Manchester United are continuing to build under Ruben Amorim, and they will look to move in the right direction over the coming weeks, even if the Portuguese boss has shared a little bit of frustration over one matter at Old Trafford.
Roy Keane drops verdict on Ruben Amorim's Man Utd future
Undoubtedly, the future of Amorim has been the main talking point at Manchester United this season, a topic that has gained attention after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made it clear he will have three years to build a legacy at Old Trafford.
In years gone by, the Red Devils have changed managers, but it hasn’t necessarily brought long-term success or stability to the club in their Premier League finishes. For some, it would be only fair for the Portuguese boss to get an extended crack of the whip to craft his system.
Nevertheless, Roy Keane has cast doubt on whether three years will be afforded to Amorim, claiming in the build-up before Manchester United’s win at Liverpool that results will ultimately determine his fate.
He said on Sky Sports: “I’m not so sure about that. It’s all well and good getting the backing off the board, but results have to improve. You hope, of course, any manager is given time. Whether he will get three years to play with depends how they do over the next few months. They have picked up a little bit – with the new attacking players they look more of a goal threat.”
While Manchester United continue to invest in young talent for the future, the here and now is what is important and the stars that are in the building are the ones in control of building consistency on the pitch.
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Despite this, Amorim has let out a little bit of frustration regarding one of his players’ recent exploits, even if his comments come in good faith.
Ruben Amorim opens up on Bruno Fernandes' penalty duties
In comments relayed by GOAL before the win at Liverpool, Amorim expressed frustration at Bruno Fernandes missing penalties for Manchester United against Fulham and Brentford, though confirmed he will remain on duties regardless.
Ultimately, £300,000 per week earner Fernandes has been a big game player for Manchester United over the years and never shirks responsibility, setting up Harry Maguire’s winner at Anfield, and unfortunate events will happen from time to time, given that he is their go-to man.
Nevertheless, nobody will argue that his contribution at Old Trafford isn’t absolutely pivotal to the cause, which is why Amorim retains full trust in his captain to deliver when called upon.
It has been nearly ten years since Manchester United last won a game of football at Anfield. You have to travel back in time to 2016 when a sole goal from the great Wayne Rooney won them the match.
A lot is different since then. As Ruben Amorim’s men defeated Arne Slot’s charges 2-1 on Sunday, it signified the first back-to-back league wins of the Portuguese’s rather dreary tenure in charge.
Perhaps the winds of change are among us. Is this the beginning of Amorim’s charge towards glory? Remarkably, United are now just two points shy of fourth place. They are only six points off the Premier League leaders.
For all of the negativity, for all of the criticism, this was a mammoth win. They deserve their plaudits this time around.
So, how did it happen?
How Man United ended their Anfield curse
This was as far from an Amorim performance as one can imagine. Yes, it’s a good time to play Liverpool, but arguably it’s always a good time to face Man United right now.
They changed the narrative around them on Sunday, however, and they did it in dramatic fashion.
The Red Devils came out of the gates firing when, with barely a minute on the clock, Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front. It was poor defending from Virgil van Dijk who failed to track the winger and he then fired past the goalkeeper at the near post.
Mbeumo hasn’t been his rip-roaring best since trading London for Manchester, leaving Brentford behind in the summer, but he is a talisman United can build their team around. He was hailed as “one of the best in the world” during the game by BBC Sport’s Umir Irfan.
The big-money summer arrival wasn’t the only player Amorim had to thank. New goalkeeper Senne Lammens – an understated and quiet figure – looks an instant upgrade on Andre Onana. He claims crosses, looks assured and simply goes about his business without making a fuss. What a world of difference that makes.
However, the most telling story from a Man United persuasion was the way in which they responded to Cody Gakpo’s late equaliser.
When that goal went in, the game could have changed. Liverpool have made a habit of scoring late winners this term and they had the wind in their sails during that part of the clash.
United have usually wilted under pressure during the Amorim era and could have done here. This time it was different. Liverpool wilted instead and the visitors, in a big test of their mental resolve, stood up to the test.
Bruno Fernandes, always the main talisman of the club, hooked a ball into the box and there was man of the hour, Mr Harry Maguire, rolling back the clock and firing a bullet header into the net. Gary Neville cried tears of joy on commentary, Peter Drury roared and Jamie Carragher sat in silence. It was an iconic moment and one that could turn the tide of Amorim’s tenureship.
Yet, while Lammens, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Maguire came up with big moments, an ounce of praise should be fired in the direction of United’s new Carlos Tevez.
Manchester United's new Tevez has arrived
While the Argentine ultimately left United in controversial circumstances, heading to rivals Manchester City, his time at Old Trafford was something to savour.
A South American maverick, a player who’d run himself into the ground and, principally, a player who knew where the back of the net was, he was a workhorse for United.
A slender figure at 5 feet 7, his game was certainly bigger than that. He ultimately won two Premier League titles during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, played 99 games and scored 34 goals in the process. Tevez also registered 14 assists. He was a genuine all-rounder.
Well, in the present day, summer arrival Matheus Cunha looks like he’s cut from a similar cloth.
Another South American and a maverick sort of player, it’s easy to see where the comparisons stem from but, pivotally, he is actually yet to score in United colours.
His contributions have been first-class, however, and that was in evidence against Liverpool on Sunday. Like Tevez, he ran himself into the ground with a dogged performance on the road.
Scouted Football’s Jake Entwistle encapsulated things perfectly, writing on social media: The fitness of Cunha to scrap for that many duels throughout the game and drag a team up the pitch consistently is absurd. He should be absolutely gassed but he still looks able to do 90 yards with five hand-offs along the way.”
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That certainly sounds Tevez-esque, doesn’t it? During the game, the lively Brazilian only had two shots but he was also able to win four of his nine ground duels, making an interception and two clearances along the way. He also completed both of his dribble attempts and was fouled twice. Talk about offering a lot to the team.
Cunha vs Liverpool
Minutes played
90
Touches
55
Unsuccessful touches
4
Accurate passes
24/29 (83%)
Dribbles
2/2
Fouled
2x
Shots
2
Key passes
0
Interceptions
1
Clearances
2
Duels won
5/10
Stats via Sofascore.
A goal or assist did not come the 26-year-old’s way but journalist Chris Winterburn suggested that “once Cunha starts finding the net, he’s going to be as popular as Tevez.”
Football writer for Forbes and FourFourTwo, Sam Pilger, was equally as impressed with Cunha, noting that he looks like an “incredible signing.” Quite.
United invested heavily in the frontline over the summer and while things didn’t click immediately, they certainly look as though they are now. Mbeumo is in form, Benjamin Sesko has scored twice in his last three outings and Cunha looks just as spritely.
Positives for United? What a shock. Pigs will fly next.
Former German legends Dietmar Hamann and Oliver Kahn have criticised the inclusion of Said El Mala in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. Kahn argued that players should not be selected based on just two or three good performances, while Hamann felt that Nagelsmann should have waited until March next year to give El Mala his first opportunity with the national team.
El Mala's selection to the German national team
Germany sit joint top of their World Cup qualification group alongside Slovakia and are on the verge of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament. Wins against Luxembourg and Slovakia in their upcoming fixtures would seal their place at the World Cup. Coach Nagelsmann’s latest squad announcement marked the return of key players Leroy Sane and Malick Thiaw, both of whom have been recalled after a lengthy absence. The big surprise in the squad was the inclusion of youngster El Mala, who has impressed with his recent club performances.
Nagelsmann commented on the selection, saying he wants El Mala to express his carefree nature. The coach emphasised his preference for giving young players opportunities to represent the national team, stating: “Said should get the chance to show his carefreeness and easygoingness with us. We have an eye on our U21 players and always want to give them the chance to feature for the senior national team.”
AdvertisementGettyHamann's criticism
However, former German midfielder Hamann criticised the selection of El Mala, saying that Nagelsmann should have waited until spring as there is already too much hype surrounding the youngster. He said on : “For me, the nomination comes too early. I would have waited until spring; he could still have been nominated then. There's a lot of hype surrounding the lad right now anyway.
“You could have invited El Mala at any time if he continued playing like this. That's why it's too early for me.”
Hamann also felt that El Mala was fortunate, recalling that during his playing days, footballers with fewer than 50 Bundesliga appearances were not even considered for selection. He said: “In my day, the national coach wouldn't even look at players with fewer than 50 Bundesliga appearances. After 70 or 80 games, you might find yourself on his radar.”
El Mala's great start to the season
El Mala has earned widespread praise for his impressive performances this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist in nine games, despite starting only twice, helping Koln rise to seventh in the table. Operating as a right winger in Lukas Kwasniok’s 3-4-3 system, El Mala combines quick feet, sharp decision-making, and excellent vision to create constant danger in the final third. His pace and agility make him extremely difficult to defend against in one-on-one situations, while his ability to shift lanes quickly despite his height adds unpredictability.
Additionally, his explosive acceleration makes him a key weapon in Koln’s high-pressing system. However, Koln sporting director Thomas Kessler looked to temper the growing hype around the youngster, saying: “His first appearances were very promising. However, it shouldn't be forgotten that the match against Dortmund at the weekend was only his second start in the Bundesliga. Expectations in Cologne can be immense.”
German and Bayern legend Kahn echoed Kessler’s sentiments, saying that players should not be selected for the national team based on just a few good performances. He remarked: “I'm not a big fan of bringing in the guys right away after they've played two or three good games."
He added: "But the coach also has a responsibility with such young players. And we all know: Julian Nagelsmann is very experimental. Sometimes even impulsive. Meaning: he observes a player who he'd like to see play, without considering the potential consequences. (…) Right now, the national team needs to focus on finding the team that you feel has a chance at the upcoming World Cup."
However, the former goalkeeper took a more lenient stance than Hamann, acknowledging that national team coaches often want to assess how players adapt and perform within the group. He explained: “On the other hand, you also have to understand that a national coach wants to see and feel the guys – how they perform in training and how they function in the group. Therefore, I can understand the nomination.”
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Getty Images SportGermany's world cup qualification challenge
Nagelsmann will hope that El Mala can make a positive impact when Germany face Luxembourg and Slovakia, helping the team secure automatic qualification for the World Cup and, in the process, justify his selection.
Whilst it’s often big-money transfers that steal the headlines, nothing beats success from the academy. Discovering the next Harry Kane is still just as important as it was finding the original. Even in football’s current climate, academies still have an invaluable part to play in producing the greatest players in the world.
Whether it’s in English football, Amsterdam or La Masia, the next generation of stars need a platform to start somewhere. Building one of the best academies can be just as crucial as having the largest budget if used right – have both and the possibilities can be endless.
The CIES Football Observatory has now identified football’s best academies based on three factors…
Players – how many players in 49 worldwide leagues they’ve trained for 3 years between their 15th and 21st birthdays Minutes – official game-time from those players in the last year Level – the level of clubs those players have played for
Five Premier League sides feature in the top 100 academies in the world, but none of them crack the top ten. Manchester City sit highest at 21st, Arsenal are ranked 48th, and Chelsea just about make the top 50. Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 56th and Liverpool sit 75th in a ranking that they should hope to improve.
105.1
Benfica (POR)
93
2,582
0.807
98.7
Barcelona (ESP)
76
2,773
0.875
98.3
River Plate (ARG)
97
2,305
0.805
97.6
Ajax (NED)
80
2,690
0.841
95
Boca Juniors (ARG)
86
2,516
0.808
83.4
Sporting CP (POR)
76
2,488
0.811
77.9
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
77
2,532
0.732
77.0
Defensor SC (URU)
88
2,222
0.726
74.8
Real Madrid (ESP)
58
2,817
0.853
73.8
Velez Sarsfield (ARG)
70
2,406
0.805
10 Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)
One of three Argentine clubs in the top 10, Velez Sarsfield are not a well-known club but their academy has produced some undeniable gems. Both Nicolas Otamendi and Diego Simeone graduated from the Argentine club before enjoying fantastic careers in European football.
The former even became a Premier League winner at Manchester City and is now playing his football at Benfica in the latter years of his career. Nowadays, the likes of Dilan Godoy could be next in line to benefit, having been promoted from Sarsfield’s academy and enjoyed first-team football for the first time this season.
9 Real Madrid (Spain)
Atletico Madrid's PabloBarriosin action with Real Madrid's Fran Garcia
A less surprising name on the list, Real Madrid are ranked 9th in CIES’ list of the world’s best academies. It’s easy to assume that they’d be higher, given their place as arguably the world’s biggest team, but their focus has often been set on welcoming Galactico-esque signings such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Nonetheless, that’s not to say their academy hasn’t produced some impressive talent in recent years. The likes of Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia both came from Madrid’s academy and both now play their part in Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad.
8 Defensor SC (Uruguay)
Like Sarsfield, Defensor SC’s inclusion on this list will surprise many, but the Uruguay-based side have trained as many as 88 current professional players at the time CIES conducted their rankings.
They have been one of the most consistent breeding grounds for young talent in South America and have helped the likes of Maxi Gomez on their way. Given the influence that South America has on the transfer market these days, with Moises Caicedo and Murillo arriving before thriving in the Premier League, Defensor could be ones to watch.
7 Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Having trained 77 active players, Dinamo Zagreb find themselves higher than Real Madrid on this list. Having produced the likes of Luka Modric, however, that should come as little surprise.
It’s not just the veteran midfielder still representing the academy, either. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol also graduated from the Croatian club and is now a Premier League winner. Now, questions will arrive as to who the next big product to come out of Zagreb will be. Whoever it is has quite the shoes to fill.
6 Sporting CP (Portugal)
The academy that made the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, Sporting CP discovered a gem and have used their academy ever since. These days, graduates such as Goncalo Inacio, Geny Catamo and Geovany Quenda are stealing the show in products that reflect the success of Ronaldo after the academy was named after one of football’s greatest-ever players.
Aside from the Real Madrid legend, one stat which really stamps home the impact of Sporting’s academy is the fact that 10 of their graduates played their part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory.
5 Boca Juniors (Argentina)
The second Argentine team in the top 10, Boca Juniors remain one of the biggest clubs in South America and their academy reflects that. Icons such as Carlos Tevez have come through what is known as ‘The Boca Factory’ and the likes of Alan Varela and Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur have followed suit in recent years.
The Boca Factory doesn’t look likely to cease production anytime soon, either, given Valentin Barco has emerged from the academy into European football in the last two years.
4 Ajax (Netherlands)
Who remembers Erik ten Hag’s 2018/19 Champions League side? It was built on the success of Ajax’s famous academy and would have been enough to make the late-great Johan Cruyff proud.
In a golden generation, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek all stole the spotlight and soon secured moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Barcelona and Manchester United. Whilst those in Amsterdam are still seeking their next crop of generational talent, they have still made CIES’ top 10 football academies in the world.
3 River Plate (Argentina)
Argentina really is the place for young talent. Alongside Boca and Sarsfield, River Plate have been ranked inside CIES’ top 10 and sit as high as third. It’s no wonder, either. They’ve trained 97 active players and are responsible for blessing European football with talents Julian Alvarez and Real Madrid’s latest young gem Franco Mastantuno.
When it comes to attacking stars, there aren’t many more reliable clubs in world football than River Plate. Both Madrid clubs have benefitted from that and Man City could be next in line if Claudio Echeverri realises his increasingly-impressive potential.
2 Barcelona (Spain)
Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez – the list could go on. La Masia remains the most famous football academy in world football, even if CIES have deemed it second best. Just when they seemed down and out on Europe’s top table, the Spanish giants turned towards their academy to unearth some undeniable gems.
The odds that they would find the exact player to take Lionel Messi’s throne seemed impossible, but up stepped Yamal – a player who already looks destined to break records at just 18 years old.
1 Benfica (Portugal)
It takes a lot to beat La Masia and Barcelona on this list, but Benfica have done exactly that. Edging out their Spanish counterparts, Benfica trained as many as 93 players during CIES’ latest ranking and many of those stars are performing at the highest level.
Some of the best talents to benefit from their focus on young stars over the years include Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves – now one of the best midfielders on the planet – and Man City’s Bernardo Silva many moons ago.
It’s an academy which has funded Benfica over the years thanks to big-money moves for Joao Felix as well as others and now one that they’ll hope to see result in Liga Portugal glory in years to come.
Tottenham Hotspur have always been a club that gives young players a chance.
Today, Thoms Frank has the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall making regular appearances, and so long as things turn around at Rangers, Mikey Moore is likely to feature more prominently next season.
Go back just over a decade, and it was a certain Harry Kane who was given the chance to lead the line under Mauricio Pochettino. Then, just a few years after that, Dele Alli was signed from MK Dons.
At his best, the former England international was a force of nature for Spurs, and while it’s early, it looks like the North Londoners might just have another version of him on the books today.
What made Dele Alli so special
While he has unfortunately faded out of football almost entirely today, it is impossible to overstate just how special a player Dele was at his peak.
For example, in just his first season with the club, the Englishman was able to rack up a brilliant tally of ten goals and ten assists in 46 appearances.
Such a return would be impressive for a seasoned professional, but considering he was just 20 years old and had spent the prior campaign in League One, it was incredible.
Unsurprisingly, he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year, an award he’d win for a second time the following year after producing an out-of-this-world tally of 34 goal involvements in 50 appearances.
While it sounds overly simplistic, it was this sensational ability to produce goals and assists at an unimaginable rate for someone so young that made the Milton Keynes-born gem so special.
Appearances
269
Minutes
19162′
Goals
67
Assists
58
Goal Involvements per Match
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
153.29′
He wasn’t necessarily the best passer in the game, and sometimes could be found lacking when it came to the defensive side of things, but he was a force of nature when it came to popping up at the right time to either score or provide the final pass to someone else who’d put the ball in the back of the net.
So, unfortunately, when the goal involvements began to dry up, everything started to go wrong for the potentially world-class talent, and while he may well get back to his best, he is currently without a club.
In more positive news for Tottenham, it looks like they have an academy gem who could potentially become their new Dele in the coming years.
Meet Spurs' new Dele
There are more than a handful of truly exciting prospects in Spurs’ academy setup at the moment, but the one who stands the best chance of emulating Dele at his best is Luca Williams-Barnett.
Despite still being just 17 years old, the youngster has been a real talking point for those in the know for some time now, and when you take a look at his numbers in youth football, it’s easy to understand why.
For example, in just 23 appearances last season, totalling 1857 minutes, the Luton-born wonderkid scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists, which comes out to 1.39 goal involvements every game, or one every 58.03 minutes.
Then this season, even though he’s now primarily playing with the U21s, he has still scored eight goals and provided five assists in nine youth team appearances, totalling 716 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.44 goal involvements per game, or one every 55.07 minutes.
In other words, the Lilywhites’ young phenom is already a goalscoring machine, but one who is also a reliable provider of assists, which certainly helps to justify analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s “one of England’s best talents.”
Moreover, the fact that he has already made his first-team debut, combined with his ability to pop up left, right, and centre with goal involvements from a young age, is undoubtedly reminiscent of Dele at his very best.
Ultimately, it’s still incredibly early in Williams-Barnett’s career, but it’s impossible to ignore just how immense a talent he already is, and his similarities to the Spurs’ former game-changer.
Spurs sold "phenomenal" striker for just £7m, now he's as prolific as Kane
The incredible striker Spurs sold is starting to play like Harry Kane.
تلقى أحد لاعبي مانشستر يونايتد، إشادة من لاعبي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز السابقين، بيتر كراوتش وأوين هارجريفز خلال استوديو تحليلي لمواجهة فريقه ضد توتنهام التي انتهت بتعادل مثير بهدفين لكل فريق.
وسجل بريان مبيومو، نجم مانشستر يونايتد، هدفًا ضد توتنهام في المباراة، وهو الهدف السادس له في 12 لقاء، منذ انضمامه لأولد ترافورد، مقابل 71 مليون جنيه إسترليني.
ويعد الدولي الكاميروني مبيومو، هداف مانشستر يونايتد هذا الموسم، ويتلقى إشادة كبيرة من لاعبي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز السابقين بفضل مستوياته المتميزة.
وأشاد بيتر كراوتش مهاجم ليفربول السابق بلاعب مانشستر يونايتد في تصريحات لقناة “TNT SPORT”، قائلاً: “لقد أعجبت به لسنوات عديدة”.
وأضاف: “في برينتفورد كان لاعبًا حاسمًا وخطيرًا ودقيقًا في لمساته، عندما تتاح له الفرصة ينهي الهجمة دون تردد ويبقى هادئاً أمام المرمى وشكل إضافة لما يحاول مانشستر يونايتد تحقيقه”.
اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | التعادل يحسم المواجهة المثيرة بين مانشستر يونايتد وتوتنهام في الدوري الإنجليزي
وقارن أوين هارجريفز لاعب مانشستر يونايتد السابق بين مبيومو ومحمد صلاح الذي سجل 188 هدفًا خلال 298 مباراة في البريميرليج مع ليفربول: “أعتقد أن أهم ما يميزه هو قدرته على تقديم أداء مميز”.
وأضاف: “يذكرني قليلاً بمحمد صلاح داخل وحول منطقة الجزاء، عندما يحصل على الكرة تكون لديه فكرة واضحة لما يريده بالضبط، يكاد لا يظهر أي انفعال أو حماس في هذه المناطق”.
واختتم: “يمكنه اللعب بقدميه وهو بارع في المراوغة ولا أعتقد أنه يحصل على التقدير الكافي فنياً، يتحدث الناس عن قدرته على التسجيل وهذا صحيح لكنه لاعب استثنائي، ويأتي لاعبون لمانشستر يونايتد ويعانون من الضغط لكنه ببساطة هادئ وهداف هذا الموسم”.
The 49ers finally ended their hunt for a new manager by hiring Danny Rohl earlier this week and they’ve now revealed the criteria that the German met to be handed the Rangers job.
Cavenagh: Rohl knows "winning is the only option"
Welcoming their new manager after a managerial search full of twists and turns, Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh was full of praise for Rohl and told reporters that the German is well aware that “winning is the only option” at Ibrox.
The pressure will be on the 36-year-old from the off, but he represents a young manager full of ambition and full of the style that Russell Martin otherwise lacked in Scotland.
Rohl also admitted his own excitement after taking the job, saying: “I’m really looking forward to being part of this amazing football club. We want to win, we need wins because we want to turn around the position at the moment. I am looking for an ambitious club, a club that is wanting more. This club has everything for all these goals.
“My job is clear. My focus is on my person, what I can bring to this football club. We want to create chances, we want to create goals. We want to defence as a team. We have to win games then we can speak about playing attractive football.”
Secret Rohl talks took place while everyone thought Rangers were after Muscat
This is an intriguing update.
ByHenry Jackson Oct 20, 2025
He may not have been Rangers’ first choice, but Rohl has ticked a number of boxes in his own right at the 49ers have since revealed exactly why they turned towards the former Sheffield Wednesday boss.
49ers reveal how Rohl met Rangers criteria
Speaking candidly to the fans in a meeting this week, Cavenagh, Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart revealed the criteria that Rohl met to land the Rangers job.
They told supporters that they were looking for a manager who could get the Gers back to winning ways right away, win sustainably over time and win in a way that fans will enjoy watching. Rohl ticked every one of those boxes in the interview stage and beat out two other candidates after Muscat and Gerrard dropped out of the race.
With his counter-pressing system, Rohl’s Rangers side should certainly entertain. Whether that’ll be enough to secure victory is the big question and one that fans will get an answer for this Thursday against Brann in the Europa League.
O atacante Júnior Santos não escondeu sua expectativa após o Botafogo ter retomado o caminho para as vitórias. Em entrevista ao programa “Boleiragem”, do SporTV, o camisa 37 detalhou a maneira como a comissão técnica formada por Lúcio Flávio e Joel Carli vem comandando a equipe.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBotafogoEle é fogo… Tiquinho Soares entra em lista histórica do Botafogo no século XXIBotafogo10/10/2023BotafogoPróximos jogos do Botafogo: veja calendário com datas e horáriosBotafogo10/10/2023
Além disso, o jogador contou bastidores do último jogo de Bruno Lage. O então técnico havia barrado Tiquinho Soares no empate em 1 a 1 com o Goiás.
+ Em baixa com Bruno Lage, Júnior Santos é escolhido melhor em campo pelo Botafogo em estreia de Lúcio Flávio
– A gente ficou um pouco surpreso pela escalação (contra o Goiás). Na verdade, ele (Lage) testou várias formações ali, só que ele colocou o Diego (Costa) também, que é um grande jogador, que já ajudou muito também. Só que o Tiquinho tinha um peso. Esse peso fez com que ali, na hora do aquecimento, a torcida já começasse a gritar o nome do Tiquinho e já imaginamos que isso poderia acontecer – disse.
continua após a publicidade
+ Transforme sua paixão pelo futebol em profissão. Descubra o caminho com o curso Gestor de Futebol!
Em seguida, Júnior Santos foi veemente sobre a dimensão daquela situação.
– Isso foi um divisor de águas naquele momento por tudo que estava envolvido, por ser o Tiquinho e o que ele está fazendo no campeonato. Foi um peso que trouxe uma atmosfera mais fora de campo. Foi algo que mexeu um pouco – afirmou o camisa 37.
O atacante ainda contou outro episódio marcante do período de Lage no Glorioso: quando, após a derrota por 2 a 1 para o Flamengo, o português fez um breve pronunciamento e colocou seu cargo à disposição.
continua após a publicidade
– Ele chamou a gente para conversar para falar sobre o que tinha dito para dizer que estava fechado com o grupo, que o pensamento dele estava no Botafogo, estava em ficar no Brasil. Não teve nenhuma treta dentro do clube. Não teve nenhuma desavença – explicou, detalhando como foi o fim de trajetória:
– Até quando o Textor decidiu trocar o comando, ele (Lage) foi lá se despedir da gente pessoalmente.Ele falou que a visão foi nos proteger e por isso falou aquilo ali. Foi essa a explicação que ele deu para gente. Seguimos o nosso trabalho até onde deu- completou.
Júnior Santos também demonstrou otimismo em relação ao técnico Lúcio Flávio e à sua parceria com o auxiliar Joel Carli. Aos seus olhos, a busca por continuidade norteará a nova comissão técnica.
– Já tínhamos um estilo de jogo e esse estilo de jogo tinha uma forma de treinar, onde a gente se sentia à vontade, se sentia bem, prazer em fazer os trabalhos para os jogos.O Carli e o Lúcio já conhecem a forma que deu certo. A fórmula eles já sabiam e foi o que fizeram – afirmou.
Júnior Santos ainda refoçou uma torcida:
– Torço para que eles permaneçam no comando. O grupo se sente confortável e confiante com eles. Eu quero que eles fiquem porque queremos dar essa continuidade, e tenho certeza que o grupo vai estar dando essa resposta dentro de campo também – assegurou.
O Botafogo, líder com 55 pontos, encara o América-MG no dia 18, no Independência.
Lothar Matthaus has downplayed Paris Saint-Germain’s chances against Bayern Munich ahead of their Champions League showdown in Paris. The German legend insists PSG lack a difference-maker like Harry Kane and claims Bayern’s unbeaten run under Vincent Kompany makes them the true favourites to win the heavyweight clash at the Parc des Princes.
Matthuus backs Bayern over PSG
Ahead of the high-powered Champions League meeting at the Parc des Princes, former Bayern captain Matthaus has tipped the German giants to come out on top. Writing in his column, the World Cup winner explained why he rates Vincent Kompany’s side higher than Luis Enrique’s PSG, even though the French side are the defending European champions.
Matthaus pointed to Bayern’s incredible momentum as a key factor in his analysis. “It was a demonstration of power. With a commanding 3-0 victory against Leverkusen, FC Bayern celebrated their 15th win in 15 games,” he wrote. “Many things need to come together for the opponents to leave the pitch as non-losers against Bayern.” The Bavarians have been unstoppable this season, boasting 15 consecutive wins in all competitions and sitting top of the Bundesliga as well as the Champions League league phase, after PSG with a goal difference and a perfect record. PSG, meanwhile, have dropped points in Ligue 1, showing signs of vulnerability despite their European success last season.
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‘PSG don’t have Kane, Kimmich or Neuer’ – Matthaus verdict
In his analysis, Matthaus argued that the French champions lack the world-class spine that makes Bayern so complete. “Paris Saint-Germain will be the next test. On Tuesday, two top European teams will face each other. Both have high quality in their squads, but Paris doesn't have a Kane, a [Michael] Olise, a [Joshua] Kimmich, or a [Manuel] Neuer,” he explained.
The Bayern icon praised boss Kompany's team as well-oiled, balanced unit capable of adapting to different opponents. “The French team has played exceptionally well in the Champions League so far, but they’ve already dropped points and lost a game in Ligue 1. Bayern are a well-oiled machine, they’re in a flow. Therefore, I say: Paris is definitely not the favourites,” Matthaus insisted.
His comments underline how much respect Bayern’s current form commands across Europe. Kompany’s men have combined attacking flair with defensive stability, scoring 54 goals in just 15 matches this season while conceding only 12.
Bayern travel to Paris with confidence and depth, as the German champions are unbeaten in all competitions this season and have swept aside Chelsea, Pafos, and Club Brugge in the Champions League with an aggregate score of 12-2. Their attacking trio, English superstar Kane, French hero Olise and Colombian international Luis Diaz, were rested at the weekend in the first half and are expected to start in Paris, giving Kompany his full attacking arsenal.
Matthsus’ prediction reflected that confidence, “I’m predicting a 2-1 victory for Bayern,” he declared. “PSG are the reigning Champions League winners, but Bayern have won their last four matches in the competition. The players are aware of that.”
He further pointed out that even in the Club World Cup defeat to PSG earlier this year, Bayern “were more dominant, had more scoring opportunities, and were the better team.” That loss, Matthaus believes, only fueled their current winning streak.
‘He may have won the Ballon d’Or, but…’ – Doubts remain about Dembele
Matthaus also commented on PSG's superstar Ousmane Dembele’s recent Ballon d’Or triumph, offering a measured perspective on the Frenchman’s resurgence. “Ousmane Dembele may have won the Ballon d'Or, but there were other players who performed just as well over the course of the year, but whose clubs were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals,” he wrote.
While acknowledging Dembele’s maturity and contribution since joining PSG, Matthaus maintained that individual brilliance alone might not be enough to tip the scales against a dominant Bayern side. The winger has only recently returned from a thigh injury and could feature off the bench in Paris, giving Luis Enrique a much-needed creative spark.
Still, Matthaus’ broader point is that PSG’s success relies heavily on moments of individual flair, whereas Bayern function as a collective. His remarks reflect a growing narrative that Enrique’s team, while star-studded, lacks the structural discipline that defines Kompany’s Bayern.
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European powerhouses collide for supremacy
Tuesday night’s clash at the Parc des Princes will likely decide who stays at top of the Champions League league phase, with both teams currently level on nine points. PSG have a slight edge on goals scored, but Bayern’s record-breaking start under Kompany has made them Europe’s team to beat.
For Enrique, this fixture is about reaffirming PSG’s status as reigning champions amid questions about consistency and reliance on individual brilliance. Dembele’s potential cameo could inject creativity, but Matthaus’ words serve as a warning, the French giants must prove they can match Bayern’s collective intensity.
With Kane already on 22 goals this season and Manuel Neuer approaching his 154th Champions League appearance, experience and efficiency define their campaign.
Both teams have been seen constantly approaching umpires for a ball change this series
Nagraj Gollapudi09-Jul-202512:42
Are the pitches spoiling the England vs India series?
The sight of both England and India players constantly walking to the umpires seeking ball change in both Leeds and Birmingham has been frustrating. That sentiment was expressed openly by both Ben Stokes and Rishabh Pant on the eve of the Lord’s Test with the England captain even questioning whether the ball gauge used was ideal to measure the Dukes ball.”Whenever we have touring teams visiting, there is an issue with the balls going soft and completely out of shape,” Stokes said ahead of the third Test at Lord’s. “I don’t even think the rings that we use are Dukes rings. It isn’t ideal. But you have to deal with it.”A gauge, which has two rings, is used by umpires to check the state of the ball. The ball needs to pass through one ring and not the other to be deemed still in shape. Anything else means the ball is out of shape and can be changed. However, bowling teams have often been left frustrated after umpires have disallowed their request for the ball to be changed, despite it going soft and losing its seam.Related
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Ben Stokes always takes us on a ride
On the second day of the Leeds Test, Pant threw the ball into the ground after the umpires refused to replace the ball, which he felt was out of shape. The ICC reprimanded Pant and sanctioned him with one demerit point for an offence he accepted.When told about the opinion expressed by Stokes today, Pant jokingly said that he would stick to the same ball gauge, but the rings could be “smaller”. But the Indian vice-captain pointed out it was “irritating” to keep encountering the Dukes going out of shape very quickly during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.”I feel it is a big problem because the ball is getting out of shape,” Pant said. “In this series, the ball is getting de-shaped (out of shape) too much. That is something I’ve never seen. It is definitely irritating for the players because every ball plays differently. When it becomes softer, sometimes it doesn’t do too much, but as soon as you change the ball it starts to do something. As a batsman, you keep on adjusting to that, but at the same time, it is not good for cricket overall.”Stokes expressed similar remarks. “If you feel the ball has gone out of shape, then you check it with the umpire. If it goes through the rings, it goes through the rings, and you crack on. Hopefully, eventually it goes that badly out of shape that you are able to change it. Every bowling team seems to struggle with it, and it seemed a big issue last week at Edgbaston. If it fits through we keep going, if it doesn’t we get a new one.”