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قدّم نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، اعتذارًا بشأن مقطع فيديو تكريمي لديوجو جوتا لاعب ليفربول الراحل وشقيقه أندريه سيلفا، اللذين توفيا في حادث سيارة في وقت سابق من هذا العام.

وشهد نادي ريال مدريد اليوم الأحد، اجتماعًا سنويًا للجمعية العمومية بحضور رئيس النادي فلورنتينو بيريز.

وخلال الاجتماع السنوي للجمعية العمومية رغب ريال مدريد في تكريم ديوجو جوتا وشقيقه أندريا، لكن بدلاً من ذلك وضع صورة مهاجم إلتشي أندريه دا سيلفا، الذي يحمل نفس اسم شقيق البرتغالي.

وسارع ريال مدريد بتقديم اعتذار عبر حساباته الرسمية على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، وأصدر بيانًا أعرب فيه عن أسفه للحادث.

اقرأ أيضًا | بيريز يشن هجومًا قويًا: التحكيم صنع برشلونة.. وما فعله تيباس “عار”

وجاء في بيان ريال مدريد: “يعتذر نادي ريال مدريد لنادي إلتشي ولاعبه أندريه دا سيلفا عن الخطأ في نشر صورة له في فيديو، بدلاً من صورة أندريه سيلفا، شقيق ديوجو جوتا، لاعب ليفربول، نأسف لهذا الحادث”.

كما أكد فلورنتينو بيريز، رئيس ريال مدريد، هذا الموقف خلال خطابه أمام أعضاء النادي واعتذر عن الخطأ.

ولقى جوتا وشقيقه أندريا سيلفا مصرعهما في حادث سيارة مروع، وذلك في شهر يوليو الماضي، في واقعة أفجعت عالم كرة القدم.

يذكر أن ريال مدريد سيواجه خصمه إلتشي مساء اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر لبطولة الدوري الإسباني موسم 2025-2026.

Aston Villa have been dealt an injury concern ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday, after the player himself had claimed he was fine.

The Villans have found form after a troublesome start to the campaign, winning four on the bounce in all competitions since the 1-1 draw away at Sunderland in September.

Still, there is concern over Unai Emery’s attacking systems and the lack of chances created so far this season, with striker Ollie Watkins searching for form and Morgan Rogers struggling to the point he was sarcastically cheered by his own fans for simply completing a pass in the match against Bologna.

Now, the Villans’ attacking depth has taken a further hit, as Watkins has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

The striker, who is surprisingly not one of Aston Villa’s highest earners on £130,000-a-week, suffered an injury during Thursday’s 3-0 win against Wales when he collided with the post as he attempted to score his second goal of the game. He continued until half-time but was taken off and replaced by Marcus Rashford.

After the game, he said he was “OK” as he limped through the mixed zone, but he has not recovered in time for Tuesday’s game in Riga and has returned to Villa for treatment in a bid to be fit for Sunday’s game at Spurs.

FA release Ollie Watkins statement before Latvia clash

A statement from the Football Association read: “Ollie Watkins has been ruled out of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

“The Aston Villa striker has not recovered from the knock sustained against Wales at Wembley on Thursday evening and has returned to his club.

“A squad of 22 will travel to Riga.”

Captain Harry Kane is expected to return, having missed the Wales friendly with an ankle problem sustained playing for Bayern Munich last weekend. Kane has scored 19 goals in 12 games for club and country this season and will be fancying his chances of adding to his tally against the 137th-ranked side.

If the Bayern striker is not fit, then Anthony Gordon could lead the line as he did in the second half against Wales. Thomas Tuchel’s side will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they win in the Latvian capital.

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They lead Group K with five wins from five and are yet to concede a goal, so the issue for Watkins seems to be of greater concern for his club than his country, with Emery already sweating over Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Youri Tielemans ahead of the return of domestic football this weekend.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions and sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table, boasting a 100 per cent record in the Champions League to boot.

Mikel Arteta answers Arsenal critics

There is a sentiment going around that the Gunners have adopted a ‘boring style of play’, but as long as they get the job done, Mikel Arteta won’t be in the least bit bothered.

Besides, this ongoing narrative is in stark contrast to their imperious win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday, and club legend Paul Merson was quick to note that nobody blows away Diego Simeone’s side like Arsenal did that night.

Four goals inside just 14 minutes cemented what was a statement three points for Arteta’s men, and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres silenced his own doubters with a quick-fire brace to end his barren run without scoring.

The result means Arsenal still haven’t lost a single game in all competitions since their narrow defeat at Anfield in late August, and even that was down to a sumptuous late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai which David Raya could do nothing about.

The catalyst for Arsenal’s amazing run has undoubtedly been their rock-solid defence, which has leaked the fewest goals of any Premier League side, with just three scored past them in nine top flight games.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Much to pundit Jamie O’Hara’s detest, who said last week that Arsenal are “killing” the Premier League with their guerrilla tactics, the north Londoners have proved a constant menace through dead balls and long-throws — which have acted as a secret weapon that no opponent can match.

Gabriel already has four goal contributions as a direct result of corners and free-kicks, bagging a header against Atlético and setting up Gyokeres for his second, and teams barely have an answer to the Brazilian’s constant set piece threat.

It’s been a very promising start to 25/26, and their excellent Champions League run has now forced Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher into a U-turn.

Jamie Carragher admits he got one thing very wrong about Arsenal

Speaking live on CBS Sports last week, analysing Arsenal’s win over Atlético, Carragher admitted that Arsenal are now one of the favourites to win the competition — despite previously saying they’re not a Champions League team.

After a summer of lavish spending, where Andrea Berta splashed nearly £270 million on eight major signings, the pressure is on Arteta to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a league title.

Arsenal’s water-tight defence has formed the backbone for what could well be a successful challenge after years of near-misses, with both Gabriel and Saliba privately promising to remain at the club for years to come last summer.

With David Raya, who’s won back-to-back Golden Glove awards, commanding his area and defenders who don’t give an inch, Arsenal are proving they can grind out results when it matters most.

That kind of steel is exactly what you need to win a marathon like the Premier League, where every point counts and slip-ups are severely punished, with Arteta’s looking like real favourites for the crown as things stand.

New Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has made an instant impact since taking the helm at the City Ground, where one of his first moves was to ban a once very popular item of clothing favoured by players during the winter months. Dyche has become the club’s third manager despite the season just being a couple of months old, and the former Forest youth player is already laying down the law with his players.

• High drama at the City Ground

  It has been a dramatic few months for Forest, who have burned into their third manager of the season already, seemingly in disarray, despite qualifying for European football in May. Nuno Espirito Santo began the campaign after a successful seventh-place finish last season but was sacked in September following a public falling out with the owner Angelos Marinakis and his successor, Ange Postecoglou, was appointed in September but lasted only 39 days. The club's third and current manager, Sean Dyche is tasked with stabilising a squad and one of the first changes he has made is to draw the line on the wearing of a certain accessory, which used to be hugely popular with many Premier League players. 

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  Why it’s rude to wear a snood

  Dyche has banned the snood, which became a short-lived but memorable trend during the 2010-2011 season. Players, notably Manchester City's Carlos Tevez and Arsenal's Samir Nasri, popularised the neck-warmers to combat the cold. The trend sparked a significant debate, pitting the "old school" mentality against modern player comfort. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously banned his players from wearing snoods, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger defended their use on medical advice. The controversy ended swiftly. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) banned snoods from competitive matches in March 2011, citing safety concerns that an opponent could grab it around a player's neck. And so the snood went the way of goalkeepers wearing jogging bottoms, baggy shorts and long sleeve shirts, consigned to the football history bin.

• No-nonsense Dyche bans snood

  Dyche said: "It’s early yet but I’d like to think they do their homework, I’d like to think they know enough people in the game and ring around. I’ve even let them wear white socks, for goodness sake, I’ve never let anyone do that. That’s fair isn’t it? But they’re not allowed to wear snoods or hats, I had to do a deal somewhere."

  And speaking about club owner Marinakis, Dyche added: "You can question the owner currently, which a few have. But look at the changes from day one to now – they’ve been huge at this football club. At the end of the day, the bigger picture is a lot of goodwill and a lot of good feeling around the area. There’s a bigger picture to this. Look at where the club was before."

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  Dyche’s overflowing in-tray

  The new Forest boss’ problems are numerous, include a defensively ragged team, a squad with low confidence after a difficult start to the season, and a chaotic club culture under a trigger-happy owner. He must also unify a fractured fanbase after the departure of the popular Espirito Santo. To overcome these issues, Dyche must restore basics , a strategy the club's ambitious owner is aware of but may not tolerate long-term as he chases a dynamic playing style. And he made a flying start with a confident 2-0 victory over Porto in the Europa League, next up is an away trip to Bournemouth and there’s the eye-catching trip to Manchester United in November. 

Liverpool have opened the 2024/25 season in perfect fashion, sitting top of the Premier League with four wins from four.

Under Arne Slot, they’ve quickly shown resilience and attacking flair, but the journey has not been without its flaws.

Three times already this season – against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atlético Madrid – the Reds have let two-goal leads slip, only to be rescued by late winners. The most special of all perhaps being Rio Ngumoha’s strike at St James’ Park.

That ability to find decisive moments in the dying stages has become a hallmark.

The 93rd-minute strike against Atlético was Liverpool’s fourth goal scored in stoppage time across all competitions this season, underlining the winning mentality that carried them to their second Premier League crown last season.

While Dominik Szoboszlai has been central to the team’s fluid play, it is a different player who increasingly embodies the leadership once associated with the great Steven Gerrard.

Szoboszlai: A creative hub and tactical fix

Szoboszlai’s start to the season didn’t go smoothly.

Slot publicly criticised him for his role in Bournemouth’s opening goal during the 4-2 win at Anfield on the opening weekend.

Since then, however, the 24-year-old has responded with consistent excellence and versatility.

Last season, the Hungarian produced 12 goal involvements this campaign, a reminder of his value in the final third. His numbers reflect a midfielder who drives play forward relentlessly:

Progressive Carries per 90

2.60

Progressive Passes per 90

4.73

Shot-Creating Actions per 90

4.30

Pass Completion Rate

84.3%

Progressive Passing Distance per 90

131.4m

These metrics paint a picture of a player who not only initiates attacking moves but sustains them with precision passing and clever movement.

His decisive 30-yard free-kick against Arsenal was the standout moment of Liverpool’s season so far, sealing a 1-0 win that kept their perfect record intact.

What makes Szoboszlai even more valuable is his tactical adaptability.

Against Newcastle, with Liverpool stretched at St James’ Park, he filled in at right-back and barely put a foot wrong all evening. He did the same when Arsenal came to town a few weeks ago.

This flexibility makes him a manager’s dream – a midfielder capable of influencing games both with creativity and discipline.

It’s tempting to compare Szoboszlai to Gerrard, as many pundits have, but this season he is functioning as Liverpool’s alternative to Florian Wirtz.

While Wirtz has struggled to adapt since his high-profile Premier League arrival, Szoboszlai has thrived in high-pressure situations, reinforcing why Liverpool chose him as a centrepiece in midfield.

That said, the Hungary international isn’t quite as iconic as Gerrard just yet.

Liverpool's new Gerrard

If Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s creator, Virgil van Dijk is their leader.

At 34, the Dutchman remains a colossal presence at the back, but this season he has added moments of attacking inspiration too.

His stoppage-time winner against Atlético epitomised a player taking responsibility in decisive moments.

Football analyst Josh Williams has described Van Dijk as “outrageous” this season, adding that he “takes responsibility like Gerrard used to.”

It is rare for a centre-back to be compared with Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, but the parallels are clear.

Just as Gerrard dragged teams through games with moments of inspiration, Van Dijk is now doing the same from defence.

Statistically, his influence remains elite and he showcased that against Atletico.

To illuminate his qualities, Van Dijk ranks in the 86th percentile among his fellow central defenders for pass completion (91.5%) over the last year, ensuring that Liverpool can build calmly from the back.

He is also in the 90th percentile for progressive passes (5.24 per 90), showing how often he breaks lines with distribution from deep.

Defensively, he dominates in the air, winning 3.02 aerial duels per 90, placing him again in the 86th percentile among centre-backs.

Statistical comparisons with Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães highlight his profile: a defender who combines physical dominance with elite ball progression.

But Van Dijk’s role extends beyond numbers. As club captain, with a contract running until 2027, he is the figure setting standards in this rejuvenating side.

Liverpool’s start has not been flawless. Throwing away leads three times already is a warning sign for a team with ambitions of another title.

Yet those setbacks have been countered by players willing to step up in decisive phases.

Szoboszlai has driven the creative rhythm with his passing and chance creation, while Van Dijk has shown the authority and timing to decide contests late on.

Together, they have shaped Liverpool’s early-season identity: a side capable of brilliance, but reliant on its big leaders to seize the big moments.

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Tottenham Hotspur showcased their resilience and togetherness to climb back from a two-goal deficit against Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast in the Premier League.

However, last season’s residual defensive deficiencies had previously seeped in, with Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari firing the hosts into a 2-0 lead in the first half, against the run of play.

Thomas Frank was delighted with his team’s performance, even though the shares were spoiled, with several players in particular really shining at the AMEX.

Spurs' best performers vs Brighton

Richarlison halved the deficit for Tottenham just before the interval to restore hope. That hope was captured and channelled in the second half, with Jan Paul van Hecke bundling in an own goal in the late stages to restore parity for the visitors.

At the centre of both goals was Mohammed Kudus, who was a menace throughout the contest. Signed from West Ham United for £55m in the summer, he is a work in progress but endowed with such quality, and the same can be said for nifty playmaker Xavi Simons.

Kudus was a constant thorn in the Seagulls’ side over the 90, attempting 12 dribbles and winning eight duels in total, as outlined by data-driven site Sofascore.

He could be more accurate in his attacking play, even having got the assist for Richarlison’s goal, but what a danger Frank has in this electric-paced winger.

Indeed, Wilson Odobert is a winger of high-speed efficiency, but it’s not working out for him in a Lilywhite shirt so far, with his performances perhaps shaping him into this year’s version of Brennan Johnson.

Frank must instantly drop Wilson Odobert

Johnson scored 18 goals for Tottenham across all competitions last season, the last of which carried quite the significance, but he toiled for much of the year, ghosting for large segments of the campaign. Odobert may well be taking that unwanted vacancy in Frank’s squad.

Indeed, Kudus might be firing on all cylinders after his cross-capital switch in the summer, but the same can’t be said for Odobert, who might have expected to kick on after an injury-hit maiden year at Tottenham but has so far offered little in the way of genuine promise.

Football.london saw it fit to brand Odobert with a 4/10 match rating, singling out his ineffectiveness when on the ball and failure to showcase any sort of meaningful threat.

Plenty of huff and puff, but the winger failed with every single one of his attempted dribbles and duels, and that tells the tale of the tape.

Minutes played

72′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

48

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

33/39 (85%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

12x

Tackles

0

Duels won

0/5

Minteh, his opposite number, won five duels and, of course, opened the scoring after darting round Guglielmo Vicario and converting.

Content creator Mitch Fretton noted that the French talent is “not performing at the required level this season”. With such thick competition in the attacking areas, it feels like Odobert might face an uphill battle to start in the Premier League again in the foreseeable future, with his struggles on the flank reminiscent of Johnson’s last year.

The Welsh winger was heavily criticised for his performances at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, but it’s worth noting that he bounced back spectacularly to play a significant role.

Let’s not forget, Johnson scored the goal which secured Tottenham some silverware at the end of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. Odobert might be struggling to bring it all together at the moment, but let’s not count him out.

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Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia thinks Roberto de Zerbi has "something of Pep Guardiola" in him and hailed the Italian as a "beautiful and inspiring" coach. The manager has transformed the Ligue 1 outfit with his Midas touch, taking them into this season's Champions League while they currently sit top of the French top-flight after six games.

• From impossible dream to touchline genius

  When Pablo Longoria picked up the phone last summer and called De Zerbi, the Marseille president admitted it felt like chasing the impossible. The Italian had just walked away from Brighton, and the thought of luring one of Europe’s most coveted tacticians to the south of France seemed fanciful. But Longoria got his man, and now the gamble looks like pure gold.

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  Pep’s disciple, but with his own fire

  The comparisons with Guardiola are inevitable. The two are friends, sharing a philosophy that demands football be played with precision, courage and attacking intent. Guardiola has even publicly admitted that he has learned from De Zerbi, a rare acknowledgement from a man who has a seat among the greatest managers of all time. In fact, before arriving in England, De Zerbi had shadowed Guardiola between his spells at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton, absorbing ideas but always determined to add his own spin.

• Benatia blown away by De Zerbi obsession

  Benatia could barely contain his admiration when asked about the Italian’s impact at the Velodrome. In an interview with , he said: "He's beautiful and inspiring, he lives for football like me. He has an overwhelming passion, you should see how he prepares matches. There's something of Guardiola in him, but believe me, he's a unique coach. He breathes football and he breathes life. In that order." 

  According to Benatia, De Zerbi’s obsession borders on relentless.

  "We talk until two in the morning, often on video calls because the manager wants to see people face to face. At any time," he revealed. 

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• Marseille finally break PSG dominance

  De Zerbi’s philosophy bore fruit most spectacularly. Marseille stunned Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique with a 1-0 win, their first home league triumph over the Parisian giants since 2011. Nayef Aguerd’s fifth-minute strike was enough to end nearly 14 years of frustration and send the Velodrome into ecstasy. 

Henriques takes 2 for 31 and makes 71 not out while Dwarshuis bags 4 for 39 as NSW move to the top of the One-Day Cup table after a seven-wicket bonus point win over Tasmania

AAP and ESPNCricinfo staff05-Feb-2025

Moises Henriques took 2 for 31 and made 71 not out off 83 balls•Getty Images

New South Wales secured an important One-Day Cup bonus point as Moises Henriques guided his side to a commanding seven-wicket win over Tasmania in Launceston.Chasing 206 for victory, the visitors always looked in control on Wednesday as Henriques delivered an unbeaten 71 from 83 balls. They reached 209 for 3 in just 38.3 overs, locking in the additional point that put them on top of the table with two regular-season matches left to play.Matthew Gilkes (46 off 63) and Oliver Davies (40 not out off 36) also delivered with the bat for the Blues. Davies produced a highlight when he smashed Aidan O’Connor over the UTAS Stadium roof.Josh Philippe set the tone for the NSW run chase, belting six boundaries in his 30 off 22 deliveries. He looked in fine touch before attempting to leave a rising Gabe Bell delivery that cannoned off his elbow and back down onto the stumps. Bell took 3 for 29 from 10 overs while the rest of the attack went wicketless while copping a battering from the Blues batters.Henriques’ composed knock included five fours and two sixes, and came after he earlier removed both Tasmania openers and finished with bowling figures of 2 for 31 from eight overs to help NSW bowl out Tasmania for 205 after NSW sent the hosts in to bat.Ben Dwarshuis also shone with the ball, claiming 4 for 39 from 8.1 overs including key middle-order wickets that slowed Tasmania’s progress.Caleb Jewell (37 off 42) and Jake Doran (34 off 62) were among the five batters who got starts for Tasmania, but none went on with the job.NSW quick Liam Hatcher provided a comical moment in the field when he fumbled a regulation catch at deep square-leg, stuck out a right boot to keep the ball alive and kicked it back up into his hand.The schoolyard hacky sack-style move was followed by a clumsy somersault after Hatcher had grasped the catch, which removed Raf MacMillan off Dwarshuis’ bowling, and was greeted by laughter from teammates.Both sides are back in One-Day Cup action on Thursday next week, with NSW taking on Queensland in Brisbane and Tasmania hosting Victoria in Hobart.

After welcoming veteran defender Ashley Young, Ipswich Town are now reportedly prioritising a summer swoop to sign a La Liga forward and welcome a much-needed replacement for Liam Delap.

McKenna: Young's "achievements speak for themselves"

At 39 years old, Young has made the latest move in a career that has seen him with the Premier League, Serie A, and become one of the most experienced players that English football has to offer. Dropping down to the Championship, the former Inter Milan man will be hoping to ensure that Ipswich complete an instant return to the Premier League.

Speaking to the club website after welcoming Young, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves. He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career and he is still playing at a very good level.

“We feel his leadership and experience will be valuable to the group this season and he is very hungry to contribute on and off the pitch. It’s a very strong signing for the group and the club.”

The defender himself, meanwhile, also had plenty of praise for McKenna after putting pen to paper. He said: “He’s a winner and you see that on the training pitch.

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“On the sidelines at the games, I get to see that day in, day out. He was a massive pull. Obviously, I worked with him at [Manchester] United. I knew his beliefs, I knew what he wants to do with the club, I’ve seen what he’s done with this club as well.”

After adding crucial experience to their side, however, Ipswich’s summer business looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve set their sights on a replacement for ex-star striker Delap.

Ipswich prioritising Romero move

According to reports in Spain, Ipswich are now prioritising a deal to sign Isaac Romero, who would be arriving to replace the departed Delap this summer. Sevilla are reportedly open to the forward’s departure, which should hand those at Portman Road the chance to come swooping in at the right price.

The 25-year-old striker struggled to adapt to La Liga last season after scoring 11 goals in 15 games in Spain’s second tier in the campaign prior and could now be on his way out of the club.

If his agent’s eye for marketable talent is anything to go by he’s certainly got potential however – his AS1 group also represent £115m Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

On paper, his arrival would be a risk for Ipswich but perhaps one worth taking. At his best, Romero starred in Spain’s second division and a return to a similar level may yet see him rediscover that clinical form.

Whilst Romero won’t steal the same headlines as Delap’s arrival did last summer, he could prove to be the clinical goalscorer that McKenna desperately needs in the Championship next season.

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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  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.