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Newcastle United’s start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has been one of promise mixed with frustration.

Eddie Howe’s side opened with a cagey 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, a match in which they dominated large periods but lacked a cutting edge.

Their second fixture produced drama at St James’ Park.

Coming from 2-0 down against Liverpool, Newcastle looked set to have completed the comeback before Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute strike condemned them to a 3-2 defeat.

The pattern continued away at Leeds, another 0-0 stalemate where chances were few.

It wasn’t until the fourth game that Newcastle finally claimed three points, grinding out a laboured 1-0 home victory over Wolves.

That was followed by another goalless encounter, this time away at Bournemouth – a match that underlined both Howe’s tactical experiments and the team’s ongoing attacking malaise.

In those two goalless games against Leeds and Bournemouth, Howe trialled different variations of a back three.

Yet, the results suggest the system still requires tweaking, with Newcastle struggling for rhythm in possession and fluency in the final third.

Newcastle stifled by the system against Bournemouth

Against Bournemouth, Howe’s team took to the field in a 3-4-2-1, aiming to nullify the hosts’ high-pressing 4-2-3-1.

Nick Woltemade, the record signing, led the line.

The German forward showed neat touches and even had a penalty appeal waved away, but he still appeared to be adjusting to the physical demands of English football.

In midfield, Howe rotated heavily. Lewis Miley and Joe Willock replaced Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, but neither was able to stamp authority on proceedings.

Newcastle’s lack of thrust was reflected in the numbers: just 0.14 expected goals (xG) compared to Bournemouth’s 0.46.

Defensively, there were nervy moments.

Tino Livramento was caught at the back post, allowing David Brooks to score what looked like the opening goal before it was ruled out for offside.

Malick Thiaw also rode his luck, avoiding what could have been a second-half red card.

The raw statistics painted a bleak picture for Newcastle: 4 shots to Bournemouth’s 11 and 390 completed passes to the Cherries’ 498.

One positive came in the form of Lewis Hall, who looked composed on his return to the starting XI after a lengthy injury layoff.

The former Chelsea man provided balance on the left flank and showed glimpses of the technical security Newcastle have been missing in recent weeks. The same can’t be said of one of his teammates, however…

Bournemouth draw the latest example of Willock’s decline

Amid Newcastle’s struggles, the spotlight inevitably fell on Joe Willock.

The midfielder was handed his first league start of the season at Bournemouth, but his subdued display was another reminder of how far his career has drifted from the explosive start he made at St James’ Park.

Willock first arrived on loan from Arsenal in February 2021, tasked with helping Steve Bruce’s side escape relegation.

He wasted no time, scoring on his debut in a 3-2 win over Southampton before embarking on a remarkable run of goals in seven consecutive matches – equalling Alan Shearer’s long-standing record from 1996.

By the end of that season, Willock had eight goals in 14 games, second only to Callum Wilson despite arriving mid-season.

Bruce urged the board to make the move permanent, and in the summer, Newcastle obliged with a £25m deal.

Willock went on to contribute significantly in Howe’s first full campaign, helping Newcastle secure a fourth-place finish and a return to the Champions League.

But since then, injuries have derailed his progress.

Hamstring Injury

12 matches missed

Achilles Tendon Injury

18 matches missed

Achilles Tendon Injury

8 matches missed

Thigh Injury

2 matches missed

Muscle Injury

1 match missed

Calf Injury

2 matches missed

He missed 38 matches in 2023/24 and another seven last season, with one content creator on X remarking that the “explosive bursts of pace” once central to his game have all but disappeared.

The Bournemouth match showed the scale of his struggles.

In the 62 minutes before being replaced by Harvey Barnes, Willock registered no shots, 32 touches, and just 12 successful passes from 15 attempts (80%), as per Sofascore.

Defensively, he was combative, winning six of nine ground duels, but he lost both of his aerial contests and offered little drive going forward.

His match rating of 6.8 reflected an industrious but uninspiring performance.

For a player once hailed as Newcastle’s answer to Shearer in terms of clutch goalscoring, his trajectory has become symbolic of the team’s own attacking issues.

Howe will hope that minutes in the upcoming League Cup clash against Bradford can help Willock rediscover some rhythm, but at present, he looks far from the dynamic midfielder who carried Newcastle to safety just four years ago.

Fewer touches than Pope: 4/10 Newcastle flop is on borrowed time under Howe

This Newcastle United flop is now on borrowed time on Tyneside after struggling against AFC Bournemouth.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 22, 2025

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Diferentemente do que ocorria há alguns anos, o Palmeiras não deve gerar entretenimento ao futebol nacional nesta janela de transferências. Mesmo sendo um dos clubes mais saudáveis do país, a busca por reforços não é uma característica da dupla Leila Pereira e Anderson Barros, que prezam mais pela manutenção do grupo do que pelas novas adições. A filosofia deve se repetir no próximo mês, quando as saídas devem ser as protagonistas no clube.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Se o Verdão estiver disposto a trazer alguma peça para o elenco de Abel Ferreira, certamente os esforços estarão concentrados em um “camisa 5”, que vem sendo pedido desde o início do ano, quando Danilo foi vendido ao Nottingham Forest-ING. Um dos nomes cogitados era o de Allan, que acabou de ser negociado pelo Atlético-MG com o Flamengo. Já nomes como Walace, Matheus Henrique e Jean Lucas, que foram sondados anteriormente, não passam de especulações, por enquanto.

+ Até 50% OFF em produtos do Verdão para os torcedores fanáticos!

Lembrando que o tal “camisa 5” é um peça carente no grupo, tanto é que Zé Rafael tem sido improvisado no setor, uma vez que Jailson não emplacou e Fabinho ainda seria muito novo para carregar esse “piano”. No último jogo, diante do Bolívar-BOL, quando Zé estava machucado, Gabriel Menino foi quem atuou mais recuado, mesmo não sendo sua posição de origem. Leila Pereira deixou aberta a possibilidade de contratar pelo menos um jogador nesta janela e se ele vier, será para o meio-campo.

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Enquanto o mercado de entradas deve gerar pouco entretenimento, o de saídas promete agitar os bastidores palmeirenses. Além do temor sobre possíveis propostas para alguns titulares, como Raphael Veiga e Rony, certos reservas podem ter suas negociações facilitadas caso surjam ofertas. Um deles é Rafael Navarro, que já despertou interesse do Cruzeiro na última janela, e pode trocar de time caso o negócio seja bom para todas as partes. O atacante tem perdido espaço e não atua há cerca de um mês.

+ Que contratação! Em três meses de Palmeiras, Artur quase iguala número de gols feitos em 2022

Quem pode ter um destino fora do clube é Bruno Tabata, que acabou ficando fora da lista de relacionados diante do Bolívar-BOL. A ausência pode não significar nada, mas ele é outro que tem visto concorrentes ganharem espaço e desempenharem melhor no time. Como se trata de um atleta que não é titular, também pode ter sua saída facilita em caso de boa proposta. Leila já avisou que os titulares são intocáveis, mas não descartou outras saídas no elenco.

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Já quem pode começar a definir o futuro nesta janela é o trio Marcos Rocha, Marcelo Lomba e Jailson. Os três têm vínculo somente até dezembro de 2023 e já podem assinar pré-contrato com outros clubes. Rocha é aquele que tem a situação mais próxima de ser concretizada, uma vez que ele e os dirigentes do Verdão estão perto de renovar o contrato até 2024. Enquanto isso, o goleiro e o volante seguem com futuro incerto.

+ Abel Ferreira deixa aberta a possibilidade de poupar titulares do Palmeiras contra o Athletico-PR

Vale lembrar que o Palmeiras contratou apenas dois jogadores para esta temporada: Artur, do Bragantino, e Richardo Ríos, do Guarani. Enquanto isso, perdeu algumas peças em relação ao ano passado como Danilo, Wesley, Kuscevic, Gustavo Scarpa, Merentiel e Jorge.

يبدو أن أزمة مالية جديدة تلوح في الأفق أمام نادي الزمالك، مع أحد الأندية المغربية، بعد تعثره في سداد دفعات صفقة انتقال اللاعب عبد الحميد معالي.

وكشف نصر الدين كرطيط، رئيس نادي اتحاد طنجة، في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات، عن الخطوات القانونية التي يستعد ناديه لاتخاذها ضد الزمالك.

اقرأ أيضًا | سيد معوض: الزمالك تفاجأ بطموحه.. ولا يملك غير شيء واحد لمنافسة الأهلي

وقال كرطيط: “نحضر ملفًا بالكامل ضد الزمالك لتقديم شكوى أمام الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم بسبب تأخر سداد القسط الأول من صفقة عبد الحميد معالي وقدره 200 ألف دولار، وكانت هناك مهلة بالاتفاق مع الزمالك حتى 6 أكتوبر”.

وأضاف: “الزمالك تخلف عن الموعد بل ولم يتواصلوا معنا مرة أخرى بعد انتهاء المهلة المحددة”.

وتابع رئيس اتحاد طنجة: “نعرف جيدًا مشاكل هذا النادي مع الفرق الأخرى بسبب قيمة الصفقات التي لم تسدد، ولكننا هذه المرة سنتجه مباشرة نحو الفيفا”.

وأكمل: “اتحاد طنجة تعامل بحسن نية ومنح الزمالك الوقت الكاف من أجل السداد، لكن تجاهلهم الواضح يدفعنا لاتخاذ الخطوات القانونية اللازمة”.

وختم كرطيط تصريحاته مؤكدًا: “هذا الطريق الذي يسلكه الزمالك سيحرمه من القيد لفترات طويلة، ونحن لن نتنازل عن حقوقنا مهما كانت الظروف”.

علق ويلي كاباييرو مساعد مدرب تشيلسي، بعد فوز فريقه بهدفين لهدف واحد أمام ليفربول، على ملعب ستامفورد بريدج في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال كاباييرو في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية عن إنزو ماريسكا بعد طرده: “إنه بخير، سعيد للغاية الآن، بالطبع لا يمكنه التواجد الآن لكننا سعداء للغاية بتحقيقنا الثلاث نقاط في الثواني الأخيرة”.

وأضاف مساعد مدرب تشيلسي: “نحن سعداء للغاية وفخورون جدًا، قدم اللاعبون أداء رائعًا، الآن فترة راحة جيدة للعديد منهم، ونأمل أن نتمكن من استعادة بعض اللاعبين الآخرين وبدء دورة جديدة من المباريات بنشاط وحيوية”.

وقال كاباييرو عن التسجيل في الدقيقة الأخيرة: “إنه أمر مميز للغاية لأنه يمنحك الطاقة والثقة، أعتقد أن أجواء الملعب تمنحنا المزيد، إنه أمر لا ينسى، لذا علينا الآن استغلال هذه الفرصة لمواصلة التطور، من المؤسف أننا نحظى بفترة راحة الآن، لكن لدينا تواصل جيد بين اللاعبين والجماهير، لدينا فريق شاب جداً”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. كوكوريلا: تدربنا لإيقاف “ميزة” محمد صلاح.. ونستحق الفوز على ليفربول

ورد كاباييرو على سؤال حول وحدة تشيلسي اليوم أمام ليفربول: “تلقينا بطاقة حمراء أخرى اليوم، لكننا أنهينا المباراة بقوة، نعلم أننا فريق جيد يلعب كرة قدم جيدة ونخلق فرص في الشوط الأول، نستحق الهدف الثاني في الشوط الثاني، الطريقة التي قاتلنا بها اليوم في خط الدفاع رائعة، جميعنا فخورون جداً باللاعبين، لا نبحث عن أعذار بل نجد الحلول”.

وأكمل عن إصابة بادياشيلي وأتشيمبونج: “إنهما بخير، كانا قلقين بعض الشيء بشأن وضعهما لكننا تحدثنا معهما وهما بخير، يحتاجان لهذه الاستراحة للتعافي بشكل جيد”.

وأتم كاباييرو عن احتفال ماريسكا: “إنه لأمر مميز لأي مدرب، فلا يمكن لأي مدرب كبت مشاعره، لسوء حظه كان قد حصل على بطاقة صفراء، كلنا بشر، كنا لاعبين ونحب أن نرى ذلك، بالتأكيد يمكننا جميعًا أن نتعلم من ذلك أيضًا”.

وأكد كابييرو عن طرد ماريسكا: “مؤسف ما حدث لكننا نتفهم أجواء المباراة والوضع في اللحظات الحاسمة” .

وقال أيضًا عن أجواء المباراة من البداية إلى النهاية: “لم تكن هناك أي لمسات في وسط الملعب لبعض الدقائق، كانت المباراة مفتوحة جداً، أتيحت لنا بعض الفرص السهلة وبعض التمريرات وتسديدات تصدى لها الحارس ورأسية من إنزو فرنانديز وسددوا بعض التسديدات، لكن ليفربول فاز ببعض المباريات في الوقت الإضافي هذا الموسم وهذه المرة لنا، كرة القدم تمنحك شيئاً ما وأحياناً تسلبك شيئاً ما، نحن سعداء للغاية بتسجيل هذا الهدف ضد فريق قوي حقاً، وكان التواصل بين المشجعين واللاعبين رائعاً، كانت الأجواء رائعة آخر 20 دقيقة”.

وأتم كاباييرو تصريحاته عن هدف إستيفاو: “ليس فقط من أجله بل من أجل الفريق بأكمله، لدينا فريق شاب عليه أن يتعلم من خلال المباريات، ستكون هذه لحظة لا تنسى لإستيفاو ولنا، من الرائع أن نمتلك جميع اللاعبين الذين أتيحت لنا فرصة اللعب معهم، لقد أظهروا اليوم رغبتهم جميعاً في اللعب لهذا النادي، الجهد الذي بذلناه اليوم لإنهاء المباراة بلاعبين في مراكز مختلفة وتقديم كل ما لدينا في الملعب كان مذهلاً”.

وسئل كاباييرو عن حصول تشيلسي على أربع بطاقات حمراء في خمس مباريات: “علينا أن نوقف ذلك، علينا مواصلة العمل لتحسين ذلك، يبدو الأمر سهلاً لكن التعامل مع مشاعر ماريسكا في هذه اللحظة كان صعباً، لحسن الحظ كان لاعباً وفي اللحظة الأخيرة فقط، لأن إنزو مهم جداً على الجانب الآخر للاعبين، علينا العمل على ذلك والتحدث مع الفريق، لا نريد أن نضيع المزيد من النقاط أو فرصة التربع على قمة الترتيب”.

Aston Villa’s Premier League campaign gets underway on Saturday lunchtime, as they host Newcastle United at Villa Park. Unai Emery will be hoping for a positive start to the season against a side who have become a big rival in recent seasons, with the Magpies pipping the Villans to a Champions League spot.

It seems like just one new signing is all Villa will take into the game. Evann Guessand made the move to the West Midlands from OGC Nice for £30m, and aside from a backup goalkeeper and young centre-back Yasin Ozcan – who has since moved out on loan – they have been largely inactive this summer.

Yet, new rumours are swirling about more signings, and whilst they won’t be complete before the weekend, Emery will surely want them through the door soon.

Villa’s next targets

One of the names the Villans are linked with is Marco Asensio. The Spaniard, who was on loan at Villa Park last term, could return to the club in a deal worth just £13m this summer. However, it is not necessarily at an advanced stage.

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According to a report from Football Transfers, the Villans ‘have held talks’ with Premier League rivals Arsenal over the signing of versatile attacker Leandro Trossard. ‘Initial discussions’ took place earlier this week, with the power in Tossard’s hands ahead of a decision on his future.

Interestingly, Villa were keen on a move for the player in January, and whilst he was not for sale then, there is now a possibility of a move several months on.

As for a price for the forward, Arsenal could demand as much as £18m to sell him to their top-flight rivals.

Why Trossard would be a good signing

There is no doubt that adding an experienced player such as Trossard to the Villa squad would be a benefit to Emery. The Belgian is an established Premier League star who has had a huge impact in European football, too.

Last season, the 30-year-old had another important role to play for the Gunners, featuring 56 times across all competitions. He bagged ten goals and registered ten assists, with 16 of those goal involvements coming in the Premier League.

One of the standout features of Trossard’s game is his versatility. The Belgian forward can play right across the frontline, which Mikel Arteta relied on last term. He played on both flanks, as a number nine and as a second striker just off the centre-forward.

Even if Villa miss out on signing Asensio this summer, Emery might well find his new version of the Spaniard in Trossard. The former Real Madrid star played 21 times for the Villans last season, scoring eight times and assisting once.

One of the main similarities between him and Trossard is the versatility they offer. Last term, Asensio played on the right flank and as a number 10 for the Villans. He has also played on the left wing and even led the line at times in his career.

Their European pedigree is also impressive. Trossard has played far less in the Champions League than the four-time winner Asensio, with 23 appearances to his 73. However, with eight goal involvements and an average of one every 2.8 games, it is better than Asensio’s goal or assist every 3.6 games. The Spaniard has 20 in total to his name.

The stats from last season’s Champions League campaign further highlight just how deadly the players are in Europe. For example, Trossard created 1.1 chances and completed 18.7 passes in the opposition half last each game last season, compared to Asensio’s 0.7 chances created and 19.4 passes in the opposition half per 90 minutes.

Trossard vs Asensio – 24/25 UCL stats

Stat (per 90)

Trossard

Asensio

Goals and assists

0.6

1.1

Chances created

1.1

0.7

Passes completed (oppo half)

18.7

19.4

Take-ons completed

1.4

0.4

Duels won

3.2

2.8

Ball recoveries

2.9

1.4

Stats via Squawka

Described as an attacking “wizard” by journalist Charlie Haffenden, Trossard would bring cutting-edge, versatility and European pedigree to the Villa team.

In that sense, he is certainly similar to Asensio, who may not return to Villa Park. He could well become Emery’s new version of the PSG star.

For just £18m, this could be a bargain for Villa as they look to add to the quality of their squad next season.

Related Guessand will love him: Aston Villa lead race to sign "incredible" £22m ace

The dynamic international could be perfect for Aston Villa and Guessand…

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 13, 2025

Legspinner vows to carry on as wise head, especially now that Moeen Ali has retired

Vithushan Ehantharajah23-Sep-2024Fresh from bringing up 200 ODI wickets at Headingley on Saturday, Adil Rashid says he has the hunger to continue playing international cricket, dismissing talk that retirement may be on the horizon.Rashid broke new ground as the first English spinner to reach the milestone, albeit one brought up in a second consecutive defeat to Australia. It was England’s 10th loss in their last 14 ODIs. Another at Chester-le-Street would consign the hosts to a series defeat with two matches still to play. Poor weather, which forced training indoors on Monday, may end up saving their blushes, even if it does remove a series win from the equation.That this is a transitional squad, shorn of a handful of senior players, including captain Jos Buttler, has already been offered as mitigation for the missteps so far. Nevertheless, a new era – initially under interim coach Marcus Trescothick before Brendon McCullum assumes the limited-overs job in the new year alongside his Test commitments – has had an ignominious start.Yet, even with the onus on refreshing tactics and personnel, Rashid remains an integral part of the future of England’s limited-overs teams. February’s Champions Trophy, the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027’s 50-over World Cup signpost the next three years, and the 36-year-old, currently in possession of an ECB central contract that takes him through to the end of the 2025 summer, has designs on being around for all of them.”I have not thought about it [retirement] yet,” said Rashid, speaking before Tuesday’s third ODI at Chester-le-Street. “Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies – that is my ultimate aim.”I’m playing each game and each series as it comes and if I’m still enjoying it and performing well, I’ll keep carrying on.”To play for this long and take the wickets I have, I’d never, ever dreamt of that, so hopefully I can carry it on. It’s been an enjoyable ride with ups and downs, and hopefully I can stay on the up for the remainder of my career.”I’ve got no eye yet on retiring or anything like that – that’s not even crossed my mind. It’s about enjoying the game and still giving it everything I’ve got.”Related

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Could more crushing ODI failure be just what England need?

It is a vital statement from Rashid given the lay of the land. Though the likes of Joe Root (rested) and Ben Stokes (undecided) are expected to return to the limited-overs set-up in some capacity – the Champions Trophy works for both given England’s first Test in 2025 comes at the end of May against Zimbabwe at Lord’s – the set-up has lost a lot of experience and knowledge in the last six months.Of those moved on, Moeen Ali is the one Rashid will feel the most. The former vice-captain announced his retirement earlier this month after missing out on both T20 and 50-over assignments against Australia. And as a long-time friend, inseparable at home and aboard, the fear was that Rashid may soon follow suit. Those fears, for now, have been allayed. On Tuesday, the Yorkshireman will earn his 138th ODI cap – the figure Moeen finished on.Of course, the team environment is a little different for Rashid. Not only will he not have his usual confidant for company, but he also now has more responsibility to assume as the go-to wise head in the dressing room, particularly for young spinners as England prepare for life after Rashid. The former will take getting used to, but the latter role is something he is keen to embrace.”He’s a big miss for the team and a big miss for me because we’re really good friends on and off the pitch,” Rashid said. “He’s made that decision and got another chapter of his life with the remainder of his career and I’m sure he’ll do wonders.”With Mo not being there my input will obviously be a little bit more, speaking to the youngsters and them coming to me,” he added.”That’s the ultimate aim. Whatever I’ve got in terms of experience, form, ups and downs, the knowledge I have, I can pass that on. It could be in terms of mindset or technical things. I’m trying to do that now as well, with the youngsters I’m working with.”I’ve worked with Rehan Ahmed, I’ve worked with Jafer (Chohan) at Yorkshire. There’s a few around the circuit, they’re in competition, which is healthy, and they can compete to become that No. 1 spinner.”Easier said than done, of course. Rashid’s evolution into a world-class operator was aligned with a consistency of selection and schedule. Between the 2015 and 2019 50-over World Cups, he played 76 out of a possible 81 ODIs under Eoin Morgan. In turn, England emerged during that period as a ground-breaking white-ball outfit. The demands and opportunities of the modern game mean the next generation does not have the benefit of that level of continuity.As such, England’s route back to the top of the pile after botched defences of the ODI and T20I titles in 2023 and 2024 will require a different path on less certain terrain. But in Rashid, they can still call upon someone who knows, and – crucially – still has, what it takes to push them on.

He also wants to see Tamim Iqbal return to international cricket

Mohammad Isam22-Aug-2024

In his first press conference as the BCB president, Faruque Ahmed has reiterated that Chandika Hathurusinghe should no longer continue as Bangladesh’s head coach. He had expressed the same view earlier this week as well, before taking up the BCB job.”I am yet to find out about Chandika Hathurusinghe’s contract. I have to see some stuff officially but I have not moved from my previous stance,” Faruque said on Wednesday. “I have to speak to my colleague over the next two or three days, and see if we can find someone better than him. We have to prepare a shortlist, and see who wants to join us.”Faruque had resigned as the chief selector in 2016 after then-BCB president Nazmul Hassan put a two-tier selection panel, reportedly at Hathurusinghe’s request. Hathurusinghe’s current contract as the head coach runs till the end of February 2025, when the Champions Trophy is also scheduled to get over.Related

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Tamim opts out of BCB central contract list

“His credibility and background of what he has done on and off the field, there’s no reason for him to stay [as Bangladesh’s coach],” he said on the YouTube show . “You will lose some money [if you sack him], but there will be greater damage by his presence. I had noticed that it is impossible to work in the environment he wants to work in.”When Hathurusinghe was brought back for a second stint in 2023, Faruque was one of those who had questioned his return. Despite the BCB showing confidence in Hathurusinghe, Bangladesh didn’t continue the upswing of Steve Rhodes and Russell Domingo.Within a few months of Hathurusinghe’s appointment, there was instability in the dressing room, with Tamim Iqbal retiring and Shakib Al Hasan lashing out at Tamim in the media. Allan Donald soon left his role as fast-bowling coach. Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup performance was also sub-par, with many questioning Hathurusinghe’s decision-making in the Super Eight game against Afghanistan.”It was a real blunder to bring back Hathurusinghe for a second stint,” Faruque said. “He had left us in trouble the last time he left the job [in 2017]. Bangladesh was a stepping stone for him. He went back to his country, became their head coach. I couldn’t believe that a 25-member board of directors, including the president, could make such a decision. I hope they are realising their mistake.”Those who brought him back thought that he was a magician. They thought that only Hathurusinghe created this bubble of success. Cricket is not about magic. Bangladesh’s success is due to a combination of players, coaches, selection committee and even board officials.”Faruque: Would like to see Tamim playing for Bangladesh againIn his long press conference at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Faruque also said that he wanted to understand if Shakib was willing to play in Bangladesh this year. Shakib was an Awami League member of parliament until the government fell on August 5. Several ministers and MPs have been arrested since then while others have gone into hiding. They were also targets of violence in the aftermath of Awami League’s exit.”We will give a lot of importance to understanding whether Shakib can play while staying outside Bangladesh. We have two home Tests coming up [in October], so I will discuss with my directors what the policy should be about Shakib. It should have been a policy matter even before [he became an MP] that he won’t be allowed to do politics.”Faruque, however, was hopeful of Tamim’s return to international cricket. Tamim had briefly retired from international cricket last year before making a U-turn on his decision and also opted out of the central contacts. He last played for Bangladesh in September 2023, after which he played in the BPL and DPL.”The relevant board department will see what he has to do to play [for Bangladesh],” Faruque said. “I would like to see Tamim Iqbal play for two or three years more. Maybe ODI is his best format now. I think Tamim can tell you better whether he can play the longer format.”I want to speak to Tamim about his future plans. He is a former captain so he definitely has leadership qualities. If he doesn’t want to play, I will be happy to see him get involved with the board. He can serve us well in the board.”

“What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them”

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Jul-2024

Kusal Mendis is in outstanding form, Pathum Nissanka has had fantastic outings, Avishka Fernando has been spectacular, and Kusal Perera has made a strong comeback. On top of which, Kamindu Mendis seems in good touch too.This is all on based on Lanka Premier League (LPL) performances, that new Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka regards as the gold standard in T20 cricket on the island.The LPL concluded only on Sunday, with Asalanka’s Jaffna Kings side taking home the trophy. Top order batters flourished in that competition. Asalanka has suggested that Kamindu – who also bowled with both arms during the LPL – has sewn up the No. 4 spot, having hit 287 runs at a strike rate of 157 through the tournament.Related

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But then there are still four batters vying for the top three spots. As Asalanka said: “There are four openers in the squad, and the way I’m thinking three of them will make up the top three. One of them will have to miss out.”Those four: Kusal Mendis, who hit 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, and can keep wicket. Pathum Nissanka, who hit 333 at strike rate of 153. Avishka Fernando, who smoked 374 at a strike rate of 163. Kusal Perera, who had the best strike rate of the four – 169. He made 296 runs, but in fewer innings than the others.These are stats worth thinking on before the two back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday, because Sri Lanka’s new captain is keen on using the LPL as a marker of T20 ability.”If you look at the LPL, it’s the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this,” Asalanka said. “More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level. As a captain, I think if you perform at the LPL you should get a good chance at playing in the national team.”Asalanka has been a captain since age-group level, whether for his school Richmond College, or Sri Lanka Under 19, and most recently the winning LPL franchise. He suggested his style of leadership is based around man-management.”From under 15 level I’ve captained teams, and there’ s been a lot of change since then. That’s what I tell my team members too – we can’t be at the same place we’ve always been at. From day to day you have to improve and that’s how you become a good player or a good captain. I’ve played under many captains, and I’ve tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible.”What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them. We have a lot of talented cricketers, but what’s important is to get the most out of them and have them win matches. I’ve told them to play freely and when we’ve given them plans, to go out there and execute them without fear. That’s what you can expect from me as a captain.”

Leeds United have now identified a “world-class” goalkeeper as a prime target to replace Illan Meslier, with Daniel Farke now open to sanctioning the Frenchman’s departure, according to a report.

Leeds planning to replace error-prone Meslier

Speaking back in February, former Leeds man Paul Robinson praised Farke for the way in which he had dealt with Meslier, saying: “He’s a confidence goalkeeper and the manager has been excellent with him. That’s one thing you can ask for as a goalkeeper.”

However, the 48-year-old ultimately lost faith in his goalkeeper, with Karl Darlow being given the nod between the sticks during the promotion run-in, and the manager’s lack of trust in the shot-stopper may have damaged his confidence.

With Meslier’s blunders costing Farke’s side 10 points last season, it would be a huge risk for the manager to persist with the 25-year-old as his number one, and a report from TEAMtalk has revealed the German is now open to a sale this summer.

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It is also detailed that Leeds have now identified Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic as a prime target to replace Meslier, with the Blues making the decision to place the Serbian on their transfer list, and they are open to offers of around £25m.

The Whites have registered their interest in Petrovic, but there is widespread interest in the goalkeeper’s signature, with the likes of Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brenford also keen, alongside some top clubs from across Europe.

The Championship title-winners are seemingly very keen to get a deal done, despite potentially having to do battle with Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, with the report stating they are now ready to step up their pursuit of the goalkeeper.

"World-class" Petrovic could be ideal Meslier replacement

It is no surprise that Farke is willing to cash-in on Meslier this summer, and there are plenty of indications the Chelsea shot-stopper could be an ideal replacement, with his performances on loan at Strasbourg last season deemed to be at a very high level.

Indeed, manager Liam Rosenior was left enamoured by the Serbia international’s development, saying: “We have seen huge progress from Petro.

“He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day and it is still paying off today.”

It is a bold claim to put the former New England Revolution man in the world-class category, but to a certain extent Rosenior’s assessment is backed up by the underlying data, as his save percentage over the past year has been very impressive.

Statistic

Average per 90

Save %

78.9% (98th percentile)

Clean sheet %

32.3% (76th percentile)

Crosses stopped %

8.4% (82nd percentile)

As such, it could perhaps be considered a little unusual that Chelsea are willing to part ways with Petrovic this summer, but their loss could be Leeds’ gain.

Derby County secured their Championship status in dramatic fashion and could now strike in the market to land a talented defender, according to reports.

Derby County look forward after great Championship escape

John Eustace pulled off something of a minor miracle after arriving at Pride Park, taking Derby from seven points behind at one point to eventual safety on the final day of the Championship season.

Plenty of controversy came to light when the 45-year-old swapped Blackburn Rovers for a side in a dogfight to avoid being relegated to the third-tier of English football, but it all seems to have worked out in the end.

There has been plenty of speculation over what may come next as Eustace bids to provide an element of stability at the Rams, and he has now taken a major step in shaping the future of his squad following the release of Derby’s retained list for 2025/26.

Jeff Hendrick, Kemar Roofe and Conor Washington are among senior members of his group who won’t be offered new deals, paving the way for potential transfer activity over the coming weeks.

Derby County’s retained list – who still has a future at Pride Park?

Players released (not offered new deals upon expiry)

Tom Barkhuizen, Sonny Bradley, Tyrese Fornah, Jeff Hendrick, Rohan Luthra, Erik Pieters, Kemar Roofe, Conor Washington.

Players out of contract with discussions ongoing over futures

Craig Forsyth, Liam Thompson.

Loanees returning to parent clubs

Harrison Armstrong, Marcus Harness, David Ozoh, Nat Phillips, Jerry Yates.

Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon has emerged as a target for Eustace amid competition from Blackburn for his signature. Make no mistake, there will be mass changes at Derby and plenty of movement is set to take place.

Speaking of which, Derby have made an offer to bring a talented star to Pride Park this summer and have now received a reply.

O'Rourke: Derby receive reply to Cody Drameh offer

Taking to social media platform X, journalist Pete O’Rourke has confirmed that Derby have been knocked back in their attempts to land Hull City full-back Cody Drameh on loan after making an initial offer for the 23-year-old.

Eustace previously worked with the former Leeds United man at Birmingham City, calling the defender “top” in 2023 and is keen to be reunited with a familiar face, though he is also being targeted by Stade de Reims and Toulouse.

Labelled “fantastic” by Rob Edwards, Drameh registered a goal and an assist in 29 appearances this campaign as Hull narrowly staved off relegation in similar fashion to Derby.

Winning 49 tackles on league duty, the London-born man is a sought-after talent that still has room for development, though it remains to be seen whether the Tigers will be willing to let him go during the off-season.