Nesta terça-feira (05), os clubes 20 do Brasileirão aprovaram, durante evento do Conselho Técnico da CBF, o regulamento de competições para a temporada 2024. Em votação unânime por 20 votos a 0, ficou decidido que o limite de estrangeiros, por partida, será aumentado de sete para nove.
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Em 2023, os clubes já haviam votado uma expansão na utilização de estrangeiros, que havia passado de cinco para sete. Apesar da unanimidade na votação, a proposta de expansão não é vista com positividade de maneira absoluta. A Federação Nacional dos Atletas Profissionais de Futebol (Fenapaf), se manifestou de forma contrária à decisão.
O Presidente do Internacional, Alessandro Barcellos, comemorou a decisão tomada no evento da CBF: “É importante o aumento de estrangeiros, nós trabalhamos fortemente nisso. E a questão do gramado sintético, ficou definido que o Conselho Nacional de Clubes fará estudos para definir melhor a padronização dos gramados”.
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Além disso, outro assunto fortemente debatido foi o uso de gramados sintéticos. A expectativa é que durante a temporada, o Conselho Nacional de Clubes aumente os estudos sobre o uso dos sintéticos e estabeleça um padrão de qualidade para os gramados. O objetivo é minimizar as reclamações de outros clubes que entendem que esse tipo de gramado proporciona desnível técnico à competição.
Apesar disso, foi autorizado que os clubes que atuam em gramados sintéticos poderão passar a utilizar esse tipo de gramado em seus Centros de Treinamento. O evento contou com a participação de alguns atletas de clubes do Brasileirão, dentre eles, o lateral Tinga (Fortaleza),
Old Firm derbies are always occasions to savour, but this Sunday’s meeting could hardly be more jam-packed with narrative.
Prior to this year, both Rangers and Celtic had never previously changed managers in the same season, only for Glasgow’s big two to do so in the same month during a bonkers October.
Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation on Monday means, 20 years after departing, Martin O’Neill will be in charge of the Hoops while, in the opposition dugout at Hampden, this will be only Danny Röhl’s fourth game as Rangers boss.
The German has overseen back-to-back Premiership wins this week, beating Kilmarnock at Ibrox and then Hibs at Easter Road on Wednesday, and would truly get supporters onside with victory in this weekend’s semi-final, thereby facing either St Mirren or Motherwell in the final on 14 December.
If Röhl is going to lead the Gers to victory, he must make changes to his team victorious in Leith in mid-week, leaving out an underwhelming summer signing once compared to Neymar.
Youssef Chermiti's start to life at Rangers
Fair to say, when Rangers signed Youssef Chermiti from Everton for £8m on deadline day, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons, a few eyebrows were raised.
This makes the Portuguese under-21 international the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history, behind Tore André Flo, surpassing Ryan Kent’s post-liquidation record of £7.5m.
This is despite the fact that, during two seasons at Everton, Chermiti failed to score a single goal, making 24 appearances for the Toffees, albeit these did total a miserly 295 minutes.
The 21-year-old then scored his first senior goal for anyone since May 2023 by bagging the clinching third against Kilmarnock at Ibrox last Sunday.
This earned him the start in Edinburgh on Wednesday, but he did not impress, touching the ball only 33 times, losing possession on 13 occasions and mustering only one shot, as per Sofascore, even if his good work to set up Danilo’s goal, substituted with 13 minutes to go and replaced by Bojan Miovski.
Nevertheless, Chermiti has simply not shown enough to suggest he can cause Celtic’s back-line problems atop Mount Florida, meaning he should begin Sunday’s game among the substitutes.
He isn’t the only member of the Rangers forward line who needs to be replaced, however…
Rangers' Neymar-esque star yet to shine
When Mikey Moore arrived at Rangers this summer, he did so with a massive reputation.
Then-manager Russell Martin praised an “outstanding young player”, sporting director Kevin Thelwell asserted that he will “enhance our attacking unit”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled the “absolute top talent” as “the English Neymar”.
However, he is yet to live up to these sky-high expectations, as the table below documents.
Minutes
603
17th
Goals
Zero
15th
Assists
2
6th
Shots
10
6th
Shots on target
2
10th
Accurate passes per 90
10.5
15th
Key passes per 90
0.4
11th
Successful dribbles per 90
0.5
8th
Big chances created
Zero
9th
Average rating
6.55
15th
As the table documents, Moore is yet to make much of an impact in Glasgow, still awaiting his first goal for the club, while his two assists came against Alloa in the League Cup and Dundee United when Steven Smith was in caretaker charge a fortnight ago.
The Englishman is renowned for his creativity, dribbling and flair by those who follow Tottenham’s youth teams, but he hasn’t showcased much of that north of the border to date.
Having been introduced at half time last weekend, Moore started for the first time under Röhl in mid-week, but did not grasp this opportunity.
He registered just 39 touches in 65 minutes, completing two out of two dribbles and forcing Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger into a save, but creating no chances for others, failing to link up very much with Danilo or Chermiti, thereby replaced by Thelo Aasgaard shortly after the hour mark in Edinburgh.
As a result, former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday asserted “Moore hasn’t shown me anything that tells me that Rangers should be developing a young Spurs player rather than developing their own”.
Thus, given the importance of Sunday’s Glasgow derby, Röhl surely has better options at his disposal.
Djeidi Gassama’s five goals for the club to date will surely earn him a spot in the starting line-up, while both Oliver Antman, who has missed the last two matches due to illness, and the aforementioned Aasgaard have shown more promise since arriving.
Chalkboard
Thus, it would frankly be a surprise if either Chermiti or Moore were lining up to take on Celtic come 2 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, given that Rangers stand a better chance of victory with alternatives spearheading their attack.
Chermiti upgrade: Rohl readying Rangers approach for "dangerous" £1m gem
As Danny Röhl seeks to strengthen his Rangers attacking options, should they sign a £1m rated gem who’s better than Youssef Chermiti?
You knew the San Diego Padres’ wheeling, dealing general manager was going to have his say, and shock in the process. But this time, the big deal he swung may have hurt his franchise in the long run.
The Padres landed All-Star closer Mason Miller from the Athletics on Thursday, along with lefty starter JP Sears. In exchange, they sent Leodalis De Vries, Braden Nett, Henry Baez and Eduarniel Núñez.
De Vries is the real headliner here. An 18-year-old shortstop who is the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, De Vries earned a $4.2 million signing bonus from the Padres in 2024. He was the top international prospect in his class and has lived up to that billing in the minor leagues. This season at High A, De Vries is slashing .245/.357/.410 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs and a wRC+ of 115. He’s doing that against players who are, on average, four years older than he is. He has “star” written all over him.
Nett is a high-velocity starting pitcher who is the franchise’s No. 3 prospect and appears on the verge of the big leagues. Baez is San Diego’s No. 13 prospect, a righty starter who carries a 1.96 ERA in Double A, and Núñez is a 26-year-old reliever who has debuted after having a big year in the minors.
Miller is an outstanding closer with big-time stuff, including a fastball that averages 101.1 mph. In 38 appearances this season, he is 1–2 with a 3.76 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and 59 strikeouts against 18 walks in 38 1/3 innings. He has 20 saves in 23 chances. The 26-year-old will be under control through the 2029 season. Miller also came up as a starter, but a sprained UCL in his elbow led the A’s to put him in the bullpen. Sears also has multiple years of control, but shouldn’t get anyone too excited. The 29-year-old is 7–9 with a 4.95 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP with 97 strikeouts in 111 innings.
The issue here is that the Padres already have one of baseball’s best bullpens and an All-Star closer in Robert Suárez. Yes, Suárez can walk after this season, but there are several players under team control lined up to replace him. They didn’t need another reliever or a backend starter like Sears. The trade doesn’t solve their biggest problem, which is the massive hole in left field and their lack of offense from their catchers. Teamwide, they have a .698 OPS, which ranks 22nd in baseball.
While the deadline hasn’t passed, and more could come of this, Preller has spent his largest chip to strengthen a strength. This is the kind of haul a team gives up for an All-Star hitter with multiple years of control, not a closer who injured himself when he tried to start.
De Vries was arguably San Diego’s best prospect since Fernando Tatís Jr., and trading him is more proof that the future and development simply do not matter to Preller. He can find elite talent in the draft and on the international market, but struggles to let those players mature and join his big league roster. He is constantly in win-now mode, and it could be argued that that attitude has hurt the Padres.
The list of players Preller has traded who have become outstanding big leaguers is long and depressing if you’re a Padres fan. Trea Turner, Max Fried, James Wood, CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, David Bednar, Emmanuel Clase, Josh Naylor, Andres Muñoz, Zach Eflin, Xavier Edwards and more have all been dealt in win-now moves. The best the Padres have to show for it is a 4–1 loss to the Phillies in the 2022 NLCS.
It has always felt like when Preller zeroes in on a player he likes, he’ll give up whatever it takes to get him, regardless of the cost. He did that in deals for Juan Soto, Mike Clevinger, Austin Nola and Justin Upton, among others.
Some will suggest the Padres have to be all-in now while Manny Machado and Tatís are in their primes. However, De Vries would likely have been called up in the next two years and could have been the kind of player to create a new long-term core alongside Tatís and Jackson Merrill. Instead, he’ll be playing elsewhere.
Preller is always cooking up something, so it’s likely more deals will come before the deadline. But the move for Miller is more of the same from his front office: Sacrificing future stars in an attempt to get marginally better in the short term.
If the Padres win a World Series, Preller will have been right. If they don’t, the franchise seriously has to consider reworking its philosophy.
Over recent years, Tottenham Hotspur’s work in the transfer window has often left a lot to be desired, with numerous additions often failing to meet expectations.
The hierarchy has started to splash some serious cash on new talent over the past few seasons, but not all of them have managed to win over the supporters in North London.
Tanguy Ndombele is arguably the biggest example of their failures in the transfer market, with the board paying £63m for his signature back in the summer of 2019.
The French international arrived with huge expectations given the fee, but ultimately struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League – racking up just over 90 appearances before being released in 2024.
In the present day, Thomas Frank could have his own version of the midfielder, especially if one first-team member is unable to match his own expectations with the Lilywhites.
Xavi Simons’ dismal start to life at Tottenham
During the summer window, new boss Frank made it clear he wanted a new attacking midfielder to help bolster his Spurs first-team squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Morgan Gibbs-White was just one name constantly touted with a switch to North London, with Eberechi yet another player who was firmly on their radar during the off-season.
The former of the duo stayed at Nottingham Forest, while the latter rejected the Lilywhites in favour of a fairytale return to join boyhood club outfit Arsenal – a move that no doubt stung the Spurs faithful.
As a result, a £52m fee was forked out for the signature of Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, with the 22-year-old the man chosen to provide the goods for Frank’s men.
Two months on from his big-money switch to England, the Dutchman has so far failed to live up to expectations – as seen by his tally of just one goal or assist in his first 12 outings.
His lack of form saw Frank even bench him against Chelsea, but he was quickly introduced into the game after Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a head injury.
However, his start to life in North London was summed up in the 73rd minute, after the substitute was substituted – further highlighting his lack of talent at present.
No doubt he will need time to flourish in the Premier League, but rapid impact is what has been needed from Simons, but ultimately, he’s struggled to match the expectations placed on his shoulders.
The Spurs player who’s becoming one of their worst signings
Given the European triumph at the back end of 2024/25, there was a real sense of urgency for Spurs to build on their success and rise up the table under Frank’s guidance.
However, after three home league defeats in just five matches this season, there are numerous cracks starting to appear during the early months of the Dane’s tenure.
Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven were both pictured ignoring the manager after the final whistle, even storming off the pitch without applauding the supporters in North London.
Their frustration will no doubt have been caused by the defeat against their city rivals, with the Lilywhites looking toothless in their attempts to secure bragging rights.
Frank’s men achieved a measly total of just 0.05 expected goals during the contest, with striker Randal Kolo Muani unable to have the desired impact in the final third.
The Frenchman joined the club on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day last summer, even paying a reported £5m to take him on a temporary basis in 2025/26.
After he netted 10 goals in just 22 appearances at Juventus last season, such a move generated huge excitement – like Simons – but like the midfielder, he’s massively struggled in England to date.
His start against Enzo Maresca’s side was just his second for the club, but his performance showcased why the manager has chosen other options over him at the top of the pitch.
The 26-year-old featured for 73 minutes before being withdrawn from the contest, only achieving a total of 16 touches in that time frame – showcasing his lack of impact on proceedings.
Randal Kolo Muani – stats against Chelsea
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
73
Touches
16
Passes completed
5
Possession lost
7x
Shots taken
0
Dribbles completed
0
Duels lost
50%
Touches in opposition box
0
Stats via FotMob
Kolo Muani also only registered a total of five passes completed, even failing to register a single shot on goal and losing possession seven times – a tally over 50% of his total touches in the defeat.
Other figures, such as 100% dribbles incomplete and 50% aerial duels lost, further showcase his lack of positive impact, with his substitution certainly justified on Saturday.
It’s evident that the player is yet to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League, with frustration already being shown by the supporters towards him, alongside Simons.
The pair have so far failed to deliver, potentially bringing the club’s spending spree into question once again, given their recent failures under Frank’s guidance.
Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani
They still have time to turn things around in North London, but if they continue in the same vein, there’s little doubt that they will go down as some of the worst additions in the club’s history.
As bad as Simons: Frank must drop Spurs dud who lost the ball 23 times
Tottenham Hotspur laboured to a dismal 1-0 defeat against Chelsea.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was bemused following the release of Lamine Yamal from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, stating that he had "never seen anything like it." Yamal was released from the Spain squad after he underwent invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort, with the Barcelona star set to be out for the next seven to 10 days.
Yamal released from Spain squad
Yamal was released from the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey, which has left the Spanish football federation (RFEF) "surprised". The federation released an official statement on the same on Tuesday.
The statement read: “The RFEF Medical Services wish to express their surprise and dismay upon learning at 1:47 p.m. on Monday, November 10, the day the official training camp with the national team began, that player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort that same morning. This procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team's medical staff, who only became aware of the details through a report received at 10:40 p.m. last night, which indicated a medical recommendation of rest for 7-10 days. Given this situation, and prioritizing at all times the health, safety and well-being of the player, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has made the decision to release the athlete from the current call-up. We are confident that he will recover well and wish him a speedy and full recovery.”
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De la Fuente rocked after learning of Yamal's medical activity
The latest episode is sure to reignite the feud between the RFEF and Barcelona. In an interview with on Tuesday, De la Fuente made his thoughts known on Yamal's withdrawal from the Spain squad. “There are procedures that take place outside the Federation's control," he said. "That's what happens, we have to accept it. I've never experienced a situation like this before. I don't think it's very normal. It has surprised us all. You don't have any news, you don't know any details, and on top of that, it's a health issue, so you're left surprised.”
Last week, the Spain head coach took a firm stance on his decision to call up Yamal, appearing to take a swipe at Barcelona boss Hansi Flick. The pair have been locked in a war of words since September, when Flick accused De la Fuente and the RFEF of “failing to take care” of Yamal and other players after the teenager picked up a knock while on international duty.
"I think the answer is obvious. I watched his last game, and I believe he’s in perfect condition," De la Fuente stated at a press conference. "His coach said he was ready to play. He's getting back to being the player he always has been, and we celebrate that. He will stay with us as long as we consider it appropriate.
"Watching the game the other day, Lamine is fit to play. We have two very important games and we need to field our best players. We have two hugely important matches to qualify for the World Cup, the stakes are massive and we want the best players with us."
No 'tension' between Flick and De la Fuente
On Sunday, RFEF president Rafael Louzan revealed that while there were minor disagreements between the national team and Barcelona, there were never any concerns about the matter escalating. He claimed that "Luis de la Fuente has a very good relationship with everyone," while also admitting that Flick "wants his players in perfect condition." He concluded by stating that the verbal exchanges between Flick and De la Fuente were nothing more than "just minor disagreements that wouldn't escalate because, from our point of view, there was no tension."
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Barcelona cautious about Yamal's fitness issues
According to journalist Fernando Polo, Barcelona are exploring several treatment options to manage Yamal’s pubalgia – a chronic groin injury that can cause persistent discomfort, with the radiofrequency therapy performed on the youngster on Monday reportedly angering the RFEF.
The treatment involves delivering a controlled electrical current through fine needles, guided by X-rays or ultrasound imaging, to target and suppress the nerve signals that cause pain. The minimally invasive procedure does not usually require hospitalisation.
Barring any further setbacks, it is likely that Yamal will be fit and available for the clash against Athletic Club on November 22.
Allrounder Matthew Spoors could become an option for Scorchers after reviving his career with Canada
Tristan Lavalette14-Dec-2024In the last BBL game played at Optus Stadium, a low-scoring knockout final back in January, Adelaide Strikers successfully deployed a spin-heavy attack that flummoxed Perth Scorchers and ended their dreams of a hat-trick of titles.It was a stunning turn, pardon the pun, of events and underlined that spin can have a major impact on a surface renowned for being fast and bouncy much like the nearby WACA.Scorchers, the competition’s most successful franchise, will be determined to bounce back but they could face challenges with their spin depth.Related
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Left-arm spinners Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly have been in a race to be fit for Sunday’s season-opener against Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium. While skipper Ashton Turner, a handy offspinner, has been managing a ribs issue since a recent hit-out for local team Fremantle. But all three have been named in Scorchers’ 14-player squad.Left-arm wrist spinner Hamish McKenzie departed in the off-season after taking up a two-year deal with Stars having struggled to regularly crack into a Scorchers attack usually featuring Agar as their sole frontline spinner.Agar has been a mainstay of Scorchers’ attack for years, relied upon to dry the scoring in the middle overs although he was expensive late last season. He has not played since suffering a shoulder injury during the Sheffield Shield last month.Having been blooded into Australia’s white-ball teams, there was a lot of excitement heading into this season over Connolly whose x-factor allround ability has seen him likened to Travis Head.But he’s been on the sidelines for the past month with a fractured hand after being whacked by a short delivery from Pakistan quick Mohammad Hasnain in the third ODI at Optus Stadium.Australia’s selectors are excited about Cooper Connolly’s potential with the ball as well as bat•Getty ImagesIt was a premature end to Connolly’s first innings in international cricket, but he appears a chance to take his place against Stars after playing in Scorchers’ intra-squad match on Thursday at the WACA.”I’m going to try and put my best foot forward to play on Sunday. But it’s up to the coaches to decide if I’m ready or not,” Connolly told ESPNcricinfo on Thursday. “It’s obviously frustrating [the injury], it wasn’t great timing. But it’s a small bump in the road and I’m just looking to keep a positive mindset.”Connolly is still developing his left-arm orthodox bowling, but does boast a three-wicket haul among his 15 BBL games. The 21-year-old Connolly is set to assume more responsibility if Agar is absent, while his cavalier batting makes him a potential match-winner.Connolly offers flexibility with the bat but failed to make an impact as an opener early last season. At this stage of his career, No. 6 is his preferred position and appears the best use of his ability to finish an innings as he memorably showed in the unforgettable final of BBL12 when he helped lift Scorchers to the title and became an instant cult hero.”I like to be very versatile and I’m happy to bat anywhere from one to seven,” Connolly said. “But at this point in time, I probably see myself at six and want to try to knuckle down in that role and finish off the innings.”With limited spare spin options, Scorchers could at some stage this season turn to new signing Matthew Spoors, a legspinning allrounder who like his friend and former team-mate Tim David has emerged off the canvas and ignited his career through Associate cricket. He isn’t part of the squad to face Stars but has already provided an impressive comeback story.Spoors, 25, was a highly touted top-order batter as a junior and received his first Western Australia contract while he was in high school. But he never played a senior game and was discarded in 2020 after three years on the list.”I probably didn’t know my game too well and chopped and changed my technique a lot,” Spoors told ESPNcricinfo. “I listened to too many people when I was younger and probably couldn’t say no to the advice.”With his cricket career in ruins, he tried his hand at Australian Rules Football, his other sporting passion, but the rough and tumble sport proved demanding for the diminutive Spoors.He decided to give cricket another serious crack, with a particular focus on the T20 format amid the sport’s shifting landscape to franchise leagues. But a reinvention was required if he was going to make a professional career out of it.Having always been able to bowl a “quick leggie”, Spoors focused on the craft of legspin and used Afghanistan talisman Rashid Khan as a blueprint.Matthew Spoors has revived his career•Getty Images”I could never really slow it up, that wasn’t really my game,” Spoors said about his legspin. “I’ve always been able to bowl a wrong’un and leggie, so being able to to do that fast…I’ve tried to utilise that and it’s the type of bowling that suits T20 cricket.”He’s also worked on his power-hitting in a bid to turn himself into a specialist finisher.Inspired by David, who rose from WA cricket discard to in-demand T20 player via a stint with Singapore, Spoors made use of holding a Canadian passport – the country his mother was born – and represented them in the uncompromising world of Associate cricket. He smashed 108 not out from 66 balls on T20I debut against the Philippines in Oman and played 10 T20Is and five ODIs in a 14-month period.”Playing Associate cricket helped my confidence,” he said. “I played on so many different pitches in different environments that it holds you in good stead. And meeting new people and being part of different cultures really expanded my horizons.”Spoors took that form into last season’s local cricket competition in Perth where he shared the Olly Cooley Medal with Renegades batter Jono Wells for the top player in WA Premier Cricket.He then impressed in August’s Top End T20 Series in Darwin to seal a contract with Scorchers before making his List A debut for WA against Victoria at the MCG last month. He didn’t get a chance to bowl and made just 4 off 12 balls at No. 6 in the rain-interrupted match, but more opportunities under brighter lights may be imminent.Spoors already has an enthusiastic supporter in the Scorchers ranks with Connolly, his Scarborough team-mate in local cricket, a firm believer in his skill-set.”I’m very close to him and we’ve had some good conversations about the game and being a spin allrounder,” Connolly said about Spoors. “I think if he gets an opportunity, he’ll be ready.”
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is reportedly being investigated by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Peru for fraud. A lawsuit has been filed which alleges the World Cup winner defrauded local entrepreneurs to the tune of approximately €518,000 ($600,000/£450,000). Companies owned by Iniesta are accused of organising entertainment projects which did not take place and then failed to offer refunds.
Iniesta accused of fraud
Iniesta is known throughout the world as one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the game. The former star won the World Cup with Spain and countless domestic trophies during his incredible career with Barcelona. Now it's claimed that his glowing reputation was used to help attract investment in Peru for a series of entertainment events run by Iniesta's companies, Never Say Never (NSN) Barcelona and its subsidiary NSN Sudamérica, that simply did not take place, according to .
An international soccer friendly and a K-pop festival were among the events promised that never happened, while prosecutors allege the Upa Upa Fest did go ahead but generated significant losses. These losses subsequently led to the cancellation of a legends match and a planned friendly between Cienciano and Nacional de Quito.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBarcelona legend 'led by the wrong people'
Iniesta has yet to respond publicly to the allegations but reports the former Barcelona star has been "affected" by the events. Sources close to the former player claim he was "led by the wrong people, which harmed him and third parties". The accusations have been denied, although it has been claimed one of the companies involved "is being liquidated in order to pay for everything they left behind".
One of those affected, Emilio Lozano, has claimed thousands were invested into planned football matches and concerts due to be organised by Iniesta's companies. Lozano told the program 'Y ahora Sonsoles': [There was] no notification whatsoever. We found out that the company was in liquidation. They never took responsibility for anything, even though they supposedly were going to."
According to Peruvian media, the Public Prosecutor's Office is now investigating whether "the money raised in Peru was transferred to accounts abroad" and if Iniesta's image was used to tempt investors. It has been alleged "that prestige was only used to attract capital from Peruvian businessmen under the deception that it would be invested in major events, but these events never took place".
AFPCould Iniesta face charges?
The investigation into the fraud allegations are continuing, meaning Iniesta could potentially face criminal charges. Prosecutors are reportedly planning to request further documentation from all parties involved, with Iniesta yet to comment publicly on the matter.
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AFPWhat next for Iniesta?
Iniesta has spoken about his future after hanging up his illustrious boots last year at the age of 40. The former midfielder has admitted he would like to head into coaching but is in no rush. He told : "For now, I plan to stay in Dubai for 2025. There are family logistics to consider, like our children’s education, so we’ll try to manage it all. I’m also working on projects that allow me to keep learning. I don’t have time to get bored, everything is different. I still have the passion and enthusiasm to do what I do with dedication.
"I’m doing a bit of everything – this is a new chapter of my life where I want to grow and explore different things. I have several businesses, such as my agency Never Say Never (NSN) or Mikakus Barcelona, a trainer company. I’m pursuing new interests with my team and we’ve invested in an exciting project at the Danish club Helsingor. I’ll try to absorb as much knowledge as possible over the coming months. I’m also enthusiastic about studying for my coaching licence in the future.
"I know many people expect me to coach Barca one day, but right now I’m not thinking about that. That’s a huge responsibility, especially since I’m just starting out. Of course, it’s my home, and hopefully one day I’ll return – we’ll see in what capacity and when. It would be beautiful. [Pep] Guardiola, Xavi and then Iniesta? Yeah, sounds good…"
There’s a lot to like about Manchester United at the moment. Of course, many more improvements are needed before Ruben Amorim’s project hits the desired level, but recent results and, perhaps more importantly, performances, suggest a page may have been turned.
Amorim has stuck to his guns in the Old Trafford hot seat and received more than a measure of criticism and question marks in return. But are the signs of vindication just about appearing for the thought-filled tactician?
A summer well spent has seen first-team outliers cast away and upgrades in the form of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrive and work their stuff under the Theatre’s lights.
Benjamin Sesko is a talented striker, but the jury remains out in regard to his potential as the leading man for many years to come.
What Sesko has to prove at Man Utd
Sesko joined Man United from RB Leipzig for a £74m fee this summer, ending a protracted search for a new striker.
So far, the 23-year-old has only scored two goals and provided one assist across 11 matches, but his link-up play and presence in the area offer much promise.
Podcast host Adam Joseph noted that the Slovenian “needed a better touch” during Saturday’s hair-raising draw to Forest, unable to capitalise on the wizardry of Mbeumo. But this will come.
Mbeumo and Cunha, after all, are seasoned Premier League stars, whereas Sesko is only a few months into his career in English football and younger besides.
Man United Top Scorers 25/26 (all comps)
Player
Apps
Goals
Bryan Mbeumo
11
5
Casemiro
9
3
Bruno Fernandes
11
2
Benjamin Sesko
11
2
Harry Maguire
8
2
Data via Transfermarkt
We know he can score goals. But Man United’s finest strikers in modern times have proved they have many more strings to their bow.
Take Robin Van Persie. The iconic centre-forward was hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson for his “sensational” shooting and for having “an impact as big as anyone” at Old Trafford after joining from Arsenal for £24m in 2012.
His movement and intelligence in the final third set him apart from the masses, and Sesko, tall and well-built, could emulate the Dutchman in that regard.
But there might actually be an up-and-coming Carrington talent with more potential than the summer recruit.
Man Utd's biggest striker talent since RVP
Last week, Amorim acknowledged JJ Gabriel publicly and confirmed he has been paying attention to the 15-year-old forward’s progress, even handing him an opportunity to train with the first team.
Hailed for his “exceptional skillset” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, “combining flair and confidence on the ball”, Gabriel hasn’t yet developed positionally, capable both on the left and in a central striking berth, but there’s so much to like and he could even make his debut in the not-too-distant future.
Already a regular for the U18s, Gabriel has shattered expectations with his prodigious technical ability and fleet-footed work on the ball. He’s too good for the youngsters around him, and journalist Nathan Salt confirmed that “one insider thinks ‘he’s already better than Premier League players'”.
Correspondent Steven Railston has even suggested that Gabriel “the best talent United’s academy has ever seen”.
Sometimes, you can just tell. Gabriel is a one-of-a-kind dribbler and is the top goalscorer in the U18 Premier League this season, with seven goals (and one assist) from just eight matches. Darren Fletcher has predominantly used him centrally, despite being schooled out wide, but the prolific potential of this young star suggests this might be a wise call.
Though he’s not physically developed, nor has he tried his hand on the senior stage, Gabriel has so much potential, and there’s no question that his ceiling reaches higher than Sesko’s.
Could the teenager turn out to be United’s best since Van Persie? It is far too early to tell, but the signs so far are more than promising, to be sure.
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Saif Zaib passes 1000 runs for season but Northants wobble again after conceding 364 deficit
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Ryan Higgins claimed a four-wicket haul•Getty Images
Northamptonshire 261 (Zaib 82, Higgins 4-51) and 64 for 3 trail Middlesex 625 for 8 dec by 300 runsRyan Higgins moved to the top of Middlesex’s wicket-taking chart for the season as his side closed in on a Rothesay County Championship victory over Northamptonshire at Merchant Taylors’ School.Higgins finished with 4 for 51, with Noah Cornwell taking 3 for 48 as the visitors were made to follow on 364 behind – and the medium-pacer then grabbed two quick top-order wickets second time around to further improve his season’s tally to 32.Northamptonshire stumbled to 64 for 3 at stumps and their plight would have been deeper but for rain stoppages and Saif Zaib’s first-innings 82, which made him the county’s first player to register 1000 first-class runs in a season since Ben Duckett in 2016.Zaib was almost the fastest to that landmark across the Championship circuit, but the 27-year-old narrowly missed out to Surrey’s Dom Sibley, who got there just 15 minutes earlier at Scarborough.Middlesex rotated their seam quartet when the visitors resumed on 126 for 4, but their spin options were limited after Zafar Gohar, tumbling to deal with George Bartlett’s cover drive, landed awkwardly on his shoulder and had to leave the field.Bartlett, having steered Tom Helm neatly through gully for four, repeated the stroke later in the over and picked out the fielder this time, but Zaib continued to progress steadily as he built a partnership with Rob Keogh.Keogh, who had injured a finger while fielding on day one, did well to withstand a couple of Helm deliveries that rose sharply down the slope and helped Zaib to add 55 before Cornwell had him caught down the leg side.The left-hander went on to pass 50 for the ninth time in this season’s Championship, ushering Northamptonshire’s total beyond 200 before rain arrived to send the players off for an early lunch.Dom Leech provided spirited support, finding the boundary four times in his knock of 22 while Zaib capitalised on successive short balls from Leus du Plooy, pulling the slow left-armer for six and four. Higgins broke the seventh-wicket stand of 64 with two dismissals in as many deliveries, with Leech caught top-edging a hook before Ben Sanderson was lbw without scoring to leave the visitors eight down.A more persistent spell of rain held up play for the next hour and a half – but it took just three balls for Cornwell to wrap up Northamptonshire’s first innings, knocking out Zaib’s off stump with one that seamed back before cleaning up Yuzvendra Chahal with a yorker.After another weather-induced delay, Higgins reclaimed centre stage, winning what looked like a borderline lbw decision against Ricardo Vasconcelos and castling Aadi Sharma next ball to leave the visitors reeling at 10 for 2. James Sales began redressing the balance with a series of positive shots in his knock of 26, but he attempted one too many and lost his middle stump to Toby Roland-Jones.Stand-in skipper Lewis McManus remained defiant, punching Helm off the back foot to the fence to reach 21 not out before the light deteriorated sufficiently for the umpires to bring play to a close.
Liverpool aren’t doing so well this season. Last year’s indomitable air is a far cry from the tepid and toothless performances of the new campaign, with five defeats inflicted on Arne Slot’s side from six recent Premier League matches.
There is no way to sugarcoat it: that is so far below Anfield’s expectations that it beggars belief. Slot was so pained last season by that sole home defeat to Nottingham Forest, so frustrated by that stain on his copybook, even against the backdrop of a title-winning campaign.
But so many losses have become the norm for Liverpool this season, whose title defence is in tatters and whose focus is currently on establishing enough form and focus to recover a place in the Premier League’s top four.
Slot has got a lot to chew on before the November international break winds up and Liverpool host Forest in the top flight, a game they simply cannot afford to lose – again.
Aside from the lack of intensity and physicality in key areas and fragilities in defence, Liverpool’s widths have been well out of sorts this season, and this is something that needs fixing quickly.
Liverpool's struggles out wide
Mohamed Salah’s startling drop-off this season has been among the biggest concerns for Liverpool, but the Egyptian King has done it all before, and he will surely recover his potency in front of goal before his £400k-per-week contract expires in 2027.
More concerning, perhaps, is the form of Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m this summer but has yet to prove FSG have got bang for their buck.
The 22-year-old is clearly an incredible talent, but it hasn’t happened so far, with Liverpool’s wider tactical imbalances making it difficult for the playmaker to find a secure place in Slot’s line-up, flitting between the left flank and a creative berth from the centre.
Likewise, Cody Gakpo has struggled to impress. The left-sided forward has four goals and three assists across all competitions this term, but he’s lacked nuance in his expression.
It’s proving a tough ask for Slot to find a solution that will synergise this struggling frontline and restore Liverpool to their former level.
However, one Redman has enjoyed quite the impressive display for his nation in a World Cup qualifier this week, and in a position which could reshape his role at Liverpool over the coming months.
Slot may have his left wing solution
So much has gone wrong at Liverpool this season, but the form of Hugo Ekitike since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69m this summer cannot be counted among the negatives.
Ekitike is a striker, and was signed as such, but he played out on the left wing for France on Thursday evening as Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Ukraine 4-0 in their penultimate World Cup qualifier, with reporter Bence Bocsak praising his “very impressive” effort, having earlier noted that the star’s slickness and skill on the ball “reminds me of Bobby Firmino”.
Could it be that Liverpool have their left wing solution right here? This is hardly revelatory, but the dynamic forward has proved he has what it takes to produce a show-stopping performance from out wide here, and there’s a case to be made that he offers more than Gakpo does when in the role.
Indeed, were Ekitike to play from the left with regularity, it would only impede Gakpo in his hopes of stringing many minutes together across the season and beyond, especially as he will be competing with Wirtz.
But the one-time PSG prospect’s display demonstrated his potential in the position, a menace throughout after coming off the bench in the first half due to an injury to Bradley Barcola.
It was a spectacular goal, the 23-year-old collecting and driving forward from inside his own half, skating past defenders and entering the danger area before playing a neat connection with Kylian Mbappe and then striking true.
Hugo Ekitike’s Performance vs Ukraine
Match Stats
#
Minutes played
67′
Goals
1
Touches
22
Shots (on target)
4 (2)
Accurate passes
6/9 (67%)
Unsuccessful touches
3
Dribbles
2/2
Recoveries
1
Ground duels
4/5
Data via Sofascore
Ekitike might not have enjoyed much success by way of passing, but he demonstrated how effective he can be with limited opportunities in possession. Not only accurate when carrying the ball forward, but he was fierce in the duel and clinical besides.
This economical approach showed something that has been lacking on Merseyside this season: an ability to make chances count even when presented intermittently.
That is, of course, barring one Liverpool forward. Ekitike. The Les Bleus star has scored six goals and posted an assist since joining the club this summer.
Development is never linear for those entering the Premier League from overseas, but the way in which Ekitike has slipped into life in Liverpool is remarkable, given the circumstances around the club right now.
Should Slot take note of the striker’s performance against Ukraine and begin to hand him more chances out wide, it could help Isak settle in after his record-breaking summer move while easing the fears that Isak and Ekitke cannot cohabit in Liverpool’s starting line-up.
Slot has already followed this train of thought, suggesting several weeks ago that Ekitike’s technical and physical qualities make him apt for a prolific role on the flank, and now it can be put into practice, albeit at Gakpo’s expense.
Without question, Liverpool’s head coach will have been attentive to Ekitike’s performance on the world stage, perhaps more inclined forward to trial Ekitike in a wider role going forward, thus opening the door to a partnership with Isak and a new dimension that could help restore the side’s attacking strength.
If this proves an effective and long-term solution, it may well come at the expense of Gakpo’s stay at Liverpool for the long run, but, as the opening months of the campaign have told us, it is crucial that Slot identifies a way of playing that matches the incredible amount of quality teeming across Anfield.
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