Tag Futebol

Antonio Conte was given a damning insight into the mess into which he’s walked at Tottenham Hotspur as he took charge of his first match in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

Spurs got revenge on Vitesse by defeating them 3-2 in north London but it wasn’t without its scary moments. Five goals, three red cards. An absolutely chaotic second-half. And 90 minutes which epitomised their struggles.

Cristian Romero saw red for a second bookable offence which left the Italian in the lurch on the hour mark but he wasn’t the only player to let his new manager down on the night.

One of those was also his defensive partner Eric Dier, who will be a lucky man to keep his place under Conte in the coming weeks and months.

As the most central of the three defenders, the 27-year-old was present on the ball more than any other Lilywhites player, registering 82 touches, but he was a little off-par with his ball-playing, managing a passing accuracy of just 86%, which was slightly below his average in the Premier League.

However, more worryingly, he failed in his defensive duties, winning only two of his five duels (40%), whilst he was dribbled past once, committed one foul and lost possession ten times, as per SofaScore.

The Englishman was also partially at fault for Jacob Rasmussen’s goal as he was well beaten by the visiting centre-back inside the penalty area to make the game 3-1.

It’s easy to see why some supporters have often dubbed him a “liability.”

Dier’s dismal display was described as “unconvincing” by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick in his post-match ratings column. It’s also rather telling that Hugo Lloris received his fair share of plaudits as the Frenchman often bailed out his defenders with some fine saves throughout the game.

The £19.8m-rated colossus, who is reportedly earning around £85k-per-week in N17, won’t have impressed the 52-year-old too much as his and the team’s defensive frailties were put on full show against the fifth-placed side in the Eredivisie.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Conte: Paratici must now deliver Spurs this £58.5m-rated “elite talent”…

ScorecardA team of baggage handlers and bursars overwhelmed the romantics’ choice Afghanistan, beating them by five wickets thanks to a composed 81 from Nithin Gopal and an impressive all-round performance from their bowlers. Chasing 252, UAE lost a couple of quick wickets with 20 overs to spare, but were guided home safely by Saqib Ali’s 69. It was quite a comeback for a side that was rolled for just 79 last week. The defeat, however, does not eliminate Afghanistan from the Super Eights, though the World Cup dream is now more unlikely than ever.During Afghanistan’s staccato-like innings, Colin Wells, the former Sussex and England allrounder now coaching UAE, confidently told Cricinfo that his side would chase 250 or more without so much as breaking sweat. Given their performance against Denmark, against whom they smashed 379 for 6, this claim was far from outlandish. UAE again showed great confidence at the crease, and were particularly effective against the spinners. Wells’ preparations for this tournament amounted to just three weeks of honing his side of amateurs but, as they showed in the ICC Intercontinental Cup, his is a side brimming with raw talent.Their chase began horribly, however, when Amjad Javed – who carved 164 a few days ago – was bowled first ball by Shapoor Zadran, a towering left-armer who would be a handful in juicier conditions. Afghanistan’s confidence was short-lived, however, as Arshad Ali and Gopal combined in a match-seizing second-wicket stand of 117. Gopal impressed through the off-side, though both he and Ashad were gifted too many full-tosses which were confidently flicked through midwicket. On several occasions, deft nudges beat fine-leg who was too fine, too short, or too asleep.Afghanistan’s fielding was a disappointment, having excelled against Bermuda earlier in the competition, though Shafiqullah did pull off a slick pick-up-and-throw from mid-off to dismiss Ali. Gopal, too, fell when a hundred was there for the taking when Hamid Hassan – who Bermuda’s captain, Irvine Romaine, last week claimed was the quickest bowler in the tournament – had him caught behind. And there was further joy for Afghanistan when Khurram Khan chipped one back to Mohammad Nabi, leaving UAE needing 92 from 17 overs. Saqib was merciless on anything short, however, and hammered seven fours in his bristling knock, while Naeemuddin Aslam leant back and hammered a six to seal the win.In contrast Afghanistan’s batting lacked substance; Asghar Stanikzai’s patient 69 from 107 balls helped them survive two early blows, but only Nowroz Mangal’s 46 gave him meaningful support. UAE’s fielding was slick and alert, despite Wells’ irritation from the boundary edge, and Zahid Shah’s medium pacers earned him 4 for 59 from 10 overs in what was a tidy display by their attack.However, Afghanistan’s coach Kabir Khan was pleased with his side making the Super Eight stage. “This is a great achievement for us,” Kabir said. “We came from Division 5 and now we have left behind us one team that played in the last World Cup [Bermuda] and two sides that were in Division 2 [Denmark and Oman] as well as Uganda which qualified with us from Division 3 so we are delighted with the progress we are making. It’s a great moment.”Our first target was to get in the top eight. Now we have set our sights on the top six because that will bring ODI status for four years. Qualifying for the World Cup will be very difficult as we will have to win all four games probably but that dream is deep inside me. Anything can happen and we have not given up hope. We don’t know how to give up hope.”

Aston Villa announced the signing of former Chelsea youngster Declan Firth on Wednesday.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa took Firth on trial in September after he left the Blues in August. The 19-year-old has since impressed at Bodymoor Heath, making three appearances for the Under-23’s, registering two assists.

The wide midfielder also netted a hat-trick in a 6-2 win over Coventry Sphinx in the Birmingham Senior Cup for the Under-18’s, with academy Mark Delaney confirming he has now signed a professional contract with Villa.

Villa shared the news regarding Firth on their official website, however, they didn’t relay it on their official Twitter page.

Villa fans react

Unofficial page The Villa Academy did post the news on social media, which led to these fans giving their thoughts.

Here’s what some had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘tremendous’.

“finally!!!”

Credit: @12345charles

“Tremendous signature”

Credit: @amc89avfc

“Great move. Very impressed with him during his trial. Good work Villa.”

Credit: @Son_Lyme

“Fantastic news, that! Looked a really good addition in what I saw of his trial games. Hope he does well for us!”

Credit: @rad_nauseam

“Excellent news! Welcome Declan”

Credit: @AndyAVFCBaker

“This could be a fantastic signing”

Credit: @JUSTIN_AVFC_

In other news: Ashley Preece expecting Smith to make bold Villa call by starting ‘fantastic’ ace vs Wolves. 

سيكون نادي برشلونة على موعد مع مباريات هامة في شهر أغسطس 2022، حيث يخوض أولى مبارياته الرسمية في الليجا لموسم 2022/2023، كما يلعب مباراتين وديتين.

برشلونة خلال الموسم التحضيري، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد، خاض عدة مباريات ودية، حيث تعادل أولًا مع أولوت بهدفٍ لمثله، ثم انتصر على إنتر ميامي بستة أهداف مقابل لا شيء، كما فاز على ريال مدريد بهدف نظيف.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بالمواعيد | مباريات ريال مدريد في شهر أغسطس.. السوبر الأوروبي و3 مواجهات في الليجا

وتعادل برشلونة مع يوفنتوس الإيطالي بنتيجة 2-2، وأخيرًا فاز على ريد بولز الأمريكي بهدفين نظيفين.

برشلونة في شهر أغسطس القادم، سوف يخوض مباراتين وديتين، كما سيلعب ثلاث مباريات في الدوري الإسباني. مواعيد مباريات برشلونة في شهر أغسطس 2022

كأس خوان جامبر | الأحد 7 أغسطس 2022، برشلونة × بوماس 8:00 بتوقيت القاهرة.

الدوري الإسباني | السبت 13 أغسطس 2022، برشلونة × رايو فاليكانو 9:00 بتوقيت القاهرة.

الدوري الإسباني | الأحد 21 أغسطس 2022، ريال سوسيداد × برشلونة 10:00 بتوقيت القاهرة.

مباراة ودية  | الأربعاء 24 أغسطس 2022، برشلونة × مانشستر سيتي 9:00 بتوقيت القاهرة.

الدوري الإسباني | الأحد 28 أغسطس 2022، برشلونة × بلد الوليد 7:30 بتوقيت القاهرة.

ويُمكنكم مُتابعة جدول مباريات برشلونة محدث باستمرار، من خلال الضغط هُنا.

Manchester City were reportedly offered the chance to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid in the transfer window and he could’ve been a great addition to Pep Guardiola’s side.

According to the Daily Star, Atletico Madrid were keen to sign Bernardo Silva from the Citizens and offered Saul, as well as cash, to City in the hopes of signing him, but the deal was rejected by Guardiola.

The Spain international would instead complete a loan move to Chelsea, with the west London side holding an option to buy the midfielder for £30m should he impress during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Given that Bernardo Silva has struggled at times in the past two seasons and reportedly wanted to leave the Etihad this summer, it is perhaps a surprise that Guardiola rejected this deal, as Saul certainly would’ve been an impressive replacement for the former Monaco man.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

Despite being just 26, Saul has already made 340 appearances for Atletico Madrid’s first team, in which he has contributed 43 goals and 20 assists, predominantly from a central midfield position.

Although his performances dropped somewhat last season, the midfielder has been extremely consistent in La Liga in recent seasons, averaging above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored the between 2015/16 and 2019/20 seasons.

Despite his stylishness on the ball and obvious passing ability, WhoScored lists some of his main strengths as tackling, concentration and aerial duels, so he could’ve offered something similar to the likes of Rodri and Fernandinho in Guardiola’s side, which surely would’ve been appreciated by the Spanish manager.

Gary Neville was full of praise for Saul after he joined Chelsea, saying:

“Saul is just another excellent player. He’s got massive experience at the top of La Liga, massive experience in the Champions League and at international level.”

Therefore, it seems strange that City rejected this deal as it would’ve made a lot of sense, and they may well end up regretting it if Saul becomes a success with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

And, in other news… Sam Lee drops exciting update on Man City wonderkid

An update has emerged on Leicester City transfer target David Neres, regarding his future at Ajax.

What’s the talk?

Ajax chief Marc Overmars has admitted that Leicester City target Neres has a strong chance of leaving the Dutch club before the end of the transfer window.

The Foxes are reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian forward and Overmars has issued an interesting statement on his future. He told ESPN, via Leicester Mercury: 

“The chance that Neres will stay here is small.”

Excitement

These comments from Overmars are sure to leave Leicester fans excited as they leave the door wide open for a deal to be done in the next 36 hours or so.

Brendan Rodgers’ squad lacks depth in the wide areas and the arrival of Neres could provide serious competition at the top end of the pitch. Marc Albrighton, Harvey Barnes and Ayoze Perez are the club’s natural wide players, although James Maddison, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Patson Daka could be deployed there if required.

Albrighton, despite scoring against Norwich at the weekend, has not been able to consistently deliver goals and assists in recent seasons. The versatile veteran managed one goal in 31 Premier League appearances (17 starts) last season for the Foxes, having failed to score in 20 games in the previous campaign.

The arrival of Neres, if Leicester are now able to get a deal over the line, could allow Albrighton to take a backseat and be used as a dependable backup option. £24.3m-rated Neres, meanwhile, provided six goals and six assists for Ajax in all competitions last season.

This was after 10 goals and 10 assists in the 2019/20 campaign and 17 goals and 12 assists the year before that for the Dutch giants. Therefore, he has the potential to come in and provide an attacking threat from out wide with goals and assists.

At the age of 24, Neres is also a player with potential who could grow alongside Leicester as a club. Rodgers could take him in and coach him into becoming a top-class winger, which fans could enjoy seeing in the Premier League – alongside the other young players at the club like Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Wilfred Ndidi.

Supporters could be excited about Neres’ potential, along with the statistics he has already produced for Ajax. This is why the comments from Overmars will be music to their ears ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, but it is now down to Rodgers and co to get a deal over the line.

West Ham United fans are not happy with the news that they reportedly have £45m to spend during this final week of the transfer window.

The Hammers have made a fantastic start to the new season, winning both of their two Premier League games and scoring four goals in each (whufc.com).

So far, they have made just one new signing in goalkeeper Alphonse Areola though – not including the permanent capture of Craig Dawson – and if they want to remain competitive throughout the rest of the season, including in the Europa League, they will surely need to bring in some more fresh faces.

According to Jim White on talkSPORT (via shinawins.com), the Hammers have £45m to spend before the transfer window comes to a close. That number was previously said to be at £75m, and the Irons have certainly left it late to get their business done – all of which has not pleased the West Ham supporters.

The news was shared on Twitter by @central_louis, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the news below

“So it went from around £80m down to £45m by the end of the window…..”

Credit: @Joshua_Mbu

“Great tell everyone prices just go up”

Credit: @Jinglis01492553

“45m = £10 and a half eaten pack of monster munch using the Sullivan & Gold calculator.”

Credit: @northwesthammer

“only saying it bc when we dont sign anyone they’ll say we gave moyes 45 mil but he didnt spend it so blame is shifted”

Credit: @JoeMammaWestHam

“£45m is embarrassing! Although there are some bargains about, that his won’t cover bringing in enough squad depth and quality. The board should be ashamed of themselves for not backing and helping Moyes out”

Credit: @joegreene2

“What happened to the 75m”

Credit: @Callumfitzer_

In other news, West Ham fans want to sign this central defender.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke, following news that the 19-year-old has signed a new four year deal at the Philips Stadium.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye talent as 2021/22 gets well underway

Starting off 2021/22 strongly, Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to sell talented players a vision that will entice them to come to North London with a view to winning trophies during their time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Working intelligently from a recruitment perspective, the Portuguese coach has managed to acquire three additions in the form of Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero [Transfermarkt], as well as keeping hold of talisman Harry Kane.

Despite this, one man who looks unlikely to move to Tottenham this summer following developments on Wednesday is former starlet Madueke.

The Latest: Tottenham face huge Madueke blow

Putting an end to speculation surrounding his future, youngster Madueke has signed a deal that will keep him at PSV until the summer of 2025, via the Dutch outfit’s official website.

Interest is said to have been rife in the Englishman this window, with Manchester United, Leicester City, Bayern Munich and Juventus believed to have been circling for his signature, while Tottenham have been constantly linked with a move to bring their former academy product back to north London.

Now, the door looks to have closed on a potential swoop for the time being.

The Verdict: Losing out on Madueke is bitterly disappointing for THFC hierarchy

Possessing an offensive threat that has seen him become one of the most talented young players in the Eredivisie, the Spurs hierarchy will be bitterly disappointed that he has chosen to carry on his development there.

The 19 year-old winger has started the new term in lightning fashion, registering seven goal contributions in nine fixtures so far; six goals and a solitary assist [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, the 5 foot 9 ace has been a thorn in the side of opposition defences, managing to record a remarkable average of 3.5 shots per game in the Eredivisie so far [WhoScored].

Once likened to Phil Foden by former England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd, Spurs could have done a lot worse than to shell out big money to acquire the prodigious winger this window [Daily Mail].

In other news, a Premier League side are interested in a Spurs midfielder. Find out who here.

International news agency Reuters has suspended coverage of Australia’s series in India as a result of what it called unacceptable conditions imposed by the BCCI

Cricinfo staff09-Oct-2008International news agency Reuters has suspended coverage of Australia’s series in India as a result of what it has called “unacceptable” conditions imposed by the Indian board.”The terms that journalists must sign before being given match accreditation include a bar on distributing photographs to cricket website portals which Reuters say is unacceptable,” a statement on the company’s website said. “Behind the dispute lies growing media concern that sporting bodies’ increasing determination to maximise commercial benefit from their events is restricting press freedom to cover them and distribute their images and news as they see fit.”It continued that it would also refuse to cover matches in Australia unless Cricket Australia relaxed accreditation terms for games there, echoing a dispute that led to a partial blackout of the Brisbane Test in 2007-08. Other agencies are believed to be taking a similar stance with CA.In India, Agence France Presse (AFP) said it was covering the series for the moment. “We are taking it day by day,” Giles Hewitt, the agency’s Delhi bureau chief, told Cricinfo. “As of now we are covering the first Test, and have been in touch with the BCCI.””This [BCCI] decision compromises our ability to report independently and objectively in these countries, and comes at the expense of global fans and sponsors,” Christoph Pleitgen, global head of news agency for Thomson Reuters, said. “We would like to resume our timely, premium coverage as quickly as possible, pending a solution to the current situation.”Freedom of the press and protecting the news interests and coverage rights of our global clients are at the core of both our business and Reuters editorial principles, and these must be upheld.””Sport needs the media and the media needs sport,” a spokesman for CA said. “It’s part of a global debate. We are working our way through this and I think we are pretty close [to an agreement] but to date Reuters has not applied for accreditation for the summer.”The BCCI, Reuters said, will issue a statement on Friday.

Southampton were linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Japhet Tanganga in January, and with the defender now reportedly available on loan, Ralph Hasenhuttl should bring him to St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are keen to loan out the 22-year-old, with both Southampton and Burnley having shown an interest in him previously, which suggests that those on the Saints board will be keeping a close eye on his situation with the north London club.

The report suggests that while Galatasaray have made a loan approach for the Spurs academy graduate, he would prefer a loan move to a Premier League club, which certainly opens the door to a switch to St Mary’s.

Southampton have enjoyed success in loaning players from Spurs in the past, as Kyle Walker-Peters established himself as a regular in Hasenhuttl’s side during his loan spell at the club in the 2019/20 season, which convinced the Austrian to make the defender’s move permanent last summer.

Would Tanganga be a good signing?

Although Tanganga cannot boast much top-flight experience, with just 12 Premier League appearances to his name, he could be a solid backup option for Hasenhuttl to have in defence next season.

The Englishman has featured at centre-back, right-back and left-back in his senior career thus far, so he could comfortably cover for Walker-Peters and new signing Romain Perraud in the full-back positions, an area where Southampton desperately need to add some depth ahead of the new season.

He would also arguably be an upgrade on current backup options Yan Valery and Moussa Djenepo, considering that the Frenchman struggled for game-time on loan at Birmingham City last term whilst the Malian winger is far from a natural at left-back but has been forced to feature there in pre-season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, now that the “amazing” Tanganga is seemingly available for loan, Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing him to Southampton this summer.

In other news… Hasenhuttl dealt potential blow with “outstanding” Saints beast