Category Uncategorized

Lionel Messi has seen more trophies added to the collection in his household, with all three of the Argentine’s sons claiming titles with Inter Miami.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentine is most decorated player in historyReady to chase down more honours in 2025Sons already have their hands on trophiesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is the most decorated player of all-time, with his record-breaking haul of major honours taken to 46 in 2024 as he landed another Copa America crown with Argentina and the Supporters’ Shield at Inter Miami.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The evergreen 37-year-old is back for more in 2025, as he enters the final year of his contract in Florida. There is the option for that deal to be extended by a further 12 months, taking Messi through a World Cup defence with his country in 2026.

DID YOU KNOW?

For now, Messi is enjoying watching his sons follow in illustrious footsteps. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, has shared images from the Weston Cup tournament in the Sunshine State. Thiago, Mateo and Ciro all emerged victorious in that event with their respective age groups.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT?

Messi was able to watch his children in action, giving him plenty to celebrate, and has seen his return to competitive action at Inter Miami pushed back to Wednesday evening as a CONCACAF Champions Cup clash with Sporting KC has been delayed by 24 hours due to freezing weather conditions in Kansas City.

Harry Maguire admitted that Manchester United were "nowhere near good enough" and slammed their "slow" start against Leicester in the FA Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

United were trailing until the 68th minuteZirkzee & Maguire sealed a 2-1 comeback winDefender criticised his team's first-half performanceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Maguire found the net in stoppage time to seal United’s place in the last 16 of the FA Cup. However, it was a controversial strike, as there were questions regarding whether he was offside when Bruno Fernandes delivered the cross. With no VAR in the FA Cup, the goal was allowed to stand despite heated debates.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier in the match, United fell behind four minutes before halftime after Bobby De Cordova-Reid put Leicester ahead. The hosts struggled to break through the Foxes’ defence until the second half when Joshua Zirkzee equalised in the 68th minute. With extra time looming, Maguire’s late goal proved decisive, securing United’s progression in the competition.

WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

United’s lacklustre first half prompted changes from Ruben Amorim, with Garnacho and Zirkzee coming off the bench to inject much-needed energy into the attack. The manager later complained of a lack of energy in the first half and Maguire echoed the same sentiment.

“(It was a) great finish to the game,” Maguire said. “The second half we played a lot better. The first half was nowhere near good enough, we played at a slow tempo and we didn’t really get going. He (Garnacho) made a big impact. He always does that when he comes off the bench, so credit to him, he’s ready, he’s focused.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

The victory marked a historic first for Manchester United, as it was the third time they had beaten the same team at Old Trafford in a single season. The Red Devils previously triumphed 5-2 in the League Cup and 3-0 in the Premier League against Leicester, making this a rare feat in the club’s history.

كشفت تقارير صحفية عن كلمات جوليان ألفاريز لاعب أتلتيكو مدريد لزملائه في الفريق، بعد عدم احتساب ركلة الترجيح التي سددها أمام ريال مدريد في مباراة الفريقين بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستقبل أتلتيكو مدريد خصمه ريال مدريد في إياب دور الـ 16 لدوري أبطال أوروبا، ليلة الأربعاء.

المباراة امتدت للأشواط الإضافية ثم لجأ الفريقان لركلات الترجيح، وسدد ألفاريز ركلة ترجيح سكنت شباك كورتوا.

ثم تم الرجوع لتقنية الفار، والتي أظهرت أن ألفاريز لمس الكرة مرتين بقدميه وهو ما يخالف القانون، ومن ثم لم تحتسب.

اقرأ أيضًا | رد فعل مثير من سيميوني تجاه الصحفيين بعد سؤاله عن صحة ركلة جزاء ألفاريز

وبحسب “أوليه” الأرجنتينية، بينما كان يتجه ألفاريز لزملائه نبهه زميله سورلوث إلى الوضع في نفس الوقت الذي كان لاعبو ريال مدريد يحتجون فيه.

وبعد عدم احتساب ركلة الترجيح احتضنه أصدقاؤه مرة أخرى، ولم يتفاعل جوليان وتحدث في أذنه بابلو باريوس وصامويل لينو وأنخيل كوريا.

وسأل كوريا زميله ألفاريز إذا كان قد لمس الكرة بكلتا قدميه، ورد الأخير: “قد يكون الأمر كذلك، لا أعلم، ولكن من الممكن أن يكون الأمر كذلك”.

Chelsea have promised an alternative striker to Nicolas Jackson that they will try to strike a deal for him, despite the Senegal international’s fine start to 2024/2025.

Nicolas Jackson goal tally at Chelsea this season

Despite doubts surrounding the 23-year-old and his ability to lead the line under Enzo Maresca, Jackson has silenced his critics with an array of excellent displays so far this campaign.

"Generational" £89m Chelsea ace may have no choice but to leave in January

It would be a real shame.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 26, 2024

The former Villarreal starlet most recently bagged a brace and an assist in Chelsea’s 3-0 demolition of West Ham at the London Stadium last weekend, with goals also coming against both Wolves and Crystal Palace beforehand.

“We are 100% happy with Nicolas,” said Maresca, speaking to BBC Sport after full-time against West Ham.

Brighton (home)

September 28

Nottingham Forest (home)

October 6

Liverpool (away)

October 20

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

“Since I arrived here, he’s been very good on the ball in terms of goals and assists, but he also did a fantastic job off the ball. We are very happy.”

This comes after Chelsea failed to bring in a new prolific scorer in the summer, and regardless of Jackson’s form, not to mention the presence of Christopher Nkunku, it remains the case that Maresca’s side could still sign one next year.

Chelsea chiefs are pushing Victor Boniface’s name behind-the-scenes, according to some reports, with the Nigerian starting this season at Bayer Leverkusen in great scoring form.

Meanwhile, the west Londoners are also still being linked with Boniface’s international teammate – Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea made a late bid to sign Osimhen during the summer, but couldn’t get an eleventh-hour deal over the line in time, as the 25-year-old instead settled for a loan move to Galatasaray.

His deal with the Turkish Süper Lig champions includes a rumoured break clause, which would allow interested clubs to strike a deal for him mid-season. Chelsea could have a free run over signing Osimhen in January, with BlueCo already making contact ahead of a potential move (TEAMtalk).

Chelsea promise Osimhen they will try to sign him next year

TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week, and they write that Chelsea have promised Osimhen they will try to sign him in 2025, even if other names are on their shortlist as well.

The African superstar’s new release clause is set at £63 million, which is a mark-down from his original one in the summer, so the incentive for Chelsea to make a move is there – even if Jackson will feel pretty hard done by.

Called “unmarkable” and a “force of nature” by the Italian press, Osimhen was one of Serie A’s most prolific stars before he joined Galtasaray to escape Antonio Conte’s Napoli.

“I’ve told him how good the club is and what a fantastic place it is to improve. He’s interested which is encouraging. He wants to come to the club,” said ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel in August.

“Chelsea is a massive club and he would like to follow in the footsteps of other Nigerians to play for Chelsea. I think it’s 60/40 in favour that Osimhen comes, I think so, he wants to come. I think there should be a straight swap because Napoli want [Romelu] Lukaku.”

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will run from October 27-November 22, while the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be held from December 1-29

Shashank Kishore20-Aug-2021

The Ranji Trophy will end on March 20, 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The BCCI has pushed back the start of the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy from November 16 this year to January 5 next year to ensure the 38 participating teams have more time to prepare for red-ball cricket. The move follows a request from several associations to be given more time to prepare for the premier first-class competition, which was shelved in 2020-21 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The competition will now end on March 20, 2022.Related

BCCI disburses longstanding Covid compensation for domestic players

Kolkata to host Ranji Trophy final, men's season-opening Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in Delhi

Shubham Ranjane, Shrikant Wagh, Eknath Kerkar sign for Goa

Wasim Jaffer named Odisha chief coach ahead of domestic season

No domestic bliss: Indian cricketers wait for upswing after lost year

In a revised domestic calendar sent out to the state associations, the BCCI has accommodated the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy for much of the period the Ranji Trophy was originally set to run. This means both the senior men’s white-ball tournaments will be held before the first-class season. The T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that kicks off the senior men’s calendar will run from October 27 to November 22, with the Hazare Trophy being staged from December 1-29.The women’s one-day competition, the season’s original curtain raiser, will now begin on October 20, instead of September 21. This will be followed by a four-team Challenger Trophy for women, aimed at providing more game time to India’s top players as well as the fringe players with an eye on the 2022 women’s World Cup in New Zealand.The domestic season will culminate with the CK Nayudu Trophy, which is now an Under-25 tournament instead of Under-23. The move will especially benefit those players who lost out 18 months of age-group cricket because of the pandemic. This tournament will be played from January 6 to April 2. In recent times, the tournament has been seen as a feeder for the Ranji Trophy.Ranji Trophy format tweaked; players unhappy
According to the revised schedule, the 38 Ranji Trophy teams will now be slotted into six groups: five Elite (six teams each) and one Plate (eight teams). Each of the Elite group toppers will secure direct entry into the quarter-finals. The second-placed teams from each of the five Elite Groups and the topper of the Plate group will play three pre-quarter-finals to decide the other qualifiers.While the format adds competitive edge while also making it sleeker, it also has a flip side to it. As per the earlier schedule, teams were divided into three Elite Groups and one Plate group, with Elite teams having a minimum of eight first-class games, nine in case of Plate.The reduction to five league games in the current format also potentially leads to reduced earnings, unless the BCCI’s apex committee, formed to look into the issue of player compensation, announces a significant pay hike.So far, the players haven’t heard from the board about delayed compensation for cricket missed in 2020-21 either.Under-19 players to get an extra year
In line with not wanting to deny Under-19 players a crack at junior cricket’s biggest prize – the Under-19 World Cup – the BCCI has ensured Under-19 players will be handed an extra year to make their case for the World Cup, slated to be held in the Caribbean early next year.As per the BCCI’s existing rules, a player can compete in Under-19 cricket for a maximum of four seasons. This rule has been tweaked to accommodate a fifth season to ensure something of a level-playing field for players who lost out more than a year because of the pandemic.Meanwhile, the inclusion of the Vijay Merchant Trophy for the Under-16 boys removes any uncertainty around the tournament owing to the absence of a vaccination programme for those aged 18 or less. While no dates have been announced yet, the tournament is expected to take place in November-December 2021.Cap on players, support staff
In an email to the state associations, the BCCI has stipulated that each team can have a maximum of 30 members, comprising at least 20 players. The number of support staff has been capped at ten. Teams have also been asked to appoint a physician, over and above the regular staff cap, for Covid-19-related issues and emergencies.

Following a disappointing start to the campaign, Leeds United are reportedly set to be handed a major injury boost for their trip to Cardiff City this weekend, with four stars in line to return.

Leeds injury news

Just when it looked as though Daniel Farke’s side were back on course after earning victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, Farke’s side were brought back down to reality in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Burnley. Two sides in pursuit of Championship promotion, Leeds will be left feeling frustrated once again.

Leeds monitoring "genius" Farke successor who the 49ers are excited about

Leeds are keeping an eye on an exciting young manager should Farke be sacked.

1 ByBrett Worthington Sep 18, 2024

Farke recently spoke on his side’s poor start to the campaign amid criticism over his side’s system, telling reporters via Leeds Live: “The style of football is quite normal. When you are attacking with passes and combinations, a good stricture, clear principles, if you do not win, it’s where is Plan B.

“I never hear the team parking the bus, nobody asks for Plan B. It’s always normal. We are happy if we win. It is not like figure skating. You do not get marks for beautiful posture, it is bringing the ball over the line. If you do not win with our style, or City’s or Marcelo’s, it is called not a proper style and you need to go 4-4-2.”

It’s something that the former Norwich City manager will now be out to prove against Cardiff in a game that will at least feature some much-needed injury boosts. As relayed by Leeds Live, Farke confirmed that as many as four Leeds stars are in line for a return against Cardiff this weekend, with Max Wober, Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo and Joe Rothwell all training and potentially featuring in Wales.

Farke confirmed the news, telling reporters: “Rodon missed two sessions due to some hip problems or glute problems. Firpo struggling with MCL. Manor Solomon with some back problems. Rothwell rolled his ankle. A few concerns, but I am carefully optimistic all of them will be available.

“Biggest question mark behind Manor with his back problems. Max Wober back in training from today, light session. Wait to see how he reacts tomorrow. Late decision.”

Now or never for Wober at Leeds

Arriving from Red Bull Salzburg in January of 2023, earning a reported £35k-a-week in the process, Wober opted to join Borussia Monchengladbach on loan instead of battling in the Championship last time out. Now, he is back and must make an impact.

Still just 26 years old, Wober could still play a vital part as a player who has the quality to play in the top flight, as shown on loan at Gladbach in the Bundesliga. Carlton Palmer even believes that the central defender could play a “key part” under Farke this season, perhaps starting with Cardiff this weekend.

His return should be a major boost for Farke, as will be the potential returns of Firpo, Rodon and Rothwell. Aiming to get back to winning ways, Leeds must turn their poor early season form around.

A new transfer update has emerged regarding Manchester United’s pursuit of “world-class” free agent Adrien Rabiot, with a reporter sharing news he’s heard from Old Trafford.

Man Utd transfer news

Despite the summer transfer window closing at the end of last month, United have continued to be linked with signings, as well as the potential to sell current players.

One of those figures in the latter category is Casemiro, who endured a torrid afternoon at home to Liverpool recently, gifting them two goals in their 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League, and he was left out of Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for the trip to Southampton on Saturday. A move to Galatasaray was mooted for the Brazilian, but that has ended up not materialising.

In terms of incomings, Rosenborg BK teenager Sverre Halseth Nypan has been mentioned as a possible addition for United, with the 17-year-old once saying that it would be a “dream” to complete a move to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Monaco right-back Vanderson has also been linked with a switch to the Red Devils, but Chelsea and Tottenham are believed to be in the mix to acquire the 23-year-old’s signature, too. Now, another claim has dropped regarding another rumoured addition.

Transfer update on Man Utd and Adrien Rabiot

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Manchester United are now “unlikely” to sign Rabiot, despite him being available on a free transfer and heavily linked with the Red Devils.

The 29-year-old left Juventus at the end of last season and has been without a club since, standing out as one of the most high-profile free agents on the market at the moment, being valued at £30m by Transfermarkt.

Rabiot could have been such a strong signing by United if they had tried to get him, considering he has won seven league titles in his career – six with Paris Saint-Germain and one with Juve. He has also been lauded by former France striker David Trezeguet, who said of him in 2022:

“We are talking about a problem for Juventus because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different. He is world class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was.”

There is an argument to say that United are being wise in not signing a 29-year-old on big wages, however, with the club guilty of bringing in ageing players whose best years are behind them in recent years. Casemiro is arguably an example of that, so bringing in a younger midfield alternative to Rabiot could make more sense further down the line, perhaps in January.

Related Better than Martinez: 9/10 Man Utd star has just made himself undroppable

He was even better than Martinez against Southampton on Saturday.

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Sep 15, 2024

That being said, should their stance change all of a sudden, there is no reason why the France international couldn’t be a shrewd signing for a few years, bringing experience in the middle of the park and possibly acting as a short-term upgrade on Casemiro.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em pleno estádio Baenão, em Belém, em jogo válido pela 36ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B, o Goiás venceu o Remo pelo placar de 1 a 0 e voltou ao G-4. O gol saiu aos 22 minutos, após bobeada da defesa do time paraense, Alef Manga foi oportunista e marcou o tento da vitória da equipe Esmeraldina.

RelacionadasGoiásRezende alerta para o emocional nas ‘decisões’ da Série B e elogia torcida do Goiás: ‘Fez diferença’Goiás13/11/2021GoiásPopó marca duas vezes e Goiás sai na frente em semifinal do Goiano sub-20Goiás11/11/2021Futebol NacionalFelipe Gedoz fala sobre bom ano individual no Remo e quer permanência do clube na Série BFutebol Nacional08/11/2021

Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Com o resultado da partida, o Goiás foi para 61 pontos, saltou para 3ª colocação e entrou de novo no G-4 faltando duas rodadas para acabar o Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B. Já o Remo fica com 41 pontos, no 16º lugar e está muito ameaçado para o rebaixamento.

CALENDÁRIO
Na próxima rodada, o Remo visita o Vasco, em São Januário, no Rio de Janeiro, dia 19 de novembro, às 19h00. Já o Goiás enfrenta o Guarani, no Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, dia 22 de novembro, 20h00.

PRIMEIRO TEMPO
A partida
JOGO COMEÇA MOVIMENTADO NO BAENÃO
Os primeiros 15 minutos de Remo e Goiás foram bastante movimentados. Aos 3 minutos, Matheus Oliveira teve uma ótima oportunidade para marcar em belo arremate, mas o goleiro Tadeu fez uma grande defesa. Mas o Remo não ficou só nessa chegada. Dois minutos depois, Felipe Gedoz teve chance em cobrança, mas acabou batendo por cima do gol.

A resposta do Goiás veio aos 13 minutos. Caio Vinícius encontrou Alef Manga dentro da área. O atacante bateu bem, mas o goleiro Vinícius conseguiu defender. Aos 17, nova finalização de Alef Manga, nova defesa do goleiro Vinícius.

JOGO FICA TRUNCADO E CHANCES DE GOL DESAPARECEM
A partida caiu de rendimento depois do início movimentado. Os dois times passaram a praticar um jogo muito mais brigado do que jogado e as oportunidades de gol simplesmente desapareceram, enquanto as faltas e os cartões amarelos apareceram bastante.

REMO MELHORA E QUASE MARCA ANTES DO INTERVALO
O jogo parecia caminhar para um fim de primeiro tempo com pouca emoção, mas, aos 38 minutos, o time do Remo resolveu criar em dois minutos duas grandes oportunidades para marcar.

Aos 38 minutos, Anderson Uchoa arriscou de fora da área e quase marcou após a bola desviar em David Duarte. Na cobrança de escanteio, aos 39, Romércio acertou bela cabeçada, mas Tadeu operou um milagre e salvou os Esmeraldinos.

SEGUNDO TEMPO
GOLEIRO TADEU SALVA O GOIÁS
Na volta para etapa complementar, logo aos 2 minutos, o goleiro Tadeu voltou a salvar o time do Goiás. Victor Andrade recebeu passe, limpou a jogada e bateu firme. O goleiro Esmeraldino salvou praticando outra grande defesa.

UMA CHANCE PARA CADA LADO
A partida estava muito movimentada no segundo tempo. O Goiás resolveu atacar o Remo e poderia ter marcado, aos 6 minutos, mas a falta cobrada por Elvis parou no goleiro Vinícius, que fez bela defesa.

A resposta do Remo surgiu aos 8 minutos. Felipe Gedoz acertou um excelente cruzamento. Igor conseguiu acertar a cabeçada, mas a bola acabou indo por cima do gol do goleiro Tadeu, do Goiás.

GOIÁS ABRE O PLACAR NO CONTRA-ATAQUE
O jogo continuava com os dois times especulando bastante, mas o gol não saia. Os treinadores resolveram mexer nos times aos minutos. Só que nem deu tempo de observar se as alterações iriam mudar algo na partida, pois o Goiás marcou o gol praticamente em seguida.

Aos 22 minutos, após tentativa de passe, o defensor do Remo acabou falhando. A bola sobrou para Alef Manga, que saiu na cara do goleiro Vinícius. O atacante do time Esmeraldino só teve o trabalho de tirar do goleiro e correr para o abraço: 1 a 0 para o Goiás.

REMO VAI PARA O TUDO OU NADA, MAS O GOIÁS SEGURA A PRESSÃO E FICA COM A VITÓRIA
Após o gol, o Remo demorou para conseguir assimilar o baque. Mas quando se reencontrou na partida, o time Paraense foi para cima com tudo em busca do empate. Foram várias chegadas, só que o time do Goiás foi firme na defesa e conseguiu segurar a pressão, garantir os três pontos e com isso voltar ao G-4.

REMO 0 x 1 GOIÁS – CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO SÉRIE B – 36ª RODADA
Estádio: Baenão, em Belém (PA)
Data/horário: 15 de novembro de 2021, às 20h00 (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Marielson Alves Silva (BA)
Assistentes: Alessandro Alvaro Rocha de Matos (BA) e Elicarlos Franco de Oliveira (BA)
VAR: Carlos Eduardo Nunes Braga (RJ)
Cartões amarelos: Anderson Uchoa, Felipe Gedoz, Victor Andrade (REM), Caio, Alef Manga (GOI)
Cartões vermelhos:
GOLS: Alef Manga, 22’/2ºT.

REMO (Técnico: Eduardo Baptista)
Vinícius; Thiago Ennes, Romércio, Kevem (Marcos Júnior, aos 35’/2ºT) e Igor Fernandes; Anderson Uchoa, Lucas Siqueira (Erick Flores, aos 20’/2ºT) e Felipe Gedoz (Ronald, aos 35’/2ºT); Matheus Oliveira (Rafinha, aos 20’/2ºT), Neto Pessoa (Renan Gorne, aos 20’/2ºT) e Victor Andrade.

GOIÁS (Técnico: Glauber Ramos)
Tadeu; Dieguinho (Matheus Salustiano, aos 39’/2ºT), David Duarte, Reynaldo e Artur; Caio, Rezende, Luan Dias (Iago Mendonça, aos 29’/2ºT) e Elvis; Alef Manga (Dadá Belmonte, aos 29’/2ºT) e Nicolas (Bruno Mezenga, aos 20’/2ºT).

جدد النادي الأهلي مطالباته لنادي الخلود السعودي بسداد المستحقات المالية المتأخرة عن إعارة اللاعب المالي أليو ديانج.

وأصدر النادي الأهلي بيانًا رسميًا، أكد خلاله حقه في استرجاع المبالغ المستحقة كاملةً، وذلك وفقًا للاتفاقية الموقعة بين الناديين.

فيديو | آليو ديانج يُسجل هدف فوز الخلود أمام الرائد في الدوري السعودي

وأشار البيان إلى أن النادي الأهلي قد أرسل العديد من المراسلات الرسمية إلى نادي الخلود والاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم، إلا أنه لم يتلقَّ أي ردٍ إيجابي حتى الآن.

وذكر الأهلي أنه أرسل أكثر من مكاتبة لنادي الخلود السعودي من أجل الحصول على المستحقات الخاصة باللاعب، وفي مقابل ذلك لم يتلقى إلا ردًا واحدًا، موضحًا ذلك بالتواريخ. بيان الأهلي بشأن مستحقات ديانج

جدد النادي مكاتباته المرسلة إلى نادي الخلود السعودي، المطالبة الأخير بسداد المستحقات المالية الناجمة عن استعارة اللاعب أليو ديانج، التي كان من المفترض أن يقوم النادي السعودي بسدادها في موعد أقصاه 15 سبتمبر الماضي.. وحرص النادي الأهلي على عدم التصعيد خلال الفترة الماضية انطلاقا من العلاقات الطيبة بين الناديين الشقيقين، فضلا عن العلاقة المتميزة التي تربط النادي الأهلي مع كل أشقائه من الأندية السعودية.. وأرسل النادي منذ إعارة ديانج عدة خطابات في هذا الإطار بتاريخ 10 ، و 2024/10/28 لنادي الخلود، و 2024/12/2 إلى الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم، وبتاريخ 2025/1/12 إلى رابطة دوري المحترفين ولجنة الاستقطابات، للرد على مراسلات الأهلي وسداد المبلغ المستحق تجنبًا للدخول في أية نزاعات قضائية، وهو ما لا يتمناه النادي .. وينتظر الأهلي رد نادي الخلود الشقيق وقيامه بسداد المبلغ .. يذكر أن الخطاب الوحيد الوارد من النادي السعودي إلى النادي الأهلي كان بتاريخ 25 سبتمبر الماضي يعتذر فيه عن تأخير سداد المبلغ المستحق.

Pakistan head coach defends himself after coming under scrutiny over the past few months

Umar Farooq09-Feb-2021

Misbah-ul-Haq came under scrutiny after the defeats in New Zealand but he has hit back on his critics strongly•Getty Images

Misbah-ul-Haq believes the 2-0 series win over South Africa was like “a breath of fresh air” for a Pakistan team which had until then been low on confidence, and also hoped that it puts an end to questions about his own performance as head coach.Misbah still has one and half years left on his contract with the PCB, but as losses began piling up, his position came under scrutiny. He and his staff were the subject of a review by a board-appointed cricket committee after they returned from a dismal tour of New Zealand, where they lost the Tests 0-2 and the T20Is 1-2. They gave Misbah an ultimatum. The results in the home series against South Africa would decide his future as head coach.On Tuesday, having done what was demanded of him, Misbah faced reporters in Lahore opened up about what it has been like for him over the past few weeks.”Obviously with all the uncertainty, it definitely brought in pressure and I don’t want to go to the right or wrong side of it but sometimes you don’t really have to focus on end results,” Misbah said. “There are so many other factors, the circumstantial ones but people start making noise after a series of picking up only the defeats disregarding the work behind it. Playing away isn’t difficult .. there were performances and I am not saying that I am not taking responsibility for bad performances. If I am being appreciated after winning then definitely I am answerable to the defeats as well but you have to take the circumstances in account as well to judge someone.”Since Misbah’s appointment, the PCB has made several big decisions, such as removing Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain and dropping him from all three formats. Azhar Ali took charge of the Test side while Babar Azam was chosen to lead in limited-overs cricket. However, after an unsuccessful tour of England last year, Ali was stripped of the captaincy and Azam was made captain across formats.Misbah was facing trouble as well. It is understood that the board had come close to sacking him after the New Zealand tour, potentially replacing him with coaches from the High Performance Centre in Lahore.Pakistan captain Babar Azam and his team-mates pose with the series trophy•AFP via Getty Images

“There should be continuity and if we are here for three years for instance then the assessment should be after the given time frame,” Misbah said. “Try to wait, sit back, there will be ups and downs. It will never be only victory or only defeats. Things need to be seen in perspective. It’s a process, with a new team and players you have to follow up on the development of the team and players. For results it takes time and sometimes it takes a little more time as well but taking abrupt decisions based on frustration and disappointment doesn’t help. Change is important but only if it’s for the sake of betterment.”Pakistan have now risen to No. 5 in the ICC Test rankings, their highest position since 2017. They were largely in control of both Test matches against South Africa, wrapping up the one in Karachi within four days and fighting back with great skill on the last day in Rawalpindi.”It’s like a breath of fresh air and it was important as the team was very low in confidence and overall people were angry,” Misbah said. “Playing at home plays a big part in giving boys enough confidence to do well. The series and matches were tough and performances came from difficult situations that showed the character of the team. Winning is one factor but the way an inexperienced team dealt with ups and downs made one hell of a difference. There were tough situations and there were stages when we could have lost hope but every time they showed determination and came out well. We had seen glimpses in New Zealand as well and all of it shows that team is moving in the right direction. Credit should be given to these players for winning against a top class team.”Pakistan’s dismantling of South Africa was so efficient that Misbah is confident this team can be successful no matter where they play. “We were hopeful of showing more fight in England but unfortunately the first defeat in Manchester which still hurts was a setback,” he said. “We should have won that Test match and the series. We weren’t able to have those finishing touches and even in New Zealand we were dropping crucial catches and something was always pulling us back. So these are the things we managed to rectify. I think we’ve also settled on a good team combination with Faheem (Ashraf) providing us with balance. There is still a need for improvement in certain departments but we are brimming confidence right now we are in a better position to win away series.”And finally, Misbah made it a point to praise Azam’s efforts in leading Pakistan and took pains to explain that it is the captain – and no one else – who is in charge of the team.”In cricket, the role of captain is very important and if he isn’t fully in-charge and has confidence in his playing XI then it will be difficult for him. Obviously when we make someone captain then we have to empower him and trust in him. We know that he makes a decision and we help him and at the end of the day you (as coaches) aren’t in the field for every ball or over but he is and as a captain he has to run the show. Babar is young and with such a big series he did well utilising the resources and that is what we want.”It isn’t like a war for power between a captain and management on who will make decisions. He is too young but handles everything nicely. It’s for the sake of betterment we let him grow and our job is limited but decisions we make are with consensus. We plan sitting together and he is the one taking the team to fight in the field. I am happy the way he is developing and with time and more cricket he will get the confidence and he will keep on growing bigger in his role.”