New Zealand hope he will recover in time to play the third Test in Mumbai
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2024
Kane Williamson picked up a groin strain in Sri Lanka•AFP/Getty Images
Kane Williamson is unavailable for the second Test between India and New Zealand starting in Pune on October 24 as he continues to recover from a groin strain.Williamson did not travel to India with the New Zealand squad, after suffering the injury during the tour of Sri Lanka last month, and will remain at home to continue his rehabilitation. Will Young batted at No. 3 in Williamson’s absence and made 33 and 48 not out in the first Test in Bengaluru.”We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100% fit,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test. We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach.”New Zealand lead the three-Test series in India 1-0 after winning the first Test by eight wickets. Rachin Ravindra was the Player of the Match, for scoring a century in the first innings and an unbeaten 39* in the chase. Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke took eight and seven wickets respectively. New Zealand travelled to Pune on Monday evening and are set to have their first practice session in the city on Tuesday.
حمل داني كارفاخال، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، الأخطاء الفردية من لاعبي فريقه مسئولية الهزيمة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بالدوري الإسباني.
ريال مدريد تعرض لخسارة كبيرة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين اليوم السبت، في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
وقدم ريال مدريد مباراة سيئة على كافة المستويات وبالأخص من خط الدفاع الذي لم يقدم المستوى المطلوب ضد أتلتيكو مدريد.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ألفاريز: أردنا هزيمة ريال مدريد.. وكنا فعالين في الديربي
وقال كارفاخال في مقابلة مع قناة ريال مدريد: “نحن في ورطة حقًأ، خسارة الديبي ليست تجربة ممتعة ولقد واجهنا أصعب جزء وهو العودة بعد هذه الكبوات، واليوم استقبلنا الكثير من الأهداف”.
وأضاف: “الأخطاء الفردية كلفتنا المباراة، حدث خطأ نتج عنه ركلة جزاء ثم سجل جوليان الهدف من ركلة حرة، تأثرنا بالموقف ولم نلعب بأسلوبنا، إنها ثلاث نقاط وعلينا الاستمرار لأن هذه بطولة طويلة، أحيانًا تكون الهزيمة بتلك الطريقة مفيدة”.
وعن عدم حصول نيكولاس جونزاليس على بطاقة حمراء، واصل كارفاخال: “لم أر الحادثة تتكرر، لو لم تكن بطاقة حمراء لكان للحكم أسبابه بكل تأكيد”.
واختتم: “لقد تضررنا، بضع كلمات ستعزينا اليوم، لكن غدًا ستشرق الشمس من جديد، سنعمل بجد أكبر ولنجعل هذه الهزيمة تؤلمنا لنستمد الشجاعة من مشاعر اليوم”.
With Alexander Isak’s future still unresolved, Newcastle United are preparing for life without their Swedish talisman.
The drawn-out saga has left Eddie Howe’s side in urgent need of a solution, and Isak has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating with the squad if a move fails to materialise before the transfer window closes.
That leaves Newcastle facing a race against time, especially with their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa fast approaching and a Champions League campaign on the horizon.
Their summer business so far has bolstered other areas – Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on loan – while a £40m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is close.
Yet Howe has admitted concern over numbers in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s pre-season injury, and the need for a commanding presence up front is now just as pressing.
Boom Boom Shake the Room: Newcastle identify new leading target
Alternative options such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Porto’s Samu Aghehowa have been discussed, but Newcastle appear to have settled on one standout name.
A forward whose profile draws inevitable comparisons to one of the club’s most popular modern strikers.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to reports on the continent, Newcastle have identified Jean-Philippe Mateta as their top target should Isak depart.
Owing to this interest and Mateta’s rising stock, Palace have set an asking price of around £40m to let the “goal-scoring machine” go.
Standing at 1.92m, the 28-year-old France international offers a physical profile ideally suited to the Premier League.
He arrives in the box with purpose, relishes aerial duels, and can occupy defenders in a way that opens space for those around him.
His record last season – 14 goals and two assists in 37 Premier League appearances – reflects his consistency across the campaign, with sharp finishing complemented by link-up play.
For Newcastle, his combination of goals, presence, and experience at the top level makes him the kind of striker who can instantly adapt – crucial for a side that cannot afford a bedding-in period so close to the start of the season.
Shades of Salomón Rondón
It’s impossible to discuss Mateta’s potential arrival without drawing parallels to Salomón Rondón, who arrived at St James’ Park on loan from West Brom in 2018 at the same age and in similar circumstances.
Like Mateta, Rondón was a big, strong centre-forward who led the line with a mixture of power, tenacity, and underrated technical ability.
Mateta vs Rondon in the Premier League
Stat
Mateta
Rondon
Appearances
130
167
Goals
38
36
Assists
9
15
Source: FBref
Rondón’s lone season under Rafa Benítez remains one of the most fondly remembered campaigns by Newcastle fans in recent years.
He scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances, won 146 of his 380 aerial duels, and made himself a constant outlet for long balls and crosses.
His hold-up play brought others into the game, and his partnership with Ayoze Pérez was a driving force behind Newcastle’s survival.
A threat from set pieces and a defensive presence when called upon, making 38 clearances from such situations.
His creative contribution was notable too, registering six assists and often providing the final ball after holding off multiple defenders.
That all-round impact saw him named Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2019, the first forward to win the award since Alan Shearer in 2003.
Mateta offers a similar skill set.
According to FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (1.53), 77th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per shot (0.18), and 68th percentile for passes into the final third (1.16).
Perhaps most impressively, he sits in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons that lead directly to a goal (0.10 per 90), showing that for all his physical strength, he also has the technical skill to beat his man and create decisive moments.
Uruguay'sRonaldAraujoin action with Venezuela's Salomon Rondon
While Rondón thrived on Benítez’s structured approach, Mateta could benefit from Howe’s quicker, more transition-heavy style.
Using his frame to win duels high up the pitch and his mobility to get on the end of cutbacks from the likes of Gordon and Elanga.
The timing is another echo of 2018. Back then, Newcastle needed a ready-made forward to slot in and deliver instantly.
Now, with Isak seemingly determined to dig his heels in and the season about to begin, the requirement is just as urgent.
Mateta’s experience in the Premier League means he could hit the ground running, avoiding the adaptation period often needed for strikers arriving from abroad.
At £40m, he would be a significant investment, but one that could pay immediate dividends in goals and physical presence.
For a club aiming to compete on multiple fronts, having a striker who can shoulder the attacking burden could make all the difference.
If Howe does get his man, Newcastle supporters might once again find themselves cheering for a number nine whose blend of goals and graft embodies the club’s fighting spirit.
Their new Gordon: Big-money star "wants to join" Newcastle before Saturday
Newcastle United push ahead with £40m transfer that could weaken direct rivals.
O Flamengo está confirmado para a partida contra o Racing, pela terceira rodada da Copa Libertadores. O técnico Jorge Sampaoli implementou nesta quinta-feira (4) mudanças em relação à equipe que perdeu para o Botafogo por 3 a 2, pelo Brasileirão.
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De volta gramados depois de se recuperar de uma fratura no quinto metatarso, Erick Pulgar foi confirmado como titular ao lado de Thiago Maia e Vidal. O meio é completado por Everton Ribeiro, que foi lançado no decorrer da partida com os alvinegros.
Com a ausência de David Luiz, Sampaoli optou por escalar o Rubro-Negro com uma formação no 4-4-2.
A equipe está escalada com: Santos; Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira e Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Thiago Maia, Vidal e Everton Ribeiro; Gabigol e Pedro. O LANCE! transmite o confronto em tempo real.
كشف إينياكي بينيا، حارس مرمى نادي إلتشي، عن أسباب رحيله عن صفوف نادي برشلونة، موضحًا أنه كان بحاجة إلى حافز جديد في مسيرته الكروية.
بينيا رحل عن صفوف نادي برشلونة خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، وذلك من أجل التوقيع مع إلتشي على سبيل الإعارة حتى نهاية الموسم.
كما جدد برشلونة عقد بينيا إلى نهاية موسم 2029 المقبل، تحسبًا لاستمرار حارس المرمى على المدى الطويل مع البلوجرانا.
أقرأ أيضًا .. ضربة قوية.. تقارير تكشف مدة غياب أليسون بيكر عن ليفربول
وقال بينيا في مقابلة مع صحيفة “آس”: “لعبت 25 أو 26 مباراة مع برشلونة الموسم الماضي، لكن الشعور بالمرارة يلازمني بعد غيابي عن اللعب في الأشهر القليلة الماضية”.
وعن قرار رحيله إلى إلتشي أضاف بينيا في حديثه: “أدركت أنني سأعود إلى دياري، أنا من أليكانتي وأهل بيتي من هنا وزوجتي من هنا، ثم هناك فلسفة المدرب، لقد عملت معه وأفضل الظروف متاحة لتقديم أفضل ما لدي أو لأكون قريبًا من أفضل أداء لي”.
وعن رحيله عن برشلونة واصل: “كان بإمكاني خوض بضع مباريات أخرى، لكنني كنت قد قررت بالفعل الرحيل”.
واستكمل: “طلب مني برشلونة الانتظار حتى يتم تسجيل حراس المرمى، ومن الواضح أنني كنت سأسهل الأمر، لأن لدي عقدًا”.
وأتم بينيا: “كنت بحاجة إلى تغيير وحافز جديد، كنت بحاجة إلى خوض أكبر عدد ممكن من المباريات والحفاظ على مستوى ثابت وهو ما كنت أفتقر إليه في السنوات القليلة الماضية لتحقيق هذه القفزة النوعية”.
Maddinson, Zampa, Abbott all out of NSW side while Whiteman returns to captain WA with Turner and Hardie injured and Richardson rested
Alex Malcolm05-Dec-2024
Nic Maddinson has undergone surgery on an injured finger•Mark Evans/Getty Images
Nic Maddinson has undergone surgery on an injured finger and looks in doubt for the BBL while Adam Zampa has not been named in New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield squad to face Western Australia at the SCG following the controversy around his selection for the previous match.Meanwhile, Matt Short is unavailable for Victoria’s clash against Queensland at the MCG due to a family wedding, but Jake Fraser-McGurk is in line for a recall to South Australia’s Shield side after being named in the XII to face Tasmania in Hobart, having not been selected this season despite being available for three of the previous five games. But Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of playing back-to-back Shield games after suffering toe soreness having bowled 45 overs in the day-night game against WA last week, the most he has ever bowled in his professional career.Maddinson, Zampa and Sean Abbott, who is with Australia’s Test squad, will all miss the Blues’ final Shield game before the BBL break with Blake Nikitaras, Tanveer Sangha and Lachlan Shaw all named in the 12 that will be captained by Jack Edwards as Moises Henriques continues to rest before the BBL.Maddinson underwent surgery on Thursday and New South Wales released a statement saying his “return to play timeline will be assessed in due course”. He had signed with Sydney Thunder in the off-season but looks in doubt to play much of a part in the upcoming BBL which starts on December 15.Zampa was not named following the controversy surrounding his selection for the Blues’ previous Shield match against Tasmania. It is understood Zampa was only ever set to play one red-ball game before the BBL in a bid to build his case for the Sri Lanka Test tour.Western Australia welcome back skipper Sam Whiteman from a side strain that has kept him out of the last three Shield matches. Stand-in skipper Ashton Turner has been ruled out with a side strain of his own which could affect his start to the BBL season as Perth Scorchers captain. Aaron Hardie remains unavailable due to a quad issue that he has carried since Australia’s limited overs UK tour in September and is also pushing to be fit for the start of the BBL. Those two concerns for Perth Scorchers come on top of the injuries to Ashton Agar (shoulder) and Cooper Connolly (finger) who are also fighting to be fit for the start of the BBL.Lance Morris has been named for his second straight Shield game but Jhye Richardson has been rested after playing WA’s last match in Adelaide. Brody Couch returns after missing the game against South Australia having taken 13 wickets at 29 in the first four matches of the season, including a hat-trick.Left-arm wristspinner Hamish McKenzie has been added to WA’s 13-man squad and could play alongside Corey Rocchiccioli if WA opt for two spinners at the SCG.Matt Short will miss Victoria’s next match due to a wedding•Getty Images
Short’s absence is a curious one as professional cricketers rarely miss games to attend a wedding. It is a blow for Victoria after he made half-centuries in both innings of their win at the Gabba last week. With Peter Siddle is also unavailable, Victoria recalled Jono Merlo and Mitch Perry in their place. Skipper Will Sutherland remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a significant side strain.Queensland have included Gurinder Sandhu and Tom Straker in their 12-man squad. Sandhu is returning from a calf injury having not played at all this season until Wednesday’s One-Day Cup win over Tasmania in Hobart. Straker had been rested from last week’s loss to Victoria while Michael Neser remains on the sidelines due to his hamstring injury.Elsewhere, South Australia are poised to bring in Fraser-McGurk for his first Shield game of the summer against Tasmania in Hobart. Fraser-McGurk was not selected previously despite being available and instead played second-XI cricket for South Australia before his limited-overs duty with Australia. Jason Sangha is also in the mix to play his first Shield game for his new state since moving from NSW. Nathan McAndrew has also been named after missing the last clash with WA through injury and will replace Johnson. SA are currently investigating the extent of the issue with his toe.Tasmania have recalled Lawrence Neil-Smith for the clash in place of Beau Webster who has been called up to Australia’s Test squad.New South Wales squad: Jackson Bird, Ollie Davies, Jack Edwards (capt), Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Blake Nikitaras, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Lachlan ShawWestern Australia squad: Sam Whiteman (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Corey RocchiccioliVictoria squad: Peter Handscomb (capt), Ash Chandrasinghe, Xavier Crone, Sam Elliott, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Jon Merlo, Cam McClure, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Mitch Perry, Tom RogersQueensland squad: Mitchell Swepson (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Bryce Street, Jack WildermuthTasmania squad: Gabe Bell, Jake Doran, Kieran Elliott, Brad Hope, Matt Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Mitch Owen, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, Jordan Silk (capt), Tim Ward, Jake WeatheraldSouth Australia squad: Ben Manenti (capt), Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Henry Hunt, Jake Lehmann, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Harry Nielsen, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry Thornton
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed that he is sweating on the fitness of Ao Tanaka after the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal at The Emirates on Saturday.
Speaking after the game, the German head coach explained: “After a tackle in the first half, he had problems with his MCL.
“He kept going and I hope it’s not too bad. I hope the assessment is not too bad. There are a few concerns that it would be an injury but it’s normally positive that he could play further on. But we will have to assess him and we will see how long it takes to get him fit and back to full fitness.”
Farke says that he hopes that it is not a bad injury for Tanaka, and that feeling may be compounded by a similar injury to club captain Ethan Ampadu last week.
The Wales international is due to be out until after the international break, at least, with an MCL injury that was sustained against Everton on the opening day.
That injury to the skipper allowed Ilia Gruev to test himself at Premier League level against the Gunners on Saturday, but he was unable to impress with his showing in midfield.
Why Ilia Gruev may not be the answer for Leeds
Speaking ahead of the clash with Arsenal, Farke revealed that Sean Longstaff is more suited to playing as a number eight instead of as a replacement for Ampadu in the number six role, which is why Gruev was then selected against Arsenal.
Unfortunately, though, the Bulgaria international failed to show the defensive strength and quality that was needed to protect the back four, in what turned out to be a hammering by Mikel Arteta’s side.
The left-footed maestro only started 20 times in the Championship last season, per Sofascore, and won 52% of his duels in the second tier as Leeds largely dominated games with the ball.
Gruev’s lack of physicality meant that there was always going to be a question mark over his head going into the Premier League season, and his performances in the first two games have not changed that.
Ilia Gruev
Vs Everton
Vs Arsenal
Minutes
13
90
Pass accuracy
80%
92%
Key passes
0
0
Tackles
0
1
Interceptions
0
1
Duels won
0/1
1/3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the former Werder Bremen star has only won one of his four duels in 103 minutes of action in the top-flight to date.
His lack of physicality was on display in the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal as he only won one duel in 90 minutes against a side that was constantly attacking his half of the pitch, which shows that he was not offering enough protection in front of the back four.
The Championship champions are now reportedly keen on bringing in another option in that area of the pitch who could come in as an upgrade on Gruev.
Leeds eyeing move for Bundesliga midfielder
According to Monday’s edition of Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds United are one of the teams in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Julian Weigl.
The report claims that the Premier League side and Al-Shabab FC are both contenders to land a deal for the Germany international before the end of the summer transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that the Bundesliga outfit are set to allow him to move on before the deadline after the player requested to be allowed to explore a move elsewhere.
Sport Witness relay quotes from Gladbach director Roland Virkus explaining the situation: “The important thing was: He asked us to release him for talks. We are also in talks. That’s the way it is. That doesn’t mean he won’t return to the squad if they fail. That’s open. It was important for Julian to be able to hold talks with the clubs.”
It is said that Weigl is available for a fee of around £5m, amid interest from Leeds and Al-Shabab, and it is now down to the 49ers to get a deal done for the German star.
Why Leeds should sign Julian Weigl
Off the back of the injuries to Ampadu and Tanaka, securing a cut-price deal to sign Weigl from Gladbach as an upgrade on Gruev in the number six position could be a shrewd move by the club.
The 29-year-old star is a natural number six who could slot into that role at the base of the midfield when Ampadu is unavailable, or off the bench when needed.
Speaking about Weigl’s style of play, defender Marc Bartra once said: “He is very similar to Busquets. He dictates play from midfield and helps us a lot when we lose the ball, it looks like he always has everything under control. He really reminds me of Busquets a lot, even if there is obviously still some distance between the two of them.”
As someone who played alongside Busquets at Barcelona and Weigl at Borussia Dortmund, Barta is possibly the best-placed person to make such a connection, and it speaks to the profile of player that Leeds would be signing.
Sergio Busquets for Spain
The German ace could be Farke’s own Busquets at the base of the midfield as an upgrade on Gruev who can offer more to the team out of possession in what is set to be a scrap to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
24/25 Bundesliga
Julian Weigl per 90
Percentile rank vs midfielders
Tackles + interceptions
3.16
Top 37%
Clearances
2.69
Top 20%
Shots blocked
0.84
Top 2%
Percentage of dribblers tackled
60.9%
Top 13%
Blocks
1.69
Top 28%
Challenges lost
0.56
Top 13%
Aerial duel success rate
67.2%
Top 2%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Weigl ranked highly among his positional peers in the Bundesliga last season in a host of defensive metrics, including his success rate in duels on the deck and in the air.
These statistics show that he can be a dominant defensive force against opposition players at the top level, whilst Gruev was not outstanding physically in the Championship and has struggled with the physicality of the Premier League so far.
Weigl, who started 33 games in the Bundesliga last season, per Sofascore, is an experienced campaigner who has played for Farke in the past and has proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.
This is why he could come in as a fantastic bargain signing for £5m as an upgrade on Gruev due to the defensive and physical qualities that he can bring to the number six position as a Busquets-esque figure.
Gnonto upgrade: Leeds ready to pay £30m to sign "menacing" new star
Leeds United are reportedly willing to splash the cash to sign an upgrade on Wilfried Gnonto.
2 ByDan Emery Aug 25, 2025
This is why Farke should be pushing the club to get this deal done before the deadline because he could be an experienced alternative to Ampadu at the base of the midfield, as a strong and dependable option who can be relied upon as a defensive force.
Nottinghamshire allrounder adds three-wicket haul after top-scoring on day one
ECB Reporters Network27-Jan-2025
Muhammed Bulbulia held the South Africa innings together with 88•Gallo Images/Getty Images
Spin duo Tazeem Ali and Farhan Ahmed claimed three wickets each to inspire a strong England Men Uunder-19s fightback late on day two of the first Youth Test against South Africa Men U19s in Stellenbosch.Jason Rowles and Muhammed Bulbulia shared a 139-run third wicket stand before the Young Lions took 6 for 57 to leave the hosts 269 for 8 at stumps – still 30 runs behind.Farhan had helped the Young Lions recover on day one with a composed 90 and the 16-year-old Nottinghamshire allrounder was at it again with the ball as he first bowled Adnaan Lagadien on way to figures of 3 for 74.Tazeem broke the Rowles and Bulbulia partnership, when the latter was bowled by the perfect legspinner’s delivery that pitched on leg and took the top of off stump.England captain Archie Vaughan removed Rowles, top-edging a slog-sweep that was easily held by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew, who then produced a sharp catch down leg to give Farhan his second wicket.Farhan then struck from the final ball of the day, with fielders crowding the bat, when Ben Dawkins held a low catch at first slip to remove Lethabo Phahlamohlaka.
De todos os jogadores do São Paulo, apenas dois deles já devem saber que estão com escalação garantida para o duelo das 19h (de Brasília) desta quinta-feira (8) contra o Tolima, no Morumbi, pela Copa Sul-Americana: o goleiro Rafael e o meia Nestor.
O camisa 11 deve ser a principal novidade nos titulares do Tricolor para o confronto. Totalmente recuperado de uma fadiga muscular no reto femoral direito que o tirou dos últimos quatro jogos, deverá começar como titular no meio-campo.
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+ Di Maria livre no mercado, Corinthians se distancia de dupla “apalavrada”… o Dia do Mercado!
Quem também deverá ser relacionado é o atacante Erison. Depois de voltar a trabalhar com o restante da equipe na segunda-feira (5), o jogador deu sinais de estar em recuperação avançada pelo estiramento em fibrose da coxa esquerda e voltou a trabalhar sem limitações. Não atua há 14 partidas.
Para o duelo ante o Tolima, o técnico Dorival Júnior vive um dilema. Isso porque o Tricolor assegura a classificação como líder do Grupo D com um triunfo diante do rival. Entretanto, por outro lado, o desgaste pode ser prejudicial para o clássico contra o Palmeiras, às 16h (de Brasília) de domingo (11), no Morumbi, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Após a derrota para o Grêmio, de virada, no último final de semana, se recuperar ante um rival se torna fundamental para evitar que o clima de otimismo se transforme em crise.
Por conta disso, todo planejamento é fundamental para as decisões que Dorival irá tomar nos próximos jogos. Titular ou reservas? Ou um ‘mistão’? O esquema com três zagueiros utilizado em Porto Alegre (RS) pode voltar a ser usado, até como forma de aperfeiçoamento ante um adversário mais frágil, como o Tolima?
Dúvidas e mais dúvidas que o treinador não quis dar nenhuma pista para antecipar respostas.
– Temos que ter uma equipe forte no próximo fim de semana (contra o Palmeiras), mas temos que ter uma equipe muito bem preparada para o meio de semana, que será um jogo decisivo, que poderá nos dar a classificação e a possibilidade de uma ida às fases mais importantes da Copa Sul-Americana. Para nós, o jogo será decisivo. Podem ter certeza de que voltaremos a fazer um grande jogo perante o nosso torcedor e vamos buscar o melhor resultado – disse Dorival, após a derrota para o Grêmio.
Nos trabalhos desta quarta-feira (7), no CT da Barra Funda, após um vídeo no auditório, os jogadores seguiram para o gramado, onde realizaram um aquecimento sob a supervisão da preparação física.
Na sequência, o técnico Dorival Júnior e seus auxiliares comandaram três atividades diferentes. A primeira, de parte técnica, teve como objetivo aprimorar a troca de passes, os cruzamentos e as finalizações para o gol. A segunda, tática, teve foco na movimentação e posicionamento da equipe. E por último houve um treino de bolas paradas ofensivas e defensivas.
O provável São Paulo para enfrentar o Tolima vem com Rafael; Rafinha (Nathan), Arboleda (Diego Costa), Beraldo e Caio; Pablo Maia, Gabriel Neves e Nestor; Alisson (Wellington Rato), Luciano (Marcos Paulo) e Calleri.
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