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After Yuvraj Singh’s double strike, Alastair Cook and Samit Patel forged a solid stand that ensured India A’s fielders will have to endure the Mumbai heat on the final day

Amol Karhadkar31-Oct-2012Two men on the way to making comebacks for their respective Test sides faced off at the Brabourne Stadium, and it was the one whose return is less certain that won the duel. Kevin Pietersen and Yuvraj Singh have history, and the England batsman was dismissed again by the left-arm spinner he once called a “pie-chucker”.Yuvraj is making a bid to break back into India’s Test squad following his treatment for a germ-cell cancer, while Pietersen is being reintegrated into the England set-up after being dropped because he criticised former captain Andrew Strauss in messages sent to South Africa players during the summer. They faced each other on either side of the lunch break.Coming in at 97 for 2, Pietersen began fluently, scoring at close to a run a ball, and it didn’t take long for India A captain, Suresh Raina, to give Yuvraj the ball. His slow-bowling options were limited because of the absence of a spinner in the India A squad.After bowling a tight spell in the first session, Yuvraj was brought back after lunch. Alastair Cook took a single off the first ball, and the next one to Pietersen was a dot. Pietersen stepped out to the third ball, mistimed a lofted straight drive, and hit the ball back to Yuvraj to be caught and bowled for 23 off 24 balls. Yuvraj dismissed Ian Bell in his next over: a classic left-arm spinner’s wicket with the ball taking the edge and going to the slip fielder. He bowled 16 overs on the second day, taking 2 for 52 and pushing his claim for a spot in India’s Test team.Not everything went India A’s way, though. While Yuvraj was taking those wickets, Cook was solid at his end, batting for the entire day after James Anderson trapped Vinay Kumar lbw to end India A’s innings with the first ball of the morning. Cook found support in Samit Patel and the pair added an unbroken 153-run stand for the fifth wicket.India A’s fielders, all of whom are flying to various corners of the country hours after the match ends on Thursday to play Ranji Trophy matches, had to field in the blazing sun, and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha’s poor form meant they will have to endure another day in the heat.Saha missed three opportunities to break the Cook-Patel stand. The first one came when Patel was on 29, with England XI on 182 for 4. He nicked one down the leg side off Parvinder Awana but the ball slipped out of the diving Saha’s hands. In the third session, Yuvraj managed to draw Cook, on 88 with his team on 226, forward and induce an edge but Saha dropped it. And when Yuvraj drew another edge, this time Patel trying to cut on 61, Saha failed to collect yet again.The chance of a result is now remote but the battle for the first-innings advantage is on. England are 83 runs behind with six wickets in hand.

At the 21st attempt Bangladesh finally secured victory against England with a five-run win at Bristol. Cricinfo looks back on five other memorable one-day performances from the Tigers

Liam Brickhill10-Jul-2010v Pakistan, Northampton, 1999
This was more than just a win for Bangladesh. Their 62-run victory over Pakistan at the World Cup in 1999 was the catalyst for their attainment of Test status. They were tournament debutants and their struggles in four previous games gave no hint of what was to come. Pakistan, on the other hand, were the form team of the tournament and had already qualified for the Super Sixes stage. Khaled Mahmud’s skiddy medium pace prompted a collapse to 43 for 5 in their pursuit of a modest 223, and Pakistan never recovered. Questions over the possibility that the game was fixed did nothing to stem the tide of euphoria in the Bangladesh camp.v India, Dhaka, 2004
Bangladesh’s first win at home was also their first over India, and was a fine way to mark their 100th one-day international. In the heady atmosphere of a full house at the Banghabandhu Stadium at Dhaka, a pumped-up Mashrafe Mortaza led an inspired bowling performance as India were skittled for 214 to seal a 15-run win. Bangladesh’s victory was built around a team effort, as Aftab Ahmed top-scored with 67 but almost everyone in the middle and lower order contributed. It was also hard-earned. They first recovered from 88 for 5 to reach a competitive total of 229, and then bowled as a tight unit, sharing the wickets around as India were steadily constricted and picked apart from the very first over of the chase, when Mortaza castled Virender Sehwag.v Australia, Cardiff, 2005
Bangladesh, who had won only nine of their 107 one-dayers until that point – including just two against teams outside Zimbabwe and non-Test playing nations – upstaged an Australian outfit roundly feared and respected as the strongest in world cricket. Bouncing back after a heavy defeat to England in their previous game, Bangladesh were a team transformed on a sunny day in Cardiff but the star of the show was Mohammad Ashraful. Bangladesh had restricted a potent Australian line-up to 249 before Ashraful’s 101-ball 100 set up a thrilling finale to their run-chase. With Ashraful dismissed in the dying moments of the game, seven runs were needed from the final over, to be bowled by Jason Gillespie. A mighty blow for six over midwicket by Aftab Ahmed brought the scores level, before a quick single sealed the result and cued scenes of jubilation at Sophia Gardens.v India, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 2007
This was a victory that reverberated around the world as Bangladesh stunned one of the pre-tournament favourites for the 2007 World Cup. Mortaza again led the way with a terrific spell of bowling that began with the early dismissal of Virender Sehwag, but it was the spinners who did the crucial damage in the middle order. Abdur Razzak removed Sachin Tendulkar with an arm ball and Mohammad Rafique was too good for Rahul Dravid. India limped to 191 before Tamim Iqbal gave a glimpse of his potential with 51 off 53 balls. Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim provided the calm head and along with Shakib Al Hasan took Bangladesh to the brink. The defeat would ultimately cost India their place in the tournament, which had ramifications far beyond a one-off result.v South Africa, Guyana, 2007
Later in the World Cup it was time for Ashraful to shine again, as his 83-ball 87 – the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batsman in World Cups – inspired one of the biggest upsets of the tournament as Bangladesh thrashed South Africa by 67 runs at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. With 251 on the board, Bangladesh’s trio of left-arm spinners thrived on a sluggish surface that had the feel of a sub-continental dustbowl. From 63 for 1 South Africa slumped to 87 for 6 against a relentless battery of spin. Shaun Pollock and Herschelle Gibbs stemmed the collapse with a 45-run stand, but they were always behind the asking rate and after Pollock was removed Abdur Razzak and Mohammad Rafique mopped up the tail.

The wicketkeeper was injured in a nasty incident at training early in January

AAP16-Jan-2024A relieved Sam Harper said his health has turned a corner after suffering a “grim” concussion while training with the Melbourne Stars.The wicketkeeper suffered a laceration on his chin and neck after being struck by a ball on January 5 as he attempted to play a ramp shot while preparing for a Big Bash League match.The incident shocked onlookers and Harper was taken to hospital, where he stayed overnight.Related

• Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper hospitalised after blow to the head

• Ellis, Wade and McDermott help Hurricanes end disappointing season with win

“The initial incident and the first few days after were pretty grim and pretty rough,” Harper told on Monday night ahead of the Stars’ match against Hobart. “It’s not something I wish to go through again.”Harper, 27, has a history of concussions and was sidelined for several weeks in 2017 after being accidentally struck in the head with a bat.”Unfortunately I’ve had a few [concussions] now so I knew potentially what some of the symptoms would be,” Harper said. “As people do say, they’re all very different. This one the first few days just getting over the dizziness and constant head spins.”It was pretty bad the first few days so it was just getting through that and when I got over that it was a bit of a relief and things progressively got better from there.”It’s always concerning and frightening, especially when you’ve has a few hits, in those initial few days.”Distressing for me and distressing for my family.  I’m just relieved and in a really positive headspace that things seemed to have turned a corner.”Stars’ BBL campaign is over after they were eliminated from the finals race but Harper is hopeful of being cleared to play for Victoria when the Sheffield Shield resumes in February.

The Kings XI opener’s Smart Strike Rate of 194.94 means he has contributed more extra runs than anyone this season, and it’s had a tangible impact on his team

S Rajesh07-May-2018KL Rahul’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls, in what looked like a tight run-chase against Rajasthan Royals, further underlined his sensational form in IPL 2018. In nine innings, he has already scored 376 runs, which puts him in fourth place in the season’s charts, and has been dismissed below 20 only once while going past 30 six times. And he is only 21 away from equalling his 2016 aggregate of 397 runs in 12 innings.ESPNcricinfo LtdNot surprisingly, Rahul is among the top names in the Smart Stats batting metrics this season. His 376 runs have come off only 231 balls, at a conventional strike rate of 162.77. When match strike rate and runs scored at the other end when he has batted are considered, his Smart Strike Rate goes up to 194.94, which means he has contributed 74.32 extra runs in the balls he has faced. This Smart Contribution is the highest among all batsmen this season; next-best, with a 50-ball cut-off, is AB de Villiers, with a Smart Contribution of 64.90.

Rahul is also in the top four in the Smart Runs Index (SRI), which calculates the extra smart runs scored by a batsman per innings, as against other batsmen historically (over a three-year period), when they have come in to bat at the same stage of an innings (in terms of overs remaining). Rahul’s score of 21.47 along this metric means that he has scored those many more smart runs per innings than the average batsman who has come in at the same stage. The only batsmen with a higher SRI are Chris Gayle (28.07) and de Villiers (24.12).While Gayle and Rahul have been the batting stars for Kings XI, their runs have also camouflaged a poor middle order: the two batsmen have contributed 51.4% of the runs scored by Kings XI’s batsmen. On the other hand, Kings XI’s Nos. 3-5 have managed only 423 runs in 25 innings, the lowest among all teams. Among the four Kings XI batsmen who have been regulars in the middle order, three of them – Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch and Yuvraj Singh – have negative SRIs.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn terms of the overall team SRIs, Kings XI are in second place, behind Chennai Super Kings. Kings XI’s batsmen score 8.6 runs more per team innings, compared to 30 for Super Kings. (This is calculated by summing up the SRI for each batsman in each innings, and then dividing by the number of team innings; in the case of Super Kings, the sum of their SRIs is 299.75, which, when divided by the 10 innings they have batted, gives a team SRI per innings of 30. This means that, given the point of entry of each Super Kings batsman, they collectively score 30 runs more per innings than the historical par.) Super Kings also have a much higher team SRI due to their batting average: they average 36.90 runs per wicket, while no other team touches 29.ESPNcricinfo LtdRajasthan Royals are the cellar dwellers in this metric too, with a value of -21.1, while the negative value for Sunrisers Hyderabad only shows how good their bowlers have been this season. It also proves there are two distinct ways to reach the top of the IPL table.

نجح فريق بيراميدز في تسجيل الهدف الأول بشباك منافسه الأهلي، خلال المباراة الجارية بينهما حاليًا ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع بيراميدز، على أرضية استاد السلام، في الجولة الخامسة من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وجاء هدف بيراميدز الأول في الدقيقة الخامسة من عمر الشوط الأول، عن طريق وليد الكرتي بعد متابعة لتصويبة كريم حافظ من ركلة حرة مباشرة، والتي ارتطمت بالقائم.

طالع أيضًا.. تشكيل الأهلي أمام بيراميدز في الدوري المصري.. ريبيرو يدفع بالقوة الضاربة

الأهلي يلعب المباراة وهو يحتل المركز العاشر في جدول الدوري المصري، برصيد 5 نقاط من فوز وتعادلين.

بينما بيراميدز يتواجد بالمركز الثاني عشر بترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 5 نقاط بعد الفوز في مباراة وخسر في مثلها وتعادل في مواجهتين. هدف بيراميدز الأول أمام الأهلي في الدوري المصري

He says England’s attacking cricket has made him focus on restricting batters as well as taking wickets

Shashank Kishore13-Feb-2024

India’s left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav has said he enjoyed his first taste of England’s Bazball approach in Visakhapatnam because it not only created more wicket-taking opportunities but also made bowlers think about restricting batters in Test cricket.”Usually in Tests you’re not used to teams attacking you with this kind of approach [Bazball], but it also involves you a lot more,” Kuldeep said ahead of the third Test against England starting on February 15 in Rajkot. “As a spinner it makes you more focused on how you want to bowl and what your approach is.”Normally when you play Tests, you don’t worry about batters attacking you, you’re only focused on how you want to get them out. But here the approach is different, they’re in attacking mode so you also have to plan how to restrict them. When they play shots, you have those many opportunities to take wickets. It’s interesting. The last game was my first [against Bazball], I enjoyed it a lot, it’s good for cricket.”Related

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The Visakhapatnam Test was only Kuldeep’s ninth Test since he made his debut in March 2017. It was his first in over 15 months. Kuldeep picked up three of his four wickets in the first innings as India took a 143-run lead that helped them level the five-Test series 1-1.”It’s been good,” Kuldeep said with a smile when asked about finally getting a chance in Test cricket. “Whatever Tests I’ve played, I’ve performed well. I have three five-fors, so yeah it feels good when you see the stats. I’m very happy.”The pitches for the first two Tests of this series have not been rank turners and, if that trend continues in Rajkot, Kuldeep could keep his place in the XI even if Ravindra Jadeja returns. Kuldeep’s accuracy and extra bounce made him more effective than Axar Patel in Visakhapatnam.”Am not sure of my position,” he said when asked about his chances of playing in Rajkot. “If I get the opportunity, I’ll be more than happy. I don’t think too much about whether am playing or not. I just enjoy my day and keep working hard. Combination is such a thing that it matters in a team game. As simple as that.”Kuldeep needed no reminders of his previous Test in Rajkot, where he took a five-for against West Indies in 2018.”It’ll be a batting wicket,” he said when asked about the pitch for the upcoming Test against England. ‘It doesn’t mean there’ll be 700-800 runs scored. It’ll be a good wicket. It won’t be a rank turner, it will be a live wicket, good for cricket.”Why has there been a sudden shift in the nature of pitches for this series?”I haven’t played on rank turners, I don’t know what the approach or thought is, it’s a team management decision,” Kuldeep said. “Obviously everyone wants to watch good cricket. I don’t know if I’ll get an opportunity or not, but whether it’s flat wicket or rank turner, I enjoy it. I think batting is also important, not just spin bowling. Fast bowling comes into the game as well. It’s good for cricket. It’s not like you’ll see rank turners only, but hopefully you’ll see it [laughs].”

New chief selector accuses player of going back on his word, but it is understood that Rauf views the exchange differently

Danyal Rasool20-Nov-2023

Chief selector Wahab Riaz has launched a withering critique of Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, claiming he had backed out of being a part of the Test squad for the tour of Australia and that it would “hurt Pakistan cricket”.At his first press conference since being appointed to the role, Wahab announced Pakistan’s 18-member squad, but almost instantly, shifted focus towards Rauf’s non-selection, accusing the player of going back on his word. It is a claim that, a source close to Rauf told ESPNcricinfo, the player vehemently denies.”We spoke to Haris Rauf for this tour,” Wahab said. “When we spoke to him two days ago, he gave his consent to play Test cricket for Pakistan. But last night he changed his mind, and now he doesn’t want to be part of this Test series. I’m revealing this because we should be honest with officials, team-mates, and the public. We spoke to Haris and he was worried about his body and fitness, as well as his workload. Mohammad Hafeez and I sat with him and tried to facilitate him in every way. We told him even if he didn’t perform well there, we would accept it.Related

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“Our physio spoke to him and said he wouldn’t expect any issue or injury. Of course there’s fatigue, but we were sure we could have managed that very well. But he pulled out at the last moment and he made himself unavailable. I think this will hurt Pakistan cricket.”ESPNcricinfo understands that Rauf views his exchange with Wahab very differently. A source close to the player revealed that Rauf had never committed to playing the Test matches in Australia, and confirmed his non-availability the previous night. He told Wahab he hadn’t played much red-ball cricket in the build-up, and wanted to work on his white-ball game as well as his fitness.Wahab also mentioned about the other talking points around the selection of the first Pakistan squad since Babar Azam quit captaincy, but repeatedly found himself drawing back towards Rauf.”I just told you a short version of what Haris and I spoke about,” he said. “We spoke to the captain and coach, and we said we view Haris Rauf as an impact bowler. We weren’t demanding more than 10-12 overs a day. The only issue is when you say you’re available for Pakistan, especially at a time when our three main high-pace bowlers, who can bowl over 140 [kph] other than Haris are unavailable. At some point, you need to sacrifice to play for your country. Haris was committed to us, and pulled out after two days.”In his first press conference as Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz faced a barrage of questions•Associated Press

That Rauf’s absence provoked such a strong reaction is something of a surprise for cricketing reasons, too. Rauf has only ever played one Test match, the first against England in Rawalpindi last year. He got injured after bowling 13 overs in the first innings, and did not bowl thereafter. He was not a part of Pakistan’s squad for the away series in Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won 2-0. But the conditions in Australia, coupled with the unavailability of Naseem Shah and Ihsanullah, means Wahab appears to have felt strongly about having Rauf on tour.”I’ve played with most of these boys and I have a great relationship with them,” Wahab said. “But when it comes to professionalism, we have to look at what’s best for Pakistan. Haris was unavailable after the England series and not a part of any other Test series. When you are a centrally contracted player, it is your duty to serve Pakistan. I’m not disappointed, but the same players will later complain they weren’t given the opportunity, and people will ask why such and such player wasn’t selected.”Wahab did say it wouldn’t affect his inclusion in Pakistan’s T20I and ODI sides, though, but that he would “respect and value the players who want to be a part of red-ball cricket. Playing red-ball cricket makes you a better player.”The conflict between player and selector sets up a fascinating showdown ahead of the Big Bash League in Australia. Rauf is considered a marquee player for the Melbourne Stars. The league starts on December 13 and runs until February 4, overlapping with all three Tests in Australia, and would have hindered his availability had he been a part of the Pakistan squad.However, ESPNcricinfo also understands there is no guarantee of the PCB issuing a No-Objection Certificate for Rauf to play the BBL while relations between the chief selector and Rauf remain strained. Pakistan’s centrally contracted players did sign recent contracts that saw the PCB agree to permitting players to take part in two foreign T20 leagues, but how that plays out in practice remains to be seen.

Lauren James made a dazzling return to action in England’s emphatic 7-0 win over Jamaica, instantly showing her “Ballon d’Or” quality just days before Euro 2025. The Chelsea star, back from a hamstring injury, delivered a moment of brilliance with a sublime assist, prompting praise from Karen Carney, who compared her to Lionesses legend Kelly Smith.

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Lauren James shines on return with stunning assist displayKaren Carney compares her talent to Kelly SmithEngland boost Euro hopes with dominant 7-0 victoryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

James came off the bench in the second half of England’s final Euro 2025 warm-up match against Jamaica and made an instant impact, assisting Alessia Russo with a clever turn and perfectly floated cross. The goal marked England’s fifth in a dominant display at the King Power Stadium.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

England’s thrashing of Jamaica capped off a strong tournament build-up, with six different players getting on the scoresheet. James’ comeback to the Lionesses squad adds further strength to Sarina Wiegman’s attacking options, just in time for the reigning champions’ title defence.

Getty Images SportWHAT CARNEY SAID

Former England international Carney told ITV: "She can do things I've never seen any player since Kelly Smith do. She's Ballon d'Or."

The glowing praise reflects just how crucial James could be for the Lionesses at Euro 2025, especially given her early World Cup heroics last year.

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WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?

England kick off their Euro 2025 campaign next Saturday, and all eyes will be on whether James makes the starting XI. With her form and fitness on the rise, she’s expected to play a pivotal role in their bid to retain the title in Switzerland, in what she has described as a 'new era' for the Lionesses.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ainda que este início de temporada tenha ficado longe de ser dos melhores para o meia Renato Augusto, o Corinthians provou do ‘pior sem ele’ durante a ausência de quase dois meses do atleta, entre junho e o início de agosto, período em que o camisa 8 tratou de um problema na panturrilha.

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+Mercado fechado: confira o balanço da janela de transferências do Corinthians

De volta há cinco partidas, o desafio do Timão agora é fazer a gestão do atleta em meio a sequência intensa de jogos com alta carga de importância.

Um exemplo claro ocorreu neste fim de semana, quando o clube alvinegro perdeu para o Fortaleza. Na mesma rodada, Palmeiras e Flamengo ficaram no empate, resultado que poderia ter feito o Timão retomar a vice-liderança do Brasileirão, o que não aconteceu. No jogo na capital cearense, Renato foi reserva e entrou no segundo tempo.

A questão é que o clube vinha de um jogo de intensidade gigantesca, que foi a vitória por 4 a 1 sobre o Atlético-GO, na última quarta-feira (17), que colocou o Corinthians na semifinal da Copa do Brasil.

Renato Augusto foi titular contra o Dragão, jogou 73 minutos e deu três assistências. Antes, ele também havia começado o Dérbi, no qual atuou durante 90 minutos.

+ Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule as partidas

Agora, o Time do Povo terá pela frente a partida de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil, contra o Fluminense, já nesta quarta-feira (24). E a expectativa é que o camisa 8 seja titular.

– Queria que o Renato conseguisse jogar em todos os jogos no nível, mas sei que estou pensando em uma final de uma competição, e hoje ele tinha que descansar. Ele veio de uma parada. Se jogasse hoje, na quarta-feira jogaria um Renato cansado, sem intensidade, sem o ritmo. Quando está bem faz a diferença – disse o técnico Vítor Pereira na entrevista coletiva após o revés para o Fortaleza, neste fim de semana.

NÚMEROS

Coletivamente, ter Renato Augusto como titular representa um aumento significativo no aproveitamento.

No geral, o Timão conquistou 52,8% dos pontos que disputou nesta temporada. Mas dos 53 jogos do Corinthians, metade deles (26) tiveram o meia como titular. E quando isso aconteceu, o clube alvinegro teve desempenho de 64,1%.

Individualmente, Renato é o líder de assistências do Coringão no ano, ao lado de Giuliano. Foram seis até aqui.

Ele também é o jogador que mais serve companheiros para finalizarem, com 56 passes para chutes.

Mas não só de servir os parceiros vive o meia, isso porque ele é um dos jogadores corintianos que mais acerta finalizações, com oito neste ano, sendo que aproveitamento é de um gol em cada três bolas que vão à meta adversária.

Somando esses números à trajetória internacional e toda a identificação que o jogador tem com o Corinthians, fica fácil explicar a importância do atleta, principalmente nessa fase decisiva que o clube alvinegro vive.

With Nicolás Larcamón’s departure reportedly imminent, the club’s front office has already begun the search for his replacement.

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• Gago reportedly set to take over at Necaxa
• The Argentine had a controversial exit from Chivas
• Gago registered 18 wins, five draws, and seven losses in 30 matches with Boca Juniors

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  With Nicolás Larcamón’s departure from Necaxa reportedly imminent, the club’s front office has already begun the search for his replacement. Among the leading candidates is Fernando Gago, the former Chivas manager who left the Guadalajara club during the Apertura 2024 to take over Boca Juniors. Now, just over six months after his exit, Gago appears on the verge of returning to Liga MX, with sources indicating he has already reached an agreement with Necaxa.

  If confirmed, Gago would replace Larcamón, who is rumored to be closing in on a deal to become Cruz Azul’s next head coach.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gago’s time at Boca Juniors was short-lived and controversial. He was dismissed just a few weeks ago following criticism over the team’s performance, especially their failure in the Copa Libertadores. Despite this, he posted a positive record of 18 wins, five draws, and seven losses in 30 matches.

  During his time with Chivas, Gago assembled a competitive squad and showed signs of building a clear football identity. However, his abrupt and controversial departure overshadowed any progress. In total, he managed 38 games, recording 17 wins, 9 draws, and 12 defeats.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT MEXICAN MEDIA SAID

  The possibility of Gago returning to Mexico as quickly as he has is sparking controversy in national sports media. On (ESPN), former player and executive Ricardo Peláez suggested bringing back the long-defunct "Gentlemen’s Agreement" to prevent scenarios like this:

  “Bring back the pact, for the love of God. Club executives should talk and act in the industry’s best interest. A coach who does something like this? Wait three years, not six months," he said.

  On Fox Sports, journalist Raoul Ortiz criticized Gago’s coaching credentials: “After failing at Chivas, now he’s back. Great as a player, but as a coach? He hasn’t delivered. He lied when he said he wasn’t leaving," he said.

  Former national team forward Carlos Hermosillo added: “Don’t we have any memory in this country? We welcomed him with open arms — look how he left.”

  And Rafael Márquez Lugo, also a former striker, commented: “Whether or not he’s a good coach is another matter. What I didn’t like was how he left Chivas.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Gago's exit from Chivas came in early October 2024, shortly after a Clásico Tapatío loss to Atlas. Gago informed Chivas' board of his intention to leave, sparking a wave of speculation. Despite publicly denying he would leave, Chivas eventually released an official statement confirming his resignation, after which he took over at Boca Juniors. His tenure there ended on May 25, 2025, following a Superclásico loss to River Plate.