Rahane, Chawla, Mishra and others with surprise comebacks at IPL 2023

Five players who were almost forgotten but are now putting in match-winning performances

Deivarayan Muthu20-Apr-2023Ajinkya Rahane (Chennai Super Kings)He had struggled to keep pace with T20 cricket in the past. More recently, he was dropped from India’s Test team. But Ajinkya Rahane has scripted an unexpected turnaround in IPL 2023 – his strike rate of 222.22 in the powerplay is by far the best among those who have scored at least 100 runs during that phase in an IPL season.After a hamstring injury had curtailed his stint in IPL 2022, where he managed just 133 runs in seven innings at an average of 19.00 and strike rate of 103.90, he was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 auction for his base price of INR 50 lakh. Rahane didn’t start for Super Kings this IPL, but after Moeen Ali was sidelined with a stomach bug, he dashed out of the bench and regularly hit over the top against both pace and spin in the powerplay.ESPNcricinfo LtdSuper Kings would have expected Rahane to perform the role Robin Uthappa used to do before his retirement from international and Indian cricket. But, with his high intent and role clarity, Rahane has exceeded all expectations so far.Rahane hasn’t been fielding at slips – MS Dhoni has often posted Moeen in that position – but he has been manning the hotspots in the outfield. His spectacular leap right at the edge of the long-off boundary at the Chinnaswamy Stadium denied Glenn Maxwell a six and saved five runs for Super Kings. Royal Challengers ended up hitting one six fewer than Super Kings’ 17 and losing by eight runs.Sandeep Sharma (Rajasthan Royals)After having played every IPL season from 2013 to 2022, Sandeep Sharma went unsold in the most recent auction. However, after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the entire IPL 2023 with a stress fracture, Sandeep joined Rajasthan Royals as his replacement and has been a reliable bowler in both the powerplay and at the death.Sandeep Sharma nailed yorkers in the final over against MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja to seal a tense win at Chepauk•BCCITasked with defending 20 in the last over against Dhoni at Chepauk, Sandeep started the over with two wides and then conceded back-to-back sixes, but he held his nerve to stop Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja with back-to-back yorkers. Sandeep had also set up Royals’ defence of 175 by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad in the powerplay. After the game, Sandeep said that he had been nailing his yorkers at the nets and perhaps that’s why Sanju Samson backed him to bowl the final over to Dhoni ahead of Kuldeep Sen, who can generate extra pace and bounce.After Sandeep helped Royals breach CSK’s fortress, he took the key wickets of Shubhman Gill and David Miller to set the scene for another away win, this time against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.Related

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Mishra, 40 and looking it, brings Lucknow the warm and fuzzy

Piyush Chawla (Mumbai Indians)Piyush Chawla was ignored at the mega auction in 2022. In the next auction, the 34-year-old was the last player to be bought by Mumbai Indians for his base price of 50 lakh before the start of the accelerated rounds. Chawla is currently Mumbai’s highest wicket-taker this season with seven strikes in five games at an economy rate of 7.15.He rolled back the years against Delhi Capitals , when he took 3 for 22, including the wickets of Rovman Powell and Manish Pandey, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chawla also got his legbreaks and wrong’uns to rip against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium, where he sent their chase into a tailspin with the wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen.Piyush Chawla is currently the leading wicket-taker for Mumbai Indians•BCCIAmit Mishra (Lucknow Super Giants)Just like Chawla, Amit Mishra had gone unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Just like Chawla, he got a gig this year and has proved once again there’s still room for old-school flight and dip in the age of fast legbreaks and mystery spin.Mishra, 40, was the oldest player at the auction, where Lucknow Super Giants snapped him up for his base price of INR 50 lakh. Super Giants unleashed him on Sunrisers on a black-soil turner at the Ekana stadium, where he came away with 2 for 23 from his four overs. He could be a regular feature for Super Giants at home, especially if they continue to use black-soil pitches. Plus, the introduction of the Impact Player rule means he doesn’t have to toil in the field like Rahane and can just put his feet up in the dressing room after finishing his bowling shift.Mohit Sharma (Gujarat Titans)Before IPL 2023, Mohit Sharma’s last season as an IPL regular was in 2018. Before that, he was the Purple Cap winner in 2014 and was part of the India team that reached the semi-final of the 2015 ODI World Cup.Injuries then ravaged his career, but a net-bowling stint in IPL 2022 with the eventual champions Gujarat Titans paved his way back. Ashish Nehra, the Titans coach who had also worked with Mohit at Super Kings, liked what he saw in the nets and Titans bought him at the IPL 2023 auction for his base price of INR 50 lakh. He was then brought into the XI ahead of Shivam Mavi and R Sai Kishore, after Yash Dayal was smashed for successive five sixes by Rinku Singh in the final over the match.Mohit marked his return, against Punjab Kings, with into-the-pitch offcutters and back-of-the-hand slower ones that had once impressed Dhoni at both CSK and India. He conceded only 18 runs in his four overs to go with the wickets of Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran in a Player-of-the-Match-winning performance. Comebacks don’t get better than this.

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The innings included an audacious, stunning, reverse-shot over the slip cordon off James Anderson with the second new ball.

تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع أمام إنبي اليوم في كأس الرابطة.. بدلاء وناشئين

استقر الدنماركي ييس توروب، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، على التشكيل المقرر له مواجهة إنبي اليوم الجمعة، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية “كأس عاصمة مصر”.

وتقام المباراة بين الأهلي وإنبي على أرضية استاد السلام، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات لـ كأس الرابطة.

طالع.. قائمة الأهلي لمباراة إنبي في كأس الرابطة.. عناصر شابة بالجملة

ويغيب عن الأهلي في المباراة نجوم الأحمر الدوليين وعدد من الأساسيين، حيث ينوي الدفع بعدد من البدلاء لتجهيزهم للفترة المقلة.

ويقع الأهلي وإنبي، في المجموعة الأولى من البطولة والتي تضم أندية “سيراميكا كليوباترا وفاركو وطلائع الجيش وغزل المحلة والمقاولون العرب”.

ويشارك في بطولة كأس الرابطة هذا الموسم 21 فريقًا المتواجدين في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز على رأسها الأهلي والزمالك، وتم تقسيم الأندية إلى 3 مجموعات، كل مجموعة تضم 7 فرق. تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع أمام إنبي

حراسة المرمى: محمد سيحا

خط الدفاع: محمد شكري – مصطفى العش – أحمد رمضان بيكهام – عمر كمال

خط الوسط: أليو ديانج – أحمد رضا – محمد عبد الله – حمزة عبد الكريم – طاهر محمد طاهر

الهجوم: جراديشار

Liverpool receive green light to make January move to sign "aggressive" Guehi alternative

Liverpool have now received the green light to make their move for a defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window, according to reports.

Slot: Teams "think they can get a result" against Liverpool

It wasn’t a disaster at Anfield as Liverpool came from behind to rescue a draw against Sunderland, but it was hardly an inspiring performance from the Premier League champions yet again.

Despite breaking their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak in the summer, the Swede was back to his subdued ways just days after netting his first Premier League goal for the club against West Ham United. And whilst Florian Wirtz at least played a part in the equaliser and looked bright throughout, Liverpool’s attack was a far cry from their scintillating best of past campaigns.

What should concern Arne Slot the most is his own admission that teams now believe they can “get a result” against his Liverpool side. That should never be the case at the home of the champions, but the Dutchman also denied that Anfield’s fear factor has evaporated this season.

He told reporters: “No, not Anfield. For sure. But it’s clear that teams that play us now think they can get a result. Not only think, because that has been shown this season.

“And even in the games we’ve won, they also fuelled the confidence for other teams like, ‘Hmm, something is possible’ because the wins we had at the beginning of the season weren’t easy ones as well.”

The only positive for Slot to take from the Sunderland game is that his side, whilst found wanting in attack, were harder to break down defensively. With fixtures coming thick and fast, that defensive foundation will be important but so will any depth that Liverpool add in that area in January, especially if they sign Joel Ordonez.

Liverpool receive green light to make Ordonez move

As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool have received a green light to make their move for Ordonez after maintaining contact with the defender’s camp. Racing alongside Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the Club Brugge defender, the Reds could land an ideal alternative for Marc Guehi.

Fewer touches than Alisson & only 2 passes: Liverpool flop must be dropped

Arne Slot has a huge call to make about one player after his showing for Liverpool last night.

2 ByEthan Lamb Dec 4, 2025

Despite reportedly reopening talks to sign the Crystal Palace man, Liverpool may be forced to wait until next summer when his contract expires to secure his signature. If that does prove to be the case, then those at Anfield should turn to Ordonez.

Although Como scout Ben Mattinson aired caution around Ordonez’s “aggressive” nature last year, it’s the exact trait that Liverpool have been lacking this season. The Reds have been physically outmatched and the arrival of the 21-year-old would go a long way towards solving that problem.

Jamie Carragher slams £280k-p/w Liverpool star who had no "excuses" vs Sunderland

Worse than Yang: Nancy must bin 3/10 Celtic dud who once had “the X factor”

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy will have plenty of big decisions to make on Thursday night when Italian giants Roma come to Parkhead in the Europa League.

It will be the Frenchman’s second match in charge of the Hoops and his first ever game in a European competition, having only managed in the MLS previously.

The former Columbus Crew head coach implemented his 3-4-2-1 system in a 2-1 defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, and will have learned a lot about which of his players do and do not suit certain roles.

Ranking the worst Celtic performers against Hearts

Football FanCast have already suggested that the new manager should drop Arne Engels from the team, because he gave the ball away a staggering 23 times, per Sofascore.

The Belgian midfielder was hugely ineffective in the middle of the park, but he was not the only one, as Benjamin Nygren did not create a single chance for the team in 65 minutes on the pitch.

1

Arne Engels

2

Sebastian Tounekti

3

Daizen Maeda

4

Liam Scales

5

Benjamin Nygren

As you can see in the table above, we have ranked Daizen Maeda in third, despite missing two ‘big chances’ (Sofascore), because he did assist Kieran Tierney’s goal by winning a header.

Liam Scales was also among the worst performers on the day, losing 100% (1/1) of his ground duels, and losing possession 15 times as a centre-back, per Sofascore.

Sebastian Tounekti, meanwhile, was the second-worst performer after Engels. The Tunisia international was given a 3/10 player rating by 67HailHail, and he should be dropped against Roma, as Hyun-jun Yang has proven himself to be a better option.

Why Sebastian Tounekti should be dropped

The summer signing from Hammarby should be ruthlessly dropped by Nabcy because his performances have not been good enough of late for the Scottish giants.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

In the summer, journalist Anders Lindberg claimed that Tounekti has “the X Factor”. That was clear to see in his early outings for the club, as he completed five dribbles and created four chances, per Sofascore, on his debut against Kilmarnock.

Tounekti followed up on that promising debut with a goal against Partick Thistle in the League Cup in his second match for the Hoops, which only heightened the excitement around him at Parkhead.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old forward has done very little since his first couple of appearances for Celtic. He is currently on a run of eight matches without a goal contribution, and has not assisted a goal in 18 matches for the club so far, per Sofascore.

Tounekti was subbed off after 59 minutes against Hearts so that Yang could switch over to the left side to play as the left wing-back, instead of on the right, and their recent performances suggest that he would be a better option there.

Goals

0

1

Key passes

2

1

Assists

0

0

Dribbles completed

3/13

6/10

Duels won

12/35

22/39

As you can see in the table above, the South Korean international has been significantly more effective in his physical duels and in his dribbles, which suggests that he is better suited to playing as a wing-back.

In this new role created by Nancy’s system, there is more of an onus on the player in that position to carry the ball up the pitch and to compete in more physical duels, which Yang is more equipped to do.

Tounekti, unfortunately, has failed to prove that he can be relied upon to be efficient in his duels or as an offensive threat, with his lack of goals and assists, as well as his struggles in physical contests with opposition defenders.

This is why he should be ruthlessly ditched from the starting line-up by Nancy for this clash with Roma on Thursday in the Europa League, with Yang moved over to the left.

Worse than Maeda: Nancy must drop Celtic flop who lost the ball 23 times

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy must drop this flop who was even worse than Daizen Maeda against Hearts.

ByDan Emery Dec 8, 2025

That would then open up a space on the right flank for another player to be brought in and given a chance to impress the new boss, who is still learning about his players.

Better than Saka: Arsenal plot record move for "best player in the world"

Mikel Arteta has built a truly world-class squad at Arsenal over the last few years.

From front to back, the likes of William Saliba, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze would comfortably get into any side in the Premier League.

Yet, even though he’s not been at his very best this season, Bukayo Saka still stands as the club’s most important player.

The Hale Ender is their talisman, someone capable of winning games on his own, so fans should be delighted by reports linking Arsenal to someone even better than Saka.

Arsenal target a better player than Saka

Arsenal have already been linked with several truly brilliant players ahead of the winter window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız has been touted for a £88m move to the Emirates, as has Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

However, while both of these wingers are sensational talents and would undoubtedly improve the Gunners’ squad, neither one is better than Saka.

Vinícius Júnior, on the other hand, just might be.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now interested in the Madrid superstar.

The report has revealed that with talks over a new deal at the Bernabéu going poorly, the Gunners are now ‘pursuing the Brazilian.’

A potential price is not mentioned, but with Transfermarkt valuing the winger at €150m – about £132m – it would likely require a new British record transfer fee.

With that said, if Arsenal have the chance to sign Vini Jr, they should take it, not least because he’s one of the few attackers in the world better than Saka.

How Vini compares to Saka

Now, the first thing to make clear is that Saka is a genuinely world-class footballer, and not only that, but he has the chance to become a legend at Arsenal.

However, what is equally true is that Vini Jr might just be a marginally better player, but one who could form a devastating partnership with him on the opposite flank.

With that out of the way, which international superstar comes out on top when we look at their output this season?

Well, so far this year, the Gunners’ number seven has scored six goals in 15 appearances, totalling 1053 minutes, coming out to an average of a goal every 2.5 games, or every 175.5 minutes.

For his efforts, the former Flamengo gem has scored five goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1172 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 130.22 minutes.

Which game-changing wideman comes out on top when taking a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers?

Well, perhaps a little surprisingly, the Brazilian dynamo doesn’t just come out better in most metrics, but practically every single relevant one.

Vini Jr vs Saka

Statistics per 90

Vini Jr

Saka

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.57

0.47

Progressive Passes

4.80

2.21

Progressive Carries

8.90

4.07

Shots

3.21

2.22

Shots on Target

1.40

1.05

Passing Accuracy

79.9%

72.4%

Key Passes

2.90

2.21

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.10

1.74

Shot-Creating Actions

6.92

4.55

Goal-Creating Actions

0.80

0.12

Tackles Won

0.80

0.58

Successful Take-Ons

3.00

1.98

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season

For example, these include metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Saka is an exceptional player, but as Ronaldo once pointed out, Vini Jr is arguably “the best player in the world”, and therefore, if Arsenal have even the slightest chance to sign him, they should go all out to do so.

Trossard upgrade: Arsenal hold talks to sign "one of the world's best wingers"

Despite his brilliant form, Arsenal could soon sign an upgrade on Leandro Trossard.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 25, 2025

Dodgers' Dave Roberts Addresses Possibility of Shohei Ohtani Pitching on Opening Day

Shohei Ohtani served exclusively as a designated hitter during his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, something that will change in year two when he's anticipated to return to the mound.

As for when he'll be ready to make his pitching debut for the reigning World Series champs, that much remains a bit unclear. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed Ohtani's return to the starting rotation on Monday, telling reporters at the winter meetings that it was "very unlikely" the 30-year-old would be ready to take the mound by Opening Day.

The Dodgers' Opening Day series for the 2025 season will be played in Japan and gets underway on March 18, a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. While Roberts says Ohtani will likely not be ready to pitch, he’s confident that he’ll still be able to play in the games at DH.

“I expect Shohei to be ready to hit in Japan,” Roberts said. “I don’t think he’d have it any other way. That’s our expectation.”

Roberts added that Ohtani’s return to the mound was a tricky one, as the team doesn’t want to lose him as a hitter while he amps up his preparations as a pitcher.

“I think the question is when he starts pitching In major league games, and how we build him up prior to that,” Roberts said. “I don’t see it as a minor league rehab situation. We’ve got to kind of be nimble with that one.”

Ohtani last pitched in an MLB game on Aug. 23, 2023. He underwent elbow surgery that September, which kept him off the mound for all of the '24 campaign. He's made 86 pitching appearances in his career, recording a 3.01 ERA with 608 strikeouts in 481 2/3 innings.

West Brom star who has "everything" looks like their new Tom Fellows

West Bromwich Albion’s inconsistent performances in the Championship so far this season let them down again versus Millwall.

After a 1-0 away win at Norwich City, spirits must have been somewhat high among the travelled Baggies contingent at the Den, only for all that positivity to be replaced by doom and gloom when a 3-0 loss was served up.

Truthfully, it was a car-crash showing, as every single big chance that fell to the hosts was put away, while Aune Heggebo, up top for Ryan Mason and Co, failed to fire a single on-target effort at the Lions’ net.

Again, Isaac Price also didn’t cover himself in much glory at the full-time whistle as the wheels continue to come off his own individual Championship season, after being heralded as a fan’s favourite early on.

Price's drop in form for West Brom

It has now been six straight second-tier games for the former Everton youth product without a goal or assist.

Amazingly, at the start of the campaign, Price chipped in with a breakneck four goal contributions from his opening three league clashes. But, since then, his form has dramatically declined.

Against the stern test of Millwall, long gone was the same confident performer who powered home two goals in quick succession against Wrexham, with the out-of-sorts Northern Ireland international managing just one effort – which was blocked – across his unmemorable 62 minutes on the Den turf.

Moreover, only 65% of his passes would find their intended target, with Price now no longer held in such high esteem as a potential Fellows replacement.

Mason would love to have Fellows available for selection right now, after the lightning-quick winger amassed 14 assists across all of last season, to be a constant thorn in the side of Championship sides up and down the division. Unfortunately, he moved to Southampton in the hectic summer transfer window.

However, even with Price going off the boil, the rookie head coach could well have a Fellows-like figure still up his sleeve.

West Brom's new Tom Fellows

The new Baggies manager will believe firmly in his ability to get the best out of the exciting attackers at his disposal in the long run, having worked with the likes of Mikey Moore at Tottenham Hotspur, who was tipped once upon a time to move to the Hawthorns.

That move not working out might well be a blessing in disguise now, however, with Samuel Iling-Junior recruited instead as a tricky and slick winger ready to leave a lasting impact on proceedings, out on loan from nearby Aston Villa.

Iling-Junior certainly showed off a similar burst pace to that of Fellows when gliding forward against Leicester City at the end of September, with the 22-year-old also possessing the necessary composure to finish off the opportunity after such a gung-ho gallop forward.

Sky Sports’ Jobi McAnuff would label the new Baggies’ number 22 as “brilliant” for his ability to open up the Foxes in a split second, with similar praise once handed out to Fellows, too, by former Hawthorns teammate Karlan Grant, who noted his “unbelievable” skill to carve out openings to change tense games.

Games played

172

Clubs played for

5

Goals scored

26

Assists

26

The 16-time England U21 international will also hope – in a similar fashion to the now Southampton number 18 – that he can use this formative stint in the West Midlands as a springboard to be a success elsewhere, having already been around the block with five different clubs in his early career, before moving to West Brom temporarily.

Despite once being lauded as a starlet who has “everything” in his locker to be a success by ex-youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, Iling Junior has yet to make a senior appearance at Villa.

Still, time is very much on the 22-year-old’s side, and if he goes on to fire home even more spectacular efforts to guide the Baggies to promotion, he will surely go on to be successful in the higher league, after becoming a short-term Fellows-style hero for Villa’s near neighbours.

88% passing, 7 duels won: 8/10 West Brom star was even better than Maja

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ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

Paulo Nobre escreve carta aberta para Leila Pereira: 'Descobriu o Palmeiras há dez anos'

MatériaMais Notícias

Os bastidores do Palmeiras seguem em ebulição, principalmente após a entrevista coletiva de Leila Pereira, na quarta-feira (11). Quem se manifestou nesta quinta (12) foi o ex-presidente Paulo Nobre, que escreveu, para o Uol, uma carta aberta dedicada à mandatária atual do clube. E o ex-dirigente não poupou palavras para expressar sua indignação. Ele, inclusive, colocou em dúvida o conhecimento e o amor de sua desafeta sobre a história do Verdão.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Durante a conversa com jornalistas na Academia de Futebol, Leila deu inúmeros recados para seus adversários e críticos, sendo um deles Paulo Nobre. Segundo a presidente, antes de ela chegar como patrocinadora, o Alviverde vivia brigando contra o rebaixamento, e em 2014 não teve méritos ao fugir da zona degola, já que teria conseguido a façanha devido a uma vitória do Santos. O ex-mandatário respondeu firme.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

– Sua arrogância e soberba culminaram na tentativa de reescrever os fatos, falando que só não fomos rebaixados em 2014 por ajuda de outro clube. Não me surpreende esta sua fala, já que a senhora não conhece mesmo quase nada das nossas dores e glórias, uma vez que descobriu que o Palmeiras existe há menos de dez anos.

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+ OLHAR DO PORCO: Leila Pereira precisa aprender a respeitar a história do Palmeiras

Paulo Nobre presidiu o Palmeiras entre 2013 e 2016, sendo com ele que a parceria com a Crefisa foi firmada, em 2015. No entanto, a relação foi rompida, inclusive com seu antigo aliado, Maurício Galiotte, que o sucedeu na presidência. Dessa forma, desiludido com a vida política do clube, Nobre renunciou ao cargo de conselheiro vitalício do clube em 2018 e nunca mais participou dos bastidores. Ele expressou seu sentimento ao ver a entrevista de Leila.

– Ao ver sua infeliz entrevista coletiva, Senhora Presidente, vossa senhoria me fez chorar. De indignação, de nojo e de raiva, por ver o Palestra ser humilhado em rede nacional por uma dirigente sem noção que não tem ideia do que é ser palmeirense – diz a carta.

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Confira abaixo a carta de Paulo Nobre na íntegra:

“Senhora Presidente,

Vossa Senhoria e todos os palmeirenses sabem que me recolhi ao papel de simples torcedor depois de renunciar ao cargo de conselheiro vitalício da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, em 2018, para não ter que conviver mais com pessoas como a senhora e sua turma.

Em silêncio, nestes seis anos e meio desde que deixei o cargo de presidente, a maior honraria e o maior desafio da minha vida, verti lágrimas de alegria e sofrimento com os títulos conquistados e as duras derrotas em campo.

Mas ontem, ao ver sua infeliz entrevista coletiva, Senhora Presidente, vossa senhoria me fez chorar. De indignação, de nojo e de raiva, por ver o Palestra ser humilhado em rede nacional por uma dirigente sem noção que não tem ideia do que é ser palmeirense.

Ontem, o Palmeiras sofreu um enorme ataque de quem tem o dever, moral e de ofício, de defendê-lo. Não sei se a senhora alcança isso. Provavelmente não!

Sua arrogância e soberba culminaram na tentativa de reescrever os fatos, falando que só não fomos rebaixados em 2014 por ajuda de outro clube.

Não me surpreende esta sua fala, já que a senhora não conhece mesmo quase nada das nossas dores e glórias, uma vez que descobriu que o Palmeiras existe há menos de dez anos.

Em vários outros momentos de sua ainda inexpressiva gestão como presidente, o sentimento que a senhora gerou em mim e na família palmeirenses foi apenas o de vergonha alheia.

Como por exemplo quando simulou estar ensinando jogadores a bater pênaltis ou quando serviu água ao elenco, como aeromoça, no seu caríssimo avião. Isso para não falar de suas aparições histéricas, pulando e simulando uma alegria falsa em vitórias do Palmeiras.

Em outras oportunidades, a senhora apenas gerou desconfiança sobre sua capacidade de liderar, com seu habitual silêncio nas eliminações de competições importantes ou quando proibiu todo o elenco de dar entrevistas sem nenhum motivo plausível.

Mas ontem a senhora passou de todos os limites, senhora Presidente. E tenho certeza de que o sentimento que gerou, em mim e em milhões de pessoas, foi de asco e revolta mesmo.

O Palmeiras não foi fundado em 2015. Dizer que, antes da senhora e das suas empresas aqui chegarem, vivíamos apenas de sofrimento fala muito mais sobre sua ignorância rotineira do que sobre nossa trajetória.

Ao contrário do que a senhora quer fazer crer, a história de luta e conquistas desta família não começou quando as suas empresas passaram a ser patrocinadora da paixão de milhões de pessoas, coletividade da qual a senhora não faz parte. O seu dinheiro pode comprar muita coisa, mas a senhora nunca será uma de nós de verdade.

Me permita, senhora presidente, contar um pouco da história do clube que vossa senhoria preside. Sem a Crefisa na camisa, já éramos o maior campeão do Brasil. Havíamos pintado a América de verde e branco. Nos vingamos do Maracanazzo e nos tornamos o primeiro campeão mundial de clubes, em 1951. Representamos a Seleção brasileira em 1965, entre tantos outros feitos que a senhora demonstra desconhecer. Sofremos várias vezes, sim. Mas sempre demos a volta por cima com altivez. E sua petulante praga de que voltaremos à segunda divisão quando a senhora pegar suas bolsas caríssimas e sair do cargo de presidente, ah essa praga não vai pegar!

Apesar de não conhecer quase nada da nossa história, a senhora já deve ter ouvido que explicar a emoção de ser palmeirense a um palmeirense é totalmente desnecessário. E explicar essa emoção para a senhora, que não nasceu Palestra, é simplesmente impossível. O orgulho de SER PALMEIRENSE SEMPRE E EM QUALQUER SITUAÇÃO precede a emoção de ser campeão! Difícil para senhora entender, não é?!

Tenha o mínimo de decoro e decência, senhora presidente. Respeite a Sociedade Esportiva que lhe tirou do anonimato. Honre e respeite o privilégio de ter em suas mãos o poder de representar este clube centenário, que é a razão de viver de milhões de pessoas.

De tanto ser chamada de “dona” Leila Pereira, a senhora deve ter achado, em seus devaneios, que é agora dona.. do Palmeiras. Algo que não é e, se Deus quiser, jamais será.

Em sua memória seletiva como dirigente/patrocinadora, que não consegue enxergar conflito de interesses por estar com dois chapéus ao mesmo tempo, a senhora se esqueceu de dizer que por quase oito anos usufruiu sem nenhum escrúpulo do apoio da uniformizada que que agora passou a atacar. Os iludiu com falsas promessas e não aceitou ser cobrada posteriormente.

Curioso notar que não foi a dor do palmeirense com a eliminação da Libertadores em casa, há uma semana, que lhe fez vociferar. Foram pichações às lojas da sua empresa que te tiraram do costumeiro e cômodo sumiço em tempos de derrotas. O que mexeu com seus brios foi a ameaça à sua verdadeira e maior paixão, a Sociedade Anônima Crefisa.

Senhora presidente, vossa excelência é muito vivida e deve saber que, mesmo sendo muito rica, não conseguirá comprar a admiração dos palmeirenses. Isso se conquista. Dinheiro, mesmo em enorme quantidade, também não compra berço. Não compra educação. Não compra postura. Não compra idolatria. E, principalmente, não comprará o nosso respeito.

Como me aposentei da política do clube e não tenho nenhum objetivo que não seja desejar o melhor para o meu time de coração, seguirei aqui torcendo para que sua gestão enfim encontre um rumo e devolva a alegria e o orgulho aos palmeirenses.

O que me consola hoje é saber que nada é para sempre e que, cedo ou tarde, voltaremos a ter um palmeirense de verdade neste cargo tão importante. Depois da senhora, e apesar da senhora, o Palmeiras continuará sendo o Palmeiras.

“Hoje você é quem manda
“Falou, ‘tá falado
Não tem discussão, não
A minha gente hoje anda falando de lado
E olhando pro chão, viu”

Apesar de você, amanhã há de ser outro dia.

Avanti Palestra, sempre!

Paulo Nobre, ex-presidente da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras”

Tudo sobre

Leila PereiraPalmeirasPaulo Nobre

Ferroviário x Ferroviária: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações do jogo e horário da final da Série D

MatériaMais Notícias

A grande final da Série D é hoje! Ferroviário-CE e Ferroviária-SP se enfrentam na decisão da quarta divisão, neste sábado (16), às 16h. Após o empate em 0 a 0 no primeiro jogo, os times voltam a se encontrar no Estádio Presidente Vargas, em Fortaleza (CE).

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Em busca do segundo título da Série D, o Ferroviário terá o apoio de sua torcida para a decisão, algo que ajudou o clube na semifinal contra o Caxias do Sul. Contra os gaúchos, também empataram no primeiro jogo, mas no Nordeste, com o apoio da torcida, deu o Tubarão da Barra.

Para a Ferroviária, esse será um dos maiores jogos da história do clube, já que nunca conquistaram um título nacional. Decidindo fora de casa a decisão, não será um problema para os jogadores, já que eliminaram o Athletic na semi-final em Minas Gerais.

FICHA TÉCNICA
FERROVIÁRIO X FERROVIÁRIA

Data: 16 de setembro de 2023
Horário: 16h (horário de Brasília)
Local: (Estádio Presidente Vargas, em Fortaleza (CE)
Onde assistir: TV Brasil, BandSports e F.Sports TV

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