All posts by h79snht.top

Antonio Conte could become an instant hit at Tottenham Hotspur by making a big decision with his starting XI over the coming weeks.

The Italian, who has a Premier League and FA Cup winners medal to his name, was appointed as Spurs’ next manager less than 24 hours after the club handed Nuno Santo his marching orders.

Fresh off the back of Inter Milan’s first Serie A triumph in over a decade, the 52-year-old tactician will be tasked with instilling a winning culture in north London, especially as the club remain in all relevant league and cup competitions.

His first job will be to reverse the Portuguese’s costly decision in the UEFA Europa Conference League as the Lilywhites welcome Dutch side Vitesse to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, just a couple of weeks after the second string were defeated 1-0 in Holland.

It will be interesting to see what sort of lineup Conte will opt for, particularly what sort of formation he will run with as a 3-5-2 of sorts will be expected.

One player who should not feature amongst his starting XI is Giovani Lo Celso. His exclusion would certainly go down well with the Spurs fanbase.

The £26m-rated Argentine, who cost around £55m from Real Betis in August 2019, has been such a poor signing that a parody account of his poor performances and inconsistent displays has been set up on social media.

It’s easy to see why so many are frustrated with the attacking midfielder as he just hasn’t been worth that considerable investment – across 77 appearances, he has delivered only eight goals and five assists at a rate of one direct contribution every 336.7 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

That’s pretty much an involvement every three to four games, which for a playmaking figure is quite simply atrocious. Lo Celso was even recently described as putting the team at an instant “huge disadvantage” by simply being involved by club insider Jon Wenham to Football Insider.

He was also dubbed “unacceptable”, whilst in the past ex-manager Jose Mourinho lauded him as “phenomenal” – though we’re yet to truly see that praise evolve onto the pitch when it counts.

Tottenham’s biggest issue has been in the final third, where they are averaging a Premier League low of 10.3 shots per game and the second-lowest average for key chances created per game (7.1) too, as per WhoScored.

Lo Celso clearly isn’t the answer, so he should have no place in Conte’s lineup going forward. A brutal but necessary call.

AND in other news, Spurs close in on first signing of the Antonio Conte era, he’s not costing a penny…

Tottenham Hotspur have been monitoring Sam Johnstone ahead of a potential swoop in January or the summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who delivered a fresh claim on their pursuit to GIVEMESPORT earlier this week. He said: “If Spurs are looking at Sam Johnstone, I’m sure that’s a sensible option.

“I think Spurs have been watching him. He is homegrown, which is good.”

The England international was subject to interest from several top-flight clubs during the summer transfer window, including West Ham, who saw a £10m bid for him rejected, as per the BBC.

Spurs were also linked with a move for the 6 foot 4 shot-stopper several months ago after The Athletic’s Steve Madeley revealed that the north London outfit had ‘sent out feelers’ to the Baggies following relegation.

Lloris heir?

This latest development should leave much of the Lilywhites faithful absolutely buzzing as it seems as if the club’s hierarchy, notably sporting director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, are planning for the future.

Hugo Lloris (34) is out of contract in the summer, so a change could well be required between the sticks, and the fact that Johnstone is being monitored suggests that he could be a possible successor – and a very worthy one, too.

Despite West Brom’s relegation, the 28-year-old colossus made Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2020 and he has since picked up three caps, even with Albion in the second tier.

That shows his quality, whilst previous praise from former managers show an insight into his work ethic, attitude and undoubted ability.

“He’s one of the best,” claimed ex-West Brom boss Sam Allardyce back in December, with Johnstone being dubbed a “diamond” to work with by Steve Bruce, his former boss at Villa.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League has faced more shots on target (168) than Johnstone last season, nor did any goalkeeper make as many saves either (116). His four saves per 90 minutes was far above that of Lloris (2.77), as per FBRef.

The veteran glovesman, who captained France to UEFA Nations League glory earlier this month, has often come under criticism for his form in N17, in which he was once slammed for his “lettuce wrists” and dubbed a “weak link” in defence by talkSPORT pundits Jason Cundy and Trevor Sinclair.

Johnstone, who is valued at just £7.2m by Transfermarkt, could be a bargain replacement come next summer, particularly as he’s only on a reported £32.5k-per-week at the Hawthorns.

Spurs fans should be excited by Bridge’s suggestion that the club have been watching him ahead of a potential move. He’d be a very astute addition, even if Lloris remains.

AND in other news, £18m-rated Spurs passenger who lost the ball every 2.7 touches was a disaster against West Ham…

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a major injury setback ahead of their upcoming top of the table Championship clash.

What’s the latest?

According to Express & Star journalist Joseph Masi, Valerien Ismael confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Alex Mowatt remains unavailable for selection for the Baggies’ trip to Fulham on Saturday, as the midfielder is yet to recover from a toe injury which also ruled him out of Albion’s last two fixtures.

Speaking about the condition of the 26-year-old, the Frenchman said: “Jake [Livermore] will be back in the squad but Alex Mowatt will be out, I think we have to take time with him now, Jason and Snods have given us the feeling that we can be patient with Alex.

“I think that we need to make sure that we take time with him and assess him every day to make sure he is fine with his fitness but at the minute he’s not 100%. For what we want to play and what we want to see, what we expect from our players, you need to be 100%, any less than that and it makes no sense.”

Fans will be gutted

After following Ismael from Barnsley to The Hawthorns this summer, Mowatt has quickly proven to be one of West Brom’s most important players this season, so his absence in what could be such an important game in the promotion race is sure to have left Baggies fans gutted.

Indeed, over his 12 Championship appearances so far this term, the £6.3m-rated midfielder has scored three goals, provided one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking one shot and making 1.4 key passes per game. The player who Steve Evans dubbed a “special” talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.9 interceptions and 1.9 tackles and winning 5.3 duels per match.

These returns have seen the £6.5k-per-week midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as West Brom’s joint second-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, the loss of the former England under-20 international will undoubtedly weaken Ismael’s chances of leaving Craven Cottage with all three points today, a scenario which could prove costly for West Brom’s hopes of securing an automatic promotion spot come the end of the season.

In other news: Ismael must start “incredible” £7.1k-p/w West Brom gem today, he’s proven his worth

Australia’s coach Tim Nielsen has called on cricket’s administrators to show greater respect to the Twenty20 format and end its “exhibition” status at international level.

Alex Brown27-May-2009

Australia’s coach Tim Nielsen has called on cricket’s administrators to show greater respect to the Twenty20 format and end its “exhibition” status at international level.As Australia prepared to depart for the ICC World Twenty20 in England on Wednesday, Nielsen said the time had come for international schedules to reflect the growing importance of the 20-over game by scheduling regular three-to-five game series, rather than shoehorning one-off Twenty20 contests around Test and 50-over games.Since competing in the first ever 20-over international, against New Zealand in 2005, Australia have played 21 matches – six of them at the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa. That is the most of any team in world cricket, yet still well short of the 122 ODIs and 46 Tests the Australians have played over the same period; a reflection of the cautious attitude of administrators in introducing Twenty20 to international calendars.But with the World Twenty20 now overshadowing the Champions Trophy for recognition and importance, and the Indian Premier League spreading its tentacles across the cricketing spectrum, Nielsen insists the time has come for the 20-over game to command a more significant place on the international calendar.”If they’re fair dinkum about Twenty20 cricket – and when you look at everything that’s happening around the world, they should be – then we have to get to a point where we’re no longer just squeezing Twenty20 internationals into the schedule as exhibition matches,” Nielsen told Cricinfo. “They’ve had a couple of bucks each way so far. We have a tournament like the World Twenty20, which is growing in importance, but for the rest of the cycle games are scheduled as one-offs, and used to get new spectators through the gates.”I believe [Twenty20 cricket] will work at international level, but only if it is given more credibility. And you will only get that by scheduling series of three to five games, which will make it more than a promotion, and make a real competition out of it. The hardest part at the moment is trying to get your team and tactics right for a tournament as important as the World Twenty20 when you only play a handful of Twenty20 internationals each year. A team’s focus, if we’re to be honest, is usually on the next Test or ODI series, and not on the one-off Twenty20 matches they’re playing.”Nielsen’s comments came on the same day Cricket Australia announced its home schedule for the 2009-10 season – which will feature only three Twenty20s against West Indies and Pakistan – and just hours before the team departed for England ahead of the World Twenty20.The Australians were soundly defeated by India in the semi-final of the inaugural World Twenty20; a result that played a sizeable role in the format’s evolution. India’s subsequent victory over Pakistan in the final was met with overwhelming excitement by Indian supporters – the victory parade through the streets of Mumbai attracted in excess of a million well-wishers – and prompted a once reluctant BCCI to embrace the 20-over game and set the wheels in motion for the formation of the IPL.In the subsequent two years, Twenty20 cricket has expanded exponentially at domestic level, and developed specific tactics and skill-sets. Indeed, Nielsen concedes the Australians were largely unaware as to how to approach the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa; a fact he believes will not repeat itself in England next month.”Twenty-over cricket had really only been around a couple of years then, and I think everyone was still trying to work out the best way to approach it,” he said. “There was no mention of the IPL back then. You look at India – they rested a lot of their important players and played youngsters in South Africa … but now it’s more accepted that you play your best players. Tactics have come a long way, too.”At the moment, the World Twenty20 is really the only way to gauge teams’ 20-over form. The other games are usually one-offs, and if you’re on the other side of the world, it can be a costly exercise bringing the players you want over. We flew two or three players over to South Africa specifically because we had two Twenty20s there, but with only one in the UAE [against Pakistan], we stayed with the same squad from the ODI series.”Nielsen has already sought out Brad Hodge for insights into the tactics and methodologies employed at this year’s 2009 IPL, and will canvas opinions from Andrew Symonds and Mike Young, the fielding coach, both of whom were involved with the triumphant Deccan franchise.”It’s great for us to have had someone like Mike inside the system, and we can definitely learn from that,” Nielsen said. “We have one of the tougher draws at the World Twenty20 with the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and we will be looking for any advantage that might help us.”

Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming that Curtis Jones is out of the Premier League clash with Watford after worsening an existing injury on international duty.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for the Reds, helping fill the void left by Gini Wijnaldum.

Jones scored in the 3-3 draw away to Brentford last month and has also registered three assists, including two in the Champions League victory over Porto.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

With Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott all unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Watford, yet another injury blow in midfield could be catastrophic.

Unfortunately, that is the case, with Jurgen Klopp confirming in his Friday press conference [via Paul Joyce on Twitter] that Jones returned from England Under-21 duty with a groin issue and is also out.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-7/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans furious at Jones news

Needless to say, the news has been met with huge negativity by these Liverpool fans on Twitter.

“Oh God”

Credit: @Kopite_JC17

“They knew he had a knock and still played him”

Credit: @Luke_Vials

“End my suffering”

Credit: @obwild480

“This is an absolute disgrace. It was clear before the Andorra game he had an injury and they didn’t even do a scan and just played him? Gross negligence from an organisation full of absolute idiots. That’s all it’s ever been.”

Credit: @SportsEnthusi17

“So the midfield tomorrow is likely going be Hendo, Milner and Keita? We are in trouble tomorrow”

Credit: @shahabLFC

“When will it end?”

Credit: @JxcobLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted at some ‘massive news’. Read more here.

Paul Robinson would like Mauricio Pochettino to replace Marcelo Bielsa when the latter eventually leaves Leeds United, although he has admitted how difficult it would be to lure the former Tottenham boss to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Bielsa future always uncertain

This is Bielsa’s fourth season as Leeds boss, and he is of course hugely popular amongst the club’s supporters.

However, his future at the club is constantly up for debate. After all, he is 66 years old and therefore does not have too long left in the game, and his current contract is set to run out at the end of the season (leedsunited.com) as he continues to pen one-year deals.

The Latest: Robinson eyes replacement

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former Whites star Robinson suggested Pochettino as Bielsa’s successor. He said:

“For me, Pochettino would be great.

“It’s a pipe dream at the moment because Leeds are nowhere near attracting a manager with the calibre of Pochettino to succeed Bielsa.

“If you look at where he is now at PSG and look at where Leeds are in the Premier League table, Leeds have to be higher to attract a manager of that calibre and at the moment, that’s nowhere near happening.

“It’s a pipe dream.”

The Verdict: Aiming too high

Bielsa is a legend of the game, with the likes of Pep Guardiola (Sky Sports) and Pochettino (via Give Me Sport) himself citing the Argentinian as an inspiration. As such, Leeds will need to replace with a top-quality manager when he does depart, but Pochettino is surely unattainable at this point.

As the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, he is in a privileged position as he is able to field a side including the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Even if the man hailed ‘a football genius’ by former Spurs player Heurelho Gomes were to be sacked by PSG before Bielsa departs, to then move to Leeds would be a substantial step down, with all due respect to the club.

Of course, the Yorkshire outfit would love to have him, but they may have to set their sights lower until they can compete for European competitions.

In other news, one former Premier League ace has made this Kalvin Phillips claim.

نجح فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي في تسجيل الهدف الأول بشباك نظيره مصر المقاصة بالمباراة الجارية بينهما الأن.

المباراة مقامة الآن على ملعب استاد الأهلي WE السلام، في خضم منافسات دور الـ16 ببطولة كأس مصر.

تشكيل الأهلي أمام مصر المقاصة في كأس مصر.. سواريش يجري 3 تغييرات

واستطاع رامي ربيعة تسجيل هدف فريقه الوحيد حتى الآن في الدقيقة 93 من عمر اللقاء، عن طريق ركلة جزاء نجح في تنفيذها.

واحتسب حكم اللقاء وائل فرحان ركلة الجزاء بعد اللجوء إلى تقنية الفار بداع لمسة يد على مدافع المقاصة.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه الفائز من مباراة اليوم بين الأهلي والمقاصة، فريق المقاولون العرب في دور الـ8 ببطولة الكأس. هدف الأهلي الأول أمام مصر المقاصة

MatériaMais Notícias

Auckland had to survive some nervy moments before clinching their fourth State Championship in eight years at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln

Cricinfo staff10-Apr-2009
Scorecard
Colin de Grandhomme settled Auckland’s nerves with a breezy 54•Getty Images

Auckland had to survive some nervy moments before clinching their fourth State Championship in eight years at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. Central Districts put up spirited resistance as Auckland started chasing the 188 needed for the title.Auckland were wobbling at 41 for 3 and 104 for 5 before their last recognised pair, Gareth Hopkins and Colin de Grandhomme, put on an unbroken 84 runs to seal the victory. de Grandhomme made a cavalier 54, which had six fours and a six while Hopkins was more watchful in scoring 48. Auckland had been crawling towards their target at just over two runs an over before No. 7 de Grandhomme’s breezy knock injected some momentum into the chase.Earlier in the day, Central Districts’ disciplined bowlers dismissed four of the Auckland top five for less than 20, allowing only captain and opener Richard Jones to make a significant contribution. It continued Central Districts’ strong showing in the match after a limp performance on the first two days but Hopkins and Grandhomme ended their hopes of a fairytale comeback.Auckland coach Paul Strang admitted he was nervous as Central Districts gradually whittled down his side’s advantage. “We got a long way ahead but CD really chipped away at us for four days and it really came down to us today, how much we wanted it,” he said. “At one stage it started to get a bit dodgy but it was always about getting one good partnership.”It was Central Districts who had set the early pace in the tournament, and were ahead of third-placed Auckland by 14 points at the halfway stage, before Auckland put together a string of victories to finish the league phase on top.”You develop an aura that you’re always going to come out on top, and that happened with us,” Strang said. “There’s a lot of self-belief and once you get a happy camp and allow players to express themselves, good things happen.”

The Rajasthan government has accused Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman, of acting out of spite in taking the league’s matches away from Jaipur because he had recently lost an election to head the local association

Cricinfo staff20-Mar-2009

The Rajasthan government has accused Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman, of acting out of spite in taking the league’s matches away from Jaipur because he had recently lost an election to head the local association. Shanti Dhariwal, the state’s home minister, claimed they had asked for only two matches of the Rajasthan Royals to be rescheduled as per the IPL’s revised schedule but failed to get a response from Modi.”Modi has pulled the IPL out of Jaipur,” Dhariwal said. “We wanted only two out of six dates rescheduled. He [Modi] never negotiated with us. In an election, one party wins and the other loses, like in matches, but that doesn’t mean you leave the state and walk away with the matches. The people of Rajasthan will never forgive him for this.”Jaipur and Delhi do not figure in the IPL’s re-revised list, Modi had said, because local police there could not confirm security for the event without support from central forces who will be deployed for general election duty at the same time. Delhi is understood to be making hectic efforts to get back on the schedule while Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have confirmed that they are willing to host the IPL.The , meanwhile, published a letter from a senior official of Rajasthan’s home department to the Rajasthan Royals franchise, which claimed the state was willing to hold matches in Jaipur as long as they were not held between May 4 and May 10. Elections in Rajasthan are scheduled on May 7.Modi, however, told the newspaper that the state government could not reach a consensus with the central government on the use of central security forces. “I went back with a new schedule, with five matches in Jaipur, but the government once again said it wanted paramilitary forces to provide security. Why would I want to keep Jaipur out?” Modi said. “What can I do if a consensus cannot be reached?”Sundar Raman, the IPL CEO, later issued a press statement on the matter. “There have been media reports about the Rajasthan Royals home matches being deliberately shifted out from the Pink City,” he said in the statement.”To set the record straight – Jaipur was one of the first venues to express interest in hosting IPL and the initial schedule that IPL submitted to the Home Ministry had 5 matches scheduled in Jaipur. However the confirmation from state government of Rajasthan had a rider – which required central forces support. The ministry of home affairs had made it clear that no central forces will be available. The schedule has since undergone multiple iterations. We are operating with constraints and it would be unfair to call this a deliberate effort on the part of IPL for changes in the schedule that have been necessitated,” the statement said.Modi was elected president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) in 2005 and held the post till late last year with the backing of the previous government. However, a change of state administration resulted in Modi losing the post last month.