Rio Ferdinand confirmed he will miss TNT Sports' coverage of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain after being hospitalised.
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Ferdinand to miss Arsenal clash with PSGFormer defender posted image from hospital bedWas part of punditry team for UCL matchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The former Manchester United and England international was scheduled to be part of the sports channel's show for the second leg of the semi-final tie in Paris. However, he posted a picture of himself from a hospital bed confirming he would not be there.
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He wrote on social media: "Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!! Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!"
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Ferdinand has not explained the reason behind his hospitalisation but his assurance that he will be watching the match in Paris from his hospital bed suggests he is in good spirits as fans wished him a speedy recovery.
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Arsenal trail PSG on aggregate after losing 1-0 on home soil last week, with Ousmane Dembele scoring the decisive goal. Mikel Arteta's men will have to pull off a comeback victory against a PSG team who have lost just three times at home this season – against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Nice in their most recent match. They are boosted by the fact that Dembele starts on the bench after injury.
Após a vitória sobre o Cuiabá, o Flamengo volta a campo no próximo domingo, para medir forças com o Atlético-MG, às 16h, pela décima terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Nesta sexta, o clube carioca anunciou que os ingressos destinados à torcida para o duelo estão esgotados.
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-Os ingressos destinados aos torcedores do Flamengo para a partida de domingo, contra o Atlético-MG, estão esgotados. Mais uma vez, obrigado – publicou o Flamengo nas redes sociais.
+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro
Vale ressaltar que o Atlético-MG liberou a carga de4.500 entradas destinadas à Nação, ao valor de R$ 86,00 (R$ 43,00 a meia-entrada). Os setores destinados aos rubro-negros serão o Amarelo Inferior e o Amarelo Superior (Portão B1).
Com um período de maus resultados, o Rubro-Negro passou por um período de turbulência, que culminou na demissão do português Paulo Sousa. Na segunda partida sob o comando de Dorival Júnior, a equipe reencontrou o caminho das vitórias diante do Cuiabá.
Nas próximas semanas, o Flamengo terá uma maratona de duelos contra o Galo. O primeiro acontece neste domingo pelo Brasileirão. Nas oitavas de finais da Copa do Brasil, os adversários se enfrentam dia 22, quarta-feira, também no Mineirão, e no dia 13 de julho, no Maracanã.
+Flamengo chega a acordo com Everton Cebolinha; atacante realizará exames nesta sexta
Com 15 pontos, o Flamengo busca se recuperar na tabela da competição. Atualmente, a equipe ocupa a décima colocação, a três pontos do Athletico-PR, que está na quarta colocação. Além disso, a equipe também tenta avançar na Copa do Brasil e avançar na temporada.
Os ingressos destinados aos torcedores do Flamengo para a partida de domingo, contra o Atlético-MG, estão esgotados. Mais uma vez, obrigado. #CRF #VamosFlamengo
Celtic are set to wave goodbye to one of their fan favourites this month with Kyogo Furuhashi reportedly closing in on a £10m move to Rennes.
The Japanese striker is poised to end his Parkhead career and try his luck in France, after a return of 85 goals in 165 matches for the club in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Jota is set to return to Celtic for a second spell. The Portuguese winger is on his way to Glasgow for a medical ahead of an £8m transfer from Rennes, with Celtic banking a £2m profit by, essentially, trading Kyogo for the ex-Benfica man.
Jota
He may not be the only forward to arrive at Paradise before the end of the January transfer window, though, as the Hoops are eyeing up another winger.
Celtic's interest in Premier League forward
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic are one of the clubs keen on a deal to sign Aston Villa forward Louie Barry before next month’s deadline.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The reporter claims that the Scottish giants have held talks with the Premier League side over a potential deal for the English youngster, but the Villans are ‘reluctant’ to cash in on him.
Joseph adds that they want to keep hold of the winger and loan him out for the second half of the season, amid interest from teams in England and abroad.
It remains to be seen whether or not Celtic are willing to take the 21-year-old dynamo on loan, rather than doing a permanent deal, but he could be an exciting addition if they manage to strike an agreement with Villa to sign him on a temporary basis.
Why Louie Barry would be an exciting addition
Barry would be an exciting signing for the Hoops because he could help Adam Idah, who is set to become the only recognised, senior, number nine in the squad, to shine in the second half of the campaign.
The Ireland international has found it difficult to be the main man for Celtic this season because Kyogo has been ahead of him in the pecking order more often than not, and he has only scored five goals in 20 Scottish Premiership matches.
24/25 season
Adam Idah
Kyogo Furuhashi
Appearances
20
22
Starts
10
15
Goals
5
10
Big chances created
6
1
Assists
0
3
Stats via Sofascore
However, as you can see in the table above, Idah has been incredibly unfortunate in the sense that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in the final third, with zero goals scored from the six ‘big chances’ that he has created.
This suggests that Celtic could help their summer signing from Norwich to thrive in the second half of the season by signing a winger who can make the most of the high-quality opportunities that his impressive link-up play in the centre-forward position creates.
Barry, whose composure was once hailed as “incredible” by Declan Rice, scored 15 goals and only missed six ‘big chances’ in League One for Stockport County on loan in the first half of the season, which shows that he is an efficient finisher who can score on a regular basis from out wide.
He'd be amazing with Jota: Celtic plot late move for "sensational" star
Celtic are looking to sign the striker as well as swooping to bring Jota back to Parkhead.
By
Dan Emery
Jan 24, 2025
Therefore, the Aston Villa youngster could help Idah to shine by making the most of the ‘big chances’ he creates, which could bring more attention to the Irishman’s creative quality and put him on the road to being the main man for the Hoops.
This season has been a rather brutal one for Tottenham Hotspur.
Yes, Ange Postecoglou’s side are still in three cup competitions, but following last night’s defeat in the North London derby, the Lilywhites find themselves down in 13th place in the Premier League, with a whopping 11 defeats from 21 games.
There were poor performances across the board from the Australian’s side, and while summer signing Dominic Solanke was undoubtedly trying his best to make something happen for the team, he was comfortably dealt with by the hosts.
Arsenal
Away
2-1 Loss
Newcastle
Home
2-1 Loss
Wolves
Home
2-2 Draw
Forest
Away
1-0 Loss
Liverpool
Home
6-3 Loss
The former Bournemouth star has been one of the few bright spots in Spurs’ campaign thus far, but his place in the team could soon be under threat, as recent reports have linked the club with another free-scoring number nine who may well be an upgrade.
Tottenham target sublime striker
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham will continue to target the French market this window, despite missing out on Randal Kolo Muani, and have already been offered the chance to sign LOSC Lille star Jonathan David.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that the Canadian’s agent has offered the forward out to clubs in recent times, including the Lilywhites, which could be an offer too tempting to pass up on.
A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but considering his contract is set to expire this summer, and he is therefore free to sign a deal with foreign clubs this month, we wouldn’t be surprised if he was available for even less than the £20m that was reported last summer.
LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David
Daniel Levy and Co might prefer to sign David for free in the summer, but given his sensational form over the last few years and the club’s need for attacking reinforcements now, it would undoubtedly be worth splashing the cash to bring him in this month, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Solanke.
How David compares to Solanke
So, if Spurs are proactive this month and opt to bring David to the club, it would likely be with the promise of regular football, should his performances warrant it, meaning he would be in direct competition with Solanke for a starting berth up top, but who’s the better striker?
Well, when it comes to their pure output this season, it’s a comprehensive victory for the Lille ace, who, in just 29 appearances, has found the back of the net on 17 occasions and provided six assists for good measure, meaning he’s currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.26 games.
In contrast, the former Cherries star has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in as many games, which equates to a still brilliant but nonetheless worse average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games.
It’s not just this season that the New York-born phenom has been the more prolific number nine either.
Indeed, last season he racked up a simply sensational haul of 26 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.34 games, and lends credence to podcast host and Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro’s claim that he’s “one of the best strikers in the world” and Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig’s description that he is a “mind-blowing” forward.
In comparison, the former Chelsea ace also had a great season on the south coast, but his tally of 21 goals and four assists in 42 games still comes out to a slightly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.
Appearances
47
42
Minutes
3615′
3553′
Goals
26
21
Assists
9
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.74
0.59
Minutes per Goal Involvement
103.28′
142.12′
Appearances
29
29
Minutes
2353′
2248′
Goals
17
11
Assists
6
6
Goal Involvements per Match
0.79
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
102.30′
132.23′
Finally, while the Lilywhites’ starting striker has the experience of playing in England, the Lille poacher has the experience of playing in the Champions League, racking up a tally of seven goals and one assist in 14 appearances in Europe’s top competition.
Ultimately, Spurs have a talented striker in Solanke, but based on the last few years, it’s apparent that David is the more accomplished goalscorer, and if the club have a chance to sign him this month, they have to take it.
Real Madrid want him: Spurs heading for Bale repeat with "future £100m" ace
Spurs cannot sell the incredible talent this month.
Even though he’s only been in the role for a number of months, the next couple of weeks are massive for Ruben Amorim in his tenure as Manchester United manager.
The 39-year-old took over in mid-November, aiming to improve the situation after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, but the Red Devils still find themselves in a tricky situation in the Premier League.
His side still sit in 13th place, already 14 points off a place in the division’s top four, with this month crucial if they are to turn around the recent slump of form over the past couple of weeks.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorim
The opening of the transfer window presents Amorim with the first opportunity for the new manager to make his own mark on the playing squad to push the side in the right direction.
One name has constantly been mentioned as an option to fill the void in a problem position, with real progress being made in recent days over a move for the talent.
Man Utd submit bid for January target
According to Italian outlet Solo Lecce, United are still targeting a move for left-back Patrick Dorgu despite having their first offer rejected for the youngster.
The Danish international wants a move to Old Trafford as per the report, with his agents pushing for a new approach from the Red Devils in order to get a deal over the line.
Patrick Dorgu scores for Denmark
Fabrizio Romano, now, reports that the Red Devils have submitted a new offer of £25m to sign the versatile defender, who has given the green light for the club to pursue a move.
The Italian journalist claims that a deal is now ‘on’ but it remains to be seen whether or not that fee will be enough to tempt the Serie A side to cash in on him.
Whilst it would be another big fee forked out on a new addition, it’s one that is desperately needed given the current situation on the left, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui often featuring in unnatural positions.
It could also allow them to land another version of a current star who’s starring in the first team in 2024/25, undoubtedly the shining light of what has been a disappointing season for the club.
Why Dorgu could be United’s next Amad Diallo
With a move for Dorgu certainly on the cards, it could allow for a problem position to be solved, whilst also pocketing themselves a huge talent who has the potential to improve further in the years ahead.
It could also see them land another version of Amad Diallo, who has certainly taken full advantage of the opportunity handed his away by Amorim in recent months.
The Ivorian was mainly an impact player under former boss Ten Hag, but has started the vast majority of games since the 39-year-old’s arrival, producing the goods on a consistent basis in the final third.
Amad has registered five goals and five assists since Amorim’s first outing against Ipswich Town, including a hat-trick against Southampton, earning himself a new long-term contract as a result.
He’s certainly shown glimpses of being a leading talent for the Red Devils for many years to come, with any transfers needing to build around him to allow the club to return to their former glory.
A deal for Dorgu could replicate such a move, with left-back following in suit of Diallo in moving to the Theatre of Dreams from an Italian side in the January transfer, with the Ivorian moving to United from Atalanta back in the winter window of 2021.
The Lecce star, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has starred in Serie A this campaign, registering three goals and one assist from his defensive role.
Patrick Dorgu stats for Lecce in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
20
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
78%
Duels won
7
Tackles won
1.2
Aerial duels won
1.6
Fouls won
2.7
Stats via FotMob
He’s also won a staggering seven duels per 90, along with 1.2 tackles, having the defensive qualities along with the attacking ones to star in a wing-back role within the 3-4-2-1 system.
Whilst time is ticking in the transfer window, it’s clear that United need to act quickly to complete a deal for the Danish star to avoid missing out on his services.
However, that being said, the £25m fee touted for his signature could be a phenomenal price for a young star who has the star quality to make him a regular start whilst also having the potential to improve and develop into a world-beater.
Instead of Garnacho: 6/10 Man Utd flop just showed why he must be sold
Man United survived a late scare against Rangers in the Europa League.
O Flamengo venceu a Universidad Católica nesta quinta-feira, por 3 a 2, em duelo suado e válido pela terceira rodada do Grupo H da Libertadores, onde o time do Paulo Sousa está com 100% de aproveitamento. O técnico comentou sobre as substituições feitas ao longo do segundo tempo, em que o Rubro-Negro sofreu uma considerável pressão dos chilenos, em Santiago.
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Paulo Sousa sacouGomes (no intervalo), Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique (na mesma janela, com 20 minutos da etapa final), Marinho, Pedro e Lázaro (na última janela de alterações, com 37’/2ºT). A fim de evitar polêmicas por ter tirado peças importantes, o Mister justificou caso a caso na coletiva:
João Gomes: “Em relação ao João e a todos os volantes, dentro do nosso jogo já uma necessidade física muito grande e uma necessidade de clareza mental no jogo. Não podemos esquecer que o João vem com muita minutagem acumulada a desgaste físico, e também com algumas queixas musculares, exatamente pelo volume de trabalho. A gente precisava de mais intensidade e frescor (na equipe), por isso tomamos a decisão por colocar o Andreas, que ultimamente vem tendo menos participações, para poder trazer mais intensidade. São posições que exigem muita intensidade e necessitam de frescor. Foi por isso que fizemos (a alteração).”
Everton Ribeiro: “Foi sobre tudo por opção física. O Everton tem vindo nos ajudar, tem vindo a recuperar, mas tem fortes dores musculares na panturrilha e está procurando recuperar para poder nos ajudar. Hoje foi um jogo difícil para ele, com muita pressão, muito jogo de costas, muita marcação.”
Arrascaeta: “O Arrascaeta teve uma contusão no músculo também, vim apresentando algumas dificuldades em termos de disponibilidade”.
Bruno Henrique: “Com o Bruno, a gente tinha pensado até mesmo em colocá-lo menos tempo do que ele jogou, pois a equipe precisa dele. Temos que seguir com cuidado com ele, para que ele fique o maior tempo possível a nível competitivo”.
Gabigol: “No final da partida, precisamos de alguém para ajudar no jogo aéreo e nas bolas paradas, como foi o Pedro, e que também desse alguma profundidade para fazer chegas as linhas mais próximas, de forma que a gente pudesse estar mais próximo da baliza do adversário do que da nossa baliza”.
> Fla 100%! Veja a tabela na Libertadores
Com a vitória em Santiago, o Flamengo segue com 100% de aproveitamento e tem a classificação encaminhada no Grupo H. O Rubro-Negro volta a campo, pela Libertadores, na próxima quarta, em Buenos Aires, contra o Talleres. No domingo, enfrenta o Altos, em Teresina, pela Copa do Brasil.
Glasgow Rangers won’t take many positives from their weekend draw at Easter Road, especially considering the Ibrox side led 2-0 and 3-2 at stages during the game, yet they still managed to draw 3-3.
Defensive issues ensure the Light Blues won’t win the Premiership title this season, as Robin Propper and Dujon Sterling struggled against Hibs on Sunday afternoon, failing to deal with the opposition in the final third.
Despite the dropped points in Edinburgh, one player stood out among the underperformers for the Gers – Hamza Igamane.
The striker has been one of the stories of the season for the club. Eyebrows were raised last summer when Philippe Clement spent £1.7m on the youngster, who joined from AS FAR in Morocco.
Fast-forward seven months down the line and Igamane is showing up plenty of the established first-team players at the club.
Hamza Igamane’s season in numbers
The 22-year-old arrived in Glasgow nursing a small injury which meant he took a few weeks to eventually make it into the senior squad for a match. His debut came at Parkhead during the final stages of a 3-0 defeat. Talk about a baptism of fire for the striker, who hadn’t played football outside of Africa before.
It didn’t take him long to make his mark, especially in Europe. Across the four matches between October and December, Igamane not only started twice, but he scored four goals and grabbed one assist.
Alongside his goals, the centre-forward has averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game, as well as averaging 1.5 shots per game and this has seen his confidence skyrocket.
Over the festive period, if it was not for Igamane, Rangers would certainly have slipped further behind Celtic. That’s a certainty.
The Ibrox side were trailing 2-0 against Motherwell during their last game of 2024 before the striker netted twice to ensure a point was secured.
Hamza Igamane
As mentioned, his three-goal salvo against Hibs over the weekend should have been enough for the club to gain all three points, but it wasn’t to be.
His displays recently have even attracted plenty of attention, as Igamane could perhaps be the next big thing to leave Ibrox for a major profit.
Indeed, Everton reportedly sent scouts to watch Rangers against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League just before Christmas and it surely won’t be long before a club submits an offer to test the Light Blues’ resolve.
Metric
Europa League
Premiership
Goals
4
7
Shots per game
1.5
2.6
Big chances created
0
4
Assists
1
0
Successful dribbles per game
1.3
1
Clement will be looking to add some more players to his squad between now and the end of the winter window. With defenders the obvious priority due to the injury issues plaguing the club, could the Belgian also make a move for a striker too?
One name has been linked, and he could be a dream rival for Igamane, no doubt about that.
Rangers could sign Igamane rival this month
Towards the end of 2024, South African publication SNL24 claimed that the Ibrox side were monitoring striker Iqraam Rayners ahead of making a potential move when the winter window opened.
“There has been an enquiry about Iqraam (Rayners) from Rangers of Scotland,” a source told SNL24. “I don’t think there has been an offer from them at this stage. What I know is they have shown interest and they continue monitoring him.”
Much will depend on what budget Clement has to play with this month and whether or not he may have to move on some deadwood in order to free up space in his squad.
Rayners is certainly a late bloomer, but if he did make the move to Glasgow, the 29-year-old could rival Igamane for the place in the starting XI, especially after a solid start to the season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Since moving to Mamelodi Sundowns last summer, the South African hitman has been on fire, scoring 13 goals across just 19 games in all competitions, which works out as a goal every 1.46 matches.
A strike rate like this wouldn’t go a miss at Ibrox, that’s for sure. The question is, could Rayners transfer the form he is showing in his homeland to Scotland should he secure his dream move this month?
His success throughout 2024 was praised by journalist Joshua Hendricks, who said: “Rayners has netted an impressive 23 goals across all competitions in 2024, outscoring every other top-flight player. This milestone marks his best scoring year yet, with 11 goals at Stellenbosch and 12 at Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Domestically, Rayners averages 1.7 shots per game, succeeds with 75% of his dribble attempts and has created one big chance. More importantly, perhaps, is his clinical nature in the opposition box.
Indeed, throughout the South African Premier Division season, Rayners has missed just one big chance, while his goal conversion rate currently stands at 40%, indicating how impressive he has been in front of goal this term.
At international level, the striker was also in fine form. Across ten games for South Africa during the calendar year, Rayners managed to find the back of the net on four occasions, including two in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations as South Africa went through the entire campaign undefeated.
Following Igamane’s success after making the move from Africa to Scotland in recent months, Clement will be hoping that Rayners could replicate this success should he secure a permanent move to Rangers.
If so, the Gers might just open up a new market which could see more players from Africa link up with the club shortly, going on to shine before leaving for a big profit.
The manager has both Igamane and Danilo to call upon, with the pair shining over the festive period, but Rayners would add some stiff competition.
The club need to make a signing sooner rather than later and diving back into the African market could see the Light Blues sign another gem.
Imagine him & Igamane: Rangers could land Hagi 2.0 in "incredible" star
Rangers will be looking to make a few signings this month…
Neymar and his girlfriend Bruna Biancardi showed they remain a happy family amid claims the Santos hero was seen partying with escorts.
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Neymar & Biancardi appear with daughter
Santos star said to have partied with escorts
Was reportedly confronted by his girlfriend
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 33-year-old was reported to have attended a party alongside around 20 escorts, raising claims he was unfaithful to Biancardi while she is pregnant with the couple's second child. Biancardi is said to have confronted Neymar after she received videos of him surrounded by women.
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Neymar's representatives have denied that the Brazil international was there and the player himself has responded with an Instagram post. The forward shared an image of himself, Biancardi and their daughter, Mavie, captioning the post with a heart emoji.
instagram/neymarjr
DID YOU KNOW?
Neymar is starring in his homeland since returning to his boyhood club Santos, having scored three goals in seven matches so far. However, a new injury has delayed his long-awaited return to the national team ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifying games against Colombia and Argentina.
Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will hope to make a quick recovery from his latest injury ahead of the start of the new Brazilian Serie A season.
Serie A giants Napoli and Antonio Conte are now planning a January bid for an “extraordinary” Arsenal player, who could well be tempted by a mid-season move.
Players linked with January exits from Arsenal
It has been a difficult start to the season for Mikel Arteta, who was tipped to guide the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 21 years.
Real Madrid now actively talking about signing Arsenal star in January
The Galacticos could make a mid-season swoop.
By
Emilio Galantini
Nov 12, 2024
Last week, Arsenal lost influential sporting director Edu Gaspar, who will no longer play a pivotal role in growing Arsenal as a club after announcing his departure. This comes amid their troubles on the field, with Arsenal failing to win a single league game since their 3-1 victory over Southampton in early October.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Nottingham Forest (home)
November 23
West Ham United (away)
November 30
Man United (home)
December 4
Fulham (away)
December 8
Everton (home)
December 14
The north Londoners are now nine points behind league leaders Liverpool as their chase for a first domestic crown in decades looks to be unravelling already, but despite this, there are still reports that Arteta could look to offload personnel in the winter.
Left-back Kieran Tierney is widely expected to depart Arsenal after falling out of favour under Arteta, with the Scotsman not playing for them since the club’s Community Shield win over Man City in 2023.
Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney.
Meanwhile, it is also believed that Arsenal have been contemplating the sale of Takehiro Tomiyasu in January. The £100,000-per-week Japan international has suffered from serious injury problems since pre-season, with Tomiyasu playing just six minutes all campaign due to a recurring knee issue.
“We don’t know that [how long he will be out for],” said Arteta on Tomiyasu last month.
“It doesn’t look like, hopefully, a long period, but we have to see when he comes back how he reacts to the load and to the impact on the pitch as well.
“But we really need him, he has been incredible, his work rate, the amount of hours he has put in to get back. He did it and he was in great shape – and now he has got something else again. But, we are all behind him. He needs our support, and hopefully he will be fine.”
As well as Tomiyasu and Tierney, there are suggestions that defender Jakub Kiwior is expected to depart N5 next year.
Napoli planning January bid to sign Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal
According to Italian news outlet TUTTOmercatoWEB, Napoli are thinking about making a loan bid for Kiwior in January as Conte’s side scour the market for new central defensive reinforcements.
They’re also admirers of Radu Dragusin from Tottenham, but Arsenal’s fringe defender could be far more attainable in their eyes due to the Poland international being further down Arteta’s pecking order.
The loan bid could include an option to buy or an obligation based on certain conditions, which would hand Kiwior the opportunity to make a permanent Serie A return in the summer, who has received high praise from international teammate Robert Lewandowski in the past.
“He has great potential,” said Lewandowski in 2022 when asked about Kiwior.
“During the warm-up of the game with the Netherlands, I thought: ‘Who is this guy?’ Then, during the match, I saw that he is extraordinary.”
Em sua primeira entrevista coletiva como técnico do Corinthians, Vítor Pereira deixou em aberto a possibilidade de trabalhar com um esquema com três zagueiros, algo que não é visto há um bom tempo no Timão.
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– Comigo é tudo possível. Posso pegar um 4-3-3, projetar só um lateral, e manter o outro lateral abaixo, abrindo o extremo do lado contrário, já não é um 4-3-3. Vamos imaginar que eu defronte uma equipe muito alargada. Eu peço a um dos extremos para fechar na linha de quatro. Já não é um 4-3-3, e sim uma linha de cinco, que passa 5-4-1. Os sistema são só um ponto de partida. Depois, podemos transformá-lo naquilo que pretendemos em termos defensivos ou ofensivos. O futebol está assim, não é mais aquele sistema rígido, de manter o sistema do início ao fim. Podemos transformar o sistema pela dinâmica que queremos no nosso jogo – disse Vítor Pereira.
Com espírito competitivo, o treinador lusitano disse que sua melhor versão é quando está em alerta. Ainda, avisou que por mais que o elenco corintiano seja composto por diversos vencedores, todos devem se provar nessa nova jornada.
– Quando começa a sentir conforto, deixa de estar em estado de alerta. Tenho que estar em alerta para ser a melhor versão de mim mesmo. Há expectativas em relação ao elenco, mas o elenco tem que provar. Tudo que ganharam, está no passado. Também no passado ganhei, mas agora quero provar que estou à altura de ganhar. É um desafio diário. Para provarmos, apesar de ganharmos muito, continuamos com vontade de ganhar. Esse é o espírito que espero – revelou.
> TABELA – Confira os jogos do Timão no Paulista e os simule
Questionado sobre quanto tempo o Timão vai demorar para estar jogando de acordo com suas características, Vítor Pereira colocou dois fatores que podem acelerar ou atrasar esse processo.
-Isso depende de dois fatores. Experiência do treinador. Um técnico mais experiente consegue direcionar o treino e consegue mudanças mais rapidamente. E depende da resposta dos jogadores. Não só a qualidade técnica, mas a cultura tática. A capacidade que temos em entender o jogo. Se tiver muita gente capaz de entender o jogo, o processo é mais rápido. Se tiver muita gente em aprendizagem, o processo é mais lento. É por ai que o tal bolo se cozinha mais depressa ou devagar – disse em referência a uma famosa fala do técnico Tite, sobre o processo de formação de uma equipe.
Por fim, Pereira se mostrou feliz em poder assistir in loco a vitória do Corinthians contra o Red Bull Bragantino, para poder avaliar ainda mais a equipe. Ele também revelou como sua comissão técnica costuma se preparar para a próxima partida.
– Foi bom para mim ver o jogo ao vivo, dessa dimensão, contra o Bragantino, boa equipe, organizada. Nossa dinâmica de trabalho é essa. Fazemos um vídeo compacto sobre o jogo anterior, com aquilo que fizemos bem, aquilo que fizemos menos bem, o que pretendemos melhorar. E é com base nesse vídeo que vamos trabalhar durante a semana. E aí começamos a colocar um bocadinho a estratégia para o próximo adversário – contou.
Caso apareça no BID da CBF até às 18h de sexta-feira, Vítor Pereira estará regularizado para estrear no comando do Corinthians diante do São Paulo, sábado (5), às 16h, no Morumbi, pela décima rodada do Paulistão.