ماريسكا يحدد مدة غياب ديلاب ويرد على توجيه الاتحاد الإنجليزي 74 تهمة لـ تشيلسي

عقد إنزو ماريسكا مدرب تشيلسي، مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن استعدادات فريقه لمواجهة برينتفورد مساء الغد في الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحول موقف كول بالمر من لقاء الغد قال ماريسكا في تصريحات نقلتها “فوتبول لندن” البريطانية: “لقد شارك بالمر في جلسة التدريبات أمس لأول مرة وليس الحصة التدريبية بالكامل، لدينا حصة تدريبية بعد ظهر اليوم وسنحاول التأكد أنه بخير وإلا سيغيب غداً”.

وأضاف عن بالمر: “إنه يتعافى من إصابة والأمر لا يتعلق بإدارته بل بالتعافي من الإصابة، عندما يكون متاحاً علينا وقتها إدارته نظراً لكثرة المباريات”.

وحول مدة غياب ليام ديلاب عن تشيلسي بعد إصابته قبل التوقف الدولي: “سيغيب ما يتراوح من 10 لـ12 أسبوعاً”.

وفيما يتعلق بلعب ريس جيمس مع منتخب إنجلترا، واصل: “عندما ينضم أي لاعب لمنتخب بلاده يكون جاهزاً للعب الدقائق التي يراها المدرب مناسبة، الأمر ليس بيدي، عندما يكون ريس هنا، نحاول إدارته بأفضل ما نستطيع، يظهر ريس جيمس جاهزيته للعب مباراتين أو ثلاثة أسبوعياً”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. من أجل جوتا.. أمنية غير متوقعة من جون تيري تصدم جماهير تشيلسي

وقال قال ماريسكا: استدعاء كولويل لقائمة دوري أبطال أوروبا يعتمد على مستوى مشاركتنا في دوري الأبطال، إصابة كولويل في الرباط الصليبي الأمامي لذا لن يغيب شهر أو اثنين بل ستة أو سبعة أو ثمانية أشهر، بالتأكيد سيعود لكن هذا ليس مصدر قلق لنا”.

وحول رحيل نيكولاس جاكسون: “الأمر سهل للغاية كونه لاعباً في بايرن ميونخ، أرسلت له رسالة وتمنيت له كل التوفيق، كان يقدم أداء جيد خلال وجوده هنا لذا أتمنى له كل التوفيق”.

وتابع :”أليخاندرو جارناتشو يعمل بشكل جيد، بالتأكيد عليه أن يبذل جهداً لأنه وصل إلى هنا وهو غير لائق تماماً، عليه أن يبذل جهداً، إنه يعمل بشكل جيد وسنرى، نأمل أن نتمكن من منحه دقائق لعب”.

كما أضاف :”لقاء برينتفورد صعب كما العادة، كان الأمر كذلك في المباراتين العام الماضي، الدوري الإنجليزي الأفضل في العالم لأنه صعب ضد أي نادي ونتوقع ذلك غداً”.

وفيما يتعلق ببداية الموسم، قال: “ربما فيما يتعلق باللاعبين، هناك جوانب دائماً يمكننا تحسينها، تحسين اللاعبين غالباً ما يحسن الفريق، نبدأ بإضافة مزيد من الحلول للفريق من حيث البنية والديناميكية، أعتقد أنه لا يزال بإمكاننا إضافة حلول”.

وعن تطور مستوى كوكوريلا قال: “الأمر يتعلق دائماً باللاعبين، مثلما قلنا مع كوكو وإنزو وليفي وآخرين، وضع اللاعبين كان مختلفاً عما هم عليه اليوم، هما يريدون التطور والتعلم، نوفر لهم الأدوات اللازمة لكنهم يتطورون”.

وحول إنزو فرنانديز قال ماريسكا: “عندما تصل من بلد آخر، عليك التكيف وإنزو لاعب جيد واجه صعوبة في بداية الموسم الماضي بشأن ما كنا نطلبه منه لكنه أفضل بكثير عندما أدرك ذلك، إنزو لاعب وسط هجومي وآمل أن يستمر على ذلك”.

وبشأن تقييمه لسوق الانتقالات، تابع ماريسكا: “لدينا تشكيل جيد، قلت إنني معجب بذلك قبل عام في مؤتمر صحفي،منذ ذلك الوقت حاولنا إجراء بعض التغييرات لكن بشكل عام التشكيل جيد جداً”.

وحول خيار اللاعب رقم 9 في تشيلسي أتم ماريسكا: “اللاعب الوحيد هو جويو ويمكن لجواو بيدرو اللعب في هذا المركز، ويمكننا التفكير في تيريك كرقم 9 بعد استهدامه ضد فولهام”.

ورداً على توجيه الاتحاد الإنجليزي 74 تهمة لتشيلسي بسبب انتهاكات مزعومة للوائح الخاصة بالوسطاء: “أعلم من النادي أنهم راضون،ليس لدي فكرة، أريد التركيز على الملعب وهذا أمر أستطيع التحكم فيه واللاعبين غير قلقين من ذلك”.

وختم عن التوقيع مع الأرجنتيني بونانوتي: “هو لاعب جيد، كان يلعب في ليستر سيتي وتواصلت معه هناك ويمكنه مساعدتنا، لدينا العديد من المسابقات والمباريات لذا سيحصل على دقائق لعب”.

West Ham: Irons leading race to sign £120,000-a-week "phenomenon" for £25m

West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign a “phenomenon” for Graham Potter in a £25m transfer, according to one journalist.

West Ham transfer rumours after big 2024/25 spending spree

It is fair to say that the Hammers didn’t live up to expectations in the 2024/25 Premier League season, finishing 14th with 43 points from 38 games.

That came after a big spending spree in the summer under the guidance of ex-technical director Tim Steiden and former boss Julen Lopetegui. They also brought in Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in the January transfer window after parting ways with Lopetegui and bringing in Potter.

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

Loan transfer

This summer, the Irons may have to look at sales alongside signings, with teenage striker Daniel Cummings already agreeing to join the club from Celtic on July 1.

Mohammed Kudus is the West Ham star who is being linked with a move away from the London Stadium, being offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

In discussions between the Hammers and their London rivals, West Ham asked about the availability of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a player Potter knows well from his time at Brighton.

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A new shot-stopper to replace the departing Lukasz Fabianski and rival Alphonse Areola is therefore on the to-do list, and an update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale.

West Ham “favourites to sign” £25m Ramsdale

Talking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Ramsdale’s future with a move expected following Southampton’s relegation.

As well as stating the goalkeeper’s £25m release clause, Bailey said that West Ham like the keeper “a lot” and named the Irons as “favourites to sign” Ramsdale ahead of Leeds United and Newcastle United.

On £120,000-a-week at St Mary’s, Ramsdale, called a “phenomenon” by Ian Wright during his time at Arsenal, would bring plenty of top-flight experience to the London Stadium.

However, the Englishman has been relegated from the Premier League on three separate occasions. In 2020, Ramsdale went down with Bournemouth and a year later, suffered the same fate with Sheffield United.

Should West Ham secure his services, they’ll be hoping it’s not four relegations come the summer of 2026.

A way better signing than Beto: Leeds could land "phenomenal" £21m striker

Leeds United’s forward line has led them to huge success in the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign, helping Daniel Farke’s side claim the league title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings, an average of 2.1 per game – by far and away the highest tally in the division.

Striker Joel Piroe claimed the Golden Boot last time around, netting 19 times in his 46 appearances, finishing one goal ahead of Norwich City talisman Borja Sainz.

However, if Farke’s side are to have any chance of securing Premier League survival next campaign, they will need to invest in the playing squad to bridge the gap between the two divisions.

The centre-forward position in particular has already seen numerous players linked, including multiple players who are already plying their trade in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a new striker

Richarlison has been one name thrown into the mix to join Leeds this summer, after struggling to nail down a regular starting role at Tottenham Hotspur in recent years.

The Brazilian has started just four league games this campaign, notching four goals for Ange Postecoglou’s men, in what has been a disappointing campaign for Spurs.

Jamie Vardy is another player linked with a switch to Elland Road this summer, after announcing he would be departing Leicester City when his current contract at the King Power expires.

The 38-year-old has spent the last 13 years of his career with the Foxes, registering 199 goals – potentially offering Farke’s side an experienced and Premier League-proven option in attacking areas.

However, despite the links to the aforementioned talents in recent weeks, another player in England’s top-flight has also been touted with a move, but the club would be better off looking elsewhere, given their respective stats.

Why one Leeds target would be a better signing than Beto

Everton striker Beto is one of the latest names on the list of targets for Leeds over the last couple of weeks, as the manager looks to bolster the options at his disposal.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees for £30m in the summer of 2023, has been inconsistent at Goodison Park, often being in and out of the side and sharing the role with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, he’s still managed to register eight league goals throughout 2024/25, potentially being a reasonable option for the Whites, should they land him at a competitive price.

Despite the interest in the former Udinese star, Farke should be pursuing a move for fellow target Troy Parrott, with the Irishman undoubtedly a better option.

The 23-year-old, who currently plies his trade for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, has emerged as a target in recent weeks, but he may not come cheap consider some reports suggest the Dutch outfit won’t accept offers below at least £21m.

He’s registered a staggering 20 goals in his 45 appearances across all competitions this campaign, excelling in his first season at his current employers.

However, his impressive figures don’t stop there, massively outperforming Beto with his underlying stats, highlighting why he would be a better option this summer.

Games played

28

28

Goals & assists

16

8

Progressive carries

1.3

0.7

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

70%

56%

Shot-creating actions

2.7

1.3

Passes into the final third

0.9

0.4

Parrott, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former boss Ryan Lowe, has also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the Everton ace – further highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also completed more passes this season, whilst making more passes into the final third, handing the other attackers at Elland Road the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.

Their interest in his signature has been reiterated in recent weeks, but so far, it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spurs academy graduate would set them back this summer.

However, there’s no denying that the hierarchy should be pursuing a move for his signature over Beto’s, with the 21-year-old having bags of time to continue his development and be a potential star in Yorkshire.

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Chelsea eye £40m Netherlands star who Arsenal have wanted since he was 16

Chelsea are now looking at signing a Netherlands international, who Arsenal have watched since he was 16, with Enzo Maresca’s side threatening to snatch a very long-term Gunners transfer target.

Chelsea targeting new defenders this summer

A new defender or two is reported to be high on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer, and a few high-profile names are already being mentioned ahead of the first window’s opening on June 1st.

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It could be very unpopular with their manager.

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Emilio Galantini

Apr 17, 2025

The Premier League confirmed that 2025 will have two summer windows (one open from June 1st to June 10th, and the other from June 16th to September 1st), which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in new players before the Club World Cup.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

According to reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to invest significantly in a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen both mentioned as top targets.

Guehi is entering the final 12 months of his Palace contract, and Chelsea are believed to be seriously considering the prospect of re-signing the Cobham academy graduate, who departed for Selhurst Park in 2021 (The Mirror).

Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Huijsen is expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his £50 million release clause attracting attention from a host of top Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

As reported by David Ornstein, Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, alongside the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, as England’s elite bid to battle for the Spaniard’s in-demand signature. However, there is also competition from abroad, as Vincent Kompany reportedly tells Bayern Munich to move for Huijsen as well (Football Insider).

Amidst their hot pursuit of the 20-year-old, Maresca’s side may also bolster their full-back options.

Jules Koundé was mentioned as a Chelsea target this week, according to reports in Spain, but they’ve also got their eyes on Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea eye Ajax defender and long-term Arsenal target Jorrel Hato

As per The Mail, Chelsea are now considering a move for Hato, who has become a mainstay for the Eredivisie side and one of the Netherlands’ rising stars.

The 19-year-old has been scouted by London rivals Arsenal since he was 16, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, so he has a big admirer in Arteta.

“Jorrel Hato is still a player they love – they’ve done all the work on him for years – they’ve been following him since he was 16,” said Bailey to The Boot Room recently.

Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match

“Liverpool like him as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hato came to England this year.”

The price of his signature, according to other reports, sits at around £40 million – which could be a bargain where Chelsea are concerned.

The versatile teenager can play at both left-back and as a left-sided centre-back when required, plugging two different gaps for Maresca, and there is a reason that no Ajax player has been handed more league minutes than Hato this season (WhoScored).

£60m speedster "keen" to join Arsenal with groundwork laid for Berta deal

A player dubbed one of the fastest men in his league is keen on a move to Arsenal this summer, with work already done by the Gunners ahead of what would be an excellent deal for sporting director Andrea Berta.

Andrea Berta wants new forward at Arsenal

Berta has reportedly shortlisted numerous attacking targets, both out wide and further up the field in the striker position.

Arsenal set for talks to sign "underrated" star after Berta decision this week

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According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Berta is targeting Mohamed Kudus (West Ham), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal) and Arda Güler (Real Madrid), but one name is currently in pole position to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s wide options.

Berta held a widely reported meeting with Nico Williams’ camp this week, as the Italian looks to win the highly competitive race for his signature.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

As per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, Williams is also being chased by Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, so Arsenal face a battle to sign one of Europe’s most exciting direct wingers.

In terms of centre-forward targets, three names stand out – Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

The latter is set to be priced out of the market as Eddie Howe appears determined to keep the Swede, with a starting valuation of around £150 million mooted by various sections of the press.

Newcastle United'sAlexanderIsak

Isak is Arteta’s dream signing, but it is believed that Gyokeres and Sesko are viewed as far more realistic striking options at this point.

Arsenal are apparently set to hold talks over Gyokeres, who could be allowed to leave for £70 million, lower than his £83m release clause, while Sesko will cost even less.

The Slovenia international, who’s already bettered his 2023/24 tally for goals and assists combined in all competitions this season, rejected a proposal to join Arsenal last year, in favour of remaining at Leipzig to further his development.

However, Arsenal could have a better chance of striking a deal this year.

Benjamin Sesko keen to join Arsenal with groundwork laid

According to GiveMeSport, Sesko is keen on joining Arsenal this summer, and groundwork on a deal has already been laid for Berta if he wishes to move forward with a potential transfer for the 21-year-old.

He’ll apparently command a price tag of around £60 million, which is the value of his release clause, and this could be an absolute steal considering both Sesko’s form and physical prowess.

The ex-RB Salzburg sensation, standing at around 6 foot 5, has been recorded as one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga with a top speed of 35.47 kilometres per hour (Sky Sports).

These attributes highlight him as tailor-made for the Premier League, and given Berta can bypass any negotiations with Leipzig via the release clause, this move could be seen as a no-brainer.

Lawrence handcuffed by opener brief as window of opportunity starts to close

Surrey batter’s unorthodox talent appears to have been stymied by move up the order

Vithushan Ehantharajah06-Sep-2024Both Dan Lawrence and Ben Duckett walked off before their respective catches had been taken.A swift look to the ball sailing harmlessly in the air towards the cordon. Eye rolls so exaggerated you could almost hear the optic nerve strain through the stump mics, before sharp turns and sorry marches back to the Pavilion. Synchronised annoyance, albeit hours apart.The reactions from a short-changed crowd at the Kia Oval could not have been more different. Raucous cheers for Duckett, who rewarded their patience with an 86 that felt like an attempt to speed run a Test century. Soul-cringing gasps and groans for Lawrence, tangled in his own limbs attempting to work to square leg, followed by sympathetic applause that made his torturous 5 off 21 feel a little worse.It is hard not to empathise with Lawrence’s struggles over the last two weeks. A promising pair of thirties in the first Test have made way for three single-figure scores, with enough across 55 balls to pass judgement on his worth in an unfamiliar role.Related

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The last England opener to go five or more innings without passing 50 once was the now-discarded Alex Lees against South Africa in 2022. By contrast, Duckett has maintained his streak of fifties in every Bazball series he has played.Comparing the two, however, is foolish. Because one is the most consistent Test opener in the world now, and the other isn’t an opener outright. So, when they were both greeted by low, dank skies and floodlights on full beam at 11am, it was no surprise the bloke who has made an international career out of this caper was far better equipped to deal with a new ball and lavish movement than the one doing this as a favour in Zak Crawley’s absence.Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have talked up Lawrence’s capacity as a reserve opener before finally pulling the cord for this series. All that while knowing he has never really been one professionally, with just five of 177 first-class innings in the top two. The reason he is at this level is through a body of work as a dynamo in the engine room of a batting line-up.Like any moonlighter out of their comfort zone, there have been times when it looks like Lawrence has been trying to do an impression of an opener. Like, for instance, taking 11 balls to get off the mark, with a scampered two tucked into midwicket with all the conviction of a festival bartender pouring a Guinness.Meanwhile, at the other end, Duckett was in his element. After a quiet start, his back-to-back charge-and-slaps to close out Milan Rathnayake’s first over took the score to 45, which was what the opening stand would finish on. Duckett had 36 of them – off 35 deliveries, no less.”There is no surprise, this is how Ben Duckett plays Test cricket,” mused Sri Lanka bowling coach Aaqib Javed. And that’s, basically, it. Duckett goes out and does right by himself. Lawrence would have been better served doing an impression of his partner.Even in a world where openers are encouraged to scoop fast bowlers – which Duckett did for the first time in Tests on Friday, for six, four and his dismissal – no amount of vibes can cover for the differences between top- and middle-order living.Lawrence has been reared on the latter for the past nine years at Essex and Surrey; at his best when an innings is already in motion, capable of slowing it down but, more often than not, speeding things up. But up top, particularly in the first innings of a Test match, there is nothing to groove with. And while that is no problem for Duckett, armed with the game and personality to make mischief in an empty room, Lawrence needs a rhythm.The irony here is that Lawrence’s natural game – which we haven’t seen this summer – is uniquely homespun but routinely encouraged. The age-group set-up at Chelmsford, preachers of “it’s not how, it’s how many”, facilitated the wristy, jaw-dropping shots that are Lawrence’s staple. Even through the England pathway, changes in how talent was nurtured accelerated his maturity.In 2014, after consultations with the Football Association, the ECB re-imagined how best to work with young teenagers. Among recommendations such as creating a more fluid development programme were some holistic shifts that bear similarities to what Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have instilled in the Test side. Reduced contact time with coaches, giving players more ownership so they can grow with their games as they learn more about themselves.Lawrence thrived in that environment, and carried his brand of renegade unorthodoxy from the U19s the following year through to his first forays into the Test side in 2021. He left the 2022 tour of the Caribbean having made a strong impression on important minds. “It’s a joy to bat with him,” Root said after a 164-run partnership which featured Lawrence’s career-best score of 91. Stokes, too, was also impressed by a young man doing this his own way.And yet, Lawrence has never featured in an Stokes-led England. Might he ever?Perhaps that is dramatic. But at the minute, those wrists look handcuffed, the rebel within him suppressed and the talent lost in a vocational pursuit that has never been his calling. And given how ruthless England have been this summer – Ben Foakes, Jonny Bairstow and Jack Leach dropped at the start, Matthew Potts during – would it be a surprise if Jordan Cox, newer, fresher to the set-up and – crucially – unburdened, usurped Lawrence as the spare batter?It is important to state Lawrence has not been treated harshly. These three Test caps are not a reward, but certainly “his turn” after 18 months around the squad as the alternate. He has always said he would bat anywhere for England – “even No.11” – and it just so happens his opportunity has arisen at the other end.But the harsh call could still yet come. And as he sat next on the balcony in front of the home dressing late on Friday, feet up, sandwiched by McCullum and Duckett, it was hard not to wonder how this plays out if the second innings brings another failure.The sense is Lawrence won’t be judged on his output this series because he is in an unfamiliar position. The fear, however, is this unfamiliarity seems to be robbing him of the qualities that made him an attractive proposition in the first place.

Nitschke's inbox: Haynes' replacement, new leaders and sustaining success

What questions could the new Australia head coach face in the coming months and years?

Andrew McGlashan20-Sep-2022Replacement for HaynesWhen Nitschke and her fellow selectors next get around a table to pick the squad to tour India in December one of the key questions will be who replaces Rachael Haynes following her retirement last week. She will be a significant loss across all formats, but the most pressing one initially will be T20 with the five matches in India and an eye on next year’s World Cup.”Rachael leaves a massive void, both on and off the field,” Nitschke said in Brisbane on Tuesday. “She’ll be really hard to replace.”From a batting point of view, a lot could depend on how players go in the upcoming WBBL. If Ellyse Perry brings the form she showed at the start of the Hundred into a middle-order role with Sydney Sixers then it could be a way for her to slot back in. If there is a thought to look to the future, a player such as Phoebe Litchfield may get their chance. Then there is a more experienced figure such as Georgia Redmayne who has been on the fringes for the last couple of seasons without yet making a debut.Leadership transitionMeg Lanning’s indefinite break from the game after the Commonwealth Games followed by Haynes’ retirement has brought into focus the captaincy. If Lanning hasn’t returned by the India tour a new leader will be required, and even if Lanning is back it remains a longer-term question about who will follow her. A solution for the immediate needs if required could be Alyssa Healy, who will captain New South Wales early this season, although she would need to balance it with batting and keeping, while Jess Jonassen and Tahlia McGrath also captain their states.Related

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  • Shelley Nitschke handed four-year deal as Australia head coach

  • Perry not trying to prove to point with Hundred form

“There are a good group of emerging leaders in our team that are going to have opportunities to stick their hands up,” Nitschke said. “We don’t have a designated leadership group but there are people amongst the team and group that are leaders on and off the field. Some girls lead in their states. They all have different strengths.”A broader changeoverAt some point over the next few years, other players will follow Haynes’ lead and call it day – some perhaps sooner rather than later – as one of the most dominant sporting teams in history begins to break up. The Australian system is well placed to fill gaps as they emerge, but the strength of the domestic game – and areas such as Australia A – will need to come into their own. And, ideally, departures will be staggered to avoid a mass exit of three or four key players at once.”Whether it is now, in one year or two years’ time, there are going to be some changes,” Nitschke said. “For the moment we have a good strong core of a team. I expect them to continue and be around for a little while but there are going to be changes afoot. We have a really good domestic comp backing us up so it is going to be exciting seeing who puts their hand up.”

Australia’s upcoming schedule

December Away vs India, five T20Is

January Home vs Pakistan, three T20Is & three ODIs

February T20 World Cup, South Africa

Resetting goalsRight now, Australia hold every major prize going: ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Commonwealth Games gold and the multi-format Ashes. In terms of winning, they have almost pushed the bar as high as it can go. It has been an extraordinary era. Over the last few years, the team has always had another big goal to aim at, whether it be the home T20 World Cup, ODI redemption or the gold medal push. Now they need to start again.”It’s one of the best sporting teams in Australia at the moment, or for a long time, and to be involved in that first hand and guide them in that is a pretty exciting prospect,” Nitschke said. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. I certainly won’t be going in and changing everything we do because we’ve been so successful. Think it’s about evolving with the game and looking to improve. It’s about reassessing and reevaluating.”We’ve obviously been very successful and it’s a challenge to stay at the top of the game. We know around the globe there are other teams coming for us. India continually keep challenging us and will continue to do so. We hope that just pushes us to get better as well.”Assistant coachesWith Nitschke’s promotion and Ben Sawyer having left to be head coach of the New Zealand women’s team, there will be considerable changes in the backroom set-up. Dan Marsh and Jude Coleman were the assistant coaches for the Ireland tour and Commonwealth Games. In the last couple of weeks Cricket Australia has advertised for the position and the initial deadline is September 23. “We need people with relationship-building skills, that know the game and players really well, and the trends of the global game, think that is real benefit because we are starting to perhaps play a bit more Test cricket,” Nitschke said. “To keep challenging [the players] and pushing them forward is something pretty important for us.”

WATCH: Pat Cummins vs Cheteshwar Pujara from the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21

Each of the five dismissals the No.1 Test bowler had of India’s main batting threat in the Australia-India Test series

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jan-2021Adelaide, 2nd inns
India had a 53-run first-innings lead in Adelaide, but then stumbled to 15 for 2. Cummins got Australia right back in the game by dismissing Pujara for a duck. He bowled a few deliveries on the fifth stump line, which Pujara left, then angled one in that Pujara had to play. It was on the perfect length, which made Pujara play half forward, and he nicked as the ball just straightened a bit.MCG, 1st inns
Pujara had been playing Cummins fairly comfortably off the front foot, but for this ball, Cummins pulled the length back a tad and Pujara was caught on the crease. The ball moved away after pitching, squaring Pujara up and taking a thick edge that Time Paine did well to catch diving to his right. Cummins had Pujara for a second time to leave India 64 for 3.MCG, 2nd inns
India were chasing just 70, but Cummins gave Australia a sniff, dismissing Pujara for 3 to leave India 19 for 2. This was quite wide outside off stump and full, but Pujara poked at it and got a thick edge that flew to gully. It was an uncharacteristic shot away from the body from Pujara, perhaps caused by Cummins making him play so much in the series until then.SCG, 1st inns
Once Pujara gets set, it usually takes a special delivery to get him out, and Cummins produced one in Sydney after Pujara had played 175 balls for 50 runs. It was in that channel outside off again, but this one jumped off a length to hit the bat handle and go through to the keeper. It was the effort ball from Cummins, and the strike gave Australia a dominant position, leaving India 195 for 6 with the tail exposed.Gabba, 2nd inns
India were on course to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after batting out 78 overs on a fifth-day Gabba pitch. Australia’s last hope was to strike with the second new ball, and Cummins did that immediately. Pujara had played 210 balls for 54, but this one came back in sharply and hit him on the back pad in front of middle. India went on to complete an epic win, but Cummins was the one Australia bowler who never stopped looking threatening.

Manny Machado Purposefully Lets Ball Drop to Strategically Get Elly De La Cruz Out

Manny Machado tricked some baseball fans on Saturday during the San Diego Padres–Cincinnati Reds game.

It looked like Machado flubbed catching an easy pop-up from Spencer Steer in the fifth inning, causing a loud reaction from fans at the Great American Ball Park. However, it was actually a strategic move for him to throw to second base to get Reds star Elly De La Cruz, who was at first base from a walk prior to Steer, off the basepaths.

Cruz is known for his speed, especially when it comes to stealing bases. The Padres would much rather have Steer on base than Cruz, who has already stolen 22 bases this season.

Check out the interesting play here.

Machado's master plan didn't end up working in his favor, though, as Steer ended up scoring a run for the Reds when his teammate Tyler Stephenson later hit a sacrifice fly when Steer was on third base.

Arne Slot reveals date Mohamed Salah will join Egypt squad for AFCON with Liverpool star 'not happy' about benching at West Ham

Arne Slot has revealed the date on which Mohamed Salah will join the Egypt squad for AFCON, while admitting that the Liverpool star was "not happy" with his benching at West Ham over the weekend. The Dutchman said that the club, Salah and the Egyptian FA jointly agreed on the final date, following a swirl of rumours that the forward might depart earlier than expected after Egypt arranged a friendly against Nigeria on December 14.

  • Salah set to leave for AFCON in mid-December

    Slot dismissed the suggestion of an early exit, making clear that Salah will remain on Merseyside for Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Brighton and will join the Egypt squad on December 15 ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. The manager stressed that the decision had been made through what he described as a three-way conversation involving all parties, and he pointed to FIFA’s regulations, which state that December 15 is the latest possible release date, to underline the outcome.

    "The way we have worked is that there's a communication between all three – the player, the club and country," he explained. "That's nothing new. But FIFA have said December 15 is the last day a player has to be released."

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    Salah’s dip in numbers raises concerns

    Salah’s performances have come under the microscope following a prolonged dip in form. The 33-year-old’s return in front of goal has dropped significantly, with only four goals and two assists in 12 Premier League appearances this campaign. Statistically, the decline stretches across numerous attacking metrics. Salah is attempting fewer shots, contributing less inside the opposition penalty box and completing far fewer dribbles than he once managed almost effortlessly. 

    A key factor repeatedly cited by analysts is the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose move to Real Madrid stripped Salah of his long-time creative partner on the right flank. Under Slot’s evolving tactical system, the supply lines that once suited the Egyptian so naturally have shifted, and the adaptation has been far from seamless. He was benched against West Ham, and Slot pointed at the demanding schedule behind his decision. 

    Ahead of the match with West Ham, Slot told : "We played four games in 10 days. I have many good players so today I chose a different line-up. Sometimes Alex is on the bench, sometimes Florian. It's about the players on the pitch. It's the 11 I chose. I have more than 11 good players and it's not the first time I've chosen not to play Mo."

    Asked whether Salah was annoyed by the decision, Slot offered a candid response in a press conference on Tuesday. 

    "Fair assumption and normal reaction for someone who can play for us," he said. "Of course, a player isn't happy he isn't playing, he wasn't the only one I can tell you. The way he behaved was as you would expect from the professional he is, he was very supportive for his team-mates and handled himself really well. You can't play that well every three days if you go with your emotions, but Mo is so disciplined. He will always be that top professional as he was the last few days."

  • Carragher’s comments after PSV defeat add pressure

    Salah produced one of his quietest displays of the season against PSV in the Champions League last week, and Jamie Carragher expressed deep frustration, suggesting that some performances were beginning to push the team into a position he described as approaching "untenable".

    The former Liverpool defender told CBS Sports: "I'm angry with the players, if I'm being totally honest, I'm really angry with the players. But it does get to a stage with any manager at any club, I always use this word, untenable, where it almost feels like it can't go on any longer. I'm not quite there yet, personally in terms of the manager, but I know a lot of supporters will be. I've had a lot of time to think about it, because I knew the game was over well before the final whistle. I think what you see now is, Liverpool in 2018 under (Jurgen) Klopp starts this sort of journey being a great team, and then Slot comes in, and we're now seven or eight years later.

    Carragher added: "The catalyst for Liverpool at the very start of that run was Alisson, [Virgil] van Djik and Salah. Alisson's injured a lot now, so he doesn't play so much, but you're watching van Djik now, not the same player, and Mo Salah looks like his legs have gone. I don't like criticising them, and I think some of the criticism of them this season as players has been harsh. You’re always looking for your leaders in your team to step up when things are not going well."

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    How many Liverpool games could Salah miss while at AFCON?

    The Reds now find themselves navigating a precarious moment in their campaign. After the morale-boosting 2-0 win over West Ham stemmed a worrying slide, Slot’s squad must rebuild consistency before the season falls into a deeper spiral. Fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds United present opportunities to re-establish rhythm ahead of a pivotal Champions League showdown with Inter. But overshadowing all of it is Salah’s impending departure to represent his country. Egypt’s AFCON campaign could see him miss as many as eight Liverpool matches, potential absences stretching across the festive calendar and into mid-January, with the tournament’s final set for January 18.

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