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Legendary former Real Madrid centre-forward Karim Benzema, who spent the dressing room with Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso for five seasons between 2009 and 2014, revealed that he likes the "style of play" implemented by the Spanish manager. Alonso succeeded the iconic Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout at the end of last season and has got off to a good start.

• 'Xabi-ball' in full motion at Real Madrid

  It has been an intriguing start to Alonso's life as Real Madrid head coach. Appointed at the end of last season, the former World Cup-winning midfielder's first assignment was participating in the Club World Cup with a half-fit squad. Madrid reached the semi-finals, where they were handed a brutal reality check at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. 

  Then, following a shortened pre-season, Alonso's troops got the 2025-26 season off to a splendid start. They won the first six games of the La Liga season, before being demolished by their neighbouring rivals Atletico Madrid 5-2 at the Metropolitano in September. That defeat would only turn out to be a small blip, as Madrid won the next seven games on the trot, including a brilliant win over Barcelona at the Bernabeu last month. 

  While they have failed to win their last two games across all competitions, this Madrid team under Alonso has proved that they have a higher floor then they did in the calamitous 2024-25 season, during which they failed to win major silverware. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler have become pillars of the squad, with the France captain off to a blazing start after scoring 18 goals in 16 games. 

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• AFP
  

  Benzema likes Alonso's Real Madrid

  Speaking in an interview with , Benzema was asked if he saw the potential in Alonso to become a coach when they shared the dressing room. In response, Real Madrid's second-highest goal scorer of all time responded: "I remember when we played together, and it's the same now as a coach. Pressure, vertical passing… It's a style of play I like. He's only been there for six months, and he's doing an excellent job. He needs to be given time."

  Moreover, he defended Alonso and the club from the recent criticism, following a drop in form. "I like this Real Madrid team," he added. "There's a lot of talk about it now, but it's always like this. If they draw or lose, it's a crisis. They go from being the best team in the world to questioning the coach, this player or that player… It's normal because they're the best team in the world. But I like this team."

• Alonso under immense scrutiny

  Last week, Ancelotti gave his verdict on Alonso, whom he coached at Bayern Munich. “I can’t give him any advice. I watch all the Madrid matches because I want to see how the Brazilians are doing and I see the team is doing very well," the Italian told . "They have won almost all the matches, but unfortunately in football you can’t always win. Sometimes you have to draw. One thing I learned at Real Madrid is that a draw here is the prelude to a crisis. No jokes. You have to get used to that. We already know that the main evaluation of a coach is the results, and so far the results have been spectacular. Leading the league and among the top eight in the Champions League. What more can we ask of Xabi? I see a solid team, especially in defense, and very effective upfront. Mbappe is doing very well and [Jude] Bellingham is back. I think Xabi can succeed without any problem."

  The media have been quick to jump on the “crisis” narrative following the goalless draw away to Rayo Vallecano before the international break – a result that came on the heels of a 1–0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. This scrutiny persists despite a 2–1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona last month, a three-point lead at the top of the La Liga table after 12 rounds, and a strong position to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. Even so, Alonso has not escaped criticism. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach has seen his tactics and man-management questioned, with reports suggesting that the dressing room does not hold a unanimous view of his methods.

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  Does Benzema imagine a career in coaching?

  In the same interview with , Benzema, who will turn 38 next month, reflected on whether he sees coaching as a real possibility once he retires. "I don't know. I have friends who are already involved in coaching and they're always talking to me about it, but it's difficult," he admitted. "Being a footballer or a coach seems different, but it's the same pressure. It's complicated."

  The Frenchman, whose contract with Al-Ittihad expires next summer, has claimed that he sees himself playing for another two years.

Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new manager. The 42-year-old has left Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Molineux club, who sacked Vitor Pereira following a torrid start to the 2025-26 season which has left them winless after 11 league games.

• Edwards leaves Middlesbrough after compensation agreed

  As reported by David Ornstein last week, Wolves had been on the brink of naming Edwards as their new head coach after reaching an agreement with Middlesbrough over a compensation package worth in the region of £2 million.

  And now Edwards, whose contract at Boro ran through to 2028, has officially been confirmed as Wolves’ manager, returning to a club with whom he has a deep connection. A former centre-back, he made 111 appearances for the Old Gold between 2004 and 2008, scoring one goal.

  Edwards also acted as Wolves’ interim coach in 2016, taking charge of two games following the sacking of Walter Zenga. After a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers and a 3-2 defeat against Derby County, Paul Lambert was brought in as the club’s then-permanent manager, with Edwards staying on as a first-team coach.

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• Former Luton Town boss hails 'special' return to Molineux

  Speaking to Wolves’ official website following his appointment, Edwards said: “It means a lot. This club’s really special. It’s special anyway, but it’s special to me because it’s where I’ve spent most of my professional career and where I played most of my football.

  “Then to have done a lot of the roles that I’ve done, I’ve got to be honest, this job was always my aim. This is the dream.

  “I know the situation that we’re in right now, but this is just something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready for the challenge, I’m up for it, and it’s been great getting around everybody, seeing so many faces that I know, and new faces as well.

  “The staff are all up for it and we’ll meet the players next week when everyone arrives back, and I know the lads will be as well.

  “Jeff (Shi, Wolves’ executive chairman) talked to me about a reset moment. It’s an opportunity for us now and I know we’re in a difficult spot, but there are still 27 games to go, so there’s an opportunity here for us to do something really special, and that appeals to me.

  “I’ve always been a risk taker and I’ve always wanted this job, and you don’t know if it’s ever going to come along again, and the opportunity was there right now. It’s going to be difficult, but there’s an opportunity for us to maintain our Premier League status this year and then grow and continue to grow and build as well.”

• AFP
  

  Report indicates Premier League strugglers have one eye on future

  In the same report from last week, Wolves are also believed to have one eye on the future by appointing former Watford boss Edwards. While the club are hoping Edwards can steer them to Premier League survival this term, they also believe his appointment gives them the best chance of earning promotion from the Championship next season, should they fail to avoid the drop in 2025-26.

  Edwards has experience in both divisions, having guided Luton Town to promotion to the Premier League via the 2022-23 Championship play-offs. The Hatters were competitive in the top tier under Edwards’ tutelage, earning 26 points from 38 games as they ultimately suffered relegation with an 18th-placed finish in 2023-24.

  Middlesbrough were also performing well under Edwards’ stewardship this season. The Teessiders are currently second in the Championship table and just five points behind leaders Coventry City, though the ex-Forest Green Rovers manager was stood down for the 2-1 win over Birmingham City on 8 November, amid speculation over his future.

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  Edwards' first games in charge of Wolves: Derby clash with Villa on horizon

  Wolves have turned to Edwards following a poor start to the 2025-26 season under former manager Pereira. They remain the only club in England’s top four tiers yet to win a league game this term, losing nine and drawing two of their 11 fixtures. 

  Ex-Porto boss Pereira was subsequently sacked after the 3-0 defeat against Fulham on 1 November, despite signing a new three-year contract on 18 September. In a 10-month spell in the dugout, the 57-year-old guided Wolves to Premier League survival with a 16th-place finish in 2024-25. The club were 19th when Pereira succeeded Gary O’Neil in December last year.

  Meanwhile, Edwards’ first game in charge of Wolves will be against Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday, 22 November. The former Wales international will then face a West Midlands derby when his new club travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, 30 November, before home clashes against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest and in-form Manchester United on Wednesday, 3 December and Monday, 8 December respectively.

The Dodgers regained control of the NLCS with an 8-0 win against the Mets at Citi Field in Game 3.

With a 2-1 series lead, the Dodgers will try to take a commanding advantage in this series with its best pitcher on the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will be making his first road postseason start. Can the Dodgers ace navigate a Mets lineup desperate for some timely hitting?

Here's our betting preview for Game 3.

Dodgers vs. Mets Odds, Spread and Total

Run Line

Dodgers: -1.5 (+126)Mets: +1.5 (-150)

Moneyline

Dodgers: -142Mets: +120

Total: 7 (Over -118/Under -104)

Dodgers vs. Mets How to WatchDate: Thursday, October 17thGame Time: 8:09 PM ESTVenue: Citi FieldHow to Watch (TV): FOXDodgers Lead 2-1Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Pitchers

Los Angeles Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 5.63 ERA)

New York Mets: Jose Quintana: 2-0 (0.00 ERA)

Dodgers vs. Mets Key Players to WatchLos Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani: Ohtani parked a monster three-run homer that ended any hope of a late Mets rally in Game 3, his first home run of the series. The hope is the Dodgers' designated hitter can get it going now, as he entered just 2-for-7 in the first two games as the Mets have made a point to pitch around him. He has been walked three times in the first two. 

New York Mets

Pete Alonso: Alonso only has one hit this series, which isn’t going to cut it against a potent Dodgers lineup. Hitting in the heart of the Mets order, the club will lean on the slugger to get going after smashing three home runs in the prior two postseason series. 

Dodgers vs. Mets Prediction and Pick

The Mets are undervalued heading into this one with an in-form Quintana taking the mound and a lineup that has proven it can put runners on base all series long. 

While Yamamoto is off a sterling five innings of shutout work against the Padres in an elimination game, he also was pulled after three innings of work in his postseason debut against San Diego with only one strikeout. 

With a thin bullpen that has been taxed throughout this postseason behind Yamamoto, the pressure can turn to LA quickly. If the Mets can continue to work counts and get him out of the game early, the advantage can lie with New York, who has more options in the pen given the construction of each team’s pitching staff. 

So far in this series, the Mets are stranding runners at an alarming rate, including going 0-for-4 with RISP and stranding eight total batters in Game 3. 

This series is far too competitive to skew too far towards the Dodgers. I’ll play the home underdogs. 

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl is looking to do something tonight that Russell Martin did not achieve in his time at the club: back-to-back wins in the Scottish Premiership.

The former Gers boss only won five of his 17 games in charge of the Ibrox giants, and he only won one match in the league before his dismissal earlier this month.

Rohl arrived to replace him in the dugout at Ibrox and won his first Premiership game in charge of the club at the weekend, beating Kilmarnock 3-1 in front of the home support.

The Gers face Hibernian away from home in the Premiership this evening, and the German boss must ruthlessly ditch Thelo Aasgaard from the starting line-up.

Why Thelo Aasgaard should be dropped

The Norway international should be dropped from the XI against Hibs tonight because his performance against Kilmarnock last time out left a lot to be desired.

Aasgaard, per Sofascore, came off the pitch in the 81st minute after failing to register a single shot on goal or create any chances for the team at the top end of the pitch, which shows that he was ineffective as an attacking force.

Kilmarnock

Danny Rohl

0 + 0

Dundee United

Stevie Smith

1 + 4

Falkirk

Russell Martin

0 + 0

Livingston

Russell Martin

0 + 0

Hearts

Russell Martin

0 + 1

Celtic

Russell Martin

0 + 0

St Mirren

Russell Martin

0 + 0

As you can see in the table above, the former Luton man’s only impressive attacking outing in the Premiership came during Stevie Smith’s match as interim manager.

Chalkboard

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

The English-born playmaker has not proven that he can be relied upon, as evidenced by his dismal league form, which is why he should be dropped for a tricky away game against Hibernian, who are third in the league.

The Rangers star Rohl should replace Aasgaard with

Rohl should ruthlessly ditch Aasgaard from the team in order to bring hard-working central midfielder Connor Barron into the middle of the park alongside Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin.

The box-to-box star could help to make Rangers solid and difficult to beat, rather than having a natural attacking player like Aasgaard in there, which could help them to record back-to-back wins in the league.

Prior to Martin’s arrival in the summer, pundit Andy Haliday claimed that Barron “was Rangers’ best player for the first few months of the season” in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he is capable of outstanding performances for the Light Blues.

Appearances

28

7

Pass accuracy

90%

86%

Passes made per game

40.8

23.4

Key passes per game

0.8

0.1

Tackles per game

2.2

1.7

Interceptions per game

0.6

0.3

Ball recoveries per game

3.8

3.0

As you can see in the table above, the Scotland international’s performance levels in and out of possession were much higher before Martin arrived at Ibrox earlier this year.

Barron was a defensive force, averaging 6.8 tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per game, for Rangers in the Premiership last season after his move from Aberdeen, buzzing around the pitch to disrupt the opposition and win possession back for his side.

Rohl should be looking to unlock his talent, which was seemingly hidden by Martin’s tactics, by unleashing him in midfield against Hibernian ahead of Aasgaard this evening, as he could provide the bite and drive that they may need to come away with all three points in a difficult away match.

Rohl could now turn "exciting" Rangers star into his own Shankland at Ibrox

Following Rangers’ 3-1 home win over Kilmarnock on Sunday, has Danny Röhl unearthed an “exciting” attacker who could be their own Lawrence Shankland?

ByBen Gray Oct 28, 2025

Rohl has made it clear that he is not wedded to one style of play or system, which is why taking a creative midfielder like Aasgaard out for a pitbull like Barron could make sense for a tougher match away from home, as it is a pragmatic move.

Arsenal are trying to lock star defender William Saliba down with a brand-new contract, but Andrea Berta is forced to contend with the temptation of a move to Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta dealt William Saliba concern as Arsenal contract runs down

As things stand, the Frenchman’s deal is set to expire in 2027, and as each day passes, Mikel Arteta grows more and more vulnerable to losing his pivotal centre-back who’s formed a stellar partnership with Gabriel.

Saliba and the Brazilian have been a vital ingredient of Arsenal’s trophy challenges since the beginning of 2022/2023, with the pair often praised for being the best central defensive pairing in Europe.

It is testament to summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, who’s seriously impressed in Saliba’s absence, that Arteta’s side have conceded just once in five total games so far this term.

The 24-year-old is pushing to play in Arsenal’s vital Premier League clash against Man City on Sunday, according to Arteta in his pre-match press conference, but behind-the-scenes, tying Saliba down isn’t exactly plain sailing.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

While there is optimism among reliable media sources that Saliba could eventually commit his future to Arsenal, with talks currently ongoing (Fabrizio Romano), some reports suggest that negotiations are moving at a slow pace (Football Insider).

This could give Real hope of signing the ex-Saint-Etienne star in 2026, with an update now coming to light on the situation courtesy of El Desmarque.

Arsenal set William Saliba price tag after blunt response to new contract offer

As per the outlet, Saliba has already rejected the Gunners’ first offer of a contract renewal, and El Desmarque report that the Bernabeu is a realistic destination for him.

According to their information, Saliba is prepared to leave Arsenal amid Real’s serious interest, and Xabi Alonso’s side view him as a “dream” signing.

Arsenal have also set a “high” price tag for the France international at around £70 million, which can be considered lofty when factoring in he’ll have just one season remaining on his deal by next summer.

Real are aiming to make a splash through the signing of superstar defenders next year. It apparently hasn’t been ruled out that they could sign both Saliba and Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, which would be quite the statement of intent from Florentino Perez.

Arsenal simply cannot lose William Saliba

Saliba’s importance extends beyond raw defending. He is comfortable in possession, rarely flustered and plays a huge role in starting Arsenal’s build-up from the back.

Real’s interest is no surprise — he’s exactly the level of player they’re regularly target. However, Arsenal are no longer in a position where they can be bullied into selling their stars. With the team now competing consistently at the top, losing Saliba would send the wrong message and tear a significant hole in Arteta’s carefully constructed long-term project.

Signing a replacement for Saliba would be Berta’s most almighty task yet, and it is something they’ll be looking to avoid at every cost.

With the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Portugal still open, among others, Arsenal still have a chance to sell players.

Mikel Arteta watched on as Marquinhos, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Takehiro Tomiyasu departed the club permanently, but most of the aforementioned were for free.

Arsenal’s confirmed summer signings	Price tag
Kepa Arrizabalaga	£5m
Martin Zubimendi	£60m
Christian Norgaard	£15m
Noni Madueke	£52m
Cristhian Mosquera	£13m
Viktor Gyokeres	£55m
Eberechi Eze	£67.5m
Piero Hincapie	Loan

Andrea Berta, meanwhile, agreed loan deals for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Karl Hein, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Jakub Kiwior, with the latter’s exit freeing up space for Arsenal to pull a “masterstroke” by signing Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal’s struggle to sell players for significant fees was well-documented across the summer, with Berta making the club just £9 million from transfer fees, even if certain loan deals like Kiwior’s include an obligation to buy in 2026.

It is a problem that needs to be addressed, as Arsenal’s record sales remain: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool, Folarin Balogun to Monaco and Cesc Fàbregas to Barcelona — who all left for under £40 million.

Winger Leandro Trossard is still out of contract in 2027, so he could be one that Arsenal listen to offers for outside the UK window.

According to a new report from Turkey, Besiktas are handing Arsenal the chance to make some money off his exit before the forward’s deal expires in under 24 months.

Arsenal in talks to sell Leandro Trossard with Bestikas bid made

As per news outlet Sozcu, Sergen Yalçın’s side have made a bid for Trossard, with Berta preparing a response to the offer as both clubs negotiate a potential £19 million transfer.

Arsenal are apparently looking to cash-in on Trossard, despite just agreeing to give him a pay rise, and if Berta does agree to sell the Belgian, then it could perhaps free up space for the Gunners to move for Rodrygo in January.

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Rodrygo in the summer, but a move was reportedly dependent on one of Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving, which didn’t happen.

Losing Trossard, a versatile attacking option proven in the top flight, without a January replacement would undoubtedly weaken Arteta’s chances in the title race, even after a summer of serious spending on star new attackers in Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

تحدث مدرب ريال مدريد تشابي ألونسو عن لاعبي فريقه، قبل المباراة أمام يوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وقيّم أداء البعض منهم، وتطرق كذلك للحديث عن إمكانية رحيل مهاجم الفريق في يناير.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة أمام يوفنتوس غدًا الأربعاء، ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، خلال مرحلة الدوري، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

وظهر تشابي ألونسو خلال مؤتمر صحفي، ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تصريحاته قبل المواجهة. 

عن رأيه في موقف ريال مدريد من إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال ببطولة الدوري الإسباني، في ميامي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، قال: “لقد رددتُ عدة مرات، ورأيي واضح، النادي يدافع عن مصالحه، سنرى ما سيحدث”.

وانتقل المدرب للحديث عن لاعبه فينيسيوس جونيور، قائلاً: “فينيسيوس جيد جدًا وحاسم، أنا سعيد برؤيته يستمتع بوقته ويبتسم، تحدثنا عن التأثير الذي يمكن أن يُحدثه وكيف يُمكنه تغيير مجرى المباراة، نحتاجه أن يُركز على المباراة وما يُجيده، أداؤه اليومي جيد، ويتفاعل بشكل ممتاز في المباريات”.

وعن لاعبه أردا جولر وإذا كان يُذكره بالنجم السابق مسعود أوزيل، أردف: “ليس فقط بسبب أصولهما، بل هو مزيج من أوزيل وجوتي، كان جوتي يتمتع بهذه الكفاءة في بناء الهجمة وفي التمريرة الأخيرة، وكذلك مسعود، لقد استمتعتُ كثيرًا بأوزيل، كلما تمكّنا من الوصول إلى أردا، تحسّن أداؤنا، علينا أن نواصل الضغط، نحن سعداء جدًا به”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كورتوا: فينيسيوس يُجنّن الخصوم مثل كوستا.. وهناك قوانين أولى بالتغيير من التسلل

وبشأن مستقبل لاعبه البرازيلي إندريك وإمكانية إعارته في يناير، أكد: “لم نصل إلى هذه المرحلة بعد، المنافسة في خط الهجوم محتدمة، يجب أن نكون مستعدين لكل مباراة، يجب أن يكون إندريك وجونزالو وإبراهيم دياز على أهبة الاستعداد، سينضمون إلينا، ويجب أن نكون مستعدين، هذه هي النخبة، ونحتاج إلى العديد من اللاعبين المميزين”.

وإذا كان ريال مدريد يحتاج إلى تشابي ألونسو (كلاعب وسط)، أجاب المدرب: “آمل ألا يكون بحاجة إليّ، سنمضي حتى النهاية بهذه المجموعة من اللاعبين، نحن نتطور ويمكننا تقديم أداء جيد، والمنافسة باستمرار”.

وواصل: “لدينا قائمة مكتملة تضم لاعبين بصفات مختلفة، يتميزون بالحيوية ولديهم إمكانات كبيرة للنمو، مهمتي أن أستثمر فيهم ليصبحوا أفضل مع نهاية الموسم، خلال شهرين فقط رأينا تطورًا واضحًا لدى كثيرين منهم، نريد المنافسة الآن، ونحن نفعل ذلك بالفعل، بطموح أن نستمر في التحسن”.

وعن مدى جاهزية دين هويسن، أجاب: “بالنظر إلى الغد، لا أعتقد أن هويسن، أو ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، أو كارفاخال سيعودون، سأقدم لكم التقرير النهائي يوم السبت (قبل يوم من مواجهة برشلونة بالدوري)”.

وبشأن تقييمه لموسم كيليان مبابي حتى الآن، علّق: “الأمر لا يقتصر على الأهداف فحسب، تأثيره لا يقل أهميةً عن متابعة زملائه له بالكرة وبدونها، إنه يُساعدنا. لقد سجل أهدافًا في كل مكان”.

وواصل: “التأثير، ليس فقط على التسجيل، هو ما يحتاجه الفريق، كيليان يمرّ بفترة رائعة، على الصعيدين الحيوي والشخصي، إنه تحليلي للغاية، يفعل الأشياء لأسبابٍ مُحددة، وعليه فهمها جيدًا، كل شيء مُترابط في ذهنه الآن، ولهذا يُقدم أداءً رائعًا”.

وسُئل تشابي عن الأفضل بين تيبو كورتوا وحارس ريال مدريد السابق إيكر كاسياس، ورد: “تيبو هو الأفضل في العالم، كما أنه فضولي بشأن كرة القدم، قد يكون مدربًا في المستقبل، من المهم لأي مدرب أن يكون على تواصل مع هؤلاء اللاعبين الذين يحبون فهم كرة القدم، لقد عشت تجارب رائعة مع إيكر؛ لا يمكنني الاكتفاء بلاعب واحد فقط، الآن لديّ تيبو، لكن كاسياس قيمته كبيرة”.

وبشأن لاعبه كامافينجا، أفاد: “لم يكن متاحًا إلا لبضعة أسابيع، كان في حالة ديناميكية لمدة ثلاثة أسابيع، لم يلعب مع ريال مدريد منذ فترة، وقد قدم أداءً جيدًا في كثير من الأحيان، كلاعب وسط، يتمتع بأسلوب ديناميكي، وطريقة تمرير مختلفة تمامًا عن الآخرين، علينا أن ندمج مهاراته الفردية مع الفريق”.

وسُئل تشابي عما يحتاجه ماستانتونو للتحسن، وأتم: “لقد وصل مؤخرًا وهو في الثامنة عشرة من عمره فقط، علينا الاستثمار فيه ومساعدته، نحن سعداء بوجوده معنا”.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admitted that Tino Livramento will face a lengthy lay-off after being stretchered off the pitch against Arsenal on Sunday. A misguided challenge from William Saliba saw the English full-back land awkwardly on the ground, after which he received medical attention, before being stretchered off in the 77th minute.

• Livramento suffered a terrible injury

  Livramento was impressive on the pitch against the Gunners as Newcastle successfully held on to their lead for 50 minutes, however, his departure led to Arsenal equalising through Eberechi Eze's strike in the 84th minute before Gabriel Magalhaes scored a late winner. Livramento awkwardly went down on the ground after Saliba caught him around his waist with a poor challenge. 

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  Howe admitted Livramento faces length lay-off

  After the match, Magpies boss Eddie Howe provided an update on the defender's condition as he told reporters: "I am concerned because he's such an important player for us. He's been magnificent at the start of this season. He's a big player, so if we are going to lose him it's going to be a huge blow."

• Arsenal reduce gap with Liverpool

  After former Gunners star Eddie Nketiah's late winner handed league leaders Liverpool their first loss of the 2025-26 campaign on Saturday, Mikel Arteta's side took advantage of the Reds faltering a day later as the win at St James' Park allowed them to reduce their gap to two points at the top of the table.

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  Newcastle's struggles continue

  Newcastle have made a terrible start to their journey in the new season and it got worse with their loss at home against the Gunners. After their first six matches, Howe's men have registered just one win and are currently struggling in the 15th position after first six Premier League matches. 

Australia, meanwhile, will now face Group 2 table-toppers South Africa in the semi-final on January 31, while India are set to face England.

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jan-2025Nigeria sign off from the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup a mere one point behind a team that made it to the semi-finals from their group after a thrilling victory over Ireland in Bangi, Malaysia. They wrapped up their second win of the Super Six stage, level with that of England above them in second place who went through to the final four of the tournament.Lillian Udeh, the 18-year-old fast bowler, was the star of the show as her 3 for 11 from four overs helped Nigeria defend a total of 94 for 7 and secure victory with six runs and eight balls to spare.Having initially been behind in the game – Udeh was part of a poor top-order performance where four of five batters fell for single-digits – Nigeria turned things around with the ball and not a moment too soon either. Ireland were 40 for 2 in the eighth over, looking quite comfortable in the chase when Udeh triggered the collapse that defined the match. Four wickets for 14 runs later, they were barely holding on. Annointed Akhigbe, the 17-year-old seamer, also played an important part, striking twice in the 12th over where she got rid of Ireland’s top-scorer Rebecca Lowe for 21 off 32. Another 4 for 14 collapse resulted in the team being bowled out for 88, and exiting the competition with just one win.Nigeria built their eventually defendable total with opener Christabel Chukwuonye scoring 25 off 42 balls with three fours. The other end was leaking wickets though, and they required a lower-order intervention to last the 20 overs. Omosigho Eguakun (17 off 23), Peculiar Agboya (17 not out off 20) and captain Lucky Piety (12 off 11) added crucial runs from No. 6, 7 and 8 helping the team recover from 21 for 4 to finish on 94 for 7.The victorious Sri Lankan team indulges in a group selfie•Getty Images Sri Lanka hold on for consolation win Sri Lanka successfully defended a paltry total of 99 against Australia in Bangi, to register their second win of the Super Six phase. Sri Lanka, opting to bat, made a sedate start as their openers Sanjana Kavindi (19 off 35) and Sumudu Nisansala (18 off 15) took their time to get going. Australia, having finished second on the Group 1 table behind India, will now face Group 2 table-toppers South Africa in the semi-final on January 31, while India are set to face England.At 77 for 2 in the 14th over, Sri Lanka might have been looking for a late flourish, but Lily Bassingthwaighte, Hasrat Gill and Tegan Williamson all struck at regular intervals to initiate a collapse, as Sri Lanka lost their next six wickets for just 22 runs.Australia lost three early wickets in the chase, but a handy 27 from Caoimhe Bray had the team well-placed at 64 for 3, and within sight of victory. However, Bray was dismissed in the 15th over courtesy Player of the Match Limansa Thilakarathna, offering Sri Lanka a way back into the game. Chamodi Praboda, Pramudi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune picked up two wickets apiece, as Australia completely lost their momentum. They lost their next four wickets for only 23 runs, finishing their innings at 87 for 8.

West Indies fast bowler returns after wicket-taking stint at back end of season

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2024

Anderson Phillip took 15 wickets in three appearances for Lancashire last season•Getty Images

Lancashire have signed Anderson Phillip for the first four months of the 2025 summer. Phillip is expected to be available for 11 County Championship fixtures as well as the group stage of the T20 Blast.Fast bowler Phillip played three Championship matches at the end of last season, taking 15 wickets at 23.93, but was unable to help Lancashire avoid relegation from Division One.”I really enjoyed my spell with Lancashire at the end of last season and I am excited by the opportunity to return for the 2025 season to spend a longer period of time at Emirates Old Trafford,” Phillip said.”Helping Lancashire return to Division One at the first time of asking is my number one priority for next season and hopefully I can put in the performances with the ball which can help the team to achieve that.”The standard of first-class cricket in England is high and as close as you can get to playing Test cricket, so I am looking forward to being back next summer, continuing to test myself in those conditions, learning and improving my game.”Phillip, 28, has played two Tests and five ODIs for West Indies, the most-recent of which came in 2022.Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said: “We were hugely impressed by Anderson’s performances during the final three matches of last season and jumped at the opportunity to bring him back for a longer spell next season.”Dale [Benkenstein] and I have continually spoken about our desire to add further pace to our bowling attack as we look to win more red-ball matches. We know that Anderson will offer that, and he has the added bonus of familiarity with our environment.”Anderson displayed a really good attitude during his time with us and we believe that he has all the right attributes for a fast bowler – with room to still grow and improve his game. We are looking forward to working with Anderson again next season and helping him to push on and achieve his international ambitions.”