Assim como Róger Guedes, o goleiro Cássio não jogou a toalha e acredita em uma reviravolta do Corinthians na Copa do Brasil. O Timão foi derrotado, nesta quarta-feira (5), por 1 a 0 pelo América-MG, na primeira partida das quartas de final.
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+ VÍDEO: Luan é agredido por torcedores do Corinthians em motel
O goleiro corintiano aprovou o volume ofensivo do Alvinegro, mas lamentou a falta de objetividade da equipe na frente do gol. O capitão elogiou o goleiro Mateus Pasinato, que fez grandes defesas, evitando o empate na Arena Independência.
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– Outro campeonato, a gente tá vivo para fazer um grande jogo em casa, agora é reverter o resultado. Outros jogos vocês questionaram a gente não criar chances, hoje criamos. Mas tem que matar, ser letal. O Corinthians vai vivo, apesar da derrota. Criamos e não conseguimos fazer o gol. Goleiro deles foi o melhor campo. Vamos trabalhar para fazer um grande jogo na volta. Dar uma pausa, focar no jogo do Brasileiro. Segundo tempo a gente criou e temos totais condições de reverter na volta – disse Cássio na saída de campo ao portal Meu Timão.
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O confronto de volta entre Corinthians e América-MG será no dia 15 de julho, na Neo Química Arena. Antes, o Timão enfrenta o Atlético-MG e Universitário, pelo Brasileirão e Sul-Americana, respectivamente.
+ Timão avança? Veja datas de todos os confrontos das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil
Chelsea now hold a concrete interest in signing a “spectacular” Barcelona player, who has the same agent as Liam Delap, it has been revealed.
Blues making plans for 2026 after busy summer window
The Blues have spent extremely heavily under BlueCo ownership, with Football FanCast recently detailing some of their most expensive signings, which includes the likes of Moises Caicedo, who cost £115m, while Enzo Fernandez set them back £107m.
As expected, the west Londoners were once again extremely active in the summer transfer window, spending a whopping €328.15m (£285m), although they balanced the books with a number of big sales.
New signing
Cost
Joao Pedro
£55m
Jamie Gittens
£49m
Alejandro Garnacho
£40m
Jorrel Hato
£38m
Liam Delap
£30m
Estevao
£29m
Dario Essugo
£19m
Mamadou Sarr
£12m
Kendry Paez
£9m
Facundo Buonanotte
£2m (loan fee)
However, despite making several key additions to the squad, Enzo Maresca may feel more arrivals will be required in January, given that a new centre-back was not brought in following the injury blow to Levi Colwill.
Not only that, but it has now been revealed that Chelsea missed out on another target in the final stages of the January transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano telling GiveMeSport they made a late approach to sign Barcelona midfielder Femin Lopez.
A €40m (£35m) offer was made for Lopez, which was knocked back by the Spanish club, but the 22-year-old could still end up at Stamford Bridge in the future, with Romano detailing the Blues hold a concrete interest.
FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezis presented with the MVP trophy after the match
That said, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, given that the Spaniard wants to stay at the Camp Nou, as Barca are his boyhood club, and he is held in very high regard by his current employers.
"Spectacular" Lopez could be Buonanotte upgrade
The signing of Buonanotte can perhaps be viewed as a little strange, with the 20-year-old arriving on loan from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, and he has since been omitted from Chelsea’s Champions League squad.
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That is despite the fact the youngster stated playing in Europe’s elite competition was a factor behind choosing to move to Stamford Bridge, saying: “Of course, I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to this season and hopefully I can help the club to achieve its goals.”
Unlike Buonanotte, who is yet to establish himself at the top level, having been relegated with Leicester City last season, Lopez has already proven himself at Barcelona, chipping in with eight goals and ten assists in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.
Not only that, but the Barca academy graduate, who is represented by the same agent as Delap, has also received high praise from former manager Xavi in the past, who lauded him for his “spectacular mentality”, which suggests he could be an instant upgrade on Buonanotte in attacking midfield.
Leeds United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could seek to target an international star who will currently be available for free in 2026.
Leeds trying to move on after transfer frustration
Daniel Farke has acknowledged that the Whites could’ve done more in the window as they look to stay in the Premier League, albeit the German coach will have to play with the cards he has at his disposal for the time being after a heartbreaking late defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.
Like any newly-promoted side, home form and being able to withstand barrages while on the road from elite outfits will be key to their chances of survival. Either way, the former Norwich City boss has admitted he will need to cope with the ‘reality’ of their situation.
He stated via The Independent on their transfer dealings: “I’ve got a few principles with how I work and this is crucial for me. One principle is I like openness and transparency. I like to name it how I see it.
“The second principle is once a transfer window is closed and I can’t influence things anymore, you won’t hear one bad word or comment from me in any way. I’m pretty fortunate to be allowed to work in the business. My job is to adapt to the reality and work with what I’ve got.”
Failed late Leeds moves for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, among others, have left the Whites a little light for Farke’s liking, but that is the way of the window, and he isn’t the only top-flight manager in that situation.
Ultimately, time is the greatest healer and January isn’t a million miles away, which could see movement emerge regarding another star who was heavily pursued during the summer.
Leeds United plan move to sign Fulham's Harry Wilson
According to Football Insider, Leeds are planning a renewed move to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in January after missing out on the Wales international in the final hours of the summer window.
Encouragingly, the £55,000 per week earner is out of contract in 2026 and the Whites are keeping a close eye on his situation, while the Cottagers may be willing to sell him should he fail to agree an extention over the next few months.
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Labelled “outstanding” by Michael Beale, Wilson, who shares the Unique Sports Group agency with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, per Transfermarkt, scored six times in 27 appearances last term and has featured in all of Fulham’s matches so far in 2025/26, though is yet to get off the mark.
Clearly, Farke has had to deal with frustration at Elland Road in his mission to land key targets, but the chance to achieve retribution in pursuit of a player who could potentially arrive on a cut-price agreement or for free next year may sweeten his set of circumstances.
A worrying update has dropped regarding the future of a “fantastic” Liverpool player, with a huge club confident that they will sign him next year.
Liverpool linked with potential Salah successors
Mohamed Salah continues to be one of the best players in the Premier League, despite the fact that his form has been well short of its best so far this season.
At 33 years of age, however, Liverpool do need to be aware that the Egyptian legend isn’t getting any younger, and that an elite replacement will eventually need to be found, in order to make the transition as seamless as possible when it happens.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been linked with a move to Anfield, being touted as a Salah successor, with the Belgian a hugely talented young player who can excel on either flank. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also reportedly considered a leading option to come in and be Liverpool’s next star winger, with the Frenchman already scoring three goals in two Bundesliga appearances this season.
Away from the Salah situation, there is a Reds player whose future needs to be resolved as soon as possible, with a new update dropping.
Club think they will sign Liverpool regular
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic, journalist Mario Cortegana claimed that Real Madrid feel Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate wants to move to the Bernabeu.
This comes just days after it was reported that Konate is in “very advanced” talks over a move to Madrid, with the rumours refusing to go away.
He doesn’t appear to be any closer to extending his stay, with the European giants considering him a key target alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba.
At this point, it does certainly feel more than possible that Konate could join Madrid next year, with his current Liverpool deal expiring in 2026 and no sign of an extension being agreed currently.
The £70,000-a-week Frenchman is an important player who the Reds should be looking to tie down, though, with Virgil van Dijk one admirer, heaping praise on him early last season.
“I think we need everyone to be at their best. He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion.”
Konate has received criticism for some poor form this season, but that shouldn’t cloud the fact that he is Liverpool’s second-most important defender and he has been a regular under Slot.
Liverpool identify Mohamed Salah successor who is loved by Man City star
The Reds are ready to recruit an exciting attacker who could be a long-term solution under Arne Slot.
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While losing him to Madrid wouldn’t necessarily feel like the end of the world, some supporters may only fully appreciate the job he does when he leaves, and how hard it may be to replace him.
Manchester United’s defeat against League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night has undoubtedly set a new low for Ruben Amorim during his tenure in charge.
The Red Devils were knocked out in the second round of the competition, losing on penalties after coming from two goals down in the second half.
However, it may prove to be a damning defeat for the 40-year-old, adding more pressure to his shoulders after their dismal start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
His side have failed to win any of the first three games, which could force the hierarchy into making a change – especially after backing him with £200m worth of new additions this summer.
The window still has a few days remaining, but it remains to be seen if the former Sporting CP boss will carry on leading the side, with rumours circulating about his future at Old Trafford.
The latest on Amorim’s future at United
Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported by CaughtOffside that the United hierarchy are now considering making a change of manager, after Amorim’s disastrous start to the new season.
The report states that it’s a matter of time before the 40-year-old is handed his marching orders, with concerns around his ability to take the side forward in the future.
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INEOS are said to be willing to make an early decision to sack the boss, in order to avoid a repeat of last season, which saw the side finish in a measly 15th place.
The same article also states that Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being lined up as a potential replacement, if and when Amorim is dismissed from his position at Old Trafford.
It states that the FA Cup-winning boss would be keen to take the reins, potentially being the next manager in a long list to try and take the Red Devils back to their former glory.
Why United’s Amorim replacement would be Klopp 2.0
Jürgen Klopp is a manager who has caused United no end of problems over the years, often leading rivals Liverpool to countless victories over the Red Devils in the Premier League.
The German only suffered five defeats in his 21 outings against the Red Devils, even claiming a historic 7-0 victory at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign.
Whilst he may have managed their bitter rivals, there’s no denying the former Reds boss is a serial winner – something which United have lacked, given their decade-long wait for a top-division title.
He may be out of management after leaving Liverpool in 2024, but there is no chance he would return to management and replace Amorim – especially considering his ties with the Merseyside outfit.
However, INEOS could hire their own answer to Klopp with a move for Glasner, with the Eagles boss previously being compared to the Premier League legend by German expert Constantin Eckner.
When comparing his stats at Selhurst Park to Amorim in England’s top-flight, he’s managed to better him in various key areas – potentially being the perfect replacement should the former Sporting CP boss depart.
Oliver Glasner lifts the FA Cup.
Glasner, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – doing so whilst having a much lower budget during his time in England.
He’s also notched a better point per game record, having the tools to change the Red Devils’ fortunes should he take the reins in the coming months.
Games managed
65
45
Wins
31
17
Draws
19
9
Losses
15
19
Points per game
1.72
1.33
Win percentage
47.6%
37.7%
Goals scored (per 90)
1.69
1.98
Goals against (per 90)
1.17
1.91
Trophies won
2
0
The Austrian’s dominance over the United boss is further reflected in his ability to build a solid defensive unit – achieving a better goal conceded per 90 record.
Amorim’s future in the role could well be coming to an end in the coming weeks, but it’s clear such a decision would be the right one after such an embarrassing showing in the Carabao Cup.
Glasner would be an excellent replacement, already winning two trophies in recent months, having the tools to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford should he make the move.
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Bigger blow than Mainoo: £50m Man Utd ace in "very advanced" talks to leave
Manchester United look set to offload another star as Kobbie Mainoo exit rumours pick up pace.
Alisha Lehmann has been among the revellers at Oktoberfest in Munich, with the Swiss star making a point of passing through Germany before the 2025-26 campaign gets underway with new employers Como Women. Lehmann was in a party mood when chugging a huge beer in Bavaria – as is tradition – with the former Aston Villa and Juventus star also dressing up for the occasion alongside some of her club colleagues.
Lehmann embracing fresh start with Como Women
Switzerland international Lehmann is still in the process of finding her feet in new surroundings at Como. She linked up with them over the summer after savouring Serie A title glory with Juventus last season. A desire to find more regular game time led the 26-year-old to seek out another new challenge – with any thoughts of heading back to the WSL being put on hold for now.
Lehmann is fully embracing the project being pieced together by Como, telling of joining their ranks: “It’s an independent club, fully focused on women’s football – and that really matters to me. From the start, I could see this wasn’t just another team; it’s a project with real purpose and vision. [So] signing with FC Como Women just felt right.
“It sends the message that being strong, ambitious and expressive can all go hand in hand; that’s important for the future of the sport. We’re in a moment where women’s football can define itself on its own terms, and independent clubs like Como Women have the opportunity in leading the movement. [It] isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about building something that lasts. This is the first time I’ve joined an independent club. That was a big part of my decision. It shows there is a different way of doing things.”
AdvertisementInstagramMilan & Munich: Busy schedule for Lehmann
Como have been allowing Lehmann to enjoy herself on and off the pitch, with a visit to the legendary Milan Fashion Week being paid. Lehmann and Co teamed up with Prada and Nike for a special event that allowed modelling skills to be put to the test. After working the camera, it was time for collective hair to be let down.
Lehmann headed to Munich alongside team-mates, including American forward Alex Kerr, with Como stars getting into the spirit of things as they attempted to down the contents of a famous stein while donning traditional dirndl dresses.
Famous faces from the world of football are nothing new at Oktoberfest. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich send players and coaching staff along on an annual basis, allowing the stresses of pursuing points and trophies to be forgotten for a few hours. England captain Harry Kane has embraced that tradition since heading to the Allianz Arena.
Kane said in 2024, having attended alongside his wife Kate: “Really good day at Oktoberfest and to see the German tradition. Such a good team tradition and to go with Kate Kane and the players, staff and everyone in the sunshine was perfect. Great way to end a great week with some of our fans there as well.”
Georgia Stanway is another English star to be shining in Bavaria, with the two-time European Championship winner revealing in October 2024 that she had been partying in Munich when it was revealed that the Lionesses were set to take in a friendly reunion with Euro 2022 finalists Germany. The Bayern midfielder said: “The moment that we got sent a message to say ‘promote the tickets’, me and the Germans were actually at Oktoberfest. Immediately I sent a video saying ‘girls, come to the game’ with our steins. Unfortunately it wasn’t approved by the media. It didn’t make the cut.”
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New season for Lehmann: Como ready for season opener
Kane has been in red-hot form for Bayern in front of goal of late, taking him to 100 goals in total for the Bundesliga giants, while Stanway has helped the club’s women’s team to make an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign. Lehmann and Como are set to get their new domestic season up and running on Sunday when playing host to Lazio.
Ange Postecoglou may find himself under increased pressure if results at Nottingham Forest do not improve quickly, according to reports. The Australian 'retains the immediate backing' of the Forest board, who believe extenuating circumstances may have played a role in his failure to win any of his first six matches in charge in all competitions. Fans made their voices heard late on in defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, though, and the understanding is that things must improve soon.
Postecoglou has support of board despite tough start
As reported by BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest’s next Premier League match away at Newcastle United may be a ‘key fixture’ for how Postecoglou’s position at the club is viewed moving forward. Both the result and the manner of the performance are thought to be equally important by the club hierarchy. Postecoglou retains their backing in the meantime, and has full faith in the project he has begun at the club.
The Australian arrived at the City Ground in unenviable circumstances and will have his work cut out to win over fans, many of whom are not happy at how Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following a disagreement with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Sections of the home support chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” towards their own manager after Midtjylland went 3-1 up late on Thursday. Chris Wood pulled a goal back from the spot in stoppage time but could not prevent defeat. The result meant Postecoglou became the first Forest manager in 100 years to win none of their first six matches in charge.
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Enraged Forest fan chants reflect a series of concerning results
While it felt slightly premature for Forest fans to be calling for their manager’s head after just 24 days and six matches, it reflected the worries beginning to expand within the fanbase. What was supposed to be their most celebrated season in a generation as European football returns to the City Ground, is looking an uncertain one already.
Just one point was earned from league matches against newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, while Forest capitulated late on to lose 3-2 at Championship Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. Add that to a 3-0 defeat at home to 19th-placed West Ham United in Nuno’s final game in charge at the City Ground, and it is easy to see why a series of concerning results have led to fan backlash.
A 2-2 draw away at Real Betis has truly been the only encouraging result of Postecoglou’s reign so far, even that being a game which ended in disappointment as Antony equalised for the La Liga side in the 85th minute. The pressure is on for things to improve, quickly.
Postecoglou speaks as pressure ramps up
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou said that he does not allow pressure to impact his management, citing his Europa League win despite a miserable domestic season with Tottenham Hotspur as a prime example of this.
"It doesn't enter my head," he stressed. "My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things”, said Postecoglou.
"If I start putting timelines to that or worry about what is going to happen next week then I am not performing the role I have been given.
"I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play, and, as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.
"Put it this way – I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about three or four months before I did, but that didn't stop me from winning something."
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Crucial month lies ahead for Postecoglou and Nottm Forest
It is easy to see why the clash with Newcastle is viewed as of such importance for Postecoglou and Forest. It Is 15th vs 17th as neither side have made the desired start to the new campaign – though the Magpies will be buoyed by a 4-0 win at Union Saint Gilloise in the Champions League, while Forest’s midweek European exploits went in an entirely different direction.
A heavy defeat at St James’ Park could put Postecoglou under ‘internal scrutiny’ ahead of the international break, where a decision may be taken. Challenging fixtures against Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United see out the month.
Postecoglou has the backing of the Forest board, for now – but how long can things continue before Marinakis and co. begin to consider whether they appointed the right man?
كشفت تقارير صحفية إنجليزية أن نادي ليفربول يواجه خطر التعرض لعقوبة من جانب الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم، يويفا، بسبب مباراته في دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت.
ويستضيف ملعب “دوتش بانك بارك” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وآينتراخت فرانكفورت، في الجولة الثالثة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26.
وكان من المفترض أن يصل ليفربول إلى ألمانيا، مساء أمس الثلاثاء، على أن يعقد المدرب آرني سلوت مؤتمره الصحفي، رفقة أحد لاعبيه، في تمام الساعة 8:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.
ولكن ذلك لم يحدث حيث أصدر ليفربول بيانًا رسميًا أعلن من خلاله إلغاء مؤتمره الصحفي المزمع إقامته نتيجة تأخر إقلاع طائرتهم إلى ألمانيا، إثر عطل فني في الطائرة.
اقرأ أيضًا | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وآينتراخت فرانكفورت اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. والمعلق
وذكرت صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية أن ليفربول يواجه خطر التعرض لغرامة مالية من يويفا بعد انتهاكه قواعد دوري أبطال أوروبا، بتغيبه عن المؤتمر الصحفي عشية مباراته.
وأوضحت أن ليفربول انتهك المادة 48 من قواعد دوري أبطال أوروبا، والتي تنص على: “يتعين على الأندية ترتيب وصول فرقها إلى ملعب المباراة المعنية بحلول مساء اليوم السابق للمباراة على أقصى تقدير، وفي الوقت المناسب للوفاء بالتزاماتها الإعلامية في اليوم السابق للمباراة”.
وأشارت إلى إنه مع ذلك، قد يتم إعفاء ليفربول من العقوبة، إذ لا يتحمل النادي أي مسؤولية عن المشاكل التي تسببت في تأخيره، وتعني الصعوبات الفنية التي ثبت أنها تعرقل سير المباراة أن اتخاذ أي إجراء ضد الفريق أمر غير مرجح.
وإذا اختار مندوب مباراة الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم تضمين تلك الواقعة في تقريره، فستتخذ هيئة تأديبية القرار النهائي.
Even in their current state, it’s not often that Manchester United struggle to welcome the world’s best players. Without Champions League football and off the back of finishing 15th in the Premier League, the Red Devils convinced Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens to join in a £200m spending spree.
Manager Ruben Amorim spoke about the attraction that Man United still have during the summer, shooting down any rumours that Cunha and Mbeumo joined the club because of the money offered.
It also almost goes without saying that the Red Devils rarely had trouble convincing players to join the club when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. United were at the top of the food chain in English football at that stage and even lured the likes of Rio Ferdinand from rivals Leeds United in 2002.
The iconic manager is still seen as a man with influence at the club even to this day. His opinion is arguably the most respected that anyone could find at Old Trafford.
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The history that he created is the reason why Man United are still able to welcome the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo. Amorim even admitted in one of his first interviews after stepping into the technical area that he’d like to have dinner with Ferguson.
He is, in many ways, the ace up Man United’s sleeve that has paid dividends on so many occasions. But that’s not to say it’s worked its charm every time. Not even the Premier League legend could convince one player to join the club back in 2020.
Ferguson and Cantona made Man Utd Jude Bellingham plea
As revealed by the great Bryan Robson, Ferguson and Eric Cantona both pleaded with Jude Bellingham to join Man United in 2020, before he ultimately rejected the club in favour of a £25m move to Borussia Dortmund. Given how things turned out, it’s hard to blame the midfielder for turning the Red Devils down.
Since choosing Dortmund over United, Bellingham has earned a move to Real Madrid and become one of the best midfielders in the world. His debut season for the Spanish giants proved exactly why those at Old Trafford went all out for his signature.
The England star ended the campaign with 15 goals and 15 assists from midfield in all competitions, as he showed the rest of European football that the biggest stage is exactly where he belongs.
كتب تروي ديني، مهاجم فريق واتفورد السابق، مقالًا عبر صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية حيث تطرق خلاله للحديث عن النجم المصري محمد صلاح ووضعه الحالي في صفوف ليفربول.
ويستعد ليفربول لخوض مباراة مساء السبت ضد نظيره برينتفورد، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، في خضم لقاءات الجولة التاسعة.
وتحوم الشكوك حول ما إذا كان محمد صلاح سيبدأ تلك المباراة أم أن المدرب آرني سلون سيتخذ تجاهه موقفًا مشابهًا لما حدث يوم الأربعاء الماضي ضد فرانكفورت في دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث لعب كبديل في الدقيقة 74.
وكتب تروي ديني في مقاله: “محمد صلاح لاعب رائع، يفصله هدفان فقط عن الوصول إلى 250 هدفًا مع ليفربول، وهو أمر مذهل، لكننا الآن ندخل مرحلة جديدة معه، حيث سيكون النقاش، سواء أكان صائبًا أم خاطئًا، هو: هل حان وقت رحيله قريبًا؟”.
وأضاف: “يشبه الأمر تمامًا عندما كان الناس يتساءلون عن ستيفن جيرارد وما إذا كان قد تقدم في السن، هذا هو جيرارد، الذي يمكن القول إنه أعظم لاعب في تاريخ ليفربول، إرث محمد صلاح راسخ، حتى لو لم يلعب مباراة أخرى مع ليفربول، فهو أسطورة وأيقونة، على قدم المساواة مع جيرارد”.
وواصل: “لكن الآن، أصبحت الميول الأنانية لـ محمد صلاح في المقدمة أكثر من أي وقت مضى، لا يزال لاعبًا يركز على الأهداف، وليس على الفريق، وقد يصبح هذا مشكلة كبيرة في إطار خطة ليفربول الجديدة، سيقول الناس إن هذا قاس وإنه لكي تكون هدافًا عليك أن تكون أنانيًا، لكن مع اقتراب نهاية الموسم الماضي وبداية هذا الموسم، لم يكن أداؤه جيدًا بما يكفي”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. جماهير ليفربول تنقلب على محمد صلاح وتتوجه بطلب إلى سلوت
واسترسل: “من منظور الفريق، أرى أن آرن سلوت يحاول بناء الفريق بطريقة تتيح للجميع فرصًا للتسجيل، لم يعد الأمر يقتصر على اللعب على الجهة اليمنى حيث كان صلاح وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد يتشاركان دائمًا في الماضي، نحن نبتعد عن ذلك، سيكون هذا تغييرًا كبيرًا لـ مو، بالإضافة إلى جلوسه على مقاعد البدلاء، كما حدث في فوزهم 5-1 في دوري أبطال أوروبا على آينتراخت فرانكفورت مساء الأربعاء”.
واستكمل: “كنت في المدرجات أشاهد المباراة، كانت هناك لحظة حيث كان في إمكانه تمرير كرة ناحية فيرتز ليسجل هدفه الأول مع ليفربول، ولن يتحدث أحد عن سعره البالغ 100 مليون جنيه إسترليني أو بدايته الصعبة في إنجلترا، ولكن ماذا حدث؟ سدد مو وضيع، ما ستفعله تلك اللحظات في غرفة الملابس هو أن يقول اللاعبون الآخرون (أوه، ما زلت قلقًا بشأن نفسك)”.
واستأنف: “عندما تكون أنانيًا وتسجل ويفوز الفريق، فهذا أمر طبيعي، عندما تكون أنانيًا ولا تسجل ولا يفوز الفريق، فهذه مشكلة، أتظن أن الإعلام متقلب؟ غرف الملابس سيئة بنفس القدر، هناك الكثير من الغيرة والإحباط والحسد، يوجد الآن الكثير من الغرور المفرط في ليفربول، لم يكن هذا هو الحال العام الماضي”.
وتابع: “اللاعب الذي سيتعرض للانتقادات من قِبل زملائه، سيستدير الآن ويقول (حسنًا، ولكن ماذا عن صلاح؟)، سيفكر آخرون أمام سلوت (هل ستستمر في إشراكه؟ هل أنا الرجل المناسب الآن؟)، الأمر لا يتعلق بمدى استعداده لتغيير أسلوب لعبه للتكيف مع أسلوب لعب جديد وإطالة مسيرته – كما فعل جيرارد – بل بما إذا كان جيدًا بما يكفي، أو لديه الوقت الكافي للقيام بذلك”.
وأوضح: “في الموسم الماضي سمحوا له بعدم التراجع إلى الخلف والبقاء في مركز متقدم لأنه كان يسجل الأهداف ويفوز بالمباريات، لا أقول إنه يجب عليه الآن العودة إلى الخلف ومطاردة كل لاعب وكل كرة، ولكن عندما يمر اللاعب بلحظات صعبة، يجب أن يكون قادرًا على إظهار لزملائه أنه قادر على الصمود وتقديم المساعدة”.
وشدد: “أنا لا أعرف ما إذا كنت في سن الـ33 عامًا ستكون مستعدًا للقيام بذلك عندما تكون معتادًا على أن تكون النجم، ومعتادًا على أن يحمل الناس العبء الثقيل نيابةً عنك، عندما يكون محمد صلاح في أفضل حالاته، يظل مخيفًا وسيخوض مباريات كثيرة على هذا المستوى، لن أتفاجأ إذا سجل هدفًا ضد برينتفورد السبت، وسيتألق بلا شك في هذه الفترة التي يتساءل فيها الجميع عما إذا كان لا يزال جيدًا بما يكفي، أو في مستواه السابق، سيمنحه ذلك حافزًا جديدًا، خاصةً للاعب فاز بكل شيء”.
ولم يتوقف ديني عند ذلك الحد، بل قال: “الأسئلة تتوالى، عند إبعاده عن مقاعد البدلاء في فرانكفورت، سيغضب ويحاول جاهدًا قلب الوضع وإخراس الجميع، لقد مررنا جميعًا بهذا الموقف كمحترفين كبار، حيث لا يزال المرء يعتقد أنه قادر على فعل ذلك، يتمسك بالأمل لأنه يعلم أن الوقت أمامه أقصر مما كان خلفه، وأن مستواه يتراجع تدريجيًا، حتى لو كان بنسبة نصف بالمائة”.
واعترف: “المثير للدهشة أنه وقع عقدًا جديدًا في أبريل، الآن نحن في أكتوبر، ونتساءل عما إذا كان لا يزال الشخص نفسه، إنه أمر نفسي، لكنه عملنا، الأمور تتغير بسرعة، الآراء تتغير بسرعة، وكذلك نظرة اللاعب، أحب كرة القدم، لكنني أكره كيف نفعل ذلك في غضون أسابيع، لا يزال صلاح قادرًا على أن يكون اللاعب الرئيسي، لكنه غير معتاد على المنافسة على مركزه، خاصة عندما ترى هدف إيكتيكي أمام فرانكفورت، بدا كأفضل نسخة من تييري هنري، لم يبد عليه أبدًا أنه سيهدر”.
واختتم: “هنا يأتي دور إدارة سلوت للاعبين، وهو اختبار كبير فيما يخص كيفية تعامله مع نجم لم يعد يقدم نفس الأداء الذي كان عليه، إبعاد صلاح عن مقاعد البدلاء بعث برسالة إلى البقية، لا أحد في مأمن، ولا ينبغي لأحد الآن أن يتجاوز الحدود، وإلا! ومع ذلك، إذا أبقى سلوت صلاح على مقاعد البدلاء ضد برينتفورد وخسروا، فماذا سيحدث حينها؟”.