Ibe’s Bournemouth woes make great reading for Liverpool

When Raheem Sterling swapped Liverpool for Manchester City in the summer of 2015 many Kopites were not worried. Granted, the former QPR trainee shone at Anfield, but the widely-held belief was that Jordon Ibe was just as talented and had more potential than his (slightly) senior team-mate.

However, those thoughts seem a lifetime away now, with the 21-year-old plying his trade at Bournemouth after failing to make the grade under Jurgen Klopp. The Merseysiders sold the pacey wide-man to the Cherries for a whopping £15m last summer, with the English-player-premium a real factor in the deal.

[ad_pod id=’now-tv’ align=’centre’]

Again, Ibe was expected to flourish with regular game time and the attention of an up-and-coming coach in Eddie Howe, but the story hasn’t had a happy ending just yet…

As the numbers show, Ibe has struggled at the Vitality Stadium, with his 930 minutes of action equating to just over 40% of Bournemouth’s total across the season, which is a concern given that he’s made 19 league appearances (12 starts) in total. The winger’s shot accuracy is also worryingly low at 20% from 15 efforts, while he’s yet to score or make an assist.

There’s talent there in Ibe, but, as things stand, Liverpool got the better end of the £15m deal.

[ad_pod id=’Shoot-Xmas-Survey’ align=’left’]

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Will Manchester United fall at the Meadow?

Everyone loves an FA Cup giant killing. That is, until you’re on the end of a particularly nasty one yourself.

And in a couple of weeks, Shrewsbury Town, who are languishing in 20th place in League One, will welcome Manchester United to their Greenhous Meadow Stadium.

It’s a glamour tie for the locals, and one which can distract the diehard fans from what has been a tricky season full of ups and downs. Ultimately, the Shrews are in a fierce relegation battle and need to survive. Relegation at this level can be absolutely disastrous for funds and future projects so this FA Cup game will provide welcome relief for manager Micky Mellon.

[ffc-gal cat=”manchester-united” no=”5″]

It all sounds well and good, until it dawns on you that you’ve got to play Manchester United.

Yes the Red Devils haven’t been fantastic this season but they have started to hit a rich vein of form, arguably at the precise right time too.

They’ve seemingly brushed some of the criticism directed at their attacking play aside and look a lot more confidence going forward, buoyed by recent performances. A late title push isn’t out of the question yet, as long as they can win the majority of their 13 games remaining in the Premier League.

But their exit from the Champions League makes the FA Cup that little more important to them this year, make no mistake about it.

They will want silverware, and despite recent optimism and form, the Premier League crown will be a tricky one to reach. European glory would be welcome, but sadly, the Europa League is not held in nearly as much stead as the Champions League and this wouldn’t be recognised as a landmark in Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United career.

So the FA Cup is a big one this year and its very much doubted that United will be taking this any less seriously as any Premier League game.

Silverware is silverware and if this is one of a couple of opportunities to get some, van Gaal will be heading to Shropshire with a strong team, set out to do the job professionally.

After all, a potential defeat or poor performance will only put the pressure back on his shoulders, and the Jose Mourinho rumour mill will only start turning again.

So it’s in both team’s interest to play well on the evening and come out on top, but can the Shrews be giant killers? They did well to despatch Sheffield Wednesday in the last round but this is an entirely different cut of mustard.

They have home advantage, which is vital. The Greenhous Meadow pitch will be choppy and unforgiving and they will have a partisan home crowd on their side, who are locked in close to the pitch.

They need to be in-your-face and ugly to stand any chance of winning. Everyone loves a giant killing but United need this too much this year. It promises to be a cracker.

[ad_pod id=’football-survey’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Tim Weah and Weston McKennie get the last laugh! Juventus stars take down USMNT teammates at San Siro as Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan are doomed by red card

Weston McKennie and Tim Weah left San Siro with three points as Juventus took down Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Juve win 1-0Four USMNT stars startWeah the standout American

It was a big day for Americans in Italy as all four U.S. men's national team stars started in a clash of two Scudetto hopefuls. The contest was, however, slightly derailed by a first half red card that led to one of those Americans, Pulisic, being taken off of the field as Milan boss Stefano Pioli reshuffled his lineup.

In the end, though, Weah, McKennie and Juventus got the last laugh against their USMNT teammates as Juve earned a 1-0 win that opened up the Serie a title picture in a big way.

GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

With Milan on the front foot, the match was turned on its head just five minutes before halftime. Juventus forward Moise Kean got through on goal and was hacked down by Malick Thiaw, giving the referee no choice but to send the Milan centerback off.

Needing to reshape his team, Stefano Pioli opted to take Christian Pulisic off, and the American winger looked extremely frustrated as he marched toward the bench.

Up a man going forward, Juve finally got their goal in the 63rd minute as midfielder Manuel Locatelli fired a shot that deflected off Rade Krunic and into the back of the net. Weah was credited with the assist on Locatelli's goal, while the American star also played the pass that led to Thiaw's red card.

In the end, Juventus held on to the win, leaving them in third with 20 points. Milan, with the loss, sit second on 21, one point behind their eternal rivals Inter, who have held on to the top spot in Serie A.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

We only got the promised matchup for the first half, with Pulisic's removal robbing fans of the chance to see all of the USMNT stars go head-to-head. However, Musah and McKennie did face off for large stretches, with both starting in midfield.

Musah, at one point, put in strong tackle on Weah, who he pushed off the field in pursuit of the ball, while he and McKennie did meet up at several points in the center of the park.

Overall, with the four starting, the U.S. was the second-most represented country on the field, behind only Italy, on what felt like a historic day for American soccer.

GettyUSMNT IMPACT

Gregg Berhalter was in the house for Sunday's match, and for good reason. For Berhalter, and many Americans, it felt like a landmark moment for the American game.

"It's a special moment for U.S. Soccer," Berhalter told . "To think about these two traditional clubs and now to have four U.S. players with the opportunity com compete in a game like this, we've come a long way. For me to be here is an honor, but mostly it's about supporting the guys because it's a great group of guys."

The occasion, of course, was ruined a bit by Pulisic's early substitution, but it doesn't diminish from the moment too much. Two of the biggest clubs in the world began a match with two Americans each in a match with real stakes.

There will be another match between these two sides in April, and all involved will hope for a cleaner match that allows all four to stay on the field and compete.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyGOAL'S RATINGS

Weston McKennie (7/10):

Sent one really good chance into the highest levels of the San Siro but, other than that, was solid for Juve. Was good defensively, although it helped Milan were up a man, and was solid enough in the attack, that missed shot aside.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Was just a bit too quiet, although part of that will be due to the fact that his side was down a man. Didn't contribute enough and, in one of Milan's few real chances, he was unable to really control a cross from Rafael Leao.

Christian Pulisic (6/10):

A very incomplete game from the American, although he wasn't doing too much even prior to Milan's red card. He did, nearly, get a chance on goal after Olivier Giroud's shot was saved, but Wojciech Szczesny's parry went just past the American.

Tim Weah (8/10):

Of the four Americans, Weah was far an away the best on the field and it could be argued that he was the standout player of the entire game. Will be credited with the assist on the goal, although that was a bit lucky. It was deserved, though, as Weah routinely got forward and created danger with several dangerous crosses.

Grêmio espera oferta por Everton Cebolinha na janela de transferências, informa repórter

MatériaMais Notícias

Com jogadores jovens e de muita qualidade no elenco, o Grêmio convive diariamente com sondagens da Europa em cima dos atletas e precisa ter muito jogo de cintura para manter o grupo de Renato Gaúcho.

RelacionadasGrêmioEmpresário nega interesse do Porto-POR em Caio HenriqueGrêmio21/04/2020Fora de CampoCoordenador da CBF afirma: ‘A OMS não entende nada de futebol’Fora de Campo21/04/2020VitóriaVeja um retrospecto das cinco passagens de Geninho pelo VitóriaVitória21/04/2020

De acordo com o repórter Rafael Piffer, da Rádio Guaíba, o volante Matheus Henrique recebeu uma sondagem da Europa, mas a diretoria do Tricolor não quer negociar o atleta. A intenção é segura-lo por mais uma temporada.

Quem deve estar com os dias contados é Everton Cebolinha. Craque do time e ídolo da torcida, o camisa 11 recebeu uma oferta do Everton-ING. O jogador não saiu no começo do ano, porém a diretoria não deve fazer jogo duro na próxima janela e a intenção é vender.

Um dos motivos para negociar o atacante é a crise que vai se instaurar no futebol brasileiro por conta do coronavírus. Devido a pandemia, os jogos foram interrompidos e ainda não tem previsão de volta, o que aumenta a pressão para vender no mercado de transferências.

Vale lembrar que, nesta temporada, o Tricolor ainda tem pela frente o Gauchão, a Copa do Brasil, Libertadores e o Campeonato Brasileiro.

Premier League Young Team of the Season: Brooks and Rice shine as Foden misses out

While Manchester City and Liverpool dominated our main team of the year, as many as 10 clubs are represented in the under-21 edition

Manchester City and Liverpool's battle for the title dominated this season's edition of the Premier League, but they are scarcely represented in Goal’s Under-21 Team of the Year – with young talent impressing all over the division in 2018-19.

A total of 10 clubs feature in our side of starlets, with performances in all competitions taken into account in order to compile this best XI.

From finalists in the Champions League and Europa League to players who spent their seasons fighting relegation, here is the Premier League Young Team of the Season.

GettyGK | Arijanet Muric

It’s been quite the season for Arijanet Muric. In between turning 20, choosing to play and then debuting for the Kosovo national team and winning the Premier League with Manchester City, the young goalkeeper was chosen by Pep Guardiola to be his first choice in the EFL Cup. Muric played five of City’s six games as they lifted the trophy, keeping four clean sheets, conceding just one goal and saving two penalties in their quarter-final victory over Leicester.

AdvertisementGettyRB | Trent Alexander-Arnold

There are a whole host of young, talented right-backs in the Premier League right now – but Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Southampton’s Yan Valery only get honourable mentions thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool man has had a stellar campaign, registering an incredible 12 assists in the Premier League – the most of any defender. But the 20-year-old has been formidable defensively too, making 33 interceptions and winning 37 of his 57 tackles as the Reds fell just short of the title. 

GettyCB | Juan Foyth

Few managers nurture young talent as well as Mauricio Pochettino, so Tottenham Hotspur have a real star in the making in Juan Foyth. His season ended in reckless fashion after a red card at Bournemouth, but the 21-year-old has impressed otherwise. An accomplished passer who presents an aerial threat and also a versatile option with his ability to play at right-back, Foyth is also now a full Argentina international, making his debut in October.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyCB | Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez’s season was hampered by injury again this term, but he still showed why Liverpool are excited about his talent. The young defender has played an important part in the Reds’ season, with performances at home to Brighton and Red Star Belgrade particular highlights. He’s alternated between right-back and centre-back roles since moving to Anfield, but if his future is in the latter position with Alexander-Arnold in the former, both England and Liverpool should be licking their lips.

LANCE! Espresso: Atlético x Cruzeiro com torcida única. O ódio venceu mais um clássico no Brasil

MatériaMais Notícias

Está batido o martelo. Após uma série de episódios violentos no Mineirão e em outros pontos de Belo Horizonte no domingo, o clássico entre Atlético e Cruzeiro, um dos maiores do futebol brasileiro, passará a ser disputado com torcida única, como já acontece com os clubes de São Paulo. Os presidentes de Galo e Raposa, Sérgio Sette Câmara e Wagner Pires de Sá, se reuniram ontem e decidiram pela mudança, sem interferência do Ministério Público. Um cenário triste e cada vez mais melancólico, marcado por torcedores incapazes de conviver em um mesmo espaço, pela falta de estrutura pública necessária para eventos deste porte e pela costumeira impunidade que serve como combustível para uma sucessão de crimes historicamente relativizados, mesmo sendo o futebol um microcosmo da sociedade. Atos condenáveis cometidos por membros de torcidas organizadas, mas também pelos tais “cidadãos de bem”, que aproveitam o caos para revelar suas verdadeiras faces. A cada ano, as rivalidades perdem um pouco mais de suas essências. Festas particulares onde o adversário é sempre proibido de entrar. O ódio venceu mais este duelo.

Quer ler mais opinião e informação todos os dias? O LANCE! Espresso é uma newsletter gratuita que chega de manhã ao seu e-mail, de segunda a sexta. É uma leitura rápida e saborosa como aquele cafezinho de todos os dias, que vai colocar você por dentro das principais notícias do esporte. A marca registrada do jornalismo do LANCE!, com análises especiais. Clique aqui e inscreva-se.

RelacionadasAtlético MineiroGalo oferece suporte jurídico à vítima de injúria racial e expulsa irmãos do quadro de sócios-torcedoresAtlético Mineiro12/11/2019Atlético MineiroTorcedores que cometeram injúria racial vão à polícia e se defendem: ‘há negros que cortam o meu cabelo’Atlético Mineiro12/11/2019CruzeiroCruzeiro confirma que vai ficar com Orejuela após fim do empréstimoCruzeiro12/11/2019

Blake blasts Kent to audacious win

Alex Blake and captain Sam Northeast combined to put on 108 runs for Kent’s sixth wicket and pull off an outstanding heist

Freddie Wilde22-May-2015
ScorecardAlex Blake hammered an unbeaten 71 from just 30 balls to secure victory for Kent (file photo)•Getty Images

Chris Wood was the man miked up to the commentary box when Hampshire were fielding and, with Kent reeling at 70 for 5 chasing 173, he was asked by the commentators how he felt his team were faring. Wood managed just a sentence before his microphone cut-out: “one wicket should do it.”Less than 45 minutes and ten overs later Kent were still five wickets down as Alex Blake latched on to a Yasir Arafat short ball, sending it over deep midwicket for six to seal a quite remarkable five-wicket victory. Blake, who finished with a career-best 71 not out from just 30 balls, and captain Sam Northeast, who finished 60 not out from 49, combined to put on 108 runs and pull off an outstanding heist against one of the most consistent and clinical T20 teams in the country, putting Kent top of the South Group having played two matches.Even at the beginning of the 15th over of the chase, when Blake and Northeast had been together for four overs, there seemed to be little sense of concern among Hampshire’s fielders with Kent requiring a steep 76 runs from 36 balls. It was then that Wood, of all people, was taken for 18, Blake striking a four and a six before Northeast too hit a four. That began a sequence of five consecutive overs that went for more than ten runs.Blake and Northeast, clearly used to the pitch and already running well, cut loose, plundering 63 runs from 32 balls, including eleven boundaries, to carry Kent to a thrilling victory. Hampshire looked shell-shocked as they wandered disconsolately off the field.Insights

This was a deeply impressive win from a young Kent team. Although Hampshire were leading the match for three quarters of its course, Kent did well, without the injured James Tredwell, to restrict a powerful and settled Hampshire batting order to 172 for 5 batting first and it was Hampshire’s excellent bowling, as much Kent’s poor batting that caused their first half collapse. Kent have an exciting, talented team, with a nice blend of youth and experience and this win will give them huge confidence that they can make a serious challenge this season.

Really, Hampshire only had themselves to blame. Northeast and Blake played stunning innings, slashing and heaving the ball on both sides of the wicket with fierce power; but they should never have been allowed to do so, even once Kent’s position had improved to 115 for 5. Hampshire allowed the match to drift when it should have been killed off, as Northeast and Blake played themselves in. The field was not set back, but neither did James Vince capitalise on having Kent five down for so few. Hampshire left the door ajar and Northeast and Blake barged through it.Vince, speaking after the match bemoaned Hampshire’s fielding, which deteriorated under the onslaught. Michael Carberry dropped an admittedly difficult chance in the outfield just as the balance of power was shifting. But it wasn’t only the fielding, Hampshire’s death bowling too wilted in the fire of the attack. For a team seeking their sixth successive Finals Day and with a win percentage and win tally bettered by only one other team in the country, the final quarter of the match was strangely un-Hampshire-like. Even stranger when you consider how clinical they had been until that point.After winning the toss and batting first, a splendid 43-ball 66 from Vince, who played some typically compelling shots, dominated Hampshire’s 172 for 6, which seemed for so much of the match to be comfortably a winning score. Vince’s opening partner Carberry played a valuable role also, boring a hole into Kent’s bowling attack, striking two fours and two sixes in an energising cameo that reaped 20 runs and ignited Hampshire’s innings to leave them 40 for 1 after just three overs.Although Jimmy Adams fell for just 1, a busy 26 from Owais Shah carried Hampshire past 100, and even when they threatened to throw away their strong start, losing 3 for 24 in the middle overs, Adam Wheater and Will Smith combined to haul Hampshire to respectability and beyond with some pugnacious and typically phlegmatic lower-order hitting.Smith removed Daniel Bell-Drummond with just the fourth ball of the innings and when Danny Briggs took his 99th wicket in domestic T20 in England in the fifth over, to leave Kent 39 for 2, it seemed as if Hampshire had had their scare for the day. Kent’s troubles worsened a few overs later when Sam Billings was run out and even more so when they lost Darren Stevens and Fabian Cowdrey in the space of three balls before the halfway point. After ten overs of Kent’s chase the match, it seemed, was almost won. But Hampshire remained only one wicket away.

Haq sent home by Scotland

Scotland have sent Majid Haq, their most-capped player and leading wicket-taker, home from the World Cup after a breach of discipline

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2015Scotland’s coach Grant Bradburn has expressed relief at the support from Cricket Scotland when they sent Majid Haq, their most-capped player and leading wicket-taker, home from the World Cup after a breach of discipline.Haq reacted angrily to being omitted from the side and intimated on Twitter that the decision had racist undertones – an allegation he quickly withdrew by deleting the tweet.Bradburn told QTV Sports: “It became obvious what we needed to do. It is not the situation that we would like to have to deal with particularly in a tournament like this when we are in the midst of playing some of the best teams in the world, but I am very impressed with the way that Cricket Scotland have handled the situation swiftly.”I had the cricket conversations with Majid as I do all of the players. As a coach you get used to having hard conversations with players. That is my job, particularly players who aren’t playing.”They are not easy to have. You have to give them direct clarity, give them honesty and show compassion and value them as people and players and I always take a lot of care over that side of my coaching.”I would expect them to be disappointed over not playing but unfortunately Maj has chosen a way to react which has contravened the values of the side and of his employers, Cricket Scotland.”No details have been formally released by Cricket Scotland but Haq’s discontent followed the decision to omit him from the team to play Sri Lanka. He was replaced in the XI by fellow offspinner Michael Leask, as Scotland lost their fifth match at the World Cup by 148 runs.The team issued a statement, which said: “Following a breach of Cricket Scotland’s internal code of conduct, international team member Majid Haq is travelling home from the ICC World Cup. No further statement will be issued until this process has been completed in due course.”The BBC reported that Haq sent a tweet, subsequently deleted, saying: “Always tougher when your in the minority!! #colour #race”. Another tweet included the message: “Make sure everybody in your ‘boat’ is rowing and not drilling holes when you’re not looking. Know your circle.”

Haq also faces a three-match suspension at the start of the Scottish club season. The Western District Cricket Union imposed the punishment for dissent, abuse of equipment and abusive language – although he was also reprimanded for public criticism.Haq, 32, has only taken three wickets at tournament but his economy of 4.88 is impressive. Overall, he has played more than 200 times for Scotland, taking 258 wickets, including 60 in one-day internationals.Leask, 24, managed figures of 0 for 63 off nine overs in his first World Cup appearance. Scotland have one final opportunity to register a win when they play Australia on Saturday.This story was updated at 1220 GMT on March 12 with Grant Bradburn’s response.

Bereft Zimbabwe search for form

Match facts

November 23, 2014
Start time 1230 local (0630 GMT)

Big Picture

Bangladesh are finally up and running in ODIs this year. In their 14th attempt, they have broken the duck which had caused them so much grief in 2014. Taking the 1-0 lead in the five-match series against Zimbabwe, therefore, has double significance.Of course, much of the attention would go to Shakib Al Hasan for the way he enforced himself on the visitors. After Bangladesh slipped to 70 for 4, it was Shakib who rescued them with a timely century, his first in four years. He added 148 for the fifth wicket, a Bangladesh record, with Mushfiqur Rahim.Later it was still Shakib who provided the early breakthroughs and finished with four wickets. Mahmudullah, new captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Arafat Sunny all bowled well to take two wickets each.Zimbabwe on the other hand had a nightmare on the field. Captain Elton Chigumbura dropped Mushfiqur on 16 and later overstepped when the same batsman was caught at the boundary, on 56. Brendan Taylor made up for his dropped catch with his first fifty on tour. But more would be expected from Sikandar Raza and Hamilton Masakadza. The pair once again provided Zimbabwe a quick start but could not capitalise.Zimbabwe would want at least one of their openers to score a big innings•AFP

Their bowling, too, started well with Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara restricting the Bangladesh openers, but once Shakib and Mushfiqur opened up, they lost shape. The spinners too did not do justice to the slowness of the pitch.Bangladesh would now look to Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque to give them a better start, while also expecting Mominul Haque to cut away the cute shots and focus on scoring runs. Mashrafe would also hope that the pace attack doesn’t give away too many runs at the start.Zimbabwe have a lot to work on, but their goal is simpler. They would want to equalise instead of conceding a 2-0 lead before moving to Dhaka for the last three games.

Form guide

(last five completed games, most recent first)
Bangladesh WLLLL
Zimbabwe LLWLL

In the spotlight

Mushfiqur Rahim was said to be under-par in the Test series but through a rickety 65 in the first ODI, he has regained his touch. His wicketkeeping has not been great but he did take a leaping catch at a crucial stage of the match.Solomon Mire made his debut in the first game and though he did not contribute much with the ball or bat, he looks like one for the future. He has a promising bowling action and is a big hitter, exemplified by the one big six he struck during his short stay.

Team news

Bangladesh have opted to retain the same combination as the first ODI.Bangladesh (possible) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Arafat Sunny, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Al-Amin HossainVusi Sibanda’s form may be worrying the team management, in which case they could go for Timycen Maruma.Zimbabwe (possible) 1 Sikandar Raza, 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Vusi Sibanda, 4 Brendan Taylor, 5 Regis Chakabva, 6 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 7 Solomon Mire, 8 Tinashe Panyangara, 9 Tendai Chatara, 10 Tafadzwa Kamungozi, 11 John Nyumbu

Pitch and conditions

The start has been advanced by an hour, to 12.30pm, which would mean a little less effect of the overpowering dew, benefiting both sides. Weather remains cool in Chittagong, so the team batting first will get the best of conditions on a flat, slow deck.

Stats and trivia

  • Shakib Al Hasan became the 12th player to score a hundred and take four wickets in the same ODI. He is also the fourth after Steve Waugh, Sanath Jayasuriya and Jacques Kallis to score 2000-plus runs and take 100 wickets at home.
  • Brendan Taylor became the fourth Zimbabwe batsman to score 30 or more ODI fifties.

    Quotes

    “We lost too many wickets in the first 15 overs. We need to correct that and make sure to put up a better performance in the second game.”
    “The year we have had, I don’t think one win will make us relaxed. We will be up and running in the second ODI.”

  • بيلينجهام: وضعت القطعة الأخيرة في اللغز.. وما زلت متعطشًا للمزيد

    تحدث جود بيلينجهام عن تألقه ومساهمته في الفوز الثمين لفريقه ريال مدريد أمام أوساسونا، بمنافسات الدوري الإسباني مساء السبت.

    وحقق ريال مدريد فوزًا برباعية نظيفة أمام أوساسونا، وسجل بيلينجهام هدفين خلال المباراة، ليرفع رصيده إلى 8 أهداف في الدوري الإسباني.

    وقال بيلينجهام في تصريحات نشرها موقع ريال مدريد الرسمي: “كان المفتاح هو التسجيل مبكرًا وعدم تلقي شباكنا أهدافًا، إذا حافظنا على شباكنا نظيفة يمكننا تسجيل هدف، عدم تلقي شباكنا مبكرًا هو تغيير إيجابي ويساعدنا في البحث عن الفوز، التسجيل المبكر جعل المباراة أسهل بالنسبة لنا”.

    وأضاف: “لقد كانت بداية رائعة لحياتي هنا في مدريد، لقد ساعدتموني جميعًا كثيرًا، طاقم النادي وزملائي والمشجعين، أنا ممتن للغاية، لن أسجل في كل مباراة، لكن يجب أن أحاول الحفاظ على هذا المستوى لمحاولة الفوز بأكبر قدر ممكن”.

    اقرأ أيضًا | بعد 14 عامًا.. بيلينجهام يُعادل رقمًا قياسيًا لـ كريستيانو رونالدو مع ريال مدريد

    وعن الأهداف التي سُجلت في المباراة، أردف بيلينجهام: “جاء الهدف الأول من هجمة شرسة من مودريتش وكارفاخال، دخلت منطقة الجزاء، التقطت الكرة، بحثت عن فجوة وسددتها بقدمي اليسرى، لقد كانت تسديدة جيدة”.

    وتابع: “في الهدف الثاني، قمت بربط الكرة بشكل جيد مع فالفيردي وتغلبت على حارس المرمى، هدفان جيدان بفضل اللعب الجماعي، كنت هناك لأضع تلك القطعة الأخيرة في اللغز، من الجيد دائمًا أن تسجل، بل وأكثر من ذلك عندما تفوز”.

    وعن بدايته الرائعة مع ريال مدريد، أشار: “أنا رجل واثق، لكنني لم أتوقع مثل هذه البداية الجيدة، أنا سعيد للغاية، لقد مرت عشر مباريات فقط وعلينا الحفاظ على هذا المستوى طوال الموسم”.

    وفيما يتعلق بتصفيق جماهير البرنابيو له، استطرد: “لا أعرف كيف أشكر المشجعين، لقد رحبوا بي في هذه العائلة كواحد منهم، أتمنى أن يستمتعوا بكرة القدم، دعمهم ووحدتهم أمر أساسي للاستمرار على هذا النحو، من المهم جدًا أن نكون كذلك، قادر على الاعتماد عليهم”.

    وحول طقوسه قبل المباراة، علّق بيلينجهام: “أحب أن أتخيل المباراة، أرى الملعب، والعشب، وموقع لعبي، وبهذه الطريقة أشعر بالهدوء، وأعرف أين سأكون في الملعب، إنه شيء كنت أفعله طوال مسيرتي وبفضل ذلك أخوض المباريات بدون توتر أعصاب ومستعد لكل شيء، لقد تعلمت هذا منذ صغري وما زلت أمارسه”.

    واسترسل: “في هذه المرحلة من الموسم لا يمكنك طلب المزيد، في الوقت الحالي نحن نبلي بلاءً حسناً، لقد وضعت قدمي على الأرض، لكنني ما زلت متعطشًا للمزيد”.

    وأتم بشأن التوقف الدولي: “الآن يجب أن ألعب لمنتخب إنجلترا، آمل أن أحقق فوزين وأن أعود بنفس الإيقاع والعقلية لمساعدة فريقي على الفوز مرة أخرى”.

    Game
    Register
    Service
    Bonus