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Tim Southee replaces Bharat Arun, who has moved to LSG ahead of the upcoming season

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2025Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast-bowling great, has been appointed Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling coach for IPL 2026, as reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier.”We are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity,” KKR chief executive Venky Mysore said in a statement. “Tim’s vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. His leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers.”Southee, who hasn’t retired as a cricketer but has taken on coaching assignments over the past year, including with the England men’s national team, said returning to KKR, who he represented as a player, felt like a natural step.Related

Shane Watson joins KKR as assistant coach

Abhishek Nayar appointed KKR head coach ahead of IPL 2026

“KKR has always felt like home to me, and it’s an honour to return in this new role,” he said. “The franchise has an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a great group of players. I look forward to working closely with the bowlers and helping the team achieve success in IPL 2026.”His appointment came amid significant changes to KKR’s coaching group, now headed by Abhishek Nayar.Former bowling coach Bharat Arun and spin coach Carl Crowe have both moved to Lucknow Super Giants, while Ottis Gibson, who served as assistant coach last season, has exited the setup. Shane Watson has joined as their new assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo continues in his role as team mentor.Southee had a long but somewhat up-and-down IPL career as a player. Between 2011 and 2023, he represented Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, before joining KKR in 2021, where he remained until 2023. He has 31 wickets from 43 matches in the IPL, with his best season coming with KKR, in 2022, when he claimed 14 wickets in nine matches.

West Ham United sent one of their top scouts to watch Josh Sargent in action for Norwich City against Birmingham City in the Championship this weekend.

The Hammers have commenced their search for a striker amid rumours that Niclas Fullkrug is likely to leave the club in the January transfer window. The towering German arrived fresh from an impressive Euro 2024 not so long ago, but has since scored just three goals for West Ham in what has been an incredibly disappointing move.

The forward’s agent recently added fuel to the fire by saying when asked about a potential exit for his client: “This always has to happen in cooperation with the club, but I believe it can make sense to change something there.”

As much as he’s struggled, however, West Ham will still need to replace Fullkrug if he departs in January. His exit would leave them with just one out-and-out striker in Callum Wilson and it’s no secret that he’s had his injury struggles throughout his career.

If Nuno Espirito Santo is to stand any chance of keeping the Hammers afloat in the Premier League, then the club must simply back him in the January transfer window. To that end, the likes of Adama Traore have already been mentioned as early winter targets and his arrival would certainly be a good start this winter.

Related West Ham dealt Jarrod Bowen blow as Nuno faces fresh concern about star winger

The England international is their most crucial man by some distance.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 21, 2025

Meanwhile, alongside Traore, West Ham have also set their sights on a key upgrade on Fullkrug, with their scouts sent to watch Norwich star Sargent this weekend.

West Ham send scouts to watch Josh Sargent

As reported by Football Insider, West Ham sent officials to watch Sargent against Birmingham City this weekend. The American has been the only bright spark in a disastrous few months for Norwich, scoring six goals in all competitions ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, and has more than done enough to earn a Premier League move.

Former Norwich boss Liam Manning was full of praise for the forward even as his short spell turned into a nightmare. He told reporters: “He’s a constant handful. I think he’s so intelligent with the positions he takes up, and he’s so sharp over the first metres. He’s the best nine at the level for me. We’re delighted to have him here, long may that continue.”

It’s hard to argue with Manning’s verdict, either. When fit, there’s not many better than sargent in England’s second tier and questions are gradually beginning to be asked about his potential ability to take that form into the Premier League.

West Ham need a consistent striker, Sargent has earned a big move in the face of Norwich’s struggles, and the January transfer window could now present an interesting saga as a result.

Ex-club chief shares why West Ham must avoid Adama Traore after working with him

Veteran will hang up boots after helping Foxes back into Division One of the Championship

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Sep-2025

Chris Wright in One-Day Cup action•Warren Little/Getty Images

Leicestershire’s Chris Wright has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 season.The 40-year old seamer, who came through at Middlesex before playing for Essex and Warwickshire, has been at Grace Road since 2019 and will depart with the club returning to Division One next season for the first time since 2003.A veteran of over 200 first-class matches, he has the chance to move to 600 career dismissals before hanging up his boots. Wright will also finish with 202 dismissals across List A and T20I cricket.By far the most productive period of Wright’s career came at Warwickshire. On the verge of being released by Essex without a county in 2011, he was recruited to Edgbaston by bowling coach Graeme Welch and struck up a devastating partnership with left-arm seamer Keith Barker.An initial loan stint was made permanent for the 2012 season. Wright immediately repaid the faith with 62 wickets as Warwickshire secured their seventh County Championship title. He also helped the Midlands club to T20 Blast and One-Day Cup glory in 2014 and 2016, respectively. All in, he took 325 wickets for the county.In 2024, Wright missed the start of the season after admitting two breaches of the ECB’s anti-doping rules after testing positive for ostarine, a drug which has similar effects to testosterone, in September 2023. A nine-month suspension was backdated to October 2023, allowing Wright to return to action in July that summer.In a statement released on social media, Wright said: “When I moved to Leicestershire in 2019, my goal was clear – to help the club return to first division cricket. Now that this has finally been achieved, and having celebrated my 40th birthday, it feels like the perfect time to announce that I will be retiring at the end of the current season.”Becoming a professional cricketer was a dream that began when I watched my dad play club cricket and joined him on trips to see Hampshire at their old county ground, Northlands Road. To have lived that dream for so many years has been the greatest privilege.”I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had throughout my career – from the coaches who guided me at every stage, to the team-mates who made every day memorable. Most of all, I want to thank my family and my partner Carly, whose selflessness and encouragement have allowed me to chase my goals for the past two decades.”I’ll cherish the trophies and the wins, but it’s the daily moments with team-mates – the laughter, the challenges, and the friendships – that mean the most. Now it’s time to give back to the game I love, helping the next generation of players achieve their own ambitions! Forever grateful!”

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.

Tottenham Hotspur have some painful attacking teething problems under Thomas Frank. Everything is relative, and there are variables at play, but the struggle to impress on the playmaking front is becoming an unwelcome narrative for the club this season.

But that aside, there is also the sense that purses may need to be pulled out for a new centre-forward in 2026. It feels like Richarlison’s days are numbered at number nine, and Dominic Solanke hasn’t fared all that well since his £55m move from Bournemouth last year, too often injured and too often unconvincing.

Both strikers are 28 years old, and while service has proved thin in recent months, Tottenham will need to consider their options in January.

There is another solution, of course. Randal Kolo Muani appears to have replaced Richarlison as Frank’s first-choice frontman, having started two games in a row in the Premier League.

But, unless a formula is discovered to support him, the Frenchman’s season-long loan spell is going to be a forgettable one.

Randal Kolo Muani's opportunity to shine

Tottenham have more than their share of issues at the moment. It’s an interesting one. They are more stable with Frank at the helm, competitive at the upper end of the Premier League and unbeaten on their return to the Champions League, three games in.

But we cannot ignore the depletion of creativity that has left things feeling rather pedestrian, and even with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined since the start of the campaign and a distance away from returning, there is much to improve upon down N17.

Kolo Muani has not scored or assisted across his six outings in a Spurs shirt so far, and the 26-year-old may well feel somewhat aggrieved by the lack of service that came his way against Chelsea, taking only 16 touches across 76 minutes of action, creating a chance and getting stuck in but failing to unleash a single shot (as per Sofascore).

One content creator acknowledged the Les Bleus star for his exciting, progressive efforts when on the ball. However, such efforts were, as stated, few and far between, and he said it “must be absolutely horrible playing up front for this team”.

Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders
Club	Goals Scored	xG
(1) Crystal Palace	13	18.2
(2) Man City	18	17.8
(3) Man United	15	17.5
(4) Chelsea	18	17.1
(5) Arsenal	18	16.9
(=5) Liverpool	18	16.9
(15) Tottenham	16	10.1
Data via FBref

Tottenham don’t create enough chances, and this is impeding Kolo Muani in his desire to get going in white. However, given that he’s only here for the season, it’s unlikely a permanent deal would be explored if things continue as they are.

Especially when the Lilywhites have an exciting up-and-comer making his way toward the surface.

The Spurs talent who could end Kolo Muani's stay

Tottenham have long boasted one of the most efficient production lines in Europe, and Mason Melia is set to make his way as the latest in this long line of hopefuls.

However, while the pathway from youth to professional football is long and treacherous, Melia is regarded as a rising star with the potential to nail down a place under Frank’s wing, with The Athletic’s Connor O’Neill saying he’s “easily the best young talent I have seen in the League of Ireland”.

The 18-year-old striker has already played 98 senior matches for St. Patrick’s Athletic, scoring 25 goals and registering eight assists. Across the 2024/25 campaign, he posted 14 goals and four assists. As a Republic of Ireland U21 international, he has bagged three goals from just four caps so far.

Both confident in front of goal and athletic enough to drive into the danger area himself, not reliant on his creative teammates, Melia could provide a tonic to Spurs’ current tactical pecadillos, lacking as they are in attack.

He is very young, of course, and could hardly be expected to waltz in and prove an instant upgrade on an established European star like Kolo Muani, but Harry Kane proved in the past that a young striker stands a chance of succeeding where senior peers fail.

Tottenham signed the teenager earlier in 2025 for a record-breaking £3m fee, making him the most expensive footballer to leave Ireland’s top flight. However, he has yet to wear the Spurs shirt in a professional capacity, having agreed to leave his homeland in January 2026.

St. Pat’s’ Young Player of the Year last season, he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Irish football, with his touch and speed and awareness in the final third all suggesting he has the bearing of a Premier League-level striker.

Given the paucity of reliable options in the final third at Tottenham right now, and with Richarlison among those slated to leave next year, Melia could find himself fast-tracked under Frank’s wing, earning regular opportunities in the first team and potentially even outperforming someone like Kolo Muani, who must continue adapting to the English game himself.

Tottenham might need to play the waiting game for now, but with Melia set to arrive in just a few months, he may find himself earning a string of opportunities before the end of the campaign.

And should he impress as if talent suggests is within his capacity, then it’s hardly out of the question to imagine that Melia could be leading the line in the not-too-distant future.

Not just Simons: Spurs dud is becoming one of their worst-ever signings

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have got it all wrong with the addition of one first-team member.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 3, 2025

Manchester United had a problem between the sticks for too many seasons prior to the signing of Senne Lemmens from Royal Antwerp during the summer transfer window.

Andre Onana was signed from Inter for a fee of £43.5m in the summer of 2023, after helping the Italian side to reach the Champions League final, with the hope that he would be the answer to their problems.

Unfortunately, like the one in the clip above, his time at Old Trafford was littered with mistakes. He made two errors that led to shots and four errors that led to goals in his two Premier League seasons, per Sofascore.

Onana also made two errors that directly led to goals for the opposition in 13 appearances in the Europa League during the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he slipped up far too many times.

His short-term replacement, Altay Bayindir, did not fare much better. The Turkey international made two errors that led to goals for the opposition in ten appearances in the Premier League, with one in six games this season and one in four outings last term, per Sofascore.

Altay and Onana’s dismal form between the sticks convinced Ruben Amorim and INEOS to sign Lammens in the summer, and he has hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have already hit the jackpot with Senne Lammens

Statistics are great and can be brilliant when used correctly, as we will try to do later in this piece, but the Belgian shot-stopper provides United with something intangible: calmness.

The team looks more settled at the back and confident in their goalkeeper with situations in and around the box, because of the calmness and confidence that Lammens brings to the pitch.

Nervousness and indecision breed mistakes, as shown by Onana and Altay’s performances for United, but the summer signing looks like he will not be bringing either of those things to his performances.

Lammens, as illustrated in the post above, enjoyed a terrific debut against Sunderland in the Premier League last month, keeping a clean sheet and preventing 0.94 xG.

He has now made three appearances for United in the top-flight, winning all three, and has quickly established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the entire division.

Guglielmo Vicario (Spurs)

3.01

7

Robin Roefs (Sunderland)

2.94

7

Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)

2.72

9

Nick Pope (Newcastle)

2.29

8

Senne Lammens (Man Utd)

1.97

3

As you can see in the table above, only four goalkeepers in the league have prevented more xG/goals than Lammens has, despite the fact that the Belgian star has only played three times.

His performances in the Pro League for Royal Antwerp in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he has the potential to go and become the best shot-stopper in the Premier League, if he can hit his peak at Old Trafford.

Senne Lammens (Pro League)

+15.57

Jordan Pickford (Premier League)

+6.15

Matz Sels (Premier League)

+4.55

Mark Travers (Premier League)

+4.48

Ederson (Premier League)

+4.46

Dean Henderson (Premier League)

+3.14

This suggests that United have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the making, given that he has the potential to be the best shot-stopper in, arguably, the best league in the world.

However, even the best goalkeepers still need a reliable defence in front of them to help rack up clean sheets to improve their reputation in the wider footballing community.

Chalkboard

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

That is why Manchester United need to move on from and upgrade on versatile defender Diogo Dalot in order to help Lammens become known as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.

Why Man Utd need to move on from Diogo Dalot

We mentioned earlier that nervousness and indecision breed mistakes. So far this season, the Portugal international has seemed full of nerves and indecision, which has led to mistakes.

Dalot, per Sofascore, has made two errors that have led to shots or goals for the opposition across six starts in the Premier League, which shows that he is putting his team under pressure with needless mistakes.

In the recent 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst claimed that Dalot is “their weakest player”, whilst content creator Mark Goldbridge described his performance as “awful”.

It was not a direct error that led to a shot or goal from Dalot, as shown in the clip above, but he was stationed in the centre of the box and failed to position himself to cut out the ball across that Cody Gakpo scored from.

On top of his mistakes in the Premier League this season, the former AC Milan loanee’s defensive numbers have gone down across the board in comparison to the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

33

7

Assists

3

1

Tackles per game

2.1

1.6

Interceptions per game

1.1

0.6

Ground duels won per game

3.2

2.3

Aerial duels won per game

1.2

0.6

As you can see in the table above, Dalot’s performances have declined this season, as he is making fewer tackles and interceptions and winning fewer duels on the ground and in the air.

This suggests that he has become a liability defensively for the Red Devils, particularly when you take his two direct errors into account, which is why Luckhurst calling him “their weakest player” may have been accurate.

United should, therefore, be looking to find an upgrade on the defender, who can play on the left or the right at full-back, because his mistakes may cost them moving forward.

Replacing him with a more reliable defender, who will not make as many costly mistakes, could help Lammens be known as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, because it would provide him with more protection and reliability ahead of him.

Man Utd set to push for "amazing" English signing, £52m bid in the works

The Red Devils have identified a new top target in midfield, and they could make a move in the January transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Oct 28, 2025

This could, therefore, lead to more clean sheets, more wins, and more people talking about how impressive United’s defence is with the talented shot-stopper behind them.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras surpreendeu seus torcedores e admiradores da moda esportiva ao revelar sua mais recente criação: a terceira camisa comemorativa “O Coração da Terceira Academia”. O uniforme, que celebra o aniversário de 109 anos do clube, ostenta uma vibrante cor verde limão e uma estética única, inspirada na paixão pelo esporte e na inovação da moda.

O lançamento, que acontece dois dias antes do aniversário do Palmeiras, destaca-se não apenas pelo design arrojado, mas também pela narrativa por trás dele. Nas últimas partidas da equipe durante o Brasileirão 2022, conquistado brilhantemente pelo Alviverde, os dados das frequências cardíacas dos jogadores foram capturados pelo departamento médico do clube. Esses batimentos cardíacos foram incorporados ao padrão frontal da camisa, conferindo um toque simbólico ao uniforme.

De acordo com a designer de moda Beatriz Barhouch, essa nova abordagem do Palmeiras, usando os batimentos cardíacos dos jogadores como elemento de design, é uma maneira excepcionalmente criativa de unir a paixão dos torcedores com a performance dos atletas.

“A abordagem do Palmeiras é verdadeiramente inovadora e emocionante. Ao incorporar os batimentos cardíacos dos jogadores no design frontal, eles conectam a paixão dos torcedores com o desempenho dentro de campo. Além disso, incorporar os batimentos cardíacos dos jogadores no padrão zig-zag da camisa é genial. Essa conexão entre a pulsação do jogo e o design da peça é uma representação visual única da paixão e intensidade que os jogadores trazem para o campo”, analisa Barhouch.

Beatriz Barhouch / Crédito: Divulgação

A colaboração entre a Puma e o Palmeiras não apenas homenageia a história do clube, mas também reafirma a importância da inovação na moda esportiva. A coleção inclui dois modelos: um destinado aos jogadores e outro para os torcedores. Ambos apresentam o padrão zig-zag na parte frontal. A versão para jogadores incorpora a arte com uma tecnologia emborrachada, enquanto a versão para torcedores utiliza uma tecnologia à base d’água, como explicou a Puma.
“A tecnologia emborrachada, com sua camada de tinta em relevo, cria uma experiência tátil única, perfeita para peças esportivas que buscam se destacar visualmente. Por outro lado, a tecnologia à base d’água oferece estampas suaves, quase fundidas ao tecido, proporcionando uma sensação leve e confortável, ideal para roupas casuais e do dia a dia. São abordagens diferentes, cada uma trazendo seu próprio toque especial para a moda”, finaliza Beatriz Barhouch.

Roma forward Mattias Soule has opened up about his relationship with Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri during their time together at Juventus. Soule admitted that while Allegri gives freedom in attacking areas, he reacts strongly to tactical mistakes. The attacker also shared an anecdote in which Allegri, as a disciplinary measure, insisted that he cut his long hair.

Soule's experience with Allegri

Soule made his senior debut at Juventus under Allegri in 2021 but was unable to break into the coach's starting XI, making 21 appearances under him across three seasons before he was loaned to Frosinone. He has since left to join Serie A rivals Roma, but reflected on his time with the current AC Milan boss with an interesting anecdote.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSoule's words on Allegri

In an interview with , Soule recalled an anecdote where Allegri disciplined him by asking him to cut his hair after he had dyed it blonde, saying: “At Juventus I had grown my hair long and dyed it blonde. The next day he told me I had to cut it or I might not show up again. I was little, and as soon as training was over, I immediately ran to the barber.”

Soule also remembered how strongly Allegri reacted to tactical mistakes, adding: “Allegri always kept me in mind, even though I didn't play much. He gives you complete freedom in attack, but if you make tactical mistakes, he goes crazy. Di Francesco and Gasperini are similar; they pay maximum attention to defence.”

Words of gratitude for Ranieni

Soule joined Roma from Juventus in 2024. While he had a difficult start to his Roma career under Daniele De Rossi, he flourished under Claudio Ranieri, scoring five goals and providing five assists in the 2024-25 season. Ranieri was named caretaker manager and was the club’s third coach in the 2024-25 season following the sackings of De Rossi and Ivan Juric. Ranieri steadied a Roma side languishing in 16th place when he took over and guided them to fifth in the table by the end of the season before stepping down and moving into a role in the club’s management.

Soule praised Ranieri for instilling confidence in him after a poor start to the campaign, saying: “I feel a lot of confidence, which I started to feel with Ranieri. Thanks to him, I've regained my calm; it was crucial. He'd see me in training and when I had the ball at my feet, he'd say: 'Do another pass…' He took me aside and told me to keep it simple. He gave me peace of mind and confidence.

“Playing as a full-back has helped me understand different situations.”

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AFPSoule's upcoming challenge and Champions League

The 22-year-old will hope to maintain his red-hot start to the season and help Roma secure a top-four finish to qualify for the Champions League. Roma will host Inter on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash.

Former Arsenal academy chief Adries Jonker has claimed that he has the capability to work with Jose Mourinho. Having worked as a deputy to top coaches like Arsene Wenger, Louis Van Gaal and Jupp Heynckes, Jonker might be brought on board after the elections at Benfica if Martim Mayer, the presidential candidate, wins this year's vote.

• Jonker eyeing Mourinho partnership at Benfica

  After working in Arsenal and later on with Netherlands women's team, Jonker is aiming for a new role in football. Mayer, who will be fighting against current president Rui Costa and other candidates for the presidency, has announced the Dutchman's name as his choice to take on a background role after submitting his candidacy for the election, as he believes Jonker will be the right man to work alongside Mourinho and current general director of football Mario Branco. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What did Jonker say?

  Jonker has endorsed the idea, saying his history at the Arsenal academy alongside his experiences as an assistant at Bayern Munich and Barcelona show he can deal with a coach like Mourinho.

  "If I worked with Louis van Gaal, Arsene Wenger and Jupp Heynckes I can also work with Jose Mourinho. Benfica hasn't won enough in recent years, and if we look at Jose Mourinho's record, we see that he's been extremely successful. Therefore, what we need to do is support him. Let's hope he can win, become champion, win the Portuguese Cup, and perform well in European competitions," he said.

• Potential new Benfica supremo has faith on Jonker

  Jonker has a vast resume, boasting big clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern on his CV, as well as spells as a head coach at Wolfsburg and Willem II. At Bayern, he even worked as the interim manager after Van Gaal's departure. Mayer, whose fate depends on the elections on October 25, said: "They are coaches with different profiles, with different characteristics. We have to know how to adjust the team. This is the right person to work with Jose Mourinho and Mario Branco. What is behind us was part of another coach. And, therefore, that had to be left behind. [Jonker] is someone I'm sure will bring this project, this support to Benfica's football, which has been lacking. We can't just be behind the coach, just organised. We need more than that. Andries is that person who will bring a lot of value to the first team."

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  Can Jonker bring lost glory back to Benfica?

  A club that boasts of Eusebio's legacy, Benfica have never won a Champions League title after it was rebranded in 1992. The club, however, won it as the European Cup in two successive seasons back in 1960-61 and 1961-62. Their latest achievement, meanwhile, was the domestic Super Cup, and the most recent league title came in 2023. Jonker, aiming for an important role at the Lisbon-based outfit, will be expected to help bring back the glorious years at the club if he ultimately signs for them.

The left-arm spinner was reported by the match officials after the first ODI against India on January 10

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2025Ireland left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after her action was deemed to be illegal.Maguire, 18, was reported for a suspect bowling action during the first ODI against India in Rajkot on January 10, where she picked up 3 for 57 from eight overs.She subsequently got her action tested at the ICC-accredited testing centre in Loughborough on January 21, where it emerged that the amount of elbow extension in her bowling action exceeded the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations.”As a result, in accordance with clause 6.1 of the regulations, Aimee is immediately suspended from bowling in international cricket,” an ICC release said. “Her suspension will remain in effect until she undergoes a re-assessment of her bowling action which confirms that she can bowl with a legal action.”Maguire was initially named in Ireland’s squad for the recent Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia. Since the assessment window fell in the middle of the tournament, she had to be withdrawn.Maguire made her international debut in 2023. So far, she has played 11 ODIs and nine T20Is, taking 25 wickets in all with a best of 5 for 19 against England in an ODI last year.