USMNT star Christian Pulisic has been told he will have “a lot of suitors” if a transfer away from AC Milan has to be considered in the next window.
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A huge issue was created out of one word, argues Pakistan captain
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Feb-2019Sarfaraz Ahmed is unhappy that his on-field remarks to Andile Phehlukwayo were turned into “a bigger deal than it was”. Addressing the press for the first time since returning to Pakistan after the ICC imposed a four-match ban on him, Sarfaraz claimed that Phehlukwayo had not considered his remarks racist, and was more offended at what he initially perceived as a comment about his mother.”When I went to say sorry to Andile for using the word [, meaning ‘black’], he was more offended by my reference to his mother, saying I had used inappropriate language about her,” Sarfaraz said in Karachi. “In the media, the word ‘black’ was highlighted to suggest that I had said a racist thing, but I explained the context to him.”I’m sitting here as Pakistan captain – and for that matter any player playing for Pakistan – thanks to the prayers of their mothers. So I explained I used the world black, which I apologise for, but I insisted I had not said anything offensive about his mother.ALSO READ: ‘Bureaucracy over common sense’ Mani lashes out at Sarfaraz’s ban”Then we gave him an example from our Islamic tradition, and their team manager [Mohammed] Moosajee [also a Muslim] agreed with what I was saying. So the whole controversy was created by the word, and if people had looked at the context, there was nothing in it. It was just that word, and as you know in our society, it sometimes gets inadvertently used. So yes, I made a mistake, and that was that.”I just want to make it clear that a huge issue was created out of one word. I never wanted to say something racist to him or taunt him in that way.”The incident in question took place during the 37th over of South Africa’s chase in the second ODI in Durban. Sarfaraz was clearly heard on the stump mic telling Phehlukwayo in Urdu: “?”Literally translated, that means: “Hey, black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?”
If I had come back with the team and got just three days here before going for the PSL, that would have been very hectic. So getting the rest instead was much betterSARFARAZ AHMED
Phehlukwayo had indeed enjoyed some good fortune after having arrived at the crease with South Africa in the mire at 80 for 5. He went on to remain unbeaten on 69, helping South Africa win the game and taking home the Man-of-the-Match award. Sarfaraz issued an apology on Twitter soon after, addressing no one in particular but “to any person who may have taken offence from my expression of frustration”.The ICC then launched an investigation into the remark, even as Sarfaraz met Phehlukwayo in person, posting a photograph of the pair shaking hands and thanking the South African for “graciously accepting” his apology.ALSO READ: How to apologise: a primer for cricketersHe was, however, banned for the last two ODIs of the series, which South Africa went on to win 3-2, and the first two matches of the subsequent T20I series.Shoaib Malik has since been installed as the stand-in captain, and with increasing speculation about Pakistan’s captain at the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board has had to clarify that it would be appointing captains on a “series-by-series basis” – perhaps not the ringing endorsement the captain of two years expected.Sarfaraz, however, said there was no rift between him and Malik, and the players were happy with whoever the captain was.”There is no truth to the claim people who play under Shoaib bhai don’t want to play under me. All the boys are very good and support each other. I don’t think there’s anything about that,” he said.”I’m hopeful and expectant of a comeback. I came back because I had a four-match ban, and there was just one more match after that. So travelling with the team all that while and not playing, what with me having been away from home for five months, was very hectic. If I had come back with the team and got just three days here before going for the PSL [Pakistan Super League], that would have been very hectic. So getting the rest instead was much better.”Asked for his reaction on the PCB expressing disappointment at his ban and saying that it would pursue the matter with the ICC “with the objective to bring reforms to the code”, Sarfaraz chose not to be drawn into the discussion. “The PCB knows what stance to best take. I had made a mistake and so I admitted to it,” he said.
أشاد أحمد سامي، المدير الفني لفريق سموحة بلاعبيه بعد الفوز على الإسماعيلي، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وحقق سموحة، الفوز على الإسماعيلي، بهدفين مقابل لا شيء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأخيرة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وقال أحمد سامي في مداخلة مع برنامج “الهدف” على قناة “أون تايم سبورتس 2”: “في آخر المباريات نلعب بالشباب، وبالنسبة لنا نقاط اليوم كانت هامة وأشكر اللاعبين على الموسم القوي الذي قدموه، والحمد لله وصلنا للمركز الرابع، كنت أقول للاعبين لا بد أن تعملوا لأنفسكم هيبة والأندية تعمل حساب لكم”.
طالع..لاعب الزمالك الأسبق: عبد المنعم يستحق الاحتراف في دوري أقوى من الفرنسي
وتابع: “عقدي ممتد للموسم المُقبل، وبدأت أحدد احتياجاتي، وللأسف بسبب الظروف المالية نعتمد على الاستعارات القابلة للتطوير، ونراهن على ذكاء اللاعب ونحاول معه على قدر المستطاع”.
وتطرق في حديثه عن محمد عبد المنعم لاعب الأهلي، وقال: “كيف طورت من أدائه عندما دربته؟ خلال فترة فايلر جاء سموحة وفرج عامر رئيس النادي قال لي ما رأيك بعد أن تدرب معي 4 تدريبات، قلت له سيكون أفضل مدافع في مصر، كان لاعب جيدًا لكن كان عنده مشكلات تكتيكية لها علاقة بوقفته في الملعب، وخلال سنتين تطور، وعاد للأهلي ولكن فوجئت أن موسيماني لم يكن يريده، ورحل مرة أخرى، وبعدها انضم للمنتخب مع كيروش والأهلي قطع إعارته وأعاده”.
وأضاف: “المدربون المصريون جيدون جدًا، والأجانب ليسوا أفضل منا، المدربون المصريون يتطورون مثل مدربي أوروبا، ولا نحتاج إلى قضاء معايشة (عشان الناس تروح تتصور وترجع، احنا مش ناقصنا حاجة عشان نروح بره نتفرج على التدريبات)، المعايشة هي أن تحضر محاضرات المدربين وتتناقش معهم في أفكارهم”.
وأكمل: “لا بد أن يتم معاملة المدرب المصري مثل الأجنبي، ويكون له عقد وشرط جزائي، يجب أن تكون هناك هيبة للمدرب المصري مثلما يفعل المغرب مع المدربين هناك”.
وواصل: “ماذا عن رحيل حسام حسن لـ الزمالك؟ اللاعب قال شرف لي اللعب للأبيض وطبيعي يقول ذلك، لأن الزمالك نادي كبير، لكن لا يوجد عرض رسمي، ولا توجد لدي نية لخروجه الموسم القادم”.
وأتم: “أحمد عبد القادر ومصطفى فتحي تطورا بشكل تكتيكي كبير مع سموحة خلال فترة الإعارة، عبد القادر ميزته في الضغط في الهجوم المعاكس، وأنا ضد خروجه للإعارة، وقلت للاعب ذلك لأنني كنت أتمنى أن يلعب في دوري قوي”.
Chelsea have made contact to enquire about a deal to bring an exciting teenager to the Premier League, according to a reliable reporter.
Chelsea transfer targets
The Blues are mostly looking to strengthen their goalkeeping and attacking departments during the upcoming window, with reports suggesting that the board are preparing an offer for Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and are interested in a move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.
While Todd Boehly and Mauricio Pochettino are considering their options as to who they could sign to strengthen the team in the here and now, they will also have an eye on if there are any available youngsters out there as they look to build a squad for the long-term future of the club.
Chelsea chiefs set sights on club's "vital" star after Mourinho message
The Blues are chasing a new defender.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 16, 2023
River Plate’s attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri has emerged as a potential target, with the 17-year-old attacking midfielder having worked his way up through his outfit’s various youth ranks to eventually get promoted to their senior first-team (Transfermarkt – Echeverri statistics).
Argentina’s youth international is set to reach the expiration of his deal in December 2024 (River Plate contracts), and with the teenager having been nicknamed the next Lionel Messi, he’s caught the attention of the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plotting swoop for Echeverri
Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Chelsea are interested in Echeverri and have already approached River Plate to make their admiration known, although they are set to face stiff competition from two other clubs who are also keen to secure his services.
“Understand both Chelsea and Man City have made contact to be informed on Claudio Echeverri situation. Barcelona remain keen but structure of the deal makes it complicated with Financial Fair Play. Release clause: €25m (£21m), up to €30m (£25m) in the final days of the market.”
Echeverri is a "crazy talent"
Across all competitions for Argentina’s U17s, Echeverri has posted a remarkable 18 contributions (13 goals and five assists) from 22 appearances, showing how prolific he can be in the final third, but he’s also able to dictate the game with the ball at his feet.
The Resistencia native is currently recording a 91.1% pass success rate in the league, highlighting how calm and composed he can be in possession, not to mention how much this helps when linking up the play with his fellow teammates in the attacking areas of the pitch (WhoScored – Echeverri statistics).
Sponsored by Adidas, Pochettino’s target already knows what it takes to compete and be successful having been crowned Argentinian Champion with River Plate, alongside being named the U17s South American Championship top goalscorer individually.
For all of the positive qualities that he possesses at such a young age, Jacek Kulig, who is a football talent scout, has hailed Echeverri a “crazy talent”, and with the bags of potential that he has to offer, he could be a fantastic recruit in years to come for Chelsea.
Gary O’Neil will be left to rue Wolverhampton Wanderers’ consistency problems after their 3-2 defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.
Having secured wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur already this term, a meeting with the Cottagers looked like the perfect chance to continue their good form, but they failed to impress.
There were several players who didn’t play well at all, with Nelson Semedo being the main culprit for the Old Gold.
The Portuguese right-back was utilised slightly further forward against Fulham by O’Neil, operating on the right of a five-man midfield.
The experiment didn’t quite have the results the 40-year-old was anticipating, however, as Semedo completed just 61% of his passes along with winning only one of his five total duels contested and losing possession a staggering 19 times during the encounter.
The defender has featured in all but one of Wolves’ 13 Premier League matches this season, yet following the dismal performance on Monday evening, O’Neil may have to go back to the drawing board.
Overall, it was a display which deserved to secure at least a point on the board, but it wasn’t just Semedo who failed to impress…
The midfielder has played in 12 of the 13 top-flight matches this season for the Molineux outfit, scoring twice in the process, and his experience at the heart of the midfield has been vital.
Against Fulham, however, he wasn’t quite at the races. The 30-year-old took just 49 touches during the encounter and when he had it, he completed just 76% of his attempted passes (29 out of 38) proving to be lackadaisical with the ball.
He did make one key pass and take two shots during the tie, indicating that he tried to make things happen in an attacking sense, but his performance on the ball from a defensive viewpoint wasn’t great.
The midfielder contested a total of ten duels, yet won just three and he also lost possession 15 times during the tie, meaning Lemina lost possession once for every 3.2 touches of the ball, a shocking statistic.
The Wolves man was given a rating of just 5/10 for his display by TNT Sports and this just about sums up his performance in a game in which Wolves had an excellent chance of winning.
The Old Gold will now take on Arsenal at the Emirates and, given the fact they have taken points from City, Spurs and Newcastle United this season, they could spring another surprise in London on the weekend.
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If they are to secure anything from the game, however, O’Neil must be ready to make a few changes along the way and Semedo should be the first person to drop out of the team.
Lemina may well be given another chance due to his previous solid displays in the top flight, yet he was careless in possession and when he did have the ball, didn’t seem to do much right either.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentaryOshane Thomas tore England’s house down, leaving Chris Gayle to build his castle on the demolition site and enjoy the view – king of a drawn series as West Indies won the fifth and final ODI by seven wickets with 227 balls to spare in St Lucia.England’s total of 113 was their lowest in ODIs against West Indies and the defeat was their worst in terms of balls remaining in ODI history. So comprehensive was the defeat, West Indies wrapped things up before the the lunch break normally scheduled between innings.The match was astonishing but, in the context of a series in which every match has been full of record-breaking moments and breath-taking performances, it was another jaw-dropping installment of a contest which ended level at 2-2 after the third fixture, in Grenada, was a washout.Thomas took 5 for 21 in 5.1 overs – his maiden ODI five-for – to be named Man of the Match, claiming four of his wickets as England lost 5 for 2 in 21 balls to end an innings which lasted just 28.1 overs.Gayle looked like single-handedly overhauling the target, smashing 77 off just 27 deliveries, pummeling Chris Woakes and Mark Wood for a total of nine sixes and five fours along the way.Woakes looked to have Gayle out for 31 to a top edge caught at fine leg, but Gayle stood his ground and the delivery was ruled a no-ball by the third umpire for being too high, much to England’s indignation. Gayle proceeded to smack Woakes’s next delivery for a gigantic six which landed atop the pavilion roof.Gayle reached his half-century off just 19 balls, the fastest ODI fifty by a West Indies batsman, beating the 20-ball mark achieved twice by Darren Sammy and poetically broken by Gayle at the ground bearing Sammy’s name.By the time Gayle was out, bowled by a Wood offcutter, West Indies’ work was done at 93 for 2, the winning runs coming from a boundary by Shimron Hetmyer off Tom Curran’s first and only ball of the match, the chase lasting just 12.1 overs.Gayle, who announced before the first ODI in Barbados that he would retire from one-day cricket after this year’s World Cup, amassed 424 runs to be named Player of the Series, adding knocks of 162, 50 and 135 to his latest innings of 77 and hitting a total of 39 sixes to thrill all who watched him.It was the bowlers, however, who set things up. Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite added two wickets apiece to Thomas’s five-for to give West Indies their best imaginable chance of drawing the series.Sheldon Cottrell struck during his second over – the third of the match – with a full inswinger that found Jonny Bairstow’s inside edge and sent leg stump cartwheeling. Cottrell did not have to do much to play a part again when Joe Root sent a Holder delivery straight down his throat at third man.When Brathwaite had Alex Hales out nicking to wicketkeeper Shai Hope, England still looked to be in good hands with Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan, whose century in the fourth ODI was overshadowed by Jos Buttler’s towering 150 off 77 balls, still at the crease. But, with Morgan, Stokes and Moeen Ali all falling cheaply, the tourists were in deep trouble, even with Buttler’s wicket intact.Woakes’ starring role with the bat in Antigua in 2017 was not to be reprised. He struggled to settle and skied the ball to Holder at midwicket for a duck, giving Thomas his third wicket for the match. Two balls later, Thomas removed danger man Buttler with a short, 142kph ball top-edged to Cottrell at deep fine leg for just 23.Holder had Adil Rashid out caught behind and Thomas’s ball to knock over Curran’s stumps and complete his five-for was a beauty.England’s innings could not have been more different to the run-fest of the fourth ODI in Grenada, where they scored 418 for 6. But West Indies showed what they were capable of, following their win in the second match with a gallant chase to reach a total of 389 in the third.
Newcastle United are now ready to make an offer to sign an "extraordinary" player in the near future, according to a new transfer update.
Newcastle could sign new attacker
Eddie Howe's side have not been without their problems this season, with constant injury problems threatening to derail their campaign at times.
Newcastle are already out of the Champions League after failing to get past the group stage, and they didn't even go into the Europa League play-offs as a result of their 4th-placed finish.
Meanwhile, they lost on penalties to Chelsea in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night and have plenty of work to do to repeat last season's fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
However, the January transfer window will afford Howe the opportunity to make new signings, and it could be that they will target a new attacking player.
Both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have found themselves in and out of the team through injury this season, and added firepower could potentially make a big difference between now and the end of the campaign.
VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with the 27-year-old enjoying a stunning season that has seen him score 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances, 12 of which have been starts.
It looks as though the Magpies could be eyeing another attacking player, however, following a new report that has emerged regarding their possible January transfer business.
Newcastle want Joshua Zirkzee
According to Milan Web [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are keen on signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the Magpies willing to battle AC Milan for his signature.
The report claims that they are "ready to put" as much as €50m (£43.3m) on the table for the 22-year-old forward, and PIF would "guarantee a mega salary" for him, which could turn his head.
Zirkzee is a hugely exciting player who is impressing so much for Bologna at the moment, so the idea of him in a Newcastle shirt is mouthwatering. This season, the Dutchman has scored seven times and registered two assists in 15 Serie A starts, while Bologna coach Thiago Motta recently lauded him after a goalscoring performance against Sassuolo, saying:
"It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it."
Bringing in Zirkzee could make such a difference to Newcastle's attack in the coming months, and with Wilson now 31 years of age, he could even be viewed as a long-term partner for Isak, not to mention someone who can provide stiff competition should Howe only play one striker in some games.
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At 22, he would be a long-term signing rather than a quick fix, and his 6 foot 4 stature makes him an imposing striker, but who is also strong technically, with WhoScored picking out dribbling and passing as two of the Magpies transfer target's main strengths.
Liverpool secured all three points in a thrilling match at Anfield as they came out on top against Fulham in a 4-3 Premier League victory on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's side were pegged back twice and then trailed heading into the final minutes of the match before a quickfire double meant they won a crazy game on Merseyside.
It was far from a perfect performance by the Reds, though, the head coach may be left frustrated by how his side found themselves behind heading into the final five minutes.
Alisson's injury presented Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher with an opportunity to impress but he failed to grasp his chance with a poor performance between the sticks.
Kelleher's performance against Fulham in numbers
The Irish shot-stopper endured a difficult afternoon at Anfield as he conceded from three of the five shots that came against his goal from Fulham.
He let in 1.22 more goals than the xG (Expected Goals) value of the efforts against him suggested that the number two should have, which illustrates how much the 25-year-old underperformed.
The first equalising goal from Harry Wilson beat Kelleher far too easily at his near post and the second for Fulham, from Kenny Tete, was a huge howler as the goalkeeper came off his line to collect the ball and somehow managed to bundle it backwards and into his own net.
Liverpool's defenders did not cover themselves in glory for Bobby Decordova-Reid's goal to make it 3-2 but Kelleher appeared to position himself well and then turned and missed the header that came in his direction.
It was a woeful showing from Liverpool's stand-in shot-stopper but he was not the only one in a Red shirt who almost cost the side as Darwin Nunez also struggled through the middle of the pitch.
Darwin Nunez's performance against Fulham in numbers
The Uruguay international has made a worrying habit of missing huge opportunities in front of goal since his move from Benfica at the start of last season.
He squandered a staggering 20 'big chances' in 29 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign in English football and only found the back of the net nine times.
Nunez is now on course to beat that record as the former Liga Portugal star has already missed 13 'big chances' in 13 top-flight matches for the Reds this season, to go along with his four goals.
Two of those came on Sunday against the Cottagers as the centre-forward failed to make the most of the openings that his teammates provided him with, which – as aforementioned – has been a common theme throughout his Liverpool career so far.
Alongside his two 'big chances' missed, Nunez only completed 57% of his attempted passes and lost 60% (6/10) of his duels throughout the 90 minutes.
The 24-year-old forward lost possession 18 times and these statistics show that the ex-Benfica man was wasteful on the ball and did not do enough to help out his side, along with being a liability in the final third with his consistently poor finishing.
Luckily for him, goals from Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold ensured that Liverpool came away with all three points and his misses in front of goal did not prove to be costly on this occasion.
However, Klopp will be hoping that Nunez and Kelleher are far better next time out as there is no guarantee that the rest of the team will be able to bail them out every time.
Brazilian side Fluminense have confirmed Thiago Silva will join the club after he leaves Chelsea at the end of the season.
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Silva set to wave emotional goodbye to ChelseaWill re-join former club in BrazilPremier League clubs had been interestedWHAT HAPPENED?
Silva has rejected reported interest from Premier League clubs to return to former side Fluminense. The defender will leave west London after four years at the end of the season on a free transfer when his Blues deal expires. The 39-year-old will then head back to his homeland for another spell with Fluminense after signing a two-year contract with the Brazilian side.
AdvertisementGOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Silva will wave an emotional goodbye to Chelsea fans after the club's final game of the season against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on May 19. The Brazilian has become an iconic figure after winning the Champions League and making over 150 appearances during his time with the Blues. Silva has already admitted the club "mean a lot" to him and has vowed to return at some point in the future.
WHAT CHELSEA SAID
The club said in a statement: "Following four seasons with Chelsea, Thiago Silva will depart after our final game of the Premier League season against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and re-join Brazilian club Fluminense.
"Chelsea have agreed with Thiago that he can join up early with his new teammates after signing a two-year contract with the Brazilian club. Thiago will be allowed to train with Fluminense prior to his registration transferring on July 1.
"The 39-year-old will depart Stamford Bridge having made more than 150 appearances for the Blues and having lifted the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
"He has also forged a lasting bond with Blues supporters and was named the club’s Player of the Year at the end of the 2022/23 campaign."
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SILVA
Silva returned from injury last time out as Chelsea romped to a 5-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League. The Brazilian will hope to feature in the team's final games of the season against Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth as the Blues attempt to finish a poor season on a high and secure a place in next season's Europa League.
أوضح نادي مودرن سبورت، حقيقة أنباء غلق المفاوضات مع الأهلي والزمالك، بشأن انتقال لاعبين إلى القطبين خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية.
وشهدت الفترة الأخيرة، تردد أنباء حول غلق نادي مودرن سبورت أي مفاوضات مع جانب الأهلي والزمالك بشأن الحصول على خدمات لاعبيه.
وأكد مودرن سبورت أن الباب مفتوح للتفاوض مع جميع الأندية خاصة الأهلي والزمالك بخصوص أي لاعب.
طالع..والد أشرف داري يوضح لـ “بطولات” كواليس اقترابه من الأهلي
وأشار إلى أنهم يرحبوا بالمفاوضات ورحيل أي لاعب إلى القطبين، في حال لا يؤثر على الأداء الفني للفريق. بيان مودرن سبورت بشأن المفاوضات مع الأهلي والزمالك
“ينفي نادي مودرن سبورت برئاسة الدكتور وليد دعبس رئيس مجلس الإدارة صدور أى تصريحات مغلوطة متداولة على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي في محاولات دنيئة للوقيعة وبث التعصب بين أطراف في الرياضة المصرية.
ويؤكد الدكتور وليد دعبس على الاحترام الكامل لنادي الزمالك ومجلس إدارته المحترم وجماهيره العظيمة كقطب كبير في الكرة المصرية، وأن باب التفاوض والتعاون مفتوح دائماً وأبداً لجميع الأندية وعلى رأسها النادي الأهلي ونادي الزمالك مع المسئولين ومجالس الإدارة وما لهم من جماهير كبيرة ما لم يخالف ذلك الاحتياجات الفنية للفريق الأول.
كما يحرص النادي على التأكيد أن التصريحات الرسمية تتم عبر الأستاذ محمد الليثي المتحدث الرسمي للنادي أو الصفحات الرسمية على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، وأن أى محاولات للفبركة أو الادعاء بتصريحات غير ذلك سيتم التعامل معها بحزم واتخاذ المسار القانوني لمقاضاة تلك الأطراف المسيئة“.