Head coach Ben Sawyer and assistant coach Craig McMillan oversee ten New Zealand players including Jess Kerr, Brooke Halliday and Georgia Plimmer

Deivarayan Muthu10-Aug-2025

New Zealand have ramped up their prep for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka with a two-week camp in spin-friendly conditions at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in Chennai.While a number of Black Caps, including Rachin Ravindra, have frequented the high-performance facility in the recent past, this is the White Ferns’ first specialised overseas camp and the timing of it has been “perfect,” according to head coach Ben Sawyer, who is overseeing ten New Zealand players in Chennai along with assistant coach Craig McMillan.”Yeah, 100% correct. It’s currently winter in New Zealand, there’s no cricket and we’re nearly two months out of the World Cup,” Sawyer told ESPNcricinfo. “So, to have that prep time in India, we’ve been able to bring seven contracted players and then three of our players of interest along. So, the girls that we think will play lots of cricket in India in the future as well. So yeah, it’s been an amazing experience so far.”Related

The other Kerr: how a New Zealand allrounder is emerging from her younger sister's shadow

Craig McMillan named full-time NZ women's assistant coach ahead of ODI World Cup

Bree Illing and Bella James earn maiden New Zealand contracts

Devine to retire from ODIs after the World Cup

Seam-bowling allrounder Jess Kerr, opening batter Georgia Plimmer and Brooke Halliday, who had scored 38 off 28 balls in the T20 World Cup final last year, which New Zealand won, are among the seven contracted players on tour while Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire and Emma McLeod have been included as emerging players.After the Chennai camp, New Zealand’s players and staff will return home and will likely head to Dubai to play one-dayers against England in the lead-up to the ODI World Cup, which will kick off on September 30. Sawyer believes that exposure to stifling conditions in Chennai and Dubai will tune up New Zealand’s players for similar conditions that may face during the ODI World Cup.”Yeah, it’s hugely beneficial and even more so this year because just with the FTP cycle, we’ve had no official matches since February,” Sawyer said. “So to get these three one-day games in Chennai, to get two or three games in Dubai against England, a really strong opposition, will be great and then we also get the two World Cup warm-up games. So that’s seven or eight games we’re going to get in similar conditions. Yeah, that’s just huge for us.”Jess Kerr runs in to bowl during New Zealand’s time at the Super Kings Academy•Super Kings Academy

New Zealand’s team management is also leaning on inputs from High Performance Sport New Zealand and Dr Kirsty Fairbairn, an experienced dietitian who has worked with both the White Ferns and Black Ferns (the women’s rugby team), to look after their players in subcontinent conditions.”We’ve actually tried to train really hard the last five days and I guess in a way not to recover, try to just do it naturally and let your bodies adapt to the conditions,” Sawyer said. “And now we’re playing the three games, we’ll try and recover really well.”But yeah, we’ve actually tried to expose ourselves as much to the heat as we can. So, we’ve had some really good help from High Performance Sport New Zealand and a guy that helped with the Tokyo Olympics and how they dealt with the heat. He’s basically told us that the week here and then the week in Dubai are probably perfect timings for the World Cup.”The presence of India internationals such as Asha Sobhana and D Hemalatha, Tamil Nadu’s teenage prodigy G Kamalini, who had won WPL 2025 with Mumbai Indians, and Swiss international Meghna Rajan has added a competitive edge to the camp. Asha castled Polly Inglis on Saturday and tested other New Zealand batters with her loopy legbreaks and wrong’uns on a sluggish surface.”Getting balls to face in New Zealand during the winter is really difficult,” Sawyer said. “We’ve had WPL players come down to bowl to us and Asha from RCB is with us here in the camp and it’s been great for our girls to chat to her and learn about these conditions.”Just a few days into the camp, Sawyer is impressed with the positive approach of the New Zealand batters against spin.”I think Izzy Sharp is a great example today,” Sawyer said. “She made 80. She played a lot off the back foot, but then was able to get really close into the pitch of the ball. And Sri (Sriram Krishnamurthy, former NZC pathway coach who is now CSK academy’s head coach) was great the other day, gave us a bit of a masterclass in playing spin.”And it was great to see Izzy use her feet today and get down the wicket really quickly. Maddy Green’s a great player. She did it her way [with sweeps and reverse-sweeps], she did it in a different way to Izzy, but both were successful and that’s what we’ve spoken about.”While this group is sweating it out in Chennai, Suzie Bates had posted a career-best 163 for Durham last month and Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr are currently playing in the Hundred. It’s still winter in New Zealand, but the team management has ensured that their players won’t rock up cold at the World Cup.”You can see we brought a lot of younger players because the likes of Sophie, Suzie and Lea Tahuhu have been here before and Sophie is at the Hundred,” Sawyer said. “Paul Wiseman is with our spinners in Lincoln and a few of our quicks are working with Graeme [Alridge] in various locations. So, everyone’s getting what they need. Some players are actually doing a few sessions in heat chambers back home. I think we’re doing as much as we can to prepare for the conditions [at the World Cup].”

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner sat down to address the team's offseason, the future of manager Aaron Boone and the franchise's young stars in an interview with YES Network Tuesday. He also spoke to one of baseball's hottest topics: how do you keep up with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

The Dodgers signed Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract in November and followed that up with a five-year, $74 million deal for outfielder Tommy Edman a few days later. The offseason spending didn't end there, though, with the defending World Series champions committing $445.5 million in guaranteed dollars this winter, according to . They signed the coveted Japanese pitching prospect Roki Sasaki, then brought in top free agent reliever Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million contract a few days later.

L.A.'s rampant spending to stay competitive begs the question of how other MLB teams keep pace, even for the high-rolling Yankees. Steinbrenner acknowledged the Dodgers' shopping spree can't be reproduced, but a lot still needs to go right to bring home the Commissioner's Trophy after the World Series.

"Well, look, it's difficult for most of us owners to be able to do the kind of things that [the Dodgers are] doing," Steinbrenner said to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network via Brendan Kuty of . "Now, we'll see if it pays off. They still have to have a season relatively injury-free for it to work out for them, and it's a long season, as you know, and once you get to the postseason, anything can happen. We've seen that time and time again."

Steinbrenner is optimistic about his own team, no matter the landscape, boldly claiming that the Yankees have a better team now than one season ago, even after Juan Soto chose to sign with the New York Mets. The Yankees signed Paul Goldschmit and traded for Cody Bellinger to help fill the offensive gap left by Soto's departure. They splurged themselves on free agent pitcher Max Fried, with an eight-year, $218 million deal.

Although this offseason is about keeping up with the Dodgers, Steinbrenner is optimistic for his Yankees in 2025.

Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom is working toward a comeback in 2025.

The Texas Rangers ace was perfect in two innings of work during his spring training debut Saturday in an exhibition against the Kansas City Royals. He fanned Bobby Witt Jr. and Kyle Isbel in the first inning, and notched another strikeout in the second inning against Tyler Gentry.

In all, deGrom threw 31 pitches—21 for strikes—and averaged 97 mph on his four-seam fastball.

deGrom, the back-to-back NL Cy Young award winner in 2018 and '19, has logged just nine starts since signing a five-year deal worth $185 million with the Rangers in December 2022. He underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023 and made his return to the mound in September.

deGrom is expected to pitch in the back of the Rangers' rotation that features Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray and Tyler Mahle.

Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips will also miss the T20I series against Australia while captain Mitchell Santner faces a fitness race

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Aug-2025New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke faces at least three months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back. Finn Allen also faces a lengthy spell out while Glenn Phillips will miss the T20Is against Australia and captain Mitchell Santner is doubtful.O’Rourke, who reported back stiffness on the third day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe, will miss the white-ball series against Australia, England and West Indies at a minimum and could also be a doubt for the three Tests against West Indies which follow in December. He will undergo a three-month strength and conditioning block before a firmer timeline is put in place for a return with coach Rob Walter hopeful it won’t develop into an injury that needs surgery.”We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery,” Walter said in an NZC release. “He’s had such an impressive start to his career and so naturally it is disappointing when an injury like this comes along, but he’s a resilient guy and determined to put the work in and come back stronger.”Related

Santner ruled out of NZ's T20I series against Australia; Jamieson, Sears return

Super Mariu stops by for lessons in Chennai on journey to great things

Dale Phillips learns to stop worrying and start living as a 'player of interest'

Kelly and Carter to lead young New Zealand A squad in SA

“We’re very hopeful for that [three month time frame]. Stress fractures are obviously almost part and parcel of the craft, really, but never nice when it does happen. At this stage, we will reassess after that three month mark, hopefully the healing process has gone really well and we can get into that return to play.”Allrounder Phillips, who was ruled out of the recent Zimbabwe tour with a groin injury, will miss the matches against Australia which take place on October 1, 3 and 4 in Mount Maunganui. Meanwhile, Allen has had surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot which will require three months recovery.However, Santner will be given every chance to feature against Australia after returning from the Hundred with groin pain which will require abdominal surgery.”Mitch is a world class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view,” Walter said. “With that in mind we expect to name him in our squad when we announce it in a couple of weeks’ time, and from there we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a call on the eve of the series.”It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn who have played important batting roles in our T20 set up in recent times. Like in Zimbabwe, their unavailability will present opportunities for others to put their hands up in what’s going to be a hugely exciting and important series against Australia.”Fast bowler Ben Sears has recovered from the side strain that kept him out of the Zimbabwe tour and is expected to be available to face Australia.

There are very few things Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t achieved in football, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner winning three Premier League titles, two La Ligas, five Champions Leagues and a whole host of other major honours.

However, it is a testament to the 40-year-old’s work ethic and sheer determination that he still feels like there is more to do, and the fairytale ending to the forward’s international career would be lifting the World Cup with Portugal next summer.

There is also more to achieve at club level, with Ronaldo making it clear he wants to reach 1,000 goals earlier this year, despite his family telling him to call time on his illustrious career.

The Al-Nassr star said: “People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?”

“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going?

“I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”

Ronaldo closing in on 1,000 goals

The legendary forward is now closing in on the unbelievable milestone, having made a fantastic start to the Saudi Pro League campaign, scoring eight goals in seven games, with the recent brace against Al-Fahya taking his total tally to 952.

Remarkably, 143 of those goals have been for Portugal, with the Real Madrid legend breaking the international goal-scoring record all the way back in 2021, and having lifted the Euros in 2016, winning the World Cup, the one trophy that has alluded him, will undoubtedly be a priority.

‘GOAT’ rival Lionel Messi famously got his hands back on the trophy back in 2022, with Argentina becoming champions of the world for the third time, courtesy of a dramatic victory against France on penalties, after what was an enthralling final.

Since then, both Ronaldo and Messi have left Europe to try something new, with the Argentina legend maintaining a remarkable goal and assist record at Inter Miami, amassing 111 goal contributions in 84 appearances.

Given that the 38-year-old is over two years younger than his long-time rival, he is still trailing in terms of goals, currently 60 behind, having scored 892 in 1132 career appearances, excluding club friendlies.

Ronaldo

952

Messi

892

However, the Inter Miami star is some way out in front for assists, having created 399 goals, compared to 140 from Ronaldo, which arguably showcases that he is a more well-rounded player.

Regardless of who you consider to be the ‘GOAT’, both Messi and Ronaldo have enjoyed unbelievable careers, and there may still be plenty left to come, with neither player currently showing any signs of slowing down.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ranked among greatest wingers in football history The Greatest 20 Wingers in Football History

The best wingers the game has ever seen.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 22, 2025

أدلى دانيال مونيوث ظهير كريستال بالاس بتصريحات حول إمكانية رحيله عن فريقه، وانضمامه لأحد أندية ريال مدريد، برشلونة، مانشستر يونايتد، أو باريس سان جيرمان.

وانضم مونيوث إلى كريستال بالاس في شتاء 2024، وتطور أدائه مع الفريق، ويعد من أفضل اللاعبين في مركز الظهير الأيمن بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

أداء مونيوث مع فريقه جعل اسمه يرتبط باهتمام عدة أندية أوروبية، بما في ذلك باريس سان جيرمان وبرشلونة.

وقال مونيوث في مقابلة مع صحيفة “AS Colombia”: “أولًا وقبل كل شيء، أعتقد أن هناك الكثير من الحديث عن نادٍ أو آخر”.

وأضاف: “إذا سألتني، فسيكون بمثابة حلم يتحقق أن ألعب لأحد هذه الأندية، سواء كان برشلونة أو باريس سان جيرمان أو ريال مدريد أو مانشستر يونايتد”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليفاندوفسكي يعلق على مستقبله بعد أنباء خلافة هاري كين له في برشلونة

وأردف: “أعتقد أنني أعمل على تحقيق ذلك؛ أسعى كل يوم لجذب انتباه أحد هذه الأندية، لأن الوصول إلى هناك هو حلم بالنسبة لي”.

وأكد: “أركز حاليًا على ناديي، على تقديم أداء جيد في كريستال بالاس، لا توجد لديّ أي معلومات مؤكدة عن اهتمام أي من هذه الأندية بي، تركيزي منصبّ على كريستال بالاس؛ سنرى مع اقتراب فترة الانتقالات الشتوية”.

Joshua Zirkzee has been urged by legendary fellow Dutchman Ruud Gullit to leave Manchester United. The Netherlands international made his way to Old Trafford in the summer of 2024, with the Red Devils crying out for attacking inspiration. He has struggled for form in England and been told “everyone that leaves” United “ends up playing well”.

Supposed Man Utd flops have flourished elsewhere

That has been the case for several supposedly underperforming forwards at the so-called Theatre of Dreams. Marcus Rashford slipped out of favour under Ruben Amorim, only to rediscover his spark during a loan spell at Aston Villa and ultimately secure himself a move to Barcelona that has allowed further England recognition to be enjoyed.

Brazilian winger Antony has quickly become a fan favourite at La Liga side Real Betis, after being branded an £85 million ($112m) flop in Manchester, while Scott McTominay is a Serie A title-winning hero at Napoli and now has Rasmus Hojlund scoring goals alongside him in Italy.

AdvertisementGettyWhy Zirkzee should push for a move away from Man Utd

Alejandro Garnacho has also impressed of late after making a switch to Chelsea, and it could be that Zirkzee makes his own push for the exits in the January transfer window. The former Bologna star has seen a return to the Italian top-flight mooted – with Roma and AC Milan said to be among his suitors.

Gullit believes that the 24-year-old should make a fresh start outside of Manchester, telling : “Everybody that leaves Man United ends up playing well. The problem there maybe is actually United. I should advise Zirkzee to go somewhere else and play more. Go back to Italy if you can on loan or whatever. Just play football. He's a good player. But at the moment, it's difficult at Man United. They found a little form in the past couple of weeks and I hope for Man United that they continue that. Because a good Man United is good for the Premier League as well.”

Can the Netherlands win the 2026 World Cup?

Zirkzee – who registered just seven goals for United last season and is yet to start a Premier League fixture this term – needs regular game time if he is to earn a place in Ronald Koeman’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Quizzed on how the Netherlands could fare at that tournament, 1987 Ballon d’Or winner Gullit said: “We have a very good squad and I have a good feeling about the players. But they concede a lot of goals. We have so many good players. I just don’t know how it is possible that we concede so many easy goals? So we have to figure it out. I think Koeman is doing a great job, but you need a little bit of luck at some moment. I think they can win the World Cup.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWhy Gullit will not return to management

Gullit will be watching that event from afar as he has no desire to get back into competitive football. He has previously spent time as manager of Chelsea, Newcastle, Feyenoord and MLS outfit the LA Galaxy, but has no plans to return to the dugout at 63 years of age.

The iconic Dutchman said, with the stresses of coaching being highlighted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s return to Manchester United: “I don't want to be a manager and I never wanted to be a manager. Then it worked out well, I never expected that. You can't enjoy yourself though. Look at these coaches. They're all bald, grey, grumpy. It's a horrible life. I remember Ole Solskjaer when he came to United, he was so happy. He came out afterwards looking like that thing from the Lord of the Rings, Gollum! Look how Jurgen Klopp looks now. He looks a lot happier.”

Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024, and Solskjaer are both out of management at present. The latter severed ties with Turkish side Besiktas in August. Solskjaer has been cleared to catch more of United in action, with Zirkzee and Co having seen Ruben Amorim’s side come through a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign to sit seventh in the Premier League table.

MatériaMais Notícias

A trajetória do Fluminense até a final da Libertadores passa diretamente pelos pés de Paulo Henrique Ganso, cérebro do Tricolor das Laranjeiras que conseguiu reviver sua carreira com a ajuda de Fernando Diniz.

RelacionadasLibertadoresVÍDEO: Em clima leve e descontraído, Boca Juniors realiza primeiro treino no Rio para a decisão da LibertadoresLibertadores02/11/2023LibertadoresArgentinos à vista! Prefeitura do Rio monta operação especial para a final da LibertadoresLibertadores02/11/2023NotíciasLíderes! Romero e Fábio defendem pátrias de Boca e Fluminense na LibertadoresNotícias02/11/2023

+ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

SUCESSO METEÓRICO

Desde as categorias de base no Santos, Ganso era apontado como uma das maiores promessas do futebol brasileiro, sendo a visão de jogo e a inteligência com a bola nos pés suas maiores qualidades. O meia estreou pelo Peixe em 2008 e, ao lado de Neymar, liderou uma das melhores equipes do Brasil até 2011.

A derrocada começou em 2012, quando as lesões se tornaram cada vez mais frequentes e o meia não conseguia engatar uma sequência de jogos no Santos. O São Paulo surgiu como solução para o meia, que foi protagonista no Tricolor do Morumbi entre 2012 e 2014.

DIFICULDADES NA EUROPA

O salto para o futebol europeu parecia cada vez mais claro na carreira de Ganso, e a movimentação finalmente aconteceu em 2016, quando o técnico Jorge Sampaoli pediu a contratação do meia quando o treinador argentino dirigia o Sevilla. Porém, a relação entre eles foi conturbada desde o começo.

Sampaoli queria que Ganso jogasse como volante, mas o brasileiro demorou para se adaptar ao futebol europeu e perdeu prestígio com o treinador, que o deixava no banco de reservas.

O meia tentou reviver sua carreira em solo europeu no Amiens, da França, onde ficou uma temporada emprestado, mas o acúmulo de lesões e a falta de motivação quase colocaram um ponto final na carreira de Ganso

+ Veja tabela e simule os resultados do Brasileirão

DINIZ E A VOLTA POR CIMA NO FLUMINENSE

Ganso queria retornar ao Brasil, e o Fluminense apostou no meia em 2019. Não demorou para ele se tornar um dos jogadores mais importantes do Tricolor das Laranjeiras, sendo fundamental no bicampeonato carioca.

E o responsável por entender e extrair as características de Ganso foi Fernando Diniz. O treinador sempre foi um admirador do meia, e chegou a dizer que a genialidade do brasileiro era superior a de Xavi.

O estilo único de Diniz em dominar a posse de bola através da saída curta fez Ganso retomar a confiança, e mesmo aos 34 anos, ele é um dos meias mais habilidosos do Brasil, e o treinador aposta nele para conquistar a Libertadores.

#LancecomFlu

O Lance! está ao lado do Fluminense na final da Copa Libertadores. Aqui, você acompanha a cobertura mais completa do Tricolor na decisão do torneio continental. #LanceComOFlu. 

One Chelsea star has been critiqued for his performance in their game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Robert Sanchez having more touches than him at Stamford Bridge.

In what was Chelsea’s final Premier League game ahead of the November international break, the Blues played host to a Wolves side who, after 10 games, were still without a win in the top flight.

Enzo Maresca’s side struggled to do much with the chances they generated in the first half against Wolves, frustrating the home support at Stamford Bridge. Soon after the half-time break, however, the Blues broke the deadlock.

Malo Gusto opened the scoring with what was his first-ever senior goal just minutes into the second half. This lead was doubled just after the hour mark when Joao Pedro smashed a deflected Estevao cross beyond Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The game was put beyond any doubt when, with less than 20 minutes to go, Pedro Neto scored against his former club. The win moved Chelsea to second in the table. However, one Blues player was slammed for his performance against the relegation-threatened side.

Delap failed to make mark against Wolves

Signed in the summer from Ipswich Town, Liam Delap has endured a tough start to life at Chelsea. An injury saw him sidelined for weeks to open the 2025/26 campaign, missing almost two months. Upon his return, against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, Delap was sent off for accumulating two yellow cards after coming off the bench.

Delap, who reportedly signed a contract worth £100,000 per week, made his first start for Chelsea since returning from injury against the Old Gold, but failed to make an impact. Simon Johnson, who works for The Athletic, was critical of what the striker produced, noting that he did not appear at match fitness and said he was “struggling”.

As per SofaScore, within 64 minutes of football, Delap had just one shot on target. He was dispossessed on three occasions and by having just 15 touches in the game, had less time on the ball than Sanchez.

Delap is still a young player, one coming back from a relatively long set-back no less. His performance against Wolves, though, can simply not be the level that he consistently operates at going forward.

Chelsea weighing up move for England international

The search for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ new manager goes on.

The Old Gold sacked Vitor Pereira last week after picking up just two points all season, as they look to salvage the campaign and avoid relegation to the Championship.

There have been a few names bandied about when it comes to who could replace Pereira in the hot seat at Molineux.

Former manager Gary O’Neill, who was only sacked last December, came under consideration, but pulled out of the race. There are also suggestions that Erik ten Hag and Michael Carrick are two options for the club.

However, a new contender has emerged in recent hours.

The latest manager to be linked with Wolves

It was clear that Wolves needed to bring in a new manager, with Pereira struggling to get the best out of his squad.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Expand Collapse

However, his replacement is something they must get spot on, as they look to get their first win of the season.

Well, according to Football FanCast sources, the higher-ups at Molineux have sounded out a move for former Benfica boss Rui Vitoria.

The West Midlands outfit is said to be a job that the 55-year-old would be open to taking over.

Vitoria has not been out of a job long, having managed Panathinaikos most recently, who sacked him in September.

Why Vitoria would be a good appointment for Wolves

It is perhaps a bit of a red flag for Wolves fans that Pereira has struggled in his last three jobs. The Portuguese manager, who hails from just outside of Lisbon, has had three jobs in the last four years.

One of those was as head coach of the Egyptian national team. He coached them in 18 games and was sacked after crashing out of AFCON at the round of 16 stage. The role before that was at Spartak Moscow, where he lasted 26 games, and his latest job at Panathinaikos saw him manage 43 matches.

Yet, the 55-year-old has seen success at previous clubs. Said to favour an attacking 4-3-3 formation, his best spell came as Benfica boss, where he won four major honours. That included back-to-back Portuguese top-flight titles in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns.

One man who thought highly of Vitoria’s reign was Pep Guardiola, who said his team was “worthy of Arrigo Sacchi,” the legendary former AC Milan manager.

The pair met in the Champions League when Guardiola was in charge of Bayern Munich, and although Benfica were knocked out 3-2 on aggregate, Vitoria clearly left a strong impression.

Indeed, his record at Benfica was certainly impressive. He took charge of 183 games for the club and had an excellent win rate of 68%. That saw him lead his side to victory on 125 occasions.

Vitoria record as Benfica manager

Stat

Number

Games

183

Wins

125

Draws

27

Losses

31

Win rate

68%

Goals for

388

Goals against

161

Stats from Transfermarkt

It is easy to draw comparisons between the potential new Wolves boss and one of their best from the FOSUN era, Nuno Espirito Santo.

Now at West Ham United, the ex-Old Gold manager took charge of 199 games at Molineux and was a huge success story.

Nuno was adored by the Wolves faithful. Not only did he guide them back to the Premier League in 2017/18, but he even led them to the Europa League. He certainly brought happier times to Molineux during his time there.

Like Vitoria, the former Wolves manager learnt his craft in his native Portugal. He began at Rio Ave, and then managed FC Porto, with a spell at Valencia in between, before moving to Molineux and starting his dynasty.

Well, via a few more clubs, that is a similar route to what Vitoria will be taking if he gets the job at Molineux. Making a name for themselves in Portugal is something the two managers have in common, and Vitoria will be hoping he can earn the same level of adoration Nuno got at Wolves.

Related The new Nuno Santo: "World-class" manager wants to hold talks with Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers could appoint their next Nuno Espirito Santo by hiring this Gary O’Neil upgrade.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 5, 2025