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In T20I batting rankings, Salt moves to No. 2 while Sanju Samson’s 50-ball 107 sees him jump 27 positions

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2024

Shaheen took eight wickets at an average of 12.62 in the Australia ODIs•Getty Images

Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi is back as the No. 1 ODI bowler in the latest ICC rankings, making it a double for Pakistan cricketers at the summit with Babar Azam extending his lead as the top batter in the format.Afridi’s eight wickets at an average of 12.62 in three outings against Australia took him past Kuldeep Yadav, Rashid Khan and Keshav Maharaj to the top. Rashid remained at No. 2, while Maharaj slipped from first to third and Kuldeep one place down to fourth. This is the second time Afridi has reached top position in ODI rankings after a brief stay there during the 2023 ODI World Cup.Afridi’s seam-bowling partner Haris Rauf moved up 14 places to 13th after bagging 10 wickets in the ODIs against Australia, that had earned him the Player-of-the-Series award. Naseem Shah also climbed 14 spots to a career-best 55th.Full rankings tables

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Babar’s scores of 37, 15* and 28* increased his lead among ODI batters. He stays well ahead of the Indian trio of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli who remain in second, third and fourth respectively.There were big gainers among allrounders after the ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the UAE. Player of the Series Mohammad Nabi remained as the No. 1 ODI allrounder and Rashid went up a place to third, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s strong showing pushed him two places up to No. 9, making it three Afghan players in the top 10. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took three wickets in the series and scored 66 in the third ODI, jumped four places to No. 4.Wanindu Hasaranga rattled New Zealand in Dambulla•AFP/Getty Images

Samson, Hasaranga, Salt make gains in T20IsIn T20Is, Wanindu Hasaranga’s series haul of 6 for 37 against New Zealand – despite limping through the second fixture where he claimed 4 for 17 – took him four places up to second spot among the bowlers, only behind England’s Adil Rashid.Akeal Hosein’s economical performance against England lifted him to third place while Ravi Bishnoi’s four scalps in two games against South Africa took him one spot up to No. 7.Among batters, the England pair of Phil Salt (second) and Jos Buttler (sixth), alongside West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran (10th) all moved one place up each in the batting rankings after two games in the five-match series in the Caribbean.From the ongoing South Africa vs India T20I series, Sanju Samson continued his rise in the batting ranks. A second successive T20I century for the India opener, this time a 50-ball 107 in the first game, saw him leapfrog 27 positions to 39th. The South African duo of Reeza Hendricks (up two places to 12th) and Tristan Stubbs (up 12 spots to 26th) also made headway on the T20I batting charts that is still led by Travis Head. Salt and Suryakumar Yadav round off the top three.

It’s hard to remember a summer quite this hectic for Arsenal.

It was less than a month ago that fans were complaining about a lack of business, and now it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening every day.

Mikel Arteta and Co have seriously improved the squad with the additions of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and it feels like a matter of when, not if, Cristhian Mosquera is announced as well.

The same could be said for Viktor Gyokeres, who could be the answer to the Gunners’ goalscoring problems of last season, and if reports are to be believed, the club are interested in someone who’d be a dream signing for the Swede.

Arsenal target dream teammate for Gyokeres

While Arsenal have been linked with an absurd number of players this summer, it would be fair to say the most significant saga, if you can call it that, has been around Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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The club switched focus from Benjamin Sesko to the former Coventry City star once it was clear the German side were not interested in negotiating a reasonable fee, and while things have been easier with Sporting CP, there have still been a number of delays.

However, it now appears that the only things left to work out before the 27-year-old can go off for his medical are the add-ons, as it has been widely reported that the initial fee the Gunners will have to pay is around £55m.

While the North Londoners might have called it a day following such a flurry of spending in the past, it now looks like they’re eyeing up another international ace, someone who’d be a dream teammate for Gyokeres.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal are interested in Xavi Simons.

The Italian journalist has revealed that the Gunners made an enquiry with RB Leipzig at the start of the window, suggesting there is more than a passing interest.

While Romano makes no mention of how much the Dutchman might cost, reports from earlier this summer claim that a fee of around £68.8m might be enough to secure his services.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but Simons is an incredible talent and worth the effort, especially as he’d be a dream for Gyokeres.

Why Simons would be a dream signing for Gyokeres

To understand why Simons would be a perfect signing for Gyokeres, we first need to understand how the Sporting star plays.

Interestingly, while he can play in several ways, he’s first and foremost a penalty area specialist, as evident from his heat map from last season and the locations where he takes his shots.

Therefore, to get the very best out of the Swedish poacher, Arsenal will need players who can get the ball to him in dangerous areas, be that through carrying the ball or passing it up the pitch.

Fortunately, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem can do both, as per FBref, he is in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers for through balls in Europe’s top five leagues and the top 7% for passes into the penalty area.

Moreover, when compared to midfielders alone, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

On top of his clear ability to get the ball into goalscoring areas, the Amsterdam-born ace, who one analyst has dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” is also an output machine.

In 33 appearances last season, totalling 2763 minutes, he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Simons in 24/25

Appearances

33

Minutes

2763′

Goals

11

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

145.42′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Just imagine what those numbers could look like playing with a striker as prolific as the Sporting monster.

Ultimately, it’s clear that from his effectiveness in moving the ball up the pitch to his raw output, Simons would be an incredible teammate for Gyokeres, and therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

Related £69m star wants to join Arsenal by Wednesday, Berta expects breakthrough

The Gunners are attempting to strike a deal.

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Arsenal supporters are being forced to wait patiently for their first confirmed signing of the summer, despite new sporting director Andrea Berta’s well-documented transfer attempts behind-the-scenes.

The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a few key deals, namely for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arteta wants Arsenal to sign £204k-p/w forward with crucial meeting this week

The Spaniard is personally very keen to sign him.

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Emilio Galantini

Jun 14, 2025

Arrizabalaga looks poised to complete a £5 million move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s new back-up keeper and understudy to David Raya (David Ornstein), while Zubimendi is on course to seal a switch to the Premier League one year after rejecting Liverpool.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0

Zubimendi actually caused quite a stir with his recent comments suggesting that his future was still up in the air, but the likes of Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have since confirmed that Arsenal are still expected to sign the 26-year-old after agreeing a deal with Sociedad.

After Zubimendi and Kepa, the north Londoners also remain in the market for a new winger and striker.

Arsenal have Real Madrid forward Rodrygo on their long list of wide options, with links still surrounding Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, so that is certainly a position to keep an eye on. However, the most noise continues to surround Berta’s attempts to bring in a centre-forward.

Groundwork has been laid on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to the BBC, with Arsenal exploring the conditions of moves for both men before deciding which one to formally pursue.

While Arsenal have already held “concrete” talks over Sesko, Gyokeres remains firmly on the radar.

Portuguese newspaper Record even reported this week that Arsenal made an official £55m opening bid for Gyokeres, with journalist Graeme Bailey sharing an update on the story.

Viktor Gyokeres camp clash with Sporting over rejected Arsenal bid

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey reports that the offer has been rejected by Sporting, which isn’t surprising when factoring in that their president, Frederico Varandas, confirmed that an offer below £60m wouldn’t be enough.

Bailey adds that Gyokeres’ camp clashed with Sporting after they snubbed Arsenal’s offer, but Arteta’s side remain in “constant contact” over his signature alongside Man United.

“Speaking to sources, Gyokeres is convinced that he is moving this summer, and he believes he will be in England – not that he has ruled out other countries, it is just where he believes he will be playing,” said the reporter.

“He did make it clear from the start that a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Pro League was not a consideration despite them making an approach this month.

“Arsenal and Man United are in constant contact, the lines of communication with those two clubs has been ongoing for months.

“The player’s representatives are working hard on his future, but there is no deadline here – it could be this month, but likely July, I am told, before something is agreed, but there is no panic. They are calm.”

Varandas’ preferred price tag could be around £68 million, but there are the strikers wages to consider, with Gyokeres reportedly demanding as much as £250,000-per-week.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will be “pushing” the Hoops to complete the signing of an attacking “superstar” this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Players Celtic could sign this summer

New signings are needed for the Hoops, in order to be ruthless and continue winning Scottish Premiership titles, as well as improve their performances in the Champions League.

Plenty of players continue to be linked with summer moves to Celtic, with West Ham midfielder Andy Irving reportedly among their list of targets. He was limited to only one start and 10 appearances in the Premier League last season, so a new challenge may make sense for him.

Meanwhile, Sondre Orjasaeter has also been mentioned as an option for the Hoops, having registered 17 goal contributions in 41 matches for Sarpsborg 08.

Kawasaki Frontale attacker Shin Yamada is the latest Japanese player to be linked with a switch to Celtic, with the 25-year-old potentially seen as a strong choice to bolster Rodgers’ attack. It looks like someone else is on the mind of the Hoops boss, though.

Celtic boss Rodgers "pushing" to sign "superstar" Ferguson

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Celtic want to complete the signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this summer, with Rodgers “pushing” to get a deal over the line.

“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age. He’d come in as their first-choice striker as well, he might not be guaranteed that elsewhere. Especially in the Premier League where he’s proved he struggles to hold down a starting place. He struggled on loan at West Ham last year and now he needs to put down a marker and show he can be the player everybody thinks he can be.

“For a team like Everton or Forest, he would still have a lot to offer. But he could go to Celtic as the main man up front, away from the pressure that comes with the Premier League, and prove what he can do. I think Brendan Rodgers will be pushing to get that done, he wants to be ambitious in the market. He expects to be backed and this would be a statement of intent, even if it’s on a loan deal.”

Ferguson’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having been seen as an incredible talent who was linked with Manchester United at one point, being described as a future “superstar” by Micah Richards.

That’s not to say that the Republic of Ireland international couldn’t be a great signing for Celtic, though, despite struggling on loan at West Ham, and he is still only 20 years of age.

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As Brown says, it would be a statement piece of business by the Hoops, even if it’s a season-long loan move to Parkhead, with Ferguson possessing the ability to thrive in the Scottish game, scoring goals for fun.

Sunderland now look set to sell an “excellent” player on the cheap in the summer transfer window, following a significant new update.

Sunderland prepare for Premier League amid Bellingham uncertainty

The Black Cats are preparing for life back in the Premier League, and while focus has been on new signings, trying to persuade Jobe Bellingham to stay put has also been at the top of their list of priorities.

The 19-year-old has been weighing up his future in recent weeks, with Sunderland no doubt hoping he will decide to stay on after Regis Le Bris’ side’s memorable playoff wins over Coventry and Sheffield United.

Despite this, it has always felt as though the teenage midfielder is still more likely move on, though, with the Borussia Dortmund seen as the likely destination.

Fabrizio Romano has often reported that Sunderland won’t allow him to leave for less than his £34m release clause, but now a new update has emerged regarding his future.

Bellingham set to leave on the cheap

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Bellingham has chosen to leave Sunderland for Dortmund, exiting for nearly £10m less than the Black Cats hoped and joining for £25m instead.

It is such a shame to see Bellingham depart the Stadium of Light this summer, considering what an exciting young talent he is, but it is no great surprise at the same time. The Sunderland ace has no doubt been told by his brother about the path through Dortmund to stardom, as he looks to emulate him and become a world class player over time.

Bellingham will be remembered as a key man in the Black Cats’ unforgettable promotion campaign, though, being hailed as “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Hopefully, Sunderland can now use the funds received for Bellingham wisely, bringing in either one big-name addition or a couple of good players to bolster Le Bris’ squad.

Sunderland now looking "increasingly likely" to sign ex-PSG defender

Regis Le Bris wants to snap him up.

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Black Cats supporters are unlikely to wish any ill of the Englishman, with his exit feeling rather predictable, and it’s now a case of moving on without him, ensuring his departure doesn’t affect them too badly.

Manchester United come into the summer transfer window needing to strengthen in every area of the pitch.

From the goalkeeper disaster of Andre Onana, to defensive injuries, an ageing midfield and a toothless attack, INEOS need to spend big.

Spend big, yes, but also spend wisely. That’s not something United have done in recent transfer windows. £82m on Antony and £72m on Rasmus Hojlund speaks volumes there.

So, who could join? Well, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha looks well poised to move to Old Trafford.

The latest on Manchester United's move for Matheus Cunha

While there is talk of a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, the first order of business looks set to be Cunha.

United have been hot on the trail of the Brazilian attacker in recent months and according to reports, the conditions of a deal to sign him for his £62.5m release clause have now been agreed.

Games

33

38

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

8

Earlier this week it was revealed by a number of sources that permission had been granted for the 26-year-old to undergo a medical with his future employers.

It’s safe to say that Cunha enjoyed a fantastic season in the Premier League. Although discipline did prove an issue, there was no doubting the quality of his play when the ball was at his feet.

Indeed, the Wolves talisman scored 17 goals in 36 outings across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

A spellbinding player who strikes fear into a large pool of defenders, it’s actually another player from England’s top flight that Wes Brown thinks would be the most game-changing signing.

Wes Brown wants Man United to sign £30m forward

Another player on the club’s radar this summer has been young English striker Liam Delap.

Son of Rory and a Manchester City academy graduate, it would be quite something if he ended up at Old Trafford. Possessing a £30m release clause, it would be a rather simple move to complete, but it does look as though he is now on his way to Chelsea.

Reports on Thursday indicated that a deal was as good as done, thus preventing Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co from making their move.

Still, it’s a move that Brown, in conversation with Football FanCast, wanted to have seen happen at Old Trafford.

Speaking on behalf of BetVictor, the former defender was asked who would be the most game-changing signing out of Cunha, Mbeumo and Delap. He said: “Liam Delap is a great young player. He has had experience of a Premier League season now and he’s that sort of player that you want to be going for.”

Why does Brown think that? “He will get better and he’s talented,” Brown admitted. “He’s not scoring 25 goals a season yet, but he’s only had one full season. That’s what you’re hoping for as a Manchester United fan, young, talented players who have played in the Premier League and know what it’s about, to build yourself back up with better players.”

Signing proven Premier League players is certainly a wise strategy. You only need to look at the way Arsenal found a way to rejuvenate the playing squad under Mikel Arteta, bringing in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City, David Raya from Brentford and most famously, Declan Rice from West Ham, to name a few.

United ought to take influence from this as the Ruben Amorim era looks for greener shoots next season.

Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

ByMatt Dawson May 29, 2025

Crystal Palace have now emerged as dark horses to sign a “future Ballon d’Or winner” as a possible replacement for Eberechi Eze this summer, according to a report.

Eze's future at Selhurst Park in doubt

Eze has once again been very impressive in a Palace shirt this season, picking up four goals and eight assists in the Premier League, while he also played a major role in the 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Aston Villa, scoring the opening goal in the rout.

As such, the England international is now starting to attract widespread attention from elsewhere, with Premier League rivals Liverpool recently being named as the frontrunners for his signature.

There could be fierce competition for the 26-year-old, however, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also in the race, and there is a feeling he could be “open” to a move to north London.

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With Eze contracted until 2027, it remains to be seen whether the Eagles are willing to sanction his departure this summer, particularly considering Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton are also attracting interest.

However, should Palace decide to cash-in, they will need to bring in a replacement, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed they are now emerging as dark horses to sign Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.

Cherki is being targeted by a number of Europe’s top clubs, with Lyon prepared to let him leave for a fee of €30m – €35m (£25m – £30m) this summer, which is viewed as a bargain sum by a number of the potential suitors.

With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham also in the picture, it may be difficult for Oliver Glasner’s side win the race, but the Lyon star is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer.

"Genius" Cherki could be "future Ballon d'Or winner"

French journalist Julien Laurens is a big fan of the young Frenchman previously lauding him as a “genius” after performing a remarkable roulette during Lyon’s 3-1 victory against AS Monaco.

The 21-year-old broke into the Lyon team at a very young age, making a total of 27 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign, but this season has been by far his best to date, picking up 12 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Ligue 1

27

8

10

Europa League

12

4

8

Coupe de France

2

0

1

Having also been described as a potential “future Ballon d’Or winner”, there is every indication that Cherki could be a real coup for Palace, but it may be incredibly difficult to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur are making contingency plans if they decide to sack under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, with Fabrizio Romano sharing more news on another managerial candidate alongside the heavily-linked Andoni Iraola.

Tottenham shortlist managers to replace Ange Postecoglou

Last week, The Athletic backed multiple other reports that Postecoglou’s job at Spurs is under real threat, following an underwhelming second season in charge which has seen the Lilywhites drop to 14th in the table.

15 league defeats for a club of Tottenham’s calibre quite simply isn’t good enough, and according to Romano, Postecoglou is solely relying on a good run in the Europa League if he stands any hope of keeping his job beyond this term (GiveMeSport).

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

While the Australian prays for a Europa League run which would help restore faith in him as the right manager to lead Spurs forward, chairman Daniel Levy and the boardroom are reliably believed to be drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements for Postecoglou.

Iraola is in pole position for the possible Tottenham vacancy, according to various media sources, but other candidates are in the frame as well. Fulham boss Marco Silva has impressed at Craven Cottage, standing out as their most successful manager of the modern era, and this hasn’t gone unnoticed at N17.

Spurs are interested in Silva as a new managerial candidate, while Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also understood to be among the names who Tottenham are thinking about appointing (The Athletic).

The north Londoners could also look to Europe in search of the right man for their dugout, and one prestigious name who’s already been mentioned is Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi.

The 48-year-old guided Inter to a Serie A title last season and a Champions League final in 2023, and he’s currently competing with Antonio Conte’s Napoli in a hotly-contested race for his second Scudetto in charge at the San Siro.

Some reports claim ex-Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici has recommended Inzaghi to Levy, and Romano has now shared an update.

Tottenham sources "guarantee" Simone Inzaghi interest

Writing for GiveMeSport, the reliable journalist claims his Tottenham sources “guarantee” interest in appointing Inzaghi, but it will by no means be an easy one to pull off.

The Italian is currently in full focus at Inter, where his side will also be competing in the Club World Cup from June 1st, with Romano adding that Inzaghi doesn’t look like a “realistic” opportunity for Spurs at this stage.

That being said, Romano hasn’t completely ruled out a Spurs move for the £169,000-per-week tactician, and Inzaghi could be worth the effort given his stellar reputation among players who’ve worked with him.

“The squad has been together for years. Inzaghi is a phenomenonal coach. I’ve never had a better manager, even though I had top coaches like Eriksson and Hughes,” said ex-Serie A striker Felipe Caicedo on his time with Inzaghi.

“Inzaghi has that special factor that other coaches lack. He manages to get inside your head, he tells you the right things at the right time. This bond with the players makes the difference. Then maybe tactically he is not yet on Guardiola’s level, but he is an excellent coach. And the results are there to see.

“During the six months I spent at Inter, we didn’t win the Scudetto due to our own fault.”

Pumas are now reportedly happy to let manager Efrain Juarez join Celtic, who could take full advantage of their former star’s secret release clause at the Mexican club.

The Bhoys once again struggled on the European stage in midweek, losing 3-1 against Midtjylland, as Martin O’Neill saw their problems in full for the first time. The interim boss has continued to distance himself from the permanent job, despite recent reports suggesting that he could yet be the next man to take the hotseat.

For now, the 73-year-old is set to remain in the dugout for Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash against Kilmarnock this weekend, but Parkhead chiefs are continuing their search.

Recent reports have claimed that Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is now open to joining the Scottish giants, but it remains to be seen whether he’d leave Portman Road in the middle of a campaign which has so far been disappointing.

Meanwhile, Nicky Hayen is also a reported candidate. The Club Brugge manager knows all about beating the top clubs in Scottish football, having smashed Rangers 9-1 on aggregate in the Champions League qualifiers earlier this season and defeated Celtic last season. Now, he could be on his way to the home dugout in Glasgow.

Once again, however, luring him away from Club Brugge will not be an easy task. Instead, the Hoops may have no choice but to turn towards former player Juarez, who has previously shared that he dreams of managing the club.

Pumas happy to let Juarez join Celtic

As reported in Mexico and relayed by Sport Witness, Pumas are now happy to let Juarez join Celtic, who could trigger a release clause that allows the 37-year-old to leave for free when a European club comes knocking.

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It would save Celtic a transfer fee and it would welcome someone who knows the standards of the club, given that Juarez played for the Bhoys between 2010 and 2012. Whether he has the right managerial experience for the role is another question, though, and the Scottish club may find that out after reportedly scheduling an interview over zoom.

The former player, who uses a 4-2-3-1 system, has taken charge of just two sides and is yet to even reach 100 games as a manager. At this point in time, it should be questioned whether Celtic can afford to take such a gamble.

Games

33

Wins

11

Draws

10

Defeats

12

Juarez’s time at Pumas hasn’t exactly been the greatest success, either. The Mexican has lost more games than he’s won and averaged just 1.3 points over 33 games in charge. It suddenly makes the club’s willingness to let him leave make all too much sense for Celtic to make their move.

For the time being, those at Celtic Park should trust O’Neill with the job until a suitable candidate emerges.

Celtic schedule first interview with Efrain Juarez

تحدث أوريلين تشواميني، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد حول مباراة مانشستر سيتي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ومن المقرر أن يخوض ريال مدريد مباراة هامة نظيره مانشستر سيتي مساء غدٍ الأربعاء ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

وقال تشواميني، في المؤتمر الصحفي والذي نقلته صحيفة “آس”: إنه لمن دواعي سروري اللعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وخاصةً على أرضنا وأكثر من ذلك، ضد مانشستر سيتي، منافسنا القوي، نتطلع إلى ذلك بشوق”.

وأضاف حول طلب ألونسو باللعب بحماس أكثر: “لا أعرف موقفنا ولكن إذا لم نفُز، فذلك لأننا بحاجة إلى تحسين أدائنا، أن نلعب بشكل أفضل دفاعيًا وهجوميًا، علينا أن نتحسن، نأمل أن نتمكن من ذلك، ما يحدث الآن لا يمكن أن يستمر”.

وأكمل: “علاقتي مع ألونسو؟ كلنا في هذا معًا، إذا أردنا الفوز، فعلينا جميعًا القتال من أجل ذلك مع المدرب، مع الفريق، نحن في الملعب وعلينا أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا، غدًا لدينا فرصة جيدة لقلب الأمور”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ألونسو يعلق على معاقبة محمد صلاح ويوضح موقفه من تدريب ليفربول

وعن عدم الضغط العالي على الفرق المنافسة كما كان، أوضح: “علينا التحسن في هذا الجانب، في البداية نرغب في الضغط، أحيانًا نؤدي ذلك بشكل جيد، وأحيانًا أخرى بشكل سيء للغاية، علينا التحسن لاستعادة المزيد من الكرات”.

وتابع حول مواجهة هالاند: “سنناقش خطة اللعب مع المدرب اليوم، لدينا العديد من الإصابات في خط الدفاع لكن لدينا العديد من اللاعبين القادرين على تقديم أداء عالي، علينا جميعًا أن ندافع معًا ونظهر التزامنا، نلعب ضد فريق رائع، هالاند لاعب مذهل لكن إذا لعبنا بكامل طاقتنا، يمكننا الفوز بهذه المباراة”.

واستطرد” النقص في الحدة؟ ضد سيلتا بالطبع، وفي مباريات أخرى أيضًا، إذا لم نلعب بأقصى قوة فسيكون الفوز صعبًا للغاية، علينا أن ندرك أن الفوز بهذه المباريات يتطلب بذل قصارى جهدنا، لم نفعل ذلك ضد سيلتا، ويجب أن نفعله غدًا”.

وسُئل تشواميني ما هي المشكلة، في الفريق أم ألونسو، فأجاب: “ضد سيلتا، كان لدى المدرب خطة جيدة لكننا نحن اللاعبين من نلعب، إذا خسرنا 2/0 فذلك بسبب مشكلة، مثل نقص التركيز وذلك ليس خطأ المدرب، سنتحسن”.

وأتم: “مانشستر سيتي فريق رائع خاصةً عند الاستحواذ على الكرة، علينا أن نكون متماسكين دفاعيًا، وأن نخلق الفرص لمهاجمينا عند الاستحواذ على الكرة، ستكون مباراة ممتعة للغاية”.