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The Belgian was blunted in a deep role but the Egyptian shoulders greater blame for squandering the spot-kick on a disastrous day for the Cityzens

Pep Guardiola made a huge tactical blunder as Manchester City fell to a shock defeat in the FA Cup final by a resilient Crystal Palace. The Catalan over-thought it to an absurd agree and fielded no natural holding midfielders in a move reminiscent of the 2021 Champions League final defeat by Chelsea.

Eberechi Eze, a transfer target for City in the last two years, struck the only goal of the game but the final will be overshadowed for the decision not to send Dean Henderson off for handling outside his area. But City only have themselves to blame for losing a second cup final in a row, as Omar Marmoush saw his penalty saved by Henderson and Guardiola made yet more bizarre moves from the sidelines.

Before kick-off City's fans paid homage to Kevin De Bruyne in his last final for the club in an impressive tifo funded by fans with the help of Erling Haaland. But De Bruyne was the victim of Guardiola's outlandishly attacking formation, which meant he and Bernardo Silva had to act as holding midfielders to accomodate Marmoush, Savinho, Haaland and Jeremy Doku.

The tactics led to City dominating the early stages of the game and hemming Palace into their own area, only for the Eagles to swoop and score with their first attack. Munoz came down the right in a sweeping move and curled a low cross into Eze, who met it first time to beat Ortega.

Palace could and perhaps should have been reduced to 10 men when Henderson used his hand outside of the area to beat the ball away from Haaland's grasp. City did get a decision in their favour when Silva was fouled by Tyrick Mitchell but Marmoush took the kick ahead of Haaland and his low shot was pushed away by Henderson.

The goalkeeper repelled a dangerous effort from Doku and De Bruyne should have done much better on the rebound. The second half followed a similar pattern as City did most of the talking but Palace held firm. The Eagles thought they had doubled their lead when Daniel Munoz struck at the near post but the goal was ruled out for offside against Ismaila Sarr in the build-up.

Haaland skied an effort down the other end and then headed over the bar. The ball then fell to De Bruyne on the edge of the box but he shot wide. Moments later the final whistle went, rounding off an infuriating day for Guardiola and his side.

GOAL rates Man City's players from Wembley Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Stefan Ortega (5/10):

Nothing he could do for the goal, which was one of just two shots he had to face, discounting Palace's disallowed effort. He denied Mateta with the other. It was a better display than last year's final but he has now lost two in a row.

Manuel Akanji (4/10):

Lost track of Eze for the goal and had a near miss when he didn't communicate properly with Dias. Had come close to scoring moments before the goal with a header that landed the wrong side of the bar. Despite that he did not get forward enough down his flank. That shouldn't be surprising given he is a centre-back by trade.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Didn't do much wrong aside from one mix-up with Akanji which City got away with. Dealt well with Mateta on the whole.

Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

Made a good defensive action to stop Munoz breaking free again. Also a handful going forward, testing Henderson as City dominated the first spell.

Nico O'Reilly (5/10):

Played high up the pitch which meant he could not get back when Palace poured forward to score. Had a good chance in the second half but was too ponderous on the ball and his shot was blocked.

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Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Was one of City's better players, having an active role in their dominant spell and earning the penalty.

Kevin De Bruyne (5/10):

Not the farewell he wanted in his last final. Sat far too deep due to Guardiola's formation and couldn't get in the positions where he is most dangerous. Shanked a loose ball over the bar. Made two promising passes in the second half but ultimately failed to produce the magic of old, sending a shot wide in added time.

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Jeremy Doku (7/10):

Offered lots of exciting play down the left flank and had one of City's best efforts when he forced Henderson to tip his effort away from the top corner.

Savinho (6/10):

Lively in the early stages but faded and eventually made way for Foden.

Omar Marmoush (4/10):

Took a big call by stepping up to take the penalty instead of Haaland and couldn't back it up, even if Henderson made a great save. After that he couldn't get in any other promising positions and came off for the teenage debutant Echeverri.

Erling Haaland (5/10):

His Wembley curse continues. Had a decent early effort saved by Henderson but didn't hit the target again, heading over the bar twice in the second half. And why didn't he back himself to take the penalty?!

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Phil Foden (5/10):

Sent a corner to Haaland which was headed over the bar. Got into the final third a lot but couldn't do much in it.

Claudio Echeverri (6/10):

Had one chance on his debut, forcing a good save from Henderson.

Ilkay Gundogan (N/A):

An 88th-minute substitution for Bernardo and couldn't repeat his Wembley heroics from 2023.

Pep Guardiola (3/10):

His formation was a mess and he took far too long to introduce any changes. And of all the substitutions to make, throwing on teenage debutant Echeverri made very little sense.

Everton are in the mix to complete the signing of a “brilliant” attacking player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Everton eye signings from EFL and Scotland under Friedkin Group

This summer feels like such a pivotal one for the Blues, as they begin life at a new stadium and look to kick on in the Premier League with David Moyes back in charge and The Friedkin Group’s reign underway.

Everton need to conduct plenty of transfer business, however, and Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers has been mentioned as an option. The USA international has already caught the eye of club scouts, as they look to potentially prepare for life without Jarrad Branthwaite, should he move on.

Up front, TFG are reportedly set to enquire about the availability of Richarlison this summer, as they look to possibly bring him back to the club after a successful first stint there, having fallen out of favour in a struggling Tottenham side.

Everton could also delve into the Championship to sign exciting young talent in the next window and Sunderland full-back Dennis Cirkin has emerged as a rumour target for the Merseysiders. The 22-year-old has been an impressive performer for the Black Cats this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists in the league.

Everton join the race to sign "brilliant" Rangers forward

Now, according to a fresh claim from Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Everton have “joined the race” to sign Rangers striker Hamza Igamane at the end of the season. The Blues are far from alone in showing an interest in the 22-year-old however, with Sevilla sending scouts to watch him in action and Marseille also eyeing him up – the La Liga club’s scouts are apparently ‘convinced’ he is the perfect signing.

Igamane is a talented young striker who could have a very bright future, so he looks like a shrewd target for Everton, as Moyes looks to improve the firepower at his disposal ahead of next season. The Moroccan has proven to be a reliable source of goals for Rangers this term, scoring nine times in 18 Scottish Premiership starts, as well as finding the net on four occasions in the Europa League.

Interim Ibrox boss Derek Ferguson has spoken of his admiration for him: “Igamane is a real breath of fresh air, the young man. The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon – and took his goal brilliantly. I don’t know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane’s got that unpredictability.”

With long-term doubts persisting over the futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto at Everton, bringing in a player of Igamane’s age and promise makes complete sense for TFG.

Rooney 2.0: Everton could soon unleash "incredible" 17-year-old Beto rival

Everton fans will be excited about the potential of this youngster.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 9, 2025

The Rangers ace still has improving to do as a player, so it would be unfair to expect fireworks from the off, but he has shown that he can impress in the Europa League, and he has scored more goals than any Blues player in the league this season, with Iliman Ndiaye and Beto leading the way on six apiece.

Only Sune Luus crosses 20 for South Africa as the hosts fail to chase down 130

Valkerie Baynes10-Feb-2023South Africa’s highly anticipated home Women’s T20 World Cup got underway in the most dramatic fashion with Sri Lanka securing a big upset against the hosts, winning by three runs before a record crowd in Cape Town.This match had it all. A thrilling contest set up by Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu’s half-century before her fellow old guard of Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari and Oshadi Ranasinghe kept their cool to run through South Africa’s line-up and secure a memorable victory in front of 8402 spectators, the most for a women’s cricket match in South Africa.Amid a friendly party atmosphere with the grass banks well packed with dancing spectators, the home fans grimaced in the tight moments, and screamed and fist-pumped in the good times, riding each wave with their team. And there were plenty of ebbs and flows too. South Africa’s quicks Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail contained Athapaththu and her opening partner Harshitha Samarawickrama early, before Athapaththu’s knock of 68 off 50 balls, in which she peeled off boundaries in clutches and staged an 86-run stand for the second wicket with 17-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne. Then Kapp took the key wicket of Athapaththu to keep South Africa’s target to an achievable 130. But Sri Lanka never gave up and reaped their reward with Ranaweera removing Laura Wolvaardt, Kapp and captain Sune Luus and, ultimately, dashing the hopes of the home side.Sri Lanka keep their coolTazmin Brits never really got going after being struck on the helmet attempting a pull shot off Achini Kulasooriya and fell slicing Ranasinghe to extra cover. Kapp scored only 12 before she holed out to mid-on and when Ranaweera struck again to remove Wolvaardt with 77 needed off 10.2 overs, South Africa were still ahead of Sri Lanka at the same point but by no means safe.However, with Luus and an in-form Chloe Tryon at the crease, there appeared no reason to panic. But then Tryon and Anneke Bosch fell in the space of three balls, and Luus, who was saved by a wayward throw after a terrible mix-up with Sinalo Jafta, was stumped as Ranaweera claimed her third and put her side within reach of victory. Needing 13 off the last over, Ismail was run out and Sugandika yielded just two runs off the next three balls, meaning that Nonkululeko Mlaba’s four off the last was not enough.Chamari Athapaththu scored 68 off 50 balls to steer Sri Lanka to a competitive total•ICC/Getty ImagesAthapaththu to the rescue (again)Athapaththu lifted Sri Lanka after a slow start and, while it was a script we had read before – she has now scored all three of Sri Lanka’s fifties at Women’s T20 World Cups and seven of their top eight scores at the tournament – it was vital. By the end of the powerplay, they had just 28 runs on the board and at the halfway point of the innings were 45 for 1.The match was almost four overs old before Sri Lanka found the boundary, via Athapaththu’s slash through extra cover off Kapp. She reeled off two more back-to-back with a slog sweep and then a pull as Mlaba bowled first too full, then too short. Nadine de Klerk entered the attack in the seventh over with immediate effect though as Samarawickrama spooned the ball straight to short midwicket.Athapaththu knew she had to get moving and she unleashed three fours in a row off de Klerk, twice through extra cover before pulling a short ball over deep square leg. Gunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Under-19 captain, then piled on three more in a row, dispatching Ismail through deep midwicket, slicing past deep third and clearing wicketkeeper Jafta’s head.Kapp takes back controlGunaratne added 35 off 34 balls before a direct hit from Brits ended her stand with Athapaththu after she had nudged Kapp towards short cover for a quick single. But then Kapp made the major breakthrough, as Athapaththu picked out de Klerk at deep-backward square leg.After a tearful start to the match when wife Dane van Niekerk, who was left out of the squad for failing a 2km running test, helped her mark out her run-up before heading to the commentary box, Kapp ended the evening as South Africa’s best bowler, her four overs costing just 15 runs after she and Ismail had smothered Sri Lanka early. Ismail chimed in at the end with the wicket of Nilakshi de Silva and let out a roar. But it would turn to more tears, this time for Luus, who has taken over the captaincy from van Niekerk and whose task of taking her side to the knockout stage just became infinitely harder.

Lamine Yamal is all set to pen a new long-term contract with Barcelona which will have a Ballon d'Or bonus included.

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Yamal set to sign new six-year contractNew deal to include Ballon d'Or bonus Set to become highest-paid Barca player Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Yamal has agreed to sign a new long-term contract that will keep him at Barcelona until June 2031. On Monday, the Catalan side reached a full agreement with Yamal's agent, Jorge Mendes, and the teenager is now expected to formally sign the deal on Tuesday.

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Under the terms of the new deal, Yamal will see a significant rise in his wages. The 17-year-old will also receive several bonuses, including one if he wins the Ballon d'Or, according to . It has also been reported that Yamal will become the highest-paid player in the squad, surpassing Robert Lewandowski's salary of €33 million (£27m/$36m) a year.

DID YOU KNOW?

Yamal had a sensational year with the Catalan giants as he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions. He played a key role in the Blaugrana winning a domestic treble and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

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After securing the future of manager Hansi Flick and star players Raphinha and Yamal, Barcelona will now aim to offload some of their first-team players to generate enough money to make new buys to further bolster their squad.

Punjab Kings rise to No. 4 in the points table, as Lucknow Super Giants suffer their first defeat at home this season

Shashank Kishore15-Apr-2023
Sikandar Raza’s maiden IPL gig at the age of 36 was reward for his compelling performances with bat and ball at the T20 World Cup last year. But three games into this season, his rich form seemed to elude him.The delayed arrival of Liam Livingstone and a subsequent niggle meant that Raza had a fourth chance to impress. And he didn’t miss a beat, at least for the most part.Needing to turnaround Punjab Kings’ chase of 160 from a precarious 45 for 3 on a sluggish surface in Lucknow, Raza held the middle order together for much of the innings. But when he picked out Marcus Stoinis at deep backward square leg on 57, with Kings needing 21 off 13 balls, there was another twist.But Shahrukh Khan wasn’t giving up.At one end, he had to contend with Mark Wood’s ferocious pace and hard lengths. At the other, there was Ravi Bishnoi’s wrong’uns. Another tightrope of a finish loomed, and Shahrukh held on to finish unbeaten on 23 off 10 balls to seal victory with three balls to spare.For Kings, the victory was particularly heartening because they were without their regular captain Shikhar Dhawan, who missed the game with a shoulder niggle. There was also the matter of trying to arrest a slide of two consecutive defeats, which they did to rise to No. 4 in the points table.Lucknow Super Giants will look back on the last five overs of their batting innings, where they lost 4 for 48 after KL Rahul had played anchor once again with 74 off 56 balls.Sikandar Raza took his chance in Liam Livingstone’s absence•BCCIKyle Mayers gives LSG a startOn a surface that had a smattering of grass amid barren patches, the ball was doing all sorts of things. Offspinner Matt Short got it to turn, Arshdeep Singh was able to zip it through, and Kagiso Rabada rapped Rahul with a lifter from a length.Kyle Mayers wasn’t too fussed and threw his bat at anything in his zone. If the ball was drifting onto his pads, he swung hard. If there was room, he fearlessly lofted through the line. If it was bowled into the pitch, he flat batted it. But his daredevilry didn’t last long as he picked out deep square leg when he could have hit Harpreet Brar’s half-tracker wherever he liked on the leg side. Kings had broken LSG’s flourishing half-century opening stand in the eighth over.Rahul drops anchorIn the next over, Raza had Deepak Hooda lbw with a skiddy delivery, but Rahul fed off Krunal Pandya to keep the innings ticking in third gear. His knock had its moments – like the outrageous loft to the cover boundary off Kagiso Rabada – but his mellowed-down tempo during his half-century meant that LSG were always searching for acceleration.Captain Curran delivers at the deathLSG lost their way when Kagiso Rabada struck twice in the 15th over. He first had Krunal caught at deep midwicket and then, after a failed caught-behind appeal that was called wide down the leg side, he had Nicholas Pooran out first ball, pulling to deep midwicket.Sam Curran, who was leading the Kings in Dhawan’s absence, then picked up the huge wicket of Marcus Stoinis, convinced the batter had gloved a glance to the keeper and successfully overturning the on-field decision. Curran bowled his cutters into the pitch effectively and picked up two more wickets in the final over to finish with figures of 3 for 31.KL Rahul put in a full-stretched dive to remove Jitesh Sharma•Associated PressYudhvir’s dream startYudhvir Singh made a special debut for LSG. In his first over, he dismissed fellow debutant Atharva Taide, and then flattened Prabhsimran Singh’s off stump with a rocket of a nipbacker in his second over. Matt Short, however, put Punjab’s chase back on track with a counterattack.He found support in Harpreet Singh, who was playing his first IPL game in nearly 11 years. Harpreet played the anchor’s role until it got to a point where he had to attack. And after a few missed attempts, he picked out deep square for a run-a-ball 22. At 75 for 4, Kings weren’t out of trouble yet.Raza to the rescueAfter playing himself in and scoring his first 20 at nearly a run a ball, Raza went after Krunal, taking 17 off the 13th over to reduce the equation to 61 off 42 balls.Rahul held back his legspinner Ravi Bishnoi until the 15th over, which meant that he would not be able to complete his full quota of four overs. He struck with his third ball to dismiss Sam Curran. Now, it was down to Raza, and he brought up his maiden IPL half-century off 34 balls. But there was another twist when Rahul pulled off a diving catch to his left at mid-off to dismiss Jitesh Sharma, and Raza also picked out Stoinis at deep backward square leg soon after.Shahrukh takes on WoodWith 38 runs needed off 25 balls, Shahrukh smashed his first delivery – off Wood no less – over the long-on boundary. And then, with 18 to get off 11, he went hard at Wood again. This time the top edge flew off the attempted pull and cleared the boundary behind the wicketkeeper At the start of the final over, Punjab needed only seven runs, and Shahrukh muscled Bishnoi to the wide long-off boundary to spark off celebrations in his dugout.

Looking ahead to the future, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly leading the race to sign an impressive in-demand 18-year-old for Nuno Espirito Santo this summer.

Nottingham Forest set sights on future star

Those at the City Ground are within touching distance of Champions League qualification in what would be a monumental achievement for all involved, having previously struggled in the bottom half since returning to the top flight.

With just nine Premier League games remaining, Espirito Santo’s side sit as many as six points clear of fifth-place Manchester City and seven wins away from a place among Europe’s elite.

It may not be long before Forest attempt to flex their new-found Champions League muscles, either. The Midlands club have recently been linked to a mega move for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede has been one of the most clinical strikers in Europe this season and has attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona as a result. Yet, as the summer approaches, it’s Forest who could yet win the race to secure what would be one of the signings of the window.

Meanwhile, those at the City Ground have also reportedly turned their attention towards the future. According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are now in pole position to sign Cathal O’Sullivan from Cork City this summer.

Milenkovic repeat: Nottingham Forest serious on signing new £20m "giant"

Forest have added a new player to their transfer shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 21, 2025

The young right midfielder recently turned 18 years old and could yet become the latest Irish talent to make his way to the Premier League – following in the footsteps of Evan Ferguson and, more recently, Mason Melia.

In a move with the future in mind, Forest would be landing a top prospect, albeit one who would have to wait for his chance at the City Ground. In pole position to sign O’Sullivan, the midfielder is one to watch.

"Brilliant" O'Sullivan is one for the future

Whilst it’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga lighting up the flanks for Nottingham Forest this season, there seems to be every chance that it’s O’Sullivan tasked with doing exactly that in years to come. The 18-year-old has already taken strides in senior football too, making two appearances for Cork City and even grabbing himself an assist this season.

Cork manager Tim Clancy was full of praise for his young star when asked about his recent rise, telling reporters: “I’ve spoken to Cathal about how I want him to be more positive and get at players, and if he gives the ball away, we don’t mind, because we want him to be more energetic and positive, and he’s got so much ability.

“Last week, he got his first assist of the season, and he’s added to that by getting his first goal now. He’s flying, and he’s doing really well for us and we are looking forward to the progress he makes.”

Also earning praise from The Next Wave – an X account run by a scout based in London – O’Sullivan was dubbed “brilliant” back in January as he prepared for the current campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly setting aside over £100 million to sign a Brazil international and his teammate this summer, amid criticism surrounding Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy’s transfer policy.

Levy defends Tottenham spending amid ENIC protests

Earlier this week, the Lilywhites released their latest set of financial results.

Levy "working hard" to appoint 52-year-old with Tottenham talks held

The Spurs chairman has been negotiating.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

The club announced a four per cent drop in revenue overall, with matchday income falling to £106 million and UEFA prize money down from £56 million to just over £1 million, due to their lack of European participation last season (Standard Sport).

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Following these numbers released from Tottenham’s last financial year, amid fierce criticism surrounding the club’s transfer policy, Levy has moved to defend the north Londoners’ squad investment.

“Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions,” said Levy in an official statement.

“Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club – indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.”

Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure in the dugout after a dismal 2024/2025 season, with reports heavily linking Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola with the potential Spurs job.

Levy also commented on the team’s league position, urging supporters to get behind the side ahead of a crucial next few weeks.

“We currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch,” said Levy.

“We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages.”

“I want to thank everyone who supports us through good times and bad. We are resilient and passionate about our Club. We shall aim to finish this season as strongly as we can and continue to build for success on the pitch.”

Tottenham plan to spend over £100m on Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes

Interestingly, despite Levy’s caution when it comes to spending, a new report has now claimed Spurs are ready to seriously invest in the signings of Wolves duo Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes.

CaughtOffside write that Tottenham are planning to spend over £100m on Gomes and Cunha, which would surely be a huge chunk of their transfer budget.

Postecoglou’s side pose a serious threat to Arsenal’s pursuit of Cunha as a result, with the Brazil internationals firmly on technical director Johan Lange’s radar heading into this summer window.

Cunha has starred for Wolves in a variety of attacking roles this term, scoring 15 goals and racking up four assists, and his contract will include a tantalising £62.5 million release clause.

Gomes, meanwhile, is a mainstay under Vitor Pereira. The 24-year-old has started 27 out of 29 Premier League matches for Wolves this term, averaging a very impressive 3.1 tackles per 90 at Molineux in that time (WhoScored).

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly claimed that rumours linking him with a return to Inter are a "big lie".

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Mourinho linked with stunning returnSends message to Italian journalistSeemingly happy at Fenerbahce Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mourinho has been linked with a stunning return to Inter after Simone Inzaghi departed to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, following their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Now, though, the Portuguese tactician has hit back, messaging a journalist to say that the reporting is a "big lie".

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Fener finished second in 2024-25, 11 points behind eventual champions Galatasaray, as Mourinho continues to hunt his first trophy since 2022, when he won the Conference League with Roma. Mourinho, of course, won the treble with Inter in 2010, as well as Serie A twice, but he insists he will not be returning to San Siro.

WHAT MOURINHO SAID

Mourinho is reported to have messaged Ivan Zazzaroni, an Italian journalist, who reported that Mourinho said it was a "big lie" that Inter had approached him.

He added: “There was never any contact. This is just being said because it’s what some angry fans want to hear. And so they say, it was difficult for me to leave Fener, blah blah blah.”

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Inter will continue their search for a new manager. Mourinho, it seems, is firmly out of the running.

The wicketkeeper has admitted the workload proved a challenge last year

AAP26-May-20233:20

Who’s more likely to lose their temper playing golf, Alyssa Healy or Mitchell Starc?

Australia could be forced to blood an entirely new-look opening combination in next month’s women’s Ashes Test with Alyssa Healy seriously considering dropping down the order to manage workloads.Healy has opened for Australia in the last three Tests dating back to 2019, taking on the role she has regularly occupied in the white-ball game. But the vice-captain is wary of the impact keeping wicket will have on her  in Test cricket.Also on Healy’s mind is she was dismissed for a pair in her last Test against England in Canberra, on both occasions to the now-retired Katherine Brunt.Related

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“I have given it a lot of thought. And it has been up for discussion for a little bit of time,” Healy told AAP. “In the last Test match, look I put my hand up and I wanted to do it. It was my decision to open the batting and I thought it would be a great place to bat.”I probably underestimated the work I would have to do in the field, not having to do that all the time. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if the time comes and they want me to open, okay great. But I’d happily slide down to the middle and whack a Dukes ball around.”Alyssa Healy averages 23.60 from six Tests•Getty ImagesHealy is the only player in the men’s or women’s game to wicketkeep and open the batting across formats. Asked if her preference was to now drop down the order and bat at No. 6 or No. 7 like she did when she debuted in Test cricket, Healy said that was the case.”It was tough. I’m not trying to have a cop out, but it was really tough mentally to open and keep,” Healy said.  “Knowing what the conditions could potentially be like in England, the Dukes ball swings around a little bit longer.”The chances behind the stumps are going to be really important. So doing that job well will be my priority. And wherever I have to slot in with the bat, that will be great.”Healy is aware the decision will be a long-term one, with Australia to play three Tests in the next eight months and a new opening combination already looming following Rachael Haynes’ retirement last year.Beth Mooney is favoured to step up and take Haynes’ spot at Trent Bridge on June 22 when the Test matches open the multi-format Ashes series having filled in at the top previously.Rising star Phoebe Litchfield would then be an option to make her Test debut opening after an impressive start to her international white-ball career last summer.

Celtic have a couple of months left of the season before they have to turn their attention to the summer transfer window when it opens in June.

The Hoops still have the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup to play for before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, but they may already have one eye on the transfer window…

Celtic's pursuit of Elvis Rexhbecaj

Earlier this week, it was reported that Celtic have enquired about the possibility of a deal to sign Augsburg central midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj ahead of next season.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

It was claimed that the Kosovo international is weighing up his future with the Bundesliga side and that the Hoops are one of a number of teams interested in signing him.

At the time of writing, Transfermarkt currently values the 27-year-old midfield star at around £3m, although it remains to be seen how much Augsburg would demand for his services this summer.

The Kosovan ace has a contract that is due to expire in the summer of 2026 and this means that the German outfit would have to sell him this year to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

Rexhbecaj, who scored his first goal for Kosovo against Iceland last week, has started all 20 of his appearances in the Bundesliga so far this season for Augsburg, winning 50% of his ground duels.

Despite the Celtic target being an experienced regular starter in one of Europe’s major leagues, Brendan Rodgers currently has another central midfielder who is already worth more than him – Paulo Bernardo.

The Celtic midfielder who is worth more than Rexhbecaj

The Portuguese starlet spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan from Benfica, producing four goals and three assists in 33 appearances in all competitions, before he completed a £3.5m permanent move to the club last summer.

Bernardo, who was once described as a “press-resistant” midfielder by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has taken a leap in his development as a player since he became a permanent Celtic player.

The 23-year-old has improved his performance levels, in and out of possession, in the Premiership to establish himself as an excellent option for Rodgers in the middle of the park when fit.

Appearances

22

22

Big chances created

4

5

Assists

3

3

Pass accuracy

83%

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.4

2.1

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

0.3x

Ground duel success rate

49%

58%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

54%

As you can see in the table above, the young dynamo has been far better defensively this season, being dribbled past half as frequently and winning a far higher percentage of his duels on the deck and in the air.

Bernardo has also provided more creativity, despite being more efficient with his passes, and this suggests that he is not making as many mistakes with his passes as he did last term.

At the time of writing, Transfermarkt currently values the central midfielder at around £5m, which means that his value has already soared by roughly £1.5m since his summer move to Parkhead.

This shows that the Hoops have hit the jackpot with the Portuguese whiz because he is already more valuable than the experienced Bundesliga star they are reportedly interested in, and his value shows that he is an asset that is growing in value week-by-week.

Hopefully, Bernardo will continue to improve and shine on the pitch for Celtic to help his value soar by millions more in the weeks and months to come.

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