Tag Futebol

Liverpool ramp up interest in Militao-esque "revelation" to replace Trent

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Liverpool are now ramping up their interest in a defender who’s been likened to Eder Militao, with Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to move to Real Madrid this summer, according to a report.

Trent's time at Anfield coming to an end

With just a matter of months remaining on Alexander Arnold’s contract, the right-back looks set to leave at the end of the season, and Real Madrid is in his sights, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Conor Bradley is the obvious choice to replace Trent, with the Northern Irish youngster stepping in at right-back on a number of occasions this season, but there is a feeling the Reds could also look to bring in another option this summer.

Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento is one of the latest defenders to be linked with a surprise move to Anfield, while contact has also been made over a deal for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, who has a release clause of just £17m.

Liverpool make contact to sign "world-class" £62m striker ahead of Arsenal

The Reds are now in the race to sign a “world-class” striker, having made the first move towards getting a deal done.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 1, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, another target has also now entered the frame, with Liverpool ramping up their interest in SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia, who is also on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton.

Sildillia is deemed likely to leave Freiburg this summer, amid interest from a number of England’s top clubs, having put in some top performances at right-back this season, although he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required.

SC Freiburg's KiliannSildilliain action with West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus

The Reds have watched the defender on more than one occasion in recent weeks, such is their level of interest, with his contract set to expire in 2026, making this summer Freiburg’s last chance to cash-in.

"Revelation" Sildillia could be upgrade on Trent defensively

Liverpool would be hard-pressed to find any full-back capable of replacing Trent’s attacking numbers, but there are signs the Freiburg ace could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.

The Frenchman has outperformed the Reds’ academy graduate on a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, ranking very highly, when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues.

Statistic

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.45 (91st percentile)

Blocks

1.66 (88th percentile)

Clearances

3.83 (94th percentile)

Aerials won

2.28 (99th percentile)

Not only that, but the full-back, who has been a “revelation” in the Bundesliga, is capable of contributing going forward, ranking in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals. The 22-year-old’s versatility could also be of use to Arne Slot, with scout/analyst Jacek Kulig likening him to Real Madrid’s Militao, who is able to play at both centre-back and right-back.

There is theoretically still time for a late U-turn from Trent, but with it looking ever more likely he will move to Madrid this summer, Sildillia has proven he could be a solid signing.

Ravindra's journey to the top: from copying Sachin, to chants of Rachin

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The left hander was marked out from a young age as a player of huge talent, which brought with it pressure and expectation

Cameron Ponsonby31-Oct-2025Rachin Ravindra loves cricket.”You know CricHQ?” Ravindra asks, confirming his audience is on the same cricket tragic path that he is. “The scoring website thing. We’d get a game up from back in the day, let’s say Tendulkar, Desert Storm in Sharjah. And you’d have to get 106 or whatever, not out, to win the game.”For hours at any one time, Ravindra and friends would play out full-blown ODI run-chases or Test classics in the indoor nets at Lower Hutt in Wellington. Cones were put down to mark fielders, crash pads were lined up for men under the lid and if Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman were batting at Eden Gardens, spin mats were put down as well.”That was the most fun I’ve ever had training,” Ravindra reminisces.Related

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Ravindra grew up around cricket. At home, his dad, a handy club player, would have cricket on the telly, the radio, the PlayStation and up on YouTube. While at school, Ravindra was part of an XI that won the National Championships when he was in Year 11. Ben Sears, his now international team-mate, was his opening partner, while Otago batter Troy Johnson was his captain at No. 3.”His first 1XI game at school was as a 13-year-old,” Johnson remembers. “He told me all the bowlers were too slow and that’s why he was early on every shot.”He’s probably not the most talented player in the history of the game, but he works way, way harder than anyone I’ve ever seen.”From the age of seven, Ravindra had a training schedule synced with his calendar. He’d be up before his dad and would drag him to the indoor nets at Lower Hutt before school, as well as after.Ravindra’s game was built on imitation. Watching highlights, he’d see a shot he liked and ask his dad to clip it. Over time, Ravindra had a DVD of supercut, super highlights featuring Kumar Sangakkara cover drives, Matthew Hayden pick-ups over midwicket, Ricky Ponting pull shots and Brian Lara cut shots.”Then I’d go to the nets and practice,” Ravindra explains. “20 good ones exactly like Sangakkara did.”Two Tendulkar straight drives made the cut as well. “That little punchy thing he did,” Ravindra recalls. “I tried that heaps. But he also hit a full follow-through one as well.”Speaking to ESPNcricinfo back in 2018, his father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, concluded, “I tried to get my daughter into cricket and she didn’t. With Rachin, I didn’t try, and he did.”The 2023 ODI World Cup is where Rachin Ravindra really went global•AFP/Getty ImagesFor Ravindra, the prodigy tag has been attached to him for as long as he can remember. That school debut at 13, becoming the leading wicket taker in the school’s history by the time he was 15, the youngest member of the New Zealand Under-19 squad at 16. His first-class debut came for New Zealand A as a 19-year-old. Life for any professional athlete-to-be is unusual. Life for a prodigy is unique. And in truth, bizarre. Being told you will be the best at something before you’ve even…”Achieved that much?”, says Ravindra, cutting off the question. “I know exactly what you mean. It’s interesting. From a youngish age you sort of get labelled as whatever. But for me it comes down to why I play. Obviously, I love playing cricket because the fans get to watch me and I find that amazing.”But at the end of the day, it’s because I enjoy it. I want to get better at it. So it’s almost irrelevant about me trying to prove my ability to other people. I love playing for a team. I’m playing and I’m trying to win games for that team. So that, for me, drives me.”Ravindra’s first crack at international cricket was a failure. On the biggest stage, it was the first time he had rolled the dice and landed on a snake rather than a ladder. In six T20Is he averaged nine and in three Test matches he averaged 15 facing India and Bangladesh.

I was just thinking, this…is…ridiculous. It’s the moments you dream of as a kid. I guess I’m lucky my name’s closeRachin Ravindra on hearing his name chanted during the 2023 World Cup

“You get given an opportunity at a young age, potentially in a role you’re not necessarily ready for,” he says, “And you want to impress and think this is my journey and this is how it’s supposed to go. And then it doesn’t work out and you sit back and think, ‘wow’.”Eighteen months on the sidelines followed where he returned to Wellington and averaged a good-but-not-great 37. Despite the so-so returns, Ravindra describes the time as a “eureka moment” where he learned to ride the waves of failure.”I’d been trying so hard to be this player that I’m not,” he says. “And, the classic, I’d been putting myself under too much pressure and not realising that failure teaches us so many things. And if you don’t realise that early enough you get surrounded by it and it eats you up.”Ultimately, his concluding thoughts towards cricket were the same as the rest of ours.”It sucks,” Ravindra says. “But it’s also – like – great.”Rachin Ravindra on India test series: “I think about that India tour, and every day we were like ‘oh my god, what is going on here? We can win this thing.'”•AFP/Getty ImagesIt was chance, rather than planning, that led him to the 2023 World Cup where his star rose and his reputation was made. Initially not picked in the squad, he was a late call-up after Michael Bracewell was injured. And the day before the England match, even with Kane Williamson out injured, he was not scheduled to be in the XI. Only when Lockie Ferguson pulled out late with a hamstring issue was Ravindra given the nod. Not, as had been the case so far in his career, in the middle-order, but at No. 3.”I knew I was a better player,” Ravindra recalls of whether the nerves were greater the second time around. “I had a better mindset, I’d done more research and worked on a few things I felt like I needed. I guess I was lucky that the timing worked out to be leading up to the World Cup.”123 unbeaten runs later and Ravindra’s potential was realised. That was further confirmed with another century against Australia in Dharamsala, where the Indian crowd took to him and chants of “Rachin, Rachin” echoed around the ground.”I almost did,” Ravindra laughs when asked if a tear or two rolled down his cheek. “I was just thinking, this…is…ridiculous. It’s the moments you dream of as a kid. I guess I’m lucky my name’s close.”From imitating Tendulkar as a child to having an imitation of the legend’s chant delivered to him. Disney movies would scrap such an ending for being too on the nose.It was the start of what’s become a love affair with playing on the subcontinent. Six of his eight international centuries have come either in India or Pakistan. He scored a Test hundred in Bengaluru, the hometown of his parents, during New Zealand’s miraculous whitewash of India in 2024, before putting together a prolific Champions Trophy run in 2025 to take New Zealand to the final.Rachin Ravindra alongside Kane Williamson, one of his idols•ICC/Getty Images”I’ve had special moments around the world,” Ravindra recalls of his highlights reel. “But I think the most special have been in Test cricket. I think about that India tour, and every day we were like ‘oh my god, what is going on here? We can win this thing.'”Ravindra’s reward has been to be elevated to the next level of prodigy status. That of the generational player. Michael Atherton said it a year ago, Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler said it a few weeks ago.”It’s a pinch yourself moment when people say that,” Ravindra explains. “And knowing I’ve played with Jos at Manchester Originals and seeing the way he bats. To hear that, it’s really cool.”It’s relevant that in the story of a child prodigy who’s now earning millions of dollars a year, that Ravindra is known for being, well, really nice. “One of the all-time greats,” was one message I received ahead of the interview. Multiple people spoke of how lightly he wears his reputation and international standing in the game.In an off-the-record conversation with a player a year ago, unprompted, they announced Ravindra to be one of their favourite people they’ve met in the game. But not because he was nice. That would be weird. But because he was a kind, down-to-earth person, with the edge required to make it at the top.”I was obsessed with it,” Ravindra said of his early experiences in cricket. “Obviously Dad got me into it first, but then it was ‘I want to go do this. I want to go do that.’ I’d cry when I got out in the nets.”The relationship was led by Ravindra Jnr, and facilitated by Ravindra Snr.Rachin Ravindra will be a key part of New Zealand’s batting for years to come•ICC/Getty Images”It always can be quite tough having your dad as coach,” Ravindra says. “There were some serious times where we bickered. It’s not his fault. I cared about it so much and I wanted to do well. But because of everything we did when I was young, he’s one of my best mates. And mum was also around the whole time too. She’d wake me up, have everything ready for the day.”Ravindra is the fan who made it to the top. In a modern environment where coffee and golf leave cricket a distant third in professionals’ favourite hobbies, it is refreshing to hear a player talk so openly about their love of the game compared to how often the sport seems to drive players to distraction, and sometimes bitterness, when it becomes a job.For Ravindra though, the novelty of rubbing shoulders with his heroes is yet to wear off, even if those he once counted as idols are now his peers.”I remember Michael Hussey was our batting coach at CSK,” Ravindra recalls, “and I was talking to him about his books and he was like, ‘….mate.'”
Batting with Kane Williamson remains top of the pile in his catalogue of fan-to-player experiences, with Virat Kohli giving him a bit of a spray the first time he played against him making the shortlist as well.His dad remains heavily involved in the sport, too. When Ravindra was a kid, his father created a local club known as the Hutt Hawks that played extra matches around the country and even went on annual tours to India. It is hard not to connect Ravindra’s success on the subcontinent with such early exposure to conditions in the country. The club is still going, and thriving.”They’ve got four or five teams in each age-group now,” Ravindra says with a smile. “It obviously helped me, but countless other cricketers as well. You look down the Wellington Firebirds list and even across the country, how many people have done that trip and there’s been so many.”New Zealand’s Test whitewash of India 2024. Masterminded by the Hutt Hawks – sort of. Tom Blundell was the other member of the national team who went on a tour as well.”I guess there’s no secret, right?” Ravindra concludes of his route to success. “You look at guys like Steve Smith, Kohli, Kane, Root and they hit a number of balls. It’s got to be purposeful, and you can feel like it can drag on, but that’s the thing that you pride yourself on.”Ahead of Christmas, there’s a new cricket game coming out on the PlayStation. As a child, Ravindra grew up watching his dad play Cricket ’04 in the living room. This time, he’ll be in the game himself. Sometimes the presents choose themselves.

WBBL mid-season takeaways: Grace's bat, TV umpires and Thunder's revival

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

There has been no shortage of sixes this season while young pace bowlers have caught the attention

Andrew McGlashan07-Nov-2023

Grace Harris’ broken bat

It will be hard to go past it as moment of the season: Grace Harris calling for a new bat then proceeding to still launch a huge six despite the bat snapping in half having said: “Nah, stuff it, I’ll still hit it.” Next ball, with a new bat in hand, she launched another six in what became an astonishing WBBL record 136 not out off 59 balls with 11 sixes.

It came after Harris had been left out of the T20I series against West Indies with Australia opting to use Phoebe Litchfield in the middle order. “Thought it [the handle] just clicked a little bit and didn’t want to be given nicked off as the ball went past and I didn’t hit the ball,” she said. “When I faced up, I thought it’s probably hanging on, when they get that looser handle they are at their best, they are pinging. Thought I’d still hit it for six, they’d been going miles today…it went for six, so paid off for me then.”

Sixes rain

It helps when Harris hits 11 on her own in one innings, but there has been no shortage of sixes in this year’s edition. Closing on the midway mark there have been 148 meaning this season has a good chance of challenging 2018-19 season when there were 266 in total. Alongside Harris, Chamari Athapaththu (13) and Litchfield (10) – more on Sydney Thunder’s success below – are both into double figures of sixes. It’s worth noting, however, that Katie Mack who, for a few hours, was the tournament’s leading run-scorer has yet to clear the rope once in nearly 300 runs.Grace Harris produced the moment of the season so far•Getty Images

Where’s the third umpire?

The controversy so far this season has revolved around the absence of a third umpire in the non free-to-air TV games of the tournament. It first came to light when Rhys McKenna was given out stumped (via the ball bouncing off the wicketkeeper) despite the foot being firmly planted behind the line. A few days later, Amanda-Jade Wellington tried to affect a run out by pulling out the stump but got her timing marginally wrong – something that would have been spotted by a replay. And Lizelle Lee was given a huge reprieve early in her 91 against Sydney Thunder when she was ruled not out to a stumping.There will be an increase in fully-produced TV games under the new broadcast deal next season which will allow wider use of the full DRS that was first brought in last summer. Cricket Australia has also said they will look to have a third umpire for line decisions in all games, including those that are still only streamed. However, former New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin called for an immediate in-season solution although that appears unlikely to happen.

Eye on the speed gun

There is some pace around the Australian game, and that’s even with Darcie Brown having been out injured so far this season. Milly Illingworth, the Melbourne Stars quick, stood out in the opening game when she nudged 121kph against Sydney Sixers and wasn’t afraid to bounce Ash Gardner. She has been used sparingly by Stars, and is not a fixture in the XI, but the promise is hugely exciting.

“She probably took me by surprise a little bit,” Gardner said. “I watched a little bit of footage [before the match], but you probably don’t get the full grasp until you face her. She had some pretty good pace behind her, which is exciting for Australian cricket.”Chloe Ainsworth has been more of a regular for Perth Scorchers and marked her debut with a double-wicket opening over which included a searing second-ball yorker to remove Lee. She then found herself on a hat-trick against Sixers before, like the rest of the attack, coming in for some treatment from Harris. In the return fixture against Hurricanes, Ainsworth then claimed 3 for 25. She was visibly emotional when unable to defend 12 in the last over against Adelaide Strikers.Over at Melbourne Renegades, left-armer Sara Kennedy is another who has been given her first taste of the WBBL. The left-arm pace angle is rare in the women’s game and she, too, is capable of nudging up the speed gun as she showed at the WACA where she claimed her maiden wickets – striking twice in three balls including having Gardner lbw.

Thunder’s revival

The only way was up for Sydney Thunder after they registered one victory last season, but they have certainly shown promising signs of a turnaround. Approaching the midway point of the campaign they are top having notched five wins in six matches including a significant victory over Brisbane Heat at North Sydney Oval under a new leadership group headed by Lisa Keightley. It had felt as though they had put together an excellent draft by securing Marizanne Kapp, Heather Knight and Lauren Bell, but it has been their fourth signing, Athapaththu, who has been the revelation and has forced herself into their top three overseas, meaning Bell has been benched. Coupled with the evolving power hitting of Litchfield and the resurgence of Hannah Darlington, they are looking a very well-balanced team. Belinda Clark, the former Australia captain, has also been working with them in mentoring capacity.

Blair Tickner: 'I packed three kilos of coffee beans for the Bangladesh tour'

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The New Zealand fast bowler on juggling his cricket and café side-hustle, his love for coffee, and his team-mates who are the worst cooks

Interview by Deivarayan Muthu25-Nov-2021You’ve opened your own cafe at Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park.
Me and my fiancée, Sarah Reid, got the opportunity at the Sports Park from our old physio who used to work with the Central Stags. So we wanted to deliver healthy delicious food and just good coffee with our motto, “Power to perform”. So that was our point of difference.You named your café 13th Stag and you also use No. 13 on your jersey. Is 13 a special number for you?
My birthday is on October 13, so it has always been special to me. From there to here, it sort of came together.You’ve worked as a barista during the off season. How did coffee turn into a major passion for you?
I’ve always loved coffee and understanding how coffee beans are formed and how best to use them for different blends of coffee. I’ve got the opportunity now and I’ve always wanted to run a café and we’ve been going for two years. It has become a part of our lives now and it has been awesome to see it grow day by day.What’s the most popular breakfast dish at 13th Stag?
Probably, the avo feta smash – avocado with poached eggs – but the most common dish in Hawke’s Bay is Eggs Benedict; people love that in New Zealand.Can you recall any celebrations with your team-mates at the café after winning a game?
I get to see them every day because there are gyms there and we train there. No real celebrations there, but it was good when we had the TV going when New Zealand won the World Test Championship over in England, which was pretty special. We had a good crowd in the café having breakfast, so it was pretty cool to see.How do you juggle between running a café and playing cricket for Central Districts and New Zealand?
I play till about March for the Central Stags and over the last few years I’ve been part of the New Zealand winter squad… so we’ve trained throughout.It has needed balance. Obviously, my partner, Sarah, has had to do a lot of work on it while I’m away playing cricket, but when I’m back, I can work for the last four months. So I’ve been getting up early in the day and working and training in the afternoon. All the facilities are there at the Sports Park, so I can do the training and also work for a few hours at the café.What’s your favourite style of coffee?
I only drink long blacks, so no special ingredient to it – just hot water and a double shot of coffee.Mitchell Santner is also really fond of coffee. Are there any other team-mates of yours who are as big on coffee?
Sants is probably the biggest in talking about coffee and understanding it. He loves it, but everyone in the New Zealand team and even at Central Stags loves going out for coffee. Most guys are into it, but maybe not crazy enough to start a café while still playing cricket ().Which team-mate puts in the most requests for coffee?
As I said, the Central Districts boys are in every day. I can’t pick who is the best customer, but Doug Bracewell hangs around quite a lot and he’s a pretty good customer.

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A post shared by 13th Stag Cafe Est.2019 (@13thstag)

Who is the best cook among your team-mates?
I can tell you the worst cooks – Scott Kuggeleijn and Doug Bracewell. They’re easily among the worst cooks who burn food. For the best cook, I’m not sure, because I’ll be biased towards some people.What’s your favourite meal, week in and week out?
I’m lucky enough in the winter to eat at the café most days, so my go-to meal most days is the avo feta smash with salami and a couple of poached eggs. I get to enjoy that, but I’m missing it at the moment [on tour].Did you pack a snack or something for the tours to Bangladesh and Pakistan?
I packed three kilos of coffee beans with me and I’ve got a coffee maker and a grinder to make my coffee every day. I have about three, four coffees a day.Is there a dish that your mates suggested to try out on the tour to the subcontinent?
Not really. We’re confined to our hotel rooms. We can make a few decisions [on food], but I did request to get some mangoes, bananas and tropical fruits. What does your cheat meal typically comprise?
I usually have hot-potato chips, but sometimes when we do win and do well, Ross Taylor buys KFCs. So, looking forward to some wins at home when he’s around because he’ll buy all of us some KFCs.What’s your favourite post-workout snack or smoothie?
I just have lots of coffee () and a protein shake.What’s your favourite place to eat out at in Hawke’s Bay?
It’s a place called Black Betty BBQ, an American barbeque-style burger place. It’s a pop-up for slow-cooked meat and it’s actually quite a good one for a cheat meal because it’s all locally sourced foods.What’s your favourite city to eat out in New Zealand besides your local?
Probably Wellington. It has all sorts and different types of food, and again, it has a very good coffee culture.What sort of fast food is okay to eat as a professional fast bowler?
I feel like you can get away with quite a lot on a big bowling day. But anything that’s healthy-ish [is okay]. We do have quite a bit of healthy-ish burger places in New Zealand where there is not much deep-fried food.

Bielsa 2.0: Leeds prepare for Farke replacement with "elite" boss in frame

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

There has been some understandable concern from some sections of the Leeds United fan base over the club’s recent run of results in the Premier League under Daniel Farke.

The Whites have lost their last three matches in the division, to Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa, despite taking the lead in the last two games.

This run of results has left the West Yorkshire outfit in the relegation zone, albeit only on goal difference, with a daunting run of fixtures on the horizon in the Premier League.

Leeds travel to The Etihad to face Manchester City this weekend before a clash with Chelsea at Elland Road in midweek and a game against reigning champions Liverpool next weekend.

Unless the Whites pull off a surprise result in one of those matches, which is not impossible when you consider that Farke did beat City with Norwich in 2019, they could find themselves adrift in the relegation zone.

If Leeds lose all three of those games, it would be six defeats on the spin and a spot in the bottom three for the club. That is a hard position for any manager to keep their job in.

The case for Leeds to stick with Daniel Farke

Farke’s Premier League record will, naturally, come into question after his dismal time in the top-flight across two seasons with Norwich and the Whites’ form this term.

The German boss has lost 42 of his 61 games in the league, averaging 0.61 points per game, per Transfermarkt, with the Canaries and Leeds combined, which is a concerning statistic for any supporter looking to the manager and hoping that he can keep the team in the division.

However, it is worth adding some context. Norwich spent money on one permanent signing, Sam Byram for £750k, in the 2019/20 campaign and they had to play their last nine games behind closed doors. Before the second season, Farke’s best player, Emi Buendia, was sold to Aston Villa just weeks after they earned promotion from the Championship.

Then, of course, Farke wanted Leeds to strengthen their attacking options in the summer transfer window, but the club were unable to get a deal done for Harry Wilson on deadline day, which has left the manager short of options in the final third.

xG

14.3

13th

Goals

11

19th

xGA

16.1

12th

Goals conceded

22

17th

xGD

-1.8

12th

GD

-11

19th

As you can see in the table above, Leeds should be in midtable based on their performances, but the players have not taken their chances and their goalkeepers have conceded more than expected.

Whilst all of this mitigation is a case to save Farke’s job, a fresh report suggests that the club may be making a change in the dugout in the coming weeks.

The latest on Daniel Farke's future at Leeds

According to Football Insider, the owners are ‘preparing’ to part ways with the German boss if he is unable to oversee an improvement in the team’s results in the next week or so.

The report claims that the club are planning to sack Farke if he does not pick up any points from the matches against Manchester City and Chelsea, as harsh as that may seem given the level of opposition.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

It adds that the Whites are already looking at possible options to come in and replace the German manager in the dugout if they do have a decision to make in the next seven days.

Football Insider reveals that Valencia head coach Carlos Corberan is one of the names in the frame to possibly replace Farke, stating that he has moved ahead in the race to move to the Premier League.

If Leeds are able to convince their former U21s boss to return to Elland Road, the Spaniard could arrive as an upgrade on Farke and the club’s new Marcelo Bielsa.

Why Leeds should appoint Carlos Corberan

Whilst, as aforementioned, there is plenty of mitigation that suggests that Farke would be somewhat unfortunate to lose his job, this latest update clearly shows that Leeds are preparing for a change.

With this in mind, the focus should be on getting the best possible manager in to take the job, and there may not be many better and realistic options than Corberan, due to his history with Leeds and his managerial career to date.

The Spanish boss, who has played a 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1 in LaLiga this season, was a first-team coach under Bielsa at Elland Road before taking his first senior posting outside of Cyprus with Huddersfield in 2020.

Since then, he has managed Olympiacos, West Bromwich Albion, and Valencia, gaining vital experience, and has had his coaching style compared to that of Bielsa’s, as shown in the post below.

This suggests that the Whites would be signing a more pragmatic manager than Farke, and one who may be able to implement more subtle tactics within matches to secure results.

That is backed up by his record in LaLiga with Valencia since he made the decision to move on from West Brom to make the move to Spain midway through the 2024/25 campaign.

Matches managed

61

34

Wins

9

12

Draws

10

11

Losses

42

11

Points

37

47

Points per game

0.61

1.38

As you can see in the table above, the ex-Leeds U21s manager has a far better record in a major European league than Farke has, with ten more points from almost half as many games.

Of course, there is the aforementioned mitigation to take into account for Farke, but the Valencia boss is now a proven operator at that level of management, whilst the German is still yet to prove that he can successfully keep a team up.

Corberan was once hailed as “elite” by scout Petar Petrov for getting more out of his group of players than expected, which is exactly what the Whites need in the position that they are currently in.

Therefore, the Spaniard could arrive as an upgrade on Farke, due to his proven ability to get the most out of his players at the top level in Europe, whilst also being Bielsa 2.0 with his pragmatism and willingness to adapt, which is why the club should move for him if they sack Farke.

Leeds have a "laughable" signing who's a bigger waste of time than Perri

Leeds United fans must now be scratching their heads as to why their beloved side ever signed this dud.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 28, 2025

£250k-p/w Chelsea duo are looking like they belong in the Mourinho era

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

After a run of poor results, Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League, overcoming Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

It is the first time since 22nd November that Enzo Maresca’s side have tasted victory in the top flight.

It only took the Blues 21 minutes before they went 1-0 up. On his first start at the Bridge since August, it was always going to be Cole Palmer who fired Chelsea into the lead.

It was a well-taken goal, too, with the England star making a well-timed underlapping run between the Everton defence and firing home past Jordan Pickford.

Chelsea had chances to double their lead, which they squandered. However, they did find the back of the net again on the stroke of half-time. It was Malo Gusto who got on the scoresheet this time, capping off an incisive counterattack by slotting home Pedro Neto’s cross.

It was a fantastic performance on the whole from the West Londoners. They shoot up to fourth in the Premier League, although most teams around them have a game in hand. Maresca will be hoping his side can build some momentum ahead of a busy few weeks.

There were a couple of real standouts for the Blues, and not just Palmer and Gusto…

Chelsea's best players vs Everton

It was inevitable, in many ways, that Palmer was going to have his say on this game. His first home start in months did not disappoint, with the Wythenshawe-born attacker proving why he is one of the Premier League’s most dangerous players.

It was a showing worthy of an 8/10 rating from Goal journalist Richie Mills. He said the Chelsea number 10 ‘showed good speed and a smart finish’, describing his performance as ‘a good day at the office’ in front of the home faithful.

The same could certainly be said for Gusto. He set Palmer up with a through ball that threaded the needle superbly, before getting on the score sheet himself for the second time in that famous Blue shirt.

Indeed, his stats from the game are superb. Gusto was constantly involved, having 81 touches, and completed 90% of his passes, as per Sofascore. Not only did the Frenchman create two chances, but he also made four ball recoveries and was impressive off the ball.

However, Palmer and Gusto were not the only two Chelsea players who stood out against Everton.

Chelsea duo look made for Mourinho

It was yet another clean sheet for the centre-back pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana. As a partnership, they have begun to string together some impressive performances and have become more than reliable for Maresca.

That was no different against the Toffees. They each received a 7/10 rating from Mills for their afternoon’s work. The journalist was full of compliments for the pair and said they are perhaps the ‘best centre-back pairing’ available to the Blues at the moment.

The stats from the game show just how well the pair, who earn a combined £250k per week, performed against the Toffees.

Some of the standouts included Fofana’s impressive 11 clearances and Cobham graduate Chalobah’s five successful duels out of seven.

Fofana & Chalobah’s stats vs. Everton

Stat

Fofana

Chalobah

Pass accuracy

97%

99%

Touches

84

83

Clearances

11

9

Ball recoveries

5

3

Duels won

6/15

5/7

Stats from Sofascore

Looking at the numbers in more detail, the West Londoners are unbeaten in their last seven games when the Frenchman and their academy graduate have started together.

Six of those games have been clean sheets.

Those numbers are superb and would certainly not look out of place in the era of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese manager famously oversaw a team that conceded just 15 league goals in a single season in 2004/05 – still the best-ever record in the division.

With the performances that Chalobah and Fofana have put in this season, it certainly feels very Mourinho-era coded. The ex-Blues boss is a famously pragmatic coach, so he would no doubt appreciate a record like six clean sheets in seven games.

Indeed, it is helping Maesrca’s side, and the current Chelsea gaffer surely has his centre-back pairing locked in for the foreseeable future.

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Beckham loves him: Man Utd submit £100m+ offer to sign England superstar

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester United have now reportedly launched a stunning £100m+ offer to sign an England superstar who has already earned the praise of David Beckham.

Man Utd targeting England superstar

INEOS are looking to make a statement in 2026, having already showcased their spending power by revitalising Man United’s frontline last season. Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all arrived in an attempt to transform Ruben Amorim’s side.

Now, the focus is turning towards the manager’s midfield. With Casemiro edging past the peak of his powers, Manuel Ugarte struggling in possession and Kobbie Mainoo frozen out by Amorim, Man United have already reportedly drawn up a shortlist of options.

So far, two of the biggest names on that shortlist in the Premier League are Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Two of United’s biggest targets, both have enjoyed excellent campaigns so far.

There’s plenty of competition for the two England stars, however, and Champions League qualification is likely to be the key to unlocking any potential move for Man United.

The same can be said for another England star. If it’s not Wharton or Anderson, then it could be Jude Bellingham. Sensational reports are now claiming that Man United have made their first move to sign the Real Madrid superstar ahead of 2026.

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Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in world football and would instantly become the best signing that INEOS have made.

Man Utd launch £100m+ Bellingham offer

According to reports in Spain, Man United have now launched an offer to sign Bellingham worth as much as €150m (£131m) in what would break their transfer record. Alas, Real Madrid reportedly believe that the Englishman is worth more than that and have turned the Red Devils down.

Whether INEOS return with a second offer remains to be seen. It would simply be a sensational move for a player who’s already got the approval of Beckham.

Praise does not get much better than that from a Man United point of view, but the idea of watching Bellingham follow in Beckham’s footsteps at Old Trafford very much remains a dream for the time being.

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Shohei Ohtani’s Bold Steal Attempt Thwarted by Phillies Catcher’s Perfect Throw

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The Los Angeles Dodgers suddenly don't look so invincible.

The reigning World Series champs were dealt their first loss of the MLB season Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, suffering a 3-2 defeat on a dramatic game-ending call.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, usually one to step up in big moments, stepped just a little too late during a risky base-running decision in the eighth inning. Ohtani, who recorded a stunning 93.7% stolen base success rate last year, was looking to steal second with two outs and Mookie Betts at the plate.

Ohtani had so far racked up 30 straight steals without getting caught, but that streak ended against Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, who was on top of his game Friday night.

Not the wisest decision there from the three-time MVP.

It was a 1.81 pop time for Realmuto, who underwent knee surgery last season but clearly still boasts a powerful and accurate arm.

"The Ohtani one surprised me a little bit just because Mookie was hitting," Realmuto told reporters after the win.

Realmuto would help the Phillies clinch the win with another clutch throw to shortstop Trea Turner to gun down Dodgers pinch-runner Chris Taylor trying to steal second base in the ninth.

It's Jude Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers! Thomas Tuchel admits close friends face direct battle to become England's World Cup No.10

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Thomas Tuchel is ready to pit childhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers against one another, with the battle on to become England’s playmaking No.10 at the 2026 World Cup. Phil Foden also forms part of that discussion, with the Three Lions’ German coach making it clear that he will not force all of the “best players” into his starting XI.

England rules: Tuchel prepared to make tough decisions

Tuchel has stated on a regular basis across recent international camps that he is prepared to favour collective ambition over individual ability. If that means leaving a few superstar performers on the bench, then those are big decisions that the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss is prepared to take.

Those at his disposal are now fully aware of the rules, with Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham returning to the England fold having missed out on selection in October during his ongoing recovery from summer shoulder surgery. Others have staked their claims to starting berths during the enforced absence of rivals once considered to be guaranteed selections.

AdvertisementGettyEngland's No.10: Bellingham & Rogers go head-to-head

The expectation is that Bellingham will remain a go-to option for the Three Lions when another bid for global glory is opened, but Aston Villa star Rogers – who once lined up alongside Bellingham at U15 level and has started England’s last two games – is still very much in the mix.

Tuchel has said of not changing his system to fit everybody in: “Rather than finding a position for the best players to just have them on the field, it is better to have them in their best position and have a competition. At the moment the competition is between the two of them [Bellingham and Rogers].

“They are friends, it can also be a friendly competition – they don’t have to be enemies, they don’t have to hate each other. They are respectful, they are friends and can fight for the position. Can they play together? Yes, but in a different structure. At the moment it is not time to change our structure.”

Friendly competition: Every shirt is up for grabs

Tuchel added on welcoming Bellingham and Foden back into his plans, with the pair having joined training on Wednesday after being granted extra recovery time on the back of their respective outings for Real Madrid and Manchester City on Sunday: “Why should it be awkward for them?

“We were driving the levels and driving the thing without them. Now they are back and it is their responsibility to contribute to all this. This is what they are doing. The standards are clear.”

He went on to say of ensuring that rivalry inside his squad remains friendly, with everyone aware of what an honour it is to represent their country: “What we are trying is to build a strong bond, an energy, a group to build a brotherhood that everyone wants to join.

“We want to create a competition where if I pull out of a 50/50 situation, the door will be closed as someone else will take the shirt. Not as a threat, but that everyone is keen to come, loves to perform for the country as it is an honour and the last step of elite football – to represent England in a World Cup. It is the pinnacle. This is how it should feel .

“We are absolutely on the way, everyone wants to be part of the camps and nobody has given signals that it is time to rest – and we also wouldn’t accept it. So it is an energy that feeds itself. That is the key – everyone loves to be in camp and enjoys it.”

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Getty Images SportEngland fixtures: Next up with World Cup qualification secured

England will be back in action on Thursday when facing Serbia at Wembley Stadium. Tuchel’s side have already booked their place at next summer’s World Cup, meaning that he is in a position to rotate and experiment.

Having made faultless progress through qualification – with six victories and as many clean sheets being picked up so far – the Three Lions will complete their schedule for 2025 when travelling to Albania on Sunday.

Disgusted New York Radio Caller Demands Yankees Trade Aaron Judge After World Series Loss

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The New York Yankees lost Game 5 and the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. The loss may weigh most heavily on Aaron Judge, the pinstripes superstar whose intense struggles in the Fall Classic were capped off by a game-changing error in the fifth inning on a routine fly ball. The rally the Dodgers put forth in that inning would change the course of the game and lead to the Yankees' elimination.

It will be a long offseason for Judge and even longer if he (for some reason) tunes into sports talk radio at any point, because Yankees fans are going to be airing their grievances for the next few months. The airwaves received a fine example of that on Thursday morning, when a disgusted caller demanded the Yankees strip Judge of his captaincy and ship him to Queens to play for the New York Mets after his brutal showing.

This is Pat from East Islip:

"All this talk all morning has been about how Gerrit Cole didn't cover first base. This entire World Series comes down to Aaron Judge. He didn't hit, and in the game he did hit, he dropped a fly ball any Little Leaguer would have caught. He's a disgrace to the Yankee uniform, he should be stripped of his captaincy, and as far as I'm concerned, we should trade him to the Mets."

It's about what you'd expect. Sports fans are never more irrational than after a big loss and this was the biggest loss for the Yankees in over a decade. Judge had a majestic season and will likely end up with another MVP award for his efforts, but many New York fans will only remember his regrettable October performances.

The Yankees will not trade him to the Mets, nor will they strip him of his captaincy after he became the first player in pinstripes to earn the honor since Derek Jeter. But, Judge has a long road ahead of him in proving to the fans that his October slump will be a footnote in his venerable career rather than a legacy-defining stretch.

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