With Liverpool approaching their return to competitive action under unprecedented circumstances, Arne Slot will take pride in what his side has managed to do in the transfer window up until this point.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, among others, will add considerable strength on top of a squad that managed to claim Premier League glory in his debut campaign.

Nevertheless, there is more to come at Anfield, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the dream target for Liverpool, even if they are more likely to turn their attention towards Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike due to financial demands relating to the former.

Speaking of Ekitike, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the France Under-21 international wants to come to England in light of interest from the Reds, albeit there are also clubs around Europe and in Saudi Arabia circling.

He stated: “There is movement on Hugo Ekitike, with interest from Saudi, but the priority of the player remains England. And with Newcastle interested in Hugo Ekitike, there is still interest also from more clubs. Because clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea have been calling for the player for weeks, since June, for example, being informed on the situation of Hugo Ekitike.”

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Moving away from the search for attacking prowess, Liverpool could also move for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, solidifying the thought that they could look to strengthen the engine room.

Recent developments could point them in that direction, but not in the way supporters would expect, given previous events this window.

Liverpool could be offered Arda Guler in exchange for Alexis Mac Allister

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool could be offered Real Madrid star Arda Guler as the La Liga giants look to sign Alexis Mac Allister, and it is claimed the Argentina international may be tempted by the prospect of working with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.

However, the 26-year-old hasn’t shown any major signs of wanting to change clubs and is said to be ‘happy’ in England, though Los Blancos may throw Turkish sensation Guler into the mix to try and bring down the cost of any potential deal with the Reds valuing their star at £86m.

Alexis Mac Allister in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

7

Assists

6

Arda Guler in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

6

Assists

11

Intriguingly, Guler, who has previously been labelled “tremendous” by Carlo Ancelotti, has outperformed £150,000 per week earner Mac Allister in the field of goal contributions, certifying that he would be able to replicate his creative influence at Anfield.

However, the latter is someone who Arne Slot believes holds a unique standing in the football world, so it is hard to envisage the Dutchman entertaining any notion of a sale under any circumstances.

Angel Di Maria has suggested that Lionel Messi will play on beyond the 2026 World Cup, claiming that no “farewell” has been bid with Argentina.

Last qualifier taken in on Argentine soilDoubts cast over World Cup involvementClose friend expects career to continueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi’s latest outing for his country, which came in a qualifying clash with Venezuela, saw an emotional evening taken in at Estadio Monumental. He believes said fixture will mark his last competitive appearance on home soil.

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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also cast doubt over his involvement at next summer’s World Cup, with the 38-year-old unable to guarantee that he will form part of a global title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

DID YOU KNOW?

The expectation is that he will grace said event, as he remains a talismanic captain of the Albiceleste, with long-time team-mate Di Maria – who retired from international duty after winning the 2024 Copa America – of the opinion that Argentina’s GOAT has more football left in him.

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GettyWHAT DI MARIA SAID

Di Maria told : “Leo hasn’t retired yet. It will be the last qualifying match, but he still has a World Cup and will surely have another match after. For me, it’s not a farewell. That’s why I didn’t go. I spoke with him. I’m happy that he’s still around.”

Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new era under Thomas Frank this summer, with the Dane the latest manager to try and catapult the side to sustained levels of success.

The 51-year-old signed a three-year deal after joining from fellow Premier League side Brentford, subsequently wanting to take his managerial career to the next level in North London.

However, if he wants to achieve both of his goals, he will require serious investment from the hierarchy to provide him with the tools for success at the Lilywhites.

He’s already added Mohammed Kudus to his ranks, but despite the Ghanaian’s move to the club, other additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch.

Countless players still remain in their sights during the current market, opening the door to further big-money signings to improve the options at Frank’s disposal.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

James McAtee is the latest player currently on their radar, potentially softening the blow after missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

It’s been reported that Spurs could be about to jump ahead of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in the race for his signature, after the Reds had a £25m bid rejected for the Manchester City youngster.

However, he’s not the only Premier League player on their radar, with Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo
Muniz also a player they’re considering, according to TBR Football.

They claim that talks have already been held with the 24-year-old’s representatives this window, opening the door to a move to North London for the Brazilian forward.

It also states that the player has yet to receive a suitable offer to renew his contract, potentially leading to a departure, with Leeds United also circling for his signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa

During Frank’s stint as Brentford boss, he managed to unearth multiple gems that allowed him to turn the Bees into an established top-flight outfit.

Yoane Wissa is just one player he managed to transform into a top-level talent, with the DR Congo star managing to torment countless backlines in the division.

The 28-year-old made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with Cameroonian international Bryan Mbeumo.

Given his tremendous form in recent times, he’s also been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, Newcastle United and Forest are also interested in a deal for his signature, making any move for his services somewhat tricky, leading to other options being considered.

That’s where a move for Muniz comes in this summer, with the Fulham star being the next key talisman to try and make a name for himself under Frank’s guidance.

He’s been labelled as a similar player to the Bees star by FBref, also managing to outperform the DR Congo international in numerous key areas throughout last campaign.

How Muniz & Wissa compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Muniz

Wissa

Games played

31

35

Goals & assists

9

23

Goals & assists (per 90)

0.84

0.71

Shot on target accuracy

49%

45%

Take-on success

33%

30%

Fouls won

2.9

1.5

Aerials won

6.3

0.9

Aerial success rate

52%

45%

Stats via FBref

Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, posted a better goal and assist rate per 90, whilst notching a higher shot on target accuracy rate – having the added ability to thrive in the final third.

He also managed to complete more of the take-ons he attempted last campaign, possessing a more all-round ability to thrive and create carnage to the opposition’s backline.

The Brazilian’s talents are further reflected in his ability in the air, winning a higher percentage of his aerial duels, offering Frank a needed focal point, which the Spurs side are currently lacking ahead of 2025/26.

Whilst it’s unclear how much Marco Silva’s side are demanding for his signature, it’s evident that the youngster has all the tools needed to be a fan favourite with the Lilywhites faithful.

If he can transform his game and match the goals produced by Wissa under Frank’s guidance, he would be a superb signing that would massively bolster the club’s chances of success next year.

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Former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has become the latest to join the bandwagon and criticise the national team after their loss to Slovakia.

• Hamann launches scathing attack at the Germany NT
• Believes the team showed complacency in loss to Slovakia
• Florian Wirtz and Nagelsmann also targeted

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former German international Hamann has strongly criticised the German Football Association (DFB) and the national team following recent performances in World Cup qualifying. There has been immense discourse regarding the future of Die Mannschaft following a shock 2-0 loss against Slovakia last week, with several former players providing their two cents on the tricky situation the Germans find themselves in.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since lifting the World Cup in 2014, Germany have failed to get their hands on any major silverware. At last year's European Championship, they played enticing football and were among the favourites until they crashed out in a 2-1 defeat after extra time at the hands of Spain. For the 2026 World Cup, they have been paired with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. On paper, they should have strolled through this group without any hassle, but the loss to the Slovaks saw them fall three points behind. Failure to finish in the top two places in the group would mean no qualification to next year's marquee event, a damning prospect for a nation with Germany's history and football heritage.

• WHAT DIETMAR HAMANN SAID

  "I could imagine that we might encounter problems. But I didn't think we would play so badly," said Hamann in an interview with. 

  Hamann complained that last summer's European Championship, when Germany was unfortunately defeated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Spain, had been "completely misjudged". "After the unfortunate exit in the quarter-finals against Spain, they presented themselves as the moral victors of the tournament. They gave the impression that victories in the semi-finals and finals would have been a mere formality if they had advanced," added the former Liverpool player.

  The 52-year-old is also annoyed that the DFB "extended the contracts of those responsible early." Among other things, the association extended Nagelsmann's contract by two more years until Euro 2028 back in January. "In the past, people said you didn't do that anymore," Hamann criticised. "An incredible complacency has crept in. The recent slump in form has now reached its peak."

  Hamann further explained that he "finds it difficult" to accept Nagelsmann's criticism of his players' lack of emotion after their poor performance in Slovakia and his announcement that he may have to focus less on quality and more on mentality from now on. 

  "The changes to the starting line-up would essentially mean that the players who played against Northern Ireland are not as good as the others. But unlike the first eleven against Slovakia, they would at least run and give their all. That certainly doesn't help," he stated.

  Hamann also criticised a prominent player in Florian Wirtz. The midfield magician, who moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in the summer for a mega transfer fee, has had "a very bumpy start" in England, according to Hamann. "Against Arsenal, the second half was the first time he played reasonably well," the former midfielder said. "In the games before that, the game passed him by. Of course he's unsettled. He has to get out of that now. His condition certainly doesn't help the national team."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GERMANY?

  As Slovakia also won their second match in Luxembourg 1-0, they currently lead the World Cup qualifying group with six points. Germany have three points and therefore urgently need victories against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland in October to put pressure on the group leaders. The return match against Slovakia will then take place on November 17.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko this summer feels as though it’s been dragging out for months, with an end to the saga currently not in sight for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled to win the race for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, also facing competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

Rumours have been circulating that current centre forward Rasmus Hojlund could potentially be included in any move to bring the cost of the transfer down this summer.

However, with the September 1st transfer deadline rapidly approaching, the hierarchy will need to act quickly if they are to secure the Slovenian’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

There’s no denying that the 22-year-old will remain as their number one target between now and the end of the window, but other targets are being considered as a result of the saga.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

As previously mentioned, Newcastle are also considering a move for Sesko, even taking the next step in their pursuit of the forward after submitting their second offer in recent days.

However, David Ornstein confirmed this afternoon that the Red Devils have made their own offer for the 22-year-old, totalling £74m including add-ons – leaving the player to decide which move he prefers this summer.

Despite the update on a move for Sesko, bids are also being prepared for other options, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a player in their sights, according to Stretty News.

They claim that the Red Devils and Jason Wilcox are preparing a €30m (£26m) bid for the 26-year-old, who currently has one year left on his contract with the Ligue 1 giants.

It also states that the Italian international could be keen on a move to England this summer, after his current employers landed Lucas Chevalier to be their new number one this summer.

Why United’s £26m target would be a better signing than Sesko

There’s no doubt that, after scoring just 44 league goals in their 38 outings last season, United desperately need a new striker if they are to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.

The additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already added needed quality into the final third, but further moves by Wilcox and co are needed if the club are to endure any success during Amorim’s reign.

Sesko, who scored 21 times last season, would undoubtedly offer an upgrade to the boss, but with the Magpies’ advances, it could make a deal somewhat trickier, even though they have made their own offer in recent hours.

Cheaper alternatives have already appeared on their radar, with Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson two Premier League-proven options they could turn to as a result.

Both could easily fill the needed void at the top end of the pitch, with any money saved potentially playing a huge part in their move to land goalkeeper Donnarumma.

A shot-stopper has also been desperately needed, with current number one Andre Onana out injured, but also dropping multiple clangers during his spell in the side last season. Indeed, he made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and Europa League combined.

The Cameroonian cost the side in numerous key moments, including the Bilbao final, where he was unable to keep the ball out from Brennan Johnson’s close-range effort.

Donnarumma, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former ‘keeper Diego Lopez, has showcased his talents in recent times, registering 2.2 saves per 90 last season, helping the French side win the Champions League.

He also ranked in the top 15% of all ‘keepers in Europe for goals conceded per 90, handing United that needed quality they’ve been lacking between the sticks in recent months.

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

24

Goals against per 90

1.08

Saves made

2.2

Save percentage

70%

Pass accuracy

86%

Defensive actions outside the box

0.9

% of passes launched

13%

Errors leading to goals

0

The major key to any move for the former AC Milan star is his lack of errors, not making a single mistake that led to a goal, which would see him massively provide an upgrade on Onana.

£26m for a player of his calibre in today’s market would be phenomenal business, handing Amorim a superb option to bolster his chances of success at Old Trafford.

There’s no doubt that Sesko would provide an excellent option in attacking areas, but there are cheaper options available this summer that could offer just as big of an impact, which could also free up funds to pursue a move for Donnarumma.

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The South Africa head coach says that growing the talent pool means sometimes playing youngsters in big series

Firdose Moonda16-Nov-2024South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter will make “no excuses,” for South Africa’s 3-1 defeat to India but explained the series as a “balancing act,” between fielding the best XI and exposing younger players to top-level competition.In particular, South Africa’s attack, who conceded over 200 three times in four matches, were in focus. They were without the experience of Kagiso Rabada (rested), Lungi Ngidi (injured), Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi (both no longer nationally contracted) and appeared out of their depth, or at least out of practice. Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee both made their returns from months on the sidelines as they recovered from injury and concentrated on conditioning, Andile Simelane debuted in the series, Nqaba Peter played his first internationals at home and Lutho Sipamla returned to the fold after a period of three years, all of which left Keshav Maharaj as the senior-most hand, who lacked support.Walter argued that is in the inevitable consequence of trying to deepen the player pool.Related

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“To grow the net of players, there’s times we have to play younger guys even in big series against good teams. And ultimately, that’s where they’re going to learn the most,” he said in Johannesburg after South Africa’s 135-run defeat in the fourth T20I. “It’s really a balancing act and there’s no right or wrong. We’re trying to get it right, we’re trying to get rest right, we’re trying to get rotation right, we’re trying to get exposure right all at the same time. But it doesn’t excuse the performance. We still need to be better and that starts with me as the head coach of the team.”Since Walter took over in February 2023, South Africa have played seven bilateral T20I series and not won any of them, which he acknowledged is an “incredibly difficult,” thing to accept. But it may be made easier with the knowledge that he is also the only coach to oversee the men’s team to a major tournament final, at this year’s T20 World Cup.Asked to explain the discrepancy between their bilateral form and the tournament success, Walter did not miss a beat. “The easy answer is that when we go to the world tournaments, we’re picking our very best 15 players but we can’t pick those same 15 players every single time we play. It’s just not feasible. It’s just too much cricket. So, the rest of the time we have to build our base of players up to be to the same level, which is what you’re seeing with the Indian side, right?”Only four of the XI that won the T20 World Cup in June were part of the Indian squad that beat South Africa in this series, which speaks as much to the quality of their depth as it does to the concern with South Africa’s and Walter recognised that.Lutho Sipamla returned to the fold for South Africa after three years•AFP/Getty Images”Their fringe players are stepping up and creating pressure on the guys that are in main XI,” he said. “Ultimately, if you look at the stats around the number of players used by the different international sides, they all sit in the same space over the last two years, in between 30 and 36 players roughly. Everyone’s attempting to do the same thing because the cricket landscape is actually the same for everyone.”And that’s where he may stand corrected, to some extent. India are the only country who do not have to concern themselves with losing players to franchise leagues because they do not allow their active players to compete anywhere but the IPL, which offers sufficient compensation. South Africa, whose home currency, the Rand, is the weakest among SENA countries, are at particular risk of their players opting for hard currency payments in leagues abroad and the two biggest examples are Nortje and Shamsi. Both opted out of central contracts this year – Nortje partly because he wanted to manage which formats he played as he came back from a severe injury – and though they are available for South Africa, there is also a need to look elsewhere.”A guy like Anrich, I certainly wouldn’t doubt his want to play for South Africa and his commitment to do that. But he made a decision personally around contracting so that he could move away from playing Test cricket for a while. I think physically he was finding it a bit tough to do everything and I respect that,” Walter said. “At the end of the day, when it comes to the world tournaments, we want to pick our best side. And if he is one of those best players, we consider him. Shammo has done exactly the same thing. We need to be cognisant of what’s happening in world cricket. It’s not easy and the national side is competing with franchise cricket. The money lies in franchise cricket, not international cricket. That’s the reality that we live in.”There was an audible sigh before he finished that thought. “And so, again, the balancing act continues.”

Brendan Doggett’s six-for toppled the visitors before McSweeney was solid for Australia A

Andrew McGlashan31-Oct-20241:00

Bailey: Bancroft’s consistency will count for something

Australia A 99 for 4 trail India A 107 (Doggett 6-15) by eight runsEvents on the first day in Mackay were unlikely to have provided a definitive answer about who opens for Australia in Perth, but the selectors will have been left scratching their heads more than ever after Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft collected ducks and Marcus Harris couldn’t convert a start for Australia A with Nathan McSweeney doing most to advance his credentials.When McSweeney inserted India A, thoughts were that the batting contest may have to wait a while, but after Brendan Doggett bagged a career-best 6 for 15 – in conditions that offered some assistance throughout to make life tricky for the batters – contenders to partner Usman Khawaja in the first Test were taking strike before tea. And two of them were out before the interval.Related

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Konstas, the 19-year-old who has been the most talked-about player this season, edged behind in the opening over against Mukesh Kumar as he looked to drive, and Bancroft, after four single-figure Sheffield Shield scores, was given caught down the leg side although replays showed it came off the thigh pad. Bancroft, who couldn’t force his way back into the Test side last season despite prolific domestic form, threw his head back in frustration.Harris reached double figures but was unconvincing. He survived a huge appeal for caught behind and was then dropped on 8 at third slip by Baba Indrajith against a ball that straightened from around the wicket from Kumar. After the let-off he managed a pleasing on-drive but gave his innings away when he flashed at Prasidh Krishna, who is part of India’s Test squad, and was sharply taken at second slip. Prasidh could have had a third late in the day when Cooper Connolly was given a life in the cordon.To add to the intrigue McSweeney, who bats three in the Sheffield Shield but is No. 4 here to accommodate the three openers above him, played as solidly as anyone all day, facing 110 balls for his 29, to give further credence to the talk that he may yet be the solution at the top of the order.Speaking earlier in the day in Melbourne, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted there was more uncertainty around selection than is ideal, but the final decision would not come down to a single innings.Sam Konstas walks off after making a duck•Getty Images

“I think sometimes you’re pushed into a space where you can’t give certainty a long way out,” he said. “There is a balance in that we prefer to be more settled coming for the summer, no doubt. If you have certainly that’s fantastic, but there’ll be moving parts in the summer as well that create discussions and decisions about who’s going to play the next Test. Whilst we want to give clarity and certainty, sometimes that’s not always able to happen.”There’s a lot of context and consideration around body of work for those senior players in Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. Clearly Sam Konstas hasn’t been able to have that body of work behind him because of the limited Shield cricket that he’s played, and Nathan McSweeney is somewhere in the middle of that.”You take Sam for example, he’s had limited experience in Perth, and then obviously up to the Gabba, so there’s incredible challenges for players who haven’t played in those conditions before, but it’s not to say that he can’t do that either – he’s a fast learner.”The tone for the bowler-dominated day was set in the second over when India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliantly caught down the leg side first ball by Josh Philippe. Jordan Buckingham added a second in his first spell with a lovely delivery to find the edge of Abhimanyu Easwaran who is another in India’s full Test group.Sai Sudharsan made a promising start before edging behind against Doggett to begin what would be a memorable day for the South Australia quick who was only in the side as a second reserve having been called up to replace the injured Liam Hatcher, who in turn had replaced Mark Steketee.Doggett hit the perfect full length on a surface offering the quicks encouragement and troubled all the batters. After offspinner Todd Murphy had removed Indrajith on the stroke of lunch – given caught at short leg when it was unclear if bat was involved – Doggett really got to work after the interval as he scythed through the middle order.Ishan Kishan flashed an edge behind looking to counterattack and Devdutt Padikkal, who had provided the most resistance and was the day’s top scorer with 36, edged an attempted drive to give Philippe his fifth catch. Doggett’s fifth came when he trapped Manav Suthar with a yorker and a career-best sixth when he cleaned up Prasidh to leave India A 86 for 9. Navdeep Saini (23) managed to lift the total into three figures.

أكد بيب جوارديولا، مدرب مانشستر سيتي، أنه يريد أن يستمر في تقديم كرة القدم التي يحبها، وذلك حتى نهاية مسيرته الكروية واعتزال التدريب.

وتلقى جوارديولا انتقادات كبيرة، بعد الدفاع بشكل مبالغ فيه أمام آرسنال يوم الأحد الماضي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

مانشستر سيتي فشل في تحقيق الفوز على آرسنال وتعادل معه بهدف لكل فريق على ملعب الإمارات، حيث سجل جابرييل مارتينيلي هدفًا متأخرًا حرم السيتيزن من خلاله من تحقيق الانتصار.

ويستعد مانشستر سيتي لمواجهة مرتقبة مساء اليوم الأربعاء مع نظيره هدرسفيلد تاون، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة الإنجليزية.

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وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “مترو”: ”حتى اعتزالي في هذا النادي أو حتى تاريخ اعتزالي بشكل عام أتمنى أن ألعب بالطريقة التي أريدها، أحيانًا لا نكون قادرين على اللعب بشكل جيد والخصم أفضل، عندما ندافع بعمق يكون بسبب أمور عديدة”.

وأضاف: ”لكن من حيث المبدأ أفضل استعادة الكرة إلى الأمام والاستحواذ على الكرة كثيرًا لتفكيك دفاع الخصوم ومحاولة معاقبتهم، لطالما كنت هكذا وسأظل كذلك، إذا لم يحدث ذلك أقول لكم لأننا كنا سيئين، لم نكن جيدين وليس لأننا نريد ذلك”.

وأوضح: “دائمًا عندما فاز مانشستر سيتي بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز كنا فريقًا مملًا، أليس كذلك؟ لهذا السبب قلت حسنًا، سأعتمد على الهجمات المرتدة أكثر هذا الموسم”.

وأردف: “دائمًا ما يكون فريقنا مميزًا للغاية عندما نضغط بقوة، فشكلنا وطريقة لعبنا تجعلنا نستعيد الكرة بشكل أسرع، هذا ما ميز فريقنا خلال العقد الماضي، وعندما لا نملك ذلك وهذا ما حدث ضد أرسنال لأننا لم ندفع بالكثير من اللاعبين في الهجوم، فسوف نعاني ونلجأ إلى الدفاع بشكل أعمق”.

وتابع: “أنا متأكد من أننا سنتحسن تدريجيًا، ففي المباراتين ضد مانشستر يونايتد ونابولي رأينا أشياءًا تعجبني كثيرًا في جوانب عديدة، صحيح أننا ارتكبنا أخطاءًا لكن هذا ليس السؤال”.

واختتم: “ضد آرسنال، لأنهم فريق جيد دافعنا، وهذا لم يحدث من قبل في مسيرتي لفترة طويلة جدًا، معًا متماسكين في الوسط والعمق، لم نكن قادرين على فعل ذلك أبدًا ونجحنا في الدفاع، أعتبر هذا أمرًا إيجابيًا للغاية لمستقبلنا”.

There’s already been plenty of change at Manchester City this summer, but there could yet be one more twist to the tale amid reports that they’re now in talks to sell one of their most experienced stars.

Guardiola: Man City "ready" for "better" season

Whilst injuries more than played their part last season, there’s no denying that Pep Guardiola’s side found themselves at the end of an era. From a dominant run of four consecutive Premier League title wins, the Citizens stuttered into a top four place and were eventually able to breathe a huge sigh of relief when they found enough form to comfortably qualify for the Champions League.

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Now, after a summer of several changes, they’ll be desperate to regain their throne from a Liverpool side who have also spent big in recent months. Whether those at the Etihad can do enough to stand in the way of a star-studded Liverpool side will be the big question this season, but Guardiola has already assured that his side will be “better” than last time out.

Up first for City is a trip to the Midlands to square off against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In what should be a routine first test, the rest of the Premier League will have the chance to take a first glimpse at the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki as City aim to avoid an opening day slip.

Meanwhile, away from the pitch, there’s still plenty of change to come. Reports are now indicating that City are in talks to sell one of their most important players.

Man City in talks to sell Ederson

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now in talks to sell Ederson to Galatasaray. The Turkish club have reportedly offered around €10m (£9m) to sign the Brazilian, but have already been told by those at the Etihad to raise that bid if they want to welcome the goalkeeper this month.

Romano also claimed that if Ederson does depart this month, then City will push on with their move to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian has been frozen out at the French club with just one year remaining on his current contract, allowing City to come swooping in.

Although Guardiola once dubbed Ederson “incredible”, it looks increasingly likely that his time with the Brazilian could be coming to an end this month, with Donnarumma taking the goalkeeper’s place in an unexpected summer twist.

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly submitted an offer worth over £1m in an attempt to sign their latest EFL star for Russell Martin.

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The Gers have endured a frustrating start under Martin. After such a promising summer, which has been full of incomings, there was plenty of hopes that a new manager, new owners and a new season would result in the ultimate change. So far, however, that has been far from the case.

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Whilst Rangers did find a way past Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night, it wasn’t without suffering defeat and falling back on their first-leg smashing to sneak in to the next round of Champions League qualifiers.

Outside of European football, things haven’t been much better, either. For the first time since 1989, the Scottish giants have failed to win either of their opening two league games – drawing against Motherwell and Dundee – and Martin wasted no time before airing his particular discontent about their opening day struggles.

Since his scathing review, it remains to be seen whether the former Southampton boss can tame the egos within the Rangers squad as more reinforcements potentially arrive this month.

Rangers submit opening offer to sign Charles

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Rangers have submitted an opening offer to sign Pierce Charles worth over £1m but are yet to receive a response from Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls could certainly do with such a sale amid their financial troubles, but Dejphon Chansiri’s failure to respond currently means that any deal is off the table.

Whether the Gers attempt to get a response for a second time remains to be seen. Charles’ sale would reportedly go a long way towards paying staff wages at Sheffield Wednesday, which makes it all the more frustrating for all involved at the club that neither Rangers nor West Ham United have had a reply regarding their offers.

What’s more, it’s easy to see why clubs like Rangers and West Ham are interested in Charles. At just 20 years old, Charles forced his way into Sheffield Wednesday’s plans last season and earned the praise of former boss Danny Rohl, who said: “We have two young, good goalkeepers.

“We have James Beadle who deserves a lot of credit since he arrived last year in the relegation fight, he helped us to get a lot of points. On the other side we have our own goalkeeper with Pierce, who has worked very hard. He is now the number one for his national team and has improved a lot – he deserved it as well.”