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كشف أحمد قندوسي لاعب فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا عن تفاصيل حديثه الأول مع مارسيل كولر المدير الفني لـ الأهلي عقب الانضمام لصفوف القلعة الحمراء.

وقال أحمد قندوسي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس: “أول لقاء لي مع الأهلي الجماهير كانت تضع ثقة بي، ولم أشعر أنني جديد، وأول لقاء كان في أسوان، شاركت بديلًا والجمهور استقبلني بشكل جيد”.

وتابع: “كولر قال لي أنا لم أختارك حبًا فيك ولكن لأنني رأيت إمكانياتك وأنك لاعب جيد، أريدك أن تركز وتتدرب جيدًا، ومنحني ثقة بنفسي، ولم يشعرني أنني جئت اختبارا ولكن جئت لكي أشارك، وشاركت أساسيًا أمام صن داونز، وبعدها أشاد بي وطالبني بالتركيز، والحمد لله عندما كنت أشارك كنت أموت نفسي ولم أخيب ظن المدير الفني”.

وأكمل: “لم نكن منزعجين من عملية التدوير، لأن كان أهم شيء عندنا هو الفوز، أن تلعب أو لا تلعب لا تفرق، أهم شيء أن يفوز الفريق”.

طالع | أحمد قندوسي يعلن تفاصيل انضمامه لـ الأهلي.. ويصرح: كهربا أول من استقبلني في النادي

وأردف: “أكثر بطولة لم أكن أنتظرها هي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، لأنها كانت صعبة جدًا، خاصة بعد مباراة صن داونز التي خسرنا بها بخماسية، الشناوي قال لي أنا قديم هنا والله سنحصل على البطولة، رغم خسارتنا بخماسية، وعندما حصلنا على البطولة ذكرته بكلمته قال لي أنا قلت لك”.

وبسؤاله عن نهائي إفريقيا أمام الوداد المغربي؟، أجاب: “كانت صعبة، مررنا بضغط لأننا نريد أن نفوز، وكان عندنا كابوس لأن الفريق خسر الموسم الماضي أمام نفس الفريق، وإصابة الشناوي، وأمور كثيرة، ذهبنا للوداد واللاعبون تركوا الضغط خلفهم، والكل كان يريد أن يشارك في النهائي”.

وواصل: “الجمهور المغربي معروف إذا أحرز الفريق هدفًا يريدون تسجيل الثاني ويضغطون، لكن عندما دخل مرمانا هدف وجدت اللاعبين هادئين ويمررون الكرة بأرياحية، وهذه خبرة، وأضعنا فرصًا كثيرة، بعد ذلك عبد المنعم أحرز هدفًا لا أعرف كيف سجله، لو أعاده 100 مرة في التدريب لن يسجله هكذا”.

وأتم: “كولر عليه أن يحمد الله على هذا الفريق وهؤلاء اللاعبين، كان هناك لاعبين مصابين وأصروا على لعب المباراة، وأنا كنت أريد أن أواجه صن داونز في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، ستكون المباراة مختلفة عن دور المجموعات”.

Manchester United are keen to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka when he becomes a free agent in the summer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest on United and Ndicka?

Ndicka made the move to Frankfurt as a teenager back in 2018 from French side AJ Auxerre and has gone on to become a key member for the Bundesliga side.

The 23-year-old has now made 174 senior appearances for Frankfurt, mainly as a centre-back, contributing to 21 goals. However, the player is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has rejected multiple offers to extend his stay in Germany.

He looks set to be available for nothing in a matter of months as a result, with Old Trafford a potential destination. Football Insider shared an update in the last 48 hours regarding Ndicka and a possible move to the Premier League. They revealed that United and Liverpool are keen on signing the left-footed defender for free, with his future being described as one to watch.

What would Ndicka bring to United?

The Red Devils could be in need of a new centre-back over the coming months alongside a new midfielder and forward, with Erik ten Hag reportedly giving the green light to potential summer sales for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Should the pair depart as has been speculated, United could be left with just Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as senior options, with Phil Jones also out of contract this summer.

Ndicka could prove to be an extremely shrewd signing, especially for free as he is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €32m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 6 foot 3 defender has been hailed as a “towering” defender by journalist Jacque Talbot while former Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bovic also hailed Ndicka's qualities when signing the player back in 2018:

"Evan is only 18 years old, but he is very mature for his age. He is technically gifted, very fast and good in the air."

As for this season, as per WhoScored, Ndicka has impressed, averaging more clearances (5) and passes (57.3) than any United player per 90. He has also outperformed Varane, Maguire and Lindelof when it comes to match rating, and at the age of 23, could still have time to improve on his already solid game ahead of hitting his prime, possibly at Old Trafford.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been made available for transfer at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

What's the latest on Loftus-Cheek's future?

The Premier League playmaker has worked his way up through the academy ranks in the capital to become a regular feature of the senior first-team, but with his contract set to expire next summer, has already been linked with an exit this season.

The Daily Mail reported that Newcastle United were plotting a move for the 27-year-old in January and were also eyeing an approach for his fellow teammates in Hakim Ziyech and Conor Gallagher, but it was stated that Graham Potter wouldn't let him or any of the trio leave as a result of the injury crisis his squad were facing at the time.

Football Insider have since claimed that England's former international is now being tracked by several unnamed clubs in the UK and is attracting interest from AC Milan and Roma in the Serie A, with the SW6 outfit not keen to activate the one-year extension option that's included in his current terms.

Now, according to Football Insider once again, Chelsea are expected to officially make Loftus-Cheek "available for transfer" at the end of the season with the hierarchy "not keen" to trigger the option to extend his stay for a further 12 months.

The Adidas-sponsored star has pretty much been a mainstay in the team since Potter's arrival having featured in 21 of his 30 games in charge, and has even publicly praised the boss for his efforts, but it sounds like this isn't set to change the club's decision on his future.

Would Chelsea be right to sell Loftus-Cheek?

Chelsea have already previously sold academy graduates like Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori while Mason Mount could also be on the verge of a departure, but considering the positive impact Loftus-Cheek has had on the team of late, the club should keep hold of him and give him a chance moving forward.

The £120K-p/w talent currently ranks in the 98th percentile for progressive carries and the 96th percentile for successful take-ons per game, compared to other players in his position via FBRef, showing his desire to get forward and create as many chances as possible in the final third. The Blues prospect has also clocked up his fair share of goal contributions since making the step-up to the senior first-team, netting 13 strikes and providing 17 assists at the Bridge (Transfermarkt).

Loftus-Cheek has been dubbed a "dangerous" player by journalist Josh Bunting and he is certainly someone that could go on to become a key player in the centre for Chelsea if they were to have a change of heart before the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have had some shocking kits down the years.

Spurs are a club with a proud tradition of wearing lilywhite, of course, and their home kits are regularly white and navy.

It’s very hard to ruin a Spurs home shirt, but they do make some bizarre decisions when it comes to their away kits.

This season, for example, we’ve seen an away kit that looks more like a scuba diving suit, and that really is something.

As a result, we’ve taken a look at the 10 worst Spurs kits from the Premier League era.

10. 2009/10 Home

This is a really bizarre shirt, isn’t it?

As we’ve said, most Spurs shirts have blue accenting, which fits with the white quite nicely.

This one didn’t, this one had yellow accents. That is not good.

Add in the red Mansion sponsor and the kit looks very confused.

9. 1994/95 Away

Early into the Premier League era here and we’re back in the land of the baggy shirts.

This one isn’t bad because of that but the purple just doesn’t work, the badge is massive, and the collar doesn’t work.

Add in the weird contrast on the shorts and you’ve got a stinker.

8. 2006/07 third

This one is dreadful.

It’s meant to be chocolate coloured, we think, but it isn’t, it’s just brown.

It also has the gold trim but it blends into the brown and looks dodgy.

Awful.

7. 2016/17 third

These were divisive when they came out.

Some loved the bold nature of the shirt and the uniqueness of the pinstripes.

But it looks like someone spilled mustard on a Spurs shirt.

Even the fact that AIA isn’t red, as it usually is on Spurs kits, can’t save it.

6. 2013/14 home

Under Armour tried some new things but they rarely worked.

This Spurs home kit has such a strange looking collar, and is also largely ruined by the massive HP sponsor.

It doesn’t help that Spurs had just sold Gareth Bale when they started wearing this, and they didn’t exactly perform well in it.

5. 2010/11 away

This one is a little strange, really.

It’s very muted in terms of its colour scheme and the trim doesn’t really work.

It’s very safe, and very boring. Dull.

4. 2012/13 third

This is slightly iconic because of Gareth Bale but the kit doesn’t work.

You’ve still got a splash of yellow, the black and grey don’t really go together, and it looks a bit like something you’d buy in Sports Direct for a fiver.

Under Armour took some big swings but they usually missed.

3. 2018/19 third

Okay, so we know that this is arguably the most iconic Spurs kit of the modern era.

Lucas Moura scored his hat-trick against Ajax in this green number, sending Spurs into the Champions League final.

However, the shirt itself is an absolute mess.

It looks like paint has been randomly thrown across the design, and the shades don’t contrast properly.

A woeful effort, but that Ajax game stops it from being in the top two places.

2. 2017/18 third

It’s purple, but it’s also camouflage. That doesn’t work as a combination.

The bright yellow of the sponsor, manufacturer and club badge actually hurt the eyes, and the yellow accents look woeful.

There’s too much going on and it doesn’t hold together.

1. 2022/23 away

This thing is dreadful.

We’ve established in this list that any kind of yellow in a Spurs kit rarely works and it’s the same here, but the colour combination reminds anyone looking of scuba diving.

The badge in the middle, above the Nike tick, also makes the shirt look strangely fake.

Let’s never speak of it again after this season.

Leeds United’s attempt to find a new manager has been a frustrating process, but one name who has been mentioned might make fans wish the search would go on for another while yet…

When was Benitez linked to Leeds?

Given the Whites’ numerous setbacks in the pursuit of a replacement for Jesse Marsch, it feels like they are becoming desperate in their search.

In a reportfrom earlier in the week, following Andoni Iraola’s rejection of the job, it was claimed that Andrea Radrizzani would be open to the possibility of appointing Rafael Benitez should they continue to miss out on top targets such as Carlos Corberan.

Having disappointed with Everton and dragged them towards a relegation scrap last season, there is little to suggest that it would not be a similar story should the 62-year-old take the Elland Road hot seat.

Would Benitez relegate Leeds?

Before his dismissal from Goodison Park 13 months ago, it cannot be denied that the Toffees’ trajectory suggested that relegation was in view.

After a solid start to his reign with 13 points from a possible 15, Benitez had taken his side on a run of justoneleague win in four months and deservedly saw hisP45 handed to himin January 2022. Had they not enjoyed such a strong early-season run, relegation would have been almost certain.

It was a mind-boggling appointment for Everton in the first place to hire a former Liverpool manager whose best days were likely behind him.

The 62-year-old’s last major trophy had come in 2014, and his most recent job before joining the Toffees was a failed spell in China.

Time has caught up with the Spaniard, whose archaic playing style was quickly found out. His Everton team was not solid at the back, with 47 goals conceded in 22 matches under his watch, and often offered absolutely nothing in attack. 

He averaged just1.14points per match at Goodison Park, a figure which even Marschsurpassedduring his much-maligned time in Yorkshire. This poor form, partnered with the toxicity that Benitez can bring to a club, makes him one of the worst possible candidates for a Leeds team craving unity amid their fight against relegation.

Jamie Redknapp put it best when he claimed towards the end of the 62-year-old’s stint at Everton: “Rafa has a habit of causing chaos at clubs. He’s a politician, always blaming someone else, getting this person against that person.He creates an atmosphere with the crowd against the board everywhere he goes. I am convinced he’s doing it again now.”

Benitez crippled the Merseyside outfit, creating what pundit Jamie O’Hara described as a “rotten” core. He cannot be allowed to do so again at Leeds, as his prospective appointment could spell relegation for the Whites, with potential echoes of how he took over Newcastle at a similar juncture seven years ago and was unable to spare them from the drop.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have identified Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as a major summer transfer target, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Wolves eyeing a new goalkeeper

Wolves were linked with a move for Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini in the January transfer window, with it being detailed that Jose Sa is not considered ‘immovable’ in Julen Lopetegui’s starting XI.

The Old Gold instead signed Dan Bentley to provide competition for their Portuguese shot-stopper, but he is 29 and very unlikely to be a long-term replacement for Sa, so bringing in a new ‘keeper is still believed to be on the agenda at Molineux.

The Latest: Patterson targeted by Wolves

According to The Sun, Wolves have picked out Patterson a major transfer target this summer, with Lopetegui reportedly seeing him as the ideal choice to come in and compete for a place in the team before eventually taking over from Sa.

It is claimed that Sunderland may look to cash in on their academy graduate if they do not win promotion from the Championship this season, and the Black Cats could command a fee in the region of £10m.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the 22-year-old has been very solid for Sunderland in their first season back in the second tier, keeping eight clean sheets, while he has also proven himself against Premier League opposition.

In the Black Cats’ recent 1-1 draw at Fulham in the FA Cup, the youngster was ranked by Sofascore as by far the best player on the pitch, achieving a 8.8 match rating after making a sensational eight saves from inside the penalty box.

The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley claimed at the start of January that Sa has been ‘back to something like his best’ since the World Cup, and he impressed in the 3-0 win against Liverpool at the weekend, making two important saves.

As such, it is unclear whether Wolves will actually need a new goalkeeper in the summer, given that their current first choice is still only 30. However, if Sa’s performances decline in the second half of the season, Patterson would be a fantastic long-term heir.

Leeds United have made ‘first contact’ to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Leeds move

The American has forged a good career for himself at Juventus, not always being a regular starter but still making 13 starts in Serie A this season, also starring at the World Cup by featuring from the off in all four USA games in Qatar.

McKennie has recently been linked with a move to Leeds, with Jesse Marsch looking for midfield reinforcements and Juve possibly willing to sell him given their own troubles, recently docked 15 points for transfer irregularities.

Now, a new update suggests that progress may have been made regarding the Whites signing the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Whites make ‘first contact’

According to Sky Sports journalist Di Marzio [via Sport Witness], Leeds have made their ‘first contact’ with McKennie over a move, ahead of a potential transfer.

It isn’t specified if it would be a January or a summer move, but it does say the parties are continuing to hold talks in the hope of finding an agreement.

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The Verdict: Brilliant midfield signing

McKennie could be a great signing for Leeds this month, providing even more energy and quality in the middle of the park, having scored twice and averaging 1.2 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, showing he can perform on the big stage.

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The fact that he, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson are international teammates with the USA would also be an added bonus, allowing the trio to dovetail to great effect for the Whites.

McKennie has been described as the ‘best American player playing in Europe’ by Massimiliano Allegri, and his £54,000-a-week wages should be able to be matched by Leeds, with Adams currently on £55,000.

At just 24, the Juve man’s prime years should still be ahead of him, too, and his robust style could be perfectly suited to the physical nature of the Premier League.

Newcastle United could well emerge as a potential destination for Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Moises Caicedo, with the Ecuadorean international currently attracting hefty interest from the Premier League’s elite.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Magpies are said to be keeping tabs on the 21-year-old at present in their quest to secure a new midfield addition, albeit with the Seagulls set to demand “£75m+” if they are to sanction a sale this month.

The CBS reporter revealed on Twitter: “Newcastle are also one to watch. Club are looking at more budget midfield options and are still prioritising a creative-minded midfielder over a DM. However they are monitoring the situation.”

This follows previous claims from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano who revealed that the midfielder is a player that the Tynesiders are “following”.

Howe’s next ‘jewel’

The highly-sought sensation has warranted such interest as a result of his standout form for Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season, having started 17 top-flight games to date, scoring once and laying on one assist in that time.

The midfield maestro – who has been tipped to be the “future leader” of his country by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has particularly impressed as a result of his ball-winning prowess, having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the league so far this term.

The emerging superstar – who also ranks in the top 16% in Europe among those in his position for tackles made – only recently helped his side to claim a crushing 3-0 win over Liverpool at the Amex, having won five of his eight total duels on the night, while also enjoying a solid 89% pass accuracy rate.

Such mature displays for a player of relative youth have seen the youngster lauded as a “crown jewel” by historian Enrico Castro-Montes, with it looking as if Caicedo will go on to even bigger things over the coming years.

With Newcastle believed to be prioritising a new midfield addition at present – particularly with Jonjo Shelvey facing a spell on the sidelines – turning to the Brighton man could well prove an astute move for Eddie Howe and co.

The Englishman has notably enjoyed great success since bringing in Bruno Guimaraes to St James’ Park a year ago – with the Brazilian having been dubbed “world-class” by teammate Dan Burn – with it looking as if the former Bournemouth boss could find his next ‘jewel’ with the signing of Caicedo.

Transfer insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that Wolves are unlikely to rekindle their past transfer interest in Craig Dawson under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

What’s the latest?

The West Ham United defender very nearly moved to Molineux in the summer only for things eventually to fall through on deadline day.

Indeed, as per The Athletic, a fee in the region of £4m had been agreed and Dawson was even set for his medical on September 1 only for things to collapse.

The player was said to be keen on a move as he wants to be ‘closer to his family in Cheshire’ and presumably that will still be the case this winter.

However, even if Dawson would still be up for joining Wolves, it sounds as though Lopetegui may have other ideas. Ex explained as much while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast.

He said: “I know the manager there has said he wants to sign more British players.

“But Dawson is 33, I think, or coming up to it. So whether Dawson would be the first name on his wishlist, I’d be sceptical. So, in my opinion, Dawson does stay [at West Ham] until the end of the season.”

No longer wanted

Dawson, who was hailed as “unbelievable” last season by Michail Antonio, has proved his importance to West Ham this season even if he was so close to leaving in the summer. After all, he has been called on to start the past five games in the Premier League for the Hammers.

However, they’ve lost all of those games and at 32 but turning 33 in May, it would be fair to suggest that any Wolves move for the centre-back wouldn’t really be planning for the long-term future.

Still, as mentioned by Ex, Lopetegui is understood to be keen on signing more British players this winter, with The Times stating that he wants six incoming in January.

If that is the case, perhaps Dawson could be a good option to solve any short-term defensive issues. It certainly seems as though he would be keen on a move.

Taking everything into account though, it doesn’t seem like this is quite on the cards just yet.

Everton will make the short trip to Old Trafford this evening for an FA Cup third-round clash with Premier League rivals Manchester United, though a gutting injury blow has emerged…

What’s the latest?

Toffees boss Frank Lampard took to his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon to reveal that Nathan Patterson will be out of action for six weeks.

Lampard told the media:

“Nathan’s out for six weeks, unfortunately. It’s a medial ligament injury.

“It’s a blow for us. He’s a young full-back who’s come in, broke through and done really well for us. We know that.

“Now it’s time for others to take that mantle and he’ll be back in six weeks.

“It seems a long time now but he’ll be back.”

Lampard will be gutted

There is no doubt that Lampard will surely be frustrated with Patterson’s injury after already suffering from fitness issues earlier in the season and with pressure mounting on the 44-year-old it could be a devastating blow.

Everton are now firmly in the Premier League relegation zone following their 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park earlier this week with just 15 points collected from a possible 54 over their first 18 outings.

Patterson has been one of the stand-out performers in the team since becoming the perceived successor to club captain Seamus Coleman this season, so losing him ahead of the clash with Man United is not ideal for the Everton boss.

Over 13 Premier League appearances, the 21-year-old Scotsman has created one big chance and has been successful in completing 44% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 53.9 touches, three tackles, 2.1 clearances and 4.9 duels won per game.

The Toffees right-back hasn’t had his huge presence for the Merseysiders gone unnoticed, with Danny Murphy lavishing praise on the youngster and hailing him a “diamond” on Match of the Day back in September 2022:

“He’s got this desire to get forward and have an impact on the game, which I think is great. His defensive work is good, you can see the strength to keep the ball under pressure.

“He is a diamond, they really have got themselves a good player in the market. He is a terrific young player.”

With that being said, the Goodison Park faithful will be hopeful that Patterson can make a speedy recovery as the battle with the bottom three is looking challenging for Everton over the second half of the season.