Tag Futebol

Leeds United are expected to lose one of their star men after once again falling victim to the play-offs, meaning that Daniel Farke's side will remain in the Championship next season.

Leeds 0-1 Southampton

Having never been promoted via the playoffs in their history, Leeds looked well placed to end that curse after thrashing Norwich 4-0 in the semi-final, with the Elland Road outfit having comfortably been one of the best three teams in the Championship throughout the season.

But their inability to win at Wembley struck again as they turned in a poor performance against Southampton, which ultimately allowed a first-half Adam Armstrong strike to prove the difference between the two sides and take the Saints back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking, leaving Leeds to lick their wounds in the Championship next season.

Leeds must now axe £12m star after 3/10 play-off display

This Leeds United dud could find his minutes cut ahead of the next Championship season.

ByKelan Sarson May 27, 2024

"When you come so close after 90 points and a great play-off semi-final, it hurts a lot", Farke told the media after the game.

"It's more important to take it as extra motivation. The supporters deserve a day to celebrate and we feel that pain today. We're disappointed we could not send our fans back with something to cheer about and we're not in the promised land. It'll be difficult to come back stronger because we had 90 points this season."

The chance to come back stronger will be even more difficult as Leeds' grim financial picture is realised, with failure to secure promotion leaving them likely to need to raise cash fast this summer with a worrying financial picture emerging at Elland Road and £73.5m still owed for player transfers before anything can be spent this summer.

Now, news that Leeds fans will be fearing has broken.

Crysencio Summerville expected to leave Leeds

That news concerns the future of star man and Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville, who had an unusually quiet game at Wembley and was substituted with his side chasing a goal.

Nonetheless, the Dutchman has been in sparkling form all season in England's second tier, with 19 goals and 9 assists in 43 Championship games, and his form has caught the eye of Premier League sides including Liverpool.

He has drawn plenty of praise from Farke too, with the German hailing his hard-work in training and his creative ability.

"Crysencio is a baller. When you see a guy touching the ball like he does it’s heart-warming. We want him to improve his effectiveness. Need goals and assists and end products. The next step in his career. Delivers like this, he is on a good path”, the Leeds boss explained.

“His reaction, not just in possession, because he’s an outstanding creative player, we know this, but also how hard he worked for the team. This is exactly what we need and many compliments to him.”

Summerville's exceptional season (EFL Championship)

Appearances

43

Goals

19

Non penalty goals

15

Assists

9

Shots on target per 90

1.18

Key passes per 90

2.88

Now, his departure seems certain, and The Athletic's Phil Hay has confirmed as much.

"Sales of certain players will be necessary this summer," he explained in reference to potential financial issues, before adding that "Summerville is among those expected to exit" on a permanent transfer before the new season starts.

With two years left on his current deal, Leeds are in a strong position when it comes to a deal, which could well see them take in just shy of a record fee when he does eventually leave Elland Road. But with another season in England's second tier confirmed, it could be only the first in a long line of difficult departures this summer for Leeds.

After missing out on the Scottish Premiership title against Old Firm rivals Celtic once again, Rangers are seemingly in a ruthless mood ahead of this summer's transfer window, as they prepare to get rid of a forgotten gem.

Rangers transfer news

Philippe Clement will certainly have the chance to make his mark on the current Rangers squad this summer, with a whole host of players set to leave as free agents at the end of the season. Among those leaving are John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic and Kemar Roofe in a major overhaul at Ibrox. That said, replacements have reportedly been lined up.

Related Rangers could sign award-winning Tom Lawrence upgrade

The Light Blues could improve their team by completing a swoop for the impressive star.

Posts ByDan Emery May 22, 2024

Reports suggest that Rangers are closing in on deals to sign Jefte and Jose Cordoba in deals that will see them turn to the South American market to boost their squad this summer. Meanwhile, permanent deals for Oscar Cortes and Abdallah Sima could still be on the cards. Both wingers impressed during their loan spells and may now get the opportunity to star for Clement on a permanent basis.

As two gems potentially arrive, however, one man who's gone from hero to zero looks destined to leave. According to Fanatik in Turkey, Rangers are set to transfer list Ianis Hagi amid interest from Galatasaray. The attacking midfielder has struggled on loan at Alaves this season and looks set to leave Ibrox behind once and for all this season, before he even gets the chance to play under Clement.

There was once a time when Hagi looked destined to become the main man in Scotland, netting twice in Rangers' famous Europa League Round of 32 first-leg comeback victory over Braga in 2020. But those days are now long gone and the son of the legendary Gheorghe Hagi now finds himself at a career crossroads.

Hagi sale suits all parties

After struggling at Alaves, a permanent fresh start for Hagi should suit all parties this summer, as the Gers look to clear his reported £25k-a-week salary. The Rangers midfielder may leave wondering what might have been had he got a chance under Clement, but at 25 years old, he can't waste any more time failing to rediscover his best form. And a move to Turkey and Galatasaray could help him do just that in similar fashion to how such a move has helped the likes of Mauro Icardi and Davinson Sanchez in recent years.

At his best, Hagi has been at the centre of praise in the past, including from former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who said via The Herald: “Ianis is a top talent. I said it when he arrived. We picked very bold and ambitious line-up for a reason, because we were looking for creativity and a spark in final third.

“I thought his performance grew as the game wore on. In the first half he was getting used to the game in Scotland, people knocking him about. Second half he was much stronger. He’s a brave player."

Just over five months ago, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made the unfortunate call to sack manager Steve Cooper after a run of six games without a win.

The Welshman captured the hearts of the Reds fanbase, taking over the side after they were rooted to the bottom of the Championship after picking up just one point from their opening seven matches in 2021/22.

However, the former Swansea City boss achieved the unthinkable, leading the club to the Premier League following a 1-0 win in the play-off final over Huddersfield Town at Wembley.

Cooper once again worked his magic during the club's first top-flight campaign in 23 years, securing survival despite a huge influx of new signings – providing him with the huge task of gelling a bunch of strangers into a side good enough for the Premier League.

A poor start to the 2023/24 season – which included a run of five defeats out of six at one stage leading up to Cooper's departure – would see him lose his job at the City Ground, with numerous names flying around to replace the fan-favourite in the dugout.

Forest had verbal agreement with high-profile boss

According to a recent report from The Guardian, the club were recommended by advisor George Syrianos, to appoint former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian being the perfect fit for the Reds' squad.

The report goes on to state the club had a verbal agreement with the 49-year-old to take over at the City Ground, before owner Marinakis caught wind of the deal and decided to pursue another option.

He instead decided to appoint Nuno Espírito Santo, mainly down to his agent – Jorge Mendes, a football super agent who has multiple high-profile clients, in a bid to tempt them to ply their trade in Nottingham.

Nuno enjoyed success at Wolves, with signings such as Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota making a huge impact in their Championship-winning campaign – scoring 23 goals between them that season.

However, with just three games to go Nuno's side sit just a point clear of the Premier League's relegation zone, with the Reds making a huge mistake in not hiring Glasner.

Why Glasner's system would've secured PL survival for Forest

The "incredible" Austrian, as described by Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski, would subsequently join Crystal Palace in February, taking over from Roy Hodgson and making an instant impact at Selhurst Park.

He's already secured Premier League survival for the Eagles, despite being 15th and just a handful of points clear of the drop at the time of his arrival – with his 3-4-2-1 system working its magic in England.

His high-intensity system has allowed multiple players at Palace to thrive, with his tactics masterminding a stunning 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield a few weeks ago.

Glasner's formation depends on his three centre-backs being comfortable on the ball, with the central player out of the three often playing slightly more advanced in possession to allow for a third man in the middle of the pitch – subsequently creating an overload in midfield.

Jefferson Lerma has been one player who has hugely benefitted from his arrival at the club, with the Colombian midfielder slotting into a wide centre-back role in recent weeks – even claiming FotMob's Man of the Match award for his performance against Jürgen Klopp's side.

The two attacking players behind the central striker would have a crucial part to play in any success, with the two wing-backs often providing the width, allowing the number 10s to stay central.

Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are arguably Palace's two most important players – hence their current £60m valuations – with Glasner able to utilise the duo in behind the striker, allowing them to get on the ball in some crucial areas, and further creating an overload alongside the two central midfielders and the centre-back who has pushed forward from the back.

However, he's had the greatest effect on striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Frenchman thriving since Glasner's arrival at the club.

The Palace number 14 has scored eight goals in his last ten Premier League appearances, with Olise and Eze's creativity and the introduction of flying wing-backs aiding his tally.

Whilst Forest striker Chris Wood has registered 12 goals this season, Glasner's one-time potential arrival at the Reds would've allowed the New Zealand international to have further added to his tally.

Current boss Nuno has stuck to a 4-2-3-1 system throughout the majority of his time at the City Ground, with the emphasis on counter-attacking rather than dominating possession.

However, Glasner's time short time at Selhurst Park has quickly transformed the side into a dominant force, with the aim to dominate possession, create overloads and play with fluidity in attack – all traits that would've aided Wood's goalscoring record.

Five months on from the deal to bring Nuno to the East Midlands, the Forest hierarchy must wish they had listened to Syrianos, who could've appointed the perfect boss for the club. However, with three games left this season, the Tricky Trees are sweating over their top-flight status, with fans still unsure whether Nuno is the right man to lead the club forward.

Nottingham Forest dud who lost 100% duels was worse than Wood v City

The Reds fell to a second successive Premier League defeat yesterday.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 29, 2024

The 16-year-old engineered a collapse of 4 for 2, as Bangladesh squandered a good start

The Report by Varun Shetty09-Feb-2020

Stumps Bangladesh had their best day of the Test, and were close to being the team that made most progress on the day, before a late hat-trick from 16-year-old Naseem Shah triggered a collapse where they lost four wickets for two runs. They were left reeling at stumps, 86 behind with only four wickets in hand. Naseem became the youngest man to take a Test hat-trick.All three of Naseem’s hat-trick wickets were built around his express pace. He burst one through Najmul Hossain Shanto’s defences from around the wicket, and had some assistance from captain Azhar Ali who successfully reviewed a not-out decision on the lbw. Next ball, he caught nightwatchman Taijul Islam in front with a yorker, before firing a full straight delivery outside off that was met with an ungainly chop from Mahmudullah which ended up at first slip.Naseem walked off the pitch two balls after that over with a niggle, but he had significantly dented Bangladesh. As if the score of 126 for 5 didn’t make that evident, Mohammad Mithun, the highest-scorer in the first innings, managed to confirm it entirely: he was out bowled, trying to slog a Yasir Shah googly one ball before stumps.It was a sour end for Bangladesh, who were on course for finishing a good day with wickets in hand and more than half the deficit erased as Shanto and Mominul Haque looked solid through a 71-run stand for the third wicket. Earlier in the day, they had allowed Pakistan to add only 103 to their overnight score of 342 for 3.The last session began with Tamim Iqbal showing glimpses of the form that helped him make a triple-century in first-class cricket at the start of the month. But Yasir’s introduction straight after tea proved pivotal in dismissing him, as the the legspinner’s around the wicket, jumpy deliveries had Tamim in two minds throughout the short period during which he faced Yasir. Having just survived a top-edge trying to slog sweep him, Tamim ended up playing the wrong line on the back foot and was trapped in front soon after.Yasir, who has notoriously been off-colour in recent Tests, as well as in the first innings of this one, looked to have found some of his old verve back during that spell. But Shanto and Mominul – both – were resolute in defence against his around-the-wicket line, and confident in attack. Mominul took the more orthodox scoring options, prefering to hit straight, including a clean lofted-drive over mid-on. Shanto, on the other hand, was more keen on the sweep, including a perfectly nailed reverse-sweep from the rough outside off. But only Mominul made it to stumps.Naseem had earlier got one ball to stay low in the corridor at the start of his spell, and then bowled debutant Saif Hassan for 16, having pinned him to the crease. But, barring that ball, the surface continued to look batting friendly as Pakistan’s fast bowlers found nowhere near the same assistance that Bangladesh’s seamers had found in the morning.In the first session, Bangladesh’s seamers led the delayed resistance from the visitors, picking up three wickets as the four-over old ball hooped around in the first hour. Abu Jayed, who took two of the three wickets that had fallen on Saturday, caught overnight centurion Babar Azam halfway between a cut and a leave off the second ball of the day to have him caught at first slip.Ebadot Hossain’s struggles from day two seemed to have vanished and for the first time in the match, Mominul was able to apply sustained pressure on Pakistan. Ebadot bowled nine overs in his first spell, seven of those in tandem with Jayed, and by the end of the period, Asad Shafiq, the other overnight batsman, had fallen for 65.Rubel Hossain, who took three wickets, had Mohammad Rizwan top-edging to fine leg off his first ball of the day and Pakistan were reduced to 374 for 6. Haris Sohail then made a counterattacking 75 off 103 and made the bulk of the 71 runs added by the last four wickets as the lower order crumbled around him.After some general watchfulness at the start, Sohail opened up following Rizwan’s wicket. From 12 off 39 at the drinks break in the first session, Sohail raced to his fifty off 71 balls, helped along by a non-appeal when he had edged a delivery at the start of this innings.He extended his first two-digit score since the recently-concluded Australia series into a brisk, positive knock at a strike rate just shy of 73. Sohail’s innings was characterised by handsome driving through the covers, and most of his rare runs through the leg side came off two sixes against the left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, with quick feet to get to the pitch of tossed up deliveries. He hit seven fours and two sixes before holing out at deep midwicket to Taijul.

Yaya Sanogo has admitted that he considered retiring from football as he opened up on the struggles he has battled throughout his career.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• French striker has struggled with injuries
• Considered quitting amid lack of offers
• Forward now impressing in Chinese second tier

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sanogo was once considered one of France's most promising strikers due to his impressive displays for Auxerre, resulting in him joining Arsenal at the age of 20. However, he was unable to live up to the hype, and became a bit of a journeyman, taking in spells at Crystal Palace, Charlton, Ajax, Toulouse and Huddersfield. Then, after a year and a half without a club, he resumed his career in Armenia with Urartu, but was released after further injuries limited him to just 17 appearances before he was eventually snapped up by his current team, Chinese second-tier team Qingdao Red Lions.

Advertisement

• Proshots
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The attacker struggled with several injury problems from the beginning of his career that hindered his development and resulted in a few failed transfers. He revealed that he was close to joining Middlesbrough in 2020, only for the club to pull out of the deal.

  "It was at the time of Covid-19, after my three seasons at Toulouse. I spent 14 days in quarantine without being able to meet anyone. Once this period was over, I did the visit," he told . "They supposedly detected a problem with my shoulder that required an operation and three months of rehabilitation, according to them. So my contract… It was serious, it was hard. I went to see a shoulder specialist once I got home. They told me that I had nothing at all and that they had put it on the wrong way. That stopped me in my tracks, for the other clubs, I was injured. The worst part of all this was that the press wrote that I had failed the medical. So, the other clubs that were interested believed it and that stopped me completely. I was 27 at the time."

• WHAT SANOGO SAID

  The turmoil resulted in Sanogo considering putting an end to his career. Asked if he considered giving up, he said: "Yes, of course, we are human after all. I sometimes told myself that it was dead. When I was 16, I was told that the attack of the French team, a few years later, would be [Karim] Benzema and Sanogo. But, I am a believer, I could not stop, I wanted to go to the end of the story. There were times when it was very very hard. At Auxerre, I thought about it but I never gave up. It made me grow on the field and in my life. Those periods of time when I could not play, when I was injured, between us, how many would have stopped?"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR SANOGO?

  Sanogo is now playing in the Chinese League One and has managed to avoid injuries since joining the Red Lions. Having scored six goals in just 14 matches, the 31-year-old will hope to remain injury free before he decides on his next step. His contract runs until November, and he is open to a new adventure, saying: "There are a few clubs that are interested during this transfer window. I'm 31, it's true that I've had a few struggles, but I feel as fresh as a daisy! Today, I want to have fun, enjoy myself on the pitch. The project that will be the most interesting, on a sporting and financial level, I'm going for it. In Europe, Asia or elsewhere, I'm really open to all proposals."

Recruiting regulations and the possibility of a Big Bash League marquee player draft will be reviewed by Cricket Australia after a hectic last week of negotiations almost saw Mitchell Starc join Josh Hazlewood in what would have been a near tournament-winning play by the Sydney Sixers.While Hazlewood was signed by the Sixers at the very end of the contracting period on Friday, Starc had appeared set to join him in a move that would have granted the Sydney club arguably the world’s best white-ball bowler for the pointy end of the tournament, drastically altering calculations for every other team.CA were understandably eager to get every possible high profile player involved in the tournament and were disappointed that Starc ultimately did not join in time to meet the contracting deadline. The absence of Pat Cummins from the Sydney Thunder list, which left the club with a final list of 17 players rather than the maximum 18, was also a blow.However rival clubs were less than enchanted by the fact that the Sixers were able to add Hazlewood and potentially Starc to what was already a full list by simply paying out the contracts of two lower profile players. The seam bowler Henry Thornton lost his place on the Sixers list but will have his contract paid out, with the possibility that he can earn more money by returning as an injury replacement later in the tournament.This is not to say the Sixers were themselves happy with the scenario. The club’s general manager Jodie Hawkins was required to disclose and explain the Sixers’ plans to recruit Hazlewood and Starc on a conference call with officials from all clubs last week. Senior figures contacted by ESPNcricinfo at three BBL clubs agreed that while all wanted the best players involved in the competition, the process by which this took place needed some serious work.”The BBL has always been known for constantly innovating,” CA’s head of the BBL Alistair Dobson told ESPNcricinfo. “We’ll review list and contracting rules to make sure they work as best they can for the competition and a big priority is making sure the best overseas and Australian players can play. To work with our clubs closely on what might need to be adjusted to make sure that happens is one of our key priorities at the end of each season.”This year, the way the fixture was able to be built and condensed has made both international and local windows better. We’ve changed some of the overseas replacement player rules to make it easier for clubs to bring international replacement players in and out of the competition, and that’s shown in some of the players who’ve been able to find their way into the BBL this season.Josh Hazlewood is set to play in the BBL for the first time in six seasons•Getty Images

“It’s relatively clear communication between the leagues and clubs as players are put on lists, we make sure clubs are given the information in a timely fashion, at the same time making sure clubs have got the opportunity to then negotiate with players and get the contracts done as required. Everything’s quite transparent and well communicated with clubs.”There is a considerable advantage for the Sydney BBL clubs in the fact that, should they deign to take part in some or all of the BBL, the nation’s leading pace bowlers Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are all based there. Other imbalances in the competition that have been sore points in the past have included complaints from the two-club Sydney and Melbourne markets about the ability of clubs in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart to better balance their state and BBL contract lists in order to retain players.”We work closely with all our clubs on their different list builds and stay in touch with them on how those lists are coming together,” Dobson said. “From our point of view, it’s great for us to have as many Australian players, particularly high profile ones, playing in the Big Bash as possible, not only out of the Test team but even this year the way we’ve been able to build the fixture to make it a better opportunity for some other big name Australian players to play more BBL.”It’s been a really big priority, we’re really excited about how that’s progressed. As you come towards the end of a contracting period there’s always a flurry of activity, the Sixers have got great relationships with those players and they’re really keen to be part of the season and we’re really excited the Sixers were able to get it done.”The other major recruiting issue for the BBL remains the broad spectrum of contract value available in different T20 leagues around the world, particularly the Bangladesh and Pakistan leagues that clash with the Australian tournament and can offer far more money for a lot less game time. The recruitment of players like AB de Villiers to the Brisbane Heat requires far more than what can simply be offered within each club’s cap, resulting in a rash of third-party deals that have the ring of an exhibition tournament rather than a fully-fledged league.”We work with all our clubs constantly on how we make sure they can build and recruit players in the best interests of the competition,” Dobson said. “From time to time we work with them on the best way to do that, and that might mean the league supporting that in different ways.”I think from our perspective we’re reviewing each year the salary cap and the ability for clubs to recruit the players they need to put on the best possible competition. But at the same time we’re mindful that our selling proposition to players extends to the best stadiums, the biggest crowds, the best-run competition, the most exciting cricket.”So while being competitive in the market from a salary point of view is important, we’re also mindful of ensuring the other things around the offering to players are as good as they can be, and the BBL is showing over time it delivers on those. That said the competitive landscape is constantly shifting and we need to make sure we’re on top of it.”

USWNT legend Carli Lloyd admits that international football is “incredibly cut-throat”, with 123-goal Alex Morgan left out of Paris Olympics plans.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Veteran forward won't travel to France
• New generation of talent emerging
• Difficult decision for coach to make

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite boasting over 220 caps for her country, and two World Cup triumphs, Morgan has been omitted from Emma Hayes’ squad for a gold medal bid in France. Morgan is now enjoying a mid-season break, as NWSL action also shuts down, with the 35-year-old having to make peace with disappointing news on the professional front.

Advertisement

• WHAT LLOYD SAID

  Lloyd, who made 316 appearances for the USWNT and scored 134 goals, has told of Morgan’s surprising snub: “I can imagine it’s hard. She has been a big staple to the team for so many years. I would imagine that it’s not the news that you want to hear. It’s going to be one of those things where some people are not going to like the news they hear, so it’s tough. It never gets any easier. I think what people don’t realise is it is cut-throat, incredibly cut-throat. But also, it’s somewhat easy to get there, but to stay there and to be a consistent player for many, many years is one of the hardest things to do.”

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Change was always going to be on the cards after the United States flopped at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with Morgan now paying the price for that as a new generation of talent emerges. Lloyd added: “That’s why you always have to constantly be evolving your game. You always have to be proving yourself out on the field and production matters. The way that you play and for her sake, as a goal scorer, you got to score goals.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  The USWNT, who battled past Mexico in their latest outing, have one more friendly date to take in – against Costa Rica – before opening their bid for a first Olympic gold since 2012 when facing Zambia in Nice on July 25.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em meio ao calendário com mais jogos dos últimos anos, o Palmeiras, de Abel Ferreira, vive um dilema em relação à possível classificação no Paulistão. O campeão da edição passada possui 18 pontos, um a menos que o Novorizontino, e ocupa a terceira posição no grupo C. A depender da combinação de resultados da última rodada, o time pode avançar, ou não, de fase na competição.

Dudu de volta ao Palmeiras? Veja jogadores emprestados que ainda são do seu time

Para se classificar, o Verdão precisa vencer e torcer por um empate ou uma derrota do time de Novo Horizonte contra o rival Corinthians, já classificado. Em caso de empate, o Novorizontino só perde a vaga se for derrotado por dois ou mais gols de diferença ou se, mesmo perdendo por apenas um gol, for superado pelo Palmeiras em gols marcados. Uma derrota por qualquer placar elimina o Alviverde do Estadual. Confira as combinações de classificação possíveis:

-> Vitória do Palmeiras e derrota do Novorizontino;
-> Vitória do Palmeiras e empate do Novorizontino;
-> Empate do Palmeiras e derrota do Novorizontino por 2 gols ou mais;
-> Empate do Palmeiras e derrota do Novorizontino por 1 gol, com o Palmeiras ultrapassando o time em gols pró;

>> Veja a tabela completa do Campeonato Paulista

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasEntenda o caso Messinho, joia do Cruzeiro que vai reforçar a base do PalmeirasPalmeiras08/05/2021PalmeirasEscalação do Palmeiras: Verdão encerra preparação para jogo contra Ponte PretaPalmeiras08/05/2021PalmeirasLucas Esteves comemora primeiro gol pelo profissional do Palmeiras: ‘Estará sempre na minha mente’Palmeiras07/05/2021

Apesar de ter como objetivo a classificação, o cenário do Palmeiras para a temporada de 2021 pode ser dificultado em virtude das alterações no calendário que o mata-mata do Paulista provocariam. O dilema existe, acima de tudo, por causa da necessidade de tempo para treinar, algo desejado por Abel Ferreira há bastante tempo. Desde a chegada do português ao clube, o Alviverde teve apenas duas semanas livres de jogos, ambas provocadas pela paralisação do Campeonato Paulista entre os meses de março e abril.

Um dos principais prejuízos da falta de treinamentos é a dificuldade de aprimorar o esquema tático com três zagueiros, modelo que vem sendo utilizado por Abel nas últimas partidas da Libertadores. Entre críticas e elogios, a escalação mostrou uma evolução notória no confronto contra o Independiente del Valle-EQU, no qual o Verdão goleou por 5 a 0. Ainda assim, devido a complexidade de encaixe desse esquema, o pouco tempo de trabalho dá brechas para algumas falhas da equipe, o que expõe a necessidade de mais treino.

Além disso, o desgaste físico dos jogadores é outra pauta levada em consideração ao analisar esse contexto. Sem contar as contusões da temporada passada, somente agora, Gabriel Menino, Gabriel Veron, Kuscevic, Lucas Lima, Alan Empereur e Breno Lopes estão em processo de recuperação de lesões.

Mesmo com a rotação do elenco e com a participação de jovens da base no Paulistão, a maratona de partidas tem comprometido a capacidade física dos atletas. Por sua vez, esse problema reduz a disponibilidade de peças para Abel e o obriga a improvisar jogadores em posições diferentes das suas de origem.

O outro lado da moeda diz respeito à possibilidade de o Palmeiras buscar mais um título e, sobretudo, defender o status de campeão paulista. Soma-se a isso, o potencial que a queda precoce tem de conturbar o ambiente, uma vez que uma parte da torcida protestou após a sequência ruim na competição.

A oportunidade de mais rodagem aos atletas da base também entra como ponto positivo, principalmente, por permitir avaliar melhor quais jogadores estarão mais preparados para compor o plantel da equipe profissional durante o restante da temporada. Por fim, a premiação de apenas R$ 3,5 milhões, reduzida devido às despesas com o protocolo de prevenção à Covid-19, acaba tendo uma importância menor diante de tais condições.

Em virtude disso, a postura da diretoria e da comissão técnica do Palmeiras segue a mesma linha: o clube fará o melhor que pode com o que tem à disposição. Conforme atestado pelo auxiliar João Martins em entrevista coletiva, isso significa que a equipe não mudará a estratégia para a partida decisiva contra a Ponte Preta no domingo. Embora esteja em uma situação relativamente confortável na Libertadores, o Alviverde não irá priorizar o Paulistão e deve escalar um time alternativo para o duelo.

– Somos coerentes nas nossas decisões. O treinador foi muito claro, devido ao calendário, sobre o que queria do Paulista. Nunca enganamos ninguém. Hoje foi mais uma prova clara de que esses jogadores estão preparados e confiamos neles 100%. Não vamos mudar nenhuma vírgula, porque sempre escolhemos os que achamos que estão mais preparados para o jogo seguinte. Não existem duas equipes. Para nós, somos todos iguais – declarou o auxiliar.

O impacto direto da classificação ou eliminação se dá de duas formas opostas no calendário do clube. Caso passe de fase, o time terá de seis a oito jogos nas próximas três semanas. Se for para a final do Estadual, ainda terá que adiar a partida de estreia no Brasileirão, prevista para o dia 23 deste mês. Por outro lado, em caso de eliminação, serão três semanas com somente um jogo por semana, já muito perto da classificação no torneio continental. Confira o calendário de momento do Palmeiras.

-> (09/05) Ponte Preta x Palmeiras
-> (11/05) Independiente del Valle x Palmeiras
-> (13/05) Quartas de final do Paulistão*
-> (16/05) Semifinal do Paulistão*
-> (18/05) Palmeiras x Defensa y Justicia
-> (20/05) Final do Paulistão (Ida)*
-> (23/05) Flamengo x Palmeiras ou Final do Paulistão (Volta)*
-> (27/05) Palmeiras x Universitario

*Jogos em caso de classificação.

Na última vez em que o Maior Campeão Nacional foi eliminado na fase classificatória do Paulista, a competição tinha outro formato. Disputada por 20 times em turno único, na edição de 2010 o Verdão somou apenas 25 pontos e ficou em 11º, sete posições atrás do último classificado para as semifinais. Nesta temporada, apesar de estar em terceiro de seu grupo, o clube ocupa a sexta posição da classificação geral e estaria se classificando em segundo caso estivesse no Grupo A e em primeiro no Grupo D.

Para tentar avançar de fase no Paulistão, o Palmeiras vai a campo neste domingo(9), às 16h (horário de Brasília), contra a Ponte Preta no estádio Moisés Lucarelli. O jogo do Novorizontino, adversário pela classificação, acontece no mesmo horário contra o Corinthians na Neo Química Arena.

Newcastle United have been through a roller-coaster of emotions over the last couple of seasons. From being freed of the restraints of Mike Ashley, to being knocked out of the Champions League group stages and finishing at the bottom of their group.

There have been many ups and downs, but, most would argue that since their takeover, the Magpies have had something of an upward trajectory. One way to showcase this is the signings that the club have made.

Since Eddie Howe took over from Steve Bruce, the former Bournemouth manager, has taken on Newcastle leaps and bounds.

This is not only due to his managerial style and tactical choices but, the players he has brought in to help bolster his squad. One player in particular has adapted to life in Tynside extremely well and has completely changed the team.

Since joining the club in 2022 for a whopping £40m, the player's value has been increased by a staggering 112%, and it shows no signs of slowing down despite Newcastle's underperformance this year.

The club currently reside in ninth place in the Premier League table and, at the time of writing, have 33 points. This total puts them 13 points adrift of the top four spots they were out to achieve at the start of the season.

Granted, their misfortunes can largely be put down to the sheer amount of injuries that they have sustained, but, they should have more than enough quality to be higher up the table.

Newcastle star sees value soar by 112%

The player whose value has been raised by 112% after signing for Newcastle is that of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazil international has undoubtedly been PIF's stand-out signing whilst at the club.

This is proven by the statistics he has managed to generate during his two-year stint with the Magpies. Since joining in the 2022 January transfer window, the midfielder has played a total of 90 games across all competitions and contributed to 23 goals.

Bear in mind that, although these numbers wouldn't be the most eye-catching for an attacking midfielder, the Brazil international has played the majority of his games in defensive midfield.

Before accepting a move to Newcastle, Guimarares was allegedly one of the most sought-after players in world football. He had been setting Ligue 1 alight as an Olympique Lyon player and even managed to get six assists for his team.

The current valuation of Bruno Guimaraes

CIES Football Observatory currently value the Brazil international at €100m (£85m) which is around £45m more than what the Magpies paid for him just two years ago.

Although the 26-year-old was sought-after by many across the 2021/22 season due to the talent he possesses, he has somehow become an even better player than the one who joined the club two years ago.

#1 Bruno Guimaraes

£85m

#2 Alex Isak

£85m

#3 Joelinton

£51m

#4 Anthony Gordon

£51m

#5 Sandro Tonali

£43m

He has been described in the media, notably by Toon reporter Craig Hope as "special" and his talents have not gone unnoticed by his current manager, who has lauded the midfielder as a "top player."

"You need your top players to play really well when you’re in a situation like this that we’re in at the moment, and I think Bruno has certainly done that," Howe said in December 2023.

"He’s such an important person to that part of the game for us that it is hard work for him physically, but he’s able to repeat those physical exertions that we need him to, so I think his game’s in a very good place. It has to be for us to perform well because he’s at the fulcrum of everything really."

This praise from Howe alone outlines how much of an impact that Guimaraes has had on the squad. Without him, Newcastle would likely not have been as fortunate to qualify for the Champions League last season. They have well and truly hit the jackpot with this move.

GOAL ranks the top players from Major League Soccer rosters featuring at Copa America 2024

Copa America 2024 will be a historic tournament for Major League Soccer, with league players featuring for 11 of the 16 national teams competing. A record 41 players will represent MLS this summer at the competition across the United States – the same number as those from the English Premier League.

Canada leads the way with 14 players from MLS rosters, while 21 of the league's 29 teams are represented. Which players lead the pack?

From Lionel Messi and Argentina to Luis Suarez and Uruguay, GOAL ranks the top-10 MLS players competing in Copa America 2024.

10Miguel Araujo | Peru

The Portland Timbers central defender started both of Peru's pre-Copa America friendlies and is expected to play a big role for the country this summer.

Locking down their defense, the 29-year-old will look to leave a lasting impact on the squad this summer after a breakout 2024 season under Phil Neville.

AdvertisementGetty Images9Maxime Crepeau & Dayne St. Clair | Canada

OK, so this actually makes 11 names on this list, but one of these two will feature. It's unknown who Jesse Marsch will roll out in net for Canada at Copa America this summer, but both St. Clair from Minnesota United and Crepeau from the Portland Timbers will be vying for the starting role.

Crepeau helped the CMNT to a 0-0 draw vs France ahead of the tournament, while St. Clair fell victim to a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Uruguay.

Regardless of who starts in goal, both are solid options, and incredibly talented goalkeepers.

Getty Images8Miles Robinson | United States

The third-string central defender for the USMNT, Robinson plays at the club level for FC Cincinnati. He joined the reigning MLS Supporters' Shield champions in the offseason on a one-year deal after a stint with Atlanta United.

Robinson will be an important figure if the USMNT opt to roll out a three-defender formation, or if either of Tim Ream or Chris Richards don't' find themselves in Gregg Berhalter's starting XI.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

FEDERICO PARRA7Josef Martinez | Venezuela

One of the greatest goalscorers MLS has ever seen, Martinez has not had the hottest season so far, but on his best day, he's a menace in front of net.

There's no assurance that he will start for Venezuela at Copa America, but he will be an impact player regardless of his role from the start of the whistle.

Martinez has 14 career goals in 66 international appearances, but is a shoe-in for one if given the opportunity in front of goal.