خسر منتخب عمان أمام نظيره كوريا الجنوبية، بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء، في تصفيات كأس العالم.
منتخب عمان واجه كوريا الجنوبية، على ملعب مجمع السلطان قابوس الرياضي في العاصمة العمانية مسقط، في إطار الجولة الثانية لمواجهات المجموعة الثانية لـ تصفيات كأس العالم.
وتقدم منتخب كوريا الجنوبية، عن طريق لاعبه هوانج هي تشان في الدقيقة 10 من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة بتسديدة قوية من خارج حدود منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك المنتخب العماني.
وتعادل منتخب عمان، بواسطة لاعب منتخب كوريا الجنوبية بالخطأ في مرماه جيونج سيونج هيون، في الدقيقة 45+2 من عمر الشوط الأول.
وعاد منتخب كوريا الجنوبية، عن طريق قائده ولاعب توتنهام الإنجليزي، سون هيونج مين، بتسجيل الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 82 بعد تسديدة قوية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء.
واختتم الثلاثية لمنتخب كوريا الجنوبية، اللاعب جو مين كيو في الدقيقة 90+11 من عمر المباراة من تسديدة أيضًا بعد تمريرة من زميله سون هيونج مين، ليحصد المنتخب الكوري 3 نقاط ثمينة.
وكان حكم المباراة لجأ في الدقيقة 52 إلى تقنية الفار، بعد احتساب ركلة جزاء لمنتخب كوريا الجنوبية، إلا أن تقنية الفار ألغت ركلة الجزاء.
وبتلك النتيجة، يظل منتخب عمان بلا نقاط في المجموعة الثانية من تصفيات كأس العالم، بينما كوريا الجنوبية تحصد الثلاث نقاط الأولي لها.
وتضم المجموعة الثانية من تصفيات آسيا ضمن المرحلة النهائية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، 6 منتخبات وهي: “عمان وكوريا الجنوبية والعراق والأردن والكويت وفلسطين”.
ويتصدر ترتيب المجموعة، منتخب الأردن برصيد 4 نقاط، وبنفس الرصيد يتواجد في المركز الثاني منتحب كوريا الجنوبية، ثالثًا منتخب العراق بثلاث نقاط، وفي المركزين الرابع والخامس على الترتيب يتواجد كل الكويت وفلسطين بنقطة واحدة، ويتذيل الترتيب منتخب عمان بدون نقاط.
طالع.. فيديو | وسام أبو علي يسجل.. الأردن تفوز على فلسطين بثلاثية في تصفيات كأس العالم
واستهل منتخب عمان مشواره في تصفيات كأس العالم، بالخسارة أمام العراق بهدف دون رد في مباراة الجولة الأولى.
وعلى الجانب الآخر، تعادل منتخب كوريا الجنوبية مع فلسطين سلبيًا في المواجهة التي أقيمت في ملعب سيول بكوريا الجنوبية.
وشمل نظام تصفيات آسيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، تقسيم الـ 18 منتخبًا على 3 مجموعات، كل مجموعة بها 6 فرق، صاحبا المركز الأول والثاني سيتأهلان مُباشرة لكأس العالم 2026.
بينما أصحاب المركزين الثالث والرابع من كل مجموعة، سيتم تقسيمها إلى مجموعتين، ويتأهل متصدر كل مجموعة للمونديال مُباشرة.
وستقام مواجهة أخيرة بين وصيف المجموعتين، الفائز منها سيتأهل إلى الملحق العالمي، ليكتمل نصاب قارة آسيا في كأس العالم. أهداف مباراة عمان وكوريا الجنوبية في تصفيات كأس العالم
The January transfer window is nearly at the halfway point and perhaps predictably Liverpool have been quiet, yet to make a move and bolster the ranks despite the swarm of rumours.
Jurgen Klopp's sweeping summer changes have not exactly impeded the transfer kitty but it's rather difficult to secure the right player in the winter, and the German manager will only forge ahead if the right opportunity arises.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
First-placed in the Premier League after 20 matches, the restoration of the midfield has been an immense success, though there are still questions over the bulk of the defence, with a transfer expected in 2024.
Liverpool transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo
According to yesterday's edition of French newspaper Nice-Matin, Liverpool have the 'advantage' over Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for Jean-Clair Todibo.
The France international considers Anfield the most attractive destination should he leave OGC Nice, though with a €60m (£52m) price tag, completing a winter deal could prove difficult.
This suits the Reds, however, who could bide their time and strike with full force in the summer.
How Jean-Clair Todibo compares to Ibrahima Konate
In December, veteran Joel Matip ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Fulham to heighten the concerns over Liverpool's defensive security.
The Cameroonian is out of contract in June and it was generally accepted that 2024 would focus on the acquisition of a new defender, and Todibo could fit the bill, having been hailed as the "complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
As per FBref, the Les Aiglons star ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 10% for tackles per 90.
Jean-Clair Todibo: Similar Players
#
Player
Club
1
Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United
2
Dante
OGC Nice
3
Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool
4
Dayot Upamecano
Bayern Munich
5
Malick Thiaw
AC Milan
*Sourced via FBref
Given his similarities to Ibrahima Konate, it's understandable that Klopp is interested in securing his signature, with the 6 foot 4 Liverpool titan ranking among the top 12% of positional peers for passes attempted, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for tackles per 90.
The issue that would arise from a deal does centre on the fact that Todibo would demand regular match action, having made his Les Bleus debut last September, and with Virgil van Dijk and Konate already the established pairing, the addition of Todibo could seriously affect the emerging Jarell Quansah.
How a transfer would affect Jarell Quansah
Quansah made his Liverpool debut against Newcastle United earlier this season and has since chalked up 15 senior appearances, scoring once and providing two assists.
Considered a "phenomenal" prospect by vice-captain Trent Alexander Arnold, the 20-year-old looks like a seasoned veteran in the rearguard, ranking among the top 10% of defenders for pass completion, the top 1% for passes attempted and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90.
Standing at 6 foot 5, he is commanding and composed on the ball too, with a growth that bespeaks his capability as a leading Premier League centre-half in the future.
Should he be demoted back to fourth choice this year, he might find that his game time is limited, and while Todibo is "solid as a rock" – as has been remarked by Kulig, Quansah has a skill set that could match the Frenchman's if he is nurtured and guided.
With a January deal for Todibo unlikely, Quansah will be allowed to continue his development over the coming months, and if he continues to make the improvements then there is every chance that the young colossus will change his manager's mind regarding fresh incoming.
Na última segunda-feira (1), o Ituano fez sua estreia no Paulistão com uma vitória de 3 a 0 fora de casa sobre o Guarani. O primeiro gol da partida foi marcado pelo zagueiro Léo Santos, que é o jogador do elenco com mais tempo no Ituano.
RelacionadasFlamengoApós frustrar assinantes, Flamengo corrige justificativa para problemas na FlaTV+Flamengo03/03/2021Futebol NacionalRamon celebra gol pelo Santo André e valoriza empate contra o SantosFutebol Nacional03/03/2021Futebol InternacionalRafael Diniz, do Ranong United, fala sobre adaptação e futuro no futebol asiáticoFutebol Internacional03/03/2021
>Como está a classificação do Campeonato Paulista depois da 1ª Rodada
O atleta chegou ao clube em 2011, quando tinha apenas 16 anos, e passou pelas categorias de base até estrear pelo profissional já no ano seguinte. Leo já soma 128 jogos pelo Ituano e, na partida de ontem, marcou seu 13° gol pelo clube.
Leo falou sobre a sensação de poder disputar mais uma Paulistão com o Galo:
– O sentimento é uma mistura de gratidão e alegria! 10 anos no mesmo clube é para poucos, e estou muito feliz de poder completar uma década aqui. É uma honra para qualquer jogador poder disputar um estadual de tão alto nível como é o Paulista com a camisa do Ituano, e eu espero poder retribuir em campo a confiança que a diretoria depositou em mim ao longo de todo esse tempo.
O recordista em atuações pelo Campeonato Paulista com o Ituano é o meio campo Roberto Ramos, que esteve em campo 124 vezes com a camisa do Galo na competição. Atualmente, o defensor tem 55 partidas, podendo assumir a nona colocação no ranking ao passar Anderson Salles, que tem 60 jogos.
A próxima partida do Ituano pelo Paulistão (onde Leo Santos pode aumentar suas marcas pessoais) será na próxima quinta-feira (4) contra o São Bento, em Itu. O confronto está marcado para às 15h (de Brasília).
Marcelo Chamusca teve problemas no que diz respeito ao meio-campo para a partida contra o Vasco, neste domingo, pelo Campeonato Carioca. O treinador não pôde contar com Pedro Castro e Luiz Otávio, lesionados, e ainda viu José Welison pedir para ser substituído no decorrer do duelo em São Januário por dores musculares.
RelacionadasBotafogoKanu lamenta erro defensivo do Botafogo no clássico, mas vê equipe em ‘processo de reconstrução’Botafogo21/03/2021BotafogoMercado: Chamusca revela que Botafogo está buscando a contratação de um ‘extremo’Botafogo21/03/2021BotafogoATUAÇÕES: Frizzo, Kayque e Paulo Victor são destaques do Botafogo em doído empate com o Vasco; veja notasBotafogo21/03/2021
O comandante, contudo, pode ganhar um reforço caseiro para o setor visando a partida contra o Flamengo, na próxima quarta-feira, no Estádio Nilton Santos, pela 5ª rodada do Campeonato Carioca. Marcelo Chamusca revelou, em entrevista coletiva, que Romildo está recuperado de uma fratura na mão.
CONFIRA A CLASSIFICAÇÃO E A TABELA DO CARIOCA
– O Romildo vai ser liberado a partir de amanhã (segunda-feira) – limitou-se a dizer o treinador.
O atleta, criado nas categorias de base, portanto, é esperado na reapresentação do Alvinegro no campo anexo do Estádio Nilton Santos. A equipe iniciará a preparação para a partida contra o Rubro-Negro.
Pela falta de ritmo de jogo, a presença de Romildo na delegação do duelo ainda não é garantida. Tudo dependerá de como os outros companheiros do setor vão responder às lesões nos próximos dois dias.
The former captain said Angelo Mathews should have been leading Sri Lanka, but he had to give up because he caved to cricket politics
Andrew Fidel Fernando26-May-2019
Mahela Jayawardene leads a training session•Getty Images
Mahela Jayawardene had been invited to play a role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign, but declined largely because he is still disillusioned with the general direction Sri Lanka Cricket has been going in.Now a two-time IPL-winning coach, Jayawardene has in the past produced plans to overhaul Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket system, only for SLC to reject those proposals. Last year, a committee featuring Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Aravinda de Silva had also produced a report on Sri Lankan cricket, with recommendations on governance as well as domestic structure. Those recommendations have been almost totally ignored.Jayawardene said he had been asked twice to play a role in Sri Lanka’s backroom for the World Cup – once by Sri Lanka’s sports minister, and once by SLC’s CEO towards the end of the recent IPL.”I was [invited] but I have several other commitments. More than that, I didn’t understand the role I am expected to play,” Jayawardene told . “There’s no point in me getting involved tactically, or whatever, if I don’t have a say in the whole structure. The team is selected and everything is done and dusted. There is no room for me to come in and add something.”I am still happy to contribute in my little way with the management of the team, but nothing to do with the SLC. That’s something I have told myself as well. I just don’t have the appetite to come and work for anybody when I know that it’s not the right place for me.”Jayawardene had been especially dismayed by SLC’s failure to seriously consider the recommendations put forward by his committee last year; that report had been commissioned by Sri Lanka’s sports ministry.”We created a professional cricketing structure spending eight months,” he said. “We offered to set it up for them but they rejected it. We did it because we don’t want to lose our cricketers going to Australia and to league cricket in England. We need those experienced players in our system.”There are some teams in our first-class system where the average age is 25, which is sad. When we played, we had so many senior cricketers to guide us. Without them in our system, we cannot build a strong domestic cricket structure. And without doing that, there’s no point in building stadiums.”Jayawardene also criticised aspects of Angelo Mathews’ and Dinesh Chandimal’s leadership, whose failures he believes contributed to the rapid recent turnover of captains in the Sri Lanka side. Mathews was captain of all Sri Lanka teams when Jayawardene retired in 2015, but since then, Chandimal, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Chamara Kapugedara and – most-recently – Dimuth Karunaratne have held the reins. This instability is often given as one reason for Sri Lanka’s serious decline in ODIs.”The only advice we gave Angelo was not to give in to cricket politics,” Jayawardene said. “He needs to be a stronger leader, to be with the players and do the right thing. But he gave in to cricket politics. He allowed other people to make decisions and did not stand up for his players. I am being honest. I have told him this as well and he accepts it. If he hadn’t given in, we would probably not be in this situation today. Even if I see him today, that’s the only complaint I will have against him.”The number one rule in Sri Lanka is, if you are the captain, lead by example, and do not allow any outsiders coming into that set-up. That’s the only way we ran the show and survived. It was unfortunate and it was not easy, either. You need to deal with a lot of unwanted elements. But if you are a strong character, that’s something you have to do. I have nothing against him. He is a brilliant cricketer and a wonderful person but he did not handle this situation well. He should be the one who is leading this team at the World Cup. He had to give up because it was too much for him. But it was his fault.”I think [Chandimal] was another victim of cricket politics. In the sense, he was another player like Angelo Mathews who was snared to elements behind the scene and went along with them rather than taking control of the team and being a strong leader.”Responding to Jayawardene, Mathews put out a tweet saying he was “surprised” to see some of the comments but his priority was the World Cup, and he urged Jayawardene to help the Sri Lankan team “with his knowledge and encouragement in this crucial time”.
ظهر باولو فونسيكا، المدير الفني لفريق ميلان، في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم للحديث عن مباراة الثلاثاء المرتقبة ضد نظيره فريق ليفربول.
ويستضيف ملعب “سان سيرو” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى من دوري أبطال أوروبا، في شكله الجديد.
ويخوض ميلان مباراتين صعبتين، حيث يلتقي مع ليفربول في دوري الأبطال، قبل ملاقاة جاره إنتر ميلان في الدوري الإيطالي الأحد المقبل.
وقال فونسيكا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “فوتبول إيطاليا” اليوم: “يمكن لنفس اللاعبين اللعب، لكن يمكنني أيضًا التفكير في إمكانية التغيير، غدًا هو الأهم لأنه التالي”.
وأضاف: “لكن لا يمكنني أن أنسى أننا سنلعب ديربي في مباراتنا المقبلة في الدوري الإيطالي”.
وقدم فونسيكا وعدًا للصحفيين الحاضرين في المؤتمر، حيث قال: “إذا فزنا في المباراتين (ليفربول وإنتر ميلان)، أعدكم بأن أحضر لكم باستيل دي ناتا (حلوى برتغالية شهيرة) في المؤتمر الصحفي”.
وواصل: “دعم الجماهير أمر بالغ الأهمية بالنسبة لنا دائمًا، من الضروري أن يكون لدينا دعم الجماهير، يجب أن نشعر بحبهم، أعتقد أن الانتصارات تعزز احترام الذات للجماهير واللاعبين”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. محمد صلاح يتصدر قائمة ليفربول لمباراة ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا
وأردف: “ليفربول فريق رائع، أحد أفضل الفرق في أوروبا في الوقت الحالي، لديهم لعب قوي في المراكز المختلفة ولاعبون أقوياء نعرفهم جميعًا، يجب أن نكون مثاليين دفاعيًا للفوز”.
وأوضح: “لا يمكننا ارتكاب أي أخطاء ضد هذه الفرق، إذا ارتكبنا خطأً، فسوف يسجلون، يجب أن نكون كاملين في الهجوم والدفاع، أرى مباراة الغد كفرصة للفريق لإثبات أننا نتحسن”.
واستمر: “مواجهة ليفربول هي فرصة كبيرة وتجلب شيئًا مختلفًا عما اعتدنا عليه في الدوري الإيطالي”.
وفيما يخص الفارق بين آرني سلوت ويورجن كلوب، قال: “لقد وصل سلوت للتو، يمتلك لاعبين مختلفين، أظن أن هناك العديد من الاختلافات عن كلوب، ولكن أيضًا سمات متشابهة مثل الطريقة التي يدافعون بها”.
واسترسل: “إنهم مختلفون جدًا عندما يلعبون على الأجنحة، في حين أن الطريقة التي يستعيدون بها الكرة ويضغطون بها عاليًا متشابهة إلى حد كبير”.
Tottenham Hotspur certainly wasn't a happy place when Ange Postecoglou walked in the door over the summer, the club reeling off the back of a season that saw both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini shown the door, as the Lilywhites meekly slipped to a lowly eighth-place finish – with supporters venting their anger at owner, Daniel Levy.
To make life even tougher for the former Celtic boss, he was also forced to deal with the departure of the club's record goalscorer, Harry Kane, with the 30-year-old hoping to secure some long-awaited silverware by sealing a move to Bundesliga powerhouse, Bayern Munich.
While many might have expected Spurs to wilt without their talisman, they have in fact looked revitalised this season under the new Postecoglou regime, with it perhaps Kane who is looking back enviously amid possible frustrations in Germany – Thomas Tuchel's side currently way off the pace in the title race.
In the Englishman's absence, the north Londoners have been led superbly by skipper, Heung-min Son, the South Korean sensation netting 12 goals already this season in the Premier League, while even Richarlison has begun to get in on the act – scoring six goals in his last six top-flight outings.
Despite the Brazilian's heroics, however, there may still be a desire at N17 to acquire a more natural successor to Kane through the middle, even after securing Timo Werner on an initial loan move earlier this month.
If Spurs are to strike a late move for a centre-forward they should well look to someone who has previously thrived under Postecoglou's management…
Postecoglou could reunite with a familiar face at N17
Reports last summer suggested that the new Tottenham boss was keen to bring Kyogo Furuhashi with him from Parkhead, with The Sun claiming that the London side were eyeing a £30m move for the Japan international.
The same publication also outlined back in November that Postecoglou had sent club scouts to watch the 29-year-old in action in Glasgow, perhaps raising the possibility that a move could be on the agenda before the window closes.
Kyogo Furuhashi
Making the leap from the Scottish Premiership to England's top flight would certainly not be straightforward, yet the ex-Vissel Kobe man's likeness to one of James Maddison's former colleagues – Jamie Vardy – should ensure that he is also able to terrorise Premier League defences.
How Kyogo compares to Vardy
Maddison – who joined Spurs from Leicester City on a £40m deal over the summer – struck up what he described as a "good relationship" with Vardy during their time at the King Power Stadium, hailing his experienced compatriot as a "world-class striker".
That 'good relationship' saw Maddison regularly provide the goods for his teammate from a playmaking berth, teeing up the one-time Fleetwood Town man for 11 goals during their spell together, while also being the recipient of six assists himself from the Premier League winner.
Tottenham's number ten was particularly complimentary of the veteran marksman's "unbelievable" movement – something that Erling Haaland has taken inspiration from – with Vardy able to torment a defence by getting into the right place at the time.
That is a trait that Kyogo also shares, as Postecoglou himself admitted back in March that the Celtic man's movement is the "best" that he has "ever seen", with pundit John Collins describing him as a "midfielder's dream" as he "doesn't stand still".
Collins also lauded Kyogo for the way he "hounds defences", while ex-Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has described him as an "absolute pest" due to his relentless work ethic and pressing ability, praise that has also been dished out to Vardy – former Foxes coach Craig Shakespeare lauding him "a pest on the shoulder of defenders".
Ange could land Son's next Kane in Spurs swoop for prolific £30m star
The Lilywhites are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive forward.
ByDan Emery Jan 22, 2024
Such similarities between the pair have also been noted by pundit Frank McAvennie, who suggested that Kyogo is "like a younger, faster Jamie Vardy", with regard to the version of the Englishman that current Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers had at Leicester.
Not only a player then that Maddison could thrive working alongside, but the £30m man also has the benefit of his familiarity with Postecoglou, leading from the front so impressively over the last few years for the Old Firm side.
Kyogo's record under Postecoglou at Celtic
The 21-cap Japan international was in fact the Greek-Aussie's first signing following his surprise appointment at Celtic Park back in 2021, the diminutive striker joining for a fee of just £4.6m after spending all of his career prior to that in his homeland.
That capture proved a real masterstroke for the former Yokohama F.Marinos coach, with Kyogo scoring 54 goals and contributing ten assists in just 83 games under his management over the next two seasons, scoring at a rate of one goal every 99 minutes across all competitions.
Kyogo's 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season by numbers
36 games
27 goals
1 assist
1 big chance created
0.3 key passes per game
4.0 possession lost per game
7.11 average match rating
Stats via Sofascore
The prolific talent was particularly impressive last season as the Premiership giants swept all before them domestically, netting 34 times in 50 games across all fronts, including 27 goals in 36 league outings.
Such form led to him signing a new deal in Glasgow over the summer despite interest from Spurs, although it would be no surprise if Postecoglou goes back in for the 5 foot 7 ace before the current window closes, amid the need to fill that Kane-sized void.
Yes, Richarlison has begun to his stride in Lilywhite, yet with Kyogo having proven how seamlessly he can fit into the 58-year-old's set-up, it remains a no-brainer to at least give him the chance to prove himself in the Premier League before too long.
Having seen the impact that Vardy – who has 136 top-flight goals to his name to date – made in the competition, signing a possible clone in the form of the Celtic man would represent dream business for Maddison, Postecoglou and Spurs as a whole.
كشفت تقارير صحفية إيطالية، أن نادي يوفنتوس، مستعد لخوض معركة من أجل عودة فيكتور أوسيمين إلى الكالشيو بعد ما حدث مع ناديه نابولي.
أوسيمين رحل عن نابولي بعد نهاية سوق الانتقالات، بعدما تم رفع اسمه من قائمة الفريق، بسبب مفاوضاته مع أهلي جدة دون علم النادي الإيطالي.
رحيل أوسيمين كان بمثابة إنقاذ، بعدما كان سيظل حتى يناير المقبل بدون نادٍ، قبل أن يظهر جالطة سراي ويضم المهاجم النيجيري.
طالع أيضًا.. تعادل سلبي جديد لـ يوفنتوس أمام نابولي يحسم “قمة مملة” في الدوري الإيطالي
باولو باجانيني، الصحفي بشبكة “راي سبورتس” الإيطالية، أكد أن يوفنتوس فقد الثقة في دوسان فلاهوفيتش، في ظل تراجع مستواه وصيامه عن التسجيل في المباريات الكبرى.
وأشار إلى أن يوفنتوس يخطط لعودة أوسيمين إلى الدوي الإيطالي، ويعتبر رقم واحد في أهداف النادي، خاصة وأن علاقة المدير الرياضي كريستيانو جيونتولي رائعة مع فيكتور ووكيل أعماله، منذ أن كان كريس متواجدًا في نابولي.
ليس فقط أوسيمين، ولكن هناك جوناثان ديفيد مهاجم ليل الذي ينتهي عقده في الصيف المقبل، ولاوتارو مارتينيز هداف إنتر ميلان، جميعهم على رادار اليبانكونيري.
صفقة أوسيمين قد يتم حسمها في يناير، إذا قدم يوفنتوس عرضًا لـ نابولي، يجعله يقطع إعارة اللاعب لـ جالطة سراي، ولكن تبقى العقبة أمام البارتينوبي هي العداوة التاريخية بينه وبين البيانكونيري، حتى لا يتكرر ما حدث في 2016 عندما انضم هيجواين لبطل إيطاليا في ذلك الوقت.
The importance of Liverpool's season went up a level or two when Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season after almost a decade in charge. Whilst those on the pitch attempt to end his tenure on the ultimate high, FSG have reportedly identified their top target, who has impressed Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Next Liverpool manager
Following in the footsteps of Klopp will undoubtedly be one of the toughest tasks in European football next season, handing those at Anfield with a crucial decision to make. Already, the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso have been mentioned as potential candidates, with all three possessing quality in their own right.
According to the latest reports though, Liverpool have made contact with Alonso and see the Bayer Leverkusen boss as their number one target. The Spaniard has impressed in Germany, taking Leverkusen to the summit of the Bundesliga and becoming only the second side in German football history to go 30 games unbeaten in all competitions.
With that said, it's no surprise that Robinson has been left impressed, telling Football Insider: “He should get the opportunity. Xabi Alonso has proved he is a quality manager. But for me, they’re huge shoes to fill.
"What Jurgen Klopp has done at Liverpool with the trophies he’s won is incredible. For the next man in, it’s a really difficult task. I wouldn’t want to be the next manager in, I’d want to be the one after him! The manager who replaces Klopp – it’s almost an impossible task.
“If you don’t pick up the baton and win trophies, it’ll be a problem. But the one after him – that’s the job you want because to follow someone of Klopp’s quality would be so hard.
“The way Klopp is held in such high regard by players and staff – for anyone to come in and even come close to that is going to take something crazy. But Alonso could be the man to carry on the mantle.”
"Quality" Alonso has earned Liverpool chance
A manager who has been moulded by the hands of Pep Guardiola, Rafael Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti throughout his career, it's no surprise that Alonso has paved the course to becoming a top manager. His record at Leverkusen speaks for itself, as he sets out to complete the task that not many have managed in modern-day Bundesliga history by beating Bayern Munich to the title.
Whilst it is still early days in his managerial career, Alonso's link as a Liverpool icon and his blistering tenure so far at Leverkusen makes him the ideal candidate to replace Klopp at the end of the season.
The South Africa captain tries to put a finger on where it went wrong for his team in World Cup 2019, after they finally clicked as a unit, against Sri Lanka
Andrew Fidel Fernando in Chester-le-Street28-Jun-2019For only the second time in the tournament, South Africa’s top order produced serious runs, and their bowlers knocked an opposition over cheaply, all in the same game. There’s an obvious criticism here: Captain Faf du Plessis couldn’t quite put his finger on why it took so long to claim a second win. But he did suggest that had South Africa had an easier schedule of matches in the first 10 days of the tournament, perhaps they would have had a different World Cup. Two of their first three matches were against England and India respectively, which means they were always likely to have accrued at least two defeats at that stage.WATCH on Hotstar: Faf du Plessis’ fluent 96* (India only)But what if they had played Sri Lanka before they were already ruled out of the semi-finals? Of the last 10 matches between these sides, South Africa have won eight ODIs, losing only two dead rubbers in Sri Lanka last year.”I think it is crucial, especially for a team like us in tournaments like these, that you need to start well,” du Plessis said. “If you start well, your confidence in your team will grow and then from there, anything is possible. But to start the way we did, I mean you come here already with an expectation of needing to do well and then you go zero from three, and that expectation becomes a weight on your shoulders. That is a heavy burden to carry.Getty Images
“That first week was was really tough for us. But that’s the sport we play.”The Man-of-the-Match in the nine-wicket thumping of Sri Lanka was Dwaine Pretorius, who took three wickets and delivered what is till date the tournament’s most economical 10 over analysis, conceding only 25 runs. It was Pretorius’ second game of the tournament – he had not featured since the opener on May 30 – and beyond his inclusion, du Plessis couldn’t work out what his team had done differently.”I can’t give you the answer why it [more success] hasn’t happened before. Dwaine didn’t play the previous games, so maybe in English conditions he worked really well today. Our thinking on this wicket was the slower the bowler, the harder it is to face, so it worked out perfectly that he was the guy that was going to be successful.WATCH on Hotstar: Highlights of South Africa’s thumping win over Sri Lanka (US only)”And then with the bat, I have been saying it a lot, the guys have been batting well but only for short periods. And that’s the basics of batting once again: if you get in, someone has to bat through the innings. Then it becomes easier. So, it’s just probably doing the basics better today than we’ve done in the tournament.”Despite the margin of victory, though, it is very nearly a futile result for South Africa. Perhaps the only thing gained, is avoiding the indignity of finishing last in the league stage.”It feels hollow,” du Plessis said. “It’s great winning, but it is very, very bittersweet because you know that we’ve let a lot of people down, and that was never the plan. So we will get together and we will enjoy the performance.”But I think when you go back, there will still be that hollow feeling of things that could have been in this tournament.”