Frank Lampard has been told that the “sky is the limit” when it comes to his coaching career, with his reputation in management being rebuilt during a productive spell at Coventry City. The ex-England captain has previously worked with Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League and could soon find himself back in the top tier while being linked with other big jobs.
After a generally productive international break for many of Rangers’ stars, can they bring this form back to Glasgow?
John Souttar, Liam Kelly and Connor Barron were all part of the Scotland squad that remarkably qualified for a first World Cup in 28 years, while Nicolas Raskin started both of Belgium’s matches as they booked their spot in North America, thrashing Liechtenstein in the midfielder’s hometown of Liège.
On Tuesday, striker Bojan Miovski scored his ninth goal for North Macedonia, albeit there was little cause for celebration given that his team were demolished 7-1 by Wales in Cardiff, their heaviest defeat for two and a half years.
While Miovski being back among the goals is undoubtedly good news for Danny Röhl, he does need to improve his performances on the domestic stage.
Rangers' lack of attacking firepower
While many supporters would blame now-dismissed manager Russell Martin’s ineptitude, the club’s poor recruitment over the summer is surely the key factor behind their underwhelming form this season.
This is most abundantly clear in attacking areas where, despite being a goal machine during his two seasons at Aberdeen, Miovski has netted only twice since joining Rangers from Girona for £2.6m in August.
Meantime, Youssef Chermiti has scored only once for the club so far, despite arriving from Everton for £8m, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons, thereby making him the club’s most expensive signing of the post-liquidation era, surpassed only by Tore André Flo’s move in 2000.
This is in complete contrast to last season when Rangers’ top three scorers, namely Cyriel Dessers, Václav Černý and Hamza Igamane, bagged 63 goals between them across all competitions, which represented 55% of all goals the club netted.
With the trio having all departed, new manager Röhl requires the attacking players he has inherited to step up and start contributing, something one “huge talent” in particular is yet to do thus far.
Thelwell signing has been a bigger waste than Chermiti & Miovski
In the summer, Rangers spent around £30m on 13 new recruits, including splashing a reported £5m to sign Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town.
Upon his arrival, Scottish football analyst Kai Watson labelled him a “technical dribbler” who “loves to take on opponents and get shots away”, while journalist Jamie Allen asserted that he was a “huge talent”.
However, supporters have not seen very much of that thus far, with Aasgaard’s most noteworthy contribution being that red card he received during the League Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic at Hampden.
The table below underlines the fact that Aasgaard has not performed as expected to date. Aasgaard’s statistics are not terrible when compared to his Rangers teammates, ranked second for shots, first in terms of shots on target as well as in the top four when it comes to successful dribbles per 90.
Minutes
1,041
9th
Goals
1
7th
Assists
1
8th
Shots per 90
1.7
2nd
Shots on target per 90
1
1st
Big chances missed
2
2nd
Accurate passes per 90
19.2
12th
Key passes per 90
0.8
8th
Successful dribbles per 90
1.4
4th
Average rating
6.76
8th
Ultimately, however, he has scored only one for the club to date, on target against Dundee United last month, registering his first assist at Dens last time out, albeit scorer Djeidi Gassama did do most of the work.
This lack of end-product has seen his estimated market value, as recorded by Football Transfers, drop to around £3.4m, well below the fee Rangers paid to sign him.
Meantime, the Merseyside-born winger has been on fire for Norway, scoring four times in 24 minutes as his national team demolished Moldova 11-1 at the Ullevål in September, having marked his international debut with a goal in the reverse fixture in Chișinău back in March.
Thus, with Norway back at the World Cup for the first time since France ’98, Aasgaard will certainly be included in Ståle Solbakken’s squad that travels to North America next summer, but he’ll be desperate to improve his club form before then.
In Glasgow, Aasgaard has started three of Danny Röhl’s six matches in charge, but was introduced off the bench during the last two against Roma and Dundee.
With Röhl having switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation, there is one fewer attacking position up for grabs, and Aasgaard so far is not doing enough to suggest he should be ahead of Gassama, Miovski, Chermiti, Danilo or Mikey Moore in the pecking order.
Considering he cost £5m, surely Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell envisaged that the Norwegian would be a guaranteed starter, but this is certainly not the case. Considering he was a player that Martin pushed to sign, it isn’t ideal when the manager is sacked after just 15 matches in charge.
Thus, while Chermiti and Miovski have established themselves as key figures in Röhl’s team, one could certainly argue that Aasgaard has been the biggest waste of money from last summer.
Rangers star looks set to become Ibrox's new Hamza Igamane under Rohl
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ByBen Gray Nov 16, 2025
Josh Philippe’s unbeaten 123 off 87 balls and Liam Scott’s 81 continued Australia A’s dominance on day two of the first four-day game against India A in Lucknow.With Sam Konstas also making a century on the first day, Australia A declared their innings on 532 for 6 in just 98 overs, having scored at a run rate of 5.43. In reply, India A lost opener Abhimanyu Easwaran for 44, but N Jagadeesan remained unbeaten on 50 before rain brought an early end to the day.Resuming on 337 for 5, Australia A went into overdrive on the second day. Play started half an hour early at 9am to make up for overs lost to rain on the opening day. Philippe was dropped on 26 by wicketkeeper Jagadeesan off Khaleel Ahmed and cashed in, bringing up his half-century off 55 balls. He added 81 runs for the sixth wicket with Scott, who hit 81 off 122 deliveries before falling to fast bowler Gurnoor Brar.Philippe then had an unbroken 118-run stand off 62 balls with Xavier Bartlett, contributing 78 off 38 to the partnership. He smashed left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey for a six and three fours in the 93rd over and then went after offspinner Tanush Kotian in the 94th, taking him for two fours and a six. He took 77 balls to reach his century, getting there with a quick single to cover”I just looked to be positive. It was a pretty good wicket and Scotty batted beautifully, Philippe said after play. “Then, Xavier came in and we had a nice little partnership at the end. And when we’re told we’re probably declaring soon, it requires attacking against the spinners. I played them naturally. I like to try and take the game on and look to put pressure back on them straight away.”While Philippe hit 18 fours and four sixes in his century, Bartlett smashed five fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 24-ball 39. Australia A thrashed 195 runs in just 25 overs on the second day before declaring their innings.India A openers Easwaran and Jagadeesan responded quickly too, adding 88 runs for the first wicket in 21.1 overs. Easwaran was bowled by Scott but Jagadeesan reached his fifty and had B Sai Sudharsan for company on 20 when stumps were called. Only 55 overs were bowled on the second day, with no play possible after tea.”I think it’s still a pretty good wicket,” Philippe said. “There’s some signs that there’s a bit of spin from us today. Not sure what’s going on with the weather, but hopefully as the game gets on, it continues to deteriorate and our spinners can take charge and get some poles.”
Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in the transfer market, in an attempt to try and achieve Premier League glory.
The Lilywhites have a net spend of over £500m in the last five years alone, a figure which puts them fourth out of any team in the division for the same time period.
Daniel Levy was often criticised for his lack of spending in North London, but it’s clear that the 63-year-old did financially back various managers during his two decades at the club.
However, it’s clear in the modern game that money doesn’t equal success – especially in the Premier League – with numerous players often failing to live up to their big-money transfer fees.
The likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Roberto Soldado and Steven Bergwijn have all cost a pretty penny in recent years – with many of them leaving North London in deals much lower than what they arrived for.
In 2025/26, Thomas Frank has a couple of examples already within his first-team ranks, with two of his players arguably going down as some of their additions in recent history.
Richarlison & Simons’ form for Spurs in PL during 2025/26
Back in the summer of 2022, Spurs forked out a staggering £60m, including add-ons, for the signature of Richarlison from fellow Premier League side Everton.
Undoubtedly, given the nature of the transfer fee, his transfer generated huge excitement among the supporters in North London, but over three years on from his transfer – it’s safe to say it’s been a disaster.
The Brazilian has registered a total of 108 appearances for the Lilywhites, but has only scored 24 times – with half of his efforts coming in 2023/24 alone.
However, Frank has kept faith in the 28-year-old this season, but he’s failed to return the favour, as seen by his measly conversion rate of just 21% in the Premier League this season.
He’s also missed six big chances in his 11 outings to date, often being a wasteful option in attacking areas and falling way below the standards expected of a £60m addition.
Richarlison isn’t the only big-money addition to struggle under the Dane’s guidance this season, with Xavi Simons also unable to match the expectations many placed on him after his own move to North London.
The Dutch international, who cost a total of £52m in the summer, has racked up a total of 14 appearances across all competitions, but has only registered two assists in such a period.
The attacking midfielder is yet to find the back of the net, but has also struggled to provide the creative nature many would have expected, given the nature of the fee.
Simons has only achieved a total of 0.8 chances completed per 90, whilst also only completing 38% of the dribbles he’s attempted – showcasing his inability to impress with the ball at his feet.
He’s also only registered a tally of 0.17 shots on target per 90, a figure which ranks him in the bottom 14% of all attackers in the division – further highlighting his lack of quality in the final third.
The Spurs star who’s becoming their worst signing in recent history
After Spurs’ measly 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Frank was always going to have a huge task on his hands to push the club back in the right direction.
The Dane has settled on a 4-3-3 system over recent weeks, but it still appears as though he’s yet to figure out his best starting eleven – as seen against Manchester United last weekend.
He utilised Richarlison in a wide-left position, leaving the likes of Wilson Odobert on the bench – with such a decision undoubtedly costing the side all three points in North London.
The Brazilian has mainly struggled to take the responsibility of leading the line for the Lilywhites, with Randal Kolo Muani also yet to find the back of the net after his loan move on deadline day.
However, the manager has been unable to call upon Dominic Solanke during the vast majority of his time at the club, with the Englishman massively struggling with constant injury setbacks.
The 28-year-old cost a club-record £65m from Bournemouth last summer, with his signature providing the side with the replacement to Harry Kane they were crying out for.
It has not all been plain sailing for the striker, with his tally of just nine goals in the Premier League throughout his debut campaign ultimately falling way below the standards many expected.
Other figures, such as 71% passes completed and just 33% aerials won last season, showcase his inability to operate as a target man – often struggling to offer an imposing figure at the top end of the pitch.
However, Frank’s arrival in North London will have given the talisman a new lease of life, but as seen by his recent setbacks, he’s so far been unable to make the desired effect under the Dane.
Games played
27
Goals scored
9
Pass accuracy
71%
Shots on target
0.9
Chances created
0.5
Dribble success
35%
Aerials won
33%
Fouls committed
1.5
Solanke has been suffering continuously with an ankle issue over recent months, subsequently undergoing surgery that has kept him on the sidelines for an extended period.
He’s not featured since the 2-0 triumph over Manchester City on the 23rd of August, with the Englishman subsequently missing a total of 81 days of first-team action.
As a result of his fitness issues, he’s only accumulated a total of 31 minutes of league action this campaign – an unacceptable tally given the fee forked out for his signature.
Solanke has only racked up 29 league appearances for the Lilywhites in his near 18-month stint at the club, something which is nowhere near the level expected given the mammoth price tag paid for his services.
In that time, he’s also managed to register a goal in every three matches, with Solanke so far being unable to fill the boots vacated by Kane a couple of years prior to his move.
Given his transfer fee and lack of form in North London, the 28-year-old has so far been a huge waste of money, with a new centre-forward desperately needed in the near future if Frank is to be a success at the club.
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ByEthan Lamb Nov 12, 2025
Granit Xhaka has been linked with a stunning January move to Juventus just six months after joining Sunderland, with Italian reports claiming the midfielder is “back in fashion” for the Serie A giants. His entourage is said to be open to offers, but it has been reported in England that Sunderland have assured the Swiss star is not for sale as he continues to drive the Black Cats’ impressive season.
Juventus reopen Xhaka interest as January move emerges
The Swiss hero Xhaka has surprisingly found himself at the centre of fresh transfer speculation, with Italian outlet reporting that Juventus are ready to revisit the idea of signing the Swiss midfielder in January. The 33-year-old only joined Sunderland in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract running until 2028, but his immediate impact in the Premier League has reportedly reignited interest in Italy.
The Turin-based paper claims Xhaka is “back in fashion” as Juve urgently seek midfield reinforcements ahead of a planned shift to a 4-3-3 under Luciano Spalletti. With first-choice targets such as Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand deemed “nearly impossible” to secure mid-season, the Bianconeri are said to be studying alternative solutions, and Xhaka has re-emerged as an option.
Xhaka has played every minute of Sunderland’s Premier League campaign so far, captaining the newly promoted side to fourth place with 19 points after 11 games. He has scored once and provided three assists across 990 minutes, prompting the Italian media outlet to describe him as a proven “leader” whom Regis Le Bris “has never given up on.”
The report also claims the midfielder’s entourage is prepared to “listen to potential offers” from Champions League clubs and that Sunderland “have not closed the door” on negotiations, fuelling speculation of a possible mid-season switch.
AdvertisementWhy Juventus see Xhaka as the solution
The report maintains that Juventus’ interest in Xhaka never disappeared entirely after their summer attempt. At the time, the club hesitated due to concerns over his age, as he had just turned 33 in September and did not fulfil all of their recruitment criteria. However, with the midfield overly reliant on Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli, and with limited rotation options, the need for experience has become “urgent.”
The Turin club now view Xhaka as the best value-for-money solution available in January, as per reports. They accept that acquiring him would require more than the €15 million Sunderland paid Leverkusen, but still consider him a realistic target compared to more expensive or unavailable alternatives.
Another factor behind the revived interest is Xhaka’s proven ability to adapt quickly. His rapid integration in England, strengthens Juventus’ belief that he can make an instant Serie A impact.
further claims that Sunderland “will seek a deal that satisfies everyone” should Xhaka push for a departure. Their belief is that the Wearside project, exciting as it is, may not be able to resist pressure from Champions League-level suitors.
Speculation grows as entourage ‘ready to listen’
The most striking detail in the report is the claim that Xhaka’s representatives have utilised Sunderland’s stellar start to gauge interest from top European clubs. The Italian report even suggests that Sunderland aren't against making the move of their captain even after stellar start and that the club would not stand in the way should “Xhaka push for a departure.”
This portrayal paints a picture of opportunity and flexibility, a narrative that gained traction in Italy. However, Keith insists that Xhaka is “very happy” at Sunderland, not exploring a move, and is “not for sale” under any circumstances.
The conflicting versions highlight how quickly transfer noise can escalate once a top European club is involved and how differently speculation can be interpreted across borders.
But, what has intensified the speculation is the scale of Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland in such a short time. Signed for around £13m, he has delivered four goal contributions in 11 games and played a key part in the Black Cats’ rise into the Premier League’s top four, a remarkable position for a newly promoted side.
He scored a penalty in Switzerland’s recent 4-1 victory over Sweden and has been ever-present for Sunderland in the league. His leadership has become central to the team’s unexpected push for European places, with his performances against Chelsea and Arsenal earning widespread praise.
His importance is further underlined by Sunderland’s tactical dependency on his passing range, leadership, and experience. Removing him in January would create a gap almost impossible to fill for a club aiming to establish itself in the top half.
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Getty Images SportFocus shifts to Fulham as speculation swirls
Xhaka and Sunderland return to Premier League duty after the international break with a trip to struggling Fulham, a match that begins an important period in the club’s season. As transfer rumours swirl, the Swiss captain is expected to remain the heartbeat of the side as Le Bris’ men aim to maintain momentum and secure a top-half finish.
Juve, meanwhile, are expected to continue monitoring the situation, especially if their primary midfield targets remain out of reach. While Xhaka’s name may remain linked with a Serie A switch, Sunderland’s internal message is quite mixed as of now.
However, one thing is clear, unless Xhaka personally pushes for the move, the January window is far more likely to bring speculation than action. For now, Sunderland’s ambitions, Xhaka’s importance, and the club’s trajectory all point toward stability rather than departure.
MatériaMais Notícias
O Corinthians volta a campo na Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior neste sábado (6), às 17h15, diante do Bangu-RJ, em Marília. Ambas equipes venceram seus confrontos na primeira rodada da Copinha.
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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
As equipes fazem parte do Grupo 10, que ainda conta com Ji-Paraná e Marília. Veja mais informações sobre o confronto do Corinthians, maior campeão da Copinha.
✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Bangu-RJ x Corinthians
2ª rodada – Copinha
🗓️ Data e horário: sábado, 6 de janeiro de 2024, às 17h15 (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Estádio Bento de Abreu Sampaio Vidal, em Marília (SP)
📺 Onde assistir: Cazé TV (Twitch e Youtube)
continua após a publicidade
+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada
POSSÍVEIS ESCALAÇÕES
Bangu-RJ
Gabriel Barbosa; Paraná, Ryan, Hugo e PH; Baltoré, Loureiro e Mateus Bernardo; Fabrício, Vitinho e Lucas Rabello. Técnico: Douglas Silva.
Corinthians
Felipe Longo; Léo Mana, João Pedro Tchoca, Renato e Vitor Meer; Breno Bidon, Ryan e Pedrinho; Kayke, Higor e Arthur Sousa. Técnico: Danilo.
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Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is now open to leaving the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window, with the Premier League giants setting his price tag.
The Dutchman has been a fantastic servant for the Citizens since arriving from Bournemouth back in 2020, winning four Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, among other trophies.
That said, the 30-year-old has seen his playing time become more limited under Pep Guardiola this season, making only one start in the league, as well as making four substitute appearances in the competition.
Ake is now into the final two years of his current deal at City, with his contract running until the summer of 2027, so there are decisions to be made by both him and the club.
The Sky Blues may want to cash in on him while they still have time, assuming they don’t see a long-term future for him, and the player himself will no doubt like the idea of enjoying more regular playing time.
Ake wants to leave as Man City set £31m price tag
According to Caught Offside, the battle to sign Manchester City ace Ake is hotting up ahead of the January transfer window, with Inter Milan, Juventus and Crystal Palace all mentioned as options.
It is claimed that the Citizens are open to a deal and want as much as £31m for the Netherlands international. Ake wants to be earning more minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup and is looking to leave the club in January.
It does feel as though Ake’s time at City is reaching its natural conclusion, during a period in which so many members of the club’s title-winning sides have moved on, not least Kevin De Bruyne earlier this year.
The centre-back is understandably open to the idea of a fresh challenge, given Guardiola’s current stance on him, even though the Spaniard has lauded him as “incredible” in the past.
If Ake does leave City, he will be remembered as a great servant who has done so much for the cause in the past five years, with his ability to thrive at both centre-back and left-back proving to be priceless.
Whoever does potentially sign will be getting an excellent player who still has plenty to offer in his career, with Guardiola also saying of him: “I don’t think you can ever find a single teammate of his who has anything bad to say about him. Both at his clubs and with the Dutch national team. He’s very competitive and I wish he could play a season without injuries, but sometimes you run into those kinds of things. I adore him as a person and as a player.”
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From City’s point of view, if they can get as much as £31m for a player in his 30s, it would have to be considered good business, and they could then bring in a younger replacement instead.
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Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli in the January transfer window, and their chances of getting a deal over the line have now been revealed.
Palace have predominantly been linked with new defenders in recent weeks, amid Marc Guehi’s uncertain future, but they are also looking to upgrade their options in attacking areas, having recently failed to craft many decent opportunities against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Indeed, the Eagles recorded an xG of just 0.75 against their rivals, with Jean-Philippe Mateta receiving little service, although that has been a rarity, with the Frenchman currently joint-third in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.
Premier League top goalscorers
Club
Goals
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
14
Igor Thiago
Brentford
8
Antoine Semenyo
AFC Bournemouth
6
Danny Welbeck
Brighton
6
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace
6
Yeremy Pino was one of Oliver Glasner’s statement signings during the summer, but the Spaniard’s Premier League career is yet to truly take off, having been unable to register a goal or assist in his opening nine matches.
In fairness, it often takes foreign players some time to adapt to life in England, and it is still very early days for Pino, but Glasner has now set out to sign another new forward.
Crystal Palace join race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli
According to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign Real Betis star Ezzalzouli, who is being closely monitored ahead of the January transfer window, but there may be competition from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.
Real Betis are reluctant to sanction a departure, but may be forced to listen to an ‘irresistible’ offer, with the Spanish side’s board clear that any deal must amount to significantly more than the Moroccan’s €12m (£11m) valuation.
As such, a deal could be there to be done for Palace, with Glasner looking to bring in another winger to form a top-level forward line, alongside Mateta, Pino and Ismaila Sarr.
Once lauded as “extraordinary” by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, the 23-year-old has made an impressive start to the season for Betis, amassing eight goals and assists in his opening 13 matches across all competitions.
Not only has the Morocco international impressed Xavi in the past, but scout Ben Mattinson has also compared him to Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in light of the winger’s “explosive” dribbling ability.
The Betis forward’s ability to drive at opposition defences has been on display regularly over the past year, placing in the 84th percentile for progressive carries per 90, when compared to his positional peers, having averaged 4.82.
As such, Ezzalzouli could be a brilliant acquisition for Crystal Palace, and they should try and get a deal done in the January transfer window to bolster their chances of winning the UEFA Conference League.
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ظهر مدرب ليفربول آرني سلوت، في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الثلاثاء، للحديث قبل مباراة فريقه أمام آيندهوفن الهولندي ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
ويستقبل ليفربول خصمه آيندهوفن على ملعب “آنفيلد” غدًا الأربعاء، ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة لمرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2025-2026.
وسُئل سلوت عن التفاوت في قرارت التحكيم بشأن التسلل واحتساب الأهداف بالنظر لاحتساب هدف نوتينجهام الأول في مرمى ليفربول خلال المباراة التي شهدت هزيمة فريقه بثلاثية نظيفة.
وأجاب: “الهدف الأول الذي استقبلناه ضد نوتينجهام تم احتسابه، الهدف الذي سجلناه ضد مانشستر سيتي كان أيضًا هدفًا بالنسبة لي، لم أرَ هدف آرسنال، كان من الغريب بعض الشيء أن نقول إن هدف نوتينجهام لم يكن هدفًا، قال هوارد ويب إن إلغاء هدفنا لم يكن قرارًا غير معقول، لذا لكل شخص رأيه، ربما أكون متحيزًا بصفتي مدربًا لليفربول”.
وعن فقدان الثقة في ظل تراجع نتائج الفريق، قال: “حتى الآن، لم تكن هذه مشكلة، بالنظر إلى طريقة لعبنا في معظم فترات المباراة، كان النصف ساعة الأول من مباراة السبت مثاليًا كما توقعنا، باستثناء تسجيل هدف، لم نكن دائمًا نصنع هذا العدد من الفرص أمام فريق يدافع بكتلة منخفضة، في أول هجمة لهم سجلوا هدفًا، ثم استقبلنا هدفًا آخر في بداية الشوط الثاني”.
طالع أسطورة ليفربول: شقيق محمد صلاح هو من يلعب للريدز هذا الموسم
وواصل: “أريتهم عدد المرات التي وصلنا فيها إلى منطقة الجزاء وعدد الكرات العرضية التي مررناها، والتي كانت أكثر بست أو سبع مرات من نوتينجهام، لكنهم دافعوا عن منطقة جزاءهم بشكل أفضل بكثير منا، هذا ما يذكرنا به الجميع، ونذكر به أنفسنا، علينا أن نساعد أنفسنا على الدفاع بشكل أفضل، مع الكرة، لا نختلف كثيرًا عن الموسم الماضي، لكن الأهداف التي استقبلناها مختلفة”.
كما سُئل سلوت عن الفرق بين هذا الموسم والموسم الماضي، ورد: “نستقبل أهدافًا أكثر من الموسم الماضي، في مثل هذا الوقت من الموسم الماضي، لم نتلقَّ أي أهداف من كرات ثابتة، والآن استقبلنا تسع منها، عدد الأهداف مُبالغ فيه بالنسبة لنادٍ مثلنا”.
وأكمل: “إنه أمرٌ سخيف، لا يُصدق، لقد قلتُ مرارًا وتكرارًا إنكم لن تجدوا أعذارًا كافيةً لنا لنؤدي بهذا الشكل، إنه أمرٌ غير متوقعٍ للنادي، ولي وللجميع، لكن ربما يكون هذا هو النادي الأفضل لمواجهة هذا الأمر، فكلما ازدادت الأمور صعوبةً في هذا النادي، ازداد تلاحمنا”.
وعن سلسلة النتائج السيئة، أكد: “للحفاظ على هدوئي، لا أجد صعوبة في ذلك، إنه جزء من شخصيتي، يصفني معظم الناس بالهدوء، في مثل هذه المواقف، ليس من المريح حقًا، أليس كذلك؟ الخسارة ليست أمرًا لطيفًا، خاصةً في نادٍ مثل ليفربول، بصراحة، لم أتوقع أن أكون في هذا الموقف، نظرًا لأسلوبنا التكتيكي وجودة اللاعبين”.
وأشار: “يمكن القول إنها الخسارة السادسة لنا من أصل سبع هزائم في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لكنني أستطيع القول إننا خسرنا مباراتين في آخر أربع مباريات، وفي دوري أبطال أوروبا فزنا بثلاث، لكن هذا أقل من المستوى المتوقع في ليفربول”.
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وشدد: “أتحمل المسؤولية، وأشعر بالذنب تجاه ذلك، نحن منشغلون بالعمل على ذلك، فأنا في نادٍ لم نعتاد فيه على النجاح فحسب، بل في أوقات أخرى أيضًا، سنبذل جهدًا إضافيًا، كمدرب، أحاول أن أكون قدوة وأبذل جهدًا أكبر”.
واستمر: “لم نجد حلاً مناسباً لتحويل تلك الهزائم إلى انتصارات، ولكن عندما تكون متقدماً بهدف نظيف ثم تخسر، كيف نفسر ذلك؟، هذا يُظهر مدى صعوبة تأخرنا ومحاولة تعويض تأخرنا، نأمل أن نتمكن من التأهل غدًا”.
وانتقل للحديث عن خصمه آيندهوفن، قائلاً: “هناك أمورٌ مشتركةٌ نراها في كلا الفريقين، في العامين الماضيين تحت قيادة بيتر بوش، تميّز الفريق بالجرأة في الضغط على كامل الملعب وبناء الهجمات من الخلف، من الجميل أن نشاهد ذلك كمشاهد”.
وأسترسل: “هناك بعض الاختلافات، لكن هناك الكثير مما يمكنك رؤيته في أسلوب لعبه مع دورتموند وأياكس، والآن مع آيندهوفن، مسؤوليتنا الكبرى هي الفوز بالمباريات، من الصعب تحديد ذلك بشكل عام، فقد لعبنا ضد فرقٍ مختلفةٍ تمامًا عنا، يلعب آيندهوفن بنفس الطريقة تقريبًا، ستكون المباراة مختلفةً عما كانت عليه السبت الماضي”.
وحول مباراة آيندهوفن، تابع: “من البديهي أننا بحاجة للفوز، لكننا فزنا بثلاث مباريات من أصل أربع في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وهذا أمر طبيعي بالنسبة لنادٍ كهذا، مرّ آيندهوفن بفترة صعبة في نهاية الموسم الماضي، وربما لم يبدأ الموسم بشكل جيد، لكن النتائج كانت جيدة، لكن الشهرين أو الثلاثة الماضية أصبحوا الآن آلة انتصارات، أكثر صلابة بكثير من بداية الموسم”.
وعن إثبات جدارته للجماهير مجددًا، علّق: “عليك إثبات جدارتك يوميًا إذا كنت تعمل في نادٍ بهذا المستوى.، لا يُمكنك القول إنك فزت بالدوري وكل شيء على ما يُرام، في هذا المستوى، المباراة التالية هي الأهم، وهذا ينطبق عليّ وعلى اللاعبين أيضًا، في هذه البيئة، لا يُمكنك أبدًا الراحة، بل عليك الاستمرار، خاصةً عندما لا تسير الأمور على ما يُرام، لا أعرف إن كان عليّ إثبات جدارتي للجماهير بقدر ما عليّ إثباتها لنفسي”.
وإذا كان ليفربول قد خسر المعركة، رد: “لا، لم يخسر، في بعض لحظات المباريات، خسرنا الكثير من المواجهات الثنائية، في المباراة الأخيرة، استحوذنا على الكرة بنسبة 75%، وداخل وحول منطقة جزاءنا اضطررنا للدفاع أربع مرات فقط، الأولى كانت من ركلة ثابتة، والهدف الثاني لنوتينجهام من وجهة نظري أُلغي بشكل خاطئ، وفي المرة الثالثة أصبحت النتيجة 2-0”.
واستطرد: “ليس من المهم ألا نكون مستعدين طوال 90 دقيقة أو لا ندافع بشكل جيد بما فيه الكفاية، نضطر للدفاع بضع مرات فقط، وقد فعلت ذلك في الماضي، ليس ست مرات من أصل سبع هزائم، لكنها ليست المرة الأولى التي أمتلك فيها فريقًا يستحوذ على الكرة لمدة 30 دقيقة ثم يضطر للدفاع، إذا كنت مضطرًا للدفاع طوال الوقت، فأنا في وضع دفاعي، أما إذا كنت تهاجم، فأنت لست مستعدًا للدفاع”.
وأردف: “ربما يكمن السبب في عدم استحواذنا على الكرة بنفس القدر، وهو ما حققناه ضد ريال مدريد وفزنا به، لم يخلق السيتي الكثير من الفرص، ولكن عندما فعلوا ذلك لم يكن لدينا القدر الكافي من الكثافة”.
وعما فعله في اليوم التالي للهزيمة أمام نوتينجهام أوضح سلوت: “دائمًا ما يكون مزيجًا من الأشياء، هناك لحظات كثيرة نحاول فيها التفكير في كيفية التحسن، يوم الأحد، شاهدتُ المباراة مرة أخرى، وتطلعتُ إلى مباراة آيندهوفن، وشاهدتُ بعض المباريات الأخرى”.
وعن ما تعلمه من كل الهزائم، أفاد: “من الصعب قول ذلك حاليًا، لقد قلتُ الكثير، هناك أشياء معينة يمكنك القيام بها بشكل أفضل، لكن بعضها لم يُجدِ نفعًا، هناك العديد من الأسباب التي يمكنك استخدامها للقول إنك تعرضت للهزيمة”.
وتابع: “لكن بالنسبة لليفربول، لا يمكنك تحمل ذلك، إنه أمر غير مقبول، إنه وضع لا ترغب في أن تواجهه، خاصةً إذا كنت تعمل في ليفربول، الآن حان الوقت لبدء الفوز بالمباريات من جديد، ولكن عليك القيام بالكثير من الأشياء للفوز بالمباراة”.
وأشار سلوت: “الأشياء البسيطة التي يجب أن نقوم بها بشكل أفضل، هذا ليس ما نفعله دائمًا في الوقت الحالي، من السهل جدًا حلها، إذا لم يحدث ذلك كثيرًا، ففكر في يوهان كرويف، والأشياء البسيطة هي الأصعب”.
وإذا كان عليه تجربة شيء جديد، رد: “لا، ونعم، لأنني لا أعتقد أنه يجب القيام بأي شيء مختلف تمامًا، فهذا لن يكون مناسبًا لنا ولللاعبين، إنهم يريدون اللعب بطريقة معينة، إذا كنت من مُحبي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، فالأمور تسير بطريقة مختلفة، وترى طريقة لعب مختلفة، ربما يعني هذا أنه يتعين علينا تغيير بعض التفاصيل في طريقة لعبنا”.
وتابع :”اللاعبون متشابهون تقريبًا في معظم الأحيان، يجب أن تتمتع بلياقة بدنية معينة، خاصة فيما يتعلق بالطول لكن هذا ليس عذرًا لاستقبالنا هذا العدد الكبير من الأهداف من الكرات الثابتة، هزيمتنا من نوتينجهام كانت بمثابة صفعة قوية لنا”.
وعن لاعبه جو جوميز، أردف: “هو أحد المدافعين الخمسة لدينا، تلقى حقنة في ركبته الأسبوع الماضي، وهذا ليس طبيعيًا إن لم يشعر بأي ألم، بصرف النظر عن قراري بإشراك سوبوسلاي في هذا المركز، يعود الأمر أيضًا إلى عدم جاهزية جو تمامًا، سيكون مع الفريق غدًا، لكنه لم يتمكن من التدرب كل يوم خلال الأسبوع الماضي”.
وحول لاعبه ميلوس كيركيز، علّق: “فترة وجوده في هولندا لا تُؤثر إطلاقًا على اختياري لتشكيلتي، لدينا خمسة مدافعين متاحين، وهو المركز الوحيد الذي نملك فيه مدافعين مضاعفين، في جميع المراكز الأخرى، يُمكن لجو جوميز مساعدتنا، ولكن لا يوجد منافس آخر في الوقت الحالي”.
وعن إمكانية الدفع بدومينيك سوبوسلاي في مركز الظهير الأيمن، أجاب: “إنه أحد الخيارات المتاحة لي، ولكن من الواضح أيضًا أنه جيد في مناطق أخرى من الملعب، كنت أتوقع أن نستحوذ على الكرة كثيرًا ضد نوتينجهام، لذا سيتمكن من الهجوم كثيرًا على الجهة اليمنى، دعونا نرى أين سنستخدمه غدًا، لكنني سأعتمد عليه بالتأكيد”.
India made three changes while Pakistan didn’t make any
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Sep-20252:06
Aaron: Pakistan have a ‘huge point’ to prove against India
India will nurse a significant loss with Hardik Pandya missing the final of Asia Cup 2025 with a quad niggle. The team management didn’t seem to mind the bowling they will miss out on as they replaced his all-round skills with one of their finishers – Rinku Singh. They’ll need to walk that talk early doors after choosing to bowl. Suryakumar Yadav explained the decision by saying the pitch, which has only been used two times in the last three weeks, gets better under lights.Pakistan captain Salman Agha didn’t mind batting first, saying that’s what they’ve done all tournament. He admitted that his side hasn’t put on the perfect game yet but was excited to do so in the final when everything is on the line. The two teams have already met twice in the tournament, with India winning both games comfortably.India made three changes in total with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh making way for Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube. But without their key allrounder, who balances the XI, India go into this one slightly handicapped. Dube, one of only five recognised bowling options, might be called on to take the new ball with Bumrah.The formalities at the toss required two people this time – Ravi Shastri and Waqar Younis. Shastri interviewed Suryakumar and shook hands. Waqar interviewed Agha and shook hands. The Indian team so far has refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in this Asia Cup after increased political tensions between the two countries.India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun ChakravarthyPakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed