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The Argentine has done the unthinkable by taking over at Stamford Bridge, but it's a move that makes sense, despite his Spurs love affair

After an exhaustive and exhausting search for a permanent manager, Chelsea's co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart have found their man: Mauricio Pochettino.

It was unthinkable that the cherished former Tottenham boss would ever take charge of another Premier League club, let alone one of Spurs' greatest rivals, but the concept of Pochettino taking his seat in the Stamford Bridge dugout is something that Chelsea and Spurs fans alike will have to get used to, with the Argentine's arrival on an initial two-year deal finally being confirmed on Monday.

It will be a divisive appointment in some quarters, given his seemingly unbreakable bond with the Tottenham fanbase (however one-sided that relationship has become), but he is the ideal candidate to guide Chelsea out of the mess they currently find themselves in and on to better things.

GOAL breaks down just why that's the case…

GettyThe perfect project

Things were supposed to be wildly different at the end of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali's first full season as Chelsea owners, especially after two transfer windows of lavish spending.

But instead of fighting for silverware, the Blues find themselves out of each cup competition and desperately staving off a descent into the mire of lower mid-table, more than 30 points off the pace set by Premier League leaders Manchester City and second-placed Arsenal.

Similarly, but perhaps not as drastically, Pochettino's stock has dipped since his unceremonious dismissal at Paris Saint-Germain a year ago, but he is still regarded as one of the best in the business and will be keen to prove that at Stamford Bridge – much like another PSG cast-off, Thomas Tuchel, before him.

As a result, Pochettino's arrival cannot be viewed as a top manager joining a top club, but rather a coach with a point to prove joining a team that is in desperate need of galvanising.

Chelsea could well be the perfect fit; Pochettino's reputation is built upon improving struggling teams and helping them to reach their full potential; he guided Southampton to what was their highest-ever Premier League finish in 2013-14, before famously taking a Tottenham side that had been incapable of qualifying for the Champions League to the final of the 2019 edition.

That incremental improvement at both clubs has been underpinned by an exciting, front-footed brand of football, and Boehly and Eghbali will be desperate for Pochettino to implement those ideas with an expensively assembled squad bursting with unfulfilled attacking talent.

Chelsea and Pochettino are wounded animals, and together they could become something very dangerous.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesThe longevity Chelsea crave

That's not to say that Pochettino turned Spurs' fortunes around as soon as he arrived at White Hart Lane.

He only took Tottenham from sixth to fifth in his first season and still missed out on that elusive Champions League place – something Tim Sherwood was effectively sacked for a year prior.

The key in north London, though, was that he was given the time and afforded the patience to mould the team in his image, ultimately building something incredibly special over a five-year period and breathing life into the club both on and off the pitch.

Given the resources and existing squad that will be at his disposal at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino will back himself to replicate his exploits on the west side of the capital and oversee gradual improvement. A title challenge within the next three seasons should perhaps be the realistic aim.

At 51, he is still relatively young, he has previously professed his love of living in London, and he is an advocate for the attacking brand of football the Chelsea owners seem to want their team to play.

Boehly and Eghbali had hinted that they wanted a manager for the long-term and there would be patience throughout the bad times, but having pulled the plug on their Graham Potter project very prematurely, they should have some confidence that Pochettino has the credentials to oversee the development of the team for a number of years.

GettyThe fans wanted him

The general consensus has always been that Pochettino's profound connection with the Tottenham fanbase would be a stumbling block to a move to any other Premier League club.

As it turns out, that is probably wasn't the case – and he was even willing to join one of Spurs' most bitter rivals.

The Chelsea hierarchy was reportedly pleasantly surprised by the fans' reception to the news that Pochettino was in line for the role, a testament to the Argentine's popularity throughout the game and a reflection of a desire to laud his arrival over Spurs.

Surprisingly, this is unlikely to be a divisive appointment, with Blues followers clearly craving the kind of synergy the coach fostered with Tottenham supporters during his time there – especially having failed to warm to his predecessor Potter – and another stick with which to beat their foes across the capital.

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GettyThe players wanted him

It's not just the supporters who are in favour of Pochettino becoming Chelsea manager – the players are keen on the idea, too.

According to , the first round of news that he could be coming generated excitement in the dressing room, with many members of the squad aware of the Argentine's coaching, motivational ability and man-management skills. They've no doubt been reading more about him since then.

During his time in north London, it was clear that Pochettino's players would run through a brick wall for him, and having looked distinctly unmotivated at times under both Potter and interim manager Frank Lampard, the Chelsea squad is clearly prepared to get down to work for the right person.

Everything you need to know about Norwegian goal-machine Erling Haaland!

Erling Haaland is a professional footballer from Norway who currently plays as a striker for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Norway national team. Haaland was born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United. He grew up in Bryne, Norway, and started playing football at a young age.

In 2017, Haaland joined Molde FK, where he made his professional debut in the Norwegian Eliteserien. He quickly made an impression, scoring four goals in his debut match. He was then snapped up by Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, where he made swift progress.

In December 2019, Haaland joined Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga after turning down a transfer to Salzburg's sister club RB Leipzig….and after smashing five past them in midweek, Leipzig supporters will be ruing the one who got away!

He made an instant impact on his arrival at Signal Iduna Park, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against FC Augsburg. Since then, he has gone from strength-to-strength as he continued to impress with his remarkable goalscoring exploits.

Haaland's performances during the 2020-21 season saw him announce himself as one of the best strikers on the planet. He scored 27 goals in 28 Bundesliga outings, finishing as the league's second-highest scorer behind Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

He also scored 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League, finishing as the competition's joint-top scorer alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe. His stellar form in Germany earned him a high-profile move to Premier League giants Manchester City in the summer of 2022, and his performances at the Etihad have since been mind-blowing.Haaland's playing style is a unique blend of traditional and modern target-man, underlined by his exceptional physical abilities and precision finishing. He stands 6'4 tall and boasts amazing speed, strength, and agility, making him a nightmare opponent for any defence. He's also a great finisher with both his feet and his head, and is capable of scoring goals from nothing.

To conclude, Erling Haaland is an incredible young footballer who is on course to be remembered as one of the best strikers the world has ever seen, while breaking numerous goalscoring records along the way.

With his talent and potential, Haaland is sure to rule the world of football for many

Here are 15 fun facts aboutErling Haaland you need to know…!

imago images / DigitalsportBorn to be an athlete! 🏃

Haaland has a very stong family background in the world of sports. His parents were both excellent athletes. Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was also a professional footballer who played for some renowned English clubs like Leeds United and Manchester City during his career.

However, Haaland Sr. became famous for being a subject to one of the most infamous challenges in the history of football when Roy Keane produced a disgusting tackle in a feisty Manchester derby back in 2001.

His mother, Gry Marita Braun, meanwhile, is also recognised as a national champion in heptathlete in the 90s, while his grandfather was a well-known long-distance runner in Norway.

No wonder the kid's a monster!

AdvertisementCould've been a professional handball player 🤾

While Erling followed his father’s footsteps and became a footballer, Alf-Inge revealed in an interview that he ensured his son would try a whole host of other sports before choosing football. By 14, Erling had already had a taste of handball, athletics and cross-country skiing.

A natural athlete, Haaland excelled at a variety of sports growing up, he was an exceptional handball player, and was told by many coaches that he could make a career in that sport. His father later revealed that Norway's handball manager wanted him to play handball.

Thus, had things turned out differently for him in his formative days, he could have been a famous international handball player for Norway by now.

Getty ImagesA prolific jumper at five

Are you aware that Erling Haaland set his first world record at the age of five?

Now, we're trying hard not to believe the rumours about him being a Terminator, but these facts doesn't help in any way!

At five, most of us were busy watching cartoons, and playing video games..but not Haaland.

Despite his tender age, he was already training, taking part in multiple sports, and building himself to be a phenomenal athlete.

On 22nd January 2006, he produced a standing jump of crazy 1.63 metres!

It turned out to be a new world record, and 17 years later, that record still stands tall!

A world record-breaking jumper: at least, this explains some of the insane towering headers and freakish side-volleys we've come to see from him time and again.

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Was eligible to play for England

Needless to say, Haaland is the future of Norwegian football.

He has scored 21 times in just 23 games for the Drillos, and is the face of a young and competitive Norwegian side that narrowly missed out on qualification to the recent Qatar World Cup.

However, Haaland was born in Leeds and so could have been eligible to play for England. However, he emulated his father at both club and country levels by picking City and Norway, a decision that came naturally to him since he spent most of his youth in the Scandinavian country.

If the stars had aligned differently, Haaland and Kane would have lined up as a strike-pairing upfront, potentially firing Gareth Southgate's team to the elusive World Cup triumph. Defenders legs' would be shaking at that sight, wouldn't they?

USWNT star Sam Mewis is looking for a new club after NWSL side KC Current confirmed the 31-year-old's departure.

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Mewis leaves KC CurrentHas struggled with injuryLooking for a new challengeWHAT HAPPENED?

Mewis is on the move after a two-year stay at KC Current. The club have announced her departure and wished her the best for the future. Mewis joined the club in 2021 but has struggled for appearances due to continued knee problems.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mewis is facing an uncertain future as she bids to return to action after a nightmare time with injury. The USWNT star has not played for the national side since 2021 after undergoing two knee surgeries in the last two years. Her last appearances for her club side came in two Challenge Cup matches in pre-season back in March 2022.

WHAT MEWIS HAS SAID

Mewis has spoken about her injury nightmare recently on the 'Snacks' podcast for Just Women’s Sports. The 31-year-old has said her current objective is to "get as healthy as possible" and hopes to get her knee back "as good as it can get".

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WHAT NEXT FOR MEWIS?

Mewis is now a free agent and will be on the lookout for a new club. Her top priority will be to regain full fitness after a lengthy time on the sidelines and get back to doing what she enjoys the most.

The BCCI working committee has decided to suspend all bilateral tours to West Indies, in response to the visitors pulling out of their India tour

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-20146:14

‘Potentially catastrophic for West Indies’

The BCCI working committee has decided to suspend all bilateral tours to West Indies, in response to the visitors pulling out of their India tour. India were expected to play five series against West Indies in the next eight years, including four visits to the Caribbean.While a BCCI release made no specific mention of any claim for damages, the Indian board will also initiate legal proceedings against the West Indies Cricket Board.The board statement also did not mention any action against West Indies players who participate in the IPL. The players were unlikely to be suspended from participation in the league, with franchises backing them.The working committee meeting in Hyderabad was convened to discuss the aftermath of West Indies’ pullout. The members unanimously felt that strong action needed to be taken against WICB in order to prevent recurrence of such an event.A working committee member revealed that the BCCI’s legal cell said that the bilateral agreement “has been breached” and the BCCI has “every right to claim damages”. This, according to him, made the decision easy for the committee. Another member revealed that the claim amount and the jurisdiction will be decided by the legal cell.It is understood that during the informal discussions during the build-up to the meeting in Hyderabad, some members had suggested that the BCCI suspend ties with WICB for a specific period. However, the committee was convinced that the abrupt manner in which the tour was called off deserved the harshest possible punishment. As an insider revealed “the manner in which the WICB put its hands up” during the whole standoff with its players which led to the cancellation of the tour midway made the BCCI believe that the bilateral ties should be suspended “indefinitely”.”At the moment, it looks unlikely that the bilateral series would resume anytime soon. It will be up to the legal cell now to see if and when a settlement takes place,” revealed an insider.

The sight of Zimbabwe, also defeated by the West Indies, affords Pakistan a chance to regain some confidence at a ground that should suit their pace and the spin

The Preview by Daniel Brettig28-Feb-2015Match factsMarch 1, 2015
Start time 1330 local (0330 GMT)Big pictureThrashed out of sight by India and then beaten comfortably by a West Indies team who were in turn obliterated by South Africa, Pakistan’s stock is not looking terribly strong. There have been squabbles with pundits in Pakistan, stray stories about Younis Khan retiring from ODIs (he isn’t just yet) and plenty of questions about how injuries and suspensions have left Misbah-ul-Haq’s men with an impossible task to emulate the victorious World Cup team of 1992.However, the sight of Zimbabwe, also defeated by the West Indies, affords Misbah’s men a chance to regain some confidence at the Gabba, a ground that should suit Pakistan’s pacemen and the spin of Yasir Shah should he be chosen. Zimbabwe’s captain Elton Chigumbura spoke on the eve of the match of how his team is conscious that this may be the last World Cup at which they have an automatic place, and that they have resolved to give a better account of themselves than in 2011, 2007 or 2003.To do so and remain in contention for the quarter-finals, they would have to defeat Pakistan here, and despite the subcontinental side’s fragility, it is difficult seeing that happen in Brisbane. The weakness evident in Zimbabwe’s bowling should allow Pakistan’s batsmen a little more breathing room, while the bowlers can attack more boldly. Even so, Pakistan have never failed to surprise or confound, and a defeat to Zimbabwe would certainly rank highly among the more startling results returned by the team of the “cornered Tigers”.Form guide(last five matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLLL
Zimbabwe LWLLLIn the spotlightThere has been an air of irritation about Misbah-ul-Haq the past few days, as criticism of his side and their halting early progress at the World Cup has reached a feverish pitch back home. He has not had the best tournament thus far as a tactician and faced familiar censure for his collected, deliberate batting style. Misbah has so often been the island of calm in the Pakistani storm, but can he remain so and allow his men to try to mount a cohesive challenge for the knockouts?Handy starts so far at this tournament have indicated that Brendan Taylor is in some decent form with the bat. However, he has been unable to go on from the 40s, and the limitations of Zimbabwe’s bowling attack mean that more substantial scores are needed from one of the team’s most influential performers over the years. A spinal century against a Pakistan team struggling for confidence would allow Zimbabwe to put pressure on a team they have seldom beaten.Pakistan should beat Zimbabwe, but can they also find cohesion?•AFPTeam newsAhmed Shehzad is expected to be fit, while Yasir Shah may well return following his omission against the West Indies.Pakistan (possible) 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Younis Khan, 3 Haris Sohail, 4 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 5 Sohaib Maqsood, 6 Umar Akmal (wk), 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Wahab Riaz, 9 Yasir Shah, 10 Sohail Khan, 11 Mohammad Irfan.An unchanged team is likely for Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Sikandar Raza, 2 Regis Chakabva, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Brendan Taylor (wk), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Craig Ervine, 7 Stuart Matsikenyeri, 8 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 9 Tinashe Panyangara, 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Tafadzwa Kamungozi.Pitch and conditionsThe Gabba surface proved lively enough for the bowlers to have a chance but equable enough for handsome stroke-play when Ireland shaded UAE. Something similar can be expected on Sunday. The weather forecast is fine.Stats and trivia Zimbabwe’s first match at the Gabba since they were beaten there by India in January 2004 Pakistan have never lost their opening three matches at a World Cup Zimbabwe have won only three of 47 ODI encounters with Pakistan, with one match tied and one no resultQuotes”I think this is a chance for us to just get our confidence back. Zimbabwe is a very good side, everybody knows that they can really come good on any given day. But I think it’s our chance.”
“We’re working hard on finishing off with the ball. Hopefully tomorrow we can execute our plans. Obviously it was a big concern looking at the games that we’ve played and where we didn’t bowl well.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma triumphed in 2017 but who will take top spot this year? Below, Goal lists the game's top talents born or after January 1, 1999

Getty/Goal CompositeYacine Adli

One of the stars of last year’s Under-17s World Cup, Yacine Adli is considered the most precious jewel in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy. Although he might resemble Adrien Rabiot on account of his physique and flowing locks, the 17-year-old is a far more offensively-minded midfielder. Adli is attracting just as much interest from overseas, though.

Getty/Goal CompositeAlan

What the diminutive Alan lacks in size, he makes up for in ability. The pint-sized Brazilian is blessed with a low centre of gravity, quick feet and a keen eye for a pass. Having starred for his country in the Under-17 World Cup, he is now hoping to become a Palmeiras regular. However, Real Madrid are already monitoring his development closely.

Getty/Goal CompositeEthan Ampadu

Still only 17, Ethan Ampadu plays with a maturity and calmness that belies his tender age, which is why the versatile defender was given his debut by both Chelsea and Wales before injury ended his season. Signed from hometown club Exeter City in the summer, Ampadu wasted little time in making a big impression at Stamford Bridge, starting several times in the cup competitions, and, given his ability to play in midfield and comfort on the ball, he is now regarded as the new David Luiz.

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Getty/Goal CompositeMirko Antonucci

Thanks to the hard work of Bruno Conti, Roma beat Serie A rivals Inter to the signing of Mirko Antonucci and the capital club are now reaping the dividends. An old-school winger who is almost unstoppable when he isolates his marker one-on-one, Antonucci is already adored by the Giallorossi fans, having blessed his first-team debut, against Sampdoria, with an assist.

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that they have activated a clause to sign Goncalo Ramos on a permanent basis from Benfica.

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Ramos signed on loan in summer windowDeal included permanent transfer clauseStriker signed contract until 2028WHAT HAPPENED?

PSG initially signed the striker on loan from Benfica in the summer window, with the deal involving an obligation to sign him on a permanent contract. The French champions have confirmed they have activated the clause, agreeing to pay a potential €80 million (£70m/$87m) including add-ons to the Portuguese giants, and have tied him to a contract until 2028.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ramos was signed by PSG after a fantastic season at Benfica in which he scored 27 goals in 47 matches in all competitions. Since joining the Ligue 1 side, however, he has managed just two goals in 15 matches – only eight of which he has started.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ramos faces some competition for the number nine role in Luis Enrique's team, with fellow summer signing Randal Kolo Muani also fighting for the striker position. Kolo Muani, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt, has fired in just three goals in 11 games.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RAMOS?

The Portuguese striker will hope to repay PSG's faith in him by adding to his goal tally when they take on Ligue 1 rivals Monaco on Friday. They will then prepare to host Premier League side Newcastle in the Champions League next Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp's men failed to take control of the match against the French side and were unable to complete a dramatic turnaround late on.

VAR was the enemy once again for Liverpool as they suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Toulouse in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Reds were second best for much of the game but a late fightback saw them pull level right at the end when Jarell Quansah fired into the net. But a replay review in the last minutes of stoppage time saw an Alexis Mac Allister handball in the build up and the strike was disallowed, ensuring the visitors left with nothing.

Jurgen Klopp's team were off to a decent start, but a Kostas Tsimikas howler gifted the French side the lead and the Reds were unable to seize control afterwards. With Cody Gakpo anonymous throughout, Wataru Endo lucky to make it to half-time without being sent off and their defence looking terribly sloppy, Liverpool never really got going.

Even the half-time introductions of Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to get Liverpool into gear, as Toulouse emerged from the break confident and eager to go for the second, which was delivered through a quality finish from Thijs Dallinga.

Liverpool did pull a goal back thanks to a bizarre mistake from defender Cristian Casseres, who wasn't even looking in the right direction as it struck his shoulder and went into the net. But Toulouse showed their resilience by scoring another fine goal right after.

Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to reduce the deficit once again and then Quansah lashed in a 97th minute equaliser, but it just wasn't to be for Liverpool.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Stadium Municipal…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (5/10):

Couldn't do anything for the first goal due to the deflection, was well beaten by a fine finish for the second and spilled the ball for the third after it bounced off of Alexander-Arnold.

Joe Gomez (6/10):

Had an early header hit the bar. Sluggish and clumsy early on and left far too much space behind him. Moved to the left for the second half and it was the same story until his header helped pull a bizarre goal back.

Joel Matip (6/10):

Got across to sweep up after Gomez as Toulouse targeted Liverpool's right side. Was tidy on the ball but needed to get across quicker to block the second goal.

Jarell Quansah (5/10):

Looked solid as he stood up to challenges really well, but didn't look good for any of Toulouse's goals. Thought he had scored a last-minute equaliser but was undone by a VAR review.

Kostas Tsimikas (4/10):

Terrible to give the ball away that sent Toulouse on their way to the first goal. An easy target for Toulouse down the wing.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Harvey Elliott (6/10):

Used the ball well as he attempted to kick-start attacks for the Reds.

Wataru Endo (3/10):

Made an unnecessary and overzealous tackle early on, got booked for another but was lucky to stay on after another rash foul. Full of energy but overcommitted to everything and was a danger to his own team.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

Got up and down in an attempt to create something but offered little protection. Responsible for the handball that saw his side's equaliser chalked off.

GettyAttack

Ben Doak (5/10):

Put his dribbling ability to good use to unsettle the opponents but struggled to link up and went off at half-time.

Cody Gakpo (4/10):

Barely involved as Toulouse blocked Liverpool's path into the centre of the final third.

Luis Diaz (6/10):

Showed some energy and had some okay moments but was hardly effective. Understandable given the recent developments regarding his father's release.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):

On at half-time and added some strength on the right flank.

Mohamed Salah (6/10):

Came on to add the attacking spark Liverpool were missing and his presence helped for the own goal.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Helped settle the midfield after a woeful first half.

Darwin Nunez (5/10):

Was supposed to add more of a direct threat but couldn't get up and running.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Scored a lovely goal to give the Reds some hope late on.

Jurgen Klopp (5/10):

A terrible performance for his team and despite the ability of his substitutes, they hardly turned the game in the Reds' favour as expected.

Sarah Taylor struck a majestic half-century to help England to a promising four-wicket win over an in-form New Zealand

Francis Kelly in Chennai11-Mar-2016England women 131 for 6 (Taylor 51) beat New Zealand women 130 for 6 by four wickets
ScorecardSarah Taylor struck a matchwinning fifty in England’s opening warm-up•Stephen Pond/Getty ImagesSarah Taylor struck a majestic half-century to help England to a promising four-wicket win over an in-form New Zealand, in their first World T20 warm-up match in Chennai.Compiled of reverse sweeps, well-timed glances and a few effective boshes through the leg-side, the dynamic wicketkeeper set the platform for victory following a lacklustre start in which England slumped to 0 for 1 after the first over.It was an encouraging, battling display for coach Mark Robinson, as he embarks on his first major tournament with the team. This match had not originally been on England’s schedule, as they stepped in at the last minute to fulfil the fixture due to Pakistan still awaiting safety assurances before travelling.The two sides will meet again tomorrow as planned, but Robinson was left heartened by what he saw on their first encounter.”I thought it was [an ideal game] in many ways, as it was close,” Robinson said. “You want it to be a tight game as you learn more.”We were a bit rusty in our thinking at times and adapting to the wicket, however, we got better as the game went on. And it was made even better by us winning.”The victory was all the more pleasing considering England’s tour in India has consisted of just one full training session before today, and has already come under scrutiny after the team was made to fly in economy class while their male counterparts were in business.”In a perfect world we’d have gone in economy plus, which does make a difference,” Robinson added. “But at the moment we don’t bring as much money in. Whether we should have the same comforts in an aeroplane, others can decide.”Our board treat us fantastically well so I’ve got no gripes whatsoever, and we’re just happy to be here, privileged to be here, in a fantastic cricketing mad country.”New Zealand entered the match hoping to demonstrate their title-winning credentials, coming off the back of a confidence-boosting 2-1 T20I series triumph against World No.1 Australia earlier this year.The 130 they posted instead showed a team vulnerable lower down the order, having reached the 11th over on 76 for 1 with little troubling them. Yet the score proved a much more challenging target under the lights, as the outfield slowed and New Zealand made good use of the wicket.Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine put on 75 runs together for the second wicket, launching an assault against anything not aligned to the fourth stump, as England’s bowlers struggled to find their accuracy with the ball.Only Katherine Brunt managed to shackle the White Ferns throughout, her forceful bowling too much for the batsmen to get away. It was an impressive return for Brunt, finishing on 2 for 15 from four overs in her first game back since missing much of the recent South Africa tour with side strain.New Zealand continued to accumulate runs with ease though, England eventually regrouping, as they grew accustomed to the pitch. Bates fell to Rebecca Grundy, her wily spin drawing a looping catch to Charlotte Edwards, prior to Tash Farrant toppling Devine with a straight one as she looked to accelerate the scoring.A late push from Amy Satterthwaite nudged the score along to a potentially defendable position, however the damage had been done by then.England got off to a terrible start in their reply, Amy Jones removed second ball of the innings, her attempted pull shot off Lea Tahuhu flying straight to Satterthwaite. A pause in proceedings for Katey Martin, who had been struck in the face by the ball while keeping, seemed to pacify New Zealand. Up to that point they had contained the batting pair of Edwards and Taylor, yet lost their thrust with Martin leaving the field.An over later and the top two T20I run-scorers began their fight back, whacking 14 runs on their way to a 75-run partnership. Although both departed, Lydia Greenway forced the issue with some experienced batting, leaving Natalie Sciver to score the single run required off the last ball of the match.

The Catalan coach is recovering from back surgery and his assistant Juanma Lillo is taking charge of the Premier League champions in his absence

Manchester City will be without Pep Guardiola on the sidelines in their Premier League match at Sheffield United on Sunday.

The City head coach was forced to undergo surgery last week to treat a long-running back problem and will be unable to work with his players for a few weeks.

It means Guardiola will not be able to take any training sessions or matches until he fully recovers from the operation.

GettyWhat has happened to Pep Guardiola?

The Catalan coach has suffered from back pain for more than a decade, with the problem dating all the way back from when he was coaching Barcelona. The pain got particularly bad following City's win over Newcastle and the coach decided to fly to Barcelona to undergo surgery.

"Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem," said a statement from City on Tuesday. "The Manchester City boss has been suffering with severe back pain for some time lately, and flew out to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca. The surgery was a success, and Pep will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow long will Guardiola be absent for?

City have not confirmed exactly how long Guardiola will be out for as it depends on how quickly he recovers from the back surgery. However, the club hope he will return to work in mid-September.

"He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break," added City's statement. "Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon."

Getty ImagesHow many matches will Guardiola miss?

Guardiola is likely to miss two matches. He will be absent from City's visit to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday as well as their home match against Fulham on September 2. Assuming his recovery goes well, he will be back in the dugout when City visit Wolves on September 16.

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Getty ImagesWho will coach City while Guardiola is away?

Guardiola's assistant coach Juanma Lillo is taking charge of the team in his absence. Lillo has been taking training since Tuesday and did Friday's press conference. He will be on the sidelines in the away match at Sheffield United and the home game against Fulham.