Category Uncategorized

The USMNT midfielder has opened up about his surprising return to MLS, detailing how conversations with both clubs helped make his decision

• Aaronson admitted he hadn't anticipated returning to MLS 
• Cited conversations with Frankfurt about his future as catalyst for move
• Colorado's vision for developing aspects of his game a selling point

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  U.S. international Paxten Aaronson opened up about the whirlwind of events leading to his move to the Colorado Rapids. The 21-year-old midfielder said he hoped to carve out a similar role at Eintracht Frankfurt after his loan at FC Utrecht and pushed to make it work with the Bundesliga side during preseason.

  “After my season at Utrecht, I was feeling great after that season. And I knew that the next step, with the World Cup coming in, and all of what had happened last year, I knew I needed to go to a club where I could do exactly what I did last year," Aaronson said on the CBS Sports podcast.

  Aaronson mentioned he, his agent, and Frankfurt discussed various options, including a return to Utrecht, but his club insisted that the American should stay with the club during preseason to see if he could earn more minutes with the Bundesliga team.

  “I was open to it because a club like Frankfurt, if I can go in and impress and play there, then yeah, it's like the pinnacle. It's a Champions League club, a top-five league, so I was going to try to go there and make the best of it," he said.

  However, with pre-season not working out to his expectations, the midfielder revealed that both parties agreed to explore options that would maximize Aaronson's development and playing time with the World Cup approaching. He confessed that a move back to the MLS wasn’t even on the cards for him, but an offer from the Colorado Rapids changed the situation.

  “I think as the preseason went on, me and the club mutually agreed that they probably couldn't give me the minutes [I expected], especially after the season I had last season," he explained. "So it was kind of mutual to start looking for other clubs, and yeah, probably find a solution, and my agents did a great job.

  “But yeah. I wasn't even expecting to kind of come back to MLS. It wasn't in my mind till my agent called me and said, ‘Yeah, Colorado are interested, they have an open [Designated Player] spot.'"

Advertisement

• WHAT PAXTEN AARONSON SAID

  Aaronson revealed that a phone call with Colorado's technical staff – including head coach Chris Armas – ultimately convinced him that the Rapids represented the ideal move for him right now.

  “They came back with some serious interest," he said. "What really kind of turned my head is when I had the phone call with the Colorado staff and Chris [Armas] and kind of the idea that they proposed to me. I think was something unique where I don't even think a lot of European clubs can offer what they offered me in terms of coming to a new challenge, wearing the No. 10 [role], coming into a team where I can influence."

  For the former Philadelphia academy player, the chance to continue developing his game in his return to MLS was a big sellng point.

  “And I think for me, that's a different aspect of my game where I haven't been able to kind of work on and I think it'll bring out different sides of me that I think I know we'll get the best out of me, kind of freedom on the field, free flowing and kind of giving the green light to chai stuff and I think that's what really intrigued me.

  The 21-year-old midfielder also confirmed that U.S. Men's National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino's demonstrated willingness to call up MLS-based players removed a potential barrier that might have previously discouraged him from returning to the domestic league.

  “Yeah, definitely,” Aaronson added when asked whether Pochettino’s views on the MLS changed things. “Like you said, I knew I couldn't go somewhere where I wasn't gonna play. And yeah, of course, nothing's ever guaranteed in life, or in soccer.

  “But I knew coming up with the World Cup, and like you said, especially how Pochettino speaks about the MLS, and just when you look at the rosters, he selects, I know that MLS, you don't have a big red X next to your name. So yeah, that was definitely a part of it.”

• Imagn
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aaronson's perspective reflects a significant shift in the USMNT ecosystem under Pochettino's leadership. Previous national team regimes often prioritized European-based players regardless of playing time, creating implicit pressure for American talents to remain abroad even in suboptimal situations.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT’S NEXT?

  Aaronson has already made two appearances for the Colorado Rapids and will likely be a part of their next game, after the international break, against the Houston Dynamo on Sept. 14.

MatériaMais Notícias

O encanto quePelélevou a multidões também rendeu letra e música. Uma das reverências ao “Rei do Futebol”, que morreu nesta quinta-feira aos 82 anos em São Paulo, foi lançada pelo MPB-4. Ao LANCE!, Miltinho detalhou como aconteceu a gravação de “Obrigado, Pelé”.

– Essa gravação aconteceu quando o Pelé estava no auge na Seleção Brasileira. A gravadora sugeriu que a gente interpretasse a música do Miguel Gustavo e, como ele estava em evidência, vimos o momento ideal – afirmou.

RelacionadasFora de CampoEx-namorada de Pelé, Xuxa se manifesta sobre morte do Rei do FutebolFora de Campo29/12/2022Futebol InternacionalCraques do futebol mundial se despedem de Pelé nas redes sociaisFutebol Internacional29/12/2022SantosVÍDEO: ‘Pelé não morre, ele viverá eternamente em nosso dia-a-dia’, destaca presidente do SantosSantos29/12/2022

Grupo histórico na música brasileira e que tem no repertório canções como “Amigo É Pra Essas Coisas”, “Roda Viva”, “Vira Virou” e “Pois É, Pra Quê?”, o MPB-4 manifestou em suas redes sociais o pesar pela morte de Pelé. Foi divulgado um vídeo com imagens de gols e dribles do camisa 10 e a música “Obrigado, Pelé!” ao fundo.

– Não cheguei a ter contato com Pelé, infelizmente. Mas assisti a muitos jogos dele. É um momento muito triste para o mundo do futebol. Para nós, que acompanhamos, que somos apaixonados por futebol, causa um impacto muito grande seu adeus – destacou Miltinho.

“Obrigado, Pelé” mais tarde foi gravada por Wilson Simonal. A canção é de Miguel Gustavo, mesmo autor de “Pra Frente Brasil”.

Veja a letra:

OBRIGADO, PELÉ – de Miguel Gustavo

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé

É a glória
E sempre humilde, sempre igual
Negão, tricampeão, ao natural
Lutou e só de gol fez mais de 1000
Ficou até na história do Brasil, um mil
Gol de Pelé!

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé…

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé…

Você tem o seu clube
Eu tenho o meu
Escrete, cada país
Possui o seu

Mas quando Pelé balança o marcador
Em todo mundo vibra o torcedor
De pé
Gol de Pelé!

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé

Galera, a tua fera vai sair
De pé, com toda fé, toda coragem
Nos campos de todo mundo a aplaudir
Meu povo, rei Pelé pede passagem

Olé
Gol de Pelé!

Todo mundo sambando com a bola no pé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé, olé
Obrigado, Pelé…

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are targeting an England international with extensive Premier League experience for Wrexham's next summer transfer.

Wrexham revamping squad for Championship campaignTargeting move for ex-Liverpool defenderHoping to bolster backlineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham have been splashing the cash this summer and are now targeting a move for Leicester defender Conor Coady, according to the . Coady is expected to depart the Foxes this summer and is said to have been "impressed" by Wrexham's rise from the National League all the way into the Championship.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Coady possesses vast top-level experience after a career that has taken in spells with Liverpool, Wolves, Everton and now Leicester. The defender has made 198 Premier League appearances in total and has also won 10 international caps with England. Coady does still have 12 months left on his contract at Leicester, meaning Wrexham would have to pay a fee to prise him away from the club.

WHAT PARKINSON HAS SAID

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has spoken about his club's summer activity and admits there's been plenty of speculation about potential targets. He told BBC Sport: "We've been linked with so many players and if we'd been speaking to every player we've been linked with, I don't think we'd have had an hour to sleep over the last month. Some are true, some aren't. But we're just going about our business and trying to get a squad which can represent the club in this division this season."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Coady is not the only player being linked with a move to Wrexham currently. Ipswich Town's Nathan Broadhead is also reportedly close to a move to Wales, while the Red Dragons are also thought to be considering a blockbuster bid for Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore.

Barcelona have learned Nico Williams' new release clause after the Athletic Club winger surprisingly turned them down.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Barca learn new Williams release clauseWinger rejected La Liga championsWould now require a bigger feeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Williams was close to sealing a £50 million ($68m) move to La Liga's champions but announced a stunning U-turn this week, instead opting to a sign a new 10-year deal with Athletic. It has now been revealed by that his new release clause sits at €100m (£86m/$118m).

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It has been reported by that Williams turned down the move to Barca because the club would not guarantee him an exit if they were unable to register him for La Liga. They had offered Dani Olmo that clause last year but refused Williams the same.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona blamed Williams' agent for the demands, with reports this week stating the club thought it was "unacceptable". The failure to get it done is the latest example of their financial woes affecting them.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona will now move on to new winger targets, with Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford rumoured to be on their shortlist.

Australia captain Alyssa Healy has backed Alana King to play a significant role in the upcoming tour of India after the legspinner’s sparkling return to the national team.Having been left out of the T20I series and opening one-dayer against the West Indies, King took career-best figures in the latter form, claiming 3 for 16 from five overs on Thursday.The 27-year-old put Australia in a strong position, with the tourists reduced to 107 for 8, but the fixture at Melbourne’s Junction Oval was abandoned because of bad weather.Related

• Australia win with 211 balls to spare after West Indies skittled for 83

• King and Sutherland star but rain wins the day

• Ladies who Switch: Alice Capsey interview

The outcome left Australia clinging to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of Saturday’s decider at the same venue.King was called in as a replacement for injured quick Darcie Brown, and will look to build on her performance ahead of the India tour.”It’s hard [for batters] because she challenges both edges of the bat,” Healy said. “You’re kind of playing for that big, ripping legspinner because she puts so much work on the ball, but the natural variation of one skidding on actually makes her more effective.”She gets a lot of batters lbw, especially in Big Bash cricket, so she’s a proper handful for us. Pink ball, white ball, red ball – it doesn’t really matter.”She’s going to be a great asset to our side, so hopefully she can maintain that and keep sticking her hand up for selection.”King spent a month in Perth working hard on controlling her length after returning home from the Hundred in August and is reaping the benefits.”Her speed through the air at the moment and her control with her spin and her length has been impressive right throughout the week,” Healy said. “It was actually really easy throwing her the ball as the first spinning option knowing that she was going to get the job done.”I’m pumped to see her back out here for Australia, and the passion and the energy that she brings is great for our group. It was nice to see her get rewarded.”Healy lauded Australia’s patience with the ball on Thursday on what looked like a good batting wicket.Plans to restrict Hayley Matthews paid off when the West Indies captain and star batter was bowled by Kim Garth for 20 off 20 balls.Matthews will again be crucial to the tourists’ hopes of causing an upset to deny Australia another series win.”We want to win games of cricket and win series, and that won’t change heading into Saturday,” Healy said.  “We’re looking to come out here and be as clinical as what we have in the last two games.”

Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis are now eyeing a move to sign a £20 million “giant”, according to a new report.

Morgan Gibbs-White on Forest’s surprise season

No one would have expected Forest to not only be within a chance of a European spot for next season but also to be a favourite to finish in the top four with just nine games left to play in the campaign.

It has been a tremendous campaign for everyone involved at the City Ground, and with recent wins over Manchester City and Ipswich Town keeping them on track to finish in the top four, midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White believes Forest deserve to be in the position they are in, as the captain has been a key performer in helping the club achieve this unexpected glory.

Nottingham Forest and Marinakis eyeing move to sign £20m Championship star

Forest are among the Premier League teams keeping a close eye on this midfielder.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 19, 2025

Gibbs-White told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been a remarkable year. Just to see where we have come from, from this time last year, is incredible. I think the Forest fans deserve that the most.

“Getting back into the Premier League was one thing. Scrambling in relegation for the two years we were in the Premier League obviously wasn’t nice. It wasn’t good; it wasn’t enjoyable, but now we have given the fans something to cheer about.

“The funny thing is that in pre-season we had belief that we could do something this season. Did we think to this level? Probably not, but we felt that we could achieve something good this season.

“With the pre-season we had under the manager, because he perfectly implemented his ideas and his man management and his belief in his players, he really got to know everyone individually, and I think that is what has helped us massively. So, did I think we would be in this position? No.

“Would I have snapped your hand off? Yes. I think we deserve to be in the situation that we are in. We work so hard, day in and day out, to achieve these goals.”

Nottingham Forest plotting move to sign new £20m "giant"

So as Forest close in on a place in next season’s elite competition, they are putting plans in place for the summer transfer window. According to TuttoSport, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are serious about signing Lorenzo Lucca, who stands at 6ft 7, from Italian side Udinese.

The report states that AC Milan see the forward as a summer target, but they face competition from the Reds as well as Napoli. 10 goals in 28 Serie A games this season have put him on the radar of a few clubs around Europe, with Milan trying to sign him in January, but a deal didn’t work out.

They remain interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has been described as “the giant from Moncalieri”, but it is believed they will find it difficult to sign him in the summer. This then leaves the door open for Forest, who could be in the market for a new striker to help Chris Wood and replace him in the long term. It is reported that a fee of €25 million, which is roughly £20 million, will be enough to complete a transfer.

Apps

70

Goals

21

Assists

6

This wouldn’t be the first time Forest have turned to Serie A to complete a transfer, as they signed defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina last summer, and he has been pivotal in a defence that has conceded just 35 goals so far in the Premier League.

The latest report says that Forest could look to repeat their success in Serie A after landing Milenkovic with a move for Lucca, making this one to watch.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na manhã deste sábado, o Palmeiras derrotou o Osvaldo Cruz por 3 a 1, fora de casa, pela quinta rodada da segunda fase do Campeonato Paulista Sub-17. Os gols das ‘Crias’ foram marcados por Mateus Patolino (duas vezes) e Uberaba.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras fecha acordo com Cartão de TODOS para patrocínio do time femininoPalmeiras06/08/2022PalmeirasBolsonaro estará no Allianz Parque para assistir a Palmeiras x GoiásPalmeiras06/08/2022BotafogoDanilo Barbosa tem acordo e é esperado no Rio para assinar com o BotafogoBotafogo05/08/2022

GALERIA

>Relembre reforços que deram muito errado nos clubes brasileiros

TABELA

> Clique e confira a tabela completa e simulador do Brasileirão!

Com 15 pontos e na liderança do grupo 14, a equipe alviverde manteve o 100% de aproveitamento na competição. Para ampliar as estatísticas vitoriosas, são 58 gols marcados e somente oito sofridos.

O próximo compromisso do Verdão pelo Paulista Sub-17 será contra o Botafogo-SP, no próximo sábado, às 11h, na Academia de Futebol 2, em Guarulhos, pela última rodada da segunda fase da competição.

Paralelamente ao estadual, os palmeirenses disputam o Campeonato Brasileiro da categoria. Na primeira rodada da competição, a equipe palestrina foi superada por 3 a 2 pelo Athletico-PR, no CT do Caju, em Curitiba.

Pelo certame nacional, o Palmeiras volta a campo na próxima terça-feira (9), contra o Corinthians, na Arena Barueri, às 15h30.

continua após a publicidade

Given the volume of spending over the last couple of years, cuts have been made behind the scenes and to the playing squad of Manchester United over recent months.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in trimming costs to avoid any financial issues at Old Trafford, with numerous players leaving the North West throughout the campaign to generate funds and clear the wage bill.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed in a £15m deal to join West Ham United in the summer, ending his five-year stint with the Red Devils after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.

However, his move has enabled the 27-year-old to recapture his best form away from the North West, notching two goals and two assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He’s not the only former United player to depart this season and impress away from the club, with huge regrets undoubtedly over a decision to allow him to depart given his rise to stardom elsewhere.

Scott McTominay’s stats for Napoli in 2024/25

Back in August last year, United decided to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Italian side Napoli, leaving the side after seven years in the first-team and recruiting a £25m fee in the process.

The Scottish international made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 29 occasions, catching the eye with his box-crashing ability, often producing numerous key goals.

However, his move to Naples has allowed the 28-year-old to take his game to the next level, registering seven goals and two assists in his first 28 appearances for the Italian giants.

Antonio Conte’s side currently sit in second place, just three points off leaders Inter Milan, with McTominay playing a key role in their chances of claiming the Scudetto at the end of the season.

Given his goalscoring run in Serie A, Ruben Amorim must wish the previous management team had kept hold of the Scottish international, but he could unleash his own version of the star in the near future.

The player who could be Amorim’s own McTominay

Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have been just two of the United youngsters who have been the beneficiaries of the ongoing injury issues at Old Trafford, making the jump into the first-team.

Their positive performances have certainly opened the doors for other youngsters to follow suit in the near future, looking to cement their place in Amorim’s squad.

One player who’s more than deserving of the opportunity is midfielder Zach Baumann, who could follow in the footsteps of McTominay with the 18-year-old possessing a very similar skillset to the Scottish international.

The Ukrainian youngster has developed rapidly over the last couple of years, earning himself a professional contract at Old Trafford, highlighting his impressive displays at various youth levels.

This season alone, the “superb” Baumann, as dubbed by one analyst, the teenager has registered 11 appearances in all competitions, including one in the UEFA Youth League.

Zach Baumann’s stats for Man Utd at Youth Level (2024/25)

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

U18 Premier League

7

1

1

Premier League 2

2

0

0

UEFA Youth League

1

0

0

FA Youth Cup

1

0

0

Total:

11

1

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

He’s capable of operating in either an attacking or defensive midfield role, similar to that of McTominay, but he’s also showcased his ability to be in key positions in the final third, allowing him to find the back of the net.

Baumann has been a regular in the U18 side, notching two goal contributions in his seven appearances, helping the Red Devils youngsters sit second, just a couple of points off rivals Manchester City.

Given the sale of McTominay in the summer, the first team have been desperate for a player of a similar profile to replace him, offering that added threat in the final third despite mainly being a box-to-box option.

Baumann may only be 18, but should he continue on his current trajectory, he could easily force himself into Amorim’s plans, potentially saving the club millions in the years ahead.

Related Man Utd gem was ahead of Amad, then Ten Hag sold him for just £5m

One Manchester United star unfortunately never managed to maintain his early impressive form at the club.

Posts 3 ByEthan Lamb Mar 20, 2025

Marseille striker Amine Gouiri has criticised the UNFP for snubbing his team-mates, including Mason Greenwood, from their end of season awards.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Marseille players snubbed in team of the seasonGouiri says Greenwood is "world class"Algerian striker also praises Rabiot and De ZerbiFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Gouiri has echoed the criticisms of his team-mate Adrien Rabiot and coach Roberto De Zerbi, who feel their efforts have been overlooked. In an interview with L'Equipe, the striker name checked De Zerbi, Greenwood, and Rabiot as being deserving of greater recognition for their efforts. Marseille overcame a poor run of form in March, to win four of their last five games in Ligue 1, ultimately finishing in second behind PSG.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Greenwood finished as the joint top scorer in the league alongside Ballon d'Or favourite Ousmane Dembélé, who was recognised as player of the year by the UNFP. The nominees were announced in April, after les Olympiens had lost five of their last seven games. Rabiot had earlier expressed his displeasure, saying it was "unbelievable" that he was not named in the team of the season. De Zerbi joked he needed "five or six more cigarettes" to cope with the idea his players were not considered worthy of recognition by their peers.

WHAT GOUIRI SAID

Gouiri said of De Zerbi: "He's a great coach. It's a scandal that he wasn't even nominated for the UNFP trophies. Everyone thinks it's normal that he came second with this squad, but it's his first season in Ligue 1, he didn't know the Championship, he has a new team. What he's doing is great." 

On Greenwood, the Algerian striker commented: "It's the same, a scandal. He's the top scorer in Ligue 1 (tied with Ousmane Dembélé). He's a world-class striker. Playing alongside him is a pleasure. He didn't even need time to adapt, he can play with both feet."

Finally, on Rabiot, Gouiri said: "It's a triple scandal in fact. How can we not put him in? But the best answer was given on the pitch. Adrien Rabiot is one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 and he doesn't need a trophy or a top team to prove it.

"The only explanation is that at the time of the votes, we were a little less good."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

The UNFP awards are awarded based on the votes of the players in France's top division. Nine of the 11 players named in the team of the season were PSG players, with just Lucas Chevalier of Lille and Rayan Cherki of Lyon breaking into the team. Luis Enrique was given the nod as coach of the year.

Stand-in captain says India are not out to settle any scores with Sri Lanka after the Asia Cup loss last year

Vishal Dikshit02-Jan-20233:08

‘No bigger new year resolution than winning the World Cup’

Looking ahead to the 2024 World Cup and standing in as T20I captain for three games against Sri Lanka for now, Hardik Pandya’s message to his young team is clear: “go out there and express [yourself], we’re going to back you to the core.”Hardik takes over captaincy in the absence of regular leader Rohit Sharma, who will take back captaincy for the ODIs. Even though it’s not clear yet who India’s captain at the next T20 World Cup will be, Hardik assessed India’s situation in T20s by saying that there was nothing wrong with their approach in the lead-up to the tournament.India had adopted a new approach in the format when Rohit took over captaincy and Rahul Dravid became the new head coach: they started getting much quicker off the blocks in the powerplay, Rohit himself changed his approach at the top, and most of India’s batters were batting with an intent of scoring faster. Except that in Australia, the bounce and pace was not to India’s liking, and they went back to their old template of setting a base and then building on it.Related

Hardik: Tripathi made Sri Lanka 'chase the game' with his powerplay hitting

Shivam Mavi impresses on debut as India defend 162

Chance for new-look India to troubleshoot their T20 philosophy

India begin the new year with a new-look T20I team

'Everything came to a standstill' – Mavi on his maiden India call-up

“You see, I think before the [T20] World Cup, I don’t think we did anything wrong,” Hardik said in Mumbai, a day before the series opener against Sri Lanka. “Our template, approach, everything was the same. Yes, in the World Cup, things did not go how we wanted. And I think our approach was not the same – what it was before the World Cup. What we have noticed and told the boys is that just go out there and express [yourself], which they will do. And it’s up to us that how we back them.”What we have said is that we’re going to back you to the core. All the players have that support from my side that I’m going to back them to the core. Who are here, these are the best cricketers in the country, that’s the reason they are here. So, I have to make them believe that, which is a fact as well. For me, it’s important that how can I make them feel that they’re the best of their business. And if I can get that thing done, and can get that confidence in them, then I don’t think that they will have any problem in international cricket. I think they will flourish and have amazing careers ahead.”Hardik echoed Rohit’s words from a year before the 2022 World Cup when he and Dravid had given their players “assurance of going out and expressing” themselves. With the next T20 World Cup only a year and a half away, Hardik did not go into the team’s plans in detail but said there was not much time to experiment for now as there are only six T20Is before IPL 2023.Watch on ESPN Player in the UK

WATCH the first India vs Sri Lanka T20I LIVE

“Obviously, the plans are set. We are looking to play in a certain way, which we will,” Hardik said without elaborating. “Before IPL only six games are there, so we don’t have much time to do a lot of things but going forward we will keep creating new plans and see which are the plans which are working for us. And going forward just make sure everyone gets ample opportunities and just that on the right time when needed just see what we need to do.”Being the hosts and 3-0 winners of the last time these two teams played a bilateral T20I series – in early 2022 in India – Hardik implied they had an upper hand in home conditions, and wasn’t looking to settle any kind of score after their loss to eventual champions Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.”No, we’re not looking to settle anything [after the Asia Cup loss],” Hardik said with a smile. “We want to play good cricket. Yes, we will make them feel like we’re in India, don’t worry about that, I assure and promise you they will feel that they’re playing an international team and that too India in India. So from my boys and my side, we’re going to be clear. We don’t need to go and sledge them, our body language is enough for them to feel a little intimidated which we will do, I promise you.”India will field a new-look squad with Suryakumar Yadav the vice-captain in T20Is, and several senior players either unavailable or rested. Three uncapped players – Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar – also have a chance to make their international debuts.