Carlo Ancelotti's side were thoroughly outclassed at Montjuic as defeat left their La Liga defence in tatters

Real Madrid endured a defensive nightmare while Jude Bellingham went missing in the most chaotic of Clasicos as Los Blancos were defeated 4-3 in a game that effectively handed arch-rivals Barcelona the Liga title.

Despite the apparent closeness of the scoreline, Carlo Ancelotti's side were never truly in it – despite a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick – as they were out-passed, outplayed, and outclassed by a rampant Barca side that did everything to show why they deserve to win the league.

Everything looked good for Madrid early on, as inside the first five minutes Kylian Mbappe burst behind Barca's high line and rounded Wojciech Szczesny before having his legs clipped, which allowed the France captain to convert the ensuing penalty with ease. He made it two soon after, too, with another direct run and clinical finish.

But Madrid never looked truly in control, and Barca woke up. Their first goal came via some poor defending as Eric Garcia ghosted in front of a stranded Raul Asencio to nod home. Lamine Yamal provided the second, finishing a wonderfully constructed move with a calm stroke into the bottom corner. Raphinha then had his say, scoring twice in 10 minutes to give Barca daylight heading into having turned a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead.

But Madrid stuck around as a more resolute defensive showing in the second half afforded them space going the other way. Vinicius Jr and Mbappe combined for their third, the latter handed an easy tap-in after some shoddy Barca defending. The home side then thought they had a penalty that might have put the game to bed, but Aurelien Tchouameni was adjudged to have not handled the ball after a lengthy VAR review.

Madrid had a duo of final chances, but couldn't convert, with debutant Victor Munoz smashing wide when offered a clear opportunity to level the game. Los Blancos wouldn't have deserved a draw, though. They were too loose, too open, and thoroughly outplayed. As such, the title race is all-but over.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from The Olympic Stadium…

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Thibaut Courtois (4/10):

Conceded four goals that he couldn't do anything about.

Lucas Vazquez (3/10):

What a nightmare! Admittedly abandoned in a one-v-one with Raphinha that he was always going to lose, but made three errors leading to goals in the first half alone.

Raul Asencio (4/10):

All over the place at the back. Should have tracked his man on Barca's first, and spent the rest of the afternoon making silly tackles.

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

Pulled left and right by Ferran. Maybe a bit lucky to not give a penalty away after a dubious hand ball.

Fran Garcia (5/10):

Could have closed down Yamal a few more times, but didn't have the worst game against the magical winger.

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Federico Valverde (6/10):

Picked up a worrying knock shortly before half-time, but was able to play on. Moved to right-back soon after. Does everything the manager asks every time.

Dani Ceballos (4/10):

Put in the team for midfield control, yet barely touched the ball.

Jude Bellingham (4/10):

Hardly on the ball in the first half, and spent most of the game electing not to defend. His form has dropped off massively.

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Arda Guler (5/10):

Spent 45 minutes watching and was then replaced. Should have helped out the flailing Vazquez.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Took his penalty well and added two more. Scored three when he should have had six, though.

Vinicius Junior (5/10):

Made all of the right runs, but was uncharacteristically loose on the ball. Puzzling to be so poor yet grab two assists.

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Luka Modric (6/10):

Provided a little more control in central midfield, and much needed bite in tackles, too.

Brahim Diaz (5/10):

Offered some creativity in the middle of the park.

Endrick (N/A):

Ran around, but never given a clear chance.

Victor Munoz (N/A):

Marked his Madrid debut by smashing wide on a chance to equalise.

Carlo Ancelotti (3/10):

Made a couple of questionable selection decisions, including starting Vazquez and leaving Rodyrgo out. His farewell tour is turning into a nightmare.

Leeds United are a club that have produced countless academy stars over the years, numerous of whom have made themselves key members of the first-team at Elland Road.

Kalvin Phillips broke into the senior side in Yorkshire back in 2016, making himself a regular in the squad after multiple campaigns of settling for minutes off the bench.

He would register a total of 234 appearances for the Whites, before leaving in a £45m deal to join Manchester City in the summer of 2022 – making the hierarchy a hefty profit.

Jack Clarke was another player to emerge out of the club’s impressive youth setup, taking the Championship by storm with his direct dribbling ability in the final third.

Like Phillips, he would depart in a big-money move, joining Tottenham Hotspur for a fee in the region of £10m, with another player following in the attacker’s footsteps in moving to North London over the last few years.

Archie Gray’s time at Spurs in 2024/25

Youngster Archie Gray endured a rapid rise to stardom in the 2023/24 season for his boyhood side, breaking into the first team during his ninth year on the books.

The now 18-year-old made himself a regular under Daniel Farke last season, featuring a staggering 52 times across all competitions despite his tender teenage years.

However, he would look right at home, featuring in various roles such as central midfield and right-back, but starring in both, earning him the EFL Young Championship Player of the Season award as a result.

After such tremendous showings in the second tier, Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur would come knocking, with the Whites reluctantly offloading him for £40m after their failure to secure promotion last season.

Such a big-money fee has massively helped the club’s finances, but they may have sold one player too prematurely, missing out on another mammoth sum had developed him rather than cashing in on him in the summer.

The player who could’ve been the next Archie Gray

As previously mentioned, the club have been lucky enough to have multiple talents develop through the ranks, but not all of whom have lived up to the hype at Elland Road.

One example of whom is centre-back Charlie Cresswell, who appeared as though he could become a key first-team member in Yorkshire after his first-team breakthrough back in 2020/21.

However, he would spend the following campaign on loan at Championship outfit Millwall, gaining valuable experience – something which appeared to be key given the Whites’ relegation back to the second tier upon his return to the club.

Cresswell would struggle to break into Farke’s plans in the German’s first year at the helm, restricting him to just seven appearances across all competitions – leading to his eventual departure last summer.

The 22-year-old would join French side Toulouse in a deal rising to £4m, a deal which would prove to be a bargain given his recent form for the Ligue 1 outfit, starting 19 times since his transfer.

The defender, who’s previously been dubbed a “warrior” by the Second Tier Podcast, has wasted no time in impressing away from Elland Road, showcasing the mistake made by his boyhood club in allowing him to leave on a permanent basis.

Games played

21

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

82%

Tackles won

60%

Duels won

5.6

Duel success rate

63%

Aerials won

3.7

Aerial success rate

70%

After such an impressive loan stint a couple of years ago, it’s a surprise that Cresswell didn’t get more of an opportunity to showcase his talent at Elland Road, resulting in his switch to Europe.

However, given his form away from Yorkshire, the hierarchy may live to regret their decision to allow him to leave, potentially growing into the next academy star to leave for a huge sum – but if that is to happen, Toulouse would now be the beneficiaries after taking advantage of his lack of action.

His skillset and talent so far in 2024/25 is evidence that he could’ve been perfect for the current side, but their loss is now the Ligue 1 outfit’s gain – with Cresswell able to kick on and take full advantage of the chance handed his way, potentially developing into a top-level star.

Leeds hit gold selling "dangerous" striker who's being outscored by Bogle

Leeds United certainly made the right call in allowing the talented star to depart Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 26, 2025

Azeem Akhtar, the new chair of Essex, has stepped down after just three days in the role, ahead of an independent review into his social media activity.The appointment of Akhtar, Essex’s first minority-ethnic chair, was this week hailed by the club as a “new beginning”, 12 months on from the controversial departure of the former chair, John Faragher, who continues to deny that he used racist language in a board meeting in 2017.Instead, however, the club has been plunged back into turmoil, following revelations in the Jewish Chronicle that Akhtar had ‘liked’ anti-Semitic posts on Twitter, including one that compared Israel to Nazi Germany.He had been due to take over from John Stephenson, the chief executive who has been interim chair since Faragher’s departure last November. However, Sir Stephen O’Brien, Akhtar’s deputy, will now stand in as interim.”I have taken the decision today to voluntarily step aside as chair of Essex County Cricket Club while an independent review takes place into recent matters that have been raised,” Akhtar said in a club statement.”I have made the decision to initiate this review because it is important that I as Chair and Essex County Cricket Club more widely hold ourselves to the highest standards of governance and accountability. By stepping aside, I want to show leadership and ensure the club can focus on the ongoing challenges it is tackling.”I am resolutely committed to ensuring that Essex County Cricket Club is an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.”It’s a further embarrassment for Essex, who were fined £50,000 by the Cricket Discipline Commission last summer following Faragher’s departure, and were further found to have fallen “significantly short” of the diversity targets set by the ECB, which stipulated that county boards needed to feature 30% female representation and “locally representative ethnicity” by the end of April 2022. Akhtar’s departure exacerbates that shortfall.In the wake of Azeem Rafiq’s whistleblowing testimony about his treatment at Yorkshire, Essex had also been implicated in separate racism allegations, with former players Maurice Chambers, Zoheb Sharif and Jahid Ahmed all stating that they were victims of abuse during their playing days. A report on those claims is expected after the club appointed an independent QC to investigate.

Chelsea have endured somewhat of a drop-off in recent weeks under Enzo Maresca, failing to live up to the early standards he set for himself in the early stages of his time at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian only lost two of his first 10 Premier League matches at the helm, looking as though they could be in an unexpected title battle at one stage.

However, their form has taken a turn for the worse over the last few weeks, losing four of the last eight matches, seeing them slip to sixth place and sitting behind Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

Injuries have undoubtedly contributed to the recent decline, with seven first-team members currently sitting on the sidelines and unable to aid the manager in his attempts to secure Champions League football.

Maresca has still been able to rely on one player who’s been the shining light in West London since his big money to the club a couple of years ago.

Cole Palmer’s stats for Chelsea in 2024/25

After his £40m move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, Cole Palmer had an immediate impact for the Blues, registering 25 goals and 15 assists in his debut year in West London.

Such a record has made the Englishman’s task of matching such a tally this time around that little bit harder, but he’s already produced numerous moments of magic that have taken the division by storm once again.

The 22-year-old has already scored 14 times during the ongoing campaign, whilst also registering six assists for his teammates – with his combined tally the highest in the first-team squad.

His best performance undoubtedly came in the 4-2 thrashing of Brighton and Hove Albion, with Palmer scoring all four in the first half, becoming the first player in the division’s history to achieve such a feat.

Despite his excellent form under Maresca, the club may have allowed the next version of the superstar to slip through their net – making a mistake in allowing him to depart the club.

The player who could’ve been Chelsea’s next Palmer

Living up to the high standards set by Palmer is no easy feat, something which no player currently at the Bridge has managed this season given his tally of contributions.

However, the thought of having another version of the England international is a scary prospect, but one that unfortunately won’t come to reality after letting Tyler Dibling slip through their net.

The 18-year-old, who is currently starring for Southampton in the Premier League, was brought for £1.5m by the Blues back in the summer of 2022 – but it would be a move that was short-lived.

After making just two appearances for the academy, he would return to the Saints after failing to settle, with the Blues potentially living to regret their decision not to make the teenager more at home when they had the opportunity.

He’s since developed into a key member of their first team in 2024/25, making 21 appearances in the league and scoring twice – leading to journalist Eduardo Hagn labelling the talent as “outrageous”.

Dibling possesses very similar traits to Palmer, with the pair both left-footed and operating off the right-hand side and cutting onto their stronger foot after gliding past the opposition.

How Dibling compares to Palmer in the Premier League (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Dibling

Palmer

Games played

21

25

Goals & assists

2

20

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

39%

Progressive carries

3.8

3.3

Carries into final third

2.8

2.1

Pass accuracy

78%

75%

Take-ons completed

2.1

1.3

Stats via FBref

As seen by their figures from 2024/25, the Saints star has matched or bettered Palmer in numerous key areas, highlighting the quality he brings, possessing the ability to become even better given his tender age.

Whilst there was not much the club could’ve done to stand in his way at such a young age, his development away from the Bridge appears to have rubbed salt into the wounds – demonstrating what they could’ve had.

Unfortunately for the fans and Maresca, Dibling will always remain a case of what could’ve been, with the hierarchy now having to pay a fee in the region of £55m if they were to bring him back to West London in the coming months.

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The offspinner believes starting games at 11.30am rather than 1.30pm would lead to fairer contests

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jan-2023Should day-night matches in India begin earlier to minimise the impact of the dew factor? R Ashwin certainly thinks so. The India offspinner wants matches at the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will be played in India in October-November 2023, to begin at 11.30am – a full two hours earlier than the usual start of day-night ODI games in India.In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin took the example of India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati to suggest that dew gives chasing teams an undue advantage. Sent in to bat, India batted with deliberate urgency keeping the dew factor in mind and posted a total of 373. They eventually won by 67 runs, but Ashwin felt the margin of victory did not reflect their dominance on the day.Related

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“India batted beautifully on a slow wicket and posted a score well above par. Still they ended up having to fight tooth and nail [to win],” he said. “The quality difference between the teams isn’t coming through – dew is narrowing that gap if you happen to lose the toss.”My suggestion – or rather my opinion – for the World Cup is to look at what venues we are playing in, and at what times. Why shouldn’t we start matches at 11.30am during the World Cup?”Day-night ODIs in India usually begin at 1.30pm, and extend well into the primetime television hours. While starting matches earlier may arguably lead to fairer contests, broadcasters may be against such a move given the potential risk of reduced viewership figures. Ashwin, though, suggested that fans would tune in to watch World Cup matches regardless of timing.”People will bring up television viewers and broadcasters, and say that people won’t latch on and watch at that time, but would they not latch on to World Cup matches?” he asked. “The recent T20 World Cup was also held in winter, prioritising the summer [for Australia’s home bilateral season]. It wasn’t the ideal scenario – T20 is a fast-paced game, how can you play it in winter? People will say that’s not the case in Australia, but still, we need to prioritise World Cups.”The ICC knows very well that there will be dew, so let’s advance the game, and if we start at 11.30am, the dew factor won’t come into the game, and why not? Won’t all cricket fans prioritise the World Cup and watch matches at 11.30?”As things stand, Ashwin suggested that teams around the world look at dew as one of the most significant factors in shaping day-night games in India.”ECB recently invited applications for the analyst’s position, and – I came to know this through some analysts I know – one of the important questions they asked was, ‘How big a factor is dew in Indian conditions in white-ball cricket?’ They’re looking to bring in the best analytical tools possible ahead of the 2023 World Cup, and they’ve asked all the pertinent questions, so you can see how crucial everyone in world cricket thinks the dew factor is in Indian conditions.”

رد المدير الفني السابق لنادي الوداد، عادل رمزي، على أنباء مفاوضات الزمالك بالتعاقد معه لقيادة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بداية من الموسم المقبل 2025/2026.

وارتبط اسم رمزي في الساعات القليلة الماضية بإمكانية التوقيع مع الزمالك الذي يدربه في الوقت الحالي أيمن الرمادي مؤقتًا حتى التعاقد مع مدرب أجنبي.

وبحسب التقارير المغربية أن الزمالك في مفاوضات مع عادل رمزي الذي يقود منتخب هولندا تحت 18 عامًا في الوقت الحالي وسبق وخاض تجربة الوداد في عام 2023.

اقرأ أيضًا | أحمد دويدار مُنفعلًا: بيراميدز أخذ مكان الأهلي.. في أي شيء تتحدثون؟

وتواصل بطولات مع المدرب عادل رمزي لتوضيح الصورة، وقال بشكل مقتضب: “سوف نرى ماذا سيحدث، إن شاء الله خير”.

ويبدو وأن تصريحات رمزي تشير نحو مفاوضات جدية مع الزمالك في الوقت الحالي، خاصة وأن بطولات علم أن القلعة البيضاء تبحث عن مدرب صغير سن.

ويبلغ المغربي الهولندي من العمر 47 عامًا واعتزل في عام 2013، لكنه خاض 26 مباراة مع أسود الأطلسي وسبق ولعب مع إيندهوفن وتفينتي وأوتريخت في الدوري الهولندي.

Carlo Ancelotti's future is uncertain as Brazil have been warned that they face 2026 World Cup expulsion.

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• A lower court asked Ednaldo Rodrigues to step down
• CBF President has approached Supreme Court
• Ancelotti's future remains uncertain amid legal drama

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is facing a potential ban from international competitions, including the 2026 World Cup, after a Rio de Janeiro court nullified the leadership of its president, Ednaldo Rodrigues. The verdict has not only invalidated Rodrigues’ authority but has also resulted in the dismissal of the entire CBF board of directors. In response, the CBF called the judgment a “direct affront” to the nation’s legal and institutional framework and has appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the decision.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The implications of this legal dispute stretch far beyond internal administration. FIFA has previously expressed its strict stance against political or judicial interference in the operations of its member associations. In 2023, FIFA threatened Brazil with sanctions when Rodrigues was initially suspended over alleged election irregularities. At that time, the Supreme Court intervened and reinstated him, but the warning remains relevant. Now, with his second removal, the possibility of FIFA sanctions has re-emerged. The CBF itself has warned that the ruling could prompt global football authorities to discredit the new leadership, putting Brazil’s participation in international events, including World Cup qualifiers, at serious risk.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  FIFA requires member associations to submit their squad lists by May 26 for their upcoming World Cup Qualifying fixtures. Rodrigues has warned that if the governing body does not recognise the new CBF leadership, Brazil’s roster could be deemed invalid, resulting in forfeitures or postponements. The Selecao’s upcoming fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay now hang in the balance, with the CBF warning of immeasurable sporting, diplomatic and financial fallout.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

  The timing of this crisis is particularly unfortunate given Brazil’s announcement just days earlier of securing Ancelotti’s services. The Real Madrid boss, one of the most decorated managers in European football history, was due to take over on May 26 following the conclusion of his club commitments. However, with Rodrigues ousted and an interim president now in charge, questions loom over whether Ancelotti’s appointment will proceed as planned. Fernando Jose Sarney, who has assumed interim leadership of the CBF, stated that he intends to uphold “existing contracts” and ensure the continuity of the national team’s sporting operations, a nod to preserving Ancelotti’s role. Still, without a stable leadership structure, the Italian's installment remains under threat.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was hired to make tough decisions at Old Trafford, and he now looks to have made up his mind on one key position ahead of the summer window.

Manchester United's problems laid bare under Amorim

Expectedly, United are never a club who find themselves too far away from the headlines when it comes to transfer stories, on-field analysis and everything in between at Old Trafford.

Despite a mixed run of fortunes since stepping into the hotseat, Ruben Amorim won’t be judged too harshly in comparison to his managerial competitors until reinforcements arrive at the Red Devils this summer to fit his vision.

Individual mistakes have hindered his side in their mission to push forward in the Premier League standings. In midweek, a 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town offered some brief respite for the Portuguese boss. Still, United’s performance was littered with errors that could well have proved costly on another day.

Patrick Dorgu saw red for a high challenge on Omari Hutchinson following a VAR intervention, while Andre Onana’s two mistakes allowed Jaden Philogene to fire the visitors into the lead twice before the first-half was out.

Andre Onana’s Premier League season in numbers

Save percentage

64.9%

Errors leading to goal

3

Expected Goals value prevented

-0.12

Penalties saved

1

Pass accuracy

71.1%

The Cameroon international has been under scrutiny this term due to a string of inconsistent performances. In recent days, Espanyol stopper Joan Garcia has been identified as a target for the Red Devils as Amorim looks to add competition between the sticks.

Financially, it remains to be seen how much business Manchester United will be able to conduct once the summer window opens as supporters wait to see if continental qualification can be secured via the Europa League or FA Cup. Nevertheless, the Red Devils are now said to be eyeing a statement move, according to recent reports.

Manchester United look to bring high-profile Onana replacement

Per reports in Spain, Manchester United hope to convince AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to join the club and Amorim is believed to have sought out the France international as his preferred replacement for Onana.

Born in Cayenne, the 29-year-old would be open to trying his luck in the Premier League and the thought of a move to Old Trafford could tempt the stopper to seek a new challenge. However, the Red Devils would have to convince him that a potential switch would be the correct course of action during his peak years.

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Strengthening on the goalkeeper front has become a priority for United’s coaching staff. Maignan may be the ideal candidate to fit the bill following 11 clean sheets in 39 appearances across all competitions through 2024/25.

Labelled “incredible” by former Ireland boss Stephen Kenny, the former Lille number one has saved 68.5% of 89 shots on target faced in Serie A across the campaign. In the Champions League, he has prevented 77.5% of 49 efforts bound for goal, which suggests he could be an upgrade on Onana based on current form.

Difficult decisions need to be made at Old Trafford as Amorim plots a route to bring long-term stability to Old Trafford. Could Maignan be the answer? His arrival would certainly ignite excitement among supporters.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is under immense pressure at N17, amid claims that Spurs are targeting Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as a replacement for the Australian.

Tottenham identify potential replacements for Postecoglou

The Lilywhites lie 14th in the Premier League table, losing 13 games already this season and winning just one of their last eight top flight matches.

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They’re holding internal discussions.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 13, 2025

Tottenham’s current injury crisis has been well-documented, with Postecoglou’s side into double digits when it comes to missing senior players. However, there is also a genuine case to be made that Spurs’ form still hasn’t been good enough, and criticism aimed at Tottenham’s manager has centered around his lack of a plan B approach.

Spurs are believed to be doing their due-diligence on potential replacements for Postecoglou, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzić all linked with the role recently.

Another tactician they’re believed to be very interested in, according to reports out of Italy this week, is Nerazzurri boss Inzaghi.

The 48-year-old guided Inter to a Scudetto last season and a Champions League final the campaign before that, with Inter also contending for another Serie A title this season, as they fiercely challenge Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the top of the Italian top flight.

Inzaghi is turning heads with the job he’s done at Inter, so much so that Tottenham are being privately urged to consider appointing him as a possible successor to Postecoglou, should they opt to sack the 59-year-old.

Inter Live.it reported this week that Fabio Paratici is pushing Spurs to consider Inzaghi as manager, and if they do fire Postecoglou, then the Lilywhites are apparently ready to offer the coach a “very rich contract”.

Fabrizio Romano shares Simone Inzaghi to Tottenham update

Now, amid claims of Tottenham’s serious interest, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Inzaghi’s future at the San Siro.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter claims that Inter want to hand Inzaghi a new contract as an “urgent priority”, despite him only just signing a new deal around eight months ago, with the Lilywhites and other top clubs seemingly lurking.

“It’s now an urgent topic at Inter,” said Romano on Inzaghi’s potential new contract.

“Full focus on Serie A, Champions League, they’re still fighting in all competitions and nothing will be discussed now, also because he signed a new deal 8 months ago.”

Spurs’ interest is justified considering the Inter boss’ glowing reputation among critics and players alike, but it looks like the Serie A giants will fight tooth and nail to keep him.

“He knows more about tactics than any of the other coaches that I’ve had,” said former striker Felipe Caicedo. “By playing simple football, he gets you feeling good. He makes you feel important. He makes you understand right away that he lives for football. He loves it, and he wants to win.”

Anrich Nortje bowled express pace but Australia were dominant although Cameron Green also retired hurt

Firdose Moonda27-Dec-2022

An epic David Warner innings in his milestone match. A 239-run partnership with Steven Smith, who brought up 1,000 runs at the MCG A scoring rate of 4.3 runs per over in the day, which peaked at 5.54 in the final session, in temperatures that touched 40 degrees. This was Australia’s day.They seized control of the Melbourne Test and the series and are on track to beat South Africa at home for the first time since the 2005-06 summer.Before the Test, amid questions over his long-format future, Warner promised to return to his old self and take on the bowling and he stayed true to his word. From his opening runs on the second day – a square cut off Kagiso Rabada’s first ball – to his final runs when an edge flew wide of slip and brought up his 200, Warner took the fight to South Africa. He became the second batter to score a double hundred in his 100th Test after Joe Root in a display of extreme determination, strong strokeplay and incredible fitness.Related

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Starc in doubt for Sydney Test with finger injury

In a minute less than six hours at the crease, Warner ran 63 singles, 14 twos, seven threes and three fours, in addition to the 16 fours and two sixes he hit. No South African bowler was spared but Warner asserted his authority over their spearhead Rabada with such assurance, it would not have given the rest much confidence. He scored 57 runs off the 60 balls he faced from Rabada and 72 off 81 from Keshav Maharaj.On a track that flattened out beautifully for batting, South Africa’s attack were never in the contest and may have some stern words for their line-up, who wasted the opportunity on the first day. Anrich Nortje was the most impressive of an energy-sapped pack and kept his pace above 150kph consistently. His fastest ball was clocked at 155kph. He was also the only one to enjoy some reward, when Smith upper cut a short ball to gully. By then, most of the damage was done.Smith and Warner put on the second-highest third-wicket stand by Australia against South Africa, after Marnus Labuschagne was run-out in the morning session. Smith was less fluent than usual but still managed to cash in on loose deliveries as the attack grew weary. But his time with Warner was not without its chances.The brutal Melbourne heat had its toll on the players•Getty Images

Lungi Ngidi found Warner’s edge with his third ball, but it flew past gully for four and Marco Jansen drew Smith forward and got a healthy nick, but it fell short of second slip. Then, Smith offered a genuine chance when he gloved Jansen down leg. Kyle Verreynne made good ground to his left but could not hold on before Warner inside edged Ngidi past the stumps.All those half-chances meant nothing when Warner reached 8,000 Test runs and then went on to bring up his hundred with a pull off Rabada. He celebrated with a jump and air punch. Rabada thought he had Smith before the former captain reached fifty but overstepped on the delivery Smith appeared to glove on the pull although replays were inconclusive. Smith brought up fifty soon after, with a cut past point off Jansen.Australia led by 42 runs at tea and and accelerated in the final session. They scored 83 runs in 11 overs in the post tea session – and 155 in 28 in total – as they ripped into Ngidi and Rabada. Both bowled a little too short in search of a wicket. Smith looked well on his way to a century of his own before Nortje got the better of him, with Warner eight runs away from a double hundred and starting to cramp severely.He seemed to barely have the energy to keep going but the motivation of a double ton kept him at the crease until he was able to reach for a wide Ngidi delivery and it flew off the edge to the boundary. His second hundred came off just 110 balls. Warner dropped to his haunches and raised both arms in a double salute but he struggled to get back up. Once he’d made his way to stand, he was helped off the field to an ovation from the 40,000 strong crowd. If he does not return to bat, his will be the highest individual innings in Test cricket to end retired hurt.South Africa took the second new ball as soon as it became available and it was shared by Nortje and Jansen. While Nortje asked questions again, Jansen only seemed easier to hit. As he searched for swing, Travis Head flicked him over square leg for six and then four and raced to a run-a-ball 48.Australia are likely to continue to bat for as long as they can, especially as their attack could be depleted for the second innings. Mitchell Starc injured his left middle-finger while fielding on the first day and will bowl only if required while Cameron Green was hit on the right index finger by Jansen while batting and it immediately swelled up. Green also retired hurt which could leave Australia with only Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon to close out the match.