’t dwell too much on negative criticism. The more I get [criticised], the more motivated I get.Some people call you a puppet of the board – a board man. What do you have to say about that?
Board man! I don’t know what they mean by that. The selectors recommended I be made captain and I’m doing my job.For example, you didn’t attend the WIPA awards.
Oh, I wasn’t the only one who didn’t go. We had a few players who didn’t go to the WIPA awards. I guess it’s my name that has been caught. I have dealt with that issue. I spoke to the president of the players’ association [Dinanath Ramnarine]. I decided not to go for my own reasons. Other players decided not to go for their reasons. If fact, I remember making a statement clarifying. I would never ask somebody not to go to the WIPA awards. I don’t understand what the president of the players’ association was trying to prove. These are small matters and life goes on.The whole situation with Gayle is not in my hands. The people dealing with it have [discussed with] Gayle what he needs to do. And the coach has a way forward for the team, and I believe whoever doesn’t want to buy into that, doesn’t want to fit into that…Why do you think he doesn’t fit in the team?
I never said he doesn’t fit in the team. The matter is being dealt with, and the sooner they resolve it the better it would be for us.You said in a press conference that it was Gayle who first supported Gibson.
I can never forget it. It was in Guyana. The coach had his say and then Gayle, who was captain the time, got up and said Ottis Gibson was who we needed.He said that even in his latest release – that he backed Gibson first and was disappointed he was let down by the coach. Are you sad that you have been caught in all this?
Those are all the hurdles in life [one has] to jump over. Before I was captain, the one thing I knew for sure was to go out there and give my full support.Did he support you?
Yes. He publicly said he would support me. I have no issues with Christopher. He helped me throughout the World Cup. I was always going to him for advice and stuff like that. It’s sad we have issues like this now. Hopefully something positive will come out of it.All this negativity around you, has it changed you as a person? Are you more careful now?
No. I treat everyone the same. I have learned to be me. If I try to be someone else, it won’t work. I will go down as Darren Sammy, the one who always smiles. That’s who I will continue to be. I believe in myself.We are at a stage where we are trying to build our team. When I see Kirk score, Adrian Barath hit a hundred, Bravo being consistent, Roach, Fidel… it’s great to see [all this]. Our team can compete and we are creating opportunities. It gives me great joy.My stint has ended with this match [Sammy was appointed captain until the end of the 2011 season] and who knows what will happen.What do you wish for? What do you think will happen?
I don’t know. Like I said, whether I am the captain or not, I will be the same. I am not somebody who, if he’s not captain, will be sulking and stuff like that. To be honest, I never dreamt of being captain. Whether I am the captain or not, I will be the same person. Now that I am captain, everything has been thrown in my direction.Have you enjoyed the role? Making the decisions, the buzz on the field…
Oh yes, I have enjoyed it. I enjoy my cricket. I like thinking about plans, talking to the bowler about them, and when, boom, it works [it is exciting]. This is cricket. You’re thinking about the game and executing the plan. I enjoyed my job. But what I am saying is, I will still enjoy my cricket, even if I am not captain.People also say that the coach is more powerful than you.
Obviously the coach is the head. He does the planning, together with me. I believe in any team the coach and captain should have a very good relationship in order for that team to go forward.

“We have been losing for a long time and we have been doing the same things over and over. A new coach came on board and he brought a different feel. My feeling is if you remain the same, you will never improve. The coach is bringing some new ideas, a more professional attitude, and unless the guys buy into it you will find inconsistency in our performances”

In the history of West Indies there hasn’t been a captain who has not been the best player, be it Lloyd, Richards, Lara, Walsh, Richardson, Worrell. Did the fact that you weren’t still a regular in the side affect you in any way when you were named captain?
Well, that was in the past, man. We are looking towards the future. The best player is not always the best captain. I respect all the captains who have led West Indies, dating back to the first black man who captained the team, Frank Worrell. He set the tone for everybody. Clive Lloyd did a lot of things with the team he had. We were losing and he transformed the team. Captaining has never been easy. It’s a matter of what you do out there in the cricket field and how your team responds. How you are going make your players come together and perform for one cause – the success of the West Indies team.Have you sat back, thought, and felt proud about the kind of names who preceded you as West Indies captain, and then to see your name up there?
It’s not a dream come true, as I never dreamt about it. What I respect is the legacy and the history they created. Sir Frank Worrell going to Australia, Sir Viv dominating bowlers, Lloyd changing the whole attitude of the way we played cricket, Lara becoming the best batsman, Shiv as captain, [Dwayne] Bravo captaining few ODIs and Tests… to me, at the end of the day, captaincy is overrated. Seriously. Yes, you are the one making the decisions. [But] you need your team-mates to rally around you.It doesn’t seem like there is any obvious captain apart from you in this current team. You say captaincy is overrated…
It is, for me. I wouldn’t say it’s the leadership that is bringing about the change. I think the guys watched the movie and saw what West Indies cricket represents. I knew about our history and to see it put into a package was really awe-inspiring. I understood a lot about our fans and what we owe them.How have your interactions with these former greats been? How have they reacted to you as captain?
I call Sir Lance [Gibbs] legend. I call all of them legends. I was joking with Mr [Desmond] Haynes and I could not believe this was the man I watched on TV and now… look at me, I am joking with him. And we were conversing like we were of the same age. It is wonderful having guys like them, to go and talk to them. The inclusion of Desmond in the dressing room has been a huge positive, although the batting in this series might not really have shown that. But just his presence, what he’s done and his record – it’s been a good thing and the guys are relaxed knowing they can talk to someone like him, about anything – be it life or cricket.I watched cricket with my Pops (father), saw Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, Richardson with his floppy hat, hooking all these Australian fast bowlers, Curtly Ambrose, Lara… It’s a dream meeting these guys, and now rubbing shoulders with them.You talk about the vision ahead, the brave new direction. Can you explain what this vision is all about?
I don’t know if the coach wants me to talk about it. Obviously bringing the whole professional attitude into practice and getting fit. I believe the fitter you are, the more right decisions you will make. You will not cramp up under pressure. Also, we will start playing hard. [We are also looking at] being in the top five by 2015, and little team goals like building a strong team, a team that will go out and compete against anybody. Also, getting [new] players. If you notice, over the last couple of years, we have been rotating the same guys. So now we are exposing a few more players, getting the right system and work ethic to go out and represent the West Indies. [We want] to start changing the whole laidback type of culture; be strictly professional; know what to do for the team and do whatever it takes to make the team win.What role do you see for the likes of Chanderpaul and Sarwan in the future?
Like you saw today, what Shiv does and what he has been doing throughout his career. He has the ability to rally the younger players around him. And we have a number of young players in the team presently, but you saw the way he guided Kirk Edwards through to his first century. Hopefully he can carry on batting like he’s been doing.Sars [Sarwan] is a class player. He has been in this position before and has always bounced back. I believe he will bounce back being the classy player that he is and the fighter that he is. So I will never write Sarwan off. I believe he still has a lot to offer. Everybody goes through a bad patch. It’s not how you fall, it’s about how you get up, and how quickly you do.How have they dealt with you considering they both are former West Indies captains?
Well like I said, I have been me. I have been Darren, the same person. And I think it will be very difficult not to want to deal with Darren []. What have you discovered about yourself during this phase?
I think I am mentally very tough. I surprise myself. I am tougher than I thought. Even my team-mates have realised that. They tell me, “Boy, you are a tough one, boy.” I thank my mom for raising me in such a way that I am so mentally strong. I have utmost faith in Jesus Christ. He did nothing wrong and yet he was crucified. So I am prepared. Ever since I made my debut I have always been under pressure.How big a role does religion play in your life and in your cricket? I heard you wanted to become a priest?
I wanted to be a pastor. One of my favourite lines is, “The almighty never gives you more than you can bear.” So I see it as: whatever comes my way I can face it.”Everybody goes through a bad patch. It’s not how you fall, it’s about how you get up, and how quickly you do”•Associated PressDo you read the bible every day or pray regularly?
I have so many people praying for me. The more prayers go up, the more blessings come down. I have so many people praying for me.Who do you pray for?
Yes, I pray for my team-mates. I pray for us to go out there and put in a good performance. I pray for guidance, leadership, I pray for me to make the right decisions and I pray for me to go out there and perform. I ask God for a lot of things. We are a praying team. We pray every session and before every session. At the start of every day, first thing before the warm-up. Everyone. Together.Do you only pray, or even preach?
I used to preach when I was a little boy. Preach around the neighbourhood and the community. But I guess God had a better plan for me. I wouldn’t say better plan, but cricket came in and I could still minister in a different way. There is life after cricket. When I am home, I make sure I go to church.The glamour and the material world hasn’t changed you?
Glamour? Me? Look at me. You know, I think I just be myself. If someone would tell my parents that your son is disrespectful, I would let my parents down. My image [overrides] all the criticism I get, because as a person I have a very clean image.Has no one criticised you as a person?
Exactly, and that’s what keeps me going. Me being me. And whatever people say, after I leave this game, despite all the criticism I get, people will still say that as a person Darren was a good guy.And that means a lot to you?
Yeah, because I wouldn’t like to be disrespectful or arrogant or anything like that. Because that’s not how my mom raised me. The humble background that I came from, it will be very sad if I ever changed.So does that mean you will never sledge a batsman?
No there is a difference being competitive. At the end of the day, it’s good to have some banter in the middle.Do you ever abuse someone on the field?
I remember telling Fidel before the last over, “Come on Fidel, I don’t eat ribs but I would love a rib for lunch,” and I am laughing by myself and nobody takes me seriously. That’s about it.There’s plenty of criticism. Do they have more sympathy in St Lucia?
No, no. I wouldn’t say sympathy. There is love. Dominica is also home. Whenever I play in the islands, from St Kitts to Grenada, there is always more love for me. I am comfortable playing anywhere. It’s just about going out there and doing my job.Was today your proudest day as captain?
The whole Test match, the kind of character my team showed, it was tremendous. Three bowlers, Shiv playing his part, Kirk Edwards, Rampaul coming back after being sick… India led by over 100 runs and we managed to bring out our best batting performance in the series on the last day, and we held India to a draw. It was great when we beat Pakistan as well.Ah, for the first time you said “my” team.
Ha! Did I? [].