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Stephen Fleming has become the latest high-profile overseas coach to be appointed for next year’s inaugural season of The Hundred, after it was confirmed that he will serve as the head coach for the Nottingham-based men’s team.Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, is the most successful coach in the history of the Indian Premier League, winning three titles with Chennai Super Kings. He was also Nottinghamshire captain for three seasons in the mid-2000s, winning the County Championship title in 2005.The Hundred’s reliance on overseas coaches was criticised recently by Andrew Strauss, the former director of England cricket, who described it as a “missed opportunity” to promote home-grown talent. The confirmed names so far include several Australians in Shane Warne, Simon Katich and Andrew McDonald, as well as the South African Gary Kirsten, and Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene.Fleming will be joined at Trent Bridge by Salliann Briggs, the coach of Loughborough Lightning from 2016 to 2018, who will head up the women’s squad. Briggs led her team to the Kia Super League Finals Day for the first time in 2016, and is currently coach of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia.”I am looking forward to returning to Nottingham,” said Fleming. “It was a special part of my career and it allowed me to fall back in love with the game. My memories with Nottingham and Trent Bridge are outstanding.”The draft for the Hundred takes place on October 20, and Fleming said he would be leaning on the local knowledge of his assistants – as-yet unconfirmed – to ensure the Nottingham team makes astute picks.”I’m really looking forward to working with some of the talented local coaches,” Fleming said. “You really have to be on your game from the first pick in The Draft and make sure you get players that represent what you stand for and how you want to play. Having local coaches is a massive part of that – working with our three counties – to tap into their knowledge of the players.”Sanjay Patel, Managing Director of The Hundred said: “Stephen is the most successful coach in IPL history and Salliann has made a real impact at the Loughborough Lightning over the past few years. It is great to have their knowledge and expertise as part of the first year of The Hundred.””It’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to getting started and building the team,” added Briggs. “When The Hundred was first announced I was struck by how it was different from the IPL and the Big Bash and I thought it was a great idea to create something different from those tournaments, rather than attempt to compete with them.”Since then you look at the coaches who are getting involved – and it looks as if the best players want to be involved as well – and it just feels like we’re set to be involved in a really good competition.”

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O Flamengo voltou a erguer mais uma taça. Neste início de temporada, o rubro-negro conquistou o bicampeonato da Supercopa do Brasil ao derrotar o Palmeiras nos pênaltis por 6 a 5. Coube ao zagueiro Rodrigo Caio bater o pênalti decisivo e fazer a torcida soltar o grito de campeão. Na saída de campo, o defensor relembrou a temporada difícil que teve com lesões, e agradeceu a Deus pela oportunidade de fazer a cobrança que sacramentou o título.

> Confira a classificação do CampeonatoCarioca

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– Primeiro agradecer a Deus por me dar força todos os dias. A gente sabe, um esporte de alto rendimento, as lesões são constantes e a gente precisa ser forte o suficiente para superá-las. Tive uma momento difícil, mas tudo valeu a pena porque hoje estar presente em uma final tão importante como esta é sempre gratificante – relembrou o defensor, e em seguida completou.

> Confira mais notícias sobre o Flamengo

– Infelizmente, participei do segundo gol, uma jogada dividida com o Ronny. Na minhas opinião, uma jogada normal. Preciso olhar novamente, mas acho que foi uma disputa de bola. Tomamos o segundo gol e o jogo ficou totalmente aberto. Mas Deus é justo e me deu uma segunda oportunidade nas cobranças de pênaltis, ser o último batedor para finalizar a partida e graças a Deus tive a felicidade de bater e ser campeão – analisou.

Ao longo da entrevista, Rodrigo Caio destacou a importância de conquistar um título neste início de temporada. Ele exaltou a força do grupo e disse que os jogadores vem fazendo história com a camisa do Flamengo a cada conquista.

– Mostra a força e a união desse grupo. Cheguei em 2019 com o propósito de fazer história no Flamengo e esse grupo vem fazendo. Um grupo especial, diferente, que nunca se contenta pelo que tem, sempre vai em busca de mais. E tenho certeza que não para por aqui. Um jogo extremamente difícil, onde conseguimos tirar forças, buscar uma vitória e um título muito importante para a nossa temporada – ressaltou.

O Flamengo volta a campo na próxima quarta no clássico contra o Vasco, às 21h (de Brasília), no Maracanã. O duelo é válido pela nona rodada do Campeonato Carioca, e caso o rubro-negro vença, voltará à liderança da competição estadual.

Liverpool enjoyed a wonderful 4-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek which kept them top of the Premier League table and could Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge end with a second league crown?

They face another big test tomorrow afternoon as they travel to the Emirates to play Arsenal. Win and the supporters will believe a 20th league title is destiny for Klopp. Lose, however, and they may just take a big hit in confidence.

The emphatic win over the Blues will have given the German a boost heading into this title clash against the Gunners tomorrow and with plenty at stake, he will be ready to choose the starting XI which will see the Anfield side secure another win.

With that in mind, here's the team that could take to the pitch at the Emirates on Sunday in what is a pivotal clash if the Reds are to win a second Premier League title under Klopp…

1 GK – Alisson

The Brazilian will retain his place in the starting XI from the midweek victory over Chelsea, and he has missed just two league matches all season.

In the 20 that he has played, Alisson has kept only seven clean sheets, but the Reds have lost just once in those games, and that shows how good their attacking output is.

2 RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

While Conor Bradley enjoyed a stunning performance against the Blues during the week – finishing the game with a goal and two assists – due to the nature of the task at hand against Arsenal, Trent Alexander Arnold will return to the starting XI.

The Englishman has missed only three matches in the league this season, chipping in with five goal contributions, and his presence in the starting XI will be crucial if Liverpool are to win tomorrow.

3 CB – Virgil van Dijk

The Dutchman has started every single one of his league ties this term, missing only two due to a suspension he picked up following a sending-off against Newcastle United at the start of the campaign.

The former Southampton man will need to be at his best to deal with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus tomorrow, and he will be key to Liverpool securing a positive result.

4 CB – Ibrahima Konate

The 24-year-old has been Van Dijk’s main partner at the heart of the defence due to Joel Matip suffering a serious injury against Fulham back in December, with the Cameroonian likely to miss the rest of the season.

Since replacing Matip during that game, the Reds have conceded just five league goals in their subsequent seven games Konate has featured, indicating that he is the ideal person to partner the Dutchman tomorrow.

5 LB – Andy Robertson

The Scot has missed a large chunk of the season due to suffering a shoulder injury and only made his return against Chelsea in midweek, playing 21 minutes.

He will be deployed in the starting XI against the Gunners and Klopp will be hoping he can keep Saka quiet during the clash.

6 CM – Curtis Jones

The academy product has really taken his game to new levels this season and could become a key member of the Liverpool midfield for years to come.

The 23-year-old has started nine league matches thus far, scoring once and grabbing an assist, and he will retain his place in the starting XI for the visit to London.

7 CM – Alexis Mac Allister

The Argentine was in fine form against Chelsea during the week, finishing the game with a 90% pass success rate, winning 11 ground duels and making one key pass as he shone in the heart of the midfield.

His performances have been getting better and better since adapting to Klopp’s way of playing and his signing is beginning to look like a stroke of genius from the German.

8 CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

The Hungarian gem was another player who shone against the Stamford Bridge side on Wednesday. Not only did he find the back of the net, but he also made two key passes, succeeded with 91% of his pass attempts and took 68 touches, showcasing his desire to get involved.

The former RB Leipzig starlet has started all but one of Liverpool’s league ties this term and Klopp will place his full trust in the 23-year-old against stern opposition at the Emirates on Sunday.

9 RW – Diogo Jota

The former Wolves gem has been tasked with performing in a few roles this season by Klopp, featuring on both wings and also as a centre-forward.

The 27-year-old has scored 13 goals and grabbed three assists across all competitions and, due to Mohamed Salah’s injury, the manager will unleash him on the right wing, similar to the midweek clash against Chelsea.

He scored against the Blues, suggesting that no matter what position he plays across the front three, he is able to contribute effectively.

10 ST – Cody Gakpo

Darwin Núñez is likely to be ruled out for the Arsenal clash after he left in a protective boot following the midweek win over the Blues.

The £140k-per-week striker failed to score despite hitting the woodwork four times, but he did grab an assist and his unpredictability will be missed against the Gunners.

This means Cody Gakpo will earn a start leading the line. The "special" Dutchman – as described by his manager – has managed to net nine goals and chip in with four assists, but facing a stubborn Arsenal defence will be a big test of his abilities.

South Africa’s captain, Graeme Smith, has brushed over his team’s poor start to their tour of India, and insists that their preparations for Saturday’s first Test at Kanpur are coming on fine.South Africa did not enjoy the ideal warm-up game, against an Indian Board President’s XI at Jaipur, as they came within two wickets of defeat. It was left to Smith and an injured Jacques Kallis to bat out for the draw, but afterwards, Smith was quick to focus on the positives.”I wouldn’t say that we had a disappointing start,” he told AFP after the match, “as we declared our first innings with six wickets down and then tried our batting around in the second innings. In fact, I thought the Indian team did not play positively enough, or else we would have had a result in the match.”It was nonetheless an important lesson in how to pace a performance on the subcontinent, and Smith added that patience would be the key for his side in the coming weeks. “You can’t get runs at a rate like in Australia or South Africa,” he said. “One has to come to terms with this fact and try to adjust to the conditions.””We have a lot of guys who are talented,” added Smith. “They may not have records like [Sachin] Tendulkar but they have potential and need to show it in the Tests. The advantage of having young guys in the team is that they are not scared of anything. The idea is to try to adjust fast, enjoy the game and make the most of opportunities that come your way.”South Africa were famously victorious in their last series in India in 1999-2000, although it is a much less experienced squad this time around. Veterans such as Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald and Gary Kirsten are long gone, while Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje have both opted to stay at home because of the ongoing investigation into match-fixing.”Our players have studied the conditions and have worked hard in the nets,” added Smith. “We are in the process of cementing ideas and the way we plan to play, but will surely have to drive harder in the Tests.”

Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City are better than FA Cup final opponents Manchester United, but insists his side's dominance is not boring.

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• Coach says his side superior to ragged Red Devils
• But he believes game will be competitive
• City will make more history if they win final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Champions City finished the Premier League season with 31 points more than their local rivals while scoring 39 more goals. They are also unbeaten in any competition since December. Guardiola said they are well used to being the better fancied side.

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• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  "We are used to it. We start the season and in September, October they say we'll win the Champions League and be 25 points in front in the Premier League. Every year. We say okay," Guardiola told a press conference. "They say it's boring. When you win and are one or two points in front it's not boring – 20-30 points in front is boring. People think: What will happen if you are 31 points in front of United? It's a different competition, one game. You can lose a game. We know we can lose a game. In long periods we are better than United, that's obvious, facts. The players know it, feel it. We are ready to play the last game of the season. The FA Cup deserves all our focus."

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  Guardiola is targetting an 18th trophy with City and will be playing in his ninth major final with the club, but he insisted he still appreciates these occasions.

  "I always have the feeling, when people think differently. Playing the FA Cup final is an exception," he said. "I had the feeling at Spurs away, had to win against Newcastle at home, Fulham, Luton. To arrive here is difficult. I don't take it for granted. I never have the feeling it doesn't matter."

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  Saturday will be the first time since 1885 that the same teams will meet in the FA Cup final in consecutive years. Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in final history when he opened the scoring after 12 seconds and also scored the winner in a 2-1 victory against United at Wembley last year.

كشف مهاجم نادي برشلونة السابق، فيتور روكي، المعار إلى صفوف ريال بيتيس هذا الموسم أسباب رحيله السريع عن قلعة “كامب نو” بعد حوالي 7 أشهر.

وكان روكي قد انضم إلى صفوف برشلونة في يناير الماضي قادمًا من أتلتيكو باراناينسي بمقابل 30 مليون يورو ولكنه لم يشارك كثيرًا.

وبالتالي، فضل برشلونة رحيل البرازيلي الدولي عن الفريق سريعًا على سبيل الإعارة من أجل الحصول على فرصة للمشاركة في المباريات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ليفاندوفسكي يعرض مساعدة مالية على برشلونة

وتحدث روكي عن الأسباب التي جعلته يرحل، وقال في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت” الكتالونية: “كان الأمر معقدًا بعض الشيء بالنسبة لي”.

وتابع: “أتيحت لي بعض الفرص ولكن ليس بالطريقة التي كنت أفكر بها، لكن الآن الأمر مختلف، حيث إن كل تركيزي على ريال بيتيس”.

واستمر: “أشكر الله على عودتي لارتداء قميص منتخب البرازيل مرة أخرى”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “كانت المعاملة غريبة في برشلونة، كذلك الطريقة التي تحدث بها معي مجلس الإدارة، لكن هذا انتهى الآن لأنني سعيد بالحصول على الفرصة في الانتقال إلى ريال بيتيس”.

Tottenham have now made a pre-January move for a new winger target as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to upgrade his wide options.

Spurs targeting forward signing in January

In recent weeks, Postecoglou appears to have rediscovered a winning formula with the attacking front four of Richarlison, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson.

Richarlison has bagged three goals in his last two Premier League games as the Spurs frontman, while Son is maintaining his excellent form despite being moved back out wide.

Ange handed Spurs injury boost after update on van de Ven and "quality" ace

The injured duo are “most advanced” in their recoveries.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 15, 2023

Kulusevski's replacing the injured James Maddison as Tottenham's central attacking midfielder, with Brennan Johnson now playing regularly on the right.

However, one thing supporters have learned from the last four weeks is that one or two injuries can really tip the balance and upset Spurs' run of good form. The January transfer window, which is set to open in just under a fortnight, represents a brilliant solution to Tottenham's lack of squad depth as they chase new signings.

Postecoglou confirmed that Spurs are working on transfers ahead of the winter market, and it is believed sporting director Johan Lange has his eyes on a new winger.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree," said Postecoglou on Spurs' transfer plans to Standard Sport.

"Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January."

The Lilywhites are targeting both Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior and Al-Ittihad ace Jota as possible options, according to recent reports, but it is now believed they also fancy Lazio star Felipe Anderson.

Spurs make pre-Januay move for Anderson

An Olympic gold medalist from the 2016 games in Rio, Anderson's spell in east London ended up being one to forget for the Brazilian.

Since joining Lazio, though, he has come on leaps and bounds as a regular under Maurizio Sarri. This season, Anderson has been a fixture in their starting eleven, providing more assists than any other player in Lazio's squad.

This has apparently attracted attention from north London, as TV Play claim Spurs have made contact to sign Anderson in the form of an enquiry.

The 30-year-old is also being targeted by AC Milan and Juventus, who are taking note of Anderson's exploits. His contract expires next summer, meaning Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could strike a fairly cheap deal as things stand.

Former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas, commenting on Anderson during his spell at West Ham, called him a player of "unbelievable" quality.

"All of these things he is doing are effortless to him," said Jenas on Match of The Day (via football.london).

"The quality he possesses is unbelievable. Make a good run, he's going to find you. He's not selfish. He should have had more than one. He's just kept coming back for more. The strength he showed too was too much. He's becoming that cult hero that West Ham love to have in their ranks."

Mikel Arteta labelled Arsenal players as "lucky" despite suffering two crucial defeats which left their silverware prospects hanging in the balance.

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• Arsenal got knocked out from UCL by Bayern
• Whereas defeat to Aston Villa saw them fall behind Man City in PL
• Arteta remains unphased despite enduring a horror week

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners' hopes of silverware took a blow as they bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage following a defeat to Bayern Munich. Prior to this disappointment, Arsenal relinquished their grip on the Premier League title race after a loss to Aston Villa, leaving their championship aspirations hanging in the balance.

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  However, amidst these setbacks, Arteta remains optimistic about his team's prospects of conquering England. Ahead of a pivotal league clash against Wolves, he urged his squad to maintain their focus and determination and urged them to overcome self-pity.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  “I think the players are all very lucky to have had the week that we’ve had,” he said.

  “Because these are the weeks that we want and have been seeking for many years to have at Arsenal. You have to deal with that. If you want to be in this position, you have to go through it and it’s going to be tough. Against those opponents, the margins are minimal and you have to try to compete to be better than them.

  "But maybe even if you are better, you don’t win? Like what happened at home against Bayern and against Villa. Are you ready to react to that?  If not you’re not ready to be living these kinds of weeks and we want to be living these kinds of weeks. Don’t feel sorry for yourself – if we want to be here we have to be prepared because this is a possibility.”

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  The Aston Villa loss marked Arsenal's first Premier League defeat in 2024 which underscores the team's remarkable consistency in domestic competitions. And yet they faced severe backlash from the fans for sliding behind in the title race to Manchester City. Arteta sees the criticism and scrutiny that accompany setbacks as a test of character and resolve, challenging his players to rise above adversity and maintain their composure.

  “It is testing your resilience and your ego,” he said. “If I take a newspaper and show it to my son, seven days ago after Brighton, and then seven days later Bayern Munich, talking about the same team, they would think it is three years ago. 

  “It is the reality of what it is, but we have to live with that. That is the beauty of it, as well. On Saturday you can be at home and you can be the happiest man ever, saying we have a real chance here, let’s go for it with five games to go. We have to make that happen. That is our job.”

Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing a £34 million star from abroad as a replacement for midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in January.

"Important" Hojbjerg could still leave Spurs

Injuries and suspensions have hampered manager Ange Postecoglou over what has been a disastrous last nine days. Summer signings Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, who've starred since joining the club, won't be seen again until 2024 – with Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero also suspended.

Postecoglou is missing his entire favoured backline right now, and the lack of Maddison's creativity in midfield was on full display during Spurs' dramatic 2-1 loss to Wolves last Saturday. Hojbjerg slotted in for the England international in a more advanced role but couldn't quite replicate his attacking influence, and reports suggest the Dane could still leave in January despite Postecoglou's lack of squad depth.

The 28-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus and Atletico Madrid, with Hojbjerg's agent already reaching an exit agreement with these two sides. Postecoglou, though, is of real belief that Hojbjerg is still a "very important" player.

“It is obvious someone that has played regularly would have wanted to play more but ultimately our performances have been strong and he has had to bide his time," said Postecoglou on Hojbjerg.

“He has also been very important in a lot of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late. He has been one of the people who has helped us and it is not like he hasn’t contributed at all. He’s been a really important part for us. We wouldn’t be in this position if we were just reliant on our starting XI.

“With Pierre, he is professional and very determined."

Spurs eye Andre to replace Hojbjerg

Regardless of Postecoglou's statement, Hojbjerg's future appears far away from north London as there is still plenty of noise surrounding his future.

Before Spurs' succession of absences, the former Southampton star failed to start a single league game, with his first nod coming in a win against Fulham to replace the suspended Yves Bissouma.

Now, according to a report by 90min, Tottenham and sporting director Johan Lange by extension are keen on signing Andre but must first sell Hojbjerg before making a move.

The Fluminese star would act as his replacement, but Spurs face competition from up and down the Premier League for his signature. Andre, who has a £34 million release clause in his contract, has also been called the "best midfielder" in his country right now.

"Pressure and playing with the confidence of someone who knows they are different," said South American journalist Fernando Campos on Andre.

"Get out of the way and make the team work. André Trindade is the best midfielder in the country and is a monster of a player."

Andre has attracted more praise from fellow reporter Nathan Joyes, too, who called him an "unbelievable talent". The Brazil international made 26 league appearances for Fluminese over their latest campaign, amassing a pretty impressive 94.7% passing accuracy (WhoScored).

What Chelsea want in the transfer market, they usually get, with the Moises Caicedo transfer saga last summer a case in point. But, on the pitch, the Blues have found it harder to realise their desires, having failed to get off to a blistering start under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. Things are at least looking up however, after wins over Burnley and Fulham were followed by a 2-2 draw against champions-elect Arsenal, albeit in a game that saw Chelsea take a 2-0 lead.

If they can get some kind of consistent run going, then those at Stamford Bridge stand every chance of returning to Champions League action, which would make their transfer business all the more interesting next summer. It would certainly help towards welcoming one particular dream signing, that's for sure.

Chelsea's dream signing

Following the incredible number of changes at the club over the summer, it was always going to take time for Pochettino to make his mark at Chelsea. The likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kocacic all swapped Stamford Bridge for a move to other top six Premier League clubs, making room for the likes of Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku.

That's far from where Chelsea's spending will end in the next year or so, however, especially after the latest Jamal Musiala transfer news. According to Simon Phillips on his Substack, the Bayern Munich midfielder is a dream target for the Blues after the success that he has enjoyed in the Bundesliga. Things could have been far easier for Chelsea, of course, had they kept hold of Musiala in 2019, when the German left their academy in favour of a move to Bayern.

They have welcomed back academy departures in the past, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku making a return, and now it seems as though they are keen on doing the same when it comes to Musiala.

"Brilliant" Musiala is "different" to Bellingham

Musiala's stats show exactly why he is Chelsea's dream target. The 20-year-old scored 16 goals and assisted a further 16 last season in what was an incredible campaign, which ended in yet another title win for Bayern in the Bundesliga. This season, meanwhile, Musiala has already been involved in five goals in ten games, finding the back of the net twice and assisting a further three times. When compared to Chelsea's current options, he stands out even more, as per FBref.

It comes as no surprise, then, that the midfielder has been praised so highly, including by Michael Owen, who told TNT Sport: “I think he is exceptional, really exceptional. It’s such a shame he chose Germany over England! I thought he was brilliant in the last major tournament (2022 FIFA World Cup).

“There’s lots of people comparing him to Bellingham but I think he is a different type of player. He’s a brilliant runner with the ball. I think he’s unbelievable when it comes to dribbling. He’s got the lot this lad."