Barcelona provided a positive update on Pedri's injury ahead of the club's season opener against Valencia.
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Barca provide update on PedriSuffered injury during Euro 2024Returned to training earlier this monthWHAT HAPPENED?
Pedri displayed great form at Euro 2024, however, his journey in the competition got cut short as he suffered an unfortunate injury following a reckless challenge by Toni Kroos during Spain's quarter-final clash against Germany.
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It was initially believed that the young midfielder could remain out of action for at least six to eight months. He was not named in Barcelona's travelling squad for the United States pre-season tour, however, he returned to training on the pitch at Barcelona's training centre earlier this month while the squad was away.
WHAT BARCELONA SAID
Now, ahead of the Catalan giants' season opener, the club issued a positive update on the player's condition as their statement read on X, "Pedri has received the medical green light and will be available for #ValenciaBarça."
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Hansi Flick's side will play their first competitive match of the 2024-25 season on Saturday night against Valencia away from home.
O Flamengo viu o Red Bull Bragantino começar vencendo com um golaço, de Aderlan, e Rodrigo Muniz virar com uma bicicleta memorável, mas perdeu por 3 a 2 ao sofrer o gol da virada no último lance, já aos 52 minutos do segundo tempo, marcado por Chrigor, responsável por dar a liderança provisória à equipe paulista. Ramires e o próprio Muniz também marcaram no emocionante confronto, disputado pela aberturada 5ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, neste sábado (19).
+ Veja a tabela do Brasileirão
O Red Bull Bragantino vai a 11 pontos, no topo da tabela. Já o Flamengo, com três jogos apenas, estaciona nos seis pontos; está em nono lugar.
UMA PINTURA À ALTURA DO PALCO
Em uma noite fria para os padrões cariocas, Flamengo e Bragantino fizeram questão de não deixar ninguém ficar parado no sofá ou cochilar. O primeiro tempo já iniciou intenso, com marcação alta dos dois times e transições velozes a fim de logo abrir o placar. E a estratégia foi a mesma para os dois lados.
E a postura corajosa dos visitantes foi coroada ainda nos primeiros dez minutos, quando Aderlan acertou um chute memorável, de costas e distante da baliza. O lateral admitiu que a tentativa plástica teve um significativo percentual de sorte, o que não atenua o status de golaço, pintura, obra de arte… chame como quiser. Vai ficar marcado.
TUDO IGUAL E UM AGRADÁVEL MUNIZ X CLEITON
Depois que saiu atrás no marcador, o Flamengo passou a, enfim, dominar as ações e ter mais a bola no terreno ofensivo, encurralando seus adversários com um bom percentual de acerto nos passes e forçando mais os erros do RB. Mas o que, de fato, chamou a atenção e passou a se tornar um agradável duelo à parte foi o Rodrigo Muniz x Cleiton.
O letal e genuíno centroavante acertou dois tirambaços na direção do gol, mas Cleiton salvou em ambas oportunidades. Foram duas defesas de almanaque, diga-se. Porém, entre os arremates, o próprio Muniz conseguiu deixar tudo igual. Na casa dos 25 minutos, o atacante do Fla escorou um chute espirrado do Michael – de fora – e marcou. Ele ainda isolaria uma oportunidade cristalina, da pequena área, antes do fim da movimentada etapa inicial.
O GOLAÇO DO MUNIZ… VAMOS FALAR DE NÍVEL TÉCNICO?
Vamos. O Flamengo tem um talento raro em mãos, e a joia Rodrigo Muniz deu mais um passo em sua célere lapidação. O goleador mostrou que, além de não deixar a Nação sentir falta de Gabigol e Pedro, não é só força. O camisa 43 acertou uma bicicleta de raríssima felicidade, emendando um cruzamento da direita deMatheuzinho na base da técnica refinada. Diferente de Aderlan, a sorte, dessa vez, não impede a grafia em letras garrafais para GOLAÇO.
RB GUERREIRO: VIRADA HEROICA
No geral, o duelo seguiu elétrico, bem jogado e fluidez na movimentação das equipes. E o Red Bull Bragantino, embora tenha tido uma postura mais reativa na etapa final, mostrou que não foi ao Rio a passeio e acomodado com o bom arranque no Brasileiro.
Logo depois da virada, se atirou ao ataque e concatenou uma boa trama, em que Rodrigo Caio cochilou e deixou Ytalo descolar na área. Após bola escorada e um certo bate-rebate, Ramires se apresentou na área e cabeceou para vencer Diego Alves, sem chances de reagir. Era o início de uma reação heroica.
Depois de suportar uma pressão pouco incisiva do Fla, é bem verdade, o Red Bull Bragantino virou e sacramentou a vitória com gol no último lance. Nova falha na defesa rubro-negra; Chrigor foi o herói definitivo de um embate eletrizante que teve 29 finalizações (!).
O QUE VEM A SEGUIR
O Flamengo volta a campo nesta quarta, novamente tendo o Maracanã como palco, às 19h, para enfrentar o Fortaleza.Já o Red Bull Bragantino recebe o Palmeiras, no mesmo dia e horário. Ambos os jogos serão válidos pela 6ª rodada do Brasileirão.
FICHA TÉCNICA FLAMENGO X RB BRAGANTINO – 5ª RODADA DO BRASILEIRO Estádio: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ) Data: 19 de junho de 2021, às 21h Árbitro: Braulio da Silva Machado (Fifa/SC) Assistentes: Henrique Neu Ribeiro (SC) e Thiaggo Americano Labes (SC) Árbitro de vídeo: Emerson de Almeida Ferreira (MG) Gramado: ruim Cartões amarelos: Bruno Henrique, Willian Arão (FLA) /Aderlan,Artur eLucas Evangelista(RBB) Cartões vermelhos: –
FLAMENGO (Técnico: Rogério Ceni) Diego Alves; Matheuzinho, Willian Arão, Rodrigo Caio e Filipe Luís; Gerson, Diego e Vitinho; Michael (Max, 27’/2ºT) Bruno Henrique e Rodrigo Muniz.
RED BULL BRAGANTINO (Técnico: Claudio Maldonado) Cleiton; Aderlan, Léo Ortiz, Fabrício Bruno e Weverson (Natan, 37’/2ºT); Raul, Lucas Evangelista e Ramires (Edimar, 31’/2ºT); Artur, Helinho (Cuello, 19’/2ºT) e Ytalo (Chrigor, 37’/2ºT).
Four teams will contest the women’s challenge, and concussion substitutes will make an appearance
Nagraj Gollapudi28-Jan-2020For the first time, a one-off all-star fixture, comprising players from all the eight franchises, will precede the IPL. The match will be played three days before the tournament’s opening match, which, as reported in December, is will be played on March 29. Both the opening match and the IPL final will be played in Mumbai, the home base of defending champions Mumbai Indians.ESPNcricinfo understands that the two teams for the all-star match are likely to be formed with players from the four franchises in the north and east of India – Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders – and the four teams in the south and west – Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai. No venue has been finalised for the match yet.It appears that the idea of the all-star match came from BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel. Both were present at the governing council meeting on Monday in New Delhi where the decision was made.Timings of evening matches unchangedOne of the key points discussed at the meeting concerned the start timings for the evening matches, an issue both the IPL and host broadcaster Star India have been discussing over the past few years. It is understood that Star wanted an earlier start than 8pm IST, because many matches stretch past midnight. However, several teams pointed out that starting early could hand the advantage to one team because of dew.Consequently, the IPL decided to leave the timing for the evening matches unchanged. Ganguly also said that there would just be four double-headers [days with both an afternoon and an evening match] in the 2020 IPL, continuing with the trend established over the past few years to reduce the number of day matches with the tournament being played in summer.The IPL did not announce the main tournament schedule even though the tournament is starting in two months’ time. BCCI officials did not reveal the reason for the delay, but it is learnt that the schedule is likely to be out later this week. One plausible reason could be to the late arrival of the Australia, England and New Zealand players. As per the availability periods listed pre-IPL auction, players from these three countries will arrive after March 31, as they would be busy with various bilateral series as well as the Sheffield Shield final.Four teams for women’s T20 exhibition matchesTaking another step forward towards a women’s IPL, the BCCI has decided to add another team to the women’s T20 exhibition matches it has been conducting over the last two IPL seasons. In 2018, two teams – Supernovas and Trailblazers – contested a one-off exhibition match, which finished in a last-ball thriller. Last year, a third team – Velocity – was added with four matches hosted in Jaipur, which ran parallel to the main IPL playoffs.For the 2020 season, a fourth team, not named yet, has been added to the mix. It is understood there will be seven matches, including the final, that are likely to be scheduled once again around the IPL playoffs.No-ball umpires get the nodThe IPL has also decided to let an off-field match official to supervise no-balls. The move is bound to be welcomed by the players considering the errors by on-field umpires over the years that have left many captains fuming.Last IPL, Virat Kohli, leading the Royal Challengers in a crucial match against Mumbai, called the umpiring standards “ridiculous” and club standard. Incidentally, the no-ball delivered by Lasith Malinga went undetected by S Ravi, one of the on-field umpires who was removed from the ICC’s Elite Panel last year.Taking cognizance of the players’ complaints, the IPL had discussed the issue last year, with Patel saying that an exclusive match official, separate to the TV and fourth umpire, would be in charge of supervising no-balls. Late last year, the ICC opted to reintroduce the no-ball umpire on a trial basis. The ICC, however, had entrusted the job to the regular TV umpire.Concussion substitutes to be introducedThe IPL governing council also approved the move to allow concussion substitutes from the 2020 edition. The match referee will be the final authority on who could come in as a substitute with the option of disallowing replacements if they are deemed not to be like-for-like.
Aston Villa are about to embark on the final furlong of what could turn out to be one of their most successful Premier League seasons.
Unai Emery currently has his side sitting in fourth position in the league table, having a genuine chance of securing Champions League football for next season.
Unai Emery
The Spaniard won’t just be targeting a top-four finish in the league either, as the club are into the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League following a stunning 4-0 win over Ajax in the previous round.
The international break is over with the fixtures coming thick and fast, meaning Emery will have to utilise the full capabilities of his squad over the coming weeks.
Coming up against an ever-improving Wolverhampton Wanderers side will test Villa to the limit and every player will need to be at their best in order to secure all three points.
Aston Villa team news
The main absence from the starting XI will be John McGinn. The Scot was sent off following a rash challenge on Tottenham Hotspur's Destiny Udogie as Villa eventually succumbed to a 4-0 defeat, having since served the first of his three-game ban in the recent draw with West Ham United.
The likes of Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara and Emiliano Buendia are all still unavailable, while Matty Cash is the latest name to be ruled out of the Wolves clash.
John McGinn
"Bad news with Matty Cash,” Emery said during his pre-match press conference. “After playing with his national team, he came back with a small injury. He’s not available for tomorrow.
“For Saturday he is not available – maybe two or three weeks more.
“Jacob Ramsey is progressing well and we are going to train this afternoon and we will decide if he can help us or not tomorrow.”
Aston Villa's injury and suspension list
Player
Reason
Estimated return
Tyrone Mings
Knee injury
24/06/2024
Emiliano Buendia
Knee injury
24/06/2024
Boubacar Kamara
Knee injury
26/10/2024
Matty Cash
Thigh injury
21/04/2024
Jacob Ramsey
Ankle injury
30/03/2024
John McGinn
Suspension
06/04/2024
Emery could switch things up from their last outing against the Hammers in that 1-1 draw, with one new signing being dropped to the bench…
Morgan Rogers’ statistics for Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers impressed for Middlesbrough during the first half of the season, scoring seven goals along with registering nine assists, which clearly caught Emery’s attention.
So far, Rogers has featured six times for the Midlands side without registering a goal involvement, although he has shone in spells since making the move to Villa.
He was deployed on the left side of the midfield during the first leg against Ajax and delivered a mature display. During his 63 minutes on the field, the youngster attempted six dribbles, succeeding with five of them while also winning 70% of his ground duels during the tie.
The performance proved that he was ready to make the step-up while showing that the occasion or opponent didn’t faze him at all.
Against West Ham a couple of weeks ago, Rogers was once again trusted in the starting XI, but his display wasn’t as effective as Emery would have liked.
He did succeed with two of his three dribble attempts, but completed just 77% of his passes, won just a third of his ground duels and committed four fouls.
Morgan Rogers
The former Boro gem was subbed off after 63 minutes as he was replaced by Nicolo Zaniolo, and he should be given the nod this evening against the Old Gold.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s performance against West Ham in numbers
The Italian has endured a mixed spell since arriving on loan from Galatasaray last summer, but he came to the rescue against the Irons.
He also attempted as many dribble attempts during his cameo as Rogers did, although he succeeded with just one, while Zaniolo won three of his seven ground duels and took 20 touches.
His goal ensured the club shared the spoils and this could give Emery a licence to unleash the 19-cap Italy international this evening instead of Rogers.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s Aston Villa statistics
Zaniolo has made 32 appearances for Villa since joining last summer, yet the former AS Roma starlet has scored just three goals during that spell.
In the Premier League, the 24-year-old has started just seven times, registered 1.1 shots per game, averaged 0.4 key passes per game and recovered 1.4 balls per game.
During the reverse clash against Wolves earlier in the season, Zaniolo came on for the final half an hour and looked lively.
He delivered two crosses into the opposition box, took one shot, and won three of his five ground duels, while also being fouled three times during his cameo appearance.
Another display like this, but from the first whistle, could see the midfielder offer a dangerous attacking threat against the Wolves defence and give Villa their first win over the Old Gold in six attempts.
The £60k-per-week dynamo was called up to represent Italy during their recent international friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador, starting the latter game.
He started in an attacking midfield role and managed to make one key pass, miss a big chance while taking two shots during the clash, and he was praised by journalist Matt Santangelo following his display, who said:
“Nicolò Zaniolo’s ball carrying and hold up play has been quality tonight. You definitely need someone to play off him, but the physical side of his game has been encouraging.”
If he can carry over his displays for his country into tonight’s tie against Wolves, then they will have an excellent chance at securing all three points.
He has been devoid of confidence in a Villa shirt recently, but his goal against West Ham last time out should hopefully give him a boost.
The final few weeks of the season, depending on how far Villa progress in Europe, could see them playing twice a week until May. This means Emery will have to rotate his squad on a regular basis, giving plenty of fringe players the chance to impress.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Starting tonight, Zaniolo could stake his claim to be a regular in the starting XI if he delivers a solid performance as it could inspire the club to another Premier League victory.
There is no doubt he should be given a chance against the Molineux side to see what he can do from the very start.
Rogers & Duran dropped in predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Wolves
Aston Villa face Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday evening
Glasgow Rangers return to action in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night in their third attempt to face Dundee away from home at Dens Park.
The Light Blues need to bounce back from their disappointing defeat away to Ross County last time out with all three points in this match ahead of their cup tie with Hearts.
Philippe Clement's side can close the gap between themselves and Celtic to just one point in the Premiership table if they pick up the win on Wednesday.
The Belgian head coach could look make changes and alter his starting XI from the 3-1 loss to Ross County, and here is FFC's predicted Gers lineup for the clash with Dundee.
1 Jack Butland
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland
Former England international Jack Butland, who was signed on a free transfer from Crystal Palace last summer, did not enjoy his best afternoon last time out, as two of his saves were followed up by finishes from opposition forwards.
However, the towering colossus, who has started all 32 games in the league for the Light Blues, seems likely to retain his place as the first choice.
2 James Tavernier
At right-back, James Tavernier could start again after he netted his 17th league goal of the season from the penalty spot against Ross County.
The Rangers captain has scored in six of his last seven league games for the club, scoring seven goals in that time, and could look to add to his tally against Dundee.
3 Connor Goldson
Rangers defender Connor Goldson.
At the heart of the defence, Connor Goldson could retain his position at centre-back for the Scottish giants despite the team conceding three goals.
He won all eight of his individual duels but will be hoping to organise his defence better to stop soft goals being given away on Wednesday night.
4 John Souttar
John Souttar
Alongside Goldson, John Souttar could start once again after a solid performance in spite of the team's poor display and defensive showing last time out.
The Scotland international made multiple last-ditch blocks and clearances – with two blocks and five clearances in total – to stop the scoreline being even worse than it was.
5 Dujon Sterling
Rangers midfielder Dujon Sterling.
The first alteration to the starting XI could come at left-back as Borna Barisic could be ditched from the team to make away for Dujon Sterling.
Against Ross County, the Croatian lightweight only completed 67% of his attempted passes and won just one ground duel in 54 minutes on the pitch.
Whereas, Sterling won ten of his 12 ground duels and completed 74% of his attempted passes in 90 minutes against Celtic in the Old Firm clash at left-back, and could provide a more combative presence at the back for the Light Blues if selected over Barisic.
This is why Clement could unleash the "powerful" – as described by former boss Alex Neil at Stoke City – battler from the start at left-back against Dundee.
6 John Lundstram
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram.
John Lundstram could keep his place at the base of the midfield, despite falling asleep for the second Ross County goal to allow his man to score a rebound from Butland's save.
He did, however, complete 90% of his attempted passes and win four of his six physical duels throughout the game, which shows that it was not a completely poor display from the former Sheffield United man.
7 Nicolas Raskin
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin
The second alteration to the starting XI could come next to Lundstram in the middle of the park, with Nicolas Raskin replacing Kieran Dowell.
Against Ross County, the former Norwich man failed to create any chances or register a single effort on goal, whilst being dribbled past twice by opposition players.
Raskin, who has only been dribbled past 0.6 times per game and won 55% of his duels in the Premiership this season, could be given an opportunity to shine in his place.
8 Todd Cantwell
Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell.
In the attacking midfield position, Todd Cantwell should start again after an energetic and unfortunate performance against Ross County on Sunday.
The English whiz forced a terrific save out of Ross Laidlaw during the first half and then hit the crossbar with a fierce effort in the second half, which suggests that the talented attacker was unlucky not to score on the day.
He also created two chances for his teammates and won ten duels throughout the game, and should now be given another chance to showcase his quality.
9 Abdallah Sima
Abdallah Sima
On the right of the attacking trio, Abdallah Sima should retain his position in the starting XI to offer a goalscoring threat in the final third for Rangers.
The Senegal international, who is on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, has scored 11 goals in 16 Premiership starts this season, and could fire the team to the three points if provided with the right chances in front of goal.
10 Fabio Silva
Fabio Silva
In the number nine position, Clement could finally ditch Cyriel Dessers from the lineup, as he has not been on the bench in the league since the 28th of February against Kilmarnock, after he produced a horrorshow against Ross County.
The Nigerian marksman missed two 'big chances' and lost 80% of his duels throughout the game, as he proved himself to be a liability out of possession and in front of goal.
Fabio Silva, who usually plays on the left flank, should now be handed an opportunity to show what he can do as the central striker, which is a position he has played in for Rangers earlier this term.
Former England allrounder Ravi Bopara has been named as part of a 12-man MCC squad to tour Pakistan in February. The team will be captained by Sri Lanka great, and current MCC president, Kumar Sangakkara, and coached by former England quick Ajmal Shahzad.Also included in the touring party are Scotland’s Safyaan Sharif and Michael Leask, Netherlands duo Roelof van der Merwe and Fred Klaassen, along with county players from Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Kent and Worcestershire. England internationals Samit Patel and Liam Dawson, as well as Sussex’s Phil Salt, will each feature in one match, as part of a link up with the Pakistan Super League.MCC are set to play games against two PSL teams, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, as well as Pakistan’s domestic T20 champions, Northerns. The tour is aimed at encouraging support for international teams returning to play in Pakistan, more than a decade after the 2009 terrorist attacks.The MCC’s chief executive, Guy Lavender, will take on the role of team manager, supported by MCC assistant secretary (cricket) and former England, Essex and Hampshire allrounder John Stephenson.”We are thrilled to be able to name a strong squad for this tour, which blends youth and experience for a strong side of high quality,” Stephenson said. “We have really appreciated the collaborative approach from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Super League, which has enabled us to arrange fixtures against sides preparing for this year’s PSL tournament as well as to secure the services of some of those participating.”As a club, we share the PCB’s wish in wanting to see international teams returning to play in Pakistan on a regular basis and we hope that this tour contributes to those objectives.”MCC squad:Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Ravi Bopara, Michael Burgess, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Fred Klaassen, Michael Leask, Arron Lilley, Imran Qayyum, Will Rhodes, Safyaan Sharif, Roelof van der Merwe, Ross Whiteley
Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Ben Chilwell from Chelsea before the close of the transfer window.
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Shaw told to leave Chelsea
Offered to Manchester United
Red Devils short of left-back options
WHAT HAPPENED?
Chilwell's time at Chelsea appears to be up as new manager Enzo Maresca has told the defender to look for a new club before the transfer window closes. A move to Manchester United could be on the cards as the Red Devils have now been offered the chance to sign the 27-year-old, according to talkSPORT. Erik ten Hag is currently without left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia due to injury, leaving him short of options in the position.
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It remains to be seen if United hold any interest in Chilwell, but there's no doubt that Shaw's recent injury record is a source of frustration for the Red Devils. The defender missed a large chunk of last season but then played for England at Euro 2024. Shaw has now been sidelined again and his latest setback has drawn criticism from club legend Peter Schmeichel, who feels Shaw should make his club side his priority, not his country. Yet Chilwell has also struggled with injuries in recent seasons and made only 13 Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 campaign.
WHAT MARESCA HAS SAID
Maresca has offered an update on Chilwell ahead of Chelsea's clash with Servette. He said: "[Sterling and Chilwell] are training apart. The situation with both of them is quite clear. We have a big squad and it's impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes it's better for them to leave. I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the Manchester City game. I said he will struggle to get minutes with us and this was the reason why he was out. And with Chilly, he's lovely guy, but I said he is going to struggle with his position. It's not brutal, it's just honest."
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WHAT NEXT?
Time is running out for Chilwell to secure a move away from Chelsea and avoid spending the season on the bench before the window closes. Fans will have to wait and see if United decide to make a move for the ex-Leicester City defender, with Ten Hag likely to continue using Diogo Dalot on the left while Shaw and Malacia remain sidelined.
Arsenal have reportedly agreed to sign Mikel Merino with the Gunners striking an agreement to sign the midfielder for €38.5m from Real Sociedad.
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Arsenal on the verge of signing MerinoSpanish midfielder expected to sign a four-year dealEuro heroics led the Gunners to step up their pursuitWHAT HAPPENED?
According to the North London club will shell out €33.5 million (£28m/$37m) upfront with an additional €5m (£4m/$5m) tied to various performance-related variables to land Merino from the Basque outfit. He is expected to commit to a four-year contract with Arsenal, with an option for the club to extend the agreement by an additional year.
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With only one year remaining on his current contract with Real Sociedad, Merino had long been on Arsenal’s radar as a key target to strengthen their midfield options. Mikel Arteta urged the board to step up their pursuit of the midfielder after he put in several impressive performances at Euro 2024 and played a key role in guiding Spain to the championship.
DID YOU KNOW?
Merino is no stranger to English football, having previously spent a season with Newcastle United. He initially joined Newcastle on loan from Borussia Dortmund before the move was made permanent a few months later. However, after a year in the Premier League, Merino opted to return to Spain, joining Real Sociedad in the summer of 2018. During his time with the Basque club, Merino made 242 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and reliable midfielder.
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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MERINO?
Should the transfer be completed, Merino will become Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer after David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. With his experience in both La Liga and the Premier League, the 28-year-old is expected to provide the depth and quality that Arsenal need in midfield to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
After a difficult second season in charge, Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future remains in doubt with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Red Devils reportedly reigniting their interest in a former Real Madrid manager.
Erik ten Hag's Man Utd future
Ten Hag is a man under pressure. His Manchester United side have failed to qualify for the Champions League this season following a disastrous Premier League campaign and are now left hoping to salvage something from their campaign in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The Red Devils very nearly went out to Championship side Coventry City in the semi-final of course, before winning on penalties. Ten Hag was quick to reiterate the achievement, nonetheless.
Those struggles have far from helped the Dutchman's job security, especially amid reports linking the likes of Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter to the job. And now, making matters worse for Ten Hag, the Red Devils have reportedly reignited their interest in another option.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United have reignited their interest in Julen Lopetegui after the former Real Madrid boss was eventually rejected by AC Milan. The Spaniard's last job actually came in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, before he left at the end of last summer's pre-season having not been backed in the transfer market.
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On paper, Lopetegui brings plenty of experience but in a move that United must get right, there still lies plenty of unanswered questions over his ability to take charge of a top club, while there is also the imminent threat of West Ham's pursuit of the Spaniard as well.
"Strong" Lopetegui is a risk
The last thing that Manchester United need is a risky appointment whose failure would take them straight back to square one. And Lopetegui represents that risk after a mediocre time in the Premier League. Gary O'Neil has since proven that mediocrity too, having taken the majority of the same Wolves side comfortably clear of the relegation zone and on the brink of breaking into the Premier League's top half.
Games
24
Wins
9
Draws
4
Losses
10
Even though his time at Wolves came to an abrupt end, the club's chairman Jeff Shi was once full of praise for Lopetegui, saying via the official website: "Julen has a strong personality and he’s a coach with clear leadership, not just with football players but with the clubs he has been at.
"He has a lot of experience in elite football and his track record is proven. We know we are in a difficult moment as a team right now, so we especially need a strong leader, with a strong personality, more than any other time I have been here. It is because of this that Julen was always our preferred choice."
Nesta terça-feira (29), o zagueiro Vinicius Marques, de 16 anos, assinou seu primeiro contrato profissional com o Avaí. O novo vínculo vai até junho de 2024 e com uma multa de €30 milhões (equivalente a R$176 milhões) para transações internacionais, o jogador é considerado uma das joias da base da Ressacada e integra o elenco sub-23 na disputa do Brasileiro de Aspirantes.
Vinicius foi capitão da equipe na campanha do título da Copa Votorantin sub-15, comandado pelo técnico Gabriel Bussinger. O jogador falou sobre o momento especial na carreira e a nova etapa que chega na carreira.
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– O sentimento é incrível por ser um sonho de criança realizado. Esperei e batalhei muito por essa conquista, mas isso é pouco pra mim, quero muito mais. Olho pra trás e vejo que valeu a pena persistir e não desanimar. Estou no Avaí desde 2019 e sou grato ao time pelas oportunidades dadas e por todo o aprendizado. Tenho certeza que é o início de uma grande caminhada até 2024.
Além do Avaí, Vinicius Marques também passou pelas categorias de base do Grêmio em 2018, e da Ponte Preta em 2017. Nascido em 2004, o jogador coleciona títulos na base avaiana, sendo campeão do Campeonato Catarinense e da Copa Votorantin, ambos os títulos em 2019 e pela categoria sub-15. Além disso, Vinicius Marques também conquistou a Ibercup sub-17, na temporada passada. Um dos mais jovens na disputa do Brasileiro de Aspirantes, Vinicius Marques comentou o bom momento que vive na atual temporada.
– Fico muito feliz por estar conseguindo ganhar meu espaço no sub-23 tão cedo nesse ano, ainda mais depois do ano passado difícil que todos nós tivemos por conta da chegada da pandemia. Em 2021 quero conseguir jogar meu futebol e representar bem o Avaí nas competições. Estou focado e preparado para qualquer desafio que vier e agarrarei as oportunidades que surgirem.
A próxima partida de Vinicius Marques vestindo as cores do Avaí será o clássico contra o Figueirense, pelo Brasileiro de Aspirantes. A partida será disputada no Estádio da Ressacada no dia 8 de julho, às 15h de Brasília.