Wolves have endured a tough start to the campaign, losing five of their opening six Premier League games.

A 1-1 draw with Spurs on Saturday offered some encouragement, though it was bittersweet given they led until a 94th-minute equaliser from Joao Palhinha.

The result still leaves them bottom of the table with a goal difference of -9. Cup competitions have provided some relief.

They beat Everton in the Carabao Cup third round and now face Chelsea at home for a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

But the domestic reality is clear: Wolves desperately need to rediscover consistency and firepower. Their attack has been blunt, generating the fourth-worst xG in the division – ahead of only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Burnley.

This summer also brought significant upheaval. Wolves sold Matheus Cunha to Arsenal for £62.5m and their dynamic left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City for £36m.

While those exits weakened the squad, they managed to keep Jørgen Strand Larsen, responsible for 22% of Wolves’ goals last season.

Newcastle had multiple bids rejected, including one worth £55m, before the Norwegian signed a new deal until 2030.

Alongside Larsen, Wolves added Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci, and John Arias.

Yet one of their most important figures this season could be found at left-back – a position vacated by Ait-Nouri.

The blow of losing Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri had become a fan favourite at Molineux since his arrival from Angers in 2021.

Over three seasons, he made 157 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 19 assists.

Renowned for his energy and ability to carry the ball upfield, he was as dangerous in attack as he was valuable in defence.

At just 24 years old, Ait-Nouri had already developed into one of the most exciting left-backs in the Premier League.

His progress earned him a £36m move to Manchester City in the summer, though an ankle injury has sidelined him until mid-October.

Internationally, he represented France at youth level before committing to Algeria, making 18 senior appearances since 2023.

Statistically, Ait-Nouri offered a strong all-round package.

Last season, he averaged 2.58 tackles per 90, 1.22 blocks per 90, and 2.63 shot-creating actions per 90.

Those numbers highlighted his mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust.

Wolves’ challenge was always going to be finding someone capable of stepping into his shoes – a daunting task given his influence at both ends of the pitch.

How Wolves have found the new Ait-Nouri

Enter Hugo Bueno.

Signed from a Spanish youth side for just £3k, he now finds himself valued at £7m, as per Transfermarkt —a staggering rise of around 233,000%.

At 23 years old, Bueno has been gradually integrated into the Wolves first team, making 57 appearances to date, including six Premier League starts this season and two Carabao Cup outings.

A Spanish youth international, Bueno made his U21 debut in September 2023.

He also gained valuable experience on loan at Feyenoord, where he featured in the Champions League.

His rapid development has been crucial for Wolves this season, especially after Ait-Nouri’s departure.

On the pitch, this “exciting” talent, as described by Matt Hobbs, has shown he is more than capable of filling the void, with the pair noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in Europe, as per FBref.

The stats underline his progress.

Matches Played

20

Minutes

1,197

Tackles

9

Blocks

11

Interceptions

11

Last campaign, Bueno registered three goal involvements compared to Ait-Nouri’s 11.

Where he really stands out is in ball progression: he averages 4.59 progressive carries per 90 (to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58) and 3.61 progressive passes per 90 (versus 3.13).

His 85.7% pass completion rate also edges Ait-Nouri’s 84.2%. Defensively, Bueno is still finding his feet.

He averages 1.35 tackles per 90 compared to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58, and his 0.83 blocks per 90 are also slightly lower. But his attacking profile makes him a dynamic presence.

He creates 2.56 shot-creating actions per 90, almost on par with Ait-Nouri’s 2.63, showing his ability to contribute in the final third.

Wolves’ season will depend on more than just their left-back, but the emergence of Bueno has softened the blow of losing Ait-Nouri.

For a player signed for a nominal fee, he represents one of the best bargains in the Premier League – a reminder that sometimes the best solutions can come from within.

If Wolves are to climb off the bottom and restore their competitive edge, Hugo Bueno may just be the man to help lead them forward.

Pereira may have found the new Cunha in Wolves' "tremendous ball-carrier"

Has the new Matheus Cunha arrived at Wolves?

ByWill Miller Sep 30, 2025

Aston Villa are now readying an end-of-season offer for an England international, who Thomas Tuchel has called “excellent”.

Villa set sights on new midfielder amid McGinn update

During the summer transfer window, there were suggestions that John McGinn could move elsewhere, with the midfielder being linked with a move to Everton, but the captain ultimately ended up staying put, and there has now been a new update on his future.

Former scout Mick Brown has revealed that Villa are looking to tie McGinn down to a new contract, saying: “They’re going to look to get him tied down to a new deal to secure his future at the club, because of that stability and leadership he brings to the squad.

“It’s something they’ll sit down and talk about in the next few weeks because at the moment, there are a few concerns there that they’re going to have to address.”

Monchi identifies "incredible" Aston Villa target who'd fix Emery's attack

The Villans are ready to make their move.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 16, 2025

However, after making a slow start to the Premier League season, with the Villans failing to score in their first four games, it has now been revealed that they are looking to bolster their options in the engine room.

That is according to a report from Milan Web, which states Aston Villa are now ready to make an end-of-season offer for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, whose contract with the Italian club is set to expire in 2027.

Loftus-Cheek’s future at the San Siro is up in the air, with AC Milan willing to listen to offers in the region of €20m (£17m), and a number of rival Premier League clubs are in the race for his signature.

Newcastle United and West Ham United have also expressed an interest in the central midfielder, who recently received his first England call-up since March 2019.

"Excellent" Loftus-Cheek lauded by Tuchel

Tuchel knows the 29-year-old well from his time as Chelsea manager, lauding the maestro as “excellent” courtesy of his performance in the 2022 FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.

Since then, the former Chelsea man has gone on to receive more praise from the England manager, after the 52-year-old called him up to the Three Lions squad during the recent international break.

The 10-time England international has made a solid start to the Serie A campaign, scoring one goal in his opening three games, while also impressing with his dribbling, aerial and passing over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Statistic

Average per 90

Progressive carries

2.88 (96th percentile)

Pass completion %

88.6% (84th percentile)

Aerials won

1.74 (87th percentile)

As such, if Loftus-Cheek continues his current performance levels, he could be a solid signing for Aston Villa next summer.

حجز منتخب مصر لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا، بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائي كأس العالم لكرة اليد، والتي تقام في المغرب عقب الفوز على إسبانيا، في نصف النهائي. 

وواجه منتخب مصر لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا، نظيره منتخب إسبانيا، في الساعة الـ 10:15 بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين في نصف نهائي كأس العالم لكرة اليد. 

طالع..منتخب مصر يهزم إسبانيا وتأهل إلى نهائي كأس العالم لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا

وتمكن منتخب مصر لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا، من الفوز على منتخب إسبانيا في نصف النهائي بنتيجة 31-28.

 يذكر أن بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا، تقام  في الفترة من 24 أكتوبر وحتى 1 نوفمبر 2025، في المغرب، وتضم 12 منتخبا مقسمة على 3 مجموعات.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، نظيره منتخب ألمانيا، في نهائي بطولة كأس العالم لكرة اليد، عقب فوز ألمانيا على قطر في نصف النهائي بنتيجة 39-22. موعد مباراة منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا وألمانيا في نهائي كأس العالم لكرة اليد 

وسيواجه منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا نظيره منتخب ألمانيا في نهائي كأس العالم لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا، يوم السبت المقبل الموافق 1 نوفمبر الساعة 9:15 مساءا بتوقيت القاهرة في الدار البيضاء بالمغرب.   

Mexico’s right back position remains unsettled ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but there’s a new glimmer of hope. El Tri striker Santiago Giménez shared an encouraging update on Copenhagen defender Rodrigo Huescas, who’s recovering from a torn ACL. The two came up together in Cruz Azul’s youth academy, where they formed a close bond.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Reasons for optimism

  Huescas' injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the season with FC Copenhagen, but despite the setback, the young Mexican defender is dreaming big. During a TikTok live session, Giménez revealed that he recently spoke with Huescas and relayed that the right back remains optimistic about making it to the 2026 World Cup.

  “I talked to Rodrigo the other day – he’s hopeful, and we all have hopes that he’ll make it to the World Cup,” said the AC Milan striker.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  How the injury happened…

  The injury occurred during a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Qarabağ, where Huescas exited the field in the 13th minute after a challenge on the right flank, visibly distraught as the severity became evident.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The recovery process

  Despite the grim diagnosis, recent updates have provided encouraging signs. On social media, Huescas shared footage of himself training on a stationary bike, sporting only light wrapping on the injured knee. The video sparked optimism among Copenhagen fans – and especially among Mexican supporters who see him as a potential solution for El Tri’s right-back dilemma.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Who is on the list?

  The race to fill that position remains open. While regular names like Julián Araujo, Kevin Álvarez, and Jorge Sánchez remain in contention, new options such as dual-national Richard Ledezma have begun to surface – even though he has yet to be called up by Javier Aguirre.

Unbroken stand of 249 with Chris Benjamin lifts visitors from trouble at 137 for 6

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay16-May-2025Grant Stewart posted a brilliant swashbuckling hundred to inspire a notable Kent fightback on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship match against Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.Their backs firmly against the wall after being reduced to 137 for 6, the visitors were indebted to the seventh-wicket pair of Stewart and Chris Benjamin, who staged a revitalising unbeaten stand of 249 in 56 overs to rescue a parlous situation. Stewart registered a career-best score of 173 not out from 174 balls with 19 fours and five sixes, while Benjamin contributed a cautious yet chanceless 82 not out, hewn from 212 deliveries with five fours, as Kent reached the close on 386 for 6.Stewart and Benjamin made history in the Bristol sunshine, establishing a record seventh-wicket stand in all matches for Kent, eclipsing the 248 scored by Arthur Day and Punter Humphreys against Somerset at Taunton in 1908. It was a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after Gloucestershire’s bowlers had dominated the first few hours, Ajeet Singh Dale claiming 4 for 97 and Tom Price and Josh Shaw weighing in with a wicket apiece to justify captain Cameron Bancroft’s decision to bowl first.If Kent mindsets were fragile following defeat by an innings and 161 runs at the hands of Glamorgan last time out, Gloucestershire’s bowlers certainly took full advantage. But the visitors will now feel they have the upper hand after Stewart and Benjamin turned the tables in such comprehensive fashion, banking three batting bonus points which had appeared beyond them earlier in the day.Requiring a solid start, Kent achieved exactly the opposite, Harry Finch pursuing Shaw’s second delivery of the day outside leg stump, offering a tame catch to James Bracey behind the stumps and departing for 1. That set the tone, Tom Price sending down four maidens in five overs that yielded just one run as Ben Compton and Daniel Bell-Drummond fought to see off the new ball.Their resistance quickly crumbled in the face of a fiery spell from Singh Dale, who generated impressive pace to remove both in the space of seven balls from the Ashley Down Road end. Bell-Drummond miscued an attempted drive and spooned a catch to mid-on, while Compton, having taken 19 balls to get off the mark and demonstrated no little application in moving his score to 19, drove loosely at a delivery that pitched outside off stump and was pouched by the diving Bracey as Kent slipped to 36 for 3.Jack Leaning never looked comfortable, was squared up by Singh Dale and sent a looping catch to Bancroft at second slip, at which point Singh Dale boasted figures of 3 for 22 from five overs. The only one of Kent’s top-order batters to play with any authority, Tawanda Muyeye raised 25 from 37 deliveries with four fours before edging a ball that nipped off the seam to the reliable Bancroft at second slip, affording Tom Price the wicket his accuracy deserved. In urgent need of a stabilising influence, the visitors were grateful to Benjamin and Jaydn Denly, who ensured they reached lunch without further loss on 85 for 5.Looking to play positively, England Under-19 batsman Denly helped himself to a sumptuous cover-driven four at the expense of Tom Price to signal a change in momentum as Kent’s first innings realised three figures in the 33rd over. Failing to maintain the tight lines that had characterised their work in the morning, Gloucestershire’s seamers were powerless to prevent the sixth wicket pair adding 63 in 15.3 overs.Singh Dale returned to break the partnership, beating Denly for pace with a ball that ricocheted off bat and pad and hit the top of off stump. Denly had mustered 39 from 51 balls and accrued six fours and was just two runs adrift of his highest first-class score when he departed with the board on 137 for 6.Surviving Singh Dale’s second spell, Benjamin and Stewart found the going easier thereafter as the pitch flattened out and the shine disappeared off the ball. Adopting a forthright approach from the outset, Stewart was prepared to take risks and looked to get on the front foot and drive whenever possible. He was first to 50, attaining that landmark via 51 balls as Kent passed 200. The Italy international pulled Graeme van Buuren for six to add to his half dozen fours as the visitors reached the tea interval on a relatively healthy 225 for 6 at the end of a session that had yielded 140 runs for the loss of just one wicket.Adopting a more circumspect approach, the assured Benjamin raised a half century of his own, carefully crafted from 129 balls, as the seventh-wicket alliance continued to prosper into the final session. The hundred partnership occupied 177 balls, at which point Bancroft recalled the talismanic Singh Dale. Although he went past the bat on several occasions, the 24-year-old paceman was unable to provide the breakthrough Gloucestershire coveted.Strong off his legs, Stewart positively rushed to the second first-class hundred of his career, edging Zaman Akhter to the fine leg boundary to raise three figures via 120 balls with his twelfth four. He hooked the next ball to deep midwicket and was caught by Tom Price, only for the unbalanced fielder to step over the rope and concede a six, an act which saw Stewart improve upon his previous highest score of 103 made against Middlesex at Canterbury in 2018.Gloucestershire took the new ball as soon as it became available, but were unable to curtail Stewart’s lusty hitting, the 31-year-old by now scoring at better than a run a ball to progress to his maiden 150 from 152 deliveries as Kent reached the close resurgent. Stewart and Benjamin had already set a new record seventh wicket partnership for Kent in matches against Gloucestershire, surpassing the unbeaten 151 posted by Derek Ufton and Alan Dixon at the Mount in 1960.

Chelsea are now set to enter talks to sign a new midfielder, who Enzo Maresca believes would be a perfect fit in his system.

Blues looking to sign another midfielder

There is arguably a case to be made for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo being the best midfield duo in the Premier League, with Reece James describing them as “phenomenal” and “up there with the best midfielders in the world” back in July.

While the Blues weren’t at the races at Old Trafford on Saturday, losing 2-1 against Manchester United after Robert Sanchez saw red in the fifth minute, Caicedo and Fernandez certainly didn’t let them down, with the former making five tackles, the highest number of any player.

As such, there is arguably little reason to spend big on another top midfielder, and the Blues have now identified a potentially cost-effective transfer target in the middle of the park, with Maresca personally a fan.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea now plan to open talks over a deal for Mikel Jauregizar, in order to assess whether the Athletic Bilbao star would be willing to make a move to the Premier League.

At 21-years-old, the signing of Jauregizar would fit the model of signing young players, and the report makes it clear he would be a more affordable option than the likes of Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who have previously been linked.

Maresca believes the Spaniard’s playing style would be ideal for his system, with the youngster’s vision, ball recovery and long-passing ability named as some of his key strengths.

As bad as Sanchez: Maresca must axe 4/10 Chelsea star who won just 2 duels

Chelsea endured an awful afternoon in the pouring rain at Manchester United.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 21, 2025 "Baller" Jauregizar could excel at Stamford Bridge

The central midfielder is held in very high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who once described him as an “underrated baller”, and there are signs he could be a success at Stamford Bridge, having impressed for Athletic Bilbao.

One of the maestro’s key strengths is his ability to win back possession, placing in the 90th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, which suggests he could be a fantastic rotation option for Caicedo and Fernandez.

The starlet also has a keen eye for goal, as displayed at Old Trafford last season, finding the back of the net with a fantastic strike from distance in the Europa League.

The Blues are already well-stocked in the engine room, but given that Romeo Lavia can’t seem to put his injury problems behind him, it could make sense to bring in another option, and Jauregizar is showing promising signs at Athletic Bilbao.

That said, fans will be hoping the young Spaniard joining isn’t a sign Fernandez is on the move, with it recently being revealed Chelsea are willing to sell the midfielder on three conditions…

Birmingham took the local derby honours against Worcestershire Rapids with a thrilling one-wicket Vitality Blast victory in a low-scoring nerve-shredder at Edgbaston.The Rapids, put in, floundered to 134 all out in 18.4 overs in the face of the experienced Bears spin attack. Dan Mousley took a T20 best 4 for 19, Danny Briggs 2 for 20 and Jake Lintott 2 for 27 as no batter reached 30.Warwickshire then scraped to 135 for 9 with three balls to spare. Alex Davies supplied a violent start and, after Fateh Singh (3 for 18) and Ben Dwarshuis (3 for 32), forced a collapse, last pair Sam Hain (38 not out) and Lintott took the Bears over the line.The Rapids charged to 39 from 21 balls before Mousley struck twice in three balls. Seventeen-year-old Isaac Mohammed, a product of the Edgbaston youth system before joining Worcestershire earlier this year, showed his class with a glorious six over long-off off Ed Barnard but then missed a full toss and was bowled. Jake Libby, off-balance, sliced to extra cover and it was three wickets for four runs from ten balls after Kashif Ali made a porridge of a pull at Briggs and was bowled.Adam Hose struck four fours to restore some momentum but his demise accelerated the collapse. Hose chipped Mousley to deep midwicket, Gareth Roderick swept Lintott’s first ball into the gloves of wicketkeeper Davies and Ethan Brookes drove Briggs to extra cover to supply the bowler’s 300th wicket in all T20 competitions across the world.Mousley’s fourth scalp arrived when Tom Taylor slogged to long-on. Dwarshuis socked Lintott for three successive sixes but, after the sequence was broken by a shrewd off-side wide, hoisted the next ball to long -off.Eight wickets having fallen in 12 overs, the Rapids’ last two wickets found themselves with 26 balls at their disposal. They gathered 15 runs before Jacob Duffy holed out to Barnard to cap the catalogue of carelessness that was the Rapids’ innings.Birmingham soon lost Tom Latham, who skied a slog at Dwarshuis, but were put on course for victory by Davies’ cameo. The captain hit 34 of his 42 runs in fours and sixes before lifting Singh’s first ball to Taylor at long-off.The Bears then emulated the Rapids’ collapse. Taylor took another calm catch in the same position when Mousley attacked Duffy. Warwickshire were still well in control, needing only six per over, but Moeen Ali and Barnard tried to go big and only sent up catches. When Barnard and Kai Smith, pinned lbw, fell to successive balls from Singh, the home side were 86 for 6.The Rapids were on a roll but Hain and George Garton applied some belated intelligence to the batting to add 25 in five overs before the latter was brilliantly caught at point by Mohammed off Duffy. With 21 needed from three overs, the Bears were leaning, as so often, on Hain.Hasan Ali slogged six and glanced four from successive balls in the penultimate over from Dwarshuis to take his side within three of victory. The Pakistan star then skied to deep extra cover but the Bears needed three from the last over, with Hain on strike – and the Bears’ talisman, with mature support from Lintott, saw his side home.

A much-changed Manchester City side still had enough in their tank to comfortably breeze past Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

The Terriers used to host Premier League matches, but the hosts now find themselves in League One, with the gulf between the two teams very much evident come the final whistle as City’s quality inevitably shone through.

In particular, Phil Foden had a sublime night in West Yorkshire as the six-time Premier League title winner reminded everyone of how superb he can be when on top form.

Foden's standout performance in numbers

It shouldn’t be the greatest shock in the world that Foden showed up and performed with the swagger he did, considering the 45-time England international does have 102 goals for the Citizens at a senior level.

Still, in recent times, Foden hasn’t always performed at his exquisite best, but he very much turned on the style under the John Smith’s Stadium floodlights to spearhead the youthful XI picked by Pep Guardiola to a straightforward win.

It would be Foden who would break the deadlock after an uneventful start to the Cup clash, with the tricky number 47 linking up with young prospect Divine Mukasa with a quick exchange of passes, before hammering home this fierce effort past a helpless Lee Nicholls.

He would then turn provider late on for Savinho to bag a confidence-boosting effort, with three key passes and two successful dribbles by his name come the full-time whistle, as per Sofascore, only reinforcing how hard he was to contain from the home side’s perspective.

With a further goal and assist also coming his way against Manchester United and Napoli, too, it appears that Foden is back to his stylish peak, after losing his way somewhat with niggly injury setbacks.

Foden’s obvious class made up for other attackers underperforming with the spotlight on them, with one promising City starlet – in particular – just lacking that final end product that the Stockport-born ace showed off in abundance against Lee Grant’s men.

The Man City star in danger of being axed

That isn’t to say that none of Guardiola’s rotated team didn’t perform against their lowly opposition, with Mukasa presumably proud of his efforts come the end of the 2-0 victory, having assisted Foden’s opener. On his senior debut, it was a memorable night for the teenage attacker.

Moreover, Nathan Ake stood firm throughout against the League One hosts, having just been a substitute against Arsenal, with a staggering 120 accurate passes standing out, alongside the Dutchman winning two aerial duels when rarely tested.

Oscar Bobb also showed flashes of his excellence in West Yorkshire, but it’s unfortunately unlikely to be enough for the Norwegian youngster to remain in the first team fold for Premier League clashes to follow.

After all, while the slick winger did burst forward and complete three successful dribbles, he very rarely tested Nicholls in the same way Foden did, with the 22-year-old needing to find his shooting boots to guarantee more regular senior minutes.

Indeed, despite lasting the full 90 minutes and amassing a hefty 87 touches of the ball, Bobb would only manage to register one limp effort at the home side’s busy goal.

Moreover, on the creative front, the hot-and-cold number 52 would also give up the ball a high 17 times, leading to City content creator Steven McInerney stating that the Oslo-born forward “created absolutely nothing” of note.

Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski was a tad more complimentary with his post-match musings, having handed out a 7/10 rating to Bobb after the dust had settled slightly on the Cup win.

Still, despite hailing the 22-year-old as ‘tricky’, Bajkowski did also emphasise that the Scandinavian attacker must have been left with the feeling after the game that he could have offered more to make a compelling case for consistent first-team minutes moving forward.

Having only been present on the pitch for a mere 18 minutes across City’s last three games heading into this Cup encounter – after starting against Brighton and Hove Albion at the close of August – it does feel as if Bobb will just return to the bench now, while Foden aims to impress even more.

Pep requests Man City sign "special" star, £105m opening bid now being prepared

The Manchester City manager has instructed the club’s hierarchy to sign a midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 24, 2025

Antonio Cassano has jumped to the defence of Juventus boss Igor Tudor after their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, insisting the Croatian shouldn’t be blamed for the team’s poor run. The outspoken former striker instead called out the Bianconeri’s squad quality, warning the club that sacking Tudor would be a huge mistake.

Cassano backs Tudor after Real Madrid defeat

Juventus’ winless run stretched to seven games after a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, leaving boss Tudor under growing scrutiny. Despite the result, the Italian giants showed flashes of promise at the Bernabeu, pushing Madrid for large spells before English starlet Jude Bellingham’s close-range finish decided the game.

Former Italy striker Cassano has, however, leapt to Tudor’s defence, claiming the problem lies with Juventus’ underwhelming squad rather than the manager. Speaking to , Cassano praised the Croatian’s tactical organisation and mentality, arguing that the 46-year-old is doing his best with limited resources.

“Igor Tudor is great: a great person, a great coach, a great communicator, he has a great personality, and I'm on his side,” Cassano said. “At the Bernabeu, he showed that he played a great match, in a world-class stadium. He could have scored a couple of goals, he could have conceded, he played the game brilliantly. But then, guys… what kind of players does Juve play with?”

AdvertisementAFP‘Tudor is not the problem’ – Cassano's verdict

Cassano continued his defence by stressing that Juve’ tactical discipline and effort under Tudor were clear to see in Madrid. Despite missing several chances, including Dusan Vlahovic’s late opportunity denied by Thibaut Courtois, the Bianconeri competed toe-to-toe with Xabi Alonso’s side for much of the contest.

“Juve played a great 65 minutes, they attacked, they had space to attack, but then when they finished… guys, they don't have Juve-caliber players,” Cassano said. “And it's not the coach's fault, he's trying to get what he can out of them. And Juve played a great match. Real Madrid didn't steal anything because they had their chances, but if you have 3-4 players of a certain level at your disposal in that team, this time you'll score three or four goals against Real Madrid. Maybe you concede four, but if you score three, you scare them.”

His comments reflect growing frustration among pundits who believe Juve have been weakened by years of poor recruitment and short-term planning. Tudor, who took over amid a turbulent period, has been credited with bringing back intensity and structure, but Cassano warned that without better players, results will remain inconsistent. “With a team like that… Tudor is the best coach right now, the one who can keep the ship afloat,” Cassano concluded.

Juventus improving under Tudor but still lacking bite

Tudor’s Juventus have shown signs of tactical evolution, especially in defensive structure and pressing organisation. The Croatian deployed a 5-4-1 system against Real Madrid, ensuring defensive solidity while allowing width through wing-backs Andrea Cambiaso and Pierre Kalulu. Players like Teun Koopmeiners and Khephren Thuram brought physicality in midfield, while Vlahovic led the line alone.

The plan initially worked, and Juventus frustrated Real for long spells, creating several chances before Bellingham’s decisive strike. However, the lack of a clinical edge and creative spark continues to haunt the Turin side. Key absences, including Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Fagioli, have also limited their attacking variety.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesLazio clash offers chance for reset

Juventus now turn their focus back to Serie A with a crucial away fixture against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, October 26. The Bianconeri have not won in seven matches across all competitions, piling pressure on Tudor to deliver a turnaround.

Statistically, Juve remain one of Serie A’s most active attacking teams, ranking third for total shots behind Inter and Napoli. However, their conversion rate and decision-making in the final third continue to undermine their efforts.

Juventus have historically dominated this fixture, winning 87 of their Serie A meetings with the Biancocelesti. Yet Lazio, backed by their home crowd, will be eager to exploit Juve’s fragile confidence.

For Tudor, the message from Cassano is clear, Juventus must hold their nerve, but Cassano’s warning could prove timely if Juventus are to avoid yet another managerial reset.

Eight-wicket victory settles rivalry between two in-form teams

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Jun-2025

Hampshire Hawks won the battle of the two in-form sides in women’s county cricket this summer as three wickets for impressive spinner Bex Tyson set up a commanding Vitality Blast win over Lancashire Thunder at Emirates Old Trafford.Left-armer Tyson returned an excellent season’s best three for 27 from four overs as Thunder scrambled to 122 for eight, including 37 not out off 20 balls for Ailsa Lister. The Hawks then sealed their second successive win at the start of the Blast, this one by eight wickets with one over remaining, as opener Ella McCaughan top-scored with eight fours in an unbeaten career best 68 off 57 balls.Hampshire currently lead the Metro Bank One-Day Cup standings from second-placed Lancashire, both sides having won six from eight in that competition. Thunder also won the Vitality County T20 Cup late last month. Thunder have now won one, lost two in the Blast.McCaughan scored a century in a 50-over win against Lancashire at Southport in April.As one left-arm spinner in Tyson impressed, Lancashire were missing England’s Sophie Ecclestone because of a quad injury.Having been inserted, Thunder were suffocated by some tight Hampshire bowling and excellent fielding, with five of eight wickets falling to spin.They reached only 20 for one after the six-over powerplay.Departing Australian overseas batter Katie Mack – she will be replaced by compatriot leg-spinning all-rounder Alana King from this weekend – was bowled for a five-ball duck as she tried to ramp the seam of Freya Davies.Seren Smale attempted to break free with a couple of boundaries, including one reverse swept off Tyson. But, later in the over, she played on for 20 trying to repeat the dose – 36 for two in the ninth.Opener Tilly Kesteven was run out for 28 and captain Ellie Threlkeld chipped the off-spin of her opposite number Georgia Adams to cover as the hosts stuttered to the 15-over mark at 77 for four.Off-spin struck again as Australian Charli Knott had Fi Morris, for 20, caught at short third attempting a reverse hoick, and Lancashire were in danger of not even reaching 100.They did that, but their total was always unlikely to trouble a Hampshire side who totalled 215 for three in their competition opener against Essex on Friday.Tyson had Tara Norris caught at long-on and bowled Darcey Carter in the 18th over – 99 for seven – before Lister hoisted a couple of late sixes over midwicket. Grace Johnson was then the second home player run out.Maia Bouchier set the tone for a routine chase by clipping the first ball behind square for four, though McCaughan was quickly into her stride as she twice drove the left-arm seam of Norris through the covers in the third over.Grace Potts had Bouchier caught off a top-edge for 12, leaving Hampshire 30 for one in the fourth over. But it already felt like a consolatory strike.Hampshire reached the 10-over mark at 69 for one, with McCaughan on 42.Knott holed out for 21 to Carter’s off-spin shortly before McCaughan, who also hit 68 against Essex last week, reached 50 again. This came off 40 balls.