After Southampton's immediate return to the Premier League was confirmed following their Wembley triumph, Saints chiefs are already hard at work constructing a squad that they hope will stave off the drop next season.

Saints assemble squad ready for Premier League return

The big news out of St Mary's so far is the return of boyhood hero Adam Lallana. The midfielder left Southampton for Liverpool in 2014 after making 265 senior appearances on the south coast. Lallana went on to add a spell at Brighton and Hove Albion and 34 England caps to his CV before sealing his return to the South Coast.

Southampton make first offer to sign "talented" new player

They’ve had a reply.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 7, 2024

In their pursuit of top flight ready talent, Saints have also looked towards Spurs' Joe Rodon as a potential target. The Welsh defender spent last season on loan with Leeds United, however the Whites' failure to secure promotion could push one of their top targets Southampton's way.

Joining Rodon on the Saints' list of targets is Ryan Fraser. The winger was on loan at St Mary's last season and is now out of favour at parent club Newcastle. With the Scotland international playing a key role in Russell Martin's side's promotion, it would make sense for Southampton to make the deal permanent this summer.

Southampton make contact for another ex-player

Following the return of Lallana last week, Southampton are now in the market for another of their former players with The Daily Mail linking Saints with a move for Danny Ings. The club are reportedly willing to pay up to £6million for the English striker who is currently plying his trade at West Ham, and have asked the Hammers about the conditions of a deal.

The 31-year-old made exactly 100 appearances for the Saints across both loan and permanent spells at the club. Ings has gone on to become something of a journeyman during his career with the striker lacing up for multiple sides across England's top flight.

Whilst Ings has struggled for form during his most recent spell with West Ham, much of the St Mary's faithful will have fond memories of the Englishman's more successful exploits for the Saints. Despite his poor performances for the Hammers, the 31-year-old arrived with high hopes with then manager David Moyes singing his praises upon his arrival at the London Stadium.

"I think Danny Ings is as good as it gets and to be fair, at this time of the year, it’s not easy to pick up centre forwards. We’re really pleased to have him, he’s already settled in quite well this morning so we’re really pleased to get.”

If Ings is to line up in red and white once again, the hope among Saints fans will be that he can recapture his form from previous seasons and be the man to lead Southampton in their return to the Premier League.

After a 15th placed finish in the Championship last season, Watford are now looking to bring in fresh faces in order to aid their surge up the table in the next campaign.

Watford want to build around Cleverley

After Valerien Ismael was relieved of his duties back in March, Watford took a chance on former player Tom Cleverley to act as the club's interim manager. Whilst this role was the 34-year-old's first in senior management, Cleverley immediately hit the ground running, picking up significant points against the likes of Leeds United and Ipswich Town as the Hornets finished comfortably mid-table.

Given the permanent role at the end of April, Watford are now set to use the summer transfer window to build a squad in the image of their new manager

The Hornets' recent retained list saw a number of players shown the door at Vicarage Road in order to make room for new signings.

Watford cut ties with three first team players at the end of the season, including Jake Livermore who called time on his spell with the Hornets after one season with the club. Livermore was joined by goalkeeper Ben Hamer and 28-year-old forward Ashley Fletcher on the list of names set to exit the club.

With outgoings out of the way, the Hornets can now look towards new signings as Watford make contact to sign a defender from a Champions League club.

Hornets make request to sign Milan man

As first reported by Sport Witness, Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Watford are making an approach for AC Milan full back Fodé Ballo-Toure. The Hornets are reportedly interested in bringing the 27-year-old to Vicarage Road this summer and with just one year left on his current deal, it could be in Milan's best interest to cash in.

The Senegalese international has been something of a European journeyman in recent years enjoying spells in France, Italy and England. Ballo-Toure's time in England saw him spend last season on loan with Fulham, however the 27-year-old managed just 8 appearances for the Cottagers.

Fode Ballo-Toure stats per club

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

PSG B

36

1

0

LOSC Lille

47

0

2

AS Monaco

74

0

8

AC Milan

26

1

0

Fulham

8

0

0

Despite enduring something of a torrid spell at Craven Cottage, Ballo-Toure arrived at the club with high expectations. Upon agreeing to join the West London outfit, Fulham's Director of Football Operations Tony Khan spoke highly of the defender telling the club's website: “He's a talented left-back with great experience, and his arrival will strengthen the depth of the squad.

“We’re pleased that Fodé has joined Marco’s squad and is ready to compete for us in the Premier League."

With Ballo-Toure set to become a free agent next summer, AC Milan will likely view this summer as the last chance to cash in on the player. The Senegalese international currently commands a weekly wage of £32,500 per week as per capology, which the Rossoneri will likely want off the books.

This desire to let the player go alongside Watford's well-known history with the Italian league should play into the Hornets' hands as they could get their man for a bargain price.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes confirmed last week, alongside new head coach Arne Slot, that transfer dealings are likely to be carried out later into the summer transfer window.

This is not what fans had hoped for. Jurgen Klopp's shock step-down from his manager's role in May will prove to be the biggest watershed moment at Anfield since Klopp's exciting step-up to the role back in 2015. Change has not so much been afoot as been a-trample.

But, still, Liverpool are watching and waiting as Premier League rivals and those abroad scurry around and fight to bring in gleaming new additions to serve their preliminary objectives.

1

Ipswich Town

Portman Road

17/08/24

2

Brentford

Anfield

25/08/24

3

Man United

Old Trafford

01/09/24

4

Nott'm Forest

Anfield

14/09/24

5

Bournemouth

Anfield

25/09/24

Will Liverpool strike a deal before the 2023/24 league season kicks off in just over a month? FSG love an opportunity and will indeed issue a swoop if one emerges.

Well, the Reds have been reliably named among the contenders for one of the most coveted talents across all of Europe…

Liverpool transfer news

According to Caught Offside, Barcelona are leading the race for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, though Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all waiting in the wings.

Williams, 21, has been one of the standout players at Euro 2024 and is likely to leave Basque Country in the coming weeks, with a €58m (£49m) release clause in his contract marking an exciting opportunity.

Liverpool are financially equipped to complete the transfer, and while the Premier League sides are on the backseat, any falter from La Blaugrana could set the Reds up to strike.

Nico Williams' Euro 2024 exploits

Williams might be in the maiden phase of his professional career but he has already made quite the name for himself, playing an instrumental role in Bilbao's efforts last season – notably winning the Copa del Rey and ending a 40-year absence of silverware for the outfit – before being called up to Luis de la Fuente's national side.

With La Roja barnstorming their way into the final of the European Championship, setting up a tantalising tie with the never-say-die England squad, Williams may well be in line to complete an audition for eagle-eyed Liverpool scouts – and top six rivals' besides.

Across the German-hosted tournament, Williams has been a force to be reckoned with, blending fleet-footed dribbling with creative and penetrative expertise, breaking defensive lines and causing a catalogue of issues for his opponents.

Matches played

5

Matches started

5

Goals

1

Assists

1

Pass completion

90%

Key passes per game

2.0

Ball recoveries per game

3.2

Dribbles per game

2.4

Duels won per game

3.8

A supreme playmaker and an indefatigable ball-carrier, Williams would be a sharp signing for Slot's Liverpool. While the Merseysiders boast one of the Premier League's finest left-wingers in Luis Diaz, the 27-year-old has faced questions about his output, notching only 13 goals and five assists over 51 matches for Liverpool last season.

The Colombian, for all his strengths, hasn't reached the level of his Liverpool predecessor, but Williams could grab that mantle and then some.

Why Nico Williams would be perfect for Liverpool

Liverpool signed Sadio Mane from Southampton in a £34m package in 2016, with the up-and-coming Senegalese winger showcasing some giddying qualities during his two-year stint on the South Coast.

Across 269 appearances, Mane, now 32, scored 120 goals and supplied 42 assists for Klopp's Liverpool, winning the whole gamut under the German and combining with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to make one of the most fear-inducing strikeforces of modern times.

A player of electrifying movements and unflappable mental strength, Mane has undoubtedly cemented himself as one of the Premier League's finest wingers, even described as "world-class" by Klopp, who was gushing over his "unbelievable level".

During his final term on Merseyside, 2021/22, Liverpool fought tooth and nail across four fronts, chasing an unprecedented quadruple, but fell at the final week of action, missing out on the Premier League to Manchester City by the finest of margins and somehow losing the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Mane was immense throughout, and now Williams could bring the kind of lightning-fuelled fury to Anfield's door. As per FBref, the Spaniard ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 20% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

He might not have the kind of inborn goalscoring instinct as Mane but Williams still claimed 27 goal contributions across 37 matches for Bilbao last season, including 19 assists. It's no wonder that journalist Antonio Mango has marvelled over his "mind-boggling" ability.

This kind of playmaking prowess could pay dividends for a Liverpool side seeking success under Slot's wing. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo are all proven strikers and Williams could complement such styles superbly.

Diaz is a top player but he's not unexpendable at Liverpool, who would seek to reclaim a fee in excess of £50m to allow him to leave this summer.

Should such cogs fall into place, there's no better talent on the market right now than Spain's new left-sided superstar. FSG must throw the kitchen sink at foiling Barcelona and get this one done.

Priority target: Liverpool lining up their answer to Rodri in £101m talent

FSG are believed to be readying a bid for this prodigious player.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2024

Nathan Lyon will welcome Mitchell Starc’s return into the Australian camp on Monday following compassionate leave ahead of the Test series against India. More specifically, he will welcome the return of Starc’s heavy boots to the bowling crease.The pair have been close over many years, underlined by how Starc stood up for Lyon back in 2012 when there was talk of a Shane Warne comeback. But there is also a very solid cricket reason: with the benefit of bowling into Starc’s footmarks at the other end, Lyon’s record in Tests they play together at Adelaide Oval is supreme.Over five Adelaide Tests since 2015, four of them day-night affairs, Lyon has plucked 26 wickets at 24.11 with a wicket arriving every 52.4 balls, as against his career average of 31.58 and strike rate of 62.9. Each time, Starc’s bowling has provided Lyon with ample rough stuff outside the right-handers’ off stump, a key consideration given India’s touring side lacks the left-handers he has feasted on in recent years in reaching the cusp of 400 Test wickets.”I’ve been working quite hard on bowling to right-handers, there’s so many of them in world cricket so it isn’t a new challenge for me, but we’re really just looking to compete against both edges, and try to bring both edges into play with catchers around the bat,” Lyon said. “So it’s going to be a challenge but very lucky to have Mitch Starc joining the squad tomorrow and I love his footmarks, so it should be good fun.”He’s one of my best mates and we talk every day. Forever talking to him, probably annoying him to be honest, but he’s pretty pumped, pretty excited. We’re really looking forward to having him back around the squad, we all know firstly the quality of bloke he is but also the quality of cricketer he brings to the table as well. Absolutely exciting to have Mitch join us.”If there were any doubts about Starc’s readiness to return to the heavy lifting of Test cricket after he missed one T20I with a minor side issue and then left the squad on compassionate leave, Lyon allayed them by revealing Starc had kept up bowling in Sydney, pink ball and all, in the SCG nets.”Mitch has played a lot of cricket already, he played two Shield games and bowled well down here in Adelaide, then played during the white ball series that he was available for, so I’m not worried about Mitch at all,” Lyon said. “He said he bowled with the pink ball the other day in at the Sydney nets before anyone got there and he said it was where he left off with the pink ball, so that’s exciting to know how good he is with the pink ball. He’s more than comfortable and more than confident and he’s got all our support as well, so looking forward to it.”We’ve got a few things lined up which are exciting, there’s a great vibe within the Australian cricket team at the moment, so I think we’re in such a better place than we were two years ago, it’s exciting and this is the tightest Australian team I’ve ever been a part of, so to have that opportunity come Thursday to get back out there and play some Test cricket, it’s going to be pretty exciting. But we’ve done a bit of homework and we’re ready to go.”Lyon’s own bowling has evolved considerably in recent years, making a major breakthrough against India in India in 2017 and seldom looking back since. Like the rest of the bowling attack, he is keenly aware of the opportunity to beat India now that the hosts will be bolstered by the extra runs of Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and, when fit again, David Warner.”It’s obviously disappointing when you lose guys to injuries and we all know what quality of player David Warner is, but I think both sides have superstars in each lineup, both got very good bowling attacks, so it’s going to be a massive challenge for both teams coming out to Australia.”We know what happened last series against India out here, we know how well they played, so I know as bowlers we’ve already spoken about that and we’re coming up with a few different plans to hopefully challenge the batters’ defence for longer periods of time this time around. We’re in a such a better place as a team right now, this team is probably the closest I’ve ever been a part of, it’s exciting, it’s a great feeling amongst the team, so it’s pretty exciting about the challenges that lie ahead.”Especially over the last five years my bowling’s gone to a new level and I’m very confident with where my bowling’s at. But they’re a very attacking side so they always want to try to attack a spinner, which is fantastic, I love that challenge.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Jefferson começou a Série B do Brasileiro como titular, mas após uma torção no tornozelo ficou 10 jogos fora e perdeu espaço neste quesito. Recuperado, o jogador entrou bem nas últimas cinco partidas disputadas e, inclusive, chegou a marcar um gol. Ele projeta voltar ser escolhido pelo técnico Felipe Conceição entre as opções iniciais na competição.

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– É uma busca constante, trabalhando forte e a cada dia para vir conquistando cada vez o meu espaço. Graças a Deus tenho entrado bem nos jogos, continuar dando sequência para, se Deus quiser, ser titular ainda neste campeonato – comentou Jefferson, que tem 11 jogos na Série B com a camisa do Remo.

O Remo venceu na última rodada o Vitória, em Salvador, por 2 a 1, e o resultado ainda repercute positivamente no grupo. Com o triunfo, o time soma 30 pontos e ocupa a 11ª colocação, com dez de diferença para o CRB, atual quarto colocado.

– Um campeonato muito difícil, onde precisamos sempre ficar pontuando. Essa vitória fora de casa foi muito importante. A gente vem se cobrando bastante. Pegamos duas equipes qualificadas dentro de casa e saímos com o resultado adverso (empate contra o Brasil de Pelotas e derrota para o Botafogo). Mas graças a Deus buscamos esses três pontos em Salvador – pontuou.

Nesta quinta-feira, a equipe enfrenta o Avaí, em Belém, pela 24ª rodada da Série B. Jefferson elogia o adversário, que é o primeiro time fora do G-4, e reconhece a dificuldade que será o jogo.

– A equipe do Avaí é muito qualidade, não é a toa que está em cima da tabela. Temos um grupo muito bom e qualificado. Sabemos das dificuldades do jogo, do campeonato, mas vamos firme para conseguir essa vitória, que pode ser a nossa primeira vitória dentro de casa no segundo turno – finalizou.

West Bromwich Albion fans will want Carlos Corberan to put together another promotion push from the sidelines next season, with positivity still in the air at the Hawthorns, despite a play-off semi-final exit last campaign.

Spirits have been lifted in the West Midlands as a result of both Alex Mowatt and Kyle Bartley extending their stays at West Brom, after very real fears they'd walk away for nothing this summer, with the pair in question solid and dependable first-team performers under pressure.

Still, there will be a concern that another reliable head in the West Brom camp could leave this summer, in the form of Okay Yokuslu, who has many a suitor eyeing him up now after the Turkish midfielder had a fantastic 23/24 campaign.

Okay Yokuslu's 23/24 season in numbers

The West Brom number 35 is being courted by Beskitas at this moment in time, according to reports in his homeland. That comes off the back of consistently delivering top-drawer performances for Corberan's men.

Yokuslu only missed two games of the entire regular Championship season, forming a feared holding midfield duo with the aforementioned Mowatt along the way, with the 30-year-old offering more of a bite in these positions than his ex-Leeds United counterpart, making 4.9 ball recoveries on average per game in the league.

The popular Baggies midfielder also proved his worth when it came to venturing forward occasionally, bagging a fiercely hit strike against Huddersfield Town in March, alongside very rarely squandering possession as a calm passer of the ball in tight areas, with an 87% pass accuracy managed per contest as well.

Having played in the centre of the pitch this summer for overachievers Turkey at Euro 2024, reaching the quarter-finals, he will no doubt have even more eyes on him.

Okay Yokuslu at Euro 2024 (Turkey)

Games played

3

Pass accuracy

93%

Interceptions *

0.7

Tackles *

0.7

Ball recoveries *

1.7

Duels won *

2.3

Stats via Sofascore (* = per game).

It will be a real gut punch, therefore, for Corberan and Co if they were to lose their reliable number 35 this summer, knowing that it could prove to be difficult to replace Yokuslu with a similarly forceful and experienced head.

This could even end up being another Youssouf Mulumbu situation from a Baggies point of view. Another star from a midfield position, he exited for Norwich City in 2015 in heartbreaking fashion after notching up 211 appearances as a beloved figure.

Yokuslu's transfer value in 2024

While Mulumbu did depart on a free transfer to the Canaries, Yokuslu could still give West Brom an opportunity to pocket a pretty penny, when looking at his estimated valuation.

Yokuslu, who was purchased for nothing back in 2022, is now worth in the region of £2.8m according to Football Transfers, with there being a possibility that the Albion star could become the club's next Mulumbu over time if he stays, adored for being a battling and tough presence.

Yet, with his contract up next year, the recruitment team won't want to be riddled with anxiety that the in-demand 30-year-old could leave for zilch as well, with the potential to cash in now getting more and more tempting, especially when you consider his value is higher than that of Grady Diangana's currently.

West Brom's top five most valued assets

1. Jed Wallace

£3.9m

2. Darnell Furlong

£2.9m

3. Okay Yokuslu

£2.8m

4. Karlan Grant

£2.7m

5. Conor Townsend

£2.4m

Sourced by Football Transfers

Diangana's decreased value of £1.5m means he now is some way off the top five most valued assets at the Hawthorns, as per the table above, despite registering seven goals and eight assists last campaign.

West Brom will have their worries that Yokuslu could also see his hefty value fall over time too, but will pray they can keep a firm grip on their star if they can, as another Championship promotion push is attempted.

Related West Brom must regret selling "future captain" who's seen his value soar

West Bromwich Albion will be rueing their decision to sell this former gem now.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jul 7, 2024

Ex-Chelsea star Damien Duff tried to call Jose Mourinho after clinching a historic Irish league title as Shelbourne boss, but he didn't pick up.

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• Duff guides Shelbourne to title win
• First time in 18 years
• Was quick to call Jose Mourinho

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Duff has been celebrating after seeing his Shelbourne team crowned League of Ireland Premier Division champions for the first time since 2006. The former Chelsea man was quick to phone his old manager after a 1-0 win over Derry City sealed glory but ended up losing a bet, and £500, when he didn't pick up. Duff vowed to his players he'd "put a monkey" on the bar tab if Mourinho didn't pick up and ended up having to shell out after his call went unanswered.

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  WHAT DUFF SAID

  Duff also revealed how Mourinho has played a part in his team's win as he used quotes from the Portuguese boss to inspire his players. He said: “Absolutely. It would be mad not to tap into him. So Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, there was posts on the Instagram page. Powerful lyrics, powerful words that would resonate and have a meaning to tie in for tonight. Then in the team meeting [today] there was a private message from Jose speaking about what it takes to win a title as a team, as an individual. It blew the guys away. A video that was shown in the Everglades two hours before the game.”

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Duff was appointed Shelbourne boss in 2021 and has finally ended his team's long wait for a league title. The job is Duff's first in management after a career spent playing for Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham in the Premier League. The Irish star's best spell came at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles under Mourinho.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate will reportedly be knighted for his services to football.

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Southgate set to be knightedCleared of controversial tax schemeEx-England boss linked with Crystal PalaceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images NewsWHAT HAPPENED?

Southgate, who stepped down from his role as England boss after heartbreak in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, is set to receive the knighthood in the New Year Honours list, according to . The report adds that he was being scrutinised over investing in a controversial film investment scheme, but has now been cleared by the authorities and is set to receive the honour.

AdvertisementWHAT HAS BEEN SAID

quoted a source who all but confirmed the news: "Now he's cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming 'Sir Gareth'. Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him. He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966. Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

If Southgate does get knighted, he will only become the third England coach in history to receive the honour after Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. The 54-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most successful Three Lions managers. While he failed to end the long trophy drought that has plagued the men's team, he did guide them to back-to-back European Championship finals and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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GOAL/GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GARETH SOUTHGATE?

recently reported that Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are considering appointing Southgate as their next manager as they consider replacing Oliver Glasner after a dismal start to the 2024-25 campaign. Southgate came through the youth ranks at Selhurst Park and made 191 appearances for the Eagles.

“Even if it’s a case where you get a home and an opposing umpire then I think that’s fair”

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Dec-2020Kieron Pollard wasn’t terribly pleased by the umpiring during the three-match T20I series in New Zealand, and while Jason Holder had no major complaints about the umpiring in the two Tests, he has been left wondering why umpires can’t travel during the Covid-19 pandemic if players can.”The umpiring, Polly [Pollard] for sure had a few question marks over the umpiring in the T20 series. But look, I try to be as far down the line. What I would say about the umpiring, or the situation of the umpires, is that if we can travel and do a quarantine, I don’t see why an opposing (overseas) umpire can’t travel and do the quarantine,” Holder said after West Indies were beaten by an innings and 12 runs in the second and final Test in Wellington on Monday’s fourth day.Related

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Since cricket resumed after the initial global lockdown, local umpires have officiated in all international matches to keep inessential travel in check. For the New Zealand vs West Indies Tests, for example, the on-field umpires were Chris Gaffaney, Wayne Knights and Chris Brown, while Shaun Haig and Ashley Mehrotra were the reserve umpires, and Jeff Crowe the match referee.”I still don’t understand a situation where we’re just having home umpires. If players are making the sacrifice and going on the road and continuing cricket then I feel as though the umpires should do the same,” Holder said. “Even if it’s a case where you get a home and an opposing umpire to do a Test match then I think that’s fair.”The umpiring in the Test series, I can’t really say it’s been horrible. Obviously, in any Test series, you get decisions that you would always question, but the umpires put up their hands and did a reasonable job.”Holder, who scored 103 runs in four innings with one half-century (in the final innings) to average 34.33 but went wicketless over 58 overs of bowling in Hamilton and Wellington, said he was pleased with the team’s “good patches” in the series, but disappointed overall – New Zealand had won the first Test by an innings and 134 runs.”I thought our bowlers were outstanding, just tough that we didn’t take our opportunities when they came. Just shows that if you give quality players two-three-four hands in one Test match, they will make you pay for it,” Holder said. “Then the way we batted in the first innings definitely didn’t set up the game well. Pitch was a really good pitch, but I was really, really pleased the way we played in the second innings. The way John Campbell (68) went about it; I gave him nice support (61) because I thought he was just shaping to put something together big for us. It was good to see him knuckle down again, go through the same processes and get a score. Would like him to go on a little longer, but still pleased with the way he applied himself.”Likewise Joshua da Silva (57) in his second innings – I was really, really pleased with both debutants actually – though Josh was outstanding and Chemar Holder (2 for 110) was very, very outstanding for us as well. Positives: good in patches, but still not good enough.”

أكد السويسري مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، أن فريقه لديه أخطاء في مباراة سموحة، بالرغم من تحقيق الفوز بثنائية دون رد، اليوم الثلاثاء.

الأهلي حقق الفوز على سموحة، بهدفين دون رد، في المواجهة التي أقيمت بينهما، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال كولر خلال تصريحات في المؤتمر الصحفي بعد المباراة: “وضعنا الحالي صعب، لدنيا أربع إصابات أثروا على التشكيل، حسب معلوماتنا أن هناك لاعبين من تلك الإصابات ستكون طويلة المدى”.

وأضاف: “الموقف صعب والجميع لاحظ أن هناك لاعبين لعبوا في مراكز عكس مراكزهم، لكن بالرغم من ذلك حققنا الفوز”.

طالع | فيديو | الأهلي يهزم سموحة بثنائية ويعتلي صدارة الدوري المصري

وأردف: “الاحتفاظ بالكرة من جانب لاعبي الأهلي لم يكن موجودا بالدرجة المطلوبة، في الشوط الثاني وضح أننا فقدنا الكرة بشكل كبير وكان يوجد ميس باص من اللاعبين”.

وتابع: “برغم التطور إلا أننا فقدنا الكرة على الرغم من تحذيري في وقت بين الشوطين، لكن في النهاية حققنا الفوز”.

وواصل: “حتى الآن لا يوجد أي صفقات جديدة، لم يصلني أي شئ عن التدعيمات، أنا لا أتوقع أن التدعيم سيأتيني غدًا وتلعب غدًا، لكن نتطلع أن تحضر مُبكرًا”.

وعن عدم رضا الجماهير، أوضح: “ما هو المطلوب للجماهير، نحن حققنا الفوز، هل المطلوب بدل الفوز بهدفين تفوز بعشرة أهداف”.

وتصدر النادي الأهلي، جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، بعد مرور 7 جولات، برصيد 15 نقطة، إذ حقق الفوز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في 3.