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Newcastle United arguably put in their besst performance of the season as they beat Benfica 3-0 to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League.

Though the Magpies have struggled to get going this season, especially from an offensive standpoint, their success on the continent is evidence of Eddie Howe’s abiding tactical quality, with the cogs sure to start whirring as the new batch of players work toward a continuation of last year’s illustrious success.

That starts now, in the Premier League. Last weekend, United lost on a trip to Brighton, and they languish in 14th place, just nine points from eight games.

But a closer look at the new phase Howe is championing demonstrates exactly why he is valued as “one of the top managers in the country, if not the world” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

He adapts, and the tactician must showcase that nous yet again on Sunday, when Fulham are welcomed to St. James’ Park. However, that frontline does need some work, even with Nick Woltemade firing on all cylinders.

Newcastle team news

Howe said that Newcastle must produce their best possible performance if they wish to turn over a gritty and well-balanced Fulham side in the Premier League.

The Cottagers claimed three points at St. James’ Park last season, but they have lost three on the bounce in the Premier League and are there for the taking, with Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson both sidelined.

A promising update on the injury recoveries of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall: both full-backs are nearing the end of their rehabilitation and are back on the grass. Anticipate further developments in the coming weeks.

While Howe reported no new injury concerns, he did confirm Sandro Tonali “will be touch and go” after struggling with illness this week.

Meanwhile, summer signing Yoane Wissa’s wait for his debut rages on, still in recovery from the knee injury suffered on international duty. The 29-year-old’s rehabilitation will stretch toward the Christmas period.

More praise was heaped on Woltemade. The German striker continues to deputise as Wissa’s recovery continues, and given the richness of the purple patch he is riding, few will have concerns about his presence at number nine (other than the Fulham defence, that is).

However, while the striker is firing, Howe will hope to see more from his wide forwards. In fairness, Harvey Barnes bagged a brace in midweek, with Anthony Gordon claiming the Man of the Match award in the Champions League.

But Anthony Elanga continues to leave much to be desired down the right, and it’s for this reason that Newcastle’s most underrated star could be the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon.

Howe must unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Has there been a more compelling success story at Newcastle over the past few years than that of Jacob Murphy? The 29-year-old was written off after years as a journeyman, but has pieced together an iconic career on Tyneside.

Last season, in particular, Murphy was in fine fettle, stepping up after Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward and posting nine goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Some return, that. Howe hailed his protege as “the ultimate professional”, and his is a story that up-and-coming hopefuls will use as fuel for many years to come. It’s never too late to turn things around.

The veteran has only featured as a substitute across Newcastle’s past two Premier League matches, and his stability and industriousness could be perfect against Marco Silva’s organised outfit.

That is not to say he’s without his flair and creativity on the ball. As per FBref, Murphy ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90.

He might not have Elanga’s pace or Barnes’ natural eye for goal, but with Gordon clicking into gear and Woltemade undroppable at the front of the ship, this could be the line-up to develop and sustain synergy and fluency across the full 90.

You will need no reminder that the Magpies have only won two of their eight Premier League fixtures so far this season.

It stands as a testament to Murphy’s resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities that he has established himself as one of the key components of Newcastle’s journey since the PIF takeover and subsequent appointment of Howe.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle

Rank

Player

Apps

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

Data via Transfermarkt

He might not be the most prolific player in the mix, but Murphy is unquestionably among England’s most underrated players in modern times, hailed as an “unsung hero” by journalist Scott Wilson for his knack at coming up trumps for the Toon.

And anyway, with three goals and four assists across 13 matches against Fulham, Howe would be restoring the experienced winger to the starting line-up against the side he has chalked up more direct contributions than any other across his career.

While Elanga will be desperate to impress after going without a goal or an assist across his first 12 appearances in black and white, Howe will know the importance of using the midweek Champions League victory as a springboard.

Newcastle simply have to return to winning ways in the Premier League, and with Murphy on the right, fuelling in-form pair Gordon and Woltemade, it might just be the perfect blend.

Related Howe can forget Elanga by unleashing Newcastle's teen who's 'like Yamal'

Eddie Howe may turn to the academy to help build fluency down Newcastle’s right side.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 23, 2025

يبذل الاتحاد المصري لكرة اليد جهودًا مكثفة خلال الوقت الحالي، لحل أزمة سفر لاعبي سموحة، لضمان التحاقهم ببعثة الفريق في الإمارات والمشاركة في نهائي السوبر المصري لكرة اليد أمام الأهلي.

ولم يتمكن حتى الآن سوى 5 لاعبين من أصل 20 لاعبًا في قائمة سموحة من السفر إلى الإمارات، بينما وصل فريق الأهلي صباح اليوم لاستكمال استعداداته للمواجهة.

وعلم بطولات، أنه توجد اقتراحات مع الجهات المنظمة في الإمارات لتأجيل المباراة 24 ساعة، لمنح لاعبي سموحة الوقت الكافي للانضمام إلى البعثة قبل خوض اللقاء.

طالع أيضًا | العربي القطري يحسم موقفه من عروض الأهلي والزمالك لضم لاعبه

ويأتي تأهل سموحة إلى المباراة النهائية بعد فوزه المفاجئ على الزمالك بنتيجة 29-28، ليواجه الأهلي في مباراة مرتقبة تجمع بين بطل إفريقيا والفريق السكندري.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الفريقان غدًا الثلاثاء في صالة استاد خليفة بن زايد بمدينة العين الإماراتية، التي تتسع لنحو 2000 مشجع، على أن تنطلق صافرة البداية في الساعة السادسة مساءً بتوقيت مصر.

Australia international smites rapid fifty before taking key wickets to undermine Hampshire chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Jun-2025Grace Harris announced herself on the 2025 Vitality Blast with a blistering half-century and three wickets as Surrey made it two from two with a 32-run win over Hampshire at the Kia Oval.Hot off the plane the Australia international smashed 63 in 35 balls with four sixes and five fours. Harris shared half-century stands with Danni Wyatt-Hodge (62 from 41) and Paige Scholfield (49 from 18) – all this after Wyatt-Hodge and skipper Bryony Smith (33) posted 73 for the opening wicket.The fearsome onslaught carried Surrey to 213 for 4, Freya Davies taking 2 for 36 for the visitors, who rued four dropped catches and a bungled run-out attempt of Harris when she’d made just 1.Hampshire’s chase was heroic, led by Ella McCaughan’s classy 81, and supported by 29 from skipper Georgia Adams, but Harris (3-18) dismissed both in the space of three balls to cap a stunning debut as the Hawks finished on 181 for 8.After a sedate start, Smith blasted three sixes in quick succession, while Wyatt-Hodge, following a shaky series against West Indies for England, also cleared the ropes.Wyatt-Hodge was dropped twice on 30 and 35 before Smith holed out at midwicket off opposing skipper Adams. Harris should have gone soon afterwards when confusion left both batters at the same end, but a poor throw was fumbled by wicketkeeper Rhianna Southby and Harris was reprieved.She duly cashed in, raising Surrey’s hundred with six over mid-on, while Wyatt-Hodge was missed for a third time by Mary Taylor – a tough caught and bowled – before reaching 50 from 35 balls. The England opener eventually fell to a catch off Davies, but Harris forged on, two more maximums taking her to 50 from 27 balls.And while her innings ended tamely from a paddle to short fine leg, Schofield took up the baton with three sixes of her own, the last from the final ball of the innings to finish one short of 50.In-form Maia Bouchier began the chase with a straight six before holing out to a catch on the fence before the first over was done. Charlie Knott, too, flickered briefly and although she cut Tilly Corteen-Coleman into the hands of Wyatt-Hodge at cover, the visitors were 64 for 2 after six.Freya Kemp nicked one from Stonehouse through to wicketkeeper Kira Chathli and a maiden from Phoebe Franklin further cranked up the pressure. But McCaughan kept up the breathless chase, crisp driving and sweeping taking her to a polished fifty complete with 10 fours and Franklin spilt a skier to reprieve Adams as the tension mounted.With rain falling the 50-partnership came up in 33 balls and 85 were needed from the last seven.Smith failed to cling on to a tough chance at mid-off with McCaughan on 65, but Harris had her caught and bowled for 81 and when Adams perished two balls later to a stunning catch by Schofield, Hampshire were destined to fall short.

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya climb IPL 2025’s Orange and Purple Cap tables respectively after SRH vs MI game. Here are the latest rankings

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20250:42

Knight: Klaasen batting far too low for SRH

The Orange Cap tablePooran, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) No. 3, had started the IPL with a bang, and been the top run-getter from Game No. 7 to the Game No. 39, when a dry patch, combined with Sai Sudharsan’s prolific run, pushed him down to No. 2, with 377 runs from nine innings.MI’s Suryakumar, who has been super consistent in the IPL this season without really making an almighty splash, now has 373 runs after scoring 40 not out in 19 balls against SRH. He hasn’t had a single proper failure this season: 29, 48, 27*, 67, 28, 40, 26, 68* and 40*. That makes Suryakumar the new No. 3 on the table.Jos Buttler, the second Gujarat Titans (GT) batter in the top four with Sai Sudharsan, has 356 runs now, and is followed by the second LSG batter in the top five, Mitchell Marsh with 344 runs.A total of ten batters have now crossed the 300-run mark (Sai Sudharsan is the only one past 400): LSG’s Aiden Markram with 326, KL Rahul of Delhi Capitals (DC) with 323, Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with 322, Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals (RR) with 307, and GT captain Shubman Gill with 305.No SRH batter is anywhere near the top after predictions before the season that they would finish the job they had started last season: break all IPL run-scoring records. Their best at the moment is Heinrich Klaasen, who is just outside the top ten and just behind the men with 300-plus runs, at No. 11 with 281 runs to his name after the 44-ball 71 he hit against MI.1:43

Is Rohit well and truly back?

The Purple Cap tablePrasidh Krishna, the GT quick bowler, is well ahead of the pack at this stage, with 16 wickets from eight innings, but seven bowlers are joint-second with 12 wickets, Hardik joining that group with his sole wicket on Wednesday.In case of more than one bowler having the same number of wickets, the rankings on ESPNcricinfo are based on bowling average, placing GT’s R Sai Kishore in second place, followed by Noor Ahmad of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), DC’s Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik, RCB’s Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj of GT and LSG’s Shardul Thakur, all 12-wicket men. Of them, Kuldeep has the best economy rate (6.50), followed by Noor (7.66). The rest have all gone at over eight runs an over.The following are some of the other tables that might interest you.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match

It has been a slow start to life at Manchester United for Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian joined the Red Devils over the summer, costing the club £74m, including £66.3m plus add-ons. He signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

Yet, the 22-year-old has not really hit the ground running since his big-money move from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. The six-foot-five centre-forward is being eased in by manager Ruben Amorim, and has played just 80 Premier League minutes. He did play a full game in the Carabao Cup defeat away to Grimsby Town, but did not score.

Despite the slow start for Sesko, the same cannot be said for fellow summer signing Matheus Cunha.

Cunha’s start to life at United

Football statistician Statman Dave said it best: Cunha is “going to light up Old Trafford this season”. The Brazilian has started life for the Red Devils in excellent fashion, despite not finding the back of the net yet.

A starter in all four of United’s games so far this term, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player has added a real spark to Amorim’s attack with his directness and creativity.

He’s come close to scoring several times, with this effort against Fulham one of the closest.

The underlying numbers from Cunha’s time at United so far highlight how well he has started. The Brazil international averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.7 successful dribbles per 90 minutes already this season, as per Sofascore.

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, the 26-year-old picked up an injury in their most recent Premier League clash against Burnley at Old Trafford. It was serious enough for Amorim to substitute Cunha 31 minutes into the game.

At this stage, it is unclear if the Brazilian attacker will be back in time for Sunday’s Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium. If not, Amorim has someone waiting in the wings to unleash.

United’s ready-made Cunha replacement

Despite Cunha’s injury, United are not short of options for one of those number ten roles next to Bryan Mbeumo. Bruno Fernandes could be pushed higher up the pitch, Amad could move from wingback, and Kobbie Mainoo could get a well-deserved first Premier League start.

But the ideal option for Amorim to unleash could be Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Described as a “monster” of an attacker by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the 24-year-old impressed in the second half of last season, especially as a number ten.

Having featured in 34 games under United’s Portuguese manager so far, Zirkzee has found the back of the net six times and assisted one goal.

One of those strikes came in the 2-2 draw away to Olympique Lyon in the Europa League, a goal which proved crucial given the fact United were 7-6 aggregate victors.

One of Zirkzee’s biggest strengths is his silky link-up play. The attacker, who can play as a centre-forward as well as a number 10, is excellent when it comes to dropping into pockets of space to link play together with quick give-and-go passes.

He also excels in one-vs-one situations in tight spaces, able to dance past defenders with his quick feet, often leaving them in the dust. Although he doesn’t possess lightning-quick pace, his superb technical ability shines through.

Indeed, the stats from the Europa League last season back up the theory that those attributes are his very best.

For example, he had a 70% take-on success rate and played 3.4 progressive passes per 90 minutes. Those metrics place him in the top 2% and 6% of forwards in the competition last season.

Expected assists

0.2

86th

Progressive passes

3.4

94th

Key passes

1.19

71st

Shot-creating actions

3.23

79th

Take-on success rate

70%

98th

Zirkzee could be the perfect option for Amorim to unleash as one of the number 10s. He has only played an hour or so of football this season, but he is perfectly suited to playing in that same role as Cunha.

It means the likes of Sesko would miss out on a spot in the starting lineup, but Zirkzee’s technical ability might be too good for Amorim to ignore, going into a huge week for the Red Devils.

Man Utd talent who left the club for £0 has been outscoring Sesko & Mbeumo

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one former talent to depart Old Trafford.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 11, 2025

Captain Marnus Labuschagne has confirmed that Usman Khawaja will play for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield final and believes last week’s public spat will high performance manager Joe Dawes will “improve his performance” rather than distract him.Khawaja, 38, has been the subject of an unusual media drama in the lead-up to the final after missing the last match of the regular season against South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.Related

• Pope squeezed out as South Australia hope to break 29-year drought

• 'That is 100% wrong' – Emotional Khawaja insists Queensland knew about his injury

• Ironman Doggett has Shield glory in sights after career resurgence

• From rock-bottom to title favourites: How South Australia learned to believe again

Dawes spoke last Wednesday claiming Khawaja did not have any hamstring issues that they were aware of and said, “it’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to.”Queensland Cricket board member Ian Healy had also made strong comments on his SEN radio show saying, “It’s just this pick and choose mentality that has been evident in his later years that Queensland haven’t been happy with.”Khawaja fired back in an emotional and lengthy press conference, saying the accusations of him not having an injury were “categorically untrue” and that he was disappointed and disheartened by claims that he didn’t want to play for Queensland despite spending five days in Melbourne at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix while the Shield game was going on.Labuschagne confirmed that Khawaja would definitely play in the final at Karen Rolton Oval on Wednesday and was confident that Australia’s Test opener wouldn’t be distracted after a turbulent week.”No, not at all,” Labuschagne said at the captains’ pre-game press conference. “If anything, it’ll probably improve his performance. He just loves the big moments. He’s been an amazing player for a long time, so I don’t think he’s going to have any issues with going out there and performing at his best.”Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne and South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney pose with the Sheffield Shield trophy•Getty Images

South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney, who was Khawaja’s opening partner for the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series and is a former Queensland team-mate, said he had spoken to Khawaja in the lead-up to the final and expected him to perform well.”He wanted to see if he could get a tee time at Kooyonga,” McSweeney said. “So I did send him a cheeky text. But he’s all good. “He’s a professional player, has been for a long time now, and I think he’ll be definitely ready here tomorrow, and he’ll be a massive wicket for us.”Queensland’s staff put together a video of former Shield winning players sending their well wishes to the current team, which the squad watched on the big screen at Karen Rolton Oval before training on Tuesday.Labuschagne would not confirm Queensland’s final XI, but they will need to make at least one change from the side that drew with South Australia to accommodate Khawaja’s return. The concern for Queensland will be trying to take 20 wickets after claiming just 12 in four days last week, with Labuschagne taking four of them with his part-time medium pace.

How a drawn final is decided

In the event the Sheffield Shield final ends in a draw, the title will be decided on first-innings bonus points which are accrued across the first 100 overs.

Batting teams earn 0.01 of a bonus point for every run scored over 200 in the initial 100 overs; bowling sides get 0.1 of a bonus point for every wicket in the first 100 overs. For example, the batting side scores 350 all out in 90 overs they earn 1.5 points and the bowling side 1 point.

Should bonus points be tied and the match drawn, SA will win the Shield given they finished top of the ladder and earned hosting rights for the final.

“The wicket is probably not as hard as it was for last week’s game here,” he said. “I think there’s probably a little bit more moisture in it. The grass is probably a fraction longer. But obviously [curator] Trent [Kelly] hasn’t cut it yet, so we’ll have to wait and see whether that gets cut in the morning.”I think, all in all, last week would have been a really good cricket wicket for a five-day game. South Australia had us in a position where if they really wanted to try and win the game, they probably could have pushed down that route.”Even last week, on that wicket that was quite flat, there could have been a result. So I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with trying to get a result this game.”South Australia squad: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Henry Hunt, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry ThorntonQueensland squad: Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Jack Wildermuth

MatériaMais Notícias

A luta para conseguir fôlego cerca o Botafogo às vésperas do confronto com o Fluminense. O técnico Luís Castro lidou com a preocupação de garantir que a equipe esteja em plenas condições para o clássico que ocorre às 18h30 deste sábado (20), no Nilton Santos.

RelacionadasBotafogoCom novidade, Botafogo confirma lista de relacionados enfrentar o FluminenseBotafogo19/05/2023BotafogoDiego Hernández chega ao Rio de Janeiro e demonstra entusiasmo por jogar no Botafogo: ‘Eu me sinto pronto’Botafogo19/05/2023Fora de CampoVeja quem narra Botafogo x Fluminense e onde assistir ao clássico carioca no BrasileirãoFora de Campo19/05/2023

Após ter surpreendido ao poupar titulares no duelo com o Athletico-PR, Castro ainda não definiu se lançará sua força máxima no Clássico Vovô. A “rodagem” pode continuar a acontecer no meio de campo.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Veja a tabela e os jogos da Série A do Brasileirão 2023

Marlon Freitas pode voltar a se tornar titular. O volante recebeu oportunidade diante do Goiás e teve bons momentos, mas não evitou a derrota por 2 a 1. Sua disputa é travada com Gabriel Pires, que se desdobrou nas partidas mais recentes e vem ditando o ritmo do Alvinegro.

Outra variação é entre Tchê Tchê e Lucas Fernandes. O camisa 6 é visto como uma das referências da equipe, mas atualmente passa por oscilações. A outra alternativa é por Lucas Fernandes, jogador que ao ser acionado vem mostrando muita dedicação.

Um dos desafios do Glorioso no clássico é “ganhar” o meio de campo. Isso passa por jogadores que consigam aliar um bom empenho à tranquilidade para desenvolver as jogadas. Os desafios fazem o Botafogo não repetir sua escalação há um mês.

Em meio a tantas oscilações em sua rotina, o Alvinegro tem o retorno de sua linha de frente. Junior Santos retorna após ter sido poupado na Copa do Brasil. Caberá a ele ajudar a fôlego a um trio que tem também Victor Sá e Tiquinho Soares.

Mesmo em meio a um período acidentado, o Botafogo tenta encontrar forças para lançar o que há de melhor, engrenar um bom entrosamento e garantir a vitória diante do Fluminense.

MatériaMais Notícias

Rogério Ceni deixou o cargo de treinador do São Paulo na última quarta-feira (19). A saída foi anunciada pelo Tricolor, após uma reunião entre membros da diretoria e o ex-goleiro tricolor. Ceni chegou ao clube em outubro de 2021, no mesmo dia que a demissão de Hernán Crespo foi anunciada.

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Desde então, foram 107 jogos, com50 vitórias, 28 empates e 29 derrotas. O último jogo comandado por Ceni foi a vitória contra o Puerto Cabello, por 2 a 0, válida pela segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana.

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Esta foi a segunda passagem de Ceni como treinador do Tricolor. A primeira tinha acontecido em 2017, mas o comandante deixou o cargo após 37 jogos. Entretanto, mais uma vez, deixa o CT da Barra Funda sem nenhum título – diferente da era tão vitoriosa e de idolatria que teve como jogador.

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A passagem do ex-goleiro como técnico foi marcada pelos ‘vices’. Mesmo que tenha enfatizado que sua maior meta era ser campeão, não conseguiu concretizar. Em 2022, chegou até a final do Campeonato Paulista, contra o Palmeiras, mas foi derrotado. Inclusive, este foi visto como um dos grandes vexames da temporada passada. Isso porque o Tricolor estava com uma vantagem por 3 a 1 no jogo de ida, e a equipe de Abel Ferreira virou o resultado após uma goleada por 4 a 0.

Na Copa Sul-Americana, no mesmo ano, viajou até Córdoba, na Argentina, para enfrentar o Independiente Del Valle. Mais uma vez, perdeu a chance de garantir o título – mesmo com o Tricolor sendo visto como um dos grandes favoritos.

No Brasileirão, não ficou próximo da taça, mas próximo da classificação para a Copa Libertadores. Porém, por uma posição não conseguiu. Na Copa do Brasil, encerrou sua participação na semifinal, após ser derrotado pelo Flamengo.

Neste ano, a situação complicou um pouco mais. Com a expectativa de, pela terceira edição seguida, chegar até a final do Campeonato Paulista, o sonho foi frustrado de forma precoce ainda nas quartas de final, após uma derrota contra o Água Santa – que mais tarde se tornou finalista, contra o Palmeiras. E foi a partir daí que a situação começou a esquentar.

A pressão existia, mas a ideia é que Ceni conseguisse ajustar as rédeas do clube durante a intertemporada, antes de retornar para os próximos compromissos que aguardavam. Porém, mesmo com a estreia vitoriosa na Copa Sul-Americana, contra o Tigre, emplacou uma sequência não tão boa na Copa do Brasil – no empate sem gols contra o Ituano em casa -, e no Brasileiro – com a derrota pelo Botafogo por 2 a 1.

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Problemas com elenco?

Mas não foram somente os resultados que marcaram a trajetória de Rogério Ceni pelo São Paulo. Alguns problemas internos também surgiram neste caminho – que envolveram até mesmo discussão com alguns jogadores.

No final da temporada 2022, Patrick – atualmente no Atlético-MG -, teria se incomodado com certas atitudes do ex-técnico. Mais especificamente, na penúltima rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.Mesmo enquanto o São Paulo ainda vencia por 1 a 0, Patrick foi substituído na volta do segundo tempo, dando lugar a Giuliano Galoppo. Na etapa final, em menos de quinze minutos, o Tricolor sofreu três gols, marcados por Germán Cano.

O incômodo do ex-atleta do Tricolor teria sido motivado pelas substituições frequentes que estava enfrentando. A discussão aconteceu no vestiário, após o término da partida. Mesmo com a saída do meia, os dois sempre enfatizaram que era um assunto que tinha sido resolvido.

Recentemente, algo parecido aconteceu com Marcos Paulo. A discussão aconteceu no último mês, após a eliminação da equipe no Campeonato Paulista contra o Água Santa, quando jogador fez uma postagem suspeita nas redes sociais.

Marcos Paulo compartilhou uma foto em seu Instagram com a letra de uma música que dizia uma frase emblemática sobre ‘hipocrisia e simpatia serem uma junção venenosa’. Até então, parecia só mais uma postagem normal, mas o que chamou atenção foram algumas curtidas do jogador em comentários de torcedores. Estes comentários criticando justamente Rogério Ceni.

O restante do elenco teria se incomodado com a reação de Rogério Ceni com o caso, o que começou a esquentar a discussão. Após o último jogo do treinador com a equipe, contra o Puerto Cabello, Ceni trouxe este assunto à tona, e mais uma vez, afirmou que estava tudo resolvido.

Mesmo assim, tirando estas exceções, o elenco sempre pareceu se dar bem com o ex-técnico. Inclusive, nas redes sociais, nomes como Calleri, Nestor, Moreira, se manifestaram pouco tempo após o anúncio da sua saída, se despedindo e agradecendo ao trabalho prestado.

Durante quase um ano e oito meses, 23 jogadores chegaram ao Tricolor sob o comando de Rogério Ceni. Agora, ao que tudo indica, os próximos passos do clube devem seguir o mesmo caminho de 2017. Isso porque o principal nome no radar é o mesmo que sucedeu Ceni na primeira passagem: Dorival Júnior.

Celtic have made a habit out of buying and developing and selling on young talent over the years, as they have made millions in profit through player trading.

The likes of Matt O’Riley, Odsonne Edouard, Moussa Dembele, and Virgil van Dijk, among many others, have come and gone thanks to the club’s excellent recruitment work.

Whilst they have had success in plucking players out of top European countries, like van Dijk from the Netherlands or Dembele and O’Riley from England, they have also had success in snapping up talent from more obscure leagues.

For example, Celtic signed Kristoffer Ajer as a 17-year-old for £650k from Norwegian side Start, before they went on to sell him to Brentford for a reported fee of £13.5m.

The Hoops plucked the teenage talent up and sent him out on loan, to Kilmarnock, before integrating him into the first-team to develop into a £13.5m player, and they could repeat a similar trick with their interest in a midfielder this summer.

Celtic enquire about deal for Serbian midfielder

According to Cukaricki sporting director Vladimir Matijašević, Celtic have made contact over a potential deal to sign central midfielder Andrej Bacanin before the end of the summer transfer window.

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Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “There’s significant interest in our young players, and right now the spotlight is on Andrej Bačanin’s transfer. His performances last season for both our team and the Serbian national side at youth level have drawn attention from numerous clubs.

“We’ve had enquiries from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, and clubs like Ajax and Udinese are also interested, among others. It’s possible more options will emerge, but I expect the transfer to be completed within the next ten days.”

This shows that the Hoops are interested in the 18-year-old talent, who could arrive at Parkhead to follow a similar path to success in Scotland as Ajer.

Why Celtic should sign Andrej Bacanin

The Scottish Premiership giants should push to win the race for the teenage starlet’s signature this summer because he could be a future star for the club.

At the age of 18, Bacanin should not be expected to arrive as an immediate first-team star, as he only just made his breakthrough at senior level in Serbia in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

Instead, the Serbia U19 international could follow Ajer’s path by joining another Premiership team, or a club in another country, on loan to continue his development, before making the step to Brendan Rodgers’ team further down the line.

Although he may not be ready to make an instant impact in Glasgow for Celtic, his performances in the Serbian Superliga show that he does have potential.

As you can see in the table above, Bacanin offered a screening presence in front of the back four when he played, averaging 4.1 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the division.

Meanwhile, no central midfielder for Celtic managed more than 2.0 tackles and interceptions per game, which suggests that the Serbian youngster could offer a defensive midfield option that Rodgers does not currently have.

As was the case with Ajer, though, Bacanin will need to be playing games week-in-week-out to hone his skills and develop as a player, which is why bringing the young whiz in before sending him out on loan could be a shrewd move.

The Hoops could snap him up this summer, to ensure that their rivals do not steal a march of them, before sending him away to develop and improve, with the hope that he will come back a better player who is ready to make his mark on Parkhead in the 2026/27 campaign.

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Serbian Football Scout, who is a professional scout for MLS side Colorado Rapids, previously dubbed Bacanin a “true midfield controller”, and he could control games for Celtic in the future, if they get this deal done.

Leeds United have now submitted a £12m offer to sign an “unbelievable” player, with an agreement also being reached on personal terms, reliable reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Leeds vying to sign new midfielders

Having missed out on Habib Diarra to fellow promoted side Sunderland, Leeds have been forced to move on to alternative central midfield targets, and it is looking increasingly likely that there could be multiple additions in the engine room.

Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is of particular interest, with the Whites now growing more confident they will be able to complete a deal for the German, while they have also set their sights on several players who boast Premier League experience.

Newcastle United’s Joe Willock is one of the players on the shortlist, although Crystal Palace may have an advantage in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, given that he is believed to favour a move to the capital this summer.

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Consequently, Daniel Farke’s side have seemingly made little progress in their pursuit of Willock, but they are now stepping up their pursuit of a different Newcastle midfielder.

That is according to an update from Ornstein on X, with the reporter revealing that Leeds are “pushing to sign Sean Longstaff”, having recently submitted a £12m offer for his services.

The latest bid is believed to be “close to the limit” before the West Yorkshire outfit decide to move on to other targets, but they are yet to receive a reply from the Magpies.

With personal terms already “in place”, the deal could move quickly if the offer is accepted, with the Newcastle academy graduate keen for his boyhood club to receive a fee for his services, rather than losing him on a free transfer next summer.

"Unbelievable" Longstaff could be ideal signing for Leeds

The 27-year-old wouldn’t exactly be the flashiest of signings, but he could be the ideal addition to a Leeds squad looking to stabilise as a Premier League club, given his vast experience in the top flight.

During his time with the Magpies, the Englishman has chalked up a total of 171 Premier League appearances, while also being dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has also praised the Newcastle maestro for his work-rate and versatility: “He can play in a variety of midfield roles and it’s that ability to get the best out of Bruno (Guimaraes) in that Newcastle midfield. Bruno plays better when Sean Longstaff is behind him, in front of him or alongside him. He can run all day, he’s a great athlete.”

As such, Longstaff clearly has the quality to help Leeds survive in their first season back in the Premier League, and £12m seems like a reasonable fee for his services.