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David Saker has been appointed as England’s fast-bowling coach for the upcoming Ashes series, reprising a role he has held regularly over the last 15 years.Saker’s appointment comes with confirmation that Tim Southee, England’s current fast-bowling coach, will leave the squad after the first Test in Perth to play in the ILT20.Saker and Southee will work together for the warm-up fixture against the Lions in Perth as well as the opening Test, before Saker will take on the role himself. It has also been confirmed that Paul Collingwood, who has been absent from the coaching staff across the summer due to personal reasons, will not be part of the touring party. The rest of the support staff remains unchanged.Saker has long been a coach that England have turned to. He was the fast-bowling coach from 2010 to 2015, and played a key role when England last won an away Ashes in 2010-11. More recently, he was brought back into the fold for their T20 World Cup victory in 2022 and for the Ashes and ODI World Cup in 2023.The Australian’s official title will be “Specialist Skills Consultant” but he has been brought in specifically to work with the fast-bowling group and to provide local knowledge of how to succeed Down Under.It continues a theme of English, and world wide, coaching appointments where teams opt to hire on a short term basis to provide specific insight into the conditions they are about to face. England themselves hired Mike Hussey and Kieron Pollard for the recent T20 World Cups in Australia and the Caribbean respectively, while earlier this year South Africa hired Stuart Broad as a consultant for their World Test Championship final at Lord’s.While Saker’s appointment comes at the eleventh hour, it is a continuation of England’s long-term plan to take a “battery” of fast bowlers to Australia in an effort to win only their second away Ashes since 1987.England will take arguably their fastest ever seam attack to Australia, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts in the squad. Furthermore, with the England Lions also touring at the same time, they will be able to call upon the likes of Sonny Baker, Josh Hull and Matt Fisher if they so wish.Josh Tongue chats to Saker during the 2023 Ashes•Philip Brown/Getty Images

Speaking in September, managing director Rob Key spoke of his excitement for a bowling group “on the up”, with, subject to any late fitness issues, England taking a full-strength attack.”We’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” Key said. “It is the last little step. So we get this bit right and hopefully we have every option available to us going into that First Test in Perth.”England also confirmed that Gilbert Enoka, the mental skills coach who is most famous for coining the All Blacks famous “no d*ckheads policy”, will work with the squad in the lead up to the first Test.Enoka, who lives in Christchurch, worked with the Test squad for the first time earlier this year, and is currently with the white-ball team as they prepare for their series against New Zealand.Related

• Stuart Broad: 'Worst Australian team since 2010-11'

• Pat Cummins might miss the first Test after being abducted by aliens

• Cook calls on England to back Pope for Ashes

• Mark Wood 'quietly confident' about fitness ahead of Ashes opener

• Finisher Banton is back where he started as career comes full-circle

“He’s awesome,” white-ball captain Harry Brook said of Enoka. “He’s been around the Test side a little bit and he’s a great bloke. He brings a lot of knowledge to the mental side of the game which is a vital part of cricket and professional sport. To have him in the ranks, just to be able to pull for a chat for five or 10 minutes is awesome.”Ahead of this three-match T20 and ODI series, Brook also spoke of a desire to change his white-ball approach, saying that he’d been “disappointed” with his recent performances in the shorter formats.”I feel like I’ve been premeditating quite a lot,” Brook said to talkSPORT. “And there’s one goal for me this series is just to try and play on instinct as much as possible.”When I’m at my best, I’m hitting straight and then I’m adapting to line and length.”Brook made just one white-ball half century for England across the summer from 11 innings, although his average remained above 30 and his strike-rate was healthy across both formats.New Zealand cricket announced that Saturday’s opening T20 at Hagley Oval will be a sell-out. It is a coup for the series, given the cold evening weather in October and a clash with a domestic rugby final featuring Canterbury that had threatened to hurt ticket sales.”It’s pretty outstanding,” New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner said. “Hopefully we can put on a bit of a show and it’ll be a great contest.”Santner also announced his XI for the match, with himself and Rachin Ravindra returning, while Bevon Jacobs, Zak Foulkes and Devon Conway miss out from the squad of 14.New Zealand XI 1 Tim Seifert (wk), 2 Mark Chapman, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Tim Robinson, 5 Michael Bracewell, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Jimmy Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Kyle Jamieson, 11 Jacob Duffy

Axar Patel could be a doubt for India’s Super Four match against Pakistan on Sunday after hurting his head while fielding during the Group A fixture against Oman in Abu Dhabi.Running around from mid-off to intercept a skier from Hammad Mirza in the 15th over of Oman’s chase, Axar juggled the chance and put it down, losing his balance in the process and hitting his head against the turf. He was seen clutching his head and the side of his neck while being ushered off the field by the physio. He did not return to the field for the remainder of Oman’s chase.Axar only bowled one over in the innings, conceding four runs, with India employing eight bowlers on their way to a 21-run win.Related

• India, Pakistan will look to put off-field issues aside in Super Fours clash

While T Dilip, India’s fielding coach, suggested at his post-match press conference that Axar was “fine”, the short turnaround between matches could prove a challenge. India have less than 48 hours to take the field for the match against Pakistan in Dubai.Axar was among the many India middle-order batters who had a decent hit against Oman. Coming in at No. 5, he struck a 13-ball 26, dominating a quickfire 45-run stand for the fourth wicket with Sanju Samson, who top-scored with 56 in India’s 188 for 8.If Axar is ruled out of the Pakistan game, India may not be able to revert to the three-spinner combination they have used in all their Dubai matches so far, unless they fly in a reinforcement. Varun Chakravarthy, who was rested for the Oman match with India playing an extra seamer, and Kuldeep Yadav are the two specialist spinners in the squad.The two other like-for-like options India can summon if required are Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar, who are both part of their reserves’ list.

Barcelona have confirmed the date for their long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou. The Blaugrana haven't played at the famous stadium since the end of the 2022/23 season as the La Liga giants' home underwent major renovation works. However, the project, which was due to be sufficiently completed to resume playing there by the end of 2024, has dragged on significantly longer than initially anticipated.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Successful test event paved way for re-opening

  Barcelona have played their home games at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium since the start of the 2023/24 season, which has a capacity of 55,926. The initial plan was to play the Olympic Stadium for the duration of that campaign and the first half of last season before returning to Spotify Camp Nou earlier this year.

  However, a string of missed deadlines means Barcelona have been forced to continue to play away from Spotify Camp Nou for longer than they originally expected. The La Liga champions did receive a permit to re-open the stadium last month, but a limit was placed on the capacity to just 25,991, which the club felt didn't make sense financially.

  Barcelona subsequently held a test event at the famous stadium as 23,000 fans attended a test event, which president Joan Laporta deemed a success. "The players and Hansi [Flick] did really well in front of the supporters. They want to come back, and today they've seen that we’re very close," Laporta said after the open training session, which was key as the Spanish giants sought to receive license 1B, which enables the club to open another stand and significantly increase the available capacity.

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• Barcelona confirm welcome of Athletic Club for re-opening

  Earlier this month, Barcelona executive Joan Sentelles, who is overseeing renovations, said: "Our goal is to have it ready in time for the match against Athletic Club. "As soon as we obtain the 1B license, we'll open the Lateral Stand, which will already give us a capacity similar to the Olympic Stadium. At that point, it wouldn't make sense to continue playing there – all our matches will be here [at Camp Nou]."

  "I haven't been informed of any problems so far," Laporta added. "We have the initial occupancy permit; it would hold 27,000 spectators, but we're waiting for the 1B license so that 45,000 can enter. That would mean the entire stadium except for the North Stand.

  "We are working so that, when we get the 1B permit, we can play. If they give it to us next week, we could play [against Athletic Club]. But we will play as soon as possible, depending on the permit. We have an obligation to work with dates."

  And on Monday, Barcelona confirmed in a post on X that Spotify Camp Nou would re-open for supporters. "We've dreamed about the return. Now, it's here. We’re back home. Back at Spotify Camp Nou," they posted on their official club account.

  Renovation work will continue in the area and capacity is capped at 45,401 for Saturday's game as Barcelona look to return to domestic duties with victory over Basque powerhouse Athletic Club. A 4-2 win at Celta Vigo last weekend means Hansi Flick has overseen back-to-back league victories for the first time since September.

• AFP
  

  'It's like going back to the future'

  Laporta spoke glowingly of the stadium following the test event earlier this month and highlighted the emotional weight of the return to Spotify Camp Nou, stating: "When I entered the Spotify Camp Nou, I relived so many memories from the past. But I also see the present and the future. This is a legacy for future Barca supporters."

  The Barcelona supremo added that the new stadium is "an architectural jewel that will be the best in the world" and that the new ground "retains the magic of its greatest moments, but with a new soul. It's like going back to the future."

  Renovations are expected to continue until 2027, and when works are complete, Spotify Camp Nou will boast a capacity of 105,000.

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• Will Barca be able to host Champions League games?

  However, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to hold Champions League games at their home or whether these will be played at the Olympic Stadium. Barcelona's next home European match takes place on December 9, when they host German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

  UEFA's rules differ to La Liga regarding stadium changes mid-season, though Tottenham Hotspur were permitted to do so during the 2018/19 season when they left Wembley for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs' second match at their new ground was the welcome of Manchester City, a game they won 1-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

  Laporta, though, has expressed confidence that the new stadium will be up to scratch, stating that there are plans in place to meet all the governing body's requirements.

He cut a frustrated figure at the pre-match conference when it was suggested that the team might be looking for a new batting coach

Mohammad Isam15-Jul-2025

Bangladesh have had plenty of troubles on and off the field in 2025. They have suffered series defeats against UAE, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. They have also lost the Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka with one match left on the tour. Ahead of the third T20I on Wednesday, frustration within the Bangladesh dressing room spilt out.Assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin reacted strongly at the pre-match press conference when it was suggested that the BCB is looking for a new batting coach. Salahuddin was appointed last November primarily as the team’s batting coach, but the batting unit has not completely clicked over the last nine months, with some holding Salahuddin responsible.Related

Bangladesh look to end on a high in climactic tour finale

Shanto steps down as Bangladesh Test captain after series loss against Sri Lanka

“My role as a coach in the Bangladesh team isn’t set in stone,” Salahuddin said. “I have never had any ego about it. If someone better comes (in the role of a batting coach), it will be for the team. The Bangladesh team is not the property of my father and grandfather. I will get criticised when I don’t do well, I will get praised when I do well. It is the reality. Whether I give 100% for my team, whether I am honest or not, is the main concern.”Salahuddin’s main gripe was with recent media reports that he has heavily influenced team decisions including selection and player roles. Given his stellar record in domestic cricket for the last two decades, he has also developed long-standing working relations with many cricketers, including those in the current Bangladesh squad.”After coaching for 27-28 years, I am hearing that there are lots of complaints in the team against me. I really would like to know about those complaints. Best if it was given to me in writing. You have to provide hard evidence. It will help me correct myself.”If I feel that the team needs a change for the good of the team, I will most likely do that. Our team has been losing regularly, so how will I benefit from favouritism?”It is not the first time during this Sri Lanka tour that discord within the Bangladesh team has come out in public. Last month, Najmul Hossain Shanto resigned from the Test captaincy, stating that the dressing room had too many captains. Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the T20I and ODI captains, respectively.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após insinuar “roubo” na saída do gramado na derrota do Palmeiras para o Grêmio, pelo Brasileirão, o técnico Abel Ferreira foi denunciado ao STJD (Supremo Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva) pela Abrafut (Associação Brasileira de Árbitros de Futebol). No entanto, segundo apurou o Lance!, a denúncia não deve ser acatada pelo órgão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras não consegue voltar para São Paulo e treina em Porto Alegre após derrota para o GrêmioPalmeiras22/09/2023PalmeirasAbel Ferreira, técnico do Palmeiras, é denunciado pela Associação Brasileira de ÁrbitrosPalmeiras22/09/2023PalmeirasOpinião: ‘Abel tem uma semana para resolver pior fase do ataque do Palmeiras em sua era’Palmeiras22/09/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

– Isso é roubar! Isso é roubar! – disse Abel, se dirigindo às câmeras enquanto ia para o vestiário antes mesmo do fim da partida.

Essa foi a frase com a qual se baseou a Associação de Árbitros para protocolar o pedido junto ao Tribunal. O treinador palmeirense se irritou com a marcação de uma falta de Richard Ríos já nos minutos finais do duelo. No entanto, na entrevista coletiva, Abel fez um discurso ameno, sem culpar a arbitragem. Algo que pode ter feito toda a diferença.

+ Abel Ferreira, técnico do Palmeiras, é denunciado pela Associação Brasileira de Árbitros

Na nota de infração enviada ao STJD, a Abrafut diz que não irá mais aceitar insinuações que comprometam a honra e dignidade dos árbitros.

– Não aceitaremos mais nenhum tipo de insinuação, acusação ou insulto comprometendo a dignidade e a honra dos nossos árbitros, que estão atuando de forma que tem que ser, cumprindo as regras do jogo – diz trecho da nota da Abrafut.

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Em contato com fontes do clube e do Tribunal, a reportagem ouviu que o fato de o comandante português ter adotado uma outra postura na entrevista coletiva ameniza a avaliação do órgão. Apesar da insinuação em campo, com a cabeça quente, não houve qualquer abordagem sobre o tema na conversa com a imprensa. Isso deve ser entendido como uma retratação.

+ Abel desconversa sobre arbitragem e fala o que faltou ao Palmeiras para vencer o Grêmio

– Se disserem que eu disse que foi por culpa do árbitro, é mentira, quem for por aí é mal intencionado, não gosta de mim e do Palmeiras. Não ganhamos o jogo, porque não fomos eficazes, ao contrário do nosso adversário, que não precisou chutar muito ao nosso gol para marcar. Sobre a arbitragem, disse que ela foi hábil, só. Não disse que falhou, pode ter errado para mim, para eles.

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– Não quero falar sobre arbitragem, isso não é um problema meu, é da CBF e da comissão de arbitragem avaliar os árbitros e entender se podem melhorar. Não é meu problema. Eficiência, foi o que se passou aqui hoje. Hoje o Grêmio foi muito eficaz, nos primeiros dez minutos não fizemos o que deveríamos fazer e depois dominamos o jogo, mas não fomos eficientes – declarou Abel.

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Abel FerreiraPalmeiras

Last weekend, Arsenal were accused of not taking the handbrake off. Gabriel Martinelli was the hero as he rescued the Gunners a late 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

But, despite a positive result, the performance was not encouraging. Mikel Arteta’s men set up with a midfield three of Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, something that meant the tactical make-up of the team was rather one-dimensional.

Against Newcastle United, however, the handbrake was well and truly off and they got what they deserved at St James’ Park, winning 2-1 in last-gasp fashion.

It was a story of three headers. Nick Woltemade, the Toon’s giant new striker, scored the opener but late strikes from Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes ensured that the north Londoners left a famously tough ground with all three points.

That victory means that Arteta’s side move within two points of Liverpool who lost to Crystal Palace in late fashion 24 hours earlier.

Arteta's tactical tweaks make the difference

Last weekend, the Gunners dominated the ball, boasting over 60% of possession, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Man City backline.

Truth be told, chance creation has been one of the key issues for Arteta’s men but the team selection a week on certainly helped them in their quest to score more goals.

While it may have taken 84 minutes until Merino headed home having been introduced as a substitute, it was remarkable that Arsenal hadn’t scored before then.

Whatever you think of Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty decision, the visitors at St James’ could and perhaps should have scored three or four.

Eberechi Eze was denied superbly well, not once but twice, by Nick Pope in the first half who made excellent saves to his right and left-hand sides. Pope was again alert to keep a close-range header from Jurrien Timber at bay in the second half too.

Eze scored in midweek but this was perhaps his most telling performance in an Arsenal shirt since signing from Crystal Palace.

Chalkboard

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

With Martin Odegaard on the bench having only just returned from injury and Ethan Nwaneri omitted from the matchday squad, the Englishman featured in midfield and made a fantastic contribution.

Eze could have scored a couple and he did only generate one key pass but the pockets of space he was getting into and his willingness to shoot were a huge positive for Arteta. The fact he was playing close to Gyokeres also made a big difference.

Whether or not the summer arrival continues to play ahead of Odegaard remains to be seen but in the last two games, he’s certainly staked a claim to do so.

Regardless of Arteta’s most dynamic midfield selection on Sunday, it was still set plays that came to Arsenal’s rescue.

Rice’s inswinging ball from a short corner on the left found Merino who flicked a deft header beyond Pope.

The winning goal certainly wasn’t deft. Gabriel, who was weak and embarrassing for Woltemade’s opener, throwing himself to the floor, certainly didn’t shy away this time.

The Brazilian lept high among a sea of bodies in the 96th minute to meet Odegaard’s corner and head home in dramatic fashion, sparking wild celebrations among the Arsenal players.

What a moment this was for the Gunners but if we’re being brutal in our assessments of proceedings, they do need to make improvements.

That begins with one of their players of the season so far.

Arsenal's Player of the Season could be dropped

This has been a very difficult start to the new campaign for the Londoners who have been to Old Trafford, Anfield, St James’ Park and played Manchester City in their opening six league matches of the campaign.

The performances have been strong but they have not been without their issues. Gyokeres continues to float in and out of games, while Leandro Trossard hasn’t done a lot to convince while starting as a left winger in the last two matches.

In defence, however, it could be time for a change, most notably at left-back. Considering his injury history, Riccardo Calafiori has done well to play six league matches on the bounce.

In fairness, he’s had a really strong opening few weeks of the season, scoring against Manchester United on the opening weekend and registering two assists in the 5-0 win over Leeds United.

So good has the Italian been that one Gunners content creator has even described him as “Arsenal’s Player of the Season so far”. Fair words, really.

Yet, against Newcastle, Calafiori perhaps dropped his worst performance of the season to date, struggling at the back and failing to offer much going forward.

It said a lot that Arteta chose to bring him off at 70 minutes, instead preferring Myles Lewis-Skelly, a player who is certainly more composed in possession. That’s a change that could well be beneficial against West Ham United next week when Arteta’s side will be expected to create plenty of chances.

Lewis-Skelly coming into the team would certainly help with that. The clip below demonstrates his ability to carve open a team with his brilliant vision and passing.

While Cafafiori often resembles something of a raging bull in the final third, he’s not quite as precise. That precision would have been ideal against Newcastle on Sunday.

Minutes played

70

Touches

43

Accurate passes

22/27 (81%)

Key passes

1

Shots

2

Accurate crosses

1

Long balls completed

0/3

Duels won

0/2

Tackles

0

Interceptions

0

Fouls

1

Indeed, Calafiori only managed one key pass and had two shots off target. From a defensive point of view, he failed to win a single duel and only made one tackle.

While it wasn’t a dreadful display from the Italy international, it showed his limitations in particular game states. Lewis-Skelly, on the other hand, is particularly strong in the duel.

Last term, the teenager was only dribbled past once in the Premier League, the best record of any player to have made at least 15 starts. He also won six duels per 90 minutes, the most of any player in the league.

As a result, there’s certainly a case to be made for Calafiori to be benched for the visit of the Hammers next week.

Newcastle United will have to wait for Yoane Wissa to send St. James’ Park into a loud cheer with the first of surely many goals in black and white.

The DR Congo international signed for the Magpies in a £55m deal this summer, leaving Brentford after prolific returns across a number of seasons. He is the Bees’ all-time top scorer in the Premier League, and against some stern competition at that. He is sidelined for several weeks, having picked up a knee injury on international duty earlier this month.

1

Yoane Wissa

45

2

Bryan Mbeumo

42

3

Ivan Toney

36

4

Kevin Schade

13

5

Christian Norgaard

11

It’s not ideal, but Nick Woltemade took to the Premier League like a duck to water at the weekend, and his arrival and performance suggest the bitter sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool may well be overcome.

Why Newcastle signed Woltemade

Newcastle paid a club-record £69m fee to bring Woltemade over from Stuttgart in Germany. The 23-year-old boasts a unique attacking profile and scored 12 goals in the Bundesliga last season, starting only 17 times.

Whether he will match Isak’s prolificness in the years to come is anyone’s guess, but he started off strongly with a headed goal against Wolves on Saturday, sealing Newcastle’s first win of the year.

Hailed as an “entertainer” by Bundesliga reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt, the 6 foot 6 striker showed more than his command of the skies, with Sofascore recording that he won five ground duels, made three tackles and completed eight of nine passes against the Old Gold.

Now, it’s all about consistency, and Howe will know that internal pressure, applied carefully, will help him rise to the fore. The German has shown he can lead the line, but he needs competition.

But with Wissa out for the foreseeable, there’s an interesting chance for a new star to step up and challenge Woltemade for a starting berth.

Newcastle talent is ready to challenge Woltemade

Up until Newcastle met Liverpool in the Premier League last month, William Osula had done very little on the senior stage to suggest he had the minerals to star as the club’s number nine.

But the 22-year-old impressed when introduced on that highly-charged evening, darting through the Reds line and bundling in, leading Howe to remark on his “outstanding” progress on Tyneside.

Rangy, powerful and instinctive, he was once described by former teammate Curtis Davies as being like “a poor man’s Haaland”, and there is certainly some form of similarity to the Manchester City machine, easily the most clinical footballer competing today.

He’s certainly got the personality and charisma to match a superstar like Haaland, and if Howe can unlock a degree of consistency, it might not only be Wissa knocking on Woltemade’s door this season.

Clearly having come on leaps and bounds since leaving Sheffield United and signing for the Toon in August 2024, Osula is the real deal, with a skillset that demands regular Premier League football, should he continue to make the same progress of recent months.

Having only made 23 senior appearances for Newcastle, the Frenchman has scored three goals and supplied two assists. He’s off the mark in the Premier League.

The signs are promising, and Howe seems to think there is a player in there who might come knocking at Woltemade’s door sooner rather than later.

Not just Ekitike: Newcastle lost one of the best teens in Europe to Liverpool

Newcastle have lifted their season from the floorboard after the closure of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 15, 2025

Wayne Rooney has delivered a damning assessment of Florian Wirtz, claiming that the £116 million ($156m) star “damages” Liverpool. The German playmaker was acquired by the Reds, in what was a British record transfer at the time, to provide more creativity for the reigning Premier League champions. He has endured a slow start to life in English football, with questions already being asked of his place in Arne Slot’s strongest starting XI.

• Wirtz's early Liverpool record: No goals or assists

  Wirtz surprisingly dropped to the bench for Liverpool’s first Merseyside derby of the season against neighbours Everton and has been subbed off in every one of his starts for the Reds in all competitions, with little impact being made. He is still waiting on a first goal and assist after eight appearances.

  Expectations were high when the 22-year-old made his way to Liverpool, with a talismanic role being taken up with Bayer Leverkusen – a side he helped to Bundesliga title glory in 2024 and registered 34 goals for across his last two seasons in Germany. Time is still on his side when it comes to making a decisive contribution at Anfield. He is no longer the most expensive player in Britain, so does not have to contend with that added pressure, as club colleague Alexander Isak inherited that standing when completing a £125m ($168m) switch from Newcastle.

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• Getty
  

  Rooney's assessment: Is Wirtz right for Liverpool?

  Amid questions of where Wirtz fits into the bigger picture at Anfield, with Slot blessed with plenty of alternative options in the midfield department, former Manchester United and Everton star Rooney has suggested that the highly-rated German actually makes Liverpool weaker.

  The ex-England captain told podcast: “It's been tough for him. I don't think there's any denying that. He's played OK. When you sign so many players like Liverpool have – Liverpool don't normally do this but they've signed basically a whole new frontline, and then you've got [Mohamed] Salah there as well – they're all competing and they all want to do well. Wirtz is probably the one who's not doing as well, but he's got so much ability.

  "I don't see where he gets into the team. I think it was a lot of money. I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool and how they play. He's a top player and I'm sure he will get better – but he's had a slow start and I think there's no denying that.

  “I've seen players come into this league and it takes time. It's not the price tag. It's not the player or his ability. I don't see where he fits into what Liverpool do in that system. Is he a third midfield player? For me, no, he's more of an attacking player. So if I have to choose between him and [Dominik] Szoboszlai, then I choose Szoboszlai.”

• Difficulties settling in England: Wirtz admission

  Wirtz has admitted to enduring difficulties settling in new surroundings, telling Sky Deutschland of that process: “Of course I would have liked to have scored a goal or collected a few points. But no matter what anyone says, I'm staying cool. I don't want to constantly hear ‘give it time, give it time’. Instead, I simply try to do it better each time than before.

  “Sometimes there are just phases where things aren't going well for you. I haven't had that very often in my career. Once I get through it – that might be harsh, because I'm not playing badly, I just haven't got the points (goals and assists) yet – it will come at some point, and then everything will be fine.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Next up for Wirtz: Liverpool face Champions League test

  Wirtz’s next opportunity to impress, potentially opening his account on the goal contribution front along the way, could come in a Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday. Liverpool are readying themselves for a European fixture in the most hostile of atmospheres. Trips to Istanbul are never easy, but the Reds need their expensive German playmaker to start delivering on the grandest of stages as there is only so long that they can wait for a missing spark to be found.

MatériaMais Notícias

A situação envolvendo o atacante uruguaio Luis Suárez e a possibilidade crescente que o jogador antecipe sua aposentadoria foi comentada em entrevista recente pelo presidente do Grêmio, Alberto Guerra.

Durante evento ocorrido na Arena, o mandatário do Tricolor foi filmado em conteúdo divulgado pela página ‘Soccer News Grêmio’, perfil nas redes sociais dedicado a informações sobre o Imortal, enquanto falava de maneira sincera sobre a situação do avante de 36 anos de idade.

RelacionadasGrêmioSuárez pode anunciar aposentadoria e ir para outro time? Lei explica se é permitidoGrêmio22/06/2023GrêmioEm meio à indefinição, Suárez é relacionado pelo Grêmio para enfrentar o América-MGGrêmio21/06/2023Futebol LatinoLembra dele? Lucas Barrios é apresentado em novo clubeFutebol Latino22/06/2023

Reconhecendo a dificuldade do quadro clínico, Guerra afirmou que a possibilidade de uma prótese já foi colocada em pauta diante das fortes dores sentidas onde apenas injeções e medicamentos não tem sido mais suficientes para trazer o devido alívio.

– Ele tem possibilidade de botar prótese, o negócio é grave. Muita injeção, muito medicamento. Vai chegando no limite, mas quando é o limite, quando é o último, a gente não sabe – afirmou o mandatário.

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Segundo informações reveladas pelo portal ‘Uol’, as dores no joelho direito que ocorrem durante e após treinamentos e jogos do Grêmio tem afetado não apenas no aspecto profissional, mas também pessoal, não conseguindo ter a qualidade de vida desejada com mulher e filhos.

Apesar desse contexto, Luis Suárez foi relacionado e deve ser utilizado como titular pelo técnico Renato Portaluppi para o duelo desta quinta-feira (22), frente ao América-MG, na Arena.

The Stadium of Light is likely to be a sight to behold on the Premier League opening day as Sunderland fans pack out their beloved home ground to the rafters.

West Ham United are the first opposition this season that gets to sample the high-energy Wearside crowd, as Graham Potter’s Hammers go about souring the feel-good factor in the air by clinching an away day win, at the expense of Regis Le Bris’ men.

Granit Xhaka could even be handed the responsibility of being Sunderland’s captain for such a hotly anticipated occasion, having worn the armband with pride during his side’s last pre-season test versus Real Betis.

He is the logical choice, having garnered a reputation for being a no-nonsense battler when on the books of Arsenal, but the Black Cats will be well aware they need even more grit and experience in their ranks to ensure survival is comfortably reached, away from just relying on their new £17m purchase.

Why Xhaka's signing is a coup for Sunderland

The 32-year-old returning to the Premier League to link up with the newly promoted Black Cats would have come as a shock.

After all, Xhaka had moved away to Bayer Leverkusen and managed to breathe new life into his playing days, as the trophy-shy midfielder held the Bundesliga title aloft during his debut season out in Germany.

During his celebrated stay in Germany, too, Xhaka would add to his growing collection of wonderstrikes, with six goals and nine assists coming his way from 99 games in the middle of the park.

Yet, it will be the Basel-born enforcer’s previous tough performances for the Gunners that will have caught his new side’s eye even more as they venture back up to the intimidating Premier League, with Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm even dubbing him a “monster” for his physical prowess in North London.

Indeed, across 225 games in the top division with the Gunners, Xhaka would win a steep 1001 duels in total, on top of also launching himself into 368 tackles.

With Habib Diarra’s £30m arrival into the building potentially boosting Sunderland’s attacking output centrally – as seen in his tally of nine big chances being created in Ligue 1 last season – Xhaka has certainly been purchased to toughen up a Black Cats side who were often viewed as youthful to a fault under Le Bris’ wing in the Championship.

Still, the Sunderland masses will be hoping that an elusive centre-back presence finally enters through the door before September’s approaching deadline…

Sunderland's ongoing transfer hunt

Staggeringly, despite signing off on eight high-profile signings this summer so far, only Xhaka – and Simon Adingra – will be entering into the action against the Irons with Premier League experience on his side.

Of course, the likes of Enzo Le Fee have been there and done that in equally tough divisions such as Ligue 1, alongside brand-new goalkeeper addition Robin Roefs helping himself to ten clean sheets in the Eredivisie last season. But, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, especially when a relegation dog-fight is potentially on the cards.

To further add to the worry, Sunderland are yet to recruit a Premier League-capable centre-back so far this summer – even as tenous links have previously tipped them to sign the likes of Liverpool colossus Joe Gomez – despite splashing in the region of £140m elsewhere on fresh recruits.

This will be very concerning, therefore, as talk has also dried up regarding the Wearside outfit securing the signature of Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi, who would undoubtedly boost Le Bris’ options in the heart of defence, too, having just collected ten clean sheets himself last campaign in Serie A.

For the time being, Sunderland will have to hope Xhaka can be an effective anchor that helps to keep the ball out of their net, alongside offering the top-flight newcomers a whole lot more.

Sunderland's search for a centre-back

While Xhaka has been an obvious success in the Premier League, he will also hold some scars still, knowing his Arsenal stay was full of bumps.

Indeed, his aggressiveness often got the better of him, as seen in his collection of four red cards in the bruising division. Le Bris and Co. cannot afford to constantly be worried about the Swiss international’s hot-headedness turning ugly.

This is where centre-back target Loic Bade could come to the rescue in offering Le Bris’ men an assured coolness under pressure at the back, while also being a towering figure unafraid to duel when needed.

French outlet Foot Mercato has recently revealed that Bade is the priority target now for the Black Cats as they continue to hunt down defensive reinforcements, with £26m the desired amount they need to hit to seal a deal for the 6-foot-3 colossus.

This feels like a fair amount to pay when you consider his consistent battling performances for Sevilla, with this season just gone seeing Bade register five clearances per league match, as his never-say-die attitude just about kept Matías Almeyda’s men afloat in 17th spot, one point above the relegation spaces in La Liga.

He could well fancy his chances at another relegation scrap, therefore, in England, with his wealth of experience in this field no doubt coming in handy, when you further consider Le Bris’ usual centre-back pairing in Daniel Ballard and Luke O’Nien have zero top-flight games next to their names across their EFL-heavy careers to date.

On the flip side, the “elite” Frenchman – as he was once dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has 125 appearances in La Liga and Ligue 1 under his belt, which has also led to him being labelled as a “warrior” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

If Xhaka hadn’t arrived, Le Bris would at least be content that he has the aforementioned Le Fee and Diarra at his disposal.

Whereas, missing out on Bade feels as if it will be an opportunity Sunderland will rue in the long run, as the Black Cats prepare to defend for their lives to ensure an immediate return to the EFL doesn’t occur.

Sunderland could land Le Bris his own Isak by signing “terrifying” £51m ace

Regis Le Bris could secure himself his very own Alexander Isak if Sunderland snap up this £51m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 5, 2025