“Tamim and Litton were fantastic, but fifties and forties won’t give you enough runs”

Mohammad Isam25-Jun-2022

Tamim Iqbal perished to Alzarri Joseph’s extra bounce after getting off to a fluent start•AFP/Getty Images

It was another case of one step forward, two steps back for Bangladesh. They were bowled out for 234 in the first innings in St Lucia, a vast improvement from the same position in Antigua a week ago, but still not enough to put a dent in West Indies’ confidence. The home side raced to 67 for no loss in reply, courtesy openers John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite. Their run rate of 4.18 was much higher than that of their partnership, which is 2.74 on an average, underlying the pitch’s quality for batters.Batting coach Jamie Siddons therefore, wasn’t too impressed with his charges, particularly those who got out after getting good starts. Litton Das top scored with 53 but in a bid to farm the strike with No. 9 Ebadot Hossain, holed out to mid-on. Tamim Iqbal got off to a quick start, hitting nine boundaries, but was undone by Alzarri Joseph’s extra bounce shortly before lunch.Related

Fluent Kyle Mayers provides yet another rescue act for West Indies

Why is Bangladesh's batting on the decline in Tests?

Pacers, openers put WI ahead after Bangladesh fold for 234 despite Litton's half-century

“(West Indies openers) were aggressive today but I don’t think we bowled well in the first ten overs,” Siddons said. “Tamim (Iqbal) too was aggressive. It probably says a bit about the pitch but once you have seen couple of balls you feel quite comfortable. Tamim felt very comfortable but got one that bounced on him a little bit.”Tamim and Litton were fantastic, but fifties and forties won’t give you enough runs. They need to go on when they get their starts. Couple of the younger players were really impressive but again, they got out. Couple of umpiring decisions were very close but it didn’t go our way. But (after making) 230, we are struggling at the moment.”Siddons said that the top four showed a lot more discipline with deliveries outside the off stump, which was the real improvement from the first Test. But the visitors lost five for 60 from a comfortable 105 for two. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the last recognised batter for Bangladesh on the day, fell with the score on 165. The tail wagged after a long time, taking them to a respectable total.”We were a lot more patient today. I thought we left the ball really well. We worked on it over the last week. We played at too many balls in the first Test. They bowled really well, but we didn’t bat as long as we would have liked. I don’t think 230 is good enough on that wicket.”When you bat first there’s a bit of pressure to get the game underway. We handled that okay. Our opening partnership was good. We were 2 for 100, staring at a total of 400, but at 230 we are well short of what we should have achieved today,” Siddons said.He stressed on the need to bat for time, which Bangladesh have failed to do for all but one Test match in 2022. In overseas Tests, their only 300-plus this year was in the miraculous Mount Maunganui Test. They also haven’t got a 300-plus score in the West Indies in the last nine innings spanning back to 2014.”We just need to bat longer,” Siddons said. “In Test cricket, you have to bat for a long time. You have to be there at the end of the day. Then we have to be looking to bat on tomorrow. We are failing to do that at the moment.”

Leeds United took a closer look at a “pacey” wide player over the weekend as they eye new arrivals in January, according to a new report.

Leeds transfer news

It has been a quiet January transfer window for the Whites so far, which may not be a surprise given they are top of the Championship and into the fourth round of the FA Cup. But that doesn’t mean in the remaining two weeks of the window that Leeds won’t conduct any transfer business.

Leeds eyeing Bamford upgrade who's a "20 to 25 goal-a-season striker"

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in the Championship attacker.

ByDan Emery Jan 13, 2025

It’s been reported that the Yorkshire side are looking to sign a new goalkeeper following mistakes that Illan Meslier has made this season, despite Daniel Farke’s public backing of the Frenchman.

As well as looking to sign a new keeper, the Championship side are in the market for a new striker and have renewed their interest in Mergim Berisha. Leeds have also been linked with a move to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough, but that deal looks to be more difficult now, as MLS side Atlanta have made an offer worth £20 million to sign the striker.

Farke may be pushing the club’s hierarchy for a new striker even more now too, as Joe Gelhardt closes in on a move to Hull City. The Whites have sanctioned his temporary departure, but that could mean Leeds now enter the market for his replacement, despite the fact that Gelhardt has hardly featured in this campaign.

Leeds send scouts to watch "pacey" wing back as Farke eyes reunion

But it isn’t just a new goalkeeper and striker that the Whites are looking at, as according to LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds are taking a look at Bali Mumba of Plymouth Argyle and had scouts in attendance to watch him against Brentford on Saturday.

The 23-year-old full back, who can also play further up as a winger, first joined the Pilgrims on loan in the 2022/23 season from Norwich City. After scoring six goals and registering seven assists as Plymouth won promotion to the Championship, they secured the permanent transfer of Mumba.

Mumba has been an important player for Plymouth in the Championship, scoring three goals last season as they beat the drop. He has continued to impress this season, so much so that Leeds had scouts watching his performance in Plymouth’s shock 1-0 win over Brentford in the FA Cup, as they look at options to improve their defence.

Apps

83

Goals

3

Assists

4

The Whites are keeping a close eye on Mumba and are considering making a move for him in what remains of this transfer window, but it is unclear how much he could cost, as he is under contract until 2027. Farke is fully aware of what Mumba can bring, as he had the player at Norwich City, and he was the one who gave him his Premier League and Carabao Cup debut, labelling the defender “pacey” back in 2021.

Farke said: “Actually, I was quite pleased because we wanted to use a bit more of a pacy full-back on our side, and that is why we gave Bali (Mumba) his debut.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians precisou deixar para trás a derrota por 3 a 0 contra o Palmeiras, e voltar o foco para o duelo contra o Boca Juniors na Libertadores. O Timão respondeu dentro de campo e venceu os argentinos por 2 a 0, garantindo a liderança do Grupo E no turno da competição continental.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansRaul Gustavo valoriza aprendizado com atletas experientes do Corinthians: ‘Eles passam confiança’Corinthians29/04/2022CorinthiansCorinthians divulga balanço financeiro de 2021 com superávit e redução da dívidaCorinthians29/04/2022Fora de CampoEx-atleta do Corinthians rifa camisa usada no único gol marcado pelo clube: ‘Dói o coração, mas é a vida’Fora de Campo29/04/2022

> GALERIA – Fotos da nova camisa do Timão, que faz homenagem a 2012

Raul Gustavo lamentou o desempenho do Timão no Dérbi e disse que o grupo está trabalhando para melhorar o desempenho nos clássicos. A equipe teve cinco encontros com seus rivais paulistas, e não venceu nenhum deles.

-A gente procura jogar jogo por jogo, sabemos que não fizemos uma partida boa contra o Palmeiras, mas a partir do mundo que acabou, viramos a página. Sofremos sim, ficamos muito tristes. Clássico não se joga, se ganha. Com certeza vamos voltar a vencer (clássicos), estamos trabalhando forte para isso. Viramos a página, viramos nosso foco para o Boca Juniors e desempenhamos o nosso papel em casa, ficamos com a vitória – contou o zagueiro.

> TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão

Amarelado contra o Boca, Raul comentou sobre a catimba dos Xeneizes, e disse que o grupos estava preparado psicologicamente para aguentar o clima quente que as equipe argentinas costumam impor.

-O clima esquenta sim, são clubes que gostam de provocar, tem aquela catimba. Mas treinamos bastante para o jogo, porque era extremamente importante para a gente. Esse clima quente sempre vai ter, trabalhamos muito isso.A nossa torcida é maravilhosa, influencia bastante. Quem não se arrepia ali, não sabe o que está fazendo – afirmou o zagueiro de 23 anos.

> GUIA – Tudo sobre o Corinthians no Campeonato Brasileiro

A partida contra o Boca só não teve o desfecho perfeito para o Corinthians pois a torcida do clube brasileiro foi vítima de um ato racista do argentino Leonardo Ponzo, que fez gestos imitando um macaco em direção aos torcedores.

A semana na Libertadores foi marcada por casos de racismo envolvendo equipes brasileiras. Torcedores do Red Bull Bragantino, Palmeiras e Flamengo passaram por experiências semelhantes ao que ocorreu na Neo Química Arena. O zagueiro do Timão condenou os ataques racistas e pediu união para combater e acabar com casos como o da Arena.

-Para mim não poderia ser comentado mais, um assunto que fico muito triste. O futebol tem que espalhar alegria, para a torcida que acompanha, para as pessoas apaixonadas. Racismo é muito triste. Temos que nos unir. Igual o Corinthians fez a campanha de futebol sem ódio. Peço para ninguém aceitar isso, muito triste para a gente, machuca a gente, porque sofremos isso todos os dias. Todos os momentos que a gente vem jogando, estamos sofrendo com isso, outros clubes, é uma situação muito delicada. Tem que ter uma punição mais severa contra isso. Não faz parte do futebol. Eu nem vou citar mais, porque temos que tomar providências sobre isso – ponderou Raul Gustavo.

O Corinthians volta a campo no domingo (1), às 16h na Neo Química Arena, em duelo válido pela quarta rodada do Brasileirão, contra o Fortaleza, lanterna da competição. Como Vítor Pereira deve rodar novamente o elenco, Raul Gustavo deve aumentar sua sequência no time titular.

Tottenham have been linked with a move to appoint Oliver Glasner amid the club's terrible season under Ange Postecoglou.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Spurs languishing in bottom halfEuropa League offers hope to save seasonScoping out potential managerial appointmentsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per SportBild, Spurs are rivalling RB Leipzig when it comes to interest in appointing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner. The Bundesliga giants are said to have him on their own shortlist to replace the sacked Marco Rose. But now Spurs have been presented as an alternative option for the Eagles manager.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Glasner is not said to be keen on a return to Germany, having previously worked for Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, and Spurs could offer a significantly higher salary than the Bundesliga side. The north London side face Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday but they languish in 14th in the Premier League table, and have lost 16 of their 31 fixtures.

DID YOU KNOW?

Glasner shot to prominence during his time at Frankfurt, as he guided the club to Europa League glory in 2021/22. His Palace side are 11th, six points clear of Spurs. The report states the north London club are not the only suitor to have made contact with the Austrian's camp.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Tottenham will be desperate to kick off their Europa League quarter-final tie with a victory against Frankfurt on Thursday. Palace are next in action against Manchester City this weekend.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho has been accused of failing to lose with dignity after his nose-tweaking attack on Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mourinho involved in clash with Buruk
• Fenerbahce boss had only just returned from ban
• Jim White and Simon Jordan debate his antics

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Jose Mourinho is facing criticism after appearing to grab the nose of Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk during Fenerbahce's Turkish Cup defeat on Wednesday. The incident, which left Buruk on the ground, has further fuelled debate over the Portuguese manager's fiery temperament, and talkSPORT hosts Jim White and Simon Jordan disagreed over whether the Portuguese should even be employed after the incident.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mourinho has a long history of controversial moments throughout his career. From his infamous "Special One" declaration at Chelsea to his touchline spats with rival managers and officials, the Portuguese has often courted drama. While his supporters point to his trophy-laden CV as justification, his detractors argue his behaviour often crosses the line. Jordan and White were equally split, with the former drawing attention to Buruk's 'pathetic' reaction to his nose being pinched.

• WHAT JORDAN AND WHITE SAID

  Speaking on talkSPORT, Jim White and Simon Jordan clashed over the incident and whether Mourinho's antics should impact his future job prospects.

  White argued: "You have to lose with dignity. And he never does. You don't need to get physical, do you? On the pitch, and what might have happened if a few of those Galatasaray fans had come over the top last night in Turkey – then you've got a major incident."

  Jordan countered, arguing Mourinho's personality is part of his appeal: "I would (employ him). I’d like to think he’d behave better. I think the manager’s reaction, the manager that was on the end of Mourinho tweaking his nose, falling on the floor is pathetic. The alternative is he stands up to Mourinho and pushes him back and then you have a bigger incident. Is that preferable?

  "Mourinho shouldn’t do it, but with these characters, and he's a character, no doubt about it. Whether you like him or you don't like him, with these personalities, they are unique people, and they do things in a very different way to what most people would think is acceptable. And that has good and bad attached to it."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Fenerbahce play Trabzonspor this weekend. Mourinho, in the meantime, faces a 10-game ban.

Overton, McKerr add vital runs for ninth wicket to secure slender advantage

ECB Reporters Network26-Jul-2022 Warwickshire 253 (McAndrew 44, Sibley 43, Lawes 3-38, McKerr 3-39) and 1 for 0 trail Surrey 316 (Pope 65) by 62 runs Ollie Pope’s sparkling 65, and a determined ninth-wicket stand of 72 between Conor McKerr and Jamie Overton, edged Surrey ahead of Warwickshire at the midway point of a hard-fought LV= Insurance County Championship contest at the Kia Oval.Pope, who faced only 73 balls and hit two sixes and nine fours, scored the only half-century of the match so far, while McKerr and Overton’s heroics enabled Surrey to reply with 316 to Warwickshire’s 253. In two overs’ batting before stumps, Warwickshire reached 1 without loss in their second innings, reducing their overall deficit to 62.Fast bowler McKerr, called up only as a late replacement for Dan Worrall, who suffered a shoulder injury in the warm-ups before the game, scored an assured career-best 37 in two hours’ resistance.And Overton, batting down at No.10 because of a damaged right hand, contributed an equally responsible 38 to earn Division One leaders Surrey a precious third batting bonus point as well as a handy first-innings lead.Just after McKerr’s dismissal, lbw on the back foot to slow left-armer Danny Briggs, and before he was last out, pulling Ollie Hannon-Dalby to deep mid wicket, Overton was struck a painful blow on the same hand by Liam Norwell but, after on-field treatment, he batted bravely on. Hannon-Dalby finished with 3 for 44, taking his season’s championship wicket-tally to 46.In contrast to Warwickshire’s first innings, Surrey’s reply was always more aggressive in intent with Ryan Patel setting the tone almost immediately by taking three successive fours off Norwell’s opening over.Two magnificent extra cover driven boundaries were followed by another four to square leg but then, from the very next ball, Patel’s attempt to hit a near long hop through square cover was undone when the ball hit the toe-end of his bat and looped up almost comically to Nathan McAndrew at cover, who ran in to take the easiest of catches.Patel departed in understandably high dudgeon and when Hashim Amla was leg-before to the probing Hannon-Dalby for 9 in the ninth over Surrey were in early bother at 25 for 2.Opener Rory Burns’ reaction, now in partnership with Pope, was to counter-attack and the pair had added 47 in six overs when, shortly before lunch, Burns was adjudged lbw to McAndrew for 27.Pope, who had shuffled down the pitch to drive his very first ball, from Hannon-Dalby, deliciously wide of mid-on for four, and had also in the morning session swivelled in his crease to club a shortish ball from Brad Wheal high over square leg for six, was now joined by Ben Foakes in a stand of 55 in 15 overs that continued to take the attack to Warwickshire.Hannon-Dalby, though, impressed in a lengthy spell from the Vauxhall End and, in his 13th over and the 30th of the innings, his perseverance paid off when an off-cutter pinned Foakes plumb lbw for a well-made 31.Will Jacks was away quickly with a flicked four to long leg against Hannon-Dalby and Pope went to the game’s first half-century with a superb square driven four off Norwell. Jacks then whipped Will Rhodes’ medium pace twice wide of mid on for further boundaries.Pope, however, had just pulled Wheal for six when, attempting to repeat the stroke next ball, skied for Alex Davies to take the catch running in from deep square leg.He and Jacks had added 46 in eight overs and another 39 in seven came from Jacks’ subsequent alliance with Jordan Clark, who offered some thumping strokes of his own until McAndrew bowled him for 28 with an excellent ball that removed off stump.By then Jacks had also gone, for a bright 51-ball 44, caught behind off McAndrew, but Surrey’s middle order had scored 164 in 36 afternoon overs and, after tea, the tail added another 73 thanks largely to McKerr and Overton.Tom Lawes, caught at second slip off Norwell for 12, had enjoyed a remarkable escape just before the interval when he was beaten by a ball from McAndrew which clipped the outside of the off stump so hard that it deflected away past diving keeper Michael Burgess for four byes. The bails, though, did not budge!Day two had begun with Warwickshire, on 240 for 8 overnight, losing their last two wickets for the addition of only 13 runs. McAndrew, who resumed on 40, at least made sure of a third batting bonus point before he sparred at a ball from Kemar Roach, berating himself for edging a catch to Pope at second slip.And Lawes, replacing Roach, struck with his fourth ball to bowl Norwell with a perfect inswinger that plucked out middle stump. It gave Lawes figures of 3 for 38 from 20.4 overs, and the teenager was the pick of Surrey’s attack throughout the innings in just his fifth first-class appearance.

Celtic are now in talks over selling a defender this January, with the negotiations now in full swing, according to a report.

Celtic competing on all fronts

The Hoops picked up their first piece of silverware this season after defeating Rangers in the League Cup final last week, and Brendan Rodgers’ side are also faring very well in the league, currently top of the Scottish Premiership table.

As such, there is seemingly not a pressing need for Rodgers to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window, but there are signs the manager could be busy this winter, given that a number of players have been linked with moves to Parkhead.

Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is the latest player to be touted for a move to his former club, and Rodgers refused to rule out a reunion with the left-back in a recent interview, saying: “We’ll always be linked with top players and especially players that are one of us. Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here.

“His talents then took him to another challenge but we’ll be linked with lots of names and with Kieran naturally because of his situation. But we’ll only talk about a player once he’s signed.”

Celtic’s upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures

Date

Dundee United (a)

December 22nd

Motherwell (h)

December 26th

St. Johnstone (h)

December 29th

Rangers (a)

January 2nd

St. Mirren (h)

January 5th

There may also be some departures this January, perhaps to fund Celtic’s own transfer business, and it has now been reported they are in talks with Internacional over selling Alexandro Bernabei permanently.

Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos has confirmed that negotiations are in full swing, with the Hoops willing to lower the asking price to €5m (£4.1m) to facilitate the move, while also asking for a percentage of any future sale.

As such, Bernabei clearly does not feature in Rodgers’ plans going forward, and a permanent move to Brazil in January seems to be a likely scenario.

Sky Sports: Celtic receive January offer for 24 y/o and could accept it

Is it the right time to let him leave?

ByHenry Jackson Dec 20, 2024 Good decision for all parties

The Argentine never managed to cement himself in the Celtic starting XI, but he has clearly impressed on loan at Internacional, given that they are determined to make his loan move permanent.

The 21-year-old is said to have “shone” in the Brazilian league, so Internacional is evidently a better fit for him than Celtic.

With the Hoops faring very well in Bernabei’s absence, it makes sense to sanction his departure for £4.1m this winter, and Rodgers can use the money raised to strengthen his side in other areas.

Shouldn’t Liverpool be scrapping for a Champions League spot as we turn over into the new year? Shouldn’t Arne Slot be sweating for his seat already, having watched Liverpool’s quality and confidence ebb away, ebb away, following the loss of Jurgen Klopp?

Slot doesn’t care a jot about all that. Klopp might have intimated his decision to step down in January, and perhaps that sent the Reds’ rip-roaring campaign into a bit of a spin, but this is a new, incredible iteration of the English outfit.

Look at Liverpool now. Eight points clear of second-placed Nottingham Forest in the Premier League (how about those guys, by the way?) and flawless in the Champions League group phase after six fixtures, Liverpool are thriving. Slot stands a good chance of retaining Anfield’s Carabao Cup title too, with Tottenham Hotspur awaiting in a two-legged semi-final showdown next month.

The superlatives are pouring down like winter rain, but it is Liverpool’s rivals across the continent who are feeling the frost of Slot’s tactics, so interchangeable and dynamic across the park. Of course, the frontline steal most of the headlines – and they have been brilliant.

Liverpool's thriving frontline

Liverpool haven’t always been the fastest starters in matches this term, but opposition enthusiasm is punctured as the frontline, led by the all-consuming Mohamed Salah, claim three more points for the bag.

Salah, Liverpool’s unstoppable talisman, is on course for a campaign of the highest distinction, boasting 37 goal contributions from just 26 matches across all competitions so far.

He’s a machine, though aided greatly through typical partners Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, both making gains under their Dutch coach this season and racking up respectable tallies of their own.

Liverpool’s Frontline under Arne Slot
Player	Apps (starts)	Goals	Assists
Mohamed Salah	26 (24)	20	17
Luis Diaz	24 (17)	12	3
Cody Gakpo	27 (16)	11	4
Diogo Jota	15 (9)	6	2
Darwin Nunez	23 (13)	4	3
Federico Chiesa	4 (1)	0	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

But the depth doesn’t stop there. Diogo Jota has battled with customary injuries this season but manages to maintain an invariable degree of potency that makes him a unique and effective asset. Darwin Nunez, conversely, still can’t find his shooting boots but brings energy and tenacity to the table, at least.

Then there’s Federico Chiesa. To call him a black sheep would be unfair, for he is skilled and graceful. However, he’s barely stepped out of the shadows since arriving in the summer as fitness levels elude him.

Federico Chiesa's Liverpool struggles

Chiesa was one of the biggest names in Europe only a few years back, but brutal injury problems have pulled him away from prominence. He recovered form last season, however, catching Liverpool’s eye.

With one year remaining on his Old Lady deal, Liverpool snapped Chiesa up for £12.5m, which is remarkably shrewd for a 27-year-old forward boasting dynamism and quality beyond most of his peers. Injuries, however, played a big part in Juventus’ decision.

Salah’s brilliance has allowed for the right-sided forward’s absence to largely go unnoticed, but given that he’s featured just four times and started once across all competitions as Liverpool head into the new year, it’s not great.

Despite ostensibly recovering from problems at the start of the month that had stunted his 2024/25 campaign, Chiesa remains an enigma on the playing front, with Slot yet to reintroduce him in the Premier League and actually excluding him from two matchday squad.

It’s probably not all that surprising that he is being courted by teams away from the rigorous English division, and FSG might as well take any offers that float their way.

Why Liverpool should sell Federico Chiesa

It may feel like Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes would lose face if he were to sell Chiesa, his sole first-team signing (barring Giorgio Mamardashvili, on loan at Valencia), but actually, Liverpool have probably prepared for such an eventuality.

Federico Chiesa – Club Games Missed since 2020/21
Season	Apps	Injury Absences
24/25	4	15
23/24	37	6
22/23	33	23
21/22	18	34
20/21	46	5
Stats via Transfermarkt

In 2024/25, of course, Chiesa has missed several more matches since returning from his damaging setback, but this appears to be of a technical nature, suggesting that he has failed to win Slot over so far. As such, potential suitors are raising their intrigue.

According to Spanish sources, several Italian clubs including AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli are considering bringing Chiesa back to his homeland, with the slower-paced Serie A more accommodating of his delicate situation.

The report also claims that the player himself is looking to search for pastures new before his Anfield career has really got going, aware that he’s playing second fiddle to Salah even without fitness being brought into the equation. The Egypt ace is out of contract at the end of the campaign but Liverpool are working on renewing their superstar’s deal.

Liverpool would hardly receive more than a nominal fee for the Italy international, but that’s not the worst thing in the world, especially when considering that he’s taking home one of the club’s biggest salaries at a reported £150k per week.

Given that Salah is Liverpool’s only frontline star to be taking home a heftier pay packet, with, for example, Jota and Nunez on £140k per week and Gakpo earning £120k per week, it’s hard to justify that Chiesa is earning his keep.

Liverpool are at their apex. You can feel it through the buzz of the crowd, the drone of the visitors, whose voluble chanting diminishes as contests drag on, Slot’s men wearing them down like superior athletes in a boxing ring.

The frontline is thriving, and while Salah could perhaps do with an increased role from Chiesa, allowing for the Egyptian’s game-time to be managed a bit better, he’s failed to prove himself thus far.

Hughes welcomed him to the fold after agreeing a nominal fee with Juventus. But Merseyside has given rise to an intensity that is perhaps too much for Chiesa’s brittle bones.

It’s a shame, for he is immensely talented, but it doesn’t look like it will work out, and maybe a young gun like Cherki should be signed as Salah’s understudy in 2025.

Man City want him: Liverpool keen on "magical" £149m Gakpo upgrade

Arne Slot’s Liverpool will need to strengthen over the next few transfer windows.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 29, 2024

Real Madrid have reportedly held an inquest into their despicable performance against Arsenal as they look to find the key to mounting a comeback.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Real Madrid hold inquisition into Arsenal loss
• Valverde believes Real Madrid failed to react
• Vinicius and Mbappe reveal key to comeback

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid headed to the Emirates Stadium in somewhat slow form; however, what awaited them was utter dominance from Mikel Arteta's side as the Gunners cruised to a 3-0 win with a brace from Declan Rice and a solitary goal via Mikel Merino.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Spanish television program El Chiringuito has now revealed that there was a lot of inquisition in the Real Madrid dressing room after their disappointing loss, with Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde leading the talk in the dressing room about how Los Blancos can stage a comeback against Arsenal in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  As per El Chiringuito, Valverde claimed that Real Madrid players failed to react after conceding two free-kick goals from Real Madrid, as he said: "Two free kicks and we don't react."

  The comment from the Uruguayan prompted Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, who talked about how they can mount a comeback against Arsenal in the second leg: "We have to prove that we are Real Madrid, we have 15 champions," one of the four players apparently said as the dressing room fell silent. "We have to score in the first fifteen minutes. If we do that, we'll come back."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Carlo Ancelotti's side will take on Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, April 16. However, they will first have to take on Alaves in La Liga action on Sunday.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos principais nomes do CSA nesta temporada, o atacante Lucas Barcellos falou sobre o duelo com o Náutico, nesta quinta-feira, válido pela Série B. Segundo o jogador, esse confronto com o Timbu, fora de casa, será importante para o grupo conquistar uma vitória para se recuperar na disputa.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

‘O Náutico tem uma grande equipe e dentro de casa é sempre muito difícil de ser batida. Temos que fazer um jogo de alto nível, sem erros, para sairmos com um ótimo resultado da casa deles. O mais importante é ter intensidade e inteligência durante os noventa minutos para alcançarmos esse objetivo’.

Ainda de acordo com o atleta, o elenco do Azulão quer viver um novo momento na segundona.

‘A meta é crescer nestas próximas semanas para que possamos melhorar nossa posição na Série B. Nossa ideia é fazer uma sequência boa de vitórias para encostarmos no grupo dos primeiros colocados da disputa’.

RelacionadasFutebol LatinoCaso Castillo não deve ter punição ao Equador, avalia ex-integrante do TASFutebol Latino16/05/2022Fora de CampoJogador de futebol revela ser gay: veja atletas e ex-atletas que já se declararam LGBTQIA+Fora de Campo16/05/2022CorinthiansSaiba como comprar ingressos para o Majestoso entre Corinthians e São Paulo na Neo Química ArenaCorinthians16/05/2022