His tenure would be till the end of 2020 with a possibility of extension based on the results

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Sep-2019Former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener has been appointed Afghanistan’s new head coach. ESPNcricinfo understands Klusener’s tenure would be till the end of 2020, with a possibility of extension based on the results.Andy Moles, who is part of Afghanistan’s revamped selection set-up and is a former coach of the national team, had served as the team’s interim head coach during the recent tour of Bangladesh after the exit of Phil Simmons’ following the World Cup.According to Afghanistan Cricket Board, over 50 candidates had applied for the vacant position, with Klusener emerging as the top pick.Klusener played 49 Tests and 171 ODIs for South Africa between 1996 and 2004. Considered one of the best allrounders of his time, he collected 1906 runs and 80 wickets in Tests, as well as 3576 runs and 192 wickets in ODIs. He took up a coaching role with his domestic side Dolphins in 2012, before serving as the batting coach for Zimbabwe in 2016. In 2015, he was roped in by South Africa to tutor the lower order during their home series against England. He has also served as Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach in the IPL. More recently, he served as South Africa’s assistant batting coach for the T20I leg of their India tour.”I am extremely excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best talent in world cricket,” Klusener said in a statement. “Everyone knows the fearless brand of cricket Afghanistan play. I am very confident that with some hard work we can become one of the best sides in the world. I am really looking forward to working with the Afghanistan team and helping them take their cricket to the next level.”According to Lutfullah Stanikzai, ACB’s chief executive officer, Klusener’s appointment is timely keeping in mind Afghanistan’s preparations for the 2020 Asia Cup as well as the T20 World Cup in Australia next October.His first assignment with his new team will be the series of one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is against West Indies at ‘home’ in November-December.

Emi Martinez has been told why being denied a gold medal bid at the 2024 Olympic Games is the “right decision” for Aston Villa.

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Keeper currently at Copa AmericaHoped to head for France afterwardsVillans want him back for pre-seasonGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has made no secret of the fact that he was hoping to form part of Javier Mascherano’s Argentina squad in Paris. He has already claimed a global crown with his country, along with Copa America and Finalissima honours.

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Villa have, however, determined that he will not be freed to head for France – having already competed in another Copa event this summer. The 31-year-old has no option but to accept that ruling, with his presence now expected at pre-season training alongside the rest of Unai Emery’s squad.

GettyWHAT FORMER SCOUT SAID

Former Villa scout Bryan King has told of why the correct call has been made: “Of course, it would be lovely for him to play in the Olympics and perhaps win gold. However, his job is with the Argentina senior team and most importantly Aston Villa Football Club. They pay his wages, this is where he works and this is what makes him an international goalkeeper. I think Villa made the right decision on this, I could never see the club agreeing to that, he would have missed the entirety of pre-season.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Villa are readying themselves for a big 2024-25 campaign and are eager to ensure that everybody hits the ground running. Having claimed a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, Emery’s side are preparing to add Champions League competition to their schedule.

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards says Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has a difference-making starlet at the club.

Spurs battling Aston Villa for Champions League football

As things stand, it appears to be a two-horse race between Aston Villa and Spurs for that coveted fourth-place finish and subsequent qualification for the Champions League next season.

BBC pundit says "astonishing" forward may decide to join Tottenham

He’s been on fire for his club this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 5, 2024

Five points separate Unai Emery's side in fourth and the north Londoners in fifth, but the latter have a game in hand which could narrow the gap to two as we approach the business end of the campaign.

Securing a spot in Europe's most prestigious competition for 2024/2025 would be a fine way to cap off what has been a solid debut campaign in England for Postecoglou, but he'll need all the help he can get against an equally impressive Villa side.

Aston Villa (away)

March 10th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Luton Town (home)

March 30th

West Ham (away)

April 2nd

Funnily enough, Spurs travel to Villa Park for their next top-flight clash, and it's certainly an absolutely vital head-to-head in the race for fourth. Postecoglou will be reliant on his star men, with Son Heung-min receiving plenty of praise among others, but another player who's come into his own lately is 22-year-old starlet Brennan Johnson.

The Wales international, signed from Nottingham Forest last summer, has featured in each of Spurs' last 18 league matches – bagging three goals and six assists in that time.

Micah Richards hails difference-making Brennan Johnson

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast this week (via TBR), Sky pundit Richards says Johnson is now "making a difference in games" at Tottenham, with the young winger notching two assists in their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

“Obviously Spurs have got Son back now from the Asian Cup, playing well," said the former Man City defender, when asked who will seal a top-four finish.

“Brennan Johnson making a difference in games as well, but then Villa, I don’t know how to call that one because they are both equally impressive.”

The attacker was brought in for £47.5 million last year, and he may now be slowly returning that investment with a string of noteworthy outings. Son is a big fan of Johnson, having praised his teammate already this season.

“That is what we need, especially the way we play. We want to play high, high intensity and who is coming from the bench has to make an impact. Brennan did and he did two amazing assists," said Son on Johnson's performance against Palace.

“I like this guy. I love this guy. I just want to help him as much as I can. Even when we start the game, I tell him, ‘just make sure you’re ready, you’ll make the difference. When you come on, you’ll make the difference,’ and that’s what we need.

“Brennan did a fantastic job and I just want to give him a big hug. The goals obviously he is missing but I am definitely sure, the way he works, working like this, the goals will come automatically, I am 100 per cent sure.”

Lucas Paqueta could reportedly head back to Flamengo as the Brazilian club have opened talks with West Ham for the midfielder.

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• Paqueta under FA investigation for betting charges
• Could face a lengthy suspension
• Flamengo ready to open their doors to revive his career

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Currently representing Brazil at the 2024 Copa America in the United States, Paqueta's future with West Ham United hangs in the balance due to an ongoing investigation by the Football Association (FA) into alleged betting breaches.

  The FA's investigation into Paqueta stems from allegations of misconduct related to betting on four Premier League matches. According to formal charges filed on May 23, 2024, Paqueta is accused of deliberately acquiring yellow cards in matches between November 2022 and August 2023. If found guilty, Paqueta could face a lengthy suspension, which could potentially extend to 10 years, further complicating his professional trajectory and impacting his market value.

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  In the midst of this tumultuous period, Flamengo, Paqueta's former club, has expressed a strong interest in bringing him back to Brazil. According to the Brazilian publication, Flamengo initiated talks with West Ham approximately a month ago, and although discussions are still in their early stages, there is optimism about reaching an agreement. Flamengo, where Paqueta began his professional career in 2016 after rising through the youth ranks, have made him their top transfer priority. The club is eager to reintegrate him into their squad as they compete in the Brasileirao, Copa Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Flamengo views itself as a potential refuge for Paqueta amidst his legal and professional uncertainties. They are already working on a legal blueprint to "avoid being harmed" if Paqueta is handed a suspension by the FA, which FIFA could implement globally. They believe that by returning to Flamengo, Paqueta could find a supportive environment that may help him navigate this challenging phase.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  West Ham, having invested £51 million ($65m) in acquiring Paqueta in 2022, face a dilemma. While the club would prefer to retain the midfielder given his contributions on the field, the uncertainty of his availability due to the FA investigation might prompt them to consider a transfer. Recouping a portion of their investment could be a pragmatic move, especially if the situation drags on without resolution. The potential transfer to Flamengo could be structured either as a loan or a permanent deal, with negotiations likely to be a lengthy affair.

MatériaMais Notícias

Quais daqueles torcedores ou analistas mais fanáticos não desconfiaram de uma suposta entrega do Corinthians para o Novorizontino a fim de prejudicar o Palmeiras? Muitos, não é? Acontece que a atuação do Timão dentro de campo destruiu essa hipótese e mostrou um elenco digno da enormidade do clube. Para completar, o jogo ainda trouxe coisas valiosas para o trabalho de Mancini.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalCom quatro times da Série A, Paulistão define mata-mata; veja os confrontos e rebaixadosFutebol Nacional09/05/2021CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Estreante Mandaca é o destaque de vitória do Corinthians no PaulistãoCorinthians09/05/2021CorinthiansMandaca comemora estreia com gol pelo Corinthians e dedica o tento a mãe: ‘Dia inesquecível’Corinthians09/05/2021

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> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2021 clicando aqui

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> Fagner 400 jogos! Veja jogadores que mais vestiram a camisa do Corinthians

Já garantido nas quartas de final do Paulistão e sem se preocupar em perder a liderança do grupo, o Alvinegro foi para a Neo Química Arena sem pressão, podendo jogar um futebol mais solto e foi isso que a equipe escolhida pelo treinador fez durante os mais de 90 minutos do duelo. Com a ausência dos titulares, poupados, quem entrou mostrou valor para poder ser utilizado.

Fica até feio chamar de “reserva” um time com Bruno Méndez, Gil, Fábio Santos, Camacho, Mateus Vital e Jô, mas essa é a condição atual deles pelo que têm mostrado as escalações de Vagner Mancini. A questão é que boa parte deles pôde mostrar que a condição é subjetiva, pois se houver esse equilíbrio entre “reservas” e “titulares”, quem vai ganhar, nesse caso, é o Corinthians.

No entanto, não foram apenas os veteranos que puderam mostrar serviços. Os jovens também se destacaram, como Mandaca, que estreou no último domingo. O volante atuou improvisado na lateral direita e fez um jogo pra lá de consistente, com direito a gol da vitória. Já Matheus Donelli, Roni e Gabriel Pereira mostraram muita segurança em suas funções e passaram no “teste”.

Além da parte esportiva, que deixou uma ótima impressão, o quesito dignidade foi um destaque altamente positivo. Mesmo com a pressão de fora vinda de alguns corintianos (ou não) para “entregar” o jogo para o Novorizontino, o elenco passou ao largo disso e fez o que a história do Corinthians pede, que é vencer e honrar a camisa que vestem. Mas também, tolos aqueles que acham que neste momento do clube alguém cogitaria cometer tal atrocidade.

Em um ano de reconstrução e de adaptação dos jovens no elenco principal, o Timão não pode ter o luxo de “perder” para qualquer equipe. Todas as vitórias servem para construir a confiança desde os garotos até os mais velhos, que precisam de afirmação. Imagine a importância dessa partida para Mandaca e o que representa marcar um gol em sua estreia pelo Corinthians, principalmente sendo na Neo Química Arena. Não há preço ou rivalidade que pague por isso.

Com um calendário apertado, que vai exigir, mais do que nunca, um elenco forte e homogêneo, Vagner Mancini deve ter ficado feliz com o que viu em campo, ainda mais nas partidas decisivas que virão nas próximas semanas. A confiança adquirida também deve ter sido motivo de comemoração no vestiário e entre os deuses corintianos, que agradeceram tamanha dignidade.

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Essex captain Simon Harmer argued that his decision to drop Ravi Bopara for two group games after an argument regarding his batting position was vindicated by his performances from No. 6 during his side’s improbable surge to the Vitality Blast T20 trophy.Bopara was left out of games against Hampshire and Gloucestershire after what he called some “very tough conversations” with his captain, and admitted before the quarter-final against Lancashire that he was “still not happy down there”, but produced three consecutive man-of-the-match efforts to take Essex to Finals Day, and made 36 not out off 22 balls to help seal victory in the final.”That was one of the decisions that needed to be made,” said Harmer after Essex’s triumph.”In my opinion, Ravi is one of, if not the best, finisher of T20 innings, I felt that in order to for us to win games, we needed him to come in and win [them] for us. [It’s] pointless him walking in at three and getting a good ball and he’s sitting back in the hut.”Sometimes you need to prove people wrong in order to make them believe and I think that was the case with him. He came back after time away from the team.”He bought in 100 percent and reaped the rewards. He’s an incredibly talented cricketer, the way he thinks about cricket and the way he bats, the way he bowls, the execution of his skill.”Bopara signaled in the build-up to Finals Day that he may look to give up red-ball cricket next year and aim to prolong his career on the global T20 circuit, and Harmer suggested that he is most valuable coming in with five or six overs to spare.”He’s an unbelievable player,” he said, “so I can understand his frustration. But hopefully even if it’s not now, five years down the line he can sit back and realise that he is actually best suited to five or six.”Simon Harmer celebrates victory with Ravi Bopara•Getty Images

Worcestershire captain Moeen Ali agreed that Bopara had been “outstanding”.”In my opinion, he won them the game,” Moeen said. “His experience showed. I’m just disappointed with the result.”Harmer took over the T20 captaincy from Ryan ten Doeschate this season, and had never previously captained a side for a full season in the format, but said that he had come in with a clear plan of what needed to change and how he wanted Essex to approach the Blast.”There were some difficult decisions that needed to be made,” he said. “A couple of players got dropped, senior players – not popular opinion in order to drop them – but [it was] what I felt was best for the team in order to get 11 guys on the park who were all pulling in the same direction.”There were changes, in my opinion, that needed to happen in order for us to move forward as a T20 team. But the South African mindset and the competitive environment that I grew up in – to come over here, you need to understand how things work.”If you look at some of the South African coaches, or sometimes the players that have come over have clashed heads with English players – I think there’s a certain narrative in terms of how things work and how to get people to buy in.”For me to come in and just throw out demands and orders and this is how we’re going to play – I was very conscious of that at the beginning – of how I wanted to go about it, of how I needed to get the guys to buy in… that was probably my toughest challenge, but after that things kind of went our way.”Harmer made his own match-winning contributions in the knockout stages, returning the best-ever combined figures on Finals Day of 7 for 35 across the two fixtures before a game-changing cameo of 18 off 7 balls, and argued that his side’s belief was what got them over the line.”We have all the tools,” he said. “We have all the players. We have what you cannot buy, which is the camaraderie in the dressing room. There’s a lot of love in our dressing room for the guy next to you.”In my opinion, you cannot buy that. You can bring in players, you can do what you want, but you can’t buy a bond between people. So that’s why I was quite vocal tonight in terms of how I want people – especially at Essex County Cricket Club – to change the mentality of a small cricket club because we don’t have the money.”It’s always excuses. In my opinion, those need to go. We have the tools to be very competitive over the next five years in all three formats, but we need to start believing.”As it works in cricket, when you need to chase down 300 in a 50-over game, people only start to believe when somebody scores a hundred or somebody takes a five-for.”Essex have the chance to secure an unprecedented T20/Championship double this week, as they travel to Taunton on Monday for a winner-takes-all four-day game, and Harmer said they could take the Blast win into that match.”Now, with us winning this T20 trophy, I think the belief is there and the players now understand that actually we are good enough,” he said. “All the noise in the background is just noise. Hopefully moving forward, we can be competitive and win more trophies.”

Everton finally received a verdict this week on their appeal regarding their Financial Fair Play charge earlier this season, which led to a deduction of 10 points. That verdict was mostly a positive one with the Toffees' deduction taken from 10 to six points, leaving them five points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone. And since then, they've been handed a further boost by the fitness of Dele Alli, who could now get a new contract at Goodison Park.

Dele Alli update

Struggling with injuries and difficult issues away from the pitch, Alli is finally on course to eventually make his return to action. The England international revealed in an open interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap the troubles that he has been facing away from the game, detailing his traumatic upbringing and his problems ever since, much to the shock of the football world.

Sean Dyche spoke about the timeline of Alli's return back in December, saying via The Guardian: "He still has a bit to go because he has been out for a long time, he needs a game programme, but to get him back with us would be really pleasing for him because he has been so unlucky.

"The last time, 12-13 weeks ago when he was going to join in, he was so unlucky with the damage that was done. But the good news is that everything is settling down and he is feeling good. I saw him earlier and he said: ‘I’m feeling great.’”

Now, almost three months later, the former Spurs star has reportedly taken a significant step towards a return. According to Patrick Boyland of The Athletic, Alli is back at Finch Farm to step up his rehabilitation, and Everton are now open to offering him a new contract at the club with a return to action before the end of the season not ruled out.

It is more likely he returns in pre-season, with his return to the club's training ground only the first major step towards full fitness and participation in full training still some way off, but nonetheless it is great news for Alli and Toffees fans that he is finally close to doing what he loves most.

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Before anything, however, Everton will have to negotiate a way past the reported £10m fee that they will owe Spurs if Alli reaches 20 appearances for the Merseyside club. Having already made 13 appearances, those at Goodison Park will see their financial troubles dealt another blow if they fail to renegotiate their deal with Spurs and Alli reaches 20 appearances.

Alli could yet rediscover best form

Whilst it remains to be seen whether Alli will be able to kick on at Everton upon his return to fitness, there's no doubting the player that they'll have on their hands if he does rediscover his best form.

Still yet to secure their safety, having a player who once stood alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the history books could go a long way in not only keeping Everton up but also potentially taking them onto bigger and better things in the Premier League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to impress under Gary O'Neil this season.

The Wanderers latest 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspur further highlighted the improvement made by the side since the summer.

One of the reasons for this success is their excellent recruitment in the transfer market over the past few years, with the likes of Joao Gomes, Matheus Cunha, and Hwang Hee-chan all being influential this campaign.

However, there is one player who goes under the radar slightly, who has been a reliable rock and proven to be an absolute bargain.

Toti Gomes' rise to the Premier League

Toti Gomes' path to Premier League stardom is a rather interesting tale, as after playing just three games for Estoril in Liga Portugal Two in 2019, then Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo snapped up the defender a year later – and it is reasonable to presume that the scouting department won't have envisioned him playing such a key role this season.

Upon his arrival at Wolves, the defender was immediately sent on loan to Swiss side Grasshoppers, who were playing in the second tier at the time. The Portuguese ace was incredible during their title-winning campaign in 2021, playing 34 times.

The 25-year-old stayed at the club until January 2022, and two weeks later, he made his debut for Wolves in the Premier League against Southampton in a 3-1 win. Former captain Conor Coady was impressed by the number 24's first start, calling him "fantastic" in a post-match interview.

Toti Gomes 2023/24 season so far

Last season, Gomes featured much more than he did after making his debut, playing 17 times in the league as either a left-centre back or a left-back, with neither of those being the position that gets the best out of him.

The arrival of O'Neil has seen the former Estoril star develop into a quality defender, with the left-centre back role in a back three becoming his own, due to his ability to win duels and use his athleticism to dominate wingers. Gomes has played in every game since coming into the side versus Manchester City in September, with the win against Spurs being his 19th league start of the campaign.

Gomes' profile is perfect for a side operating in a back three, while his versatility also allows him to play comfortably in a back four as a fullback or a centre half. The 6 foot 2 rock is proactive and able to adapt to different match states, whether it is using his ability on the ball to get the team up the field or using his excellent reading of the game to sniff out danger when under pressure. He displayed all of the above against Spurs this weekend.

Minutes

95

Clearances

5

Tackles

2

Interceptions

4

Dribbled past

0

Pass accuracy %

83%

Successful dribbles

2/2

With his Portugal debut under his belt and plenty of action in the Premier League, while also being left-footed, his estimated worth has rocketed to €14m (£12m), according to Transfermarkt.

That may not seem like much, yet having been valued at just €1m (£900k) at the time of his return to Molineux in January 2022, that marks a remarkable increase of 1233% – indicating just what a blinder it was in bringing him to the club.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Fresh from signing a new long-term contract with the Old Gold earlier this month, Gomes can continue to dazzle under O'Neil's watch for the foreseeable future.

أوضح ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، موقفه من فكرة التقدم باستئناف ضد البطاقة الحمراء التي تحصل عليها اللاعب ويليام ساليبا في مباراة السبت الماضي ضد بورنموث.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث خسر آرسنال بهدفين دون رد.

وشهدت المباراة حصول لاعب آرسنال ويليام ساليبا على بطاقة حمراء، بعد عرقلة لاعب الخصم إيفانيلسون، في الشوط الأول.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد فوز ليفربول على تشيلسي

في البداية، أشهر الحكم روب جونز بطاقة صفراء، قبل أن تتدخل تقنية الفيديو ومن ثم تُشهر البطاقة الحمراء.

هذا الأمر يعني غياب ويليام ساليبا عن المباريات الثلاثة المقبلة لـ آرسنال في الدوري الإنجليزي، وعلى رأسها لقاء ليفربول يوم الأحد المقبل.

ورفض أرتيتا منح رأيه فيما يخص التقدم باستئناف ضد طرد ساليبا.

وقال أرتيتا، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية: “أترك الأمر للنادي لفهم الظروف، سيتعين عليهم اتخاذ القرار، الأمر يتعلق بالسياق”.

وأضاف: “نريد الفوز في أي سياق ولكن الواقع هو أننا جعلنا الأمر صعبًا للغاية على أنفسنا”.

وواصل: “من جهة أخرى، لقد خسرنا مباراة واحدة في غضون 6 أشهر، اللعب بعشرة لاعبين يمثل مشكلة واضحة، لا يمكننا الاستمرار في اللعب بعشرة لاعبين”.

وأردف: “تصبح المهمة شبه مستحيلة، نحتاج إلى القضاء على ذلك، نريد أن نكون تنافسيين، إنه أمر رائع”.

أسدل الستار على مواجهات دور نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، الذي أقيم بين الزمالك وبيراميدز، والأهلي ضد سيراميكا كليوباترا.

وتمكن الأهلي من الفوز على نظيره سيراميكا كليوباترا، بهدفين مقابل هدف، خلال المباراة التي جرت بينهما على ملعب محمد بن زايد.

واستطاع الزمالك أن يحسم التأهل إلى المباراة النهائية، بعدما فاز على بيراميدز بركلات الترجيح بالفوز 5-4، وذلك بعد انتهاء وقت اللقاء الأصلي بهدف لمثله.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | الأهلي يتخطى عقبة سيراميكا كليوباترا ويضرب موعدًا ناريًا للثأر من الزمالك في نهائي السوبر

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري، يوم الخميس 24 أكتوبر الجاري.

الجدير بالذكر أن الأهلي قد نجح في التتويج بلقب النسخة الماضية من بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، ويشارك الموسم الحالي بصفته بطلًا لمسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، الموسم الماضي. موعد مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري 2024

تنطلق المباراة بين الأهلي والزمالك يوم الخميس 24 أكتوبر 2024، في تمام الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.