“Finishing in top two is half-job done. The full job will be done on the 3rd of June, I guess. When late at night, at 12 o’clock, we will have a press conference. That will be the time I’ll tell you that ‘yes, we are at the top of the world’.”Belief in your abilities can do fascinating things. Look at Punjab Kings (PBKS), who, if Shashank Singh is to be believed, have completed a top-two finish on the IPL 2025 points table riding on a wave of self-belief (some other factors helped, of course). And now, that same belief, is allowing Shashank to say those words above. It might sound like he – and PBKS – have gotten a bit ahead of themselves – they are one of three teams from the original lot of eight to have not won a title to date, after all – but that’s not the case. It’s just self-belief, and trusting the culture the firm of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer have created around the players.”It feels surreal, to be very honest. It feels really good, really satisfying,” Shashank said at the press conference after PBKS beat Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday night to make sure they will play Qualifier 1 and get an extra shot at qualifying for the final should they need it. “The best thing is [that] we manifested as a team – as a team, not individually me, but as a team. When the auctions were done, we had a group on WhatsApp and we had conversations. So we manifested that this year we will win the title. Our first aim was to finish in the top two and obviously we have passed that hurdle.Related

• Shashank Singh: 'I've realised cricket is my life. I don't know what I would do without it'

• Arya and Inglis – contrasting methods, near-identical results

• PBKS 'haven't achieved anything yet' – Ponting keeps it real

• Arya and Inglis take PBKS to Qualifier 1 and send MI to the Eliminator

• Batting without brakes – PBKS make topping 200 a habit

“But manifesting is one thing, believing is [another]. So we worked hard. The credit goes to the management, the support staff, literally every single individual. Not only players and coaching staff, but everyone who is associated with us. We had four-five camps before the IPL, and you can see the results. We are in top two, and it’s not easy in a league like IPL to finish in top two.”Because it’s PBKS, and not serial winners like MI or Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the question that came up a little while later was somewhat justified: Are you guys feeling on top of the world?”Not at the top of the world [yet]. What we have believed is yet to come. So this is something where we really enjoy each other’s success. If we had not qualified in the top two, we would have still been happy we have qualified. But again, it’s the half-job done. What Shreyas said in the last meeting [was] qualification is half-job done,” Shashank said, before saying all that you read at the top – words that might come back to bite him, but the way PBKS have gone in IPL 2025, with a batting core almost entirely of uncapped Indians, who can question that confidence? Or belief?”Shreyas is a very dear friend. I know him for the past ten-15 years. Playing under him, he being the captain, is one of the best things to have happened to me, to be very honest,” Shashank said when asked about the team culture. “The way he gives freedom to everyone – not only me, but everyone, 25 of them, plus support staff, plus the people who are in the content team, media team, logistics, everyone – is something very appreciable about him.”And the way he has developed a culture in the Punjab Kings side – obviously we love each other, we care for each other; that was the main motto of Ricky sir and Shreyas [on] day one that we had the meeting, that we need to maintain a culture, we need to care for each other, and obviously result will take care of itself.1:51

Moody: PBKS attack well suited to these conditions

“[Ponting] has changed the team culture, he has changed our mindset, changed our belief. So all those things, the credit has to go to him, because obviously, he is the one who changed our perspective towards the game. Day one he told us, he and Shreyas told us, [that] they will treat Yuzi Chahal, maybe our most senior player, and our bus driver the same. They have maintained this. This says a lot about the team.”They will now lose the services of Marco Jansen, one of six players and the only overseas player to have played every game for PBKS this season – Shashank is one of the others – because of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. It must be a worry, but Shashank wasn’t letting on.”This team, when you see all 14 league games we have played, every match [there] is a new face, there is a new hero,” he said. “Some days Shreyas has done well, today Josh [Inglis] and Priyansh [Arya], someday Prabh [Prabhsimran Singh], someday Arsh [Arshdeep Singh]. So it’s a combined team effort.”When you finish in the top two, the most important thing is that there is no one or two heroes, you have 11-12 heroes, or six-seven heroes. So obviously our team has had six-seven heroes. And hopefully in the final we can all come together and win the title.”

Mason Greenwood’s Marseille have reportedly made an enquiry for Real Madrid’s teenage forward Endrick, with the Brazilian growing increasingly 'frustrated' over his lack of minutes under Xabi Alonso. The 18-year-old has not featured since recovering from injury and could be open to a January loan exit as he looks to secure game time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

• Marseille show interest in Real Madrid's Endrick

  Olympique Marseille have officially enquired about signing Real Madrid’s rising star Endrick on loan in January, according to ESPN Brasil. The Ligue 1 outfit, home to former Manchester United star Greenwood, are keen to strengthen their attack with the Brazilian teenager, who has found opportunities hard to come by in Spain. Since returning from an early-season injury, Endrick has not played a single competitive minute for Alonso’s side, prompting speculation that he could seek game time elsewhere to boost his development and World Cup hopes.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Endrick has not played in five months

  Endrick’s lack of involvement has become a significant talking point in Madrid and Brazil alike. The youngster has now gone five months without seeing any playing time — an unfamiliar situation for a player once seen as a generational talent at Palmeiras. Sources close to Endrick insist there is no fallout with Alonso, but acknowledge that the manager’s stricter, system-based coaching approach has made it harder for him to break into the lineup. "All of this has affected him. He's frustrated, wanting to prove himself in every training session. He's giving his life," a person close to the player told reporters per ESPN.

  As a result, the forward is believed to be growing mentally fatigued by the lack of opportunities, though he remains fully committed to succeeding at Real Madrid in the long term. 

• AFP
  

  Endrick struggling to adapt to Alonso's style

  Endrick’s adjustment period under Alonso has reportedly been challenging. The ESPN report states that, unlike former coach Carlo Ancelotti, who nurtured young players with a “fatherly” touch, Alonso’s management is said to follow the “Jose Mourinho school” — focused on tactical rigidity and physical intensity. This has created a competitive environment where established names like Kylian Mbappe dominate the starting spots, leaving little space for young prospects.

  Behind the scenes, Mbappe’s unrelenting 'hunger' to play every minute has inadvertently made things more difficult for Endrick. The French star is known to resist rotation, and his presence has reduced opportunities for the teenager to showcase his talent. Those close to Endrick describe the situation as 'psychologically demanding,' though they also acknowledge that patience and perseverance will be crucial in adapting to Real Madrid’s high standards.

  In his first full season with the club (2024/25), Endrick logged just 847 minutes across all competitions — the equivalent of fewer than ten full matches. In La Liga, he featured in 22 games but played only 353 minutes, averaging around 16 minutes per appearance. Most of those cameos were late substitute appearances, and he managed only three starts in total.

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• Real Madrid could be open to sending Endrick away on loan

  Real Madrid are expected to receive several offers for Endrick once the transfer window opens, with Marseille in the race for a loan move. The French club believe a temporary spell in Ligue 1 could provide the young striker with the regular minutes he needs to continue his progression. However, Endrick’s representatives are in no rush, preferring to observe how the next few weeks unfold before making a decision.

  Still just 19 years old, Endrick is viewed internally as a long-term investment rather than an immediate starter. Madrid’s coaching staff are focused on his gradual integration, balancing his physical development and mental growth. Yet, the slow progression has led to growing speculation about a January 2026 loan move, with Marseille among the frontrunners to offer regular minutes.

  For Alonso and Madrid, the coming fixtures may determine the youngster’s immediate future. If he continues to sit out matches, a January loan could benefit all parties — offering Endrick experience abroad while relieving squad congestion in Madrid. For Marseille, meanwhile, landing the Brazilian alongside Greenwood could prove a statement move, adding flair and youthful energy to their attack as they aim to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.

Manchester United are in a perilous position with Ruben Amorim in charge, and it is no surprise that they are considering alternative bosses at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's potential alternatives to Ruben Amorim

Inconsistent results have led the Red Devils to a lowly plight in the bottom half of the Premier League, and club chiefs are now casting an eye to alternatives should Amorim be relieved of his duties.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been earmarked by Manchester United, and Steve Parish is doing all he can to see the German coach remain in the capital.

Nevertheless, Paul Merson believes the Red Devils should go in a different direction, claiming the 51-year-old’s preferred formation wouldn’t align with the squad available at Old Trafford.

He stated via The Express: “Let’s say Ruben Amorim was manager at Palace now, he’d have half a chance of being a success. Palace have the players to play three at the back. They have the attributes in their squad to play in that system. For me, that’s why I’d be concerned about Glasner going to Man United.

“He’s a three-at-the-back man, and it is being proven that it is a system that just doesn’t fit the players at Man United. Glasner is not a good fit for Man United. Of course, I’m sure he’d be adaptable, and he’s proven with how he handles the players, but the system he uses is just all wrong for United. Amorim can tell you that.”

Michael Carrick has been mentioned in media circles, albeit he is probably one for the future, though one of his compatriots is now believed to be firmly in the running should Amorim be discarded over the coming weeks.

Gareth Southgate makes two demands to Man Utd

According to The Sun, former England manager Gareth Southgate has asked Manchester United for two key demands as he becomes a potential candidate to succeed Amorim.

First off, the 55-year-old, who was hailed for his underappreciated “ruthless” streak by John Stones, has made it clear he wants time to piece together a long-term roadmap to success, something he believes could take four years to master before the Red Devils are Champions League regulars once again.

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Reticent to commit before his guarantees are fulfilled, he also wants INEOS to back him through all phases of his plan without fail, creating a sense of unity among all parties as Manchester United look to establish themselves among the elite once again.

The ex-Three Lions coach hasn’t managed at club level since his spell at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009. However, his time in charge of England was largely successful, reaching back-to-back European Championship finals and finishing fourth in the World Cup in 2018.

Given his ability to build sides capable of deep runs involving some of the world’s best talent, he may be the ideal man to get more out of Manchester United’s faltering players.

Barcelona’s preparations for El Clasico have taken a major blow as Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out with a fresh muscle injury sustained on international duty with Poland. The Catalan club are reportedly furious with the veteran striker for continuing to play despite feeling discomfort, a decision that has now sidelined him for up to a month.

Lewandowski injured during Poland duty

Barca’s worst fears were confirmed when Lewandowski returned from international duty with a torn muscle in his left thigh. The 37-year-old suffered the injury during Poland’s match against Lithuania, where he felt discomfort in the first half but chose to continue playing. Despite having already dealt with a similar issue earlier this season, the forward opted to finish the game, even after being bandaged at half-time. His decision has now proved costly, with the club ruling him out for at least four weeks, meaning he will miss the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarca's frustration grows

Tensions have flared at the Catalan club over Lewandowski’s handling of the situation. According to , the club believes the striker should have immediately requested substitution rather than risk aggravating the injury. The report suggest that Hansi Flick and the medical staff are frustrated by the lack of caution shown by such an experienced player. An angry mood at the Barca camp was the prevailing sentiment, especially after Lewa went on to play the full 90 minutes and even scored Poland’s second goal.

FIFA trouble strikes again at Barca

This episode adds to Barcelona’s growing list of injury frustrations during international breaks. The international break has already impacted Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while young stars like Lamine Yamal have previously missed matches after being overused by their national teams. Flick, who had earlier criticised Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and his staff for overplaying Yamal, now finds himself battling yet another fitness crisis, this time apparently caused by the player himself. The club’s medical department is also reportedly questioning how national team staff handled Lewa’s condition after he had only recently returned from a thigh strain sustained in pre-season.

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Getty/GOALFive matches missed, Clasico confirmed out

Lewandowski's latest setback will likely see him miss at least six key fixtures across La Liga and the Champions League, including crucial clashes against Girona, Olympiacos and El Clasico against Real Madrid. The Pole was expected to play a key role in the title race, but his absence leaves a void up front. With Torres is likely to lead the line in his absence, while Flick could also experiment with using Marcus Rashford centrally once Raphinha returns from injury. For Barca, the timing couldn’t be worse, especially with Lewandowski’s contract renewal discussions still ongoing.

The next month will be crucial for both Lewa’s recovery and Barca’s season. The club is optimistic he could return after the November international break, possibly in time for the fixture against Athletic Club. However, his recurring muscle problems raise serious questions about workload management and the striker’s long-term fitness. For now, Flick’s challenge is to find consistency without his star forward, and ensure the team stay competitive ahead of a defining stretch in both domestic and European competitions.

Team management will work with any players who opt to return to the IPL and are in the Test squad

Andrew McGlashan13-May-2025

The intrigue over who will open for Australia in the World Test Championship final is likely to continue until closer to the Test against South Africa at Lord’s with the decision to be made whether to recall Sam Konstas and if Cameron Green can be fitted back into the team.Meanwhile, the selectors and management will adjust the preparation plans for those players who are part of the WTC squad and opt to return to the IPL which will resume on May 17 with the final now pushed to June 3, just a week before the Test.Related

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Marnus Labuschagne confirms Glamorgan stint ahead of WTC final

There were no surprises in Australia’s 15-player squad for the final which will also be the same one which tours West Indies shortly afterwards. Green has been included following his return from injury where he is currently playing for Gloucestershire and left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann taking the final slot to provide direct cover for Nathan Lyon at Lord’s and a likely partner for him in West Indies. Josh Inglis, who made a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka, is another batting option and a reserve wicketkeeper behind Alex Carey.Josh Hazlewood picked up a shoulder problem before the IPL was suspended but it is not currently posing concerns for Australia’s medical staff. Hazlewood, who had an injury-hit home summer against India, was edged out of the 2023 WTC final against India when he couldn’t quite recover from a side strain with selectors taking a cautious approach given the Ashes series which followed.Hazlewood (calf) and captain Pat Cummins (ankle and paternity leave) missed the two-Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this year.The squad can be freely amended for another couple of weeks before technical committee approval would be required for any injury replacements.Brendan Doggett, the South Australia quick who had an outstanding domestic season and is currently playing county cricket for Durham, will be a travelling reserve.It remains to be seen how Cameron Green can be fitted back into the team•Getty Images

Australia’s opening questionBarring any injury concerns emerging in the next few weeks, the biggest question for Australia’s selectors will be who partners Usman Khawaja. Konstas was left out in Sri Lanka following his dramatic debut against India when selectors opted for a conditions-specific approach by using Travis Head at the top of the order.Now they need to decide whether the final is a moment to bring Konstas back or potentially wait for the Tests against West Indies. Part of the jigsaw puzzle is Green’s availability as a batter-only following the back injury which required surgery and ruled him out of the whole of last season. Green made a century on debut for Gloucestershire but has since scored 3, 4, 2 and 8.”I think there’s still a few moving parts in terms of guys [who are] playing and some of the other players,” chair of selectors George Bailey said in Brisbane as players based in Australia attended their first pre-tour camp. “Cameron Green’s returning as well, so where he works up into the line-up. Josh Inglis has performed really well. I think with the squad, Pat and Andrew [McDonald] will have plenty of options as to where they go, but we have been really strong on trying to delineate between the World Test Championship final and then separate out the West Indies.”Should the selectors opt to bring Green back space will need to be found and the option of promoting Marnus Labuschagne to open, which may be a final chance for him to save his Test place, could allow Green to come in at No. 3, although he has only batted that high once in his first-class career. Bailey also said that Inglis was capable of going in at the top. Prior to his back injury, Green had returned at No. 4 during the brief period where Steven Smith opened and made a superb 174 not out in Wellington.Marnus Labuschagne has had a lean run in Test cricket over the last two years•Getty Images

“I think Marnus could open the batting,” Bailey said. “I think we’ve got a number of guys who could open the batting, but that’s not to say they will. I’m not trying to be cryptic about it. We’re [not] sitting on the XI and we know what it is, but we’re not announcing it. I just think there’s quite a bit to work through…the Test is another month away.”One other route that may be considered is whether Green edges out Beau Webster at No. 6 although that would leave the side without an additional bowling option behind the four specialists with Green not due to return with the ball until close to the Ashes later in the year.”I think that will become clearer once we get to the UK and probably get eyes on particularly those fast bowlers that have been playing in India,” Bailey said. “They’re all working pretty hard behind the scenes to make sure they start to ramp up their loads a little bit. But it will be a slightly different preparation, so we’ll get a bit of a chance to see where they’re at.”IPL impactAustralia’s preparations for the final have been handed a complicating factor with the updated IPL schedule. The players are due to have a pre-tour camp in Scotland from late May before shifting to London ahead of the Test.”We don’t expect any material impact on the preparation for the World Test Championship,” Ben Oliver, the head of national teams, said. “We’ve got players obviously preparing here in Australia, we’ve got players preparing around the world before they then assemble in the UK, but we’ll work through that individually with players over the coming days.It has yet to be confirmed which players will return to India, but Inglis (Punjab Kings) and Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) are with teams who are in contention for the final as is Hazlewood should he be fit and make himself available. Head and Cummins (Sunrises Hyderabad) are not in the mix for the playoffs with their last league game now set for May 26 if they opt to return.”No doubt it was an extreme situation and we feel it’s really appropriate to support their individual experience and their individual decision as they work through that over the coming days,” Oliver said.Australia’s Test series against West Indies starts 10 days after the WTC final with matches in Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica.Australia World Test Championship final squad and West Indies Test tourPat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster | Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett

Manchester United are now on red alert over a deal for a “sensational” England midfielder, who is starting to grow frustrated at his current club.

Man Utd looking to bolster midfield options

Football FanCast recently took a look at five ways Ruben Amorim could save his job, after a disastrous start to the season, and starting Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Manuel Ugarte in central midfield made its way onto the list.

Amorim has been reluctant to give Mainoo much game time up to this point, with the 20-year-old failing to start a Premier League match this season, and Nicky Butt has suggested the youngster hasn’t been “respected” by his manager.

It remains to be seen whether the 40-year-old is willing to reintroduce the England international to the starting XI, but it is clear the manager wants to bolster his midfield options regardless, with a number of targets being identified in recent weeks.

Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have all made their way onto the shortlist, but it has now been revealed the Red Devils are also in the race for a different English midfielder.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Man United are now on red alert over a potential deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is starting to become frustrated with his situation at the Spanish club.

Gallagher, an England international, has fallen behind the likes of Koke and Pablo Barrios in the pecking order at Atletico, which could negatively impact his chances of being part of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup squad.

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The midfielder is aware that a number of clubs could be in for him this winter, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, with journalist Graeme Bailey suggesting a January move could be possible.

Bailey said: “I am told the player would dearly like to make it back into the Atletico Madrid side and that is his priority, but clubs are paying real interest to him and he is very much one to keep an eye on for January.”

Gallagher could be "sensational" signing for Man Utd

A deal for the England international may be relatively expensive, with a £45m asking price previously being touted, but he clearly has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford.

Unlike Ugarte, the former Crystal Palace man is already proven in the Premier League, making 136 appearances in the competition, during which time he amassed 18 goals and 13 assists.

As such, the 25-year-old, who has been dubbed “sensational” by journalist John Cross, is clearly capable of making an impact on the front foot, but he is also a well-rounded player, as underlined by his performance across several key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.52 (88th percentile)

Assists

0.17 (86th percentile)

Tackles

2.43 (73rd percentile)

Gallagher arguably wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, but he is a proven Premier League midfielder, who clearly gives it his all, having been lauded for his “insane” work rate by Nathan Dyer.

علق فيرجيل فان دايك مدافع وقائد ليفربول، بعد تحقيق فريقه الفوز على حساب أستون فيلا، بهدفين نظيفين، على ملعب أنفيلد في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.

وقال فان دايك في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي سبورت” بعد اللقاء: “الفوز دائماً شعور رائع والحفاظ على نظافة شباكنا بعد غياب طويل كان شعورًا رائعًا أيضاً، لكننا حققنا مجرد فوز، الآن يتعلق الأمر بالتركيز على المباراة القادمة”.

وأضاف: “لقد كنا جيدين في الاستحواذ على الكرة، ضغطنا عليهم بشكل جيد، حصلنا على انطلاقات جيدة وفرص لتسجيل الأهداف، دافعنا بشكل جماعي بشكل جيد، هذا ما صنع الفارق”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. محمد صلاح: ليفربول يمتلك لاعبين رائعين يفتقدون شيئًا واحدًا.. وفخور بالإنجاز

وواصل: “حتى في الأوقات الجيدة علينا الاستمرار وعدم الاستسلام، هذا ما لاحظته خلال الأسابيع الماضية، كان هناك الكثير من الضجيج الذي لم نملك السيطرة عليه، وعلينا التعامل معه كفريق، بعض التعليقات سخيفة لكننا نتعامل معها، قد يصل الضجيج الخارجي لبعض اللاعبين لكننا نتماسك”.

وتابع: “لن ننزل للملعب للخسارة، أو نخيب آمال الجماهير، بل نريد أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا ونفوز لكن هذا ليس ضماناً، الدوري الانجليزي على أعلى مستوى”.

وأكمل: “حان وقت العمل، لا نبالغ في التفاؤل المفرط، نعيش في عالم حيث يمكن للجميع التعبير عن آرائهم، على منصات متعددة وهم يعرفون أكثر منا وعلينا الابتعاد عن ذلك والتركيز على العمل الجاد”.

وختم: “في الموسم الماضي مررنا ببعض الأمور السلبية لكن الأمور كانت مثالية، الآن يبدو أننا سنخوض معركة هبوط وهكذا تسير الأمور في العالم”.

Celtic moved to within two points of Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell at Parkhead on Sunday.

The Hoops needed a stoppage-time winner from Daizen Maeda, who bundled in a cross from Michel-Ange Balikwisha, to claim all three points in front of their own fans.

In fact, they had to come from 2-1 down to claim a win in the second half. Benjamin Nygren equalised after snatching the ball inside the Motherwell box, before Maeda’s winner.

They had to produce a stunning comeback, in part, because Marcelo Saracchi conceded a penalty that allowed the away side to take the lead.

Why Marcelo Saracchi should be dropped

The Uruguay international was brought into the side in place of Kieran Tierney to provide the Scottish full-back with a rest, but failed to put in a solid performance.

He attempted a challenge in the box with the wrong foot, stepping on the attacker with his left foot instead of using his right to make a block, which resulted in a penalty to Motherwell.

That came after he gave Tawanda Maswanhise too much time to put a cross in for Motherwell’s first goal in the first half, standing too far off the winger out wide.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Despite those errors for the goals, which should see him dropped from the XI, Luke McCowan was even worse than the Boca Juniors loanee in the middle of the park.

Why Luke McCowan should be dropped

Brendan Rodgers should ruthlessly ditch the Scottish central midfielder from the team after the international break because of his disappointing performance against Motherwell.

The left-footed star was put in the midfield to provide a spark and creativity in possession for the Hoops, yet he played 60 minutes without registering a shot on goal or a chance created, per Sofascore.

This shows that the former Dundee star was completely ineffective in possession for the Scottish giants, because he did not provide any sort of threat as either a scorer or a creator of goals.

The 27-year-old central midfielder’s general play throughout the match was not much better, unfortunately, as he was even worse than Saracchi with his all-round performance in and out of possession.

Vs Motherwell

Luke McCowan

Marcelo Saracchi

Minutes

60

64

Pass accuracy

83%

84%

Possession lost

13x

13x

Dribbles completed

0/1

1/2

Duels won

2/5

4/8

Tackles + interceptions

1

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Saracchi won more duels, made more defensive contributions, and completed more dribbles during a similar amount of time on the pitch.

McCowan was far too wasteful with the ball at his feet, losing possession 13 times, when you consider that he did not create a single chance for his teammates in an hour for Celtic.

It was a big chance for the central midfielder to impress, given that Rodgers now has two weeks to reflect on this performance, ahead of the next block of matches.

Unfortunately, the experienced star failed to grasp his opportunity to nail down a place in the starting XI, as he did not do enough in or out of possession to suggest that he should retain a starting berth.

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Hopefully, McCowan will be able to show a better version of himself when the manager next decides to offer him a chance to play in the starting line-up.

Hampshire come unstuck against Pakistan stalwart as Division One leaders take grip on proceedings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-May-2025Mohammad Abbas took five wickets on his Nottinghamshire debut to put the Division One leaders in a strong position against his former county after 16 wickets fell on day two of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Hampshire at Trent Bridge.The 35-year-old Pakistan seamer, who took 180 first-class wickets in four summers at the Utilita Bowl before agreeing to move to Trent Bridge for part of this season, finished with 5 for 31 as Hampshire were bowled out for 196 in their first innings in reply to Nottinghamshire’s 333.Nottinghamshire slipped to 59 for 5 in their second innings but Jack Haynes and Liam Patterson-White helped them recover to 171 for 6 at the close for a lead of 308, which already looks like a winning advantage on a pitch that has given plenty of assistance to the bowlers.Earlier, Kyle Abbott – Abbas’s former new ball partner on the south coast – hit three sixes in a feisty 67 to rescue Hampshire from 106 for 7, going on to add two wickets to his own five-wicket first-innings haul.Bowling initially from the Radcliffe Road end, Abbas dismissed Nick Gubbins via a catch to fourth slip to claim his first scalp in Nottinghamshire colours in his fifth over as Hampshire, two without loss overnight, found themselves 31 for 2 after 40 minutes, having already lost opener Mark Stoneman, caught and bowled by Brett Hutton.Fletcha Middleton was caught behind as a ball from Lyndon James climbed on him sharply enough to prompt a miscued pull but, approaching lunch, Hampshire might have felt they had the foundation for a decent response to Nottinghamshire’s first innings.But that assessment was blown apart as Abbas returned to the attack from the Stuart Broad End, taking three wickets in as many overs either side of the break, turning 96 for 3 into 99 for 6.Prest, having struck back-to-back boundaries as Abbas momentarily lost his lines, was leg before as the next ball struck him plumb in front. Ben Brown’s off stump was sent cartwheeling and Toby Albert nicked to second slip.Hutton beat James Fuller’s defensive prod at 106 for 7, after which, still 227 behind, Hampshire could quickly have found themselves batting for a second time had Abbott’s positive approach not paid off.The South African hit a half-century from 36 balls as he added 42 for the eighth wicket with Liam Dawson, plus 30 for the ninth with Brad Wheal, last man Sonny Baker keeping him company long enough for the follow-on to be avoided.Dawson fell to a superb catch by Farhan Ahmed at extra cover as Abbas completed his quintet, Wheal becoming a second victim for James in almost a duplicate of Middleton’s dismissal before lunch.Abbott, who lofted a straight six off the left-arm spin of Patterson-White and twice cleared the rope hooking Hutton, was ultimately caught at long-on. It gave Farhan a wicket with his second ball and while Hampshire trailed by 137 runs, it was much fewer than had seemed likely.Abbott then enhanced the value of the runs he had made by dismissing both Nottinghamshire openers in his first four second-innings overs with no sign of the match’s rapid evolution slowing down. He bowled Haseeb Hameed, seemingly beaten for pace, and had Ben Slater nicking to slip.A wicket in the last over before tea and two more shortly afterwards left Nottinghamshire in peril at 59 for 5, albeit 196 runs in front.Joe Clarke was caught behind trying to pull Wheal. Fuller then had first-innings centurion Freddie McCann caught behind off an outside edge and Wheal picking up a second as Kyle Verreynne was bowled by a ball he chose to leave.Nottinghamshire lost a sixth wicket for 84 as James pulled Baker’s first delivery to mid-off but, with signs that some of the venom in the pitch might be starting to dissipate, Haynes and Patterson-White put together a partnership so far worth 87 that might have put the game out of Hampshire’s reach.

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Atendendo a pedidos da torcida, o Corinthians realizou uma consulta formal à Conmebol e à CBF sobre a possibilidade de adiar a partida desta terça-feira (22), contra o Estudiantes, pelo jogo de ida das quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana, em razão do acidente de ônibus que transportava torcedores corintianos de volta para São Paulo após partida contra o Cruzeiro.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Após uma série de conversas, a mudança foi impossibilitada devido à falta de datas tanto no calendário brasileiro quanto no internacional, sendo difícil encontrar uma data disponível para o confronto.

A Conmebol permitiu, e o Corinthians vai poder fugir do regulamento da entidade para prestar homenagens às sete vítimas. O Timão está custeando todas as despesas com translado e funeral das sete vítimas fatais, além de fornecer amparo financeiro aos feridos.

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A concessionária que administra o trecho, Arteris Fernão Dias, informou que o motorista do ônibus perdeu o controle quando bateu contra um talude após fazer uma curva. O veículo transportava 43 pessoas e 10 ficaram presas às ferragens. Segundo o Corpo de Bombeiros, 36 pessoas ficaram feridas. 27 delas precisaram de atendimento médico e foram encaminhadas a hospitais da região.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

A Polícia Civil de Minas Gerais já identificou quatro das sete vítimas: Allan Aguiar, Andrey Francisco, Hamilton Rogério dos Santos e Rodrigo Lacerda de Barros.

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Segundo a Agência Nacional de Transportes (ANTT), o ônibus que transportava os torcedores do Corinthians não tinha autorização para funcionamento. 

Nas redes sociais, diversos clubes, jogadores e personalidades lamentaram o ocorrido. O técnico do Corinthians, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, postou vídeo nas redes sociais prestando solidariedade às vítimas.