تحدثت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية عن تفوق أحد لاعبي فريق مانشستر سيتي، على النجم المصري محمد صلاح في مباراة الأمس ضد ليفربول، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” قمة منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، حيث فاز مانشستر سيتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.
وما لفت أنظار الجميع هو تراجع مستوى محمد صلاح في مباراة الأمس بسبب تفوق نيكو أوريلي، ظهير مانشستر سيتي، ضده.
وقالت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية: “كان من المتوقع أن يُصاب شاب في العشرين من عمره بتشنجات عضلية، بعد أن أمضى 83 دقيقة يطارد فيها محمد صلاح، رابع أفضل هداف في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على مر العصور”.
وأضافت: “لكن محمد صلاح، وليس الظهير الأيسر الشاب، هو من كان متوترًا طوال المباراة، حتى مع تشنج إحدى ساقيه فقد نهض أوريلي – متجاهلاً خطة بيب جوارديولا لاستبداله بزميله ريان آيت نوري – وهرع عائدًا مسرعًا للمساعدة بعد تمريرة سيئة من جفارديول”.
وواصلت: “لقد أبطأ محمد صلاح من سرعته وهو يصل إلى منطقة جزاء الخصم، مستعدًا لتدخل من نيكو أوريلي، لقد بدا عليه الضجر الشديد من إصرار خصمه، منهكًا من رفض لاعب مانشستر سيتي الانبهار باسمه على القميص، في حين أنقذت راية التسلل صلاح في اللحظة التي ضغط فيها أوريلي على اللاعب البالغ من العمر 33 عامًا ليخضعه مرة أخرى”.
واستكملت: “كانت هذه هي المرة الأولى، منذ يوليو 2020، التي يفشل فيها محمد صلاح في التسجيل أو صناعة هدف ضد مانشستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي، وخلال تلك السلسلة من تسع مباريات، واجه المصري أمثال جواو كانسيلو، أولكسندر زينشينكو، ناثان آكي وجفارديول، ولكن لم يتمكن أي منهم في إيقاف صلاح كما فعل أوريلي”.
وأفادت: “محمد صلاح لاعب عبقري متقدم في السن، لكنه لا يزال قادرًا على تدمير ظهير الخصم بمفرده عندما يُترك معزولًا أو تُرسل إليه كرات من الخلف، لقد واجه أكثر من موقف من هذا القبيل يوم الأحد، لكن أوريلي كان حازمًا، كان يحرك قدميه ويبقي عينيه ثابتتين على الكرة، دائمًا ما أجبر صلاح على التراجع أو إبعاد الكرة، كانت ردود أفعاله أكثر حدة”.
ونشرت الشبكة تصريحات المدرب بيب جوارديولا، التي أدلى بها بعد المباراة، والتي أثنى خلالها على ما فعله نيكو أوريلي ضد محمد صلاح (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).
واستأنفت الشبكة: “في المباراة رقم 1000 لـ جوارديولا كمدرب، كان الإسباني في أفضل حالاته، وكذلك كان فريقه، تألق لاعبون آخرون، خاصة نيكو أوريلي وديكو، ولكن لم يجسد أحد انتعاش مانشستر سيتي ذلك الموسم أكثر من أوريلي، حيث كان يركض ذهابًا وإيابًا كثيرًا، من منطقة جزاء إلى أخرى، وكأنه يملك مساره الخاص في ملعب الاتحاد، لا مجال للخطأ معه”.
واختتمت الشبكة قائلة: “لقد أحبط نيكو أوريلي محمد صلاح بطريقة لا يفعلها سوى عدد قليل من الأظهرة الآخرين”.
Chelsea are making transfer plans behind-the-scenes despite a hectic summer window, and a rumour has now emerged involving Real Madrid.
Chelsea edge past Benfica after José Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge
Enzo Maresca’s side grabbed a much-needed 1-0 win over José Mourinho’s Benfica earlier this week after a difficult last month.
An 18th-minute own goal from Richard Ríos proved decisive as the Blues bounced back from their opening Champions League game defeat to Bayern Munich, not to mention their dismal loss against Brighton last weekend, with all three points against the ‘special one’ and a clean sheet.
The evening carried significant sentiment as Mourinho made his first return to Stamford Bridge since November 2020.
The Portuguese tactician, who won three Premier League titles over his two spells with Chelsea, received warm chants from the home support before Maresca’s young side eventually saw out the contest.
Chelsea fielded their most youthful starting eleven in Champions League history with an average age of just 24, but they did just about enough to overcome the Primeira Liga side ahead of another vital game this weekend.
Their win provides crucial momentum ahead of this weekend’s challenging Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening, and it comes in the aftermath of reports suggesting tension between Maresca and Chelsea’s board.
Maresca isn’t entirely happy with the squad at his disposal right now (Simon Phillips), coming amid their serious centre-back shortage, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah all set to miss their face-off against Arne Slot’s side.
Chelsea’s boss publicly stated that he wanted a new centre-back in the summer window.
However, despite internally discussing options after Colwill’s ACL injury, and holding talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp, BlueCo couldn’t get one through the door (Simon Phillips).
It has left them desperately short, and reports suggest that Chelsea are now prioritising the signing of a new defender in January as they respond to Maresca’s central defensive crisis.
Amid Maresca and the hierarchy’s rumoured differences, one decision that threatens to escalate the Italian’s dissatisfaction would be star midfielder Enzo Fernández’s sale to Real Madrid.
Chelsea prepared to let Enzo Fernández leave in Real Madrid swap deal for Fede Valverde
Indeed, Chelsea are now reportedly willing to facilitate a swap deal that would see Fernández move to Real in exchange for Federico Valverde, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central.
The Argentine, who’s become a figurehead of Chelsea’s midfield after an initially difficult start to life, has been called one of the club’s only two “world-class” players alongside Cole Palmer by former defender David Luiz.
Xabi Alonso’s side have been monitoring Fernández ever since his Benfica days, with the player himself apparently “delighted” by the prospect of a move to the Spanish capital.
However, while Chelsea would entertain a proposed swap which would see Valverde head in the opposite direction, Real have no plans to consider letting their star midfielder leave despite a bad start to 2025/2026.
Valverde was forced to release a statement after widespread criticism from the media, with the 27-year-old also having a nightmare during Real’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid last weekend.
Real’s vice-captain started in nearly every one of his 65 appearances in all competitions last season, and has been favoured by their new manager as well.
Alonso handed Valverde the armband in all of their Club World Cup games, with the 71-cap Uruguay international also playing in all but one match this season — their 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.
Given Alonso’s faith in Valverde, not to mention his clear statement, it doesn’t look like the versatile ace has plans to leave any time soon.
It is hard not to feel a little bit sorry for Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke after his side’s lack of potency in the final third cost them against Burnley on Saturday.
The Championship champions were beaten 2-0 at Turf Moor by their fellow newly-promoted side after a two-week break for international duty, but it was far from a comfortable win for the home team.
Burnley 2-0 Leeds
Stats
Burnley
Leeds
Possession
31%
69%
Shots
4
19
Shots on target
3
4
xG
0.45
2.63
Big chances
1
4
Goalkeeper saves
4
1
Passes
292
615
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Leeds created 2.63 xG worth of chances and four ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net against Burnley, and they were unable to score a single goal.
Brenden Aaronson and Jayden Bogle, in particular, missed two very presentable opportunities to score, whilst Jack Harrison also blazed a good opening well over the bar.
Reporter Graham Smyth noted after deadline day that the club did not give Farke the attacking signings that he wanted in the transfer window, and the lack of quality in the final third is now costing the team.
On the flip side of that, though, the club did make plenty of defensive signings to bolster the squad, and the head coach picked Pascal Struijk in spite of his recent struggles.
Why Leeds should drop Pascal Struijk
Ahead of the trip to Burnley, Football FanCast suggested that the Dutch central defender should be on borrowed time if he flops against the Clarets, because of his form of late.
He was too easily beaten for both of the goals against Tottenham Hotspur in the last match before the break, as he gave Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus too much time and space to get their shots off.
Leeds paid £15m to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese in the summer, seemingly to improve their defence, yet he has been an unused substitute in every single Premier League match this season.
Stats
Struijk (25/26 Premier League)
Bijol (24/25 Serie A)
Appearances
8
34
Tackles per game
0.8
1.3
Interceptions per game
0.3
1.1
Duels won per game
3.9
4.7
Ground duel success rate
50%
43%
Aerial duel success rate
49%
67%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Bijol’s performances in the Serie A last season suggest that he would be a defensive upgrade on Struijk for the Whites.
The £50k-per-week Dutch defender seemed to get caught under the flight of the ball for the first goal, with a lack of communication between him and Joe Rodon, which gave Burnley a lead to hold on to.
Struijk’s aerial struggles were a theme throughout the 90 minutes on Saturday. Per Sofascore, the left-footed dud won just seven of his 13 aerial contests, which shows that he was too easily beaten in the air, something Bijol’s stats suggest he would not be.
This is why Farke should drop the Dutchman for the former Udinese colossus when West Ham United come to Elland Road in the next match.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Struijk is not the only player who should be dropped from the starting line-up because of their performance against Burnley, though, as Karl Darlow should also be removed from the side.
Why Leeds should drop Karl Darlow
The Wales international should finally be dropped from the team because of a string of shot-stopping performances that have not been up to the level of the Premier League.
There was not much that he could have done to save the header for the opening goal, but it was his misplaced kick that went straight out of play that Burnley created the cross for the goal from.
The second strike from Loum Tchaouna was an absolute screamer, at first glance. It was an impressive hit, there is no doubt about that, but on further inspection, Darlow could have done better. The ball went into the net roughly two yards inside the post but the goalkeeper could not move his feet to stretch and get his hand to it.
He was even worse than Struijk, who at least won five of his six ground duels and made four clearances (Sofascore), and should be in danger of losing his place in the side.
Per Sofascore, Darlow has conceded 2.69 more goals than expected across five appearances in the Premier League this season, which shows that he has significantly underperformed as a shot-stopper for the Whites.
The Welshman did put in an impressive display against Wolves, as shown in the clips above, but he has struggled in the matches since that win in the Midlands.
Former England, Norwich, and Southampton goalkeeper coach Dave Watson criticised Darlow’s performance against Spurs before the international break and suggested that he is “never going to push on” to help Leeds stay in the division, comparing his performance to Guglielmo Vicario’s.
Unfortunately for Darlow, Lucas Perri returned to the bench against Burnley after coming back from his injury setback, which means that Farke now has the player he signed to be his number one in the summer available to him.
24/25 Ligue 1
Lucas Perri
Percentile rank vs GKs
Saves
119
Top 19%
Save percentage
72.5%
Top 31%
Goals prevented
6.05
Top 22%
Clean sheets
10
Top 16%
Acted as sweeper
12
Top 25%
High claims
26
Top 28%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian shot-stopper was one of the top-performing goalkeepers in Ligue 1 last season, with outstanding shot-stopping, sweeping, and cross-claiming.
Perri did not have the best start to the Premier League season, conceding 1.99 more goals than expected across three matches (Sofascore), but he did have to play against Arsenal in a 5-0 loss to the league leaders in those three games.
Farke must now finally drop Darlow from the XI after his recent struggles to bring the summer signing from Lyon back into the team, in the hope that he can finally translate his Ligue 1 performances over to the Premier League.
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Farke can feel sorry for himself because of the lack of quality in the final third, as a result of the lack of recruitment in the summer, but he has the defensive and goalkeeper options to change things ahead of the clash with West Ham, and he needs to use them.
Harry Kane looks a major doubt for England’s friendly against Wales after missing training on the eve of the game.
Thomas Tuchel’s side welcome their neighbours to a sold-out Wembley on Thursday before attention turns to Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia.
Two England stars doubts to face Wales and Latvia
Kane seems set to miss the first game of October’s double-header, having sat out training on Wednesday along with uncapped Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.
The Football Association said the pair were “following their own respective routines indoors” as the remaining 22 players trained at St George’s Park.
Kane arrived at camp with an ankle issue sustained late in Bayern Munich’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Speaking after the game, the striker said: “I am recovering at the moment – I took a knock. A few days and then I should be fine, so no problem for the national team. I will be there on Monday.”
Marc Guehi will join boss Tuchel at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference at Wembley having travelled down from St George’s Park, where under-20 internationals Shea Lacey, Lakyle Samuel and Harrison Murray-Campbell took part in training.
Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup campaign continues. Eddie Howe’s fine record against Tottenham Hotspur continues. The sense that the Magpies are gearing up for yet another glittering chapter in this incredible story grows stronger.
A pair of headers got the job done against Thomas Frank’s Spurs, courtesy of centre-back Fabian Schar and new striker Nick Woltemade, who arrived from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m fee in August, replacing Alexander Isak.
The German striker faced his detractors upon that high-profile and much-scrutinised move to the Premier League, but he’s passing each test with flying colours, and he proved his worth once again with a strong performance in the cup.
Nick Woltemade continues to impress
Woltemade, 23, has scored six goals from just 11 matches in a Newcastle shirt. That’s quite the return for a raw, up-and-coming forward trying their hand in a new country for the first time.
Premier League
6
482′
4
Champions League
3
86′
1
Carabao Cup
2
92′
1
But he’s been immense, and his confident header against Tottenham, latching onto Joe Willock’s cross, underscored the quality and potential still to come.
Woltemade has drawn all the plaudits, with onlookers singing his praises once again as he helped his team advance to the quarter-finals. Yet again, he proved he’s more than just a goalscorer, creating two chances and winning four duels (as per Sofascore).
However, he wasn’t the best player on the pitch, and that’s a testament to the outfit Howe has crafted.
Indeed, there’s one man in particular who is starting to look like one of the very best in the business.
Newcastle's "absolute joke" outplayed Woltemade
Newcastle are defined by their recruitment, and while you could pick any number of Howe signings as jackpot additions, none stand taller than Sandro Tonali, whose rise has been well-documented over the past year, and yet he still shocks onlookers with his quality.
After a tough maiden year in England, the Italy international has grown into his skin and is now one of the Premier League’s best players. He simply has so many dimensions to choose from, and was praised to no end for his Man of the Match performance.
Described as an “absolute joke” who “just keeps getting better and better” by journalist Andy Sixsmith, there’s a feeling across Tyneside that the 26-year-old could be the key to shattering expectations this term, and he took Newcastle that step closer with a controlled performance against the Lilywhites.
Schar opened the scoring in the first half, but it was Tonali’s inch-perfect delivery that found the Swiss’s head. This is a man of many talents, who won both of his tackles and made seven ball recoveries besides.
But most impressive of all is that the 92-touch Tonali lost the ball only three times on the evening. He was sitting in the centre of the park, and yet he was almost untouchable as he orchestrated and engineered.
The Shields Gazette were blown away by the tireless performance, hailing Tonali’s 9/10 display and drawing attention to his energy and quality. In a sentence: he was peerless in the middle of the park.
Tonali just continues to be so effortlessly good. His football is a work of art, but he’s tenacious and gripping too, absolutely a completely-shaped midfielder.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali
Woltemade might be the goal-getter, and someone like Bruno Guimaraes the stylish leader, but Tonali is the metronome, making everyone tick.
Not just Joelinton: Newcastle's "true legend" may now be on borrowed time
Newcastle may well part ways with this Howe mainstay at the end of the campaign.
A busca do Corinthians por novos laterais deve ter sequência em 2024, quando o técnico Mano Menezes comandará uma reformulação no elenco alvinegro.
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Insatisfeita com o desempenho de Fábio Santos e Matheus Bidu, a atual diretoria já havia identificado a necessidade de reforçar a lateral-esquerda durante a temporada.
Na última janela de transferências, o Timão se interessou por Yan Couto, emprestado pelo Manchester City ao Girona e convocado por Fernando Diniz para defender a Seleção Brasileira, e Iago, do Augsburg. Ambas negociações não avançaram pois o desejo dos atletas era permanecer no futebol europeu.
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Na reta final da janela de transferências, o departamento de futebol corintiano abriu conversas pelas contratações de Alan Rodríguez, do Rosário Central, e Paulinho, do Midtjylland. Porém, o Timão não atendeu as demandas financeiras dos argentinos e dinamarqueses, e as negociações não avançaram.
Com Mano Menezes sendo o escolhido para liderar a reformulação no elenco, o treinador já indicou dois nomes para a nova diretoria reforçar a lateral-esquerda: Santiago Montiel, do Argentinos Juniors, e Marlon, do Cruzeiro. Em ambos os casos as negociações não foram abertas.
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Embora o foco no mercado seja a contratação de um lateral-esquerdo, não está descartado reforçar a lateral-direita, tendo em vista que Fagner tem contrato até o fim de 2024 e o jogador pode entrar em uma ‘lista de negociáveis’. Além disso, os substitutos do camisa 23 ainda não convenceram pelo Timão. Bruno Méndez prefere ser escalado como zagueiro, Rafael Ramos não se firmou na equipe e Léo Mana ainda não empolgou nas oportunidades que recebeu.
Caso algum clube apresente uma proposta por Fagner, não haverá oposição para vendê-lo.
Matt Renshaw has well and truly put his hat in the ring for an ODI call-up after producing yet another big knock for Australia A in their series-deciding one-day win over Sri Lanka A.Sri Lanka A recovered from 8 for 2 to reach 213 for 9 in Darwin, with Sahan Arachchige (47 off 65), Nuwanidu Fernando (40 off 69) and Sonal Dinusha (36 off 40) leading the way.Jack Nisbet, Bryce Jackson and Henry Thornton all chimed in with two wickets apiece in an even bowling display for the home side. Left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh, who has not played a professional game of state cricket, snared 1 for 27 off seven overs on his Australia A debut.In reply, Australia A cruised to 215 for 3 with a whopping 105 balls to spare.Jason Sangha top scored for the home side with an unbeaten 79 off 76 deliveries, while Renshaw blasted his way to 62 off 36 balls, his blistering knock including eight fours and two sixes. Opener Campbell Kellaway set up the run chase with 56 off 62 balls.The seven-wicket win secured a 2-1 series victory in the one-day component of the clashes between Australia A and Sri Lanka A, with the teams now to face off in two four-day matches.Renshaw produced scores of 80, 106 and 62 across the three one-dayers, putting him at the front of the queue for an ODI call-up. The 29-year-old has already played 14 Tests for Australia, but is yet to feature at international level in any form of white-ball cricket.The ODI retirements of Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith have opened the door for Renshaw to cement a spot in the one-day side and his performances for Australia A will further boost his case.Sangha, who posted two half-centuries across the three games, also gave his hopes a big lift.
No. 7 continues lower-order fightback before India lose Vaibhav Suryavanshi cheaply at start of reply
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Kent’s Ekansh Singh made a century for England U19s•Getty Images
India Under-19 51 for 1 trail England Under-19 309 (Ekansh 117, Pushpak 4-76) by 258 runsEkansh Singh completed a superb hundred on a second day of England’s Youth Test against India that was severely truncated by rain.Only 28-and-a-half overs were possible between the cloudbursts but that was long enough for Kent right-hander Singh to compile 117 sprinkled with three sixes and 14 fours. Singh was last out, as England’s youngsters totalled 309, having shared an eighth-wicket stand of exactly 100 with James Minto who made 46.Naman Pushpak finished with 4 for 76 for India who lost teenage starlet Vaibhav Suryavanshi for 20 in reaching 51 for 1 before a thunderstorm ended play shortly after 5pmOvernight and morning rain delayed the start until 12.30pm and the showers returned 22 minutes later to drive the players off again. The intervening period was long enough for Ekansh to treat the smattering of spectators to four boundaries, including two sumptuous cover drives.It was 2.15pm before the game resumed but Ekansh had lost none of his rhythm, twice driving the ball back past the stumps for four as he continued to deal exclusively in boundaries on the day until he moved into the 90s. His battle with strike bowler Aditya Rawat was an engaging one, the seamer producing two excellent yorkers both superbly dug out by the batter. There would be no nervous 90s, Ekansh raising his 100 in the grand manner with a huge six over long-on.Minto provided great support, an uppercut over the slips for six resulting in a lost ball, necessitating the third change of the cherry in the short afternoon session.The 100-stand was raised before Minto chipped one straight back to Pushpak after which the end came swiftly. Alex Green became Pushpak’s fourth victim, before Singh holed out on the long-on boundary.India’s reply began in explosive fashion with Suryavanshi and his skipper Ayush Mhatre playing almost a shot a ball. The latter top-edged one over the slips before being given a life by Ralphie Albert when he spilt him at cover, Alex French the unlucky bowler.Suryavanshi meanwhile took a heavy toll of Green, nonchalantly driving him over mid-off for six before slashing one backward of square for another maximum. However, youthful impetuosity got the better of him when he pulled Green’s next delivery down the throat of fine leg – something of a waste, especially given three balls later the rain returned, forcing an early tea.Only 15 minutes more play was possible – just long enough for India to raise their 50.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino has returned to Atlanta United as manager on a two-year contract, the club announced Thursday. The 62-year-old reunites with the team where he enjoyed his greatest success, winning the 2018 MLS Cup and being named Coach of the Year. Martino aims to restore Atlanta’s status as a contender after inconsistency since his 2018 departure.
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A familiar face returns
The 62-year-old coach replaces Ronny Deila, whose tenure ended after a 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference this season with just 28 points – despite having MLS's third-highest payroll at $28.5 million. Martino will also reconnect with one of his former stars in Miguel Almiron, who also rejoined the team last year after a stint with Newcastle United.
“I want to thank Arthur and Chris for the opportunity to return to the club and a city where we hold wonderful memories and maintain great relationships,” Martino said in a statement. “This is a different project than my first stint with the club, however, with great ownership and the collaboration of the players, coaching staff and everyone at the club, our objective will always be to form a winning team that makes our fans feel proud and well-represented every time that they go to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”
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A proven winner
Team owner Arthur Blank stressed the move to bring back Martino wasn't about trying to recreate the past and stressed the Argentine manager was hired to build a new foundation with the club.
“Tata is an exceptional coach who set the standard for excellence within our club,” Blank said. “This is not about recreating the past, but about building a new foundation.” Martino’s career spans over 25 years and includes 11 trophies with clubs and national teams – from Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys to Argentina, Paraguay, and Mexico.
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Recent success in Miami
Before returning to Atlanta, Martino managed Inter Miami during the early Lionel Messi era, capturing the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield. His deep understanding of MLS and tactical identity made him the top choice for Atlanta’s front office.
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Rebuilding the five stripes
During Martino’s first stint, Atlanta compiled a record of 42 wins, 20 losses, and 16 draws, setting club marks for points (124), goals (140), and goal difference (+56). Now, with a Designated Player core of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk, and Miguel Almirón, Martino faces the challenge of reviving the Five Stripes’ competitive edge ahead of 2026.
He says there is freedom in the way they are approaching the game, and the idea of failure in particular
Firdose Moonda19-Jul-2025Winning this year’s World Test Championship final could free up South Africa to play without fear, according to veteran player Rassie van der Dussen. Although van der Dussen was neither part of the WTC win nor in the most recent T20 World Cup squad, he has been part of the South African system for the last 17 years and can already see the change that winning a major trophy has made.”It feels like there’s a difference. Maybe it’s boiled over from winning the Test Championship because we won that match when it counts, so it’s almost like we can experiment more,” van der Dussen, who is standing in as South Africa’s T20I captain for the Zimbabwe tri-series, said ahead of the team’s next match.”It’s obviously Shukri [Conrad]’s first time in charge of the white-ball sides, but the mindset is different. We are not trying things for the sake of trying it, or guys being chosen for the sake of being chosen. It’s about trying things with the understanding that it’s okay if you get it wrong, but you can only get to the other side if you try it properly and authentically. What Shukri brings in terms of environment, and in terms of a mindset, is that freedom.”Conrad will coach South Africa through the 2025-27 WTC cycle, during which the white-ball teams will also play in the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup, which they will co-host.Related
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Though there is always pressure on teams to win in the build-up to these events, some of the pressure around the South Africa squad has eased after their WTC victory – their first global trophy since 1998 (when they won the ICC Knockout) and first with the word “World” in it. Winning the trophy reinforced the set-up’s belief in their systems, especially because Conrad is a local coach who has done things his own way.He will likely be cut some slack early in his tenure, though he will know that his predecessor, Rob Walter, was increasingly in the spotlight for the team’s poor bilateral record in ODIs and T20Is. Conrad has already indicated he wants to avoid the same by having his best players available whenever possible.Shukri Conrad is coaching South Africa’s white-ball side for the first time•AFP/Getty ImagesAlready, this has turned out not to be the case: Aiden Markram, the regular T20I captain, along with Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen (who is recovering from thumb surgery), Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, have all been rested from the tri-series. As a result, Van der Dussen is leading a side that includes several fringe players but wants them to keep up the winning momentum.”There’s obviously responsibility, and we want to win every match. Shukri has said that many times, and we want to win every match that we play, but we are also encouraged to be our best version, play the way we want to play, and play the way the team wants to play. If we fall short, that’s okay, we fall short on our terms. We’ll try to be better next time. There’s no pressure from a management point of view. We know what’s expected of us.”There is also the added expectation that some players in this squad – Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, George Linde and Gerald Coetzee in particular – could force their way into becoming first-choice picks. The function of a series like this, among other things, is to provide fringe players the platform to show what they can do at the international level.”Lhuan-dre, with what he has done domestically and at the SA20, you could just see that this guy needs to play at this level. And Brevis, through performance over the last six months, is putting guys under pressure,” van der Dussen said. “As a player in a team, that’s the positive pressure you want. You want someone breathing down your neck, because that’s fair. If you don’t perform, there’s a guy that’s going to take your place, and that’s always good in a team environment. It’s not like I can rest on my laurels because there’s no one really pushing me for my spot. In every department – bowling, spin bowling, fielding, keeping, batting, middle-order batting – there are guys putting their hands up and saying I want to be part of this team. That keeps you on your toes.”Even with this context in mind, South Africa will admit they have not been at their best so far, especially when it comes to the top-order’s performances. They were 38 for 3 chasing 142 against Zimbabwe, and 62 for 5 against New Zealand, a match where they finished 21 runs short.Given that Zimbabwe have lost both their matches so far, South Africa still remains favourites to reach the final, along with New Zealand, but there is work to be done. “What we want to see is progress in terms of how we want to play,” van der Dussen said. “We’ve been together for a week now, and we are getting a better understanding going between the guys. If we can start to get it even better, then we can make it to the final and play our best game on Saturday.”