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أوضح المدير الفني الفرنسي هيرفي رينارد، المدير الفني لمنتخب السعودية، سبب الدفع بفريق الناشئين في بطولة كأس العرب بدلًا من المنتخب الأول.

ويشارك منتخب السعودية في بطولة كأس العرب بمنتخب تحت 23 عامًا بطلب من رينارد.

طالع | أكثر 5 فرق استحواذًا في الدوري المصري.. بيراميدز الأول ومركز صادم لـ الأهلي

وقال هيرفي رينارد في تصريحات تلفزيونية لقناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “كان قراري بنسبة 100% بعد بمراجعة جدول الدوري السعودي، وهناك مباراتين دوليتين للهلال وكأس العالم للأندية، حيث أردت إراحة اللاعبين، وشباب المنتخب السعودي جيدون، وجئنا هنا للفوز بالمباريات، هذا اختياري وقرار صحيح من وجهة نظري”.

وعن رد فعل الجماهير السعودية، أكد: “لكي أكون أمينًا، لا أعلم ماذا تقول الجماهير، أنا أحمي نفسي من خلال الابتعاد عن الإعلام، البعض سينتقدني والبعض سيدعمني، وعلينا أن ننتظر إلى ما بعد المباريات، وانا أكرر أنني مسؤول عن القرار”.

واختتم: “هدفي دائما في أي بطولة أن ننتهي في المركز الأول أو الثاني، دور ربع النهائي سيكون صعبا جدا، وموقفنا في المجموعة ليس جيدا ولكننا سنؤدي المباريات القادمة بشكل أفضل لكي نتأهل”.

Whilst Manchester City might well be tempted to search for a replacement for Eric Garcia in the January or summer transfer windows, they arguably have a player who can eclipse the Spaniard ready-made in the City academy.

Garcia has been attracting the interest of Barcelona for some time now and looks set to leave the Citizens when his contract with the club expires next summer.

However, Pep Guardiola can replace the 21-year-old by promoting academy talent Taylor Harwood-Bellis to the first-team on a permanent basis.

The 18-year-old has already made six appearances for the City first-team in his short career, whilst he has been a regular in City’s academy sides in recent seasons (per Transfermarkt).

Back in 2019, Guardiola was full of praise for the centre-back after he and Eric Garcia started together in City’s Carabao Cup win against Preston North End, saying:

“I am pleased a lot with Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the back, they helped us a lot.

“They combined, they suit each other perfectly and they have played in the academy every weekend.

“They are exceptional human beings with a good mentality. I am very pleased.” (per Goal)

Therefore, the Englishman has clearly already impressed Guardiola a lot with his performances in the past, so when Garcia leaves the club, it seems clear that City won’t need to venture into the transfer market, as they already have a natural successor in Harwood-Bellis.

He has featured twice in the Carabao Cup already this season, featuring as a right-back in the win against Burnley, which demonstrates the youngster’s versatility and willingness to play wherever needed, whilst he was also on the bench for City’s Champions League fixtures against Marseille and Porto, which will have been a great experience for the youngster.

Whilst the defender is unlikely to establish himself as a regular in City’s first-team any time soon, due to the plethora of options available to Guardiola at the back, there seems no reason why he can’t be a big part of the Citizens’ future, providing he continues to work hard and prove himself with the academy sides.

And, in other news… 106 passes completed: Man City defender produced another near-perfect display vs Fulham

Glasgow Rangers romped to a four-goal rout of Ross County at Victoria Park on Sunday afternoon to extend their lead to 13 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Steven Gerrard’s side brushed aside the second-bottom Staggies to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as Celtic dropped points against St. Johnstone at Celtic Park.

Kemar Roofe poked the ball past County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw to open the scoring before the break, and James Tavernier, a Callum Morris own goal and Jermain Defoe added the extras.

Rangers dominated from start to finish in a largely one-sided affair, although Stuart Kettlewell’s side came close to scoring after Canadian midfielder Harry Paton forced a fine save from Allan McGregor.

The current club captain produced a near-perfect display, Defoe rolled back the years with his brief cameo, but Kemar Roofe was arguably the pick of the bunch.

SofaScore graded the 27-year-old with a decent 7.3 rating – he won three out of his six duels, produced 17 out of 18 passes (94%), was fouled once, which shows that he was a constant threat throughout.

Roofe finished the game with a team-high two shots on target, plus two shots off target and one shot blocked, despite the fact he was replaced by Cedric Itten towards the latter stages of the second half.

Valued at £4m via Transfermarkt, the versatile forward has now scored six goals and supplied an assist in nine appearances in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, whilst he is averaging 2.3 shots per game, via WhoScored.

There’s no doubt the Ibrox boss will have been buoyed by his striker’s performance as Alfredo Morelos struggled alongside the Jamaican striker. Despite the Colombian’s best efforts, he couldn’t end his latest mini goal drought, and may be left to rue his missed chances as Defoe came off the bench to score on his 800th appearance for club and country.

Gerrard’s side travel to Poland to face Lech Poznan on Thursday knowing they will win Group D if they can match or better Benfica’s result against Standard Liege.

Morelos may be the trusted man for the big occasion, but we’re backing Roofe to lead the line in the Europa League as he has made such a strong start to the season.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard could unshackle Kemar Roofe as the team’s No. 10…

Aston Villa recovered from two defeats on the bounce to beat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, and the performance of Trezeguet will have delighted Dean Smith.

Villa had previously been beaten 3-0 by Leeds United and 4-3 by Southampton after winning their first four matches so The Gunners were favourites going into the match, but it was the Villans who ran out as comfortable winners.

Trezeguet’s display, in particular, was impressive. The Egyptian international may not have got himself on the scoresheet, but he won nine of his 15 duels and made a huge six tackles during the game. He made a huge contribution to the Midland’s outfit’s eventual victory.

All in all, the fans were absolutely delighted with his display, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Trezeguet below

In other news, Aston Villa fans react to the latest injury news on this star.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could turn a negative into a positive this summer as Gini Wijnaldum’s contractual situation continues to rumble on…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mirror’s David Maddock, the Premier League champions continue to track the progress of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar and have done so since he even broke into the senior set-up at the French club.

Speaking to the Blood Red Podcast, he claimed that Lyon would have been looking at over £60m for his signature this summer but the financial climate across Europe has changed things substantially, so there’s a chance he remains in Ligue 1.

He goes on to suggest that the Reds could be willing to pounce should the correct circumstances fall at their door.

Forget Gini

Meanwhile, Wijnaldum is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield with Barcelona hot on the 29-year-old’s tail now they have his former national team head coach and ex-Toffees man Ronald Koeman in charge.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed last month that the club were trying to extend his deal but it’s all gone quiet since.

Well, maybe it is now time to plan for life without the long-serving Dutchman and Michael Edwards should look no further than Aouar, who could prove to be a generational talent in midfield.

The 22-year-old has been likened to Christian Eriksen and it’s easy to see why – he’s a skilful attack-minded technical midfielder who is calm on the ball and can contribute with late runs into the penalty area.

Per WhoScored, the young French sensation delivered four goals and eight assists in the league and UCL – the latter of which saw him lead his side to victory over Manchester City – averaging 3.5 dribbles, 1.5 shots and 1.2 key passes per game.

BT Sport duo Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves were full of praise for Aouar recently, the former centre-back claimed he is a “fabulous player to watch” as he “has it all” whilst the latter described him as “gifted”.

Valued at just over £44.5m, Liverpool won’t find themselves a better replacement for Gini.

AND in other news, PSG could hijack Klopp’s NO. 1 transfer target this summer…

Liverpool could well be after a new central defender this summer following the exit of the long-serving Dejan Lovren to Zenit and if reports are to be believed, they could be onto a huge winner.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star’s chief football writer Jeremy Cross, the Reds are battling Manchester City for Diego Carlos with the Sevilla colossus seen as the perfect replacement for the departing Croatian.

It’s claimed that both Premier League teams are willing to meet the Brazilian’s £60m release clause, though Pep Guardiola’s men have the advantage in terms of the wages they could offer him.

Meanwhile, Spurs have also been mooted with interest in Carlos in recent months. It’s hardly a surprise to see so many PL clubs keen on him either.

Defensive beast

The 27-year-old has arguably been one of the best centre-backs in La Liga this season having averaged 4.8 clearances, 2.8 aerial duels won, 1 tackle, 1 interception and over 54 passes per game, via WhoScored.

Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjsak claims that Carlos is “built like a tank” and that he isn’t called ‘the beast’ for nothing whilst also likening him to Kalidou Koulibaly.

Recently, the 6 foot 1 powerhouse put in a masterclass against Barcelona holding the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to a goalless draw. During the match, Carlos managed a rating of 7.32 after managing five clearances, three interceptions and one key pass.

The former Anfield talisman could only muster up one shot on target and one successful dribble. He had a torrid time against Carlos.

After clinching the Reds their first Premier League title in 30 years after winning the Champions League last season, sporting director Michael Edwards can hand Klopp the perfect option to continue that success into the future with the Sevilla star – for once, a transfer masterclass.

He’d be the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk due to his aggression and ability with the ball at his feet and perhaps, he’s a different option to Joel Matip who in some ways bears too many similarities to the towering Dutchman.

AND in other news, Liverpool eye Salah heir with £30m target who bullied Robertson

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن نادي السد القطري لن يمانع رحيل الإسباني تشافي هيرنانديز عن الفريق لتولي قيادة برشلونة خلفًا لـ رونالد كومان.

يبقى تشافي هيرنانديز دائمًا مرشح لتولي قيادة برشلونة، وارتبط بكرسي المدير الفني منذ رحيل فالفيردي في يناير 2020، ورغم تولي كيكي سيتين ثم رونالد كومان، إلا أن تشافي مازال مرتبطًا بالنادي الكتالوني.

رونالد كومان المدير الفني الحالي لـ برشلونة يواجه تخبطات كبيرة، خاصة في علاقته مع إدارة النادي، بعد المؤتمر الصحفي الأخير له “طالع التفاصيل”.

صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أفادت بأن تشافي هو أحد الخيارات الرئيسية التي يفكر فيها برشلونة، كما أن اسمه هو الأكثر إجماعًا بين أعضاء مجلس الإدارة، رغم تردد لابورتا في الوقت الحالي.

تشافي بدأ موسمه الثالث على رأس القيادة الفنية للسد، وعلى الرغم من حقيقة أنه على دراية تامة بكل ما يحدث في برشلونة، إلا أنه يركز الآن على فريقه، وأكد في السابق احترامه الكامل لـ رونالد كومان.

قائد برشلونة السابق، لديه عقد ساري مع السد حتى 2023، وقع عليه في الصيف الماضي، وفي ذلك العقد لا يوجد ما يسمى بـ “شرط برشلونة”، والذي يسمح له بإنهاء العقد من جانب واحد للعودة إلى البلوجرانا.

هذا الشرط كان في العقد السابق له، ولكن لم يضعه اثناء التجديد في الصيف، مما يعني أنه في حالة أراد برشلونة عودة قائده السابق فعليه التفاوض مع ناديه.

ومع ذلك، تشير الصحيفة الإسبانية، إلا أن بيئة تشافي يعتبرون أنه نظرًا للعلاقات الممتازة التي يحافظ عليها تشافي مع قادة السد، إذا لزم الأمر، لن يقف أحد في طريقه وسيسمحون له بالعودة إلى كامب نو ومغادرة الدوحة من الباب الكبير، بعد 4 مواسم كلاعب و 2 كـ مدرب.

تشافي منذ وصوله على مقاد بدلاء السد، فاز بـ 6 ألقاب من 7 نافس عليها، وحقق 3 انتصارات في الدوري هذا الموسم، وينتظره نهائي كأس الأمير يوم 22 أكتوبر المقبل.

Tottenham Hotspur have not had the season that they would have hoped for after reaching the 2019 Champions League final.

After a poor start to the Premier League season in which they managed just three wins between August and the end of November.

As a result, Mauricio Pochettino was replaced by Jose Mourinho and while results have picked up under the Portuguese manager, they remain sat eighth in the Premier League table.

With a number of key players entering the last few months of their contracts and key players leaving the club, there is plenty of work to do as Mourinho goes about rebuilding the squad left behind by Pochettino.

Key men such as Jan Vertonghen and the recently departed Christian Eriksen need to be replaced, while he will want to build around a new core including Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Gedson Fernandes.

Here, we look at five players Spurs should look to target this summer…

Axel Disasi

With Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth potentially on their way out this summer, the Stade Reims centre-back would prove a sensible addition.

As has been the case for much of this year Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld will likely continue as the first choice pairing, but the 22-year-old Disasi could offer plenty as a back-up option.

Disasi’s Reims side finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season, with the defender averaging 3.6 clearances, 1.2 tackles and 4 long balls a match from his 27 league appearances.

Valued at around £13m, he would also offer good value in what is likely to be a market heavily impacted by the global economic situation.

Timothy Castagne

Linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, Atalanta defender Timothy Castagne could offer a good option for the club this summer.

The 24-year-old right-back has played a bit-part role for the over-achieving Italians this season, making 14 league appearances in their Serie A campaign that has seen them climb up into fourth in the table, but remains a prospect that is being monitored by Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain.

With Serge Aurier the current first choice right-back the North London side should be looking to add more depth to the position, with youngster Japhet Tanganga forced to fill in on the right side of the defence so far this season.

Reports suggest that chairman Daniel Levy is also keen on Castagne, with the club to be keen on investing in young players that have some resale value.

Gerson

A player that Spurs could be set to battle local rivals Arsenal for is Gerson, with the player’s father claiming that both clubs are keen on the 22-year-old.

Flamengo dominated the Brazilian Serie A last season and Gerson was a key part of their success, scoring two goals and providing three assists from his central midfield position.

Averaging 48.2 passes per match at an 88.6% accuracy, he could add an additional option alongside Lo Celso, Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele.

Of that group, Sissoko is now 30 and with Ndombele failing to reach his best form in North London, Gerson should add to a talented and youthful midfield group.

Serhou Guirassy

With the Amiens president confirming the club will let him leave this summer, Guirassy offers the ideal back-up option for an increasingly injury-prone Kane.

After managing seven goals for a relegated Amiens this season, the 24-year-old impressed and even managed a brace against champions PSG in February.

Valued at around £15m, Guirassy is a young player with re-sale value and also provides a different option to that of Kane, due to his height and aerial ability.

Dean Henderson

Given the price tag that Manchester United are likely to place on this young player it could be a difficult move to complete, but in the current climate it may be possible.

Henderson has started all but one of Sheffield United’s league fixtures this season, conceding just 22 goals.

Called up to the England senior squad for the first team this season as a result of his form, he may look to move on due to the presence of David De Gea at Old Trafford and with Hugo Lloris ageing, Spurs is the ideal destination.

أكد ماسيمليانو أليجري، المدير الفني لفريق يوفنتوس الإيطالي، أنه لا يمكنه لوم لاعبيه على أي شيء، بعد الهزيمة 2-1 أمام نابولي، ويشدد على أن هناك متسع من الوقت لتغيير موسمهم.

كانت بداية يوفنتوس كارثية للموسم بنقطة واحدة من ثلاث جولات، وتعادل 2-2 مع أودينيزي، وخسر أمام إمبولي ونابولي.

طالع تقرير مباراة يوفنتوس ونابولي 

وقال أليجري في تصريحاته لـ”DAZN”: “دفاعيًا لعبنا بشكل جيد للغاية اليوم، على عكس ضد أودينيزي وإمبولي، لا يمكنني لوم لاعبي فريقي على أي شيء هذا المساء، لقد سبق وقدمنا أداءً سيئًا ضد إمبولي، لكننا اليوم للأسف دفعنا ثمن الأخطاء”.

وأضاف: “لم نكن دقيقين من الناحية الفنية وخسرنا الكرة عدة مرات في الشوط الثاني، لعب نابولي بشكل جيد للغاية، ولكن في كرة القدم عندما لا تفوز، لا يمكنك إلا أن تصمت وتعمل بجد”.

واستطرد أليجري: “آمل أن نتمكن من بدء دوري أبطال أوروبا بطريقة أفضل من موسم الدوري الإيطالي، في هذه اللحظة، ندفع ثمناً باهظاً لكل خطأ منفرد، لكن هذه اللحظات يمكن أن تحدث في كرة القدم، كان يجب أن نكون أكثر حدة، أن نسجل هدف ثاني عندما كنا متقدمين 1-0”.

وواصل مدرب يوفنتوس: “تلقينا هدف التعادل ثم هذا الهدف في الزاوية، هناك العديد من الإيجابيات من الفتيان أيضًا، إذا ارتكبت أخطاء من هذا القبيل، فمن الطبيعي أن تستقبل أهدافًا من ركنيات”. أهداف مباراة يوفنتوس ونابولي

وتابع أليجري: “رأيت خطوات عملاقة للأمام، فعل اللاعبون كل ما بوسعهم هذا المساء، لكن هناك لحظات خلال الموسم عندما تدخل الكرة وأخرى لا يحدث ذلك”.

يتأخر يوفنتوس بالفعل بفارق ثماني نقاط عن نابولي متصدر الدوري الإيطالي، وعقب أليجري: “إنه موسم طويل، نحتاج إلى مطاردة الفرق الأخرى وهناك متسع من الوقت للتعافي، لقد مررت بلحظات أسوأ من هذا، ما يهم الآن هو يوم الثلاثاء، تقديم أداء جيد ضد مالمو، ثم لدينا مواجهة أمام ميلان يوم الأحد”.

وأردف أليجري: “إنه أمر مخيب للآمال، لأننا بدأنا بقوة الليلة، ولكن من بين الأهداف الخمسة التي تلقيناها هذا الموسم، كان عددًا قليلًا منها خطأنا”.

وسئل أليجري عما إذا كان بحاجة لرعاية أو حماية تشيزني بعد سلسلة من الأخطاء حتى الآن هذا الموسم لكل من يوفنتوس وبولندا.

وأجاب المدرب مدافعًا: “تشيزني هو الحارس الأول في يوفنتوس، كان لديه بعض المباريات الجيدة قبل ذلك، لقد ابتعدت الكرة عنه عند هدف التعادل”.

وأتم: “لم يكن لدي الكثير من الخيارات خارج مقاعد البدلاء لتغيير الأمور، لقد كانت مفاجأة حقًا أن يكون رامسي متاحًا، لأنه لم يكن لديه سوى جلسة تدريبية واحدة، لم يلعب بيليجريني في الأساس خلال ستة أشهر، وكان يعاني من تقلص عضلي”.