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With Pablo Hernandez’s career at Leeds United winding down, Marcelo Bielsa may be on the look-out for someone to fill that potential void sooner rather than later.

The veteran Spaniard, who will turn 36 in a couple of months, has fallen out of favour at Elland Road this season, playing just 313 minutes of Premier League football.

Whether it’s his age, or even suggestions that both he and the manager have had a falling out, the writing is very much on the wall for Hernandez’s time in Yorkshire.

But with reports in recent days linking the Whites with a move for Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez, Bielsa could well find his perfect successor to Hernandez quicker than he expected.

Vazquez is predominantly a right-winger, but he appears to have all the tools in his lock for Bielsa to work his coaching magic and turn him into a number ten or someone to play just off the striker – just like Hernandez has done in recent seasons.

This season, the Madrid flier has managed five assists in all competitions, including a couple of big contributions in big games against the likes of Valencia and Celta Vigo.

Speaking last month, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane raved about his match-winning performance against Vigo, saying: “What he’s doing right now doesn’t surprise us. Not only do I like him, we all like him because he is always on the job and reliable. He always gives everything on the pitch and we appreciate that. I congratulate him.”

Vazquez is a more creative force than someone with the directness and willingness to let fly like a Raphinha-type, and it’s exactly why he seems to be more in the mould of a Hernandez.

The 29-year-old has averaged a very impressive 1.7 key passes per game in La Liga, which would actually rank him joint-second in the entire Leeds squad. And given his natural instincts as a winger, he’s also a prolific dribbler, making 1.4 per game at a superb success rate of 71%.

To put that into context, Raphinha makes slightly less per game at 1.6, but with far less success (54%).  Hernandez’s best season in terms of dribbling at Leeds meanwhile saw him manage 1.8 per game in his first season at Elland Road.

Just like Hernandez, the 5 foot 8 Vazquez is small in stature, but has got all the footwork and trickery to make him a real danger for the opposition. If Orta can get this deal over the line, Bielsa could very well land Leeds’ next Spanish magician.

Like how Hernandez was converted from a flying right winger into a number ten, Bielsa could do the same with Vazquez. It’s all on Victor Orta to snap him up on a free transfer this summer.

Premiership giants Rangers reportedly ‘fear losing’ their star right-back James Tavernier amidst growing interest in the player.

It has been claimed that the Gers are aware of the fact that clubs are looking at Tavernier, as well as the likes of centre-back Connor Goldson and left-back Borna Barisic.

Rangers ‘fear losing’ Tavernier

Football Insider have recently reported about potential exits for the Gers and one name that has cropped up is that of Tavernier. The report states that Steven Gerrard’s men ‘fear losing’ at least one of their star defenders and while they haven’t sold any major players so far, that could well change soon.

The report states that the Gers are already looking at potential replacements for Tavernier, ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. Rangers are currently hoping that they can fend off interest for their captain and others, but they know that it might not be easy when the time comes.

The 29-year-old right-back has been in great form for the Gers this season, scoring 11 goals and picking up nine assists in 22 Premiership appearances. Earlier in the season, Gerrard had been full of praise for the Englishman, saying:

“He’s looking like the powerhouse we know we can be. He returned hungry and his application and return from lockdown has really impressed me.”

Replacing Tavernier could be stiff for Rangers

In all competitions, Tavernier has contributed to 31 goals in 33 appearances for the Gers. 17 of them competitions have been goals, with 14 of them being assists. It shows the impact he’s had at Ibrox this season, even though he’s played at right-back regularly (as per Transfermarkt).

Because of his output from right-back, it could prove to be a tough task for the Gers to replace the 29-year-old and they should look to get a big fee from his potential sale so they have more funds available if they do need to find a new player to replace their captain.

In other news, Rangers have been linked with a League One star – read more about it here.

MatériaMais Notícias

A tentativa de controlar o clima de euforia pela estreia de Robinho tende a fazer parte dos próximos dias do Atlético-MG. Em entrevista coletiva, o técnico Diego Aguirre reconheceu a ansiedade, mas garantiu que não exigirá que o atacante esteja no ápice de seu futebol contra o Independiente del Valle (EQU), nesta quarta-feira, pela Copa Libertadores:

-Todos estão na expectativa, imprensa, torcedores, jogadores, para a estreia dele, por seu nome e por sua qualidade. Não vamos forçar expectativas, jogar a responsabilidade em cima dele na quarta-feira. O importante na quarta-feira é a vitória.

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O treinador destacou a postura do camisa 7 nos bastidores da vitória do Galo sobre o Boa Esporte, por 5 a 1, na noite de domingo:

-Foi bom ver o Robinho antes do jogo. Ele estava com os filhos e foi cumprimentar os jogadores. Foi uma boa intenção, de estar junto com todos.

Leeds United have made an admirable start to their first season back in England’s top flight after 16 years of waiting.

The Whites have already banked impressive results including a win over Everton and a surprise 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

However, Marcelo Bielsa seems to rely too much on star striker Patrick Bamford and this has been made clear on several occasions this campaign.

Indeed, the 27-year-old is the club’s top scorer this term by some margin with eight goals. The next highest scoring Leeds player is Mateusz Klich, who has just two to his name (via BBC Sport).

The gap in stats in worrying for the Whites, who are in need of an extra injection of creativity.

Rob Lee spoke to Football FanCast about this and he believes that Victor Orta must take to the market in January and recruit a partner for Bamford.

“Patrick Bamford has done brilliant, I think he’s done a fantastic job,” the ex-midfielder said. “He’s their focal point, he plays every game, he’s scoring goals – which people probably questioned whether he would in the Premier League. But I think they need someone who can help him.”

Whilst Leeds aren’t in any danger right now, they risk slipping into extremely hot water if Bamford is to pick up an injury at all throughout the season. Bielsa also risks over-working him as he is currently the only source of the team’s goals.

Come January, Orta and Andrea Radrizzani must put their heads together and poach someone who can lighten the load on Bamford’s shoulders and help the Whites develop their attack.

In other news, Signing Dean Henderson will only hinder growth of Illan Meslier…

MatériaMais Notícias

Alguns clubes da Primeira Liga podem tomar uma atitude drástica em solidariedade a Flamengo e Fluminense, que estão sendo ameaçados de punição pela Federação de Futebol do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Ferj) caso participem da competição. Segundo informações do portal “Terra”, Grêmio, Internacional, Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG, Coritiba, Atlético-PR, entre outros, se dizem prontos a não disputar o Campeonato Brasileiro caso os times cariocas sejam punidos de alguma forma.

Os representantes de todos os clubes da Primeira Liga se reuniram na última terça-feira, no Rio de Janeiro, e garantiram que a competição vai acontecer este ano. No comunicado divulgado após o encontro, foi divulgado que o torneio começa no próximo dia 27.

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A presidente da Ferj, Rubens Lopes, disse que está aberto ao diálogo com Flamengo e Fluminense. Ele diz que só permitirá a participação da dupla se aceitarem algumas imposições.

A situação deve ser amenizada ainda nesta semana. O presidente do Cruzeiro, Gilvan de Pinho Tavares, que também é mandatário da Liga, deve se reunir com Rubens Lopes para aparar as arestas e resolver a questão. O encontro não contará com representantes de Fla e Flu.

O presidente do Grêmio, Romildo Bolzan Jr., disse ao sair da reunião que os clubes estão unidos e garantiu a Primeira Liga com a participação de Flamengo e Fluminense. Ele não acredita que os clubes sofrerão represálias por parte da federação carioca de futebol por participar do torneio.

شكك التركي محسن أرطغرل، مدرب الإسماعيلي السابق، في بقاء مُهاجم منتخب مصر، مصطفى محمد مع فريقه جالطة سراي، وذلك في ظل تذبذب مستواه مع الفاتح الأوروبي مُنذ بداية موسم 2021/2022 الجاري.

ويلعب مصطفى محمد مع جالطة سراي مُنذ فبراير الماضي على سبيل الإعارة من الزمالك حتى 30 يونيو 2022، والفاتح الأوروبي يملك حق شراء 31 ديسمبر 2021.

ولم يظهر مصطفى بالشكل المُنتظر كما توهج مع جالطة سراي في النصف الثاني من الموسم الماضي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جماهير جالطة سراي بعد هدف مصطفى محمد أمام فاتح قرة جمرك: يُجدف بمفرده وأسكت جميع المنتقدين

وقال أرطغرل في مداخلة عبر برنامج “البريمو” المُذاع عبر قناة “TEN”: “مصطفى محمد مهاجم جالطة سراي مستواه متذبذب بعض الشيء وهو ما يؤثر على فرص بقائه مع الفريق”.

وأضاف المستشار الفني داخل الاتحاد التركي لكرة القدم: “مصطفى لاعب يمتلك قدرات مميزة, ما ينقصه فقط التركيز وثبات المستوى لإقناع مدربه فاتح تريم”.

وتابع: “الدوري التركي يعتمد على القوة البدنية بصورة كبيرة، ومصطفى محمد يحتاج إلى المزيد من التركيز”.

وأنهى تصريحاته قائلًا: “عليه أن يكون لديه تركيز شديد من أجل مواصلة عمله في الدوري التركي وهو ما يحتاجه أيضا احمد حسن كوكا وكريم حافظ وأحمد ريان”.

يُذكر أن مصطفى محمد شارك في 20 مباراة بمُختلف المسابقات مع جالطة سراي هذا الموسم، ولم يتمكن ن إحراز ألا أربعة أهداف وصنع هدفًا واحدًا.

After enjoying an incredible opening to the new Premier League campaign, Aston Villa were brought back down to the ground with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at home to Leeds United on Friday night.

Dean Smith’s side have already pulled off some notable scalps, including a 7-2 thrashing of reigning champions Liverpool, but it was a newly-promoted side in Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds that popped their balloon.

And Villa can’t have too many complaints either. The Whites had more than double the amount of attempts on goal that the home side did (27-12), and but for some profligate finishing, could have given Villa their own mauling.

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But whilst defensively Smith’s men looked shaky, Villa’s usually reliable talisman Jack Grealish had one of those disappointing displays. As per Sofascore, his 5.6 match rating was the worst of any player on the pitch by far, and it was no surprise to see why.

He lost possession 19 times over the course of the game – the most of any outfield player for Villa – whilst his composure and ability to spot things before anyone else also deserted him.

None more so than a particularly damaging moment when he could potentially have played Ollie Watkins in for an easy goal, before seeing Leeds go up the other end and score just a couple of minutes later.

With all the talk about how he’s being snubbed by England boss Gareth Southgate, Grealish has to consistently show he can be the main man for Villa. And to his credit, he’s been doing exactly that for a number of seasons now.

But with the England talk dominating the headlines in recent days and weeks, Friday night’s clash against Leeds gave him the perfect opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

Instead, things fell flat, and it proved costly for his team.

Newcastle United have officially confirmed the signing of Callum Wilson from Championship club Bournemouth.

According to the official website of the Tyneside club, the 28-year old has joined up at St. James’ Park for an undisclosed fee and has signed a deal that will keep him in the northeast until the summer of 2024.

Speaking on the capture of Wilson, Steve Bruce has said: “I’m grateful the club has made it happen. Lee Charnley and those behind the scenes deserve a lot of credit.”

Indeed, the managing director of the Magpies was one of several people apparently instrumental in the signing of Wilson, who was not short of suitors as Dean Smith’s Aston Villa reportedly had a bid of their own rejected for the English international just a few days ago.

Nonetheless, this is a good bit of business from all of the parties involved in the deal. Wilson is somewhat of a goal-machine when glancing upon his statistics from his career thus far.

In 250 games across club level and England’s under-21 and senior teams, the striker has scored a relatively impressive 92 goals, as per Transfermarkt, meaning that he finds the back of the net every two to three matches on average.

The goal threat that Wilson carries may be vital for the Magpies going into the new season, as Newcastle fans will be hoping that the centre-forward can hit the ground running straight away.

Supporters may be able to see the Englishman for the first time in the famous black-and-white stripes at 3pm on Saturday as they kick off the new Premier League season away at David Moyes’ West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Geordies, are you happy with Wilson’s signing? Comment below with your views!

New Coventrty City signing Leo Ostigard has spoken for the first time since he completed what he calls a ‘dream’ move to the Championship club.

Sky Blues boss Mark Robins has had a busy summer after sealing promotion to the Championship, bringing in the likes of Gustavo Hamer, Julien Dacosta, Marcel Hilssner, Callum O’Hare and Ryan Giles.

Adding to that list, Ostigard has now arrived on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion to add depth to Coventry’s defensive line up.

Valued at £2.25m by Transfermarkt, the defender has now penned a one-year loan deal with the Sky Blues.

Speaking about his move to Coventry, the defender told the club’s official website that it was a ‘dream’ to make a move to the Championship.

“It’s always been a dream to play in the Championship and to come here and play for a team who went up last season is good for me and you never know what will happen.

“I think we will see some great things from this team and we will run and fight to be in this league so I think it will be a good move for me and I hope it will go well.

“I hope I will have a great time and I’m really happy to be here, I’m just going to take it step by step and we will see what happens.”

Norwegian defender Ostigard signed for Brighton after coming through Molde’s academy and he spent time on loan with German second division side St Pauli last term in order to gain first team experience.

Another superb addition from Robins to bring in Ostigard and one that will further enhance Coventry’s squad for the better.

Whilst the Sky Blues may not have the pulling power, financially, to bring in experienced and more well known players, Robins is certainly impressing with his scouting and moves so far this summer.

Do you think Ostigard will do well for the Sky Blues? Let us know in the comments section below…

Key Information about Caledonian Stadium

Caledonian Stadium has been the home of Scottish Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle since it opened in 1996, two years after the club was formed.

Caledonian Stadium was redeveloped in 2004-05 which included the construction of two new stands as well as converting the ground into an all-seater with a capacity of over 7,500.

A history of Caledonian Stadium

When Caledonian and Inverness Thistly proposed to merge and join the Scottish Football League in 1994, it gave them more of a chance to build a brand new state of the art stadium. After two years of negotiating, work on the Caledonian Stadium finally commenced in October 1995 with Provost William Fraser cutting the first ceremonial turf. The first competitive league match played at the new ground was on 9 November 1996 when almost 4,000 fans witnessed a 1-1 draw with Albion Rovers.

Despite a successful opening of Caledonian Stadium, it was soon revealed that the ground did not meet the Scottish Premier League’s criteria of 10,000 seats and it looked as if the club’s hopes of playing in the top flight would be damaged. Somehow, Caley Thistle proposed a 100-mile ground share move at Pittodrie, Aberdeen so that they could play in the Scottish top flight for the first time.

Despite the odds, the SPL agreed that it would be possible for Caledonian Stadium to be upgraded before late January 2005. In addition to this good news for the club, the criteria had changed to 6,000 seats rather than 10,000 ahead of the next season. Redevelopment of Caledonian Stadium began shortly after, with the construction of two new stands at either end of the ground.

They were extraordinarily built in just 47 days by the Tulloch Construction Company who are also the club’s biggest shareholder. As part of the redevelopment cost, Tulloch’s name was added to it upon completion, though in February 2019, the stadium was renamed Caledonian Stadium after long-time sponsors Tulloch gifted the stadium to the club.

An initial club record was set at 7,045, during a league match against Celtic in 2005, and this was surpassed by Old Firm rivals Ranges who attracted a crowd of 7,512 at Caledonian Stadium a few months later. The West Stand was erected opposite the Main Stand in 2007, and it has a small capacity of just 400 – it was initially intended to be a singing section for the hardcore Calley fans. During 2018, Inverness CT replaced the original manned turnstiles with modern barcode scanning ones.

Tickets to Watch Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Caledonian Stadium

Adult season tickets are available from £20, senior citizens and 16-25 from £15, and under-16s from just £6. Adult season tickets are priced at around £246, seniors at £199, 16-25s at £179, juniors at £81, and under-12s for just £46.

Related Links

https://ictfc.com/ – Official Website of Inverness Caledonian Thistle

 https://ictfc.com/prices – Inverness Caledonian Thistle Ticket Office