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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Gaetano Berardi started against Luton on Saturday and his performance showed that he is a dependable figure for Marcelo Bielsa to call upon in times of need.

On the chalkboard

Leeds are short on defensive numbers currently and have typically relied on Ben White and captain Liam Cooper to start this season, though with the latter not fully fit on Saturday it was the Swiss who got the call.

Berardi is a player who causes uproar amongst the Leeds fanbase. He can be as erratic as he is reliable, with a red card always a potential outcome for the man who has been sent off more times for the Whites than any other player.

Him starting games is a risk for some supporters who oppose him playing, but he repaid his manager with an astute defensive display last time out, helping to limit the opposition to just one goal with four tackles in the hour he spent on the pitch.

The centre-back also managed one clearance and one block, but it is also worth noting that Leeds have lost just one match out of the ten league games he has appeared in – away at Millwall when he only played 14 minutes.

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Reliable back-up?

This term Bielsa seems to have preferred quality over quantity, and that means there is a lack of depth in the striking and defensive positions.

That could act as a concern for a team who need to be at their best for a full season if they are to win promotion, particularly if the first-choice personnel are unavailable.

In defence, it is of concern because Berardi is viewed as an unreliable option, but he is beginning to prove that the Argentine was right to stand by him after his red card against Millwall.

He kept a tight grasp on James Collins and Harry Cornick for most of the game, limiting them to a combined three shots on target, and therefore the knock he picked up in the second half is an issue for the management.

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It means that unless Cooper is deemed fit enough to start, Leeds’ only natural fit centre-back available will be a 22-year-old, and Bielsa may have to draft in Luke Ayling to deal with the threat of Reading on Tuesday.

That shows that Berardi is a more important member of the team than some give him credit for, and if he can continue acting as a solid back-up then he will most likely be appreciated by the end of the campaign.

Ayling, too, has been underperforming recently. Here we discuss whether he deserves to start against Reading and the decision Bielsa should make.

يرى الإيطالي، كريستيان فييري، نجم يوفنتوس وموناكو الأسبق، أنّ فريق باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي لا يزال يملك فرصة في التأهل إلى نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا هذا الموسم، رغم الهزيمة من مانشستر سيتي في ذهاب نصف النهائي.

مانشستر سيتي قلب الطاولة على باريس سان جيرمان، وحول تأخره من هزيمة بهدف، إلى انتصار بهدفين مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي أقيمت الأربعاء الماضي على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” ضمن لقاءات ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري الأبطال.

وقال فييري في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “تريبال فوتبول”: “مانشستر سيتي بدون مُهاجم صريح، لا يدفعني للجنون”.

وأضاف: “مانشستر سيتي كان محظوظًا أمام باريس سان جيرمان، الهدفان جاءا عن طريق الحظ، لقد فازوا دون أنّ يستحقوا التسجيل”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. برناردو سيلفا: مبابي من بين الأفضل في العالم.. ولن ندافع ضد باريس سان جيرمان

وأتم: “باريس سان جيرمان لا يزال قادر على العودة، لديهما نيمار ومبابي، والثنائي قادران على التسجيل في أي وقت”.

يُذكر أنّ مانشستر سيتي يستقبل باريس سان جيرمان، مساء الثلاثاء القادم، 4 مايو، على ملعب “الاتحاد”، ضمن لقاءات إياب نصف نهائي دوري الأبطال.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Newcastle have reportedly taken an interest in Genk striker Mbwana Samatta, according to BBC Sport.

What’s the latest?

The transfer window is lurking around the corner and Steve Bruce and his staff seem to have a clear strategy in mind with regard to recruitment, with the focus seemingly on a new striker.

Metz player Habibou Diallo had been linked with a move to the north-east earlier this week and Samatta is a similar target, as both could be brought in for a rather low price.

BBC Sport report that Samatta has a release clause of around £10m, a small outlay for the Magpies in comparison to Joelinton, who cost four times that amount in the summer.

West Ham are also reportedly tracking the 24-year-old, though, and if both clubs were to bid the required fee then Newcastle would have some persuading to do in order to attract him to St James’ Park.

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Opposite to Joelinton

The price difference isn’t the only notable contrast between Samatta and the Brazilian – a quick look at their goalscoring record evidences that.

Joelinton scored just seven Bundesliga goals in 2018/19 and this year just has one to his name so far, but has assisted his side in other areas, most notably his effective hold-up play.

Bruce seemingly wants more, though, which is understandable given his top scorer is Jonjo Shelvey on two, with just nine scored from 11 games in the league.

Sambatta may be able to provide that difference. His eight goals in 18 games this term – adding to the 32 he scored last season – show he is a player who knows where the goal is, even proving a thorn in the side of Liverpool and RB Salzburg with goals against them in the Champions League in 2019/20.

His ability to score with both feet as well as his head should make him a good fit for the Premier League, but much of his success could be down to how Bruce utilises him, and given his current system it is likely he will have to settle for substitute appearances.

He would probably face a similar scenario at West Ham, and therefore he may be better suited moving to the Magpies, particularly as Joelinton’s place could be put under pressure if his current scoring rate continues.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

As Southampton’s players slowly departed the Etihad turf following a 2-1 defeat in November 2017, aside from the congratulatory and conciliatory handshakes that were a typical sight at the conclusion of a game, one exchange stood out in particular.

Pep Guardiola, animated beyond his usual stature, engaged in conversation with Nathan Redmond and seemingly looked frustrated as he shouted at the Saints forward with his hand covering his mouth. Redmond replied in a remarkably calm manner, and even felt it necessary to issue a statement following the game to dispel any rumours that the Spanish boss had been agitated or angry at him as a result of the game.

It was quite the opposite in fact, as confirmed by Redmond himself, per The Guardian: “he was only very complimentary and positive to me.”

Guardiola’s comments during that game in November were not merely a standard observation: his passionate discussion with Redmond pointed to a manager who believed that the 25-year-old was being under-utilised in the system that was deployed at the Etihad.

Yet whilst Guardiola’s remarks referred to Redmond’s performance in one specific game, the Spaniard’s comments point to a wider picture regarding the England international’s potential – a sense of raw ability that may require a transfer to be fully realised and utilised elsewhere.

Since arriving at St Mary’s in 2016, Redmond has become one of the Saints’ most important attacking players, but his club’s regression following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino has led to the diminishing of an attacking philosophy that was once a recognisable identity on the south coast.

Although current boss Hasenhüttl is attempting to rebuild and reinstate that attacking ethos, to a varying degree of success, at the age of 25 Redmond arguably has one, possibly two, significant career moves left. Having been capped by England, he is a player that belongs at the highest level, with his continuous improvement through spells at Birmingham City, Norwich City and now Southampton attesting to his potential.

The forward won both the fans’ and players’ player of the year awards at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, highlighting how his contribution has been recognised by both his fellow teammates and the Saints’ supporters.

With his side sitting 17th in the Premier League table, the 2019/20 campaign could potentially mark yet another campaign of attempting to stave off relegation for the south coast side, and the comments that Guardiola made during that defeat at the Etihad could be set to ring true once more.

Redmond is a player with huge potential, and despite Hasenhuttl’s best efforts to transform Southampton into an attacking side reminiscent of the Ronald Koeman and Pochettino eras, it would appear he is currently falling short.

A price that may be consequently paid is the departure of the supremely talented Redmond to a new challenge, whether it be in England or further afield.

Manchester City fans have joined Trevor Sinclair in stating that there is a media agenda against the club after the John Stones incident with Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard was seen screaming at Stones to get ready as reports across the UK seem to suggest that there is friction between the two.

Guardiola was visibly angry with the centre-back, but Stones told BT Sport after the game (as quoted by The Mirror): “I had them [shin pads] on but I just needed to fix them up properly. Time is of the essence and that’s what he wanted.”

Fans have been quick to jump in on the story and state that there is a slight bend in the approach to their coverage. Certain fans believe that the media “does not like Pep and City”, whilst another supporter claimed it is a “worldwide agenda”.

Sinclair told talkSPORT: “Anything that Pep does or anything that Manchester City players do, the media are all over them,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s a story. That’s why I’m saying there’s some kind of agenda.”

In truth, it was a nothing story, as Guardiola has shown many times down the years to be of the aggressive sorts.

Shouting at his players to get ready as an injured man leaves the pitch is an everyday occurrence for any manager. The boss will ultimately want his players stripped and ready to go as soon as possible.

Perhaps if this wasn’t City, it would not have been covered the way it has.

At least, that’s what some City fans believe…

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Tottenham Hotspur fans on Twitter have managed to find a senior player to give some positive thoughts on following the club’s dreadful Carabao Cup exit against Colchester United on Tuesday.

Having failed to break down a club 71 places below them in the English league standings over 90 minutes, they were then unable to overcome them on penalties either.

Captain for the night Eric Dier played his first minutes of the season, starting alongside Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez in a back three against the League Two club.

On a disappointing and frustrating night for the north London outfit, Spurs supporters did manage to find some kind of praise for the 25-year-old, as he returned to action having been firmly out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino so far this term.

One individual described him as “the only plus”, while another said “he should start the next game”.

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That subsequent fixture is at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday, where they will be looking to put three consecutive below-par displays behind them and get three points on the board.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

أصدر مجلس إدارة اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية برئاسة المهندس هشام حطب القرار رقم 5 لسنة 2021 والذي نص على اعتماد تعيين اللجنة المؤقته لإدارة اتحاد كرة اليد.

وجاء في القرار، بعد الاطلاع على الدستور وقانون الرياضة رقم 71 لسنة 2017 و لائحة النظام الأساسى للجنة الأولمبية المصرية الصادرة بالقرار رقم (2) لسنة 2020 والمنشور بالوقائع بالعدد 188 تابع (أ) بتاريخ 24/8/2020 وعلى خطاب الاتحاد الدولى لكرة اليد بتاريخ 14/3/2021 بإيقاف السيد المهندس / رئيس الاتحاد وعلى خطاب الاتحاد الدولى لكرة اليد بتاريخ 15/3/2021 بشأن تشكيل لجنة مؤقتة لإدارة الاتحاد المصرى لكرة اليد لأقرب جمعية عمومية عادية، وعلى طلب الاتحاد الدولى لكرة اليد اللجنة الاولمبية المصرية بمراقبة تطبيق قرار اللجنة التنفيذية للاتحاد الدولى لكرة اليد بالتوجيه من الناحية الإدارية والفنية والمالية.

طالع أيضا.. حسن مصطفى: لم أصوت لـ ايقاف هشام نصر وأجلت القرار حتى انتهاء كأس العالم لكرة اليد

مادة (1)

تشكل لجنة لإدارة الاتـحـاد المـصرى لـكـرة اليد من السادة أعضاء مجلس إدارة الاتحاد الحاليين ويضم لهم عدد ثلاثة أعضاء ليصبح تشكيل اللجنة المؤقتة لتسيير أعمال الاتحاد المصرى لكرة اليد على النحو التالى:

1. السيد الأستاذ الدكتور / محمد السيد الأمين رئيس للجنة 2. السيد المحاسب / نبيل ابراهيم محمد خشبة أمين صندوق 3. السيد المحاسب / مؤمن صفا محمد صبحى عضو اللجنة 4. السيد الدكتور / محمود العدل محمد عضو اللجنة5. السيد الأستاذ / عبده عبد الوهاب محمد عضو اللجنة 6. السيد الأستاذ / عمرو فتحى حسن السيد عضو اللجنة 7. السيد المهندس / عاصم عبد التواب السعدنى عضو اللجنة 8. السيد الأستاذ / أيمن صلاح عبد الحميد عضو اللجنة.

وتكون مهمة اللجنة تسيير أعمال الاتحاد خلال الفترة القادمة على أن يكون لرئيس وأعضاء اللجنة كافة الحقوق والواجبات المخولة لمجلس إدارة الاتحاد ، وعليهم عقد جمعية عمومية غير عادية لاعتماد لائحة النظام الأساسى للاتحاد التى ستستند عليها الجمعية العمومية العادية لإجراءالانتخابات عن الدورة 2021/2024 وذلك طبقاً للمادة رقم (3) من قانون الرياضة رقم 71 لسنة 2017 وقواعد ولوائح الاتحاد الدولى لكرة اليد المنظمة لذلك.

مع عدم الإخلال بحق السادة رئيس وأعضاء اللجنة المشكلة بموجب هذا القرار التقدم للترشح لإنتخابات مجلس الإدارة فى الدورة 2021- 2024.

المادة (2)

تنتهى مـُدة عمل اللجنة بنهاية الجمعية العمومية العادية والتى تتضمن بند انتخاب لمجلس إدارة جديد للاتحاد المصرى لكرة اليد ، طبقاً للقانون ر قم 71 لسنة 2017 ولوائح ونظم وتعليمات الاتحاد الدولى لكرة اليد.

مادة (3)

يتم بدء اجراءات التسليم والتسلم بالتنسيق مع اللجنة المشكلة من وزارة الشباب والرياضة لإعمال شئونها فى هذا الشأن.

مادة (4)

يُعمل بهذا القرار اعتبار من تاريخه ويلغى كل تشكيل أو قرار يخالف ذلك.

كشف رامي صبري مدافع وقائد فريق الكرة بنادي إنبي، عن رد فعل المدير الفني حلمي طولان، بعد التعادل أمام المصري في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما في الدوري المصري.

إنبي تعادل مع المصري بهدف لكل فريق، في إطار منافسات الجولة الـ16 من عمر المسابقة المحلية. 

وقال رامي صبري في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “حلمي طولان (كان بيزعق) في غرفة الملابس عقب المباراة، وعنف اللاعبين بشكل قوي”.

طالع.. فيديو | التعادل يحسم نتيجة مباراة المصري وإنبي في الدوري

وأردف: “حلمي طولان لم يكن راضٍ بالتعادل، لأنه إذا حققنا المكسب في مباراة اليوم كنا سنحتل المركز الثالث في الدوري”.

وتابع: “نحن فريق كبير والتعادل بالنسبة لنا خسارة وكان هدفنا تحقيق المكسب، الفترة الماضية كانت صعبة علينا وواجهنا فريق محترم”.

Llorente posted a message in Italian – a language he is familiar with from his time with Juventus.

The caption roughly translates to him saying that he had a good first session with his new side.

It’s sometimes strange to see a player in a different kit, especially when he played such a crucial part in Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final.

In Llorente’s case however, it’s a familiar feeling as he has now played for six teams since 2013.

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Arsenal fans haven’t been shy to voice their feelings on Shkodran Mustafi, something that even in pre-season caused discussion.

Unai Emery looked to prefer a partnership of Sokratis and Calum Chambers at the heart of the defence during the off-season and that was again the case against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

Yet, following the signing of David Luiz from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, the Spanish boss left Mustafi out of the squad entirely.

It was news that caused debate among supporters at the Emirates Stadium with some appearing absolutely delighted that he wouldn’t feature.

One fan focused upon the German’s relationship with his manager, suggesting Emery really did want him to leave. Another supporter said it finally gave them a reason to relax.

A further individual said that leaving Mustafi out hopefully meant he was going to leave the club.

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Not selecting the 27-year-old represents quite the statement from Emery who hinted that he could well depart last week.

The central defender played 31 times in the Premier League last term, picking up nine yellow cards in the process.

Here’s the best of the reaction from before Arsenal kicked off in their opening fixture of the campaign.

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