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It took courage to make the radical changes to his game that we saw him make in England

Aakash Chopra14-Sep-20210:57

How Rohit Sharma tightened his front-foot game

When the ball is in what is often referred to as the corridor of uncertainty, it is designed to sow seeds of doubt in the batter’s mind: Is it too close to leave? Or a little too wide to attempt putting bat on ball? Watching a batter leave alone a ball that’s almost shaving the off stump can be as enthralling as watching the ball hit the middle of the bat and sail into the stands.Both are a vindication of good judgement and perfect execution, with radically different outcomes. While one decision gives you six runs, the other allows you to stay put for longer so you can look to score plenty more. Similarly, stonewalling a perfect inswinger with a solid defence can give you an equal amount of pleasure.There’s a subtle difference in the joy one derives from hitting fours and sixes and from exercising defensive options in challenging conditions – the lifespan of the former is usually limited, and often adrenaline is the fuel that drives it; the latter can go on for much longer and demands mental fortitude from the batter.Related

• Laxman: Rohit's ability to adapt speaks of his character

• Pujara: If we can win at Edgbaston, it will be one of India's best wins

• 'First goal was to play balls, stay on the pitch'

How one gets addicted to the rhythms of batting in Test cricket is not a topic that gets discussed all that often. But for a striking example of a display of the latter kind of innings and how it can cast an enchanting spell, look at how Rohit Sharma has batted since he set foot on English soil earlier this year.Rohit is a runaway match-winner in white-ball cricket, but in Test cricket, his promotion to open the innings was considered a final throw of the dice to revive his career in the format, and also an attempt to get him to do what Virender Sehwag, another stroke-maker of high quality, did in the same role.While Rohit batted the way he was expected to bat in India in Tests, he changed his game radically to meet the demands of English conditions. He decided to play everything close to his body, focusing a lot on leaving balls as well as on defending.He went against his natural instinct, which is to attack at the first opportune moment. In fact, he buried that instinct so deep, it frequently took longer than usual for him to access it again when needed. Rohit’s attempt to play a totally different brand of cricket to that with which he got all his international success reflected two things: nurture is as influential as nature, if not more; and he has a burning desire to succeed in Tests.When someone doesn’t have anything left to prove in the two most popular and rewarding formats of the game, you can understand it if he didn’t put the same amount of effort into succeeding in the third format – a significantly less materially rewarding one.5:31

Laxman: Rohit’s adjustments more in his mindset than technique

Rohit decided to put himself out there, challenge himself, play a different game with unflinching commitment and belief in his new repertoire. He knew that this English summer had the potential to define his legacy as a Test cricketer. And it is remarkable that standing at such a crucial juncture so far into his career, he had the conviction to remould his game so drastically that he looked like a different batter altogether. The risk you run in these situations is that if you fail, you can’t forgive yourself for not going with what came naturally to you. Rohit took the risk and succeeded.The first instinct against James Anderson and Ollie Robinson was to be defensive. Unless the ball was really full, he wouldn’t attempt driving it. He would trust his judgement of where the off stump was and would leave a lot of deliveries alone. The ones coming in, once again, would be dealt with defensively.He earmarked Sam Curran in the first couple of Tests, and Moeen Ali thereafter, as his go-to bowlers against whom to score runs. He was so committed to this plan that he must have missed multiple scoring opportunities against Anderson and Robinson, but the fact that that did not bother him spoke volumes about his mindset. Sometimes you drift away from your initial plans of self-denial once the feet start moving freely and you’re more confident about the pace and bounce of the surface but Rohit’s discipline was quite similar to Sachin Tendulkar’s discipline in not playing the cover drive at all in his famous knock of 241 not out in Sydney in 2004.Of course, once in a while, Rohit got out playing the pull or hook shots but part of the reason for those dismissals was also his predominant desire to defend. The shot that dismissed him in the first innings of the Headingley Test was an example.The beauty of Test match batting and long stays in the middle is that you start falling in love with small things – the joy of leaving the ball alone, or simply defending it. I’m not suggesting that there’s less joy in white-ball runs, but the cadences of Test cricket are different, and they leave a deeper imprint. The joys of Test cricket are almost spiritual; once you’ve tasted them, nothing else can satisfy that craving anymore.In England this summer Rohit seems to have taken a giant leap towards writing his legacy, an effort born of his love for the longer format.

أسدل الستار على مباريات الجولة الثالثة ودور المجموعات بالكامل في بطولة كأس العرب 2025، والمقامة على الأراضي القطرية.

وانطلقت بطولة كأس العرب 2025، في دولة قطر، بمشاركة 16 منتخبًا، في الأول من ديسمبر وستنتهي في 18 من الشهر ذاته.

وشهدت مرحلة المجموعات توديع منتخب مصر الثاني البطولة بعد الخسارة أمام الأردن بثلاثة أهداف نظيفة، اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة.

وودع منتخب مصر بطولة كأس العرب بعد احتلاله المركز الثالث برصيد نقطتين، فيما تأهل عن هذه المجموعة منتخبا الأردن الذي حقق العلامة الكاملة بتسع نقاط، والإمارات في الوصافة، برصيد 4 نقاط.

ومن المجموعة الأولى، تأهل إلى دور الـ 8 “ربع النهائي”، كل من فلسطين وسوريا في المركزين الأول والثاني على الترتيب برصيد 5 نقاط لكل منهما.

وفي المجموعة الثانية، حسم منتخبا المغرب والسعودية تأهلهما إلى دور ربع النهائي بعدما أنهيا دور المجموعات في المركزين الأول والثاني.

وفي المجموعة الرابعة، حسم منتخب الجزائر تأهله إلى دور الـ 8، متصدرًا المجموعة، ثم منتخب العراق في الوصافة.

طالع.. بالمواعيد | مواجهات دور الـ 8 من كأس العرب 2025 ترتيب مجموعات كأس العرب 2025 بعد انتهاء دور المجموعاتترتيب المجموعة الأولى بعد انتهاء دور المجموعات

1- فلسطين، 5 نقاط.

2- سوريا، 5 نقاط.

3- تونس، 4 نقاط.

4- قطر، نقطة. ترتيب المجموعة الثانية بعد انتهاء دور المجموعات

1- المغرب، 7 نقاط.

2- السعودية، 6 نقاط.

3-عمان، 4 نقاط.

4- جزر القمر، نقطة واحدة. ترتيب المجموعة الثالثة بعد انتهاء دور المجموعات

1- الأردن، 9 نقاط.

2- الإمارات، 4 نقاط.

3- مصر، نقطتان.

4- الكويت، نقطة واحدة. ترتيب المجموعة الرابعة بعد انتهاء دور المجموعات

1- الجزائر 7 نقاط.

2- العراق 6 نقاط.

3- البحرين 3 نقاط.

4-السودان نقطة.

Manchester United’s midfield department has been a problem area over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim still yet to discover his best partnership at the heart of the side.

The 40-year-old has operated with a two-man partnership ever since he took the reins last November, with the midfielders crucial to his 3-4-2-1 system.

The likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount have often shared responsibility in starting as part of the duo, but the manager still wants reinforcements in such a position.

Kobbie Mainoo is just another option at Amorim’s disposal, but he’s often decided against utilising the Englishman, as seen by his measly tally of zero starts in the Premier League this campaign.

As a result, INEOS have been tasked with identifying potential options during the January transfer window to try and provide a long-term fix to the issues in the midfield department.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions during January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the Premier League clubs interested in a move to land Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

It’s been reported that Amorim’s men have already held talks with Sean Dyche’s side over a potential move, but it could be an expensive one, with a £100m price tag currently being mooted.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 23-year-old, with rivals Manchester City also said to be keeping a close eye on his progress ahead of the upcoming window.

However, Anderson isn’t the only midfielder on the Red Devils’ radar, with Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham another option INEOS are reportedly considering.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men have made a €150m (£130m) bid for the England international in an attempt to solve their current issues.

The report also states that his current employers aren’t looking to offload him at present, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to complete in the near future.

Why Bellingham would be perfect for Bruno Fernandes

Despite being an attacking midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has been asked to play in a somewhat deeper midfield role in United’s squad this season – often partnering Casemiro at the heart of the side.

However, it hasn’t stopped the Portuguese international from starring at the heart of the side, as seen by his excellent goals and assists tally in the Premier League.

In his first 15 appearances of the league campaign, he’s already registered ten combined goals and assists, with three of his efforts coming at Wolves on Monday night.

However, the manager is yet to strike a balance at the heart of the side, especially considering Casemiro is now 33 and set to leave at the end of his contract in the summer.

As a result, Bellingham could well be the answer to the current issue in midfield, especially if his stats from LaLiga in 2025/26 to date are anything to go by.

The numbers he’s produced showcase his remarkable box-to-box nature, which could well make him the perfect partner for Bruno at the heart of the side.

Bellingham, who’s been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, has been a tad off the pace this term but he’s certainly still the best when you consider raw talent and his potential. There is a reason, after all, that Madrid trusted him to wear Zinedine Zidane’s famed number 5 shirt at the biggest club in the global game.

To illuminate his qualities, he’s completed 8.9 progressive passes per 90, all of which being made into the final third. That sounds pretty perfect for Fernandes, doesn’t it?

Games played

12

Goals & assists

5

Progressive passes

8.9

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes into final third

8.9

Tackles won

2.9

Tackle success

67%

Interceptions made

0.9

Such numbers showcase the creative nature he possesses, with such tallies potentially taking some of the strain and responsibility on Bruno to constantly provide the goods in central areas.

However, out of possession is where the 22-year-old has excelled this campaign, as seen by his tally of 2.9 tackles won per 90 – subsequently ranking him in the top 5% of all players in LaLiga.

He’s also made 0.9 interceptions and won 1.5 aerials won per 90, which also ranks him in the top 5% of midfielders – highlighting his remarkable talents out of possession.

Bellingham’s dominance is showcased in his tally of 67% of tackles entered that he’s won this season, finally ending United’s hunt for a new ball-winner if a deal can be completed.

£130m would be a remarkable amount of money spent on just one player, but the Madrid star has demonstrated world-class levels for many years despite his tender age.

The prospect of him linking up with Bruno is one to get excited about, with the pair potentially having the quality to catapult the club to a title challenge in the near future.

The new Ji-Sung Park: Man Utd star is fast becoming as important as Bruno

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Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound isn't coming anytime soon.

Ohtani is now not expected to start pitching in games again until after the MLB All-Star break, which will take place from July 14–17. According to Bob Nightengale of , the Los Angeles Dodgers plan to keep Ohtani from pitching until after the break, avoiding rushing him back as he is already putting up MVP-level production as a hitter.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in April that Ohtani has looked "great" in bullpen session, but was a couple months away from pitching in a game again. Now, it appears he still is over a couple months away, and will at the earliest pitch in the second half of July.

Ohtani has not pitched since he was with the Los Angeles Angles in 2023, when he went 10–5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts across 23 starts and won the American League MVP award. Ohtani suffered a torn UCL toward the end of the 2023 season, and underwent surgery on his throwing arm.

As a hitter, Ohtani has slashed .308/.410/.641 with 12 home runs, 21 RBIs and 10 stolen bases so far this season. While only playing as the Dodgers' designated hitter for all of last season, Ohtani hit .310 with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases as he helped the Dodgers win the World Series.

Safe to say, the Dodgers aren't planning on rushing Ohtani to the mound anytime soon. Though the Dodgers are currently missing Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow due to injury, they have increased depth in the rotation thanks to the addition of Roki Sasaki and the return of Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, who both missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. Clayton Kershaw also appears primed to return shortly after making another rehab start on Sunday.

Norwich City have held talks with one manager who has a 100% win record over the recently sacked Liam Manning.

When Norwich City could appoint Manning’s replacement

The Canaries finally parted ways with Manning after a seventh straight Carrow Road defeat prior to the international break.

The 2-1 loss to Leicester City was Norwich’s 10th defeat from 15 Championship games, leaving them in 23rd place and four points off safety.

Sporting director Ben Knapper said in a statement that he understood criticism from supporters and is looking to “repair the relationship” with fans.

“We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage.

“Liam and his staff worked tirelessly to move our football club forward. They are all fundamentally good people and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.

“We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage. So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough.

“We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”

Norwich City’s next 5 Championship fixtures

Date

Birmingham City vs Norwich City

22nd November

Norwich City vs Oxford United

25th November

Norwich City vs QPR

29th November

Watford vs Norwich City

6th December

Sheffield United vs Norwich City

9th December

Something that will get supporters back on side will be to appoint a winning manager, with former midfielder Gary O’Neil linked with the vacancy.

Norwich, according to reliable reporter John Percy, have interviewed O’Neil and want to appoint a new manager by November 22, the day club football returns and the Canaries travel to Birmingham City.

Norwich City hold talks with Will Still

Sky Sports reporters Zinny Boswell, Lyall Thomas and Anthony Joseph shared a Norwich City manager update on Wednesday morning, naming the three bosses who the Canaries have spoken with.

As well as former player O’Neil, Norwich have also held talks with Jon Dahl Tomasson and Will Still, with the former Southampton manager available following his St Mary’s departure earlier this month.

Still, who plays a 3-4-1-2 system, struggled to turn the Saints around, winning two of his 13 Championship games which resulted in his sacking a week prior to Manning.

He did defeat Manning and Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road in an EFL Cup second round tie, though, which began a terrible spell at home for the former Canaries boss.

Still has a 100% win record vs Manning, and he was impressing over in France with Lens before his move to England, being linked with numerous jobs.

The 33-year-old is still inexperienced in English football, though, and after his spell on the south coast, taking a chance on Still would be a gamble by the Norwich board as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.

It could be a risk worth taking, although O’Neil and Tomasson have more experience in English football than Still.

This season has started about as poorly as it could have for West Ham United.

As things stand, the East Londoners are stuck in the Premier League relegation zone, and while Nuno Espírito Santo earned a point in his first game, he’s overseen three losses since.

However, there is a chance for the Hammers to steady the ship at home to Newcastle United this weekend, in a game that’ll see Lucas Paqueta take one of his closest friends in Bruno Guimaraes.

West Ham would love a player of his quality in their side, and while that is a pipe dream, they might have the next best thing.

Paqueta & Guimarães' relationship

Speaking ahead of the game, Paqueta did the usual of telling the West Ham website that the team are “all ready for a big battle,” but he also went on to explain his relationship with Guimarães.

Chalkboard

He revealed that the two of them are “like brothers” and that, thanks to their time on and off the pitch together, they are “best friends.”

It’s not all that surprising that the pair are so close, as on top of representing Brazil, they also spent time playing for Lyon.

In fact, between the 20/21 and 21/22 seasons, the duo made 42 appearances for the French side, in which they combined for one goal, but maintained a healthy average of 2.00 points per game.

On the international front, the duo have played 24 matches with both of them on the pitch, in which they’ve combined for two goals.

However, with 13 wins, six draws and five losses in those games, they’ve only averaged 1.88 points together.

You can only imagine how much better West Ham would be if Bruno were starting just behind Paqueta.

However, while that is a dream, the club might have found their own version of the Toon star who could end up forming a similar relationship with Paqueta.

Paqueta's new Guimarães

While there are some talented midfielders in West Ham’s squad, like Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa, it’s Mateus Fernandes who could end up being Paqueta’s new Guimarães.

Now, while he isn’t Brazilian, there are a few reasons why he fits the bill, with the first being that, like the Newcastle star, he is more than comfortable playing in central midfield.

Therefore, while he can play in the ten, he’d be just as happy to sit that bit deeper and allow the Hammers’ Brazilian maestro to remain as the most attacking midfielder.

However, the most concrete reason why the “exceptional” former Southampton star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could become the new Guimarães is that he was one of the most similar players to him last season.

Yes, according to FBref, the Toon ace was the ninth most similar midfielder to the Irons’ summer signing in the entire Premier League last season.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.12

0.12

Shots

1.30

1.24

Shots on Target

0.43

0.36

Expected Assists

0.11

0.15

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.19

0.17

Switches

0.31

0.39

Shots Blocked

0.25

0.28

Interceptions

0.87

0.80

Aerial Duels Won

0.46

0.50

To gain a better understanding of how such a conclusion was reached, it’s worth examining some of the underlying numbers that led to the pair ranking so closely.

In this instance, these include specific attacking metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals, shots, shots on target, crosses into the penalty area, switches, and more, all per 90 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, given that they are both central midfielders, they also rank closely for more defensive metrics, such as interceptions, aerial duels won, and shots blocked per 90.

Now, with all that said, it would be foolish to expect the former Saints ace to match the performances of the Newcastle star, but the fact that they are so similar, and he’s six years younger, is certainly encouraging.

Ultimately, it may take some time for them to build a proper understanding, but so long as Nuno plays them both, there is every chance Paqueta could develop a similar understanding with Fernandes that he has with Guimarães.

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With their striker troubles not going away anytime soon, Everton are now reportedly serious about making a January move to sign a big-money star in January.

Moyes has say on Beto after Man City miss

It was far from a disastrous summer for The Friedkin Group. In fact, it was actually fairly positive. They signed Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling among others in an impressive spending spree. Yet, one problem persists. Everton need a consistent, clinical striker.

The Toffees thought they got that in Thierno Barry in the summer, but the former Villarreal man is yet to make his mark and may need at least a season to find his feet in English football. As a result, David Moyes has been forced to turn towards Beto, who has scored just one Premier League goal in eight appearances so far this season.

The towering forward struggled once again last weekend as Everton were made to pay for not taking their chances by a clinical Man City and Erling Haaland. As the best striker in the world dominated at one end, Beto failed to impress at the other in a glaring contrast.

It’s something that Everton must look to solve when January arrives and Moyes will know that more than most.

The experienced manager had his say on Beto’s missed chances against Man City, saying: “I think the one he doesn’t get to, he should get to. The one that was given offside was onside, I think, and ultimately we get a VAR decision if it goes in. The first chance – we’re studs away from getting a goal.”

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It seems as though Friedkin are also aware of the Toffees’ striker troubles, with those at the Hill Dickinson now reportedly serious about signing a big-money star.

Everton now serious about Ivan Toney move

According to Football Insider, Everton are now seriously interested in signing Ivan Toney in the January transfer window. The Al-Ahli forward reportedly believes that a return to the Premier League is his best chance to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup and particularly wants to work under Moyes.

Toney’s camp reportedly favour a move to Merseyside rather than West Ham United, handing Everton a major advantage ahead of the winter window. The deal, even if on loan, is unlikely to come cheap, however.

The 29-year-old earns a staggering £22m-a-year in the Saudi Pro League, which would instantly make him Everton’s highest earner by more than £10m. It simply looks like an impossible deal unless Al-Ahli pay a percentage of the forward’s wages in a loan deal or Toney takes a pay-cut in a permanent switch.

Hailed as “intelligent” by former manager Thomas Frank, Toney is the type of player who could solve Everton’s striker problem. Whether they can find a way past his big-money salary is another question entirely, though. If the forward wants a World Cup place then he may have to compromise in January.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been blessed with the likes of Harry Kane providing the goods within the final third – but the current first-team are massively lacking such a presence.

Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have shared the responsibility at the top end of the pitch in recent weeks, but neither have scored since the middle of September.

Their joint top scorer in the Premier League this season is centre-back Micky van de Ven, which further highlights the lack of quality currently available to Thomas Frank at present.

However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, the Dane has the opportunity to land a new talisman to help him in his quest for success in North London.

Numerous players have emerged on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with returning Sporting Director Fabio Paratici likely to play a key role in any potential pursuits.

Spurs’ move for a new talisman in January

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been strongly linked with a move to land Porto star Samu Aghehowa this winter, but such a deal would be a huge investment.

After scoring 11 times in his first 14 outings of 2025/26, it’s safe to say the Spaniard is a man in demand – but any transfer would cost a pretty penny given his current £87m release clause.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist at present, with Paratici making the most of his Juventus links to try and strike a deal for the signature of Dušan Vlahović.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, the Lilywhites are firmly in the race to land a cut-price deal for the Serbian, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

It also confirms that Bayern Munich are in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, but Frank’s men could hold the edge given Paratici’s links to the Old Lady.

Such a move would finally hand the Dane the talisman he’s craved, which could allow the frontman to be his next version of a player who thrived under his guidance at Brentford.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s next Toney

During Frank’s seven years at the helm with Brentford, he was able to rely on striker Ivan Toney for a four-year period, with the striker constantly producing the goods in front of goal.

The Englishman registered 72 goals in his 141 appearances for the Bees, the most of any player during the Dane’s reign across the capital – often being the player to pop up in key moments.

50% of his efforts for Brentford came in England’s top-flight, a tally that was the most in the Bees’ history, but Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have since surpassed such a figure.

Given the lack of options currently at Frank’s disposal in North London, there’s no denying he wishes he could rely on a player of the 29-year-old’s quality.

Such a move could have come to fruition back in the summer of 2024, but the Lilywhites opted for a move for Dominic Solanke, as the former Bees star completed his own move to Saudi Arabia.

A deal for Toney’s signature may prove unlikely, but Frank could land his next version of the Englishman in the coming months, should Paratici complete a deal for Vlahovic.

Both have demonstrated unbelievable goalscoring records over recent seasons, with the Juve star finding the net 62 times in his 152 appearances for the Italian giants.

The 25-year-old’s goalscoring record is one thing, but his current contract issue in Turin could provide the Lilywhites board with a bargain option to solve their centre-forward woes.

His underlying figures from the current campaign also showcase the all-round quality he would add to the side, finally handing the manager the needed presence he’s craved since taking the reins.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers” by Luca Toni, has only started three Serie A games in 2025/26, but it hasn’t stopped him from finding the back of the net on two occasions.

Games played

14

Goals scored

6

Shots on target

1.1

Shot on target accuracy

38%

Aerials won

2.5

Goals scored per 90

0.65

Touches in opposition box

6.7

Fouls won

1.4

His tally of 1.1 shots on target per 90 also highlight his accuracy in attacking areas, with his total of 2.5 aerials won per 90 handing Frank the focal point he’s searching for.

The Serbian currently ranks in the 88th percentile of all players in Italy for goals scored per 90, potentially making him the missing piece in the Dane’s Lilywhites attacking puzzle.

It’s currently unclear how much a deal for Vlahovic would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he would be a perfect addition to the club’s impressive frontline.

Should he match the levels produced by Toney under the Dane’s guidance at Brentford, it would be a stellar move and offer the chance for the club to reach new heights in the near future.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo anunciou a demissão de Jorge Sampaoli na quinta-feira (28) e colocou ponto final na desastrosa passagem do argentino pelo clube carioca. Sua trajetória na Gávea ficou marcada por resultados negativos, polêmicas extracampo e conflitos com a torcida.

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+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Da queda nas oitavas de final da Libertadores ao soco do preparado físico Pablo Fernádez em Pedro, o Rubro-Negro nunca conseguiu atingir a tal estabilidade desejada após a saída de Vitor Pereira e viu sua última chance de conquistar um título na temporada ser barrada justamente por Dorival Júnior, que foi demitido do comando técnico do Fla depois de conquistar a Libertadores e a Copa do Brasil.

Porém, existem passagens tão decepcionantes quanto a de Sampaoli. Confira a lista dos dez treinadores que mais desapontaram à frente do comando técnico do Flamengo.

Mano Menezes

Chegou ao Flamengo em uma época em que, apesar do elenco modesto, já havia organização administrativa.
Mano foi contratado com grande expectativa e deixou o time de maneira absolutamente covarde após 22 jogos.

Edinho

A passagem de Edinho foi rápida e tão pouco prolífica quanto a média de sua carreira como treinador.
Assumiu o Flamengo em dois momentos conturbados em anos consecutivos. Com o mesmo número de jogos de Mano Menezes, Edinho não deixou qualquer saudade.

Celso Roth

Assumiu o comando do time do Flamengo em 2005 e com certeza teve uma das passagens mais constrangedoras de nossa história no comando do time. Com menos de 37% de aproveitamento e uma concepção de futebol muito distante de nossas raízes, foi demitido após 20 partidas.

Apolinho

A escolha de um radialista para treinador do Flamengo é um retrato claro das esquizofrenias que vivíamos no meio dos anos 90. Escolhido por Kleber Leite para comandar o time e tentar salvar o ano do centenário, Apolinho foi vice da Supercopa da Libertadores e fez uma campanha horrível no campeonato brasileiro.

Cristóvão Borges

Cristóvão chegou para substituir Luxemburgo à frente do comando técnico do Flamengo. Em 18 partidas, o treinador conseguiu acumular mais derrotas (nove) que vitórias (oito) e deixou a equipe carioca próxima da zona de rebaixamento do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Rogério Lourenço

Cria do Flamengo como jogador, Rogério Lourenço trabalhava como técnico das divisões de base e acabou se tornando um interino que foi efetivado. Resistiu durante 20 jogos, mas ficou marcado pela torcida como um técnico que não engrenou.

Silas

Silas veio após Rogério Lourenço. Apesar da curta carreira, já era apontado como um nome promissor. A vinda de Silas serviu para provar que, assim como em 2023, tem como se suceder um técnico ruim com outro pior.

Paulo Sousa

Contratado como grande solução para o ano de 2022, Paulo Sousa sofreu para fazer com que o time compreendesse sua forma de enxergar futebol. Ainda que o futebol não fluísse de maneira natural, o time conseguiu ser competitivo, mas não deu liga.

Vitor Pereira

Mais um português anunciado como Salvador da pátria, VP se envolveu em uma enorme polêmica em sua saída do Corinthians. No comando do Flamengo, colecionou vexames que foram do mundial de clubes ao campeonato Carioca. Um verdadeiro show de horrores.

Jorge Sampaoli

Apresentado como a esperança de retomada, Sampaoli conseguiu ser talvez o pior técnico do Flamengo desde sua reorganização. Se o trabalho com VP era ruim, com Sampaoli tudo foi muito pior. Sem futebol, sem sinergia com o time e com inúmeras polêmicas internas, Sampaoli deixou o Flamengo pela porta dos fundos.

Sultans posted 228, and no Lahore Qalandars batter converted a start as the innings petered out for 195

Danyal Rasool22-Apr-2025Multan Sultans finally got their PSL 2025 campaign off the ground, brushing Lahore Qalandars aside by 33 runs. In the first game at home on a stiflingly hot evening in Multan, Yasir Khan’s blistering 87 off 44 balls at the top gave his side an eay advantage they never relinquished. Iftikhar Ahmed’s unbeaten 40 from 18 deliveries and cameos through the innings helped Sultans post 228 – the highest-ever score in Multan in the PSL.Qalandars never batted at the tempo needed to overhaul a total of that size, and Sultans’ bowlers were far more unerring in their execution. Michael Bracewell and Ubaid Shah found wickets up top as no Qalandars batter converted a start, and the innings petered out, stopping at 195 for 9.For Sultans, their opening pair of Yasir and Mohammad Rizwan began brightly, going after Shaheen Shah Afridi in his first two overs. But it was the takedown of Zaman Khan and Haris Rauf that set the tone. Bowling the fifth over, Zaman was plundered for three sixes and a boundary by Yasir. In the sixth, Rizwan picked off Rauf’s hard lengths at will, smashing him for 20 as Sultans soared to 79 in the powerplay.Asif Afridi, the only bowler who kept Sultans quiet, got rid of Rizwan, but Yasir kept powering along. He brought up his half-century with a six off Rishad Hossain, before he and Usman Khan went after Daryl Mitchell. Meanwhile, Rauf’s return only brought more misery upon Qalandars as Usman smashed him for another 19 runs; all told, Rauf would conceded 54 in his three overs.When Shaheen returned to bowl the final over, it was Iftikhar who found his range, taking 14 off a wayward over as Sultans surged to 228. Shaheen, Haris and Zaman, once the pride of Qalandars’ attack, had combined to concede 119 runs in eight overs.Michael Bracewell continued to do well for Multan Sultans•PCBSultans have failed to defend a higher total than this, but if Qalandars were to have a hope, they needed a vintage start from Fakhar Zaman. Initially, they appeared to get it when the opener went after David Willey, taking 30 runs off his first two overs, before smearing the parsimonious Bracewell for a six. In Ubaid’s first over, though, Fakhar heaved one that sailed above the Multan floodlights, but Josh Little held his nerve to cling on to a superb catch to cut his cameo down at 32 off 14 balls.Abdullah Shafique and Mitchell tried to keep the game alive through an enterprising third-wicket partnership that produced 36 from 22 deliveries. But the demands of the asking rate were much too stratospheric. Sultans responded with a triple strike to remove the pair as well as Rishad, thus leaving Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza as the final hopes for Qalandars.Billings was finding the middle of the bat, going after Little in an 11th over that produced 16 runs and brought the asking rate to just over 13 runs an over. Ubaid, too, went for a pair of sixes in the 15th over. But, crucially, Ubaid had the last laugh off the final delivery. Billings tried to heave over midwicket, but top-edged to Kamran Ghulam. Ubaid, meanwhile, comically struck Usman in the face as he celebrated his third wicket with a bit too much exuberance.The game, though, was done and dusted. Raza hung around and slapped a few huge sixes to bring the margin of defeat down, and off the final ball of the innings, brought up a 27-ball fifty. But Qalandars’ hope of victory had long dissipated, and the Multan crowd got to see their side launch a campaign that may just be taking off.