Tag Futebol

Glasgow Celtic have been dealt a huge blow to their chances of bringing Kaoru Mitoma to Parkhead this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Tokyo Sports (via Sport Witness), who claim that Brighton & Hove Albion are in the process of finalising a deal for the Kawasaki Frontale winger ahead of a move to the American Express Community Stadium this summer.

A source close to the player told Tokyo Sports: “I heard that it was decided to go to the Premier League.”

The report then goes on to mention Celtic’s interest in the 24-year-old, with new manager Ange Postecoglou believed to be a fan of Mitoma’s following his own time in Japan while in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos.

However, with Brighton all but confirming the transfer of the Japan U23 this summer, the Celtic boss will now have to turn his attention elsewhere in the summer transfer market.

Ange will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Mitoma has been for Kawasaki Frontale in recent seasons, the fact that Celtic look to have missed out on the signing of the winger is sure to have left Postecoglou gutted.

Indeed, in the 2020 J1 League, the 24-year-old scored a whopping 13 goals, registered 12 assists and created 13 big chances over his 30 appearances, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £1.62m-rated man earn a rather extraordinary seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.29, ranking him as not only the fourth-best performer for Kawasaki Frontale but the ninth-best player in the league as a whole – playing a key role in his team setting a record points tally, as well as securing the earliest title win in the league’s history.

The man Juco James dubbed a “creative” player has continued his fine form over his 20 J1 League appearances this season, scoring eight goals, providing three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.17.

As such, it would very much appear as if the signing of Mitoma would have been a considerable coup for Celtic this summer, with the Japanese youngster seeming to have the talent to provide the Bhoys with a real shot of retaining their Scottish Premiership crown next season.

However, with a deal for the 24-year-old now appearing dead in the water, Postecoglou must find another target this summer who could help relight the fire at Parkhead next season.

In other news: Celtic set to offer deal to “unbelievable” gem compared to Messi, fans will be buzzing

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will have to fork out more than $500 000 in refunds if the murky weather that has hovered over Jamaica for the last three days completely ruins the first of this weekend’s back-to-back Cable & Wireless One-Day

Haydn Gill25-May-2002The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will have to fork out more than $500 000 in refunds if the murky weather that has hovered over Jamaica for the last three days completely ruins the first of this weekend’s back-to-back Cable & Wireless One-Day Internationals between West Indies and India.With no significant rain between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. yesterday, during which there was a big mop-up operation at Sabina Park, there was increasing optimism of getting a match, even if it meant having some alterations.The general consensus, however, is that any overnight or early morning rain will prevent any possibility of play.In the event that less than 10 overs are possible, most of the almost 11 000 fans who have purchased tickets will be refunded, WICB marketing manager for events and promotions, Darren Millien, confirmed.Since 1999 the WICB has taken out refund insurance for instances like this where there is a threat of rain and patrons will be refunded the full value of the ticket that was purchased, Millien said.It translates to a 100 per cent refund in the event of 10 overs or less, 50 per cent in the event of 15 overs or less. As long as there are more than 25 overs, the refund policy wouldn’t kick-in, but anything less than that there is either going to be a partial or total refund of the face value of the ticket.Millien also revealed that a capacity Sabina brings in gate receipts of just under US$300 000, and at least 80 per cent of the ground had been sold out by yesterday afternoon.The popular Mound, which accommodates 1 200 spectators who each pay US$55 entry fee, was completely sold out, while the big George Headley Stand had accounted for all but 200 of its 5 700 seats which are available at US$40 each.Even if the WICB has to refund patrons, it will not lose out completely on revenue because of the refund insurance policy.Insurance never really puts you back to the original position. In other words, you are not 100 per cent indemnified, but we do recover some of the monies that would have been lost by way of gate receipts in the event of rain, Millien added.There were suggestions in some quarters to put back the weekend’s double-header to tomorrow and Monday, but logistical problems, among other things, quickly dismissed the thought.When we did a cost benefit, the costs were adding up to ridiculous amounts. We decided that we were going to have to take our chances with Saturday and Sunday, proceed as planned and hope that the weather co-operates, Millien said.The WICB marketing manager was speaking late yesterday evening before International Cricket Council match referee Mike Proctor, along with umpires David Shepherd, Russel Tiffin, Eddie Nicholls and Billy Doctrove inspected the ground, which had improved significantly over 24 hours.It still remained somewhat wet under footing and the cause was not helped by a lack of sunshine on a highly overcast day that was to be extended for the increased 16-member ground staff, headed by Charlie Joseph.What we intend to do tonight (last night) is work whole night again like what we did last (Thursday) night until tomorrow (this) morning, Joseph said.We are hoping that we still get the breeze. If we get rain, we have some house tents to put on.The torrential rain, caused by a cold front which extends to beyond Cuba in the north, has already prompted officials to use the pitch that was used for the fifth Test which ended on Wednesday.The decision was influenced by the fact that the steady, heavy rain since the Test ended, made it impossible to begin early preparations of the strip that was intended to be used for the limited-overs matches.Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) chief executive officer Brian Breese disclosed that another option being considered is to bring in the boundaries in the area of the practice pitches in the eastern section of the ground. They have been under the covers since Wednesday.We’ve made significant progress on the pitches. They have now decided that they are going to play on the Test pitch. That has been rolled. The outfield has been cut and I think we’re in shape to start a match, maybe not on time, but certainly we should get a match in tomorrow (today), Breese said.The JCA chief executive was also hoping to have the services of a helicopter to assist with the drying process, but that did not materialise by late evening.

Michael Ball insists that Everton need to appoint a manager who is in it for the long haul amid their chaotic hunt for a new boss.

The Toffees have yet to appoint a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, who has left to join Real Madrid.

They have been linked with a number of new managers, notably the former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

However, a report from talkSPORT earlier this week suggested that talks had quietened down amid a serious backlash from fans.

Duncan Ferguson remains Ball’s preferred choice to take the role at Goodison Park but he is insistent that whomever it may be that takes the reins, they need to ensure that they can stay with the club for the next five years.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Ball said: “We need a manager who is going to be at the football club for the next three, four, five years minimum, to improve us year on year.

“We know it’s not going to be a quick fix in every summer window, so I feel Duncan or a young manager who is going to be here for the future of Everton football club is the one that Moshiri needs to start looking at.”

In addition to Benitez, Everton have also been linked with a potential move to appoint the former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Les Reed told Football FanCast that Daniel Levy would not be scared to appoint Scott Parker as the next Tottenham manager.

The Spurs chairman is reportedly a fan of the Fulham boss, and has been watching his progress at Craven Cottage over recent months.

Parker might have two relegations on his CV but has produced some impressive work in west London despite his failure to guide the Cottagers to Premier League safety this season.

At one stage, his Fulham side looked good to avoid the drop, but two points from their previous 10 matches saw them made an immediate return to the Championship.

Those two points came at Old Trafford and the Emirates, whilst Fulham’s last league victory came at Anfield, proof that Parker can rub it with the best.

High-profile names like Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte appear ahead of Parker in the pecking order to replace Jose Mourinho, but Reed exclusively told Football FanCast that Fulham’s struggle this season won’t put off Levy:

“I could see Daniel putting faith in Scott Parker.

“Daniel is brave, so I could see him not worrying about Fulham, but looking at how did Fulham play? They got off to a bad start, what changes did he make? He changed the entire back four. I think he would look at that and say ‘he’s not afraid of making decisions’.

“All of those things will be really positive because he was a popular player, popular coach and did really well, which is why Daniel was comfortable with Ryan Mason holding the reins.”

Birmingham City are interested in a deal to bring Kyle Lafferty to St. Andrew’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Lee Bowyer’s side are just one of a number of Championship clubs considering a move for the centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window.

The 33-year-old looks set to become available on a free transfer at the end of the month, following the expiry of his contract with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock.

Big mistake

Despite the fact that Lafferty turned in a number of impressive performances for Tommy Wright’s side last season, scoring eight goals, providing two assists and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.66 over his nine Premiership appearances, there are a number of reasons why Bowyer should avoid a move for the former Rangers striker this summer.

Firstly, Lafferty has not scored 10 or more league goals since the 2017/18 campaign with Heart of Midlothian, in which he managed 12 strikes over 35 appearances.

In fact, he has only actually achieved this feat on two other occasions in his career – scoring 11 goals over 31 appearances for Gers in 2010/11 and 11 goals in 34 Serie B fixtures for Palermo in 2013/14.

As such, despite the fact that the Northern Ireland international is very much an out and out forward, his return of goals over the course of his career has been somewhat disappointing.

Secondly, with Lafferty taking home a considerable wage of £3k-per-week at Kilmarnock, following his decent run of form, the 33-year-old is likely to demand a significant increase to this figure if he were to sign for a Championship club, particularly if the number of clubs interested in his services reported by Football League World is accurate.

Indeed, the BBC recently reported that the striker wanted wages “four times higher” than he was currently taking home at Rugby Park in order to stay on at the club next season.

Finally, with the £360k-rated man – whom Phil Parkinson previously dubbed a “danger” – very much heading into the twilight of his career, there would appear to be very little resale value in signing the forward, as well as the fact his abilities as a footballer will already be on the decline.

As such, it would seem highly advisable for Bowyer to turn his attention away from Lafferty this summer in order to concentrate his efforts on bringing in talent with a considerably brighter future than the veteran striker.

In other news: BCFC dealt transfer blow over “frightening” 22 G/A dynamo that’ll leave Bowyer gutted

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo divulgou nesta terça-feira a numeração oficial que será utilizada na disputa da Florida Cup, nos EUA. Os números devem ser mantidos para o restante da temporada. O meia peruano Cueva foi confirmado com a camisa 10, vaga desde a saída do meia Paulo Henrique Ganso no meio do ano passado. Recém-contratados, Sidão usará o número 12, Neilton o 7, Cícero o 8 e Wellington Nem a 21. O Tricolor estreia no torneio na quinta-feira, contra o River Plate (ARG), às 22h (horário de Brasília).

Promovidos recentemente de Cotia, os garotos também estão com a numeração definida na Florida Cup: Foguete (13), Junior Tavares (16), Thiago Couto (24), Araruna (28) e Shaylon (30). O volante Wellington, que em 2016 usou o número 37, usará a camisa 6, que era de Carlinhos, de saída do clube. Já Lucas Fernandes trocou a 29 pela 20, que pertencia a Jean Carlos, cedido ao Goiás.

Vale lembrar que o goleiro Renan Ribeiro, lesionado, não disputará a competição, mas seguirá com o número 22. Por fim, o zagueiro Lyanco e o atacante David Neres também não reforçam o Tricolor nos Estados Unidos pois estão com a Seleção Brasileira Sub-20 no Sul-Americano da categoria. Em 2016, a dupla utilizou os números 19 e 14, respectivamente, e deve manter este ano.

O São Paulo ainda pretende anunciar um centroavante, típico camisa 9 para o restante da temporada. Há esperança pelo argentino Calleri, que foi artilheiro do time no ano passado vestindo a camisa 12. O grupo de investidores que bancou a saída do jogador do Boca Juniors (ARG) no início do ano passado, no entanto, não quer que o atacante do West Ham (ING) retorne ao Brasil agora.

Confira abaixo a numeração do São Paulo para a Florida Cup:

1-Denis
2-Bruno
3-Rodrigo Caio
4-Lucão
5-Lugano
6-Wellington
7-Neilton
8-Cícero
9-Chavez
10-Cueva
11-Wesley
12-Sidão
13-Foguete
15-João Schmidt
16-Junior Tavares
17-Gilberto
18-Buffarini
20-Lucas Fernandes
21-Wellington Nem
23-Thiago Mendes
24-Thiago Couto
26-Douglas
27-Maicon
28-Araruna
30-Shaylon
31-Luiz Araújo
33-Breno

RelacionadasSão PauloApós horas de reunião, Calleri ouve negativa para voltar ao São PauloSão Paulo16/01/2017São PauloBancado por Ceni, Cícero chega ao São Paulo como artilheiro do elencoSão Paulo16/01/2017São PauloSão Paulo destaca preparador de Ceni formado na base: ‘Made in Cotia’São Paulo16/01/2017

The race to achieve the first outright victory in this year’s Supersport Shield competition was evenly poised on Saturday night, with a result guaranteed between the Highveld Strikers and Griquas, barring the weather taking a hand.By the close of the second day, Griquas were 71 for four in pursuit of a victory target of 189, having recovered from a parlous 27 for four, thanks to an unbroken partnership of 44 between Grant Elliott (29) and captain Wendell Bossenger (16).For the second day in a row, 17 wickets fell, although Griquas opener Martyn Gidley gave the lie to the pitch holding many devils when he carried his bat through the Griquas first innings, which finished on Saturday morning, with an unbeaten 73 out of a total of 160.That innings, which left the visitors 12 short of the Strikers’ first innings total of 172, was built around the 62-run eighth-wicket stand between Gidley and Zahir Abrahim, who was eventually trapped in front by pace-man Johnson Mafa for 42.Mafa, who also picked up the scalp of Wayne Kidwell, finished with a career-best six for 62 as individual achievements continued to hold sway in a match featuring sub-par performances by many of the combatants.The Strikers followed up their eventful first knock, in which the last six wickets fell for two runs, by going four runs better with 176 in their second, Nic Pothas top-scoring with 60. This time, crucially to their victory chances, the tail did wag, with Brendan Horan (20) and Neil Fusedale (20 not out) adding what may well prove to be a pivotal 38 for the ninth-wicket.

تحدث أحمد المحمدي لاعب منتخب مصر الأسبق عن مباراة الأهلي والمريخ والتي انتهت بفوز الأحمر بنتيجة 3-1 ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مشيدًا بالقدرات الفنية التي قدمها أحمد عبد القادر.

واستطاع الأهلي خطف 3 نقاط هامة أمام المريخ والوصول للنقطة السابعة محتلًا المركز الثاني بترتيب المجموعة خلف صن داونز صاحب الصدارة بـ10 نقاط.

وقال أحمد المحمدي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “المريخ بدأ أفضل في الشوط الثاني وهذا أعطاهم الأفضلية، هدف التعادل نتيجة خطأ، والأهلي يُعاني من الأخطاء الدفاعية، المسافة بين المدافعين كبيرة جدًا”.

طالع | فرص تأهل الأهلي من مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد الفوز على المريخ

وأكمل: “لكن مع التغييرات ومعرفة موسيماني للمشكلة في الفريق وتغيير حسين الشحات الذي لم يكن جيدًا ودفع بـ أحمد عبد القادر وهو أحد أفضل لاعبي المارد الأحمر خلال الفترة الأخيرة، استطاع تغيير شكل اللقاء”.

وأردف: “الأهلي لم يظهر بأفضل مستوى اليوم، ولكن عادة الفرق الكبيرة تعرف كيف تفوز بالمباريات، المكسب أعطى ثقة للاعبين قبل الانضمام لمنتخب مصر، ودفعة معنوية قبل مواجهة الهلال”.

واختتم: “أحمد عبد القادر لديه إصرار ورغبة وظهرت في هدفه، عكس حسين الشحات الذي يعاني من حالة لا مبالاة، وعبد القادر عنده مهارات كبيرة وسيفيد منتخب مصر”. أهداف فوز الأهلي أمام المريخ 

مازح الأرجنتيني باولو ديبالا قائد يوفنتوس الإيطالي، عن شعوره باللعب خلال عهد أسطورتي كرة القدم كريستيانو رونالدو وليونيل ميسي.

ديبالا لعب مع رونالدو في صفوف يوفنتوس في الفترة التي قضاها البرتغالي مع السيدة العجوز منذ صيف 2018 حتى صيف 2021.

كما شارك مع مواطنه ميسي في صفوف المنتخب الأرجنتيني ليحظى بفرصة اللعب مع الثنائي.

وقال ديبالا في تصريحات نشرها موقع “فوتبول إيطاليا” بشأن اللعب في عهد رونالدو وميسي: “يالها من خيبة أمل! (مازحًا)”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ديبالا: أليجري له رأيه.. لكن أؤمن بقدرة يوفنتوس على الفوز بالسكوديتو

وأردف: “عندما وصل رونالدو إلى يوفنتوس كنت سعيدًا جدًا بذلك، تعلمت الكثير من الأبطال، من بوفون، من داني ألفيس، ثروة تجعلك تنمو كثيرًا”.

وتطرق المهاجم الأرجنتيني إلى كيف أنه على بعد بضعة أهداف فقط من تحطيم الرقم القياسي لروبرتو باجيو مع يوفنتوس.

وعلّق ديبالا: “مع المزيد من المباريات، على الرغم من ذلك! إنه ظاهرة أتمنى أن ألتقي به قريبا وأن أتفوق عليه، عندما تكون قريبًا، عليك المحاولة”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Solução no primeiro turno, o sistema defensivo tornou-se o principal problema do Fluminense nas últimas rodadas do Fluminense no Campeonato Brasileiro. Os erros individuais e coletivos resultaram no jejum de seis jogos sem vitórias e na demissão de Levir Culpi. O problema estava tão claro que, ao anunciar a saída do treinador e confirmar Marcão no comando técnico do Tricolor até o fim da temporada, o presidente Peter Siemsen cobrou um time com um “bloqueio mais forte na intermediária”.

A declaração deixou o novo comandante em situação delicada, ainda mais porque, mesmo se desejar, Marcão não tem grandes, ou muitas, opções para fazer mudanças na defesa do Fluminense nos quatro compromissos que restam ao clube em 2016: Atlético-PR (C), Ponte Preta (F), Figueirense (F) e Internacional (C). A tendência é que os laterais Wellington Silva e William Matheus e os zagueiros Gum e Henrique sejam mantidos entre os titulares.

Gum e Henrique atuaram lado a lado na defesa do Flu em 31 rodadas do Brasileirão

Para as laterais, Giovanni e Igor Julião já tiveram suas chances quando os donos das posições se contundiram, mas as atuações não convenceram a última comissão técnica. Tampouco a torcida. No miolo da zaga, Marcão só tem um nome à disposição além de Henrique e Gum: Nogueira, de 21 anos, revelação do clube, mas que pouco atuou entre os profissionais até agora.

Assim, Marcão terá a missão de dar uma nova cara à pior defesa entre os nove times melhores colocados do Campeonato Brasileiro na base da conversa e da organização tática. Nas atividades que fez no CT Pedro Antônio até agora, o ex-volante não deu dicas de como escalará a equipe na terça-feira, diante do Atlético-PR no Maracanã.

O defesa tricolor já sofreu mais gols nos 15 jogos do returno do que em todo turno: 21 a 20

A boa notícia fica por conta de Pierre, que pode voltar ao time após cumprir suspensão automática contra o Cruzeiro, na derrota por 4 a 2 no Mineirão. Resta saber se o técnico atenderá ao pedido presidencial, que afirmou que o Flu vinha tendo melhores resultados com três volantes. Douglas, Marquinho, Edson e Cícero estão de olho em uma vaga no time principal.