All posts by h716a5.icu

Anil Kumble has backed Virat Kohli’s aggressive approach, noting that he had been no different as a player, and adding that he would not curb anyone’s natural instincts

Shashank Kishore in Bangalore04-Jul-2016Anil Kumble, India’s new head coach, has said he will back Virat Kohli’s aggression and desire to push boundaries to secure wins. He also said India would approach tough situations positively during the long season, which starts with a four-Test series in the West Indies.”I love his aggression. I was no different,” Kumble said at the team’s pre-departure press conference in Bangalore. “I was also aggressive, but very different in terms of how I probably came across on the field. I’ll be the last person to curb someone’s natural instincts, but of course we all know how important it is to be ambassadors of India and be a part of the Indian cricket team. That everybody in the team understands. There is a fine line and we will ensure that everybody knows that. I certainly won’t curb anyone’s instincts.”Kohli, a picture of composure, wore a sheepish smile as talk of his “over aggression” did the rounds, but insisted that India’s mindset change wasn’t one-off, and that it was something they planned when he took over the reins of the Test team in January 2015.”Our first intention is to win – that won’t change,” he said. “Yes, there have been situations from where we’ve lost, but we know we were in that position because of the positive brand of cricket that we played.” The reference, clearly not lost on anyone, was the Adelaide Test in December 2014, which India lost trying to chase down 364 on the final day.”We need to realise we got there in the first place because we played at 80%, so the focus is on the remaining 20%. Anil ‘s mindset was the same during his playing days, so the mindset makes a difference. If you are hesitant, you don’t explore a different side to your ability as a team. Our motive is the same. We will play with the same mindset of trying to win the series and not just being satisfied with solitary Test wins.”As a follow-up, Kohli was asked about Test rankings, which he said were merely a byproduct of consistent cricket, and not the team’s primary aim. “High standards have different definitions,” he said. “The main goal is to play good cricket. Even if we’re No. 1 and someone else does better, there’s a chance they can overtake you. So that’s not our aim. The season is long, and we’re playing the same format over a length of time. So there’s an opportunity to use this stretch to challenge ourselves. That will give us a chance to assess ourselves and will determine how we play Test cricket over the next few years.”Where Kohli felt the team had benefited most during the week-long camp in Bangalore was in the players’ personal interactions with Kumble and the manner in which he may have broken down barriers within the group.”We haven’t had too many camps before, but I feel there’s already a lot that the team has benefited from,” Kohli said. “If you have experience of facing different situations in the past, you are better equipped. Understanding of skills and understanding of mindset are two different things. Mindset can’t be taught, but it comes only when you have faced tough situations, and that’s one big difference.”The information we’ve got from him about mental adjustments needed to win has been a big boost. He’s been more than willing to speak to everyone equally – the pacers, spinners, batsmen – and address their concerns. There’s an emotional connect with the coach, no doubt, but it’s about how he makes the players feel comfortable. That’s what I believe.”Anil has all those qualities in abundance. There’s huge respect within the group for what he’s achieved and also because he’s been Test captain. He understands that and makes them comfortable, so I feel the combination has settled in beautifully. He’s been involved with the players in some way or the other throughout.”Kohli brushed aside concerns over an elbow injury sustained by R Ashwin while batting during the camp, saying he had only suffered a bruise.When asked about Mohammed Shami’s return to the Test side for the first time since recovering from a long-term knee injury, Kohli enthused about his ability to generate reverse-swing. The skill was on display on his debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where he returned match figures of 9 for 118 – the best figures by an Indian fast bowler on Test debut.”Shami is a skillful guy, we all know that. The way he bowls, the way he releases the ball, pitches the ball, it’s more or less perfect for Test cricket,” Kohli said. “The lines and lengths he bowls are always attacking. The best thing is when it’s seaming and swinging, he can bowl conventional lines and lengths. If it’s reverse-swinging, he knows exactly where to bring in the ball from. He has a great sense and feel of how to get batsmen out. We have been working with him on the mental strength aspect of his game. More consistency is something we push for him.”He’s eager to prove himself and come back after injury. We’ve seen when West Indies came to India in 2013, how he brought out his reverse-swing skills. Even in Adelaide in one of the sessions he brought us back into the game with two wickets. So he’s always someone on whom we can bank in terms of picking wickets. In short bursts, if you want a good attacking spell, Shami can deliver that for you. He’s got pace, a great bouncer – so he’s someone we always back because he knows he can take two-three wickets for us at any stage. I’m glad to have him back.”

Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is the current "favourite" for the Tottenham Hotspur job as journalist James Nursey shares what he knows.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Chairman Daniel Levy has a crucial summer transfer window looming after a topsy-turvy season at Spurs – one which has seen the departures of both manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

Both crucial figureheads just six months ago, Tottenham now have to consider replacing the Italian duo ahead of what will be a very interesting 2023/2024 Premier League campaign.

In the meantime, interim boss Ryan Mason is tasked with finishing this season as strongly as possible, with Europa League qualification still firmly on the table.

Levy, according to recent reports, has already completed the due-diligence stage of his managerial search and is set to step up talks with candidates.

His list of contenders to replace Conte includes Nagelsmann, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and even Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso (The Evening Standard).

Nagelsmann, who was recently subject to a shock dismissal by Bayern, stands out as a very enticing option given his free agent status and glowing reputation.

Reporter Nursey, writing in an article for The Mirror, has an update on Spurs' links to the 35-year-old – claiming that he is the "favourite" as things stand.

Indeed, Nagelsmann is seemingly in pole position to succeed Conte right now, with the report also stating that he is "interested in the role".

Spurs are apparently set for further talks with Nagelsmann, but Levy is said to be on the hunt for Paratici's replacement as well – a task which may well be brought to the forefront.

What could Nagelsmann bring to Spurs?

As well as being called a "phenomenal" tactical innovator by sections of the press, RB Leipzig's ex-coach has received glowing endorsements from some of world football's most elite managers.

Speaking all the way back in 2017, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tipped Nagelsmann to be a success during his Hoffenheim days, claiming he is a big, big coaching talent.

He said this to national media before the Reds' Champions League group stage clashes with Hoffenheim that season:

"I’m really happy for my friend and agent because I’m the old horse in the stable and there’s a young horse already!”

“He’s a big, big coaching talent. We don’t know each other very well but I’ve followed his way because I like good football.

“He’s not the only one but he’s a good example of a lot of really good young managers in Germany."

Newcastle United ceded ground for the second successive week in the Premier League but avoided defeat at a raucous Elland Road and preserved their advantage in the race for Champions League qualification.

Advancing to 66 points after 35 matches, Newcastle retain their place in third and perch four points above fifth-placed Liverpool; effectively, two wins from the remaining three matches would be enough to secure a top-four place.

Eddie Howe’s side were uncharacteristically stagnant in their defensive duties early on and allowed a slick Leeds manoeuvre to result in Luke Ayling thumping into the net from close range despite a fine save from shot-stopper Nick Pope to prevent the initial headed effort from Rodrigo.

It was a frenetic affair that saw the Magpies clamber back to lead through the in-form Callum Wilson’s brace from the penalty spot, after Whites striker Patrick Bamford saw his effort saved in the first half, squandering the sterling opportunity to double his outfit’s lead.

Defeat certainly could have been on the cards, but Pope once more cut an imperious figure between the sticks, commanding and composed, and secured what could prove to be an invaluable point on the road.

How did Pope perform against Leeds?

Pope has been nothing short of a revelation since his summer arrival from Burnley for just £10m. Unflappable between the sticks, the 31-year-old has made 35 appearances in the Premier League and kept 13 clean sheets.

Against Leeds, he was integral once again, recording a match rating of 6.9 – as per Sofascore – and making two saves, three clearances, winning both his high claims and succeeding on both occasions when running out, with reporter Dominic Scurr stating he came “to the rescue” for his side with his massive penalty save.

The £60k-per-week titan’s ball-playing aptitude was also vital to ensuring the Tyneside outfit swiftly found success on the transition, making 22 touches, completing 91% of his passes and succeeding with three of his four attempted long balls.

The ten-cap England international was given an 8/10 match rating by Newcastle World, who said: “Beaten by Ayling and a deflected Kristensen shot but can’t be faulted. A vital save from Bamford’s penalty before reacting to the rebound.”

Over the past year, Pope ranks among the top 7% of goalkeepers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 365 days for save percentage and the top 14% for crosses stopped per 90, as per FBref, with such metrics underscored yet again by his confident display at the foot of Howe’s team.

The importance of the next three games cannot be understated for the success of Newcastle’s season, but with Pope exuding confidence in abundance, that coveted goal of returning to Champions League football might just be achieved.

South Africa captain AB de Villiers is looking for a more dynamic performance from his team as they come up against what he believes is a more consistent West Indies team

Firdose Moonda15-Jun-20162:02

‘Need to operate better as a team’ – de Villiers

South Africa captainAB de Villiers is looking for a more dynamic performance from his team as they come up against what he believes is a more consistent West Indies team. The two sides will meet for the second time in the round-robin stage of the ongoing ODI tri-series in Basseterre on Wednesday.”They’re not as unpredictable as they used to be. They’ve become a really good ODI unit,” de Villiers said of West Indies. “They seem to know what they’re doing – they’ve got world-class players both in the batting line-up and the bowling line-up. They’re a force to be reckoned with, especially in their home conditions. They know what to expect.”West Indies have won two of their three matches – one each against South Africa and Australia – in their first ODI series at home in almost two years. They last played a 50-over series at home in August 2014, when they beat Bangladesh 3-0. Before that, they lost series against England (2-1) and Pakistan (3-1) in February 2014 and July 2013 respectively.The most noticeable difference between the West Indies side of 2014 and the current squad is the absence of players like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, but senior players like Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels have emerged as the superstars of this series for West Indies so far and the only way de Villiers can see South Africa matching up is as a collective. “They’ve got world-class players all round but we’re just going to have to top that and have a better team performance. That’s the word that stands out for me – us operating as a team which was something we didn’t do well in the last game [against Australia].”South Africa’s batting has been a tale of two halves with the top five getting starts but only two of the bottom six getting into double figures in the three matches so far. Their only reserve batsman, Dean Elgar, plays in the top five, which means that to include him they would have to do away with a bowler. The other option is to bring in the other allrounder, Chris Morris. Either way, de Villiers hinted changes would be in order.”I’m a big believer, in a series like this, where there are three different venues, that you’ve got to chop and change the whole time; try not to be predictable but, at the same time, try and be consistent with your performances,” he said. “We’ve let ourselves down once or twice in the performances department but I’ve really enjoyed the way we’ve changed the balance of the side. All the guys who came in performed really well individually but as a team we haven’t clicked yet. That will be our focus – really operating together as a team, gelling nicely together, and I believe we’ll play those pressure situations much better.”De Villiers admitted there was a sense of “doom and gloom” after South Africa’s 36-run loss to Australia last Saturday, when they slipped from 210 for 4 to 252 all out in a 289-run chase. The South Africa captain, however, chose to focus on the other, more positive, side of their game – the bowling.”Our bowling department’s been really good. The bowling skills have been as good as they’ve been in the last two or three years,” he said. “I’ve seen guys really nailing their yorkers. When I’ve asked for bouncers, really good aggressive bouncers have been bowled. Skill-wise everyone who has come in has got it right. There’s been just one or two no-balls too many. Maybe it’s just a bit of a lack of that unit that I’ve been talking about, playing together as a team.”

Fans online have been left infuriated after Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar avoided a red card for a bad challenge on Gabriel Jesus.

What happened between Schar and Jesus?

Arsenal travelled away to St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, hoping to keep their Premier League title hopes alive with a big performance.

And Mikel Arteta can be delighted with his team because they delivered just what was needed to keep the pressure on Manchester City.

Indeed, despite a fast start from Eddie Howe and co, the Gunners took the lead when Martin Odegaard drilled in a fine shot from around 25 yards out.

Then later on in the second half, Arsenal doubled their lead when Gabriel Martinelli showed quick feet on the wing to deliver a low cross that hit Schar and deflected into the back of the Magpies’ net.

Ironically, there are plenty of supporters who actually think the Swiss defender shouldn’t have been on the pitch at this moment in time.

Indeed, shortly before his own goal, the £40k-per-week centre-back charged in to win the ball of Jesus but seemed to deliberately raise an elbow in the Brazilian striker’s jaw.

As you can see in the footage above, the evidence it’s pretty damning but referee Chris Cavanagh didn’t seem to spot it live and even with VAR in use on the day, Schar still somehow avoided a red card.

It’s safe to say a number of supporters were left in disbelief after seeing replays of the incident. Here are some of the best reactions…

The outrage continued…

The uncapped Auckland batsman Jeet Raval was named in New Zealand’s squad for their Test tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jun-20161:59

Hope to continue white-ball form in Tests – Sodhi

The uncapped Auckland batsman Jeet Raval was named in New Zealand’s squad for their Test tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. There was also a recall for legspinner Ish Sodhi, but allrounder Corey Anderson missed out because of a back injury he picked up at the World T20 in India.Raval, a 27-year-old left-hander, jumped ahead of Hamish Rutherford in the pecking order after he averaged 55.71 in last year’s Plunket Shield. He is the third opener in the squad, behind Tom Latham and Martin Guptill.The middle-order batting position created by the retirement of Brendon McCullum will be filled by Ross Taylor’s return after he missed the Australia series in February due to injury. Henry Nicholls, who replaced Taylor against Australia, retained his place in the squad.New Zealand Test squad

Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.

Sodhi, meanwhile, is one of three spinners alongside Mark Craig and Mitchell Santner. He played the most recent of his 11 Tests in November 2014 against Pakistan in Sharjah. This year he was part of New Zealand’s limited-overs squads and was especially impressive at the World T20 where he collected 10 wickets in five matches.”Jeet has been impressive in the Plunket Shield for a number of years now and in the last 12 months we’ve seen his maturity and decision-making continue to improve,” Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, said.”He’s learnt to adapt to conditions and has performed well for New Zealand A, so we believe he’s more than ready to make the step up to the international arena.”Ish was outstanding in all formats during the second half of last season, beginning with his performances in the Plunket Shield for Northern Districts. He was also exceptional for us with the white ball last summer and that’s seen him gain valuable confidence on the international stage.”Hesson added that the balance of the squad had been selected to cover the variety of conditions expected across the four Test matches in Harare, Durban and Centurion.”Having played in both Zimbabwe and South Africa last year, we have some insight into what the pitches could be like this time around and we’ve selected our squad accordingly.”Playing two Tests in Harare, we need to be prepared for dry turning surfaces, but we also know that Durban often has a good covering of grass.”The squad will depart on July 11 for an eight-day training camp in Johannesburg before heading to Harare where the first Test begins on July 29.

Manchester United took their total time played in the last five days up to 210 minutes last night as they laboured to a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Whilst keeping the honours even does little in altering the race for top four, the manner of the result will frustrate Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils as they were so comfortable at half-time.

Their collapse was borne likely through fatigue, as well as moments of quality from the hosts that reignited a fanbase free from the shackles of Antonio Conte’s laboured football. They got right behind their side, and it paid off.

Despite that, having conceded twice in one half, Luke Shaw left north London with plenty of credit as he once again shone out of position. The natural left-back was deployed by his coach at centre-back, with the Dutchman opting to leave Harry Maguire out of the side.

It is a tactic that had earned success earlier in the campaign, but against a seasoned professional like Harry Kane, he was to endure his toughest test yet.

However, the former Southampton star passed with flying colours, mitigating a world-class asset all game.

How did Luke Shaw play vs Tottenham Hotspur?

The 7.0 match rating that the 27-year-old was handed perhaps underplays the influence he had on yesterday’s result.

Whilst defensive solidity is prioritised in the role he featured in, his technical brilliance makes him an outlier compared to other centre-backs.

Enjoying 111 touches throughout the match, the relentless machine maintained a 93% pass accuracy and recorded one key pass.

To pair this with one clearance, one block, three interceptions and one tackle only emphasises the all-around excellence of Shaw, who would also win 71% of the 7 duels he competed in (via Sofascore).

Renowned United fan and pundit Mark Goldbridge even took to Twitter to laud this position change, suggesting the success it has garnered perhaps merits a permanent move, saying: “Luke Shaw immense tonight! Got to be LCB till the end of the season now. He's too good at it.”

Ten Hag has not struggled to endear himself to United fans, but English football as a whole is now taking note after many Dutch exports before him had struggled to translate their success when moving across Europe.

However, the former Ajax boss only continues to bolster his pedigree with shrewd tactical decisions like this one.

Shaw has always been a solid if unspectacular left-back, but the £150k-per-week star could now be set to enjoy his twilight years in a starring role as a ball-playing centre-back should the Dutchman heed Goldbridge's words.

Tottenham Hotspur are currently gearing up for what could potentially be a crucial encounter in their bid for Champions League qualification, with the Lilywhites set to take on top-four rivals Newcastle United later today.

That mouthwatering meeting at St James' Park comes with just three points separating the north London outfit from the Magpies in the third, albeit with the hosts also having the advantage of a game in hand.

While a defeat would not end Tottenham's hopes of finishing in those coveted and lucrative positions, it would certainly be a real setback for Cristian Stellini and co if they were to walk away from Tyneside empty-handed.

Ahead of this afternoon's crunch clash, the interim Italian may have a handful of selection decisions to make following the defeat at home to relegation strugglers Bournemouth last time out, with Spurs unable to afford a repeat showing this time around.

One man who could make way following that last-gasp loss to the Cherries is academy graduate, Oliver Skipp, with the 22-year-old having been 'outmuscled' in the midfield battle last weekend, as per 90min's Sean Walsh.

The young Englishman was rather ineffective in his 77-minute outing as he made just 36 touches and won just two of his seven total duels, with it perhaps time that Stellini hands a rare opportunity to Pape Matar Sarr in his place.

Will Sarr start against Newcastle?

The Senegalese international has endured a frustrating time of it at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to date, having been restricted to just 11 first-team appearances across all fronts so far this season.

Having been signed from Ligue 1 side Metz on a £14.5m deal in 2021 – before returning to France on loan for the following campaign – the 20-year-old has largely been on the periphery since coming back to his parent club in the summer.

When the youngster has featured, however, he has clearly caught the eye having been hailed as a player who "can do everything" by Stellini earlier in the campaign, while also being praised as a "top player" by former boss, Antonio Conte.

The 6 foot 1 gem was particularly impressive during the Champions League defeat to AC Milan back in February, having produced a 'standout display' in that 1-0, first-leg loss, as per the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick, due to his 'composure and crisp passes'.

Even despite the loss of Rodrigo Bentancur to a season-ending injury, however, Sarr has still been unable to dislodge the starting pair of Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with both Stellini and Conte showing a real reluctance to rotate in the centre of the park.

While it would be a bold move to thrust the 14-cap starlet back into the fold for such a high-profile fixture, the midfield maestro's previous display at San Siro should showcase that he would not be overawed by the big occasion.

Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer is pushing to complete a permanent Old Trafford move this summer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news on Sabitzer?

Sabitzer arrived on loan until the end of the season back in January from Bayern Munich, with the deal not including an option to make a transfer permanent over the coming months.

The Austrian has gone on to make 13 appearances under Erik ten Hag but missed Sunday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League after pulling out through injury in the warm up.

The Red Devils were reportedly told that they would need to pay around £25m to make Sabitzer’s loan permanent, a fee that would need to be lowered for any chance of a transfer to materialise, but a further update has now emerged.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update on Sabitzer in the last 24 hours, revealing that the player is pushing for a full-time move to Manchester.

He adds that Ten Hag has been pleased with the 29-year-old, with a well-placed source telling the site that a permanent move now “has a good chance of happening”. There is a willingness from all parties involved to agree on a permanent transfer, as the player doesn’t feature in new Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans.

Does a permanent transfer to Man United make sense?

Sabitzer starred in his last United appearance against Sevilla in the Europa League, netting twice in the 2-2 draw. The £211,000-a-week midfielder has made a positive impact at Old Trafford, with Diogo Dalot describing him as a "machine".

The Red Devils are after new midfield reinforcements this summer, so Sabitzer could come in on a permanent basis to bolster Ten Hag's options for the foreseeable future.

Scott McTominay has reportedly told the Old Trafford board that he wants to leave this summer, so Sabitzer may well be viewed as a permanent replacement for the Scot, with the loanee capable of turning out in a variety of midfield roles.

As per WhoScored, Sabitzer has actually outperformed Christian Eriksen, Fred and McTominay this season, showing how he could be a solid squad option going forward, with United on course to once again be playing in four separate competitions. The player is keen, Ten Hag has been impressed and all parties think a transfer can be completed, so it looks as if this could be one to follow closely.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United will "speak" to Alexis Mac Allister over a possible summer transfer.

What's the latest on Alexis Mac Allister and Man United?

The Red Devils still have plenty to play for in what's left of the season as they hope to go far in the Europa League and also finish inside the top for in the Premier League.

Depending on how their campaign ends, they will then assess how much money they can spend, and who exactly they need to spend it on, in the summer market.

It seems as though Mac Allister is one player already on their radar though. Indeed, if the latest rumours are to be believed then Man United will soon talk to the Brighton player regarding a possible move.

Indeed, when speaking on his YouTube Channel, Romano outlined his latest understanding of the situation, with Liverpool also in the mix.

He said “Keep an eye also on Alexis Mac Allister because Man United and Liverpool will speak to the player's side to discuss the potential project.

"But for sure Man United are exploring options in that position, midfield, because they could do something there in the summer."

Will Alexis Mac Allister leave Brighton this summer?

Mac Allister currently is paid just £50k-p/w so he might be more affordable than some players, but with his contract running until 20025 and Liverpool also in the mix, Brighton will have no reason to sell on the cheap.

Romano's update certainly backs up what the father has been saying in the press lately too. Indeed, Carlos Mac Allister told Puro Boca (via bolavip): "Normally the next [transfer window] will find him playing in another institution, we don't know which one. The talks are just beginning in general, but it is most likely that Alexis will already be playing in another team next July."

To be fair, seeing as he's been a vital player for Brighton as they've surpassed all expectations to put themselves in with an outside shot of finishing in the top four, it's not hard to see why Mac Alister has caught the eye.

Indeed, with eight goals and one assist in the Premier League this term, only two players – Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma – have bettered the Argentines' average WhoScored rating of 7.07.

Certainly, one player to keep an eye out for this summer.