سلوت يوضح سر نجاح ليفربول أمام مبابي وفينيسيوس.. ويؤكد: آمل أن يصدقني لاعبي فريقي

أدلى المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، بتصريحات عقب فوزهم على ريال مدريد مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وريال مدريد في خضم لقاءات الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، حيث فاز الفريق الإنجليزي بهدف دون رد.

وقال سلوت، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “أنا سعيد للغاية، لقد كانت أسابيع صعبة علينا، خضنا العديد من المباريات خارج أرضنا، ونادرًا ما كنا نحصل على راحة بين كل مباراة، مرة أخرى، لقد خضنا مباراتين في وقت قصير قبل لقاء ريال مدريد، وهذا ينطبق عليهم كذلك”.

وأضاف: “من المفيد اللعب أمام هذه الجماهير، لأنني أعتقد أن ذلك يُخرج أفضل ما في لاعبي فريقي، أداء رائع ضد فريق لم يخسر سوى مرة واحدة طوال الموسم، ربما كان من الممكن أن يكون الأداء أفضل”.

وعن الحفاظ على نظافة شباكهم للمرة الثانية على التوالي، قال: “لقد قلت قبل المباراة إنهم سجلوا 26 هدفًا في الدوري الإسباني، ومبابي وفينيسيوس معًا ساهما بـ 24 هدفًا، لذلك إذا أردت الفوز بهذه المباراة، فعليك التأكد من عدم تسجيلهما أي هدف”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فان دايك يحذر ليفربول بعد الفوز على ريال مدريد.. ويصرّح: الهدوء مهم في عالم الفوضى

وواصل: “دافع الفريق بأكمله بشكل رائع، في الضغط العالي والدفاع المنخفض، كان كونور برادلي رائعًا، مواجهة فينيسيوس مرات عديدة في مواجهة واحد ضد واحد ليست خيارًا متاحًا للجميع، لقد كان رائعًا اليوم”.

واستكمل: “قلت للاعبين إن الشيء الوحيد الذي لم أرده هو الدفاع في المنتصف، لأن هذين المهاجمين (فينيسيوس ومبابي) يتمتعان بقدرتهما على القيام بانطلاقات عميقة وتوقيت مذهل وسرعة مذهلة، لذلك إما أن نضغط عليهما بقوة أو نلعب في دفاع منخفض، لذلك لا تمنحهما مساحة، لأن 24 هدفًا من أصل 26 هدفًا تخبرك بكل ما تحتاج لمعرفته عن هذين اللاعبين”.

وأكد: “مرة أخرى يُظهر اليوم أهمية الكرات الثابتة، لقد سجلنا من خلالها أربعة أهداف في دوري أبطال أوروبا، لو سجلنا من خلالها نفس العدد في الدوري الإنجليزي، لكان لدينا نقاط أكثر مما لدينا الآن، لكننا لم نُسجل أي هدف من خلالها واستقبلنا خمسة أهداف بسببها، إذا كان هذا هو توازنكم، فلن تحصلوا على الكثير من النقاط”.

وعن الأجواء، قال سلوت: “أُعجبت بالأجواء طوال التسعين دقيقة، حتى قبل المباراة، أعتقد أن الجماهير ساعدتنا طوال التسعين دقيقة، وليس فقط خلال فترة تواجد أرنولد في الملعب”.

وفيما يخص حديثه مع أرنولد، قال: “لقد عانقته بعد ذلك بوقت قصير، لا أعرف بالضبط ما قلته، ولكن ربما ليس كثيرًا، ولكن في كل مرة أقابله، إما أعانقه أو أتحدث إليه، لأنه كان مميزًا جدًا بالنسبة لي كلاعب وكإنسان”.

وشدد: “الفوز في المباريات أفضل من الخسارة كمدرب، الخسارة تستغرق كل وقتك لأنك ترغب بشدة في تغيير الوضع، لكنك تحاول أيضًا أن تكون المدرب والشخص نفسه الذي أنت عليه عند الفوز، لقد فعلت الشيء ذاته، وأخبرتهم أنه بالنظر إلى توازن الكرات الثابتة لدينا، يصعب الفوز في مباريات كرة القدم، وأن خلق الفرص من اللعب المفتوح كان جيدًا طوال الموسم باستثناء مباراة أستون فيلا التي فزنا بها”.

وأوضح: “لذلك حاولت إخبارهم بما يحدث بالفعل بدلًا من كل الضجيج المحيط بهم، كل ما يمكنني فعله هو إخبارهم برأيي، وآمل أن يكون قويًا بما يكفي ليصدقوني”.

واختتم: “يوم الأحد مباراة أخرى قادمة ضد فريق قوي جدًا، لقد خسرنا الكثير من النقاط في الدوري الإنجليزي، لكننا نؤدي بشكل جيد في دوري أبطال أوروبا، علينا أن نتحسن وهذا ما سنحاول فعله، وهناك العديد من المباريات القادمة لنثبت ذلك”.

Gareth Southgate's two Man Utd demands to INEOS revealed as pressure mounts on Amorim

Manchester United are in a perilous position with Ruben Amorim in charge, and it is no surprise that they are considering alternative bosses at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's potential alternatives to Ruben Amorim

Inconsistent results have led the Red Devils to a lowly plight in the bottom half of the Premier League, and club chiefs are now casting an eye to alternatives should Amorim be relieved of his duties.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been earmarked by Manchester United, and Steve Parish is doing all he can to see the German coach remain in the capital.

Crystal Palace manager OliverGlasnerbefore the match

Nevertheless, Paul Merson believes the Red Devils should go in a different direction, claiming the 51-year-old’s preferred formation wouldn’t align with the squad available at Old Trafford.

He stated via The Express: “Let’s say Ruben Amorim was manager at Palace now, he’d have half a chance of being a success. Palace have the players to play three at the back. They have the attributes in their squad to play in that system. For me, that’s why I’d be concerned about Glasner going to Man United.

“He’s a three-at-the-back man, and it is being proven that it is a system that just doesn’t fit the players at Man United. Glasner is not a good fit for Man United. Of course, I’m sure he’d be adaptable, and he’s proven with how he handles the players, but the system he uses is just all wrong for United. Amorim can tell you that.”

Michael Carrick has been mentioned in media circles, albeit he is probably one for the future, though one of his compatriots is now believed to be firmly in the running should Amorim be discarded over the coming weeks.

Gareth Southgate makes two demands to Man Utd

According to The Sun, former England manager Gareth Southgate has asked Manchester United for two key demands as he becomes a potential candidate to succeed Amorim.

First off, the 55-year-old, who was hailed for his underappreciated “ruthless” streak by John Stones, has made it clear he wants time to piece together a long-term roadmap to success, something he believes could take four years to master before the Red Devils are Champions League regulars once again.

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Reticent to commit before his guarantees are fulfilled, he also wants INEOS to back him through all phases of his plan without fail, creating a sense of unity among all parties as Manchester United look to establish themselves among the elite once again.

The ex-Three Lions coach hasn’t managed at club level since his spell at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009. However, his time in charge of England was largely successful, reaching back-to-back European Championship finals and finishing fourth in the World Cup in 2018.

Given his ability to build sides capable of deep runs involving some of the world’s best talent, he may be the ideal man to get more out of Manchester United’s faltering players.

Marcus Rashford makes Hansi Flick 'happy' but Barcelona boss wants more goals after key role in La Liga win

Barcelona bounced back from their El Clasico loss with a convincing 3-1 win over Elche, a night that once again underlined Marcus Rashford’s rebirth under Hansi Flick. In Raphinha’s absence, the English winger has been electric, scoring his sixth of the season and earning a standing ovation from the Barca fans. Yet, even in triumph, Flick was clear he expects even more goals from Rashford.

Marcus Rashford shines as Barca bounce back

Barcelona returned to winning ways at the Olympic Stadium, defeating Elche 3-1 to stay within touching distance of leaders Real Madrid. Flick’s side dominated early, pressing aggressively and capitalising on defensive lapses. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres struck twice in quick succession, before Rafa Mir briefly halved the deficit. But the moment of the night belonged to Rashford, who sealed the win in the 68th minute with a thunderous effort off the crossbar registering his sixth goal of the campaign and thirteenth direct goal involvement this season.

Rashford’s confidence continues to soar in Raphinha’s absence. The 27-year-old has thrived on the left flank, linking fluidly with Torres and Fermin Lopez in Flick’s high-tempo system. His revival, after a difficult spell at Manchester United, has been one of Barca’s success stories of the season.

After the game, coach Flick summed up the mood perfectly as he approach to the result was satisfied but grounded: “The most important thing is the three points,” he said. “We did many things well, others not so well. There are still areas where we must improve.”

AdvertisementAFPHansi Flick praises his team's performance but demands for more

Flick’s post-match comments reflected both pride and ambition. The German was quick to recognise Rashford’s growing influence but also used the moment to push him further, urging the winger to turn promise into prolific consistency.

"We have done many things well and others not so well. I’ve seen many things we’ve done very well and others that haven’t been so good. We need to improve certain situations. We had an opponent that wanted the ball and it wasn’t easy. We wanted to pressure them from the start and we did because we scored two goals," said Flick in a post-match interview.

Flick further added: "I think we created many chances and didn't convert them all. If we had taken better advantage of our opportunities, we would have finished 6-2."

Reflecting on Rashford's performance, the Barca coach said: “One or two more goals would have been good for him. I’m happy with him; I know he can play at this level and he’s shown it. He’s an important player.”

Barcelona’s demands before making Rashford’s move permanent

Barcelona’s board is eager to make Rashford’s loan from United permanent but not without conditions. Club sources confirm that financial sustainability is the main hurdle. Rashford currently earns around £300,000 a week, a figure far above LaLiga’s wage structure.

Barcelona are prepared to pay the £30 million transfer fee, but only if Rashford agrees to a significant salary reduction to comply with league spending limits. The club’s sporting department wants to offer a multi-year deal that spreads the cost while maintaining squad balance. Rashford, aware of the limitations and keen to continue his resurgence in Spain, is reportedly open to compromise in exchange for long-term stability and trust.

For Barca, his impact has been undeniable. He has six goals and five assists in all competitions to his tally, plus four decisive strikes in the Champions League. But the next step depends on negotiation. As per reports, the club views Rashford’s future as “a matter of both sporting value and financial discipline.”

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Getty Images SportReturning stars boost Flick’s plans

Barcelona’s immediate focus shifts to a crucial Champions League tie against Club Brugge midweek, followed by a La Liga trip to Celta Vigo on November 9 before the international break. These games will test Flick’s rotation and squad depth, especially with injuries still limiting options in midfield.

There was good news for Barca fans, though. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo both returned from injury and featured from the bench against Elche. Their gradual reintegration adds experience and attacking variety, offering Rashford and Torres the freedom to rotate and rest when needed.

Rashford’s resurgence has been a spark for Flick’s project but as the coach reminded everyone, it’s just the beginning. “We’re on the right path,” Flick said. “But we must keep improving, every game, every player.”

Liverpool have signed a Salah-type player who's got the "pace of Torres"

Liverpool needed a response after they were beaten in their own backyard by Manchester United at the weekend, thus condemning Arne Slot to three successive Premier League defeats.

And reply they did against Eintracht Frankfurt, winning 5-1 in the Champions League to end the losing run and turn toward a weekend trip to Brentford with fresh optimism

It was a rip-roaring attacking display. Defensive fragilities remain, but there are promising signs for Slot and co to grab onto and develop.

But for Mohamed Salah, the win in Germany was one of strife on an individual level. Left out of the starting line-up for the second Champions League match in a row, he entered late on and failed to get in on the action, finishing tamely when the opening was there to play Florian Wirtz in for a tap-in, thus handing the new recruit his first goal in red.

Salah's struggles continue

Salah has for so long been the indomitable hero at the front of Liverpool’s success. But this season, the 33-year-old is struggling, having scored only three times across 12 matches, and with no contributions across his past five.

Everyone anticipates his revival, but Liverpool’s win over Frankfurt came without the veteran in the starting line-up, and pointed toward a future beyond the legendary winger’s presence.

Last season, the Egyptian legend scored 34 goals and assisted 23 more across all competitions. He was the leading force of Slot’s title charge and won the full gamut of individual accolades.

The drop-off has been stark, and though Salah wasn’t performing with his same gusto and athleticism last season, he was sharper than ever and incredibly prolific. That wellspring has dried up, and it’s uncharted territory.

Goals

0.77

0.25

Assists

0.48

0.25

Shots taken

3.23

1.77

Shot-creating actions

4.51

2.65

Touches (att pen)

9.50

5.30

Pass completion (%)

70.6

69.0

Progressive passes

3.84

3.28

Progressive carries

4.14

3.16

Successful take-ons

1.55

0.13

Ball recoveries

2.70

3.16

There is the fact that Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak’s respective arrivals have reshaped Salah’s role somewhat, with the elite marksmen commanding the box as Darwin Nunez and, in a makeshift role, Luis Diaz did not last season.

Salah is getting old. While he is still underperforming the expected level, the £400k-per-week superstar is entering the autumn of his glittering Premier League career.

And, with this in mind, Liverpool will need to identify a new proverbial talisman. Perhaps they already have.

Liverpool's new version of Salah

Salah will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic forwards in Liverpool’s history. He is one of the greatest Premier League players of all time.

It is only October, and the clinical winger will surely find form again soon, but there’s a sense he might struggle to outscore Ekitike, who looks every bit the perfect successor as Liverpool’s new star forward, even when pitted against a phenomenon like Isak.

Liverpool signed the 23-year-old Frenchman from Frankfurt this summer for an initial £69m fee, and he netted on his return to Die Roten this week to make it six goals (and an assist) for Slot’s side this year.

He’s brilliant. Ekitike is a deadly finisher, but he’s also so much more than that, with journalist Peter Bolster putting it perfectly.

The Liverpool writer said, “Ekitike’s got the pace of Torres, the touch of Crouch, the flair of Sturridge and the intelligence of Firmino.”

That’s quite a player, and it’s indeed fair to suggest that Liverpool’s slick striker may well be undroppable right now, especially when considering he started from the bench as the Red Devils struck a shocking blow against the Premier League champions last year.

With the rangy forward also ranking among the top 13% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90 (as per FBref), it’s clear that the aforementioned Bolster’s effusions might just have some substance.

His rapid running, seamless link-up play and silky movements around the final third all emphasise the calibre of talent Liverpool have signed, and like Salah before him, he is resurgent after previously falling by the wayside for a top European outfit.

Salah flopped at Chelsea. This is well-documented. But Ekitike, too, has tasted regret for a superpower, having left Reims for Paris Saint-Germain at the start of his career only to score four goals across 33 matches before being shipped out to Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

There he made his name and was tutored into the player he is today. It is a similarity he shares with Salah, and he is a better player because of it.

Salah is too much of a world-class sensation to not rediscover his goalscoring form in the coming months, and with a player like Ekitike beside him, a stunning partnership could be forged to maintain the African’s levels across the final two years of his illustrious career in English football.

But Ekitike is coming for the crown. Few expected this would be so when Isak completed his British record move from Newcastle United to Merseyside, but the Sweden international has his work cut out if he is to shift ahead and stand as Liverpool’s star striker.

Perhaps the most exciting part is that Ekitike is only going to get better and better. Without a doubt, he has what it takes to take the baton from Salah’s hands when that rueful day comes.

Mac Allister upgrade: Liverpool preparing huge offer to sign £69m "monster"

Arne Slot’s Liverpool midfield is malfunctioning this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

Andrea Berta told £70m Arsenal bid for unsettled PSG star could be accepted

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been told by one source that a potential £70 million bid could be accepted for an unsettled PSG star, with Mikel Arteta’s side now taking a “concrete” interest.

Arsenal back Mikel Arteta with new deals and £255m summer spend

Arteta is under serious pressure to deliver the club’s first Premier League title in over 20 years, especially following Berta’s undisputed backing.

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

After spending north of £250 million on eight major signings in the summer transfer window, Berta also tied down star defender William Saliba with a brand-new contract which will run until 2030 — thwarting Real Madrid in the process.

This comes after he agreed fresh terms with Gabriel earlier this year too, with reports suggesting that Arsenal are also in talks with Bukayo Saka over a new deal which could be sorted before Christmas (Football Transfers).

Defender Jurrien Timber could also be rewarded for his exceptionally consistent displays over the last 12 months, as Arsenal are in negotiations to take his Emirates Stadium stay past 2028.

Off the field, Arsenal are doing basically everything right (except maybe player sales), and Berta is still showing some intent in the transfer market even after a record-breaking transfer window for the Gunners.

Now, as per reporter Mark Brus, the Arsenal transfer chief is registering a serious fondness for PSG sensation Warren Zaire-Emery.

Arsenal told £70m bid for Warren Zaire-Emery could be accepted

Sharing what he calls “exciting information” via the journalist’s Daily Briefing, Brus says that the “elite” Ligue 1 starlet is growing unsettled under Luis Enrique and wants more clarity over his role in the team.

The 19-year-old has played as the defensive midfield anchor, a traditional centre-midfielder and even at right-back over his nine games in all competitions so far, and this is believed to be slightly frustrating Zaire-Emery.

Arsenal are described as having a “concrete” interest in signing Zaire-Emery, alongside the likes of Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to be the biggest admirers, as City’s boss is a major fan.

As well as this, the source goes on to state that a £70 million offer from Arsenal, or any interested side, could be enough.

The teenager has already drawn comparisons to Cesc Fàbregas, and club legend Thierry Henry was effusive in his praise of Zaire-Emery’s star potential when speaking on CBS Sports in late 2023.

Newcastle's “outstanding” talent can help Woltemade reach Shearer levels

Newcastle United have bounced back from Alexander Isak’s troubling departure this summer with ease.

Banking Eddie Howe’s Toon an eye-watering £125m when ditching Tyneside for Liverpool, it’s clear that Isak wasn’t cut out for the pressures of such an expensive move straight away, with only one goal coming his way at Anfield to date.

On the contrary, Nick Woltemade – who entered the building in a last-ditch summer move for £69m – has looked ready-made for the pressures of being Newcastle’s main marksman from minute one of his arrival, with the goalscoring prowess he became known for in the Bundesliga immediately following him to English shores.

Woltemade's fantastic start at Newcastle

Often, it takes a goalscoring machine from a European league plenty of time to settle into their groove when getting used to what is expected of them in the Premier League.

In Woltemade’s case, however, the goals have just continued to flow, with the 6-foot-6 menace joining Howe’s ranks off the back of a blistering 17-goal season on the books of Stuttgart.

In total, Woltemade already has five goals next to his name from just ten Newcastle appearances, with journalist Zach Lowy’s previous billing of the Bremen-born striker as being a “ridiculous” finisher of chances clear for all to see at St James’ Park.

Indeed, the 23-year-old’s four-goal tally in the Premier League alone means his goalscoring frequency in the daunting division sits at every 120 minutes, as the number 27 goes about trying to immortalise himself in the Newcastle hall-of-fame as one of their most devastatingly effective centre-forwards.

It will, of course, take a superhuman effort from Woltemade to ever reach Alan Shearer’s venomous levels in front of goal, with a record-breaking 260 Premier League strikes next to the Magpies icon’s name.

But, he could be on his way to becoming even more clinical if he lines up with this Newcastle assist king more often, with the pair ready to cause widespread havoc together to push their side further up the early league standings.

The Newcastle star who can make Woltemade even better

It’s safe to say that the Germany international is blessed with who he has around him in the attacking positions on Tyneside, with Anthony Gordon capable of bursting into life at a moment’s notice as one of Howe’s many livewires down the left wing, having accumulated 24 assists to date at Newcastle.

Yet, despite this impressive track record, it’s actually Jacob Murphy who might well be the attacking teammate that can take Woltemade to new heights, despite often being thought of as an under-the-radar “unsung hero” at the Premier League giants, according to journalist Scott Wilson.

Murphy – Stats this season

Stat

Murphy

Games played

10

Minutes played

752

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Sourced by Transfermarkt

It’s clear from taking one glance at the table above that Murphy is the sort of presence that excels when he’s made to feed off scraps, with just 752 minutes of action handed to him this season, resulting in the 30-year-old attacker still being able to pick up a standout four goal contributions.

He would even get the ball rolling for his team last time out against Fulham when he finished under pressure to seal a one-goal lead, with more starts surely coming his way, having been labelled as being “in the form of his life” after his lively afternoon against the Cottagers by Newcastle-based blog Mouth of the Tyne.

But, away from his assured nature to fire this fierce effort past Bernd Leno last time out, it’s also his ability to be an effective partner for a lethal striker that will be music to Woltemade’s ears as he attempts to become even deadlier in England.

A large portion of Isak’s 62 goals in Newcastle black and white would come about off the back of a Murphy assist – 11 to be exact – with the German, therefore, hopeful of reaching this tally, and even eclipsing it, knowing he has the “outstanding” number 23, as he was once labelled by ex-Toon forward Craig Bellamy, next to him supplying him with chances galore.

With Anthony Elanga also in reserve, Woltemade should not find it tricky whatsoever in his bid to become the next Shearer-shaped talisman, having already scored four in his first six league games for the Magpies.

For comparison, Shearer’s start to 1996/97 saw him score three times from his first six top-flight appearances for the Tynesiders – albeit while then reaching seven from just his first ten league outings.

Woltemade is then on the right track, with a new fan favourite having emerged at St James’.

Move over Woltemade: Howe has unearthed a new “game-changer” at Newcastle

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Chelsea now looking to sign "outstanding" £168k-a-week CB who's won 11 trophies

Chelsea are now looking to sign an “outstanding” experienced centre-back who’s won 11 trophies, having struggled defensively at times this season.

Blues fall to ninth after Sunderland setback

Enzo Maresca has been forced to contend with a number of injury problems already this season, with the manager particularly light on options in defence, given the absence of Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, who are both set to be out for quite some time.

Colwill is a long-term absentee, having suffered an ACL injury in the summer, while Maresca has confirmed Badiashile won’t be back for another couple of months, saying: “Benoit will be out until December. He is injured again with a muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, showing how good he is, and we will wait for him.”

That said, the manager is still likely to be concerned by just how susceptible his team have been to conceding chances, with Nottingham Forest missing four big opportunities and hitting the woodwork last weekend.

The Blues got away with it against Forest, but Sunderland made them pay on Saturday, with the Black Cats emerging as 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge, which means the hosts have fallen to ninth in the Premier League table.

As such, Maresca may need to bolster his backline if Chelsea are to transform into title contenders, and they are now looking to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, who is facing an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena.

That is according to a report from CF Bayern, which states the west Londoners want to sign Upamecano in 2026, at which point his contract with the German club will have expired, having been unable to agree a new deal.

Chelsea now join race to sign "hugely impressive" £70m Champions League forward

A new forward has emerged as a target for the Blues.

ByDominic Lund Oct 26, 2025

With the Blues potentially looking to offload ‘bomb squad’ member Axel Disasi, a new centre-back could be brought in to replace him, and the Bayern defender has been identified as a target, although there could be competition from Real Madrid.

"Outstanding" Upamecano could be exactly what Maresca needs

Jamie Carragher has made it clear just how much he disagrees with BlueCo’s recruitment policy of signing young players, saying: “Chelsea should be title contenders and considered Champions League challengers this season. Instead, their hierarchy seems content to be praised for being the smartest recruiters in the business – the world’s richest development club.”

In fairness, while Chelsea did win the Club World Cup in the summer, the model is yet to translate to success in the Premier League, and more experienced players are arguably needed if they are to become title contenders.

As such, the “outstanding” France international, as lauded by Joshua Kimmich, could be exactly what they need, given that he is experienced at the top level, winning 11 major trophies throughout his career, and the 27-year-old’s passing ability indicates he could be an ideal fit in a Maresca system.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

89.32 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

93.4% (96th percentile)

Progressive passes

6.39 (95th percentile)

The £168k-a-week star’s potential availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Chelsea, who clearly need greater strength in depth at the back, given that 19-year-old Josh Acheampong has emerged as a regular starter.

سبب خروج فالفيردي من مباراة ريال مدريد ورايو فاليكانو في الدوري الإسباني

تعادل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، أمام رايو فاليكانو، سلبيًا، اليوم الأحد، في إطار منافسات الدوري الاسباني.

وقد تعرض ريال مدريد لضربة موجعة، خلال المباراة، إلى جانب أنه فقد نقطتين في صراع الصدارة مع غريمه التقليدي برشلونة.

ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، أن الأوروجواياني فيدي فالفيردي، قد عانى لعدة دقائق وأمسك بظهر فخده الأيمن، ولم يكن قادرًا على التحمل في الدقيقة 82 من أحداث الشوط الثاني.

اقرأ أيضاً.. رجل مباراة ريال مدريد ورايو فاليكانو في الدوري الإسباني

ونظر لاعب ريال مدريد بشكل سريع إلى خط التماس وطلب في إشارة واضحة الاستبدال، وسارع ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد في استعداده للدخول لأرض الملعب.

وفي الدقيقة 83 استبدل تشابي ألونسو فالفيردي الذي غادر الملعب على قدميه، ويبدو أن كل شيء يشير إلى تعرضه لإجهاد عضلي.

ومع ذلك فإن كل شيء يعتمد على فحوصات أطباء ريال مدريد، وتشخيصهم لإصابة فيدي فالفيردي والذي لم يتم تحديد موقفه بشكل رسمي.

Bukayo Saka's going nowhere! Arsenal determined to hand star winger new contract that includes 'record-breaking' pay rise amid transfer fear

Arsenal are determined to hand star winger Bukayo Saka a new contract, with the England international set for a massive pay hike. After tying down William Saliba to a long-term deal, the Gunners have now shifted their focus to Saka and want to wrap up contract talks as early as possible amid fears that the wide man could draw transfer interest in the future.

  • Arsenal want to retain existing squad members

    Arsenal spent heavily in the summer transfer window to rebuild their squad as they brought in as many as eight new players. The Gunners' outlay has had an impact already as they have won eight out of their first 10 Premier League games and are being considered as early favourites to win the league title. 

    However, new sporting director Andrea Berta had mentioned that retaining existing key squad members on a long-term basis continues to remain the club's top priority. In the past few months, they have extended the deals of Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly and are now hoping Saka agrees to their offer.

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    Saka set to be offered blockbuster deal

    Per , Arsenal have met Saka's representatives on multiple occasions in recent times, which has made it clear that the Gunners are determined to retain their star player. The Premier League leaders want to wrap up the process as early as possible amid fears of transfer interest from across Europe. The club want to tie down Saka until the summer of 2030 and are planning to offer wages in the region of £12 million ($16m) gross per season.

    The report adds that Saka's renewal will reflect owner Stan Kroenke's confidence in the player and will also send a message to other clubs that Arsenal can hold onto their star players. The Gunners remain confident that Saka will agree on the new deal.

  • Saka 'believes' Arsenal can win Premier League

    In a recent interview, Saka expressed his confidence in Arsenal winning the Premier League this season, as she said: "This year, I feel we’re a very strong group and we’ve got a lot of quality. We’ve already suffered a lot of injuries, but you know, the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the top at the highest. That’s what it’s going to take for us to go all the way. I think that’s where we’ve slipped off in a few seasons, but this season, I think we’ve got that. And you know, it’s making me really believe we can do it."

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    Can anyone beat Arsenal this season?

    Mikel Arteta's side, who have won eight out of their first 10 league matches, have been hailed as favourites to lift the trophy in May. As by far the most consistent side in the division so far, the Gunners have been told the trophy is theirs to lose, although there is one club who could challenge them.

    Speaking on his self-titled podcast, ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville said: "This has got to be them, hasn't it? This has got to be their year. This is the fourth season on the bounce that I've had them to win the league, but they're not necessarily miles better, they're repeating their levels of consistency, and that's all they're going to have to do this year to win the league. They're not going to have to go and get 100 points, they're not going to have to get even 90 or 95 points to win the league, mid-80s, high 80s will win them this title, and they can do that."

    He added: "The reason I say I’m confident Arsenal will win the league is because you always think about what can stop a team. If Liverpool lost Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah in previous seasons they would be in trouble. But I can’t think of any player Arsenal might lose now and it would mean they would lose the title…even the two centre-backs because of the summer signings. Every position is covered. Bukayo Saka was that player in the past but Noni Madueke came in when he was injured. Everywhere, they are properly doubled up with the same level of quality or only a small drop-off. So who’s going to take it off them? Arsenal would have to beat themselves not to win it. I don’t think Man City are going to get back to a level they’ve been at previously and come back at Arsenal. Pep Guardiola is a genius but he hasn’t got the players or the team playing at the level needed. Liverpool are the only team but they would have to get back on track very quickly."

Torcedores do Botafogo estendem faixas de protesto contra Bruno Lage

MatériaMais Notícias

A torcida do Botafogo mais uma vez demonstrou que perdeu a paciência com as atitudes de Bruno Lage no comando da equipe. No dia seguinte ao empate em 1 a 1 com o Goiás, um grupo estendeu faixas protestando contra o treinador no entorno do Nilton Santos.

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Uma das faixas direcionava ofensas a Lage, enquanto outra pedia a saída do português do comando do Alvinegro. A irritação aconteceu em especial após o técnico optar por barrar Tiquinho Soares na partida contra o Goiás.

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Uma das faixas trazia uma severa crítica para o técnico Bruno Lage: “Frouxo, arregão e covarde”. Outra dirigia o seguinte apelo: “Fora, Burro Lage”.

O Botafogo está com 52 pontos, lidera o Brasileirão, mas não vence há quatro partidas. A equipe enfrenta o Fluminense no domingo (8), às 16h pela 26ª rodada.

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