ظهر بيب جوارديولا، في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الثلاثاء، للحديث عن مباراة مانشستر سيتي المرتقبة ضد سبارتا براج في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
ويلتقي الفريقان غدًا في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، في نسخته الجديدة.
ولم يكن جوارديولا سعيدًا بسبب إصابة كايل ووكر، التي تعرض لها خلال مشاركته مع منتخب إنجلترا في فترة التوقف الدولي.
وغاب ووكر إثر ذلك عن فوز مانشستر سيتي الصعب ضد ولفرهامبتون، بهدفين لهدف، يوم الأحد الماضي في الدوري الإنجليزي.
وقال جوارديولا، في تصريحاته التي نشرتها شبكة “ESPN” العالمية: “قبل ذلك عندما كنت لاعبًا، اتصل مدرب المنتخب الوطني بمدرب النادي ولكن الآن لا أحد يتحدث، كان يحدث ذلك في البداية مع ساوثجيت، ولكن ليس منذ ذلك الحين”.
وأضاف: “أحيانًا رونالد كومان (مدرب هولندا) لأنه صديقي، أعلم أن اللاعبين لا يريدون الإصابة”.
وسبق أن تعرض لاعب مانشستر سيتي جون ستونز للإصابة في مبارة ودية لمنتخب إنجلترا ضد بلجيكا، قبل مباراة آرسنال في الموسم الماضي من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث كانا يتنافسان على اللقب، وربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد ريال مدريد.
اقرأ أيضًا.. مانشستر سيتي يتلقى دفعة قوية بشأن التعاقد مع ألونسو لخلافة جوارديولا
وواصل: “لم أكن غاضبًا أبدًا مثل تلك اللحظة، لم أشعر بخيبة أمل أبدًا، كانت مباراة ودية وسنلعب ربع النهائي ضد ريال مدريد، وعاد ستونز مصابًا من مباراة ودية، لم يعجبني الأمر”.
وأكد: “نحن نتقاضى رواتب جيدة هنا، النادي يدفع لنا، وليس المنتخبات الوطنية، في بعض الأحيان عليك احترام الأندية، في المباريات الودية لا يمكن أن تتعرض للإصابة، يمكنك اللعب، بالتأكيد، ولكن لا يمكنك العودة مصابًا”.
ويواصل كيفين دي بروين غيابه، حيث يستمر في تعافيه من الإصابة، وقال جوارديولا: “إصابته ليست مشكلة كبيرة لكنه لا يشعر بأنه على ما يرام تمامًا وهو لم يعد يبلغ من العمر 22 عامًا”.
واسترسل: “يجب أن يكون لائقًا تمامًا لكرة القدم، إذا لم يشعر بالراحة، فلن يتمكن من التعبير عن إمكاناته، لا يزال لا يشعر بأنه على ما يرام لذا عليه أخذ وقته، يجب أن يكون جاهزًا بنسبة 100%”.
Manchester United face Matthijs de Ligt transfer opposition from 60,000 fans, with Bayern Munich supporters desperate for the Dutch star to stay.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Red Devils keen on Netherlands international
Ten Hag looking for reunion with ex-Ajax star
German fans reluctant to see sale sanctioned
Getty
WHAT HAPPENED?
There is plenty of speculation to suggest that Netherlands international De Ligt will soon be Premier League-bound. Fellow countryman and former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is said to want the 24-year-old defender at Old Trafford.
Advertisement
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bayern are reportedly leaving themselves open to offers for De Ligt as they have already put a deal in place for Hiroki Ito and now have their sights set on Germany international Jonathan Tah – with Dayot Upamecano, Eric Dier and Kim Min-jae already on their books.
Getty
DID YOU KNOW?
Bayern fans are, however, eager to see De Ligt stay put. They are determined to get that point across to the club’s board, with a petition started that highlights how the Dutchman is a “world-class” defender and “probably the best in our squad”. He is said to have a “promising future ahead of him” and a “good mentality”.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
WHAT NEXT?
According to , said petition now has 60,000 signatures – despite De Ligt making only 22 Bundesliga appearances last season due to injury. It remains to be seen whether Bayern bow to outside pressure, with United and Ten Hag still looking to get a big-money transfer over the line.
Jordan Pickford has insisted the England squad are 'chilled' despite the heavy criticism they have faced.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Pickford calls for calm
England criticised for Serbia and Denmark performances
Face Slovenia on Tuesday
WHAT HAPPENED?
The England goalkeeper stressed that the team remain united behind Gareth Southgate and are not concerned with their performance levels. Pickford, who has been one of the few players to perform well in both games, wanted to emphasise that, after taking four points and sitting top of the group, there was little reason for concern amongst the squad.
Advertisement
Getty
WHAT PICKFORD SAID
The England number one said to : "We are fine, we are chilled. It is tournament football. You have to enjoy the moment while you are here. We have got four points and we are top of the group, we are chilled. We know we can do a lot better in the games, but we haven’t been beaten. We have the same points after two games as the last two tournaments and I would say we are calm. The outside noise is that we have to perform come Tuesday but there is no need to panic."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
England were sub-par against Denmark as they laboured to a 1-1 draw in Frankfurt and were deservedly criticised for the nature of their performance. Questions have also been asked of the England boss Gareth Southgate for his team selection, formation and choice of substitutions but Pickford insists the squad remain behind Southgate.
He said: “Everyone is behind the manager. Everything we do in training and the meetings we have he delivers them brilliantly for us and gets us the right game plan. We weren’t perfect against Denmark, but that is a good feeling because we know we can improve. We know we have more to give in each game so to be on four points with a lot of improvement to come isn’t a bad feeling."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR PICKFORD?
Pickford will once again be put in-between the sticks for the Three Lions as they take on Slovenia in their final group stage game. The Everton goalkeeper has been a consistent presence in the side under Gareth Southgate and recently overtook Peter Shilton as England's most-capped goalkeeper in major tournaments.
West Bromwich Albion are thought to be eyeing up a potential double transfer swoop for Carlos Corberan as the Baggies look to bolster their attacking ranks even further.
West Brom transfer news
So far in the January transfer window, West Brom have brought in Andreas Weimann on loan from Championship rivals Bristol City, with the attacker filling the void left by Jeremy Sarmiento who was recalled by Brighton and sent to Ipswich Town for the remainder of the season. Talking after completing his move, Weimann said:
“I’m really looking forward to the next few months. I know a lot about the club and I’ve been around the area for a while now. I just want to help as much as I can and get this club to where it wants to be. I’m definitely a team player, but I also think I’ve got goals in me. Hopefully I can bring goals, assists and experience to the team.”
EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer
As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.
ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
After Weimann, though, it looks as if Corberan and West Brom still aren’t finished in the window when it comes to adding to their options in the final third.
West Brom eyeing Celtic duo
According to reliable reporter Stephen McGowan of The Daily Mail, the Baggies look set to make an approach over a potential deal for Celtic winger Liel Abada, however, they aren’t the only side keen.
“Promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion look set to join Watford, Southampton and clubs from Ligue One in France and the German Bundesliga in asking Celtic if they would consider a short-term deal.”
Alongside Abada, it was then claimed that West Brom “are also exploring a move” for Parkhead team-mate Mikey Johnston. McGowan added that Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want to lose Abada this month, but he appears to be a player on the radar at The Hawthorns with Johnston.
Starting with Abada, the Israel international was brought to Glasgow back in 2021 and has been a regular for the Hoops since then.
Celtic winger Liel Abada.
The 22-year-old has won five major honours with Celtic and was hailed by former manager Ange Postecoglou, who called the right-winger “really strong”.
Meanwhile, Johnston has been on the books at Celtic Park for longer after coming through their academy. The Republic of Ireland international, who plays on the left, has won 11 major honours with Celtic but has never really nailed down a starting spot, with Abada already making more appearances than the 24-year-old.
Liel Abada's Celtic stats
Mikey Johnston's Celtic stats
Appearances
109
91
Goals
29
13
Assists
22
12
Although Johnston could be the easier of the two to complete before the end of the month, with Abada attracting interest across Europe and Celtic not wanting to sell, you could argue that both would bring something different to the Midlands, possibly playing on each wing under Corberan, making these deals to watch.
One Aston Villa player could seal a Villa Park exit as early as next week, with Unai Emery not having him in his long-term plans.
Aston Villa’s January window
NSWE and Monchi left it late in the January window to seal most of their new signings, with winger Morgan Rogers arriving from Middlesbrough, goalkeeper Joe Gauci from Adelaide United and teenager Lino Sousa from Arsenal.
The trio joined right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade as the 2024 additions and there were also a number of departures in the Midlands. Finn Azaz and Bertrand Traore left on permanent deals, with several youngsters also heading out on loan.
Aston Villa's January window
Morgan Rogers
Arrival
Joe Gauci
Arrival
Lino Sousa
Arrival
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Arrival
Bertrand Traore
Permanent exit
Finn Azaz
Permanent exit
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Loan exit
Lino Sousa
Loan exit
Kerr Smith
Loan exit
Ben Chrisene
Loan exit
Rico Richards
Loan exit
Leander Dendoncker
Loan exit
Tommi O’Reilly
Loan exit
Josh Feeney
Loan exit
On the pitch, Emery’s side recorded a brilliant 5-0 away win at Sheffield United on Saturday evening to take them back into the top four in the Premier League. One player who was in the squad and an unused substitute on Saturday evening, Calum Chambers, reportedly refused to leave the club on deadline day despite receiving three offers, and a new update on his future has now emerged.
Calum Chambers transfer update
According to Football Insider sources shared by journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chambers could now agree to an Aston Villa exit next week after rejecting three Championship moves on deadline.
Calum-chambers-aston-villa
It is believed that clubs in Turkey will now explore a move for the 29-year-old, with the window not shutting there until February 9. The report also adds that ‘Chambers has been told he is not in the plans of Villa boss Emery but could not agree the terms of an exit late in the January window’.
Chambers, on £50,000-a-week in the Midlands, has made just three appearances during the current campaign, all of which have been in the Europa Conference League. The likes of Ezri Konsa, Clement Lenglet and Diego Carlos are all above Chambers in the pecking order, and Emery also has Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings, although the pair are both out injured.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.
ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
Therefore, moving on Chambers over the coming days appears to make sense for all involved, and by the looks of things, it’ll be one to keep an eye on before Friday.
Aston Villa look like they are closing in on a move for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers as the January transfer window approaches its final couple of days.
David Ornstein claimed that the Midlands side had submitted an improved offer worth £15m for the player while they are hopeful of wrapping a deal up by Thursday.
Unai Emery
This would be the first signing that Unai Emery makes this month who will become a part of the first-team squad, and it could turn out to be a shrewd acquisition indeed.
Will the Spaniard make any other signings before the close of play on Thursday? Villa are reportedly showing interest in a Portuguese midfielder who could replace Douglas Luiz.
The latest on Douglas Luiz's future at Aston Villa
The former Manchester City player has emerged as one of Emery’s most prized assets and his performances have certainly caught the eye of the Premier League's elite, most notably Arsenal.
The Gunners are casting an eye over the midfielder as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad, yet Luiz appears to be content in the Midlands, saying: "I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa. My focus is totally here.”
joao-palhinha-douglas-luiz-liverpool-opinion
It looks as though he is going to remain at Villa until the summer at the very least, but a big money offer could change things in a few months and Emery would suffer a big blow by losing him.
This season, the Brazilian not only ranks third in the squad for goals and assists (nine), but he also ranks fourth for big chances created (five), third for key passes per game (1.5) and sixth for successful dribbles per game (0.8) as he has proven to be a key threat going forward.
His performances have been the real driving force which has pushed Villa into securing a remarkable top-four spot and potentially even ending their near three-decade wait for a major trophy.
Three incredible players Aston Villa could sign to replace Douglas Luiz
Unai Emery may have to begin planning for the exit of the Brazilian.
ByTom Lever Jan 26, 2024
Much can change between now and the summer transfer window however and Emery may have to prepare for the fact that Luiz could depart the club.
In one reported target, however, they could have a ready-made replacement waiting to be snapped up.
Villa looking for Douglas Luiz replacement
While it is evident that the signing of Rogers is to bolster his attacking options, it looks as though Emery is also keen to reinforce his midfield area.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Villa are keen on reigniting a move for Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves.
Pedro Goncalves of Sporting-CP
Emery was keen on signing the player during the summer transfer window but was told he would have to smash Villa’s transfer record to secure his signature.
Not much has changed just six months down the line as he has a release clause of €80m (£68m) which means that Emery may have to wait until the end of the season to launch any sort of move for the midfielder.
West Ham United are also keen on signing him, and it could be a fight between the two Premier League sides to see who can lure him to England.
Villa are well stocked in the midfield area, yet the rumours surrounding Douglas Luiz’s future won't go away and perhaps Goncalves could become an ideal replacement for the Brazilian ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Why Pedro Goncalves would be a dream Luiz replacement
The 25-year-old started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, yet he made just one first-team appearance for the Old Gold before leaving to join FC Famalicao in 2019.
His single season with the club was productive and this led to a move to Sporting CP, where he has shone since the 2020/21 campaign.
His versatile nature – being able to play as either a central midfielder or on both flanks – has led the former Wolves gem to score 68 goals and grab 43 assists across just 158 matches for the Portuguese side.
This works out as a goal contribution every 1.4 matches, a simply stunning ratio, and there is no doubt he could add some extra attacking dynamism to the Villa midfield.
When compared to positional peers across similar leagues, Goncalves stands out across a range of metrics. He ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals, total shots, assists, touches in the opposition box and progressive passes received per 90 across the previous 365 days, and it is clear he is among one of the finest forward-thinking midfielders when compared to his peers.
He may already be known to supporters in England due to his wonderful goal against Arsenal in last season's Europa League clash, where the midfielder beat Aaron Ramsdale from the halfway line as the club reached the quarter-finals of the competition.
Former Gunners forward Kevin Campbell dubbed the goal “an incredible strike” and it shows exactly what he can offer should he join Villa.
For his club side this term, Goncalves currently ranks second among the squad for goals and assists (12) in the top flight, while also ranking second for shots on target per game (1.2), first for big chances created (ten) and second for key passes per game (2.2), yet more evidence of his sublime talents in the heart of the pitch.
While it could cost Villa a pretty penny to sign Goncalves – either this month or in the summer – he should definitely be earmarked as a potential successor to Luiz should he move on.
6
6
3
6
5
10
1.5
2.2
0.8
1.1
Aged 25, the midfielder is arguably still hit his peak years and this could tempt Emery into making a more concrete move for the player, while his attacking abilities could take the pressure off Ollie Watkins as their main offensive weapon.
The 5 foot 8 maestro is clearly ready for the next step in his career and joining the Villa Park side could allow him to elevate his performances even more, playing against clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City on a regular basis.
These displays will arguably attract more attractive suitors than Villa and this suggests the Spaniard must act swiftly to bring him to the Premier League before it is too late.
Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy by extension are indeed keen to sign a club's 21-year-old star, as per recent reports, with a move described as in the "early" stages.
Spurs making early January moves
In what has been the most eventful January transfer window at Spurs in recent memory, the club have officially confirmed two major signings already for manager Ange Postecoglou.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.
ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
Timo Werner joined from RB Leipzig on a six-month loan earlier this week, and Tottenham swiftly followed up the German's arrival by putting pen to paper on a deal for defender Radu Dragusin.
In the space of a week, Spurs impressively moved to strengthen Postecogolou's attack and defence, with centre-back Dragusin in particular coming as a much-needed new addition.
The Lilywhites have been forced to deploy both Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as makeshift centre-halves in recent months, with first-choice stars Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero often unavailable through injury or suspension.
According to reports, Postecoglou is now keen to sign a new midfield number eight for Spurs, and one who can alternate with playmaker James Maddison when required.
This has resulted in many links to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, who has enjoyed a brilliant season under Mauricio Pochettino. The west Londoners could be forced to sell Gallagher in January to fund their own transfer activity, as per rumours last month, so this transfer may well be one to watch.
Elsewhere, new targets are occasionally emerging, including Napoli defender Leo Ostigard despite the club's signing of Dragusin. Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney has also been linked with a move to Spurs, and journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on the situation.
Spurs move for Hackney at "early" stage
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter backed Tottenham's interest in the 21-year-old as genuine. However, a possible Spurs move for Hackney is said to be at the "early" stages.
"Hayden Hackney is the talk of the town after his goal against Chelsea, and it might not be too long before he is testing himself against teams of that quality every week," said Jones.
"Spurs are the side being talked about as the favourites to sign him, but that is not quite the case because Middlesbrough refuse to consider anyone as likely to sign him at this moment in time.
Hayden-Hackney-and-Michael-Carrick
"It is true that Spurs have interest, but this is a very early stage of that process, so there is scope for plenty of other teams to challenge for his signature."
Hackney has starred for Boro this season, making 16 Championship appearances, so it's little wonder Levy and the Spurs recruitment team are keeping a watchful eye. Indeed, their manager and ex-Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick described him as Boro's "shining light".
Scans have shown there is no bone damage or fracture and Australia are ‘hopeful’ he won’t require surgery
Alex Malcolm28-Mar-2019Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson may still be fit for the World Cup after scans on his dislocated bowling shoulder cleared him of serious damage. Richardson dislocated his right shoulder diving in the field in Australia’s second ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah on March 24.Richardson was immediately flown home to Perth to have scans on Tuesday. Australia team doctor Richard Saw, who is in the UAE with the ODI side, liaised with the Western Australia’s medical staff in Perth and confirmed the outcome from the scans was the best Richardson could hope for.”The scans demonstrated the usual soft tissue damage we expect following a dislocation but fortunately has excluded any bone damage or fracture,” Saw said. “We are hopeful that Jhye will not require surgery but he will see a shoulder specialist early next week for a further opinion.”We will be able to provide an update in respect to next steps once we have all the information on the table.”Australia’s opening World Cup match is on June 1 against Afghanistan in Bristol.Richardson will need to be selected in the 15-man squad while still undergoing his shoulder rehabilitation, stabilising and strengthening if he is to play any part in the World Cup.Australia also have Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood recovering from injuries in the build-up. Starc is recovering from a pec injury while Hazlewood is recovering from stress fractures in his back.Richardson’s WA and Australia team-mate Nathan Coulter-Nile suffered a similar right shoulder dislocation in a BBL game on December 21 in 2015. He was able to return to bowl in less than two months, bowling 12 overs in a club fixture on February 20, 2016, before bowling 23 overs in a Sheffield Shield fixture on February 25. He was then selected for a short T20 International series in South Africa and the T20 World Cup in March of 2016, playing six Internationals without an issue.The Australian players not involved in the IPL will have a complete break in April following the series against Pakistan but will convene for a pre-World Cup camp in May in Brisbane which includes practice matches against New Zealand.
تحدث ديوجو جوتا، مهاجم فريق ليفربول، عن فوزهم في بداية مشوارهم في الموسم الجديد من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، يوم السبت.
وبدأ ليفربول مشواره في موسم 2024/25 بفوز ضد إيبسويتش تاون، بهدفين دون رد.
وتمكن جوتا من تسجيل الهدف الأول، بعد صناعة من محمد صلاح، قبل أن يسجل المصري الهدف الثاني.
وقال جوتا في تصريحات نشرها الموقع الرسمي للنادي: “نعم، لقد قدمنا أداءً إيجابيًا، من الواضح أن الشوط الأول كان أصعب بعض الشئ، كانوا في حالة جيدة وضغطوا بشكل شبه فردي”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. مدرب إيبسويتش تاون رغم الخسارة بثنائية: تسببنا في مشاكل لـ ليفربول
وأضاف: “كان مشجعو الخصم متواجدين، كنا نعلم أن الشوط الأول سيكون صعبًا لأنهم سيبذلون قصارى جهدهم، لقد مر وقت طويل منذ أن كانوا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز (22 عامًا)”.
وواصل: “في الشوط الثاني بدأوا في منحنا مساحة أكبر قليلًا، وهو ما كان كافيًا بالنسبة لنا من أجل البدء في بناء الهجمات وخلق المساحات في الخلف”.
وأردف: “لقد صنعنا على الفور الكثير من الفرص، وانتهى بنا الأمر بتسجيل هدفين، في النهاية أرى أنها 3 نقاط مستحقة”.
يرتبط النادي الأهلي بالتعاقد مع المغربي أشرف داري من صفوف بريست الفرنسي، بحسب التقارير الواردة.
ويبحث الأهلي عن فرص تعزيز خطوطه الدفاعية في السوق الصيفي، مع اقتراب محمد عبد المنعم من الانضمام إلى نيس الفرنسي.
اقرأ أيضًا | ليكيب: خطوة تعطل إعلان انتقال محمد عبد المنعم إلى نيس
وكشفت شبكة “فوت ميركاتو” عن التطورات المتعلقة بصفقة انتقال أشرف داري من بريست إلى الأهلي.
وبحسب التقرير أصبحت الصفقة الآن قريبة جدًا، حيث أن المدافع البالغ من العمر 25 عامًا لديه اتفاق شفهي مع الأهلي.
وذكر التقرير أن بريست لديه أيضًا اتفاق شفهي مع الأهلي، ولا تزال هناك تفاصيل لم يتم حسمها، لكن اللاعب يجب أن يغادر قبل نهاية الأسبوع إلى مصر ليوقع عقده مع فريقه الجديد.
وبعد موسمين في أوروبا، يمكن لأشرف داري العودة إلى إفريقيا التي غادرها منذ رحيله عن الوداد البيضاوي في عام 2022.