Munro spoils India's slower-ball plans

In the format he loves, the New Zealand opener, on his way to a century, aced a test he had failed earlier in the tour

Vishal Dikshit in Rajkot05-Nov-20171:45

Century in India ‘means a heck of a lot’ – Munro

Colin Munro may not have been the most confident player in the New Zealand camp when the ongoing tour of India started last month. He had just returned to the ODI side, he was being asked to open for the first time in his international career and he didn’t have the best technique to combat spin on the slow Indian surfaces. The troubles swelled when his opening partner Martin Guptill was unable to get strong starts, and Munro fell victim to slower balls for two straight matches at the beginning of the series.After Munro’s blistering half-century in the third ODI in Kanpur, the Indian bowlers thought of deceiving him with some slower ones again in the second T20 on Saturday. Munro didn’t have to face many in the Powerplay, until debutant Mohammed Siraj sent down a few in his second over. That eighth over had two slower deliveries dispatched by Munro over his favoured leg side for sixes.Munro showed his issues with slower balls was not a weakness, but only a brief trend based on a small sample size, something he overcame pretty soon, especially once the formats changed.”To be honest, I wasn’t expecting too many slower balls in the first couple of ODIs,” Munro said on Saturday. “Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] and [Jasprit] Bumrah just bowled back of a length, trying to nick you out, get lbws. And the way I came out was aggressive and that made them change a bit. They bowled really well in terms of that. Bumrah’s slower ball… he has made a name of himself with that slower ball and Bhuvi’s knuckle ball is very good with the new ball.”[Now] it’s Twenty20 and you’ve got to be aggressive. Tonight it came off, another night it might not.”India’s best fast bowler against Munro on Saturday was Bumrah but he said changing his plans on the field was not easy and does not always work when a batsman like Munro is in that mood.”You can’t have a fixed plan,” Bumrah explained of bowling to Munro. “Over here if you had a fixed plan that you bowl slower balls, he was hitting them really well.”As compared to the hitches at the beginning of the tour, Munro looks a different player now. Twenty20 is the format he is more suited to as he gets to express himself “more freely” without the pressure of building a long innings. Munro is a specialised T20 player who struck his first T20I century earlier this year against Bangladesh. He may have been dropped from the ODI side then, but he followed it by racking up 366 runs for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, with three half-centuries, at a strike rate of 135. Munro had even considered turning into a freelance T20 player as he was not a regular in the ODI side and has played only one Test so far.”I enjoy Twenty20,” Munro said. “It’s a game where you know it’s a short game and you go out there to express yourself and when it comes off, it comes off. Sometimes you put too much pressure on yourself in the longer form where you’ve got to score runs all the time. In Twenty20, you just got to go out there and express yourself and take the good with the bad. Sometimes it comes off like it did tonight and the other night it didn’t come off. You just got to go with the flow.”I think I’ve always felt good in this format. It was just a matter of it hasn’t quite clicked. It’s one of those games where when you’re going well, you’re going really well. And when you’re not, you’re not. For me it’s a mindset thing. I’ve tried not to expect too much from myself playing at this level or at Twenty20. It’s just about trying to keep as even as you can and I think I’ve done that over the last two years.”Switching formats requires both technical as well as mental changes. To combat the challenges posed by India’s quick bowlers, Munro batted with a slightly more open stance on Saturday that helped him clear his front foot and hammer four sixes over his preferred long-on arc, an area that fetched him 30% of his runs. The key is not only to score runs though. Munro is frank about why things have not worked for him in the past when he put too much pressure on himself.”For me, the biggest part of being successful at this level is the mental side,” Munro said. “I’ve scored runs for Auckland for a long time, it’s just trying to get the same mental aptitude at this level. I think in the past I’ve probably put too much pressure on myself and haven’t always cemented my spot in the team. So it’s always what can I do to make the team rather than what I do now – which is what can I do to win a game. Or what I can do to contribute to the game. And that’s what makes a difference. Even if it’s 20 off 10, that’s a contribution, whereas in the past I’ve been not good enough to stay in the team. But now it’s more of a mental mindshift.”Munro’s innings had the elements a T20 century usually has – he attacked from the very first ball he faced, he survived at least two chances – put down by the Indian fielders – and he collected a lot of runs off edges. Not just the innings on Saturday, his scores in T20 internationals this year also reflect the ups and downs of a T20 game: 0, 101, 0, 0, 7 and 109*.No matter how the third T20 goes for Munro, he would be fairly pleased with the performances on the India tour so far. He now says he “loves” batting at the top of the order and scoring a hundred through the innings in India “means a heck of a lot”.

Fulham "one to watch" in race to sign £120k-p/w star

Fulham target Fred's situation at Manchester United is 'one to watch' as his future at Old Trafford becomes increasingly uncertain, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Where could Fred end up this summer?

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United rejected an offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray earlier this window to sign Fred and it is 'unclear' whether a second bid will appear on the horizon.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is believed to be a big admirer of Fred and would like to bring him in at Craven Cottage, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also keen to secure his signature.

Last term, Fred made a whopping 56 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, registering six goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Manchester United reportedly have set an asking price of £20 million for Brazil international Fred, something which Fulham aren't willing to comply with given that he is in the last year of his £120k-a-week contract at Old Trafford, according to The Mirror.

Fred missed the Red Devils' pre-season tour of the United States due to a 'personal issue' as speculation over his next steps continue to swirl.

Turkisk outlet Milliyet via Sport Witness has claimed that Fred has said 'yes' to a move to Galatasaray and Manchester United are now waiting to see if Galatasaray will sanction another offer for the experienced midfielder.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that Fred's situation could move quickly due to the volume of interest in his services from other clubs.

Jacobs told FFC: "I think that Fulham are still one to watch as well and Fred may lean towards staying in the Premier League if the right opportunity arises. I expect this one to move a little bit quicker because there's four or five clubs looking at Fred, so Manchester United are probably able to control that sale a little bit more."

What now for Fulham?

Fulham boss Silva has already managed to complete deals to acquire Calvin Bassey and Raul Jimenez this window, as per Transfermarkt; however, there is still plenty of work to do regarding incomings and outgoings at Craven Cottage.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has issued a surprise update on the future of veteran winger Willian that could see him leave Fulham this summer despite only recently agreeing to a new contract extension at the club, as the renowned journalist stated on Twitter X: "EXCL: Saudi side Al Shabab approached Fulham winger Willian with formal bid as they have concrete interest. Willian signed new Fulham deal 10 days ago but Al Shabab are insisting — and player’s now speaking to the club about the proposal."

Fulham forward Willian.

Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic wants out of Fulham in this off-season and will continue to seek an exit to go and sign for a European club even if his proposed move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal hits the breaks, as per The Evening Standard.

In terms of prospective arrivals at Fulham, Everton winger Demarai Gray could come in and has already agreed personal terms with the club, as per Football Insider.

Celtic Can Forget Jota By Signing "Exciting" Parkhead Target

Aside from Celtic losing treble-winning coach, Ange Postecoglou, arguably the biggest setback of the summer so far for the Parkhead outfit was the departure of wing wizard, Jota, with the Portuguese gem having sealed a £25m move to Saudi Arabian side, Al Ittihad.

Despite being able to rake in a handsome profit on the 24-year-old – having signed him on a permanent deal for roughly £6.4m the year prior – that exit has left the Hoops without a player that was crucial to their domestic dominance under Postecolgou over the last two seasons.

Having initially snapped up the Lisbon native from Benfica on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2021, the fleet-footed ace went on to score 13 goals and provide 14 assists in all competitions during his debut season in Glasgow, before adding a further 27 goal involvements last season.

Former Celtic winger Jota.

With an overall tally of 54 goals and assists in just 83 games for the Old Firm giants in total, it is fair to say that Jota certainly made his mark at the club, hence the need to find a suitable replacement for the forthcoming campaign.

Who could replace Jota at Celtic?

Rodgers and co have, of course, already strengthened their attack with the signings of Marco Tilio and Hyunjun Yang, although further forward additions could be in store, amid prior reports that the Bhoys have also shown an interest in another South Korean sensation – Ji-sung Eom.

As per the Daily Record, Celtic are said to have been scouting the 21-year-old Gwangju starlet of late, albeit with his current side seemingly adamant that they will not sell the emerging sensation before the end of the K League 1 season later this year.

As the piece also notes, however, the Hoops could strike a deal that would see Eom spend the next six months on loan back at his current club, before eventually making the move to Scotland in the New Year.

Either way, if Rodgers can strike a deal for the 5 foot 10 dynamo in the near future, it could allow Celtic to forget all about that man Jota, such is the Korean's undoubted potential.

Who is Ji-sung Eom?

As stated above, trying to fill the void left behind by Jota will be no small feat, although, in Eom, the Scottish champions could potentially find a worthy candidate, following the wide man's impact in his homeland in recent times.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

Such is the young forward's quality, he has even been dubbed "one of the most exciting young talents in Korean football" by journalist Jason Lee, having scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 80 games in all competitions for Gwangju.

While not quite at the same level as Jota's return for Celtic, Eom has been in fine form in the current campaign with two goals and two assists in just 15 league outings, having made a smooth transition to life in the top tier – after bagging nine goals in 28 K League 2 games last year.

A player who typically operates on the left wing, like Jota, the South Korean U22 international also mirrors the Al Ittihad ace with regard to his defensive output, having averaged 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game last season, while Jota averaged 1.6 in that regard in 2022/23.

Also described as a truly "underrated" talent – in the words of scout Ali Can Kutlu – Eom has the potential to explode over the coming years, with the hope being that his development can continue under the watchful eye of Rodgers.

Losing Jota is undoubtedly a source of real frustration, although the former Celtic Park hero could be quickly forgotten about if a new figure steps up to take his place on the flanks.

فيديو | كهربا يسجل هدف الأهلي الأول أمام إنبي

تمكن الفريق الأول للكرة بالنادي الأهلي من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام نظيره إنبي، خلال المواجهة الجارية بينهما حالياً ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

ويستضيف الأهلي فريق إنبي على ملعب استاد القاهرة ضمن مباريات الجولة السادسة عشر من عمر الدوري.

وسجل محمود كهربا الهدف الأول للأهلي في الدقيقة 44 من عمر المباراة، بعد عرضية رائعة من طاهر محمد طاهر استقبلها كهربا برأسية سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. حسين الشحات يوجه رسالة لـ جمهور الأهلي بعد خضوعه لجراحة في الوجه

ويتواجد الأهلي في المركز الحادي عشر في سلم ترتيب الدوري برصيد 17 نقطة حصدهم من 8 مباريات ويتبقى له 7 مؤجلات.

أما إنبي فيحتل وصافة ترتيب الدوري برصيد 27 نقطة، حصدهم من 8 انتصارات و3 تعادلات فيما نال 5 خسائر. هدف الأهلي الأول أمام إنبي في الدوري

دي زيربي يرد مجددًا على جدل ارتباطه بتدريب ليفربول وبرشلونة

علّق روبرتو دي زيربي، المدير الفني لفريق برايتون، من جديد على مستقبله مع النادي في ظل ارتباطه بإمكانية تدريب ليفربول الموسم المقبل.

ويُعد دي زيربي أحد المرشحين لخلافة يورجن كلوب في ليفربول، بعدما أعلن الألماني أنه ينوي الرحيل نهاية الموسم الحالي.

ولا يُعد ليفربول الوحيد الراغب في الظفر بخدمات دي زيربي الموسم القادم، حيث هناك برشلونة الذي يتطلع إلى التعاقد معه لخلافة تشافي.

وسبق أن علّق دي زيربي على مستقبله، في اليومين الماضيين (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا)، ولكنه سُئل من جديد عن ذلك الأمر.

ورد دي زيربي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية، عندما سُئل عن الجدل الدائر حول مستقبله: “إنها ليست مشكلة، إنها جزء من عملي”.

وأضاف: “في الوقت الحالي أريد التركيز وأن أبقي عيني على الهدف الذي لدينا ويمكننا الوصول إليه، لدي عقد”.

وواصل: “التركيز الآن على الملعب، أنا مرتاح حقًا وبدون مشاكل، المشاكل تكمن في اللاعبين المصابين أو الاستعداد للمباراة القادمة لأن لدينا جدول صعب للغاية”.

وأصر دي زيربي في ختام تصريحاته: “هذه هي المشكلة، ليس عقدي أو مستقبلي”.

Shardul Thakur joins Rising Pune Supergiant

Rising Pune Supergiant have acquired seamer Shardul Thakur from Kings XI Punjab for the tenth season of the IPL, which starts on April 5

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Mar-2017

Shardul Thakur has played a solitary IPL match for Kings XI Punjab•BCCI

Mumbai and Kings XI Punjab seamer Shardul Thakur has been acquired by the Rising Pune Supergiant for the tenth season of the IPL, which starts on April 5. This is Supergiant’s second trade of the season, having signed opener Mayank Agarwal from Delhi Daredevils ahead of the auction in January.Thakur’s addition bolsters Supergiant’s Indian seam bowling group, which includes Ashok Dinda, Deepak Chahar, Ishwar Pandey, Jaskaran Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Rajat Bhatia and Rahul Tripathi.Thakur was bought by Kings XI in 2014 for INR 20 lakhs. He played a solitary match for them in 2015, conceding 38 runs for a wicket in three overs against Delhi Daredevils in May 2015. In all, Thakur has played 18 T20s for 21 wickets at an economy rate of 7.81.Supergiant will begin their campaign against Mumbai Indians in Pune on April 6.Rising Pune Supergiant squad: Adam Zampa, Ajinkya Rahane, Ankit Sharma, Ankush Bains, Ashok Dinda, B Aparajith, Ben Stokes, Daniel Christian, Deepak Chahar, Faf du Plessis, Ishwar Pandey, Jaskaran Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Lockie Ferguson, Manoj Tiwary, Mayank Agarwal, Milind Tandon, Mitchell Marsh, MS Dhoni, Rahul Tripathi, Rahul Chahar, Rajat Bhatia, R Ashwin, Saurabh Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Steven Smith (capt.), Usman Khawaja.

Tottenham Could Ignite Perisic By Signing £40m "Beast"

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who could be an astute alternative to Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Edmond Tapsoba.

What's the latest on Aymeric Laporte to Tottenham?

According to 90min, Spurs have identified their top defensive target in the Bundesliga Burkina Faso ace, though mounting interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United could throw a spanner in the works.

Laporte has been a stalwart for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City since signing for £57m in 2018 but has fallen down the pecking order and has subsequently been touted for a £40m departure from the Etihad Stadium.

The Spain international has two years remaining on his Citizens deal but new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will be determined to catch his man after a disastrous defensive year in the top flight.

Should Tottenham sign Aymeric Laporte?

Laporte is one of the most distinguished and illustrious centre-backs in the history of English football, having completed the treble this season to take his trophy haul in Manchester to five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.

The French-born Spain star has made 179 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues, but after starting just 11 times in the top flight this year, he might feel that his time under Guardiola's wing is at an end.

The 29-year-old has been hailed as the "best left-central defender in the world" by his club manager, but with his diminishing amount of action on the pitch, compounded by news of the club's vested interest in RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol, searching for new pastures might be the best option.

And at Spurs he would cement his name as a first-rate star, spearheading the resurgence from the back and complementing Postecoglou's possession-based style, with club chairman Daniel Levy saying: "Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play."

As per FBref, the 22-cap colossus ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion, and the top 1% for passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 – evidently, he holds his own with the ball at his feet.

aymeric-laporte-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

Currently on £120k-per-week, Laporte could even be an affordable option for the Lilywhites, who crave some defensive fortitude after a fraught campaign that bore no European qualification and a dismal defensive record to better only Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and the three relegated outfits.

But the pass master would also serve to make Ivan Perisic's creative game unplayable, with the Croatian gem sealing a move to north London from Inter on a free transfer last year.

Perisic frequented the left flank throughout the 22/23 term, scoring once and registering 12 assists from 44 matches, and with a coveted layer of assurance from someone of Laporte's ilk, who has averaged 1.8 tackles and 3.4 clearances across the duration of his career – via WhoScored – his playmaking prowess would only improve, especially considering Postecoglou's emphasis on versatile full-backs.

Especially since the 34-year-old veteran already ranks among the top 1% of positional peers for assists and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90; impressive metrics, and that's with a shoddy defensive foundation to build from.

Especially given a first-rate skill of the "beast" that is Laporte is playing out from the back – something that is an intrinsic component to a Pep Guardiola system – could add a whole new dimension to a Spurs team desperate for a route back to prominence, his signature must surely be sought this summer.

And if Levy and Postecoglou can pull it off, Tottenham could craft a successful season for themselves and expunge the poignancy of a calamitous campaign.

Ganguly wants 'good pitches' for all-round development of India spinners

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called for “good pitches” in the series against England, pitches that won’t turn on the first two days, to allow India to develop into a competitive all-conditions bowling side, especially their spinners. Ganguly, who will be part of ESPNcricinfo Match Day, the analysis show that will be aired on ESPNcricinfo and on the SONY ESPN channel on every match day of the five-Test series, said R Ashwin was a “top-class” bowler and that India were “unbeatable” at home, but also said he would only judge the captain, coach and star bowlers based on the next cycle of overseas performances.”I think the wickets are going to be good,” Ganguly said of the upcoming five-Test series against England. “And India should be playing on good pitches. I firmly believe they will continue to be unbeatable at home. But if you want to be a good bowling unit overseas, where your spinners come into play and win you Test matches, Ashwin and [Ravindra] Jadeja will have to learn bowling on good first-day, second-day pitches, where there is no turn, where you have got to bowl the right line and right length. And on day four, day five, the game will change very quickly in these conditions.”One of the favourite bowlers of Ganguly the captain, Harbhajan Singh, had recently created a stir about the pitches India have been playing on since last season, saying his and Anil Kumble’s record would have been something else if they had played on such pitches. Knowing this criticism had come from an insider, the current captain Virat Kohli, who has been snapping at anybody who as much as utters the word “pitch”, had to bite his tongue. Ganguly asked Harbhajan to move on, but he could also see where Harbhajan was coming from.”He has got to take it easy, I think, Bhajji,” Ganguly said. “He has been a champion for India. He has just got to move ahead. I know some of the pitches are square turners. That’s not Ashwin’s fault, though. He has probably got those pitches to bowl on, and he has bowled on them. I think Harbhajan is a great bowler, a great servant for Indian cricket, and he should enjoy the cricket and leave it at that. I know some of the pitches – against South Africa he would probably have got 40 wickets in that series – but even if he didn’t get those pitches in his career it doesn’t make him a lesser bowler than anybody.”On the whole, Ganguly saw improvement in Ashwin’s last series outside Asia, and expected more of the same. “There was never a doubt about him as a bowler in these conditions,” Ganguly said. “If you look at his record in the first 12-13 Test matches in the subcontinent, he has got 100 wickets. There is always a question mark on how he bowled in England and Australia and South Africa. And there’s definitely an improvement on that. He has definitely got better in those conditions.”He has continued to thrive on these turning pitches. I don’t think it is that difficult bowling on these turning pitches. You see Jadeja, his record home and away is like chalk and cheese. Ashwin will be very, very dangerous in this squad. Jadeja as well. Pitches turning. Fast. Hitting the rough and turning it away. He will be very, very hard to get away. So England will have to bat very well in the first innings. Toss will be crucial. They will be looking to win the toss and bat first. Lots of things will affect how this series goes but Ashwin is going to be a huge threat.”As part of the BCCI’s cricket advisory committee, Ganguly was instrumental in the appointment of Kumble as India coach, and he is a fan of Kohli: “I sit on my sofa and switch on my TV to watch Virat Kohli.” While he is impressed with Kumble and Kohli’s partnership so far, he is not getting carried away yet. “He [Kumble] has been brilliant but he has played a lot of Test matches at home,” Ganguly said. “And he is going to play about nine Test matches at home in the next six months, so I maintain as I maintained with other coaches that India will continue to beat teams in these conditions. But just like everyone, just like I asked of MS Dhoni whether he had the ability to win Test matches overseas, the same question remains for Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble.”Whether they can get together and get India going in overseas conditions. Because that is what is going to happen after these nine Test matches. We are going to go away to England, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. And they will be tested. So for them and for me the real judgement will come once they complete that full circle. At the present moment, I don’t think they have been tested yet.”Ganguly doesn’t expect England to test India too much either, because, according to him, England are a depleted side from the one that beat India in India in 2012-13, and also because India are on a roll and high on confidence while the opposite was true of the side that lost in 2012-13. Ganguly expects India to continue playing just the two spinners, but if left to him he would add Amit Mishra to the successful pairing of Ashwin and Jadeja.”If I go by the New Zealand Test series, I think he [Kumble] is happy with four bowlers,” Ganguly said. “He knows in these conditions the spinners are capable of picking up 20 wickets, when the ball turns square. I just get a feeling that he will go in with four bowlers. And that will be Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. If he goes in with three spinners at some stage – and that will only happen if he is under pressure, if he hasn’t won the first Test in Rajkot, or of the wicket is Vizag is a minefield as we saw in the one-day game [against New Zealand] – maybe then he could come and have a third spinner.”Him going with three spinners [at the outset], I am not too sure. Because he will wait for the ball to reverse. Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have been brilliant at that. Ishant Sharma is back, so he will probably get a go ahead of Umesh Yadav. So I see him going with Ishant and Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.”

£100k-p/w Chelsea Star Must Never Play For The Club Again

The nightmare is over for Chelsea. The club’s first season under new ownership has ended in complete disaster but everyone cannot contain their anticipation for the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino.

According to GOAL, the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on the final day sentenced the Blues to their worst-ever points total (44) in the Premier League era and their lowest domestic finish since 1994.

The upcoming transfer window is the pivotal first opportunity for the Argentine to attempt to trim a hideously bloated squad, whilst also adding some much-needed injections of quality.

During the tumultuous Graham Potter era, it was reported that after Todd Boehly’s inexplicable £600m outlay there were so many players that some had to get changed in the corridor.

It resulted in a team stricken with unhappiness, instability, and a pitifully distinct lack of motivation.

One player who embodied this feeling was Hakim Ziyech, and if the club are going to move forward, then the Moroccan must not be in Pochettino’s plans next term.

What should happen to Hakim Ziyech?

The 30-year-old has endured an ineffective campaign that has generated no productivity.

Across a ridiculous season, the west Londoners have had three different managers and no one has seemed to fancy the Morrocan; he has only started 13 games in all competitions, registering just three assists, whilst drawing a blank in front of goal, as per Transfermarkt.

In January, the £100k-per-week man was discarded by Potter, and was seemingly set for a move to Paris Saint-Germain. He was so desperate to secure the move that he made a late dash to the French outfit’s offices, but the deal collapsed leaving the player bemused and frustrated.

Hakim Ziyech

Since his move to England in 2020, the winger has often cut a dejected figure, which was made more apparent by his different demeanour when he represented his country.

This was recognised by Joe Cole during Morocco’s World Cup campaign, who said: “He just looks like a happier player for Morocco. He's had a very difficult time at Chelsea, and he hasn't had a rhythm to his game.

“The Premier League doesn't suit him. It's aggressive, up and down. Playing for Ajax he could hug the touchline and the team would very much play through the lines, give him the ball and he's got a lovely left foot, comes inside, and delivers the ball.

“But when we've watched him here [Qatar], he's playing with an intensity and a smile on his face. Ziyech is a talented boy but it's just not worked for him at Chelsea.”

Pochettino must not try to prevent the inevitable and persuade the former Ajax man to stay, as Ziyech’s exit would be the first significant step to herald in the new era at Stamford Bridge.

Having been dubbed "awful" on plenty of occasions during his spell in London, it would be a great surprise if we ever see him in a blue shirt again. This must be the end of the road for the diminutive winger.

ترتيب الدوري الإيطالي بعد نهاية الجولة 24

انتهت مساء يوم الإثنين منافسات الجولة الرابعة والعشرين من الدوري الإيطالي، موسم 2023/24، حيث خسر يوفنتوس أمام أودينيزي بهدف دون رد.

وشهدت الجولة فوز إنتر ميلان على روما بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدفين، في حين انتصر ميلان على نابولي بهدف نظيف.

وانتصر أتالانتا على خصمه جنوى، في الجولة نفسها، بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف، أما بولونيا فقد فاز على ليتشي برباعية نظيفة. ترتيب الدوري الإيطالي بعد نهاية الجولة الرابعة والعشرين

1 -إنتر ميلان، 60 نقطة.

2 -يوفنتوس، 53 نقطة.

3 -ميلان، 52 نقطة.

4 -أتالانتا، 42 نقطة.

5 -بولونيا، 39 نقطة.

6 -روما، 38 نقطة.

7 -فيورنتينا، 37 نقطة.

8 -لاتسيو، 37 نقطة.

9 -نابولي، 35 نقطة.

10 -تورينو، 33 نقطة.

11 -مونزا، 30 نقطة.

12 -جنوى، 29 نقطة.

13 -ليتشي، 24 نقطة.

14 -فروزينوني، 23 نقطة.

15 -أودينيزي، 22 نقطة.

16 -إمبولي، 21 نقطة.

17 -ساسولو، 20 نقطة.

18 -هيلاس فيرونا، 19 نقطة.

19 -كالياري، 18 نقطة.

20 -ساليرنيتانا، 13 نقطة.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب الدوري الايطالي، موسم 2023/24، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

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