Worcestershire compile the third-highest first-class score in their history as hosts struggle in response

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-Jun-2025

Jake Libby followed Adam Hose to a double century•Getty Images

Hampshire 68 for 3 (Varma 10*, Brown 7*, Taylor 2-16) trail Worcestershire 679 for 7 dec (Hose 266, Libby 228, Roderick 80) by 611 runsJake Libby achieved his second career Rothesay County Championship double century as Worcestershire compiled the third-highest first-class score in their history.Stand-in captain Libby batted throughout a 10-hour vigil to secure a personal best 228, while underpinning his side’s vast 679 for 7 declared.His double century was paired with Adam Hose’s on day one – making it the first time two Worcestershire batters had passed 200 in an innings, while Gareth Roderick’s 80 kept him company for much of day two.The declaration at tea left Hampshire 32 overs until the close, and during the evening they managed to lose their top three on a lifeless pitch to end the day on 68 for 3 – an ominous 611 in arrears.Libby is built for long innings. He has a sound defence, enough shot-making to avoid building pressure on himself, and the mental fortitude to become unmovable.Aged 21, he scored a double ton in Nottinghamshire’s Second XI. On Championship debut, Libby scored a 247-ball century. In 2021, he batted for 681 minutes – two minutes shy of the longest Championship innings – to save a match against Essex.This innings shouldn’t have come as a shock to anyone, especially when it became clear before lunch on day one that the Hampshire bowlers were in for a torturous time with the pitch and Kookaburra ball.While Hose scored with abandon, Libby frustrated and accumulated. The pair put on 395 with their contrasting style until Hose’s departure late on the opening day.Nightwatcher Adam Finch and Ethan Brookes fell in the morning session but Hampshire only managed to pick up one bowling point, with Worcestershire counting the maximum five batting points to reverse their batting woes this season.Finch edged the three-wicket James Fuller behind, while Brookes left a straight one from Kyle Abbott.But Libby persisted, passing 150 with his sole six – towering Liam Dawson straight down the ground – and found Roderick a similarly stubborn partner.Roderick had barely scraped 250 runs together in 16 previous innings this season, but given the perfect batting conditions, upped the price on his wicket.It wasn’t pretty viewing in the roasting south coast sun, but it kept the scoreboard slowly ticking and the Hampshire bowlers, eight of whom were used in total, toiling.Roderick’s second fifty of the season came in 114 balls, but it was overshadowed by Libby raising his bat on 200 after 399 deliveries.Roderick top-edged a sweep to fall for 80 and Matthew Waite was carelessly run out before Tom Taylor added 51 with Libby.With a new ball ready after tea, Libby decided to put Hampshire’s bowlers out of their misery by concluding his and Worcestershire’s innings, having cleared his previous high of 215.The 679 was the highest Worcestershire score away from Visit Worcestershire New Road and the highest total by a visiting team to Utilita Bowl – only the 714 Hampshire dropped on Notts in 2005 stands above it.Hampshire’s response was not wholly unsurprising after 160 overs of draining fielding in mercury rising temperatures.Fletcha Middleton and Ali Orr had already been given lives when chances were shelled in the slips, but didn’t cash in.Middleton never looked comfortable before a hooping in-swinger from Taylor hit his pads in front, while Orr seemed to find rhythm until shabbily turning Finch to leg slip.Nick Gubbins followed to give Taylor a second leg-before wicket but Tilak Varma and Ben Brown remained for the last 40 balls of the day.

It may be a small slate in Major League Baseball on Monday, but we have plenty of ways to get in on some plus-money action. 

Let’s have some fun this afternoon!

MLB Best Bets TodayHouston Astros  -1.5 (+115) vs. Toronto Blue Jays at DraftKings

The Houston Astros are the hottest team in MLB, having won nine of their last 10 games.

That includes taking two out of three from the second-hottest team in June — the New York Mets — this weekend.  

A lot of credit for that hot streak can go to pitcher Hunter Brown, who, after a rough start to the season, pitched to the league’s lowest ERA for June (1.16),  lowering his season ERA to 4.37. 

Brown has been striking batters out at nearly 10 per nine innings this season. He has strung together seven consecutive quality starts since the beginning of May, and there’s little reason to doubt he will make it to eight versus a Toronto team batting just .237 this season (17th).  

The Jays will start righty Yariel Rodriguez this afternoon.  

Rodriguez got blown up in his last start vs. the Cleveland Guardians, not making it out of the second inning. His ERA is 5.94 for the season, and he’s walking batters at an extraordinarily high rate: 6.11 per nine innings. 

That’s likely to spell trouble vs. an Astros team that just put up a 10-spot on the Mets and has averaged 5.44 runs per game this month. 

By contrast, the Jays have scored 4.07 runs per game in June and 4.0 runs per game this season at home.  

Yes, the Astros bullpen may be tired after extras yesterday, but they still have Rafael Montero, Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader available.

On the other side, Toronto's bullpen ranks 28th in ERA for the season and has a 5.07 ERA for June.

The Astros took two out of three from the Jays earlier this season, shutting them out in both wins (8-0, 10-0). I like the payout for the Astros to win by two versus a Toronto team with a losing record at home (20-21). 

Rising star Cavan Sullivan came off the bench for the U.S. in Wednesday's U17 World Cup opener, but the Philadelphia Union attacker made the difference in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. His late goal sealed three points for the U.S. as they began the tournament in Qatar. Sullivan was tossed into the fray with the game scoreless in the 62nd minute.

Getty ImagesSullivan's big moment

Despite the hype behind him, Sullivan started the match on the bench for a U.S. team loaded with attacking talent, including highly-rated forwards Julian Hall, Nimfasha Berchimas and Mathis Albert, all of whom started. Sullivan replaced LAFC midfielder Jude Terry in the second half as the U.S. pushed for a goal.

It came in the 79th minute, when Albert looped a cross over Burkina Faso's defense to find Sullivan, who placed the ball into the back of the net to earn the U.S. all three points in their opening match.

AdvertisementWatch the goalGetty ImagesSullivan's rise

Sullivan's goal comes as he looks to break through in MLS with the Philadelphia Union. The 16-year-old homegrown has been widely touted as one of the top prospects in American soccer, and was signed by the Union in May 2024 at age 14.

Since, he's featured 18 times for the Union first team and joined up with the U.S. late for this World Cup to participate in the club's initial playoff matches. The teenager is set to join Manchester City when he turns 18.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWhat comes next?

Following the tournament-opening win, the U.S. will now look ahead to Saturday's match against Tajikistan, who fell 6-1 to the Czech Republic in their first U17 World Cup match.

Thomas Tuchel insists there is no problem with Jude Bellingham but warned nobody is guaranteed a place in the England squad after taking the eye-catching decision to omit the Real Madrid star.

England squad announced for Wales and Latvia matches

The back-to-back Euros runners-up face Wales in a Wembley friendly next Thursday before continuing World Cup qualification away to Latvia on Tuesday.

Bellingham missed September’s camp after undergoing shoulder surgery and has since played four matches for Real Madrid, yet there was no place in Tuchel’s 24-man squad for October’s doubleheader.

Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were others overlooked for a call-up, but the 22-year-old was the headline omission two days on from being crowned 2024-25 England men’s senior player of the year.

“I understand your focus on Jude of course,” Tuchel said of a player he would later say is one of the world’s best midfielders and makes his side stronger.

“First of all, he is a very special player and for special players there can always be special rules. I get this.

“But for this camp we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team. That applies also then for Jude. He deserves always to be in camp.

“I think there is an extra layer on top of it, the situation that he has not gathered full rhythm yet at Real Madrid.

“He is back in the team. He hasn’t finished one full match until now. He has only started one match, so he is at the moment in the period where he gets his rhythm, where he gets back to full strength.

“There is this extra layer into the decision, but the decision stayed for this camp.”

Asked if Bellingham was fit enough to be called up, Tuchel said: “Yes, and he wanted to be called up. We had a phone call. There was no issue from that side, he just lacks rhythm.

“He hasn’t finished one complete match, like I said, and on top of it we stayed with our decision to go with the same squad.”

Tuchel has not worked with Bellingham since the England boss apologised for saying in a June interview that his mother finds some of the midfielder’s on-field antics “repulsive”.

The German coach also stressed how good the mood was in the September meet-up, leading the manager to say that “one has nothing to do with the other”.

No problem between me and Bellingham, says Tuchel

Put to Tuchel that some people would think is there a problem between him Bellingham, he said: “No.

“There is also no problem between me and Phil Foden, there is no problem between me and Jack Grealish. Very special players. Phil is back to influencing games, deciding games for Manchester City. Jack is very close to being the best version of himself – a very special player, a very special character.

“There is no problem at all and there is no personal problem in the nomination.”

Bukayo Saka is the only fresh face in October’s squad, replacing injured Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke. Tino Livramento also drops out with a knee injury of his own.

Tuchel insists players have the chance to get back in the squad and acknowledges there are “players out who deserve to be with us”.

He added: “100 per cent there are no guarantees. If we say the competition is on, then the competition is on.

“We cannot say that like for 80 per cent of the squad the competition is on but for 20 per cent it is not on. It’s on. The competition is on. The team did very, very well and deserve to be in camp again.”

While it wasn’t the perfect weekend for Manchester City, it wasn’t far off.

The Citizens claimed all three points in what was a relatively routine win over Everton, while Liverpool lost at home to Manchester United.

So, while they are still three points behind Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s side are now a point clear of the Reds in second place and look set to mount a proper challenge for the Premier League title.

Moreover, with Erling Haaland back to his very best, there is no reason they couldn’t overtake the Gunners, especially when another of Pep’s best signings is playing so well.

Pep's best Man City signings

On top of revolutionising the way the game is played in this country, Guardiola has also signed some of the very best players to grace the Premier League.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, while he was already performing at a high level for Tottenham Hotspur, it would be hard to deny that Kyle Walker massively improved during his time in the North West.

During his time with the club, the Burnley ace made 319 appearances, during which he scored six goals, provided 23 assists, averaged 2.33 points per game and won everything there is to win in the club game, including a Champions League and six league titles.

Appearances

319

Starts

286

Minutes

25710′

Goals

6

Assists

23

Points per Game

2.33

Another stalwart of Pep’s best sides has been Rodri, as before his injury problems last season, he was one of the very best players in the world.

After all, the Spaniard is the only defensive midfielder to ever win the Ballon d’Or.

Moving on from defensive players, it’s hard to look past Bernardo Silva when it comes to the iconic manager’s best City signings.

The former AS Monaco dynamo moved to Manchester in the summer of 2017 and has since made an astounding 417 appearances across all competitions, in which he has scored 72 goals, provided 74 assists and dazzled fans all over the country with his mercurial abilities on the ball.

Finally, it would be impossible to talk about some of Guardiola’s best signings and not bring up Haaland.

The former Borussia Dortmund star made his way to the Etihad in the summer of 2022, and to say he has been a successful signing would be a laughable understatement.

Appearances

156

Starts

148

Minutes

12774′

Goals

138

Assists

22

Goal Involvements per Game

1.02

Minutes per Goal Involvement

79.83′

Points per Game

2.12

At the time of writing, the Leeds-born force of nature has scored 138 goals and provided 22 assists in 156 games for the club, totalling 12774 minutes.

In other words, the 25-year-old monster has averaged 1.02 goal involvements per game, or one every 79.83 minutes since joining City.

In all, it would be fair to say that Guardiola has signed more than his fair share of stars over the years, and it looks like he might have just landed his best since Haaland.

Guardiola's best signing since Haaland

Fortunately, there are a few players who could claim this title, from Josko Gvardiol to Savinho, but in this instance, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to look past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Yes, the Italian international only joined City this summer, but he is already putting in brilliant performances for the club.

And while some may say he lacks the ball-playing ability of Ederson, he more than makes up for it with his shot-stopping, which is surely what matters most with a goalkeeper.

His game-saving abilities were on full show in the match away to Brentford, when he came out on top from a one-on-one situation with Igor Thiago.

Moreover, while it is still early on in his time at the Etihad, the numbers are already showing that he should be in the same conversations with the very best in the league.

For example, he has conceded just two goals, which works out to 0.40 per 90 and puts him just behind David Raya who many would consider to be a part of the best defensive unit in the league, if not the world.

Finally, on top of the promising start to his time in the North West, there are also plenty of examples of him putting in game-saving performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Italy over the years.

For example, in the Champions League semi-finals last season, he prevented 2.09 goals across both legs against Arsenal, which was enough to send the Parisians through and see Italy legend Alessandro Costacurta label him “the best in the world.”

Ultimately, so long as Donnarumma can keep up the form he is already showing this season, and replicate some of his incredible performances of seasons prior, then it might soon be a commonly held opinion that he’s City’s best signing since Haaland.

Man City eye South American star who may follow in Julian Alvarez's footsteps

The Citizens could follow a familiar trend in their latest pursuit.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 19, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are in a difficult position after an incredibly disappointing start to the 2025/26 campaign in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe.

The Light Blues failed to qualify for the Champions League, losing 9-1 on aggregate in their play-off clash, and have lost their first two games in the league phase of the Europa League.

As you can see in the graphic above, Rangers have only won five of their 17 matches in all competitions this season, conceding 24 goals in the process.

That led the club to dismiss their head coach heading into the October international break, as they sit eighth in the Premiership with one win in seven league matches.

The club’s incredibly poor start to the season on paper makes it hard to argue that the sacking of Russell Martin was unjustified, as he did not pick up enough results to buy patience from supporters or the board.

It is now down to the Ibrox chiefs, though, to find a new manager or head coach who can step in and do a better job than the former Scotland international did in Glasgow.

The latest on the Rangers manager search at Ibrox

Former professional scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Steven Gerrard is “in the box seat” to be the next Rangers manager during the international break.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Brown told Football Insider: “Right now, it probably does seem like it’s Gerrard’s job to lose, really. He’s been the outstanding candidate.

“We’ll see how things develop over the next few days, but Gerrard is in the box seat right now. If those talks are successful, it could mean something pretty quickly happening with Gerrard returning to Ibrox.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Record claims that the English head coach is due to hold talks with the club in London this week to discuss a possible return to Ibrox.

That report adds, though, that Gerrard’s camp has made it clear that they are exploratory talks, and that nothing is advanced or close to being agreed at this moment in time.

Matches

38

12

Wins

32

8

Draws

6

3

Defeats

0

1

Points

102

27

Points per game

2.68

2.25

League position

1st (Champions)

1st

As you can see in the table above, the manager’s last 50 league games in charge of the club during his first spell were almost immaculate, with 40 wins and only one loss.

His return to Ibrox would surely be met with excitement, given that he won the title in the 2020/21 campaign, and it could get the stadium rocking again if they are able to agree a deal with the former Aston Villa boss.

Gerrard, though, is not walking into a favourable environment, as evidenced by one win in seven league games, and he could have some big decisions to make in his first few weeks at the club, and then in the January transfer window.

Rangers made a host of changes to their squad during the summer transfer window, as shown in the graphic below, but not many of their new signings have hit the ground running.

In fact, two signings who may become two of the first victims of the change in manager at Ibrox could be Joe Rothwell and Max Aarons, who may find themselves disposable by January.

Why Rangers must ditch this Ibrox duo

Former Rangers centre-forward Kris Boyd heaped criticism on both Rothwell and Aarons, as well as the recruitment in general, in August because they both came from English clubs.

Boyd said: “He (Martin) has brought a few players in, but I think he needs to be very, very careful. He keeps going back to the English market as well, inflated, overrated for me, especially when you go down the leagues.

“There is a long list of Rangers players who have arrived from the Championship or below who have failed here. And I am afraid to say, at this moment in time, Max Aarons and Joe Rothwell seem to be falling more towards the Kieran Dowell, Ben Davies, Todd Cantwell, Tom Lawrence category than what they do with the likes of Connor Goldson and James Tavernier.”

As Boyd outlined in his comments, Rangers have had plenty of failures arrive at Ibrox from the English market, including Tom Lawrence, who signed for Perth Glory this week after moving on from Glasgow on a free transfer in the summer.

Appearances

23

18

Goals

2

4

Assists

3

2

Dribbles completed per game

0.6

0.5

Ground duel success rate

48%

46%

Aerial duel success rate

57%

15%

As you can see in the table above, the Wales international did not provide consistent quality at the top end of the pitch as an attacking midfielder in his last two seasons at Ibrox.

Aarons and Rothwell, as Boyd explained, are on course to follow in Lawrence’s footsteps because they have both endured underwhelming starts to their careers at Ibrox.

The Bournemouth loanee, who was sent off against Club Brugge in the Champions League, did score the winning goal against Livingston last month in the Premiership.

However, he has also been an unused substitute in four of the last six games and the appointment of Gerrard is unlikely to change his fortunes, given that James Tavernier, the captain, played 168 times for the manager in his first spell at Ibrox, per Transfermarkt.

Rothwell, meanwhile, could suffer the same fate as Aarons, despite signing on a permanent deal from Bournemouth in the summer, because he has failed to impress thus far.

Gerrard liked to have mobility in his midfield with the likes of Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo in the 2020/21 title-winning season, and Rothwell does not fit into that midfield mould, as he has won just 1.4 ground duels per game, per Sofascore, which shows that he rarely gets across the pitch to compete in duels.

This means that the central midfielder could find himself further down the pecking order and considering his future at the club when the January transfer window opens, whilst Aarons may have to consider whether or not the loan is worth completing if he is behind Tavernier.

New Rangers manager could lose Ibrox star as soon as January window opens

Another potential blow for the Gers.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 10, 2025

Therefore, Aarons and Rothwell could be the first Ibrox victims of a change in manager if Gerrard walks through the door, because they have started poorly at Rangers and both may not be frontline options in the English tactician’s 4-3-3 set-up, due to his preferences in his first spell.

Chelsea have now opened talks to sign a “powerful” new forward who’s scored 15 goals this season, joining the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for his signature.

Blues open talks to sign new forward amid resurgent form

After a slow start to the campaign, there were a few questions asked about Enzo Maresca’s position as manager, but the Italian’s side have since returned to form, winning their last three matches on the spin in all competitions.

Most recently, the Blues picked up a 3-0 victory on the road against Nottingham Forest, which cost Ange Postecoglou his job, and Pedro Neto put in a very impressive display, chipping in with a goal and an assist, while also completing three dribbles.

Alejandro Garnacho’s performance, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as eye-catching, with the 21-year-old still yet to get off the mark in front of goal since arriving from Manchester United, and Jamie Gittens hasn’t exactly hit the ground running either.

The former Borussia Dortmund man is without a goal or an assist in his opening eight games this season, with the Englishman’s form likely to be a concern for Maresca.

That’s the risk clubs take when they decide to sign up-and-coming talents, rather than ready-made top players, and it is certainly a questionable approach from the west Londoners, who have the capabilities to attract some of the best wingers in the world.

However, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have joined the race for a new youngster, having opened agent talks over a deal for Vasco da Gama starlet Rayan Vitor, who certainly isn’t short of potential suitors.

Barcelona, PSG, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also named as interested parties, with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the best young talents to come out of Brazil in recent times, but a deal would be relatively expensive.

The teenager has a £35m release clause in his contract, although the Blues may be able to hash out a deal for closer to the £26m – £29m mark.

Related Chelsea now in pole position to sign £80m "key target" ahead of PSG and Liverpool

The Blues are looking to complete a statement deal.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 18, 2025 "Powerful" Vitor could be a future star

Jamie Carragher has previously made it clear exactly what he thinks of Chelsea’s recruitment policy, saying: “The club hides behind a prolonged transitional period that keeps being extended, focusing on signing the same type of young players in every transfer window.”

In truth, the young Brazilian would probably fall into that category, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, having shown signs he could go on to become a future star.

The Vasco da Gama star has 15 goals to his name in 2025, and he has received plaudits from scout Ben Mattinson.

That said, having signed Garnacho, Gittens and Estevao in recent times, it would be a questionable decision to bring in yet another young winger, and signing a centre-back should be a priority, given that Maresca is light on options at the back.

Everton have battled their way out of relegation-threatened status in the Premier League.

After several years of low-table fortunes, things have changed, with David Moyes lifting Goodison Park on its swansong up to a mid-table finish last season.

Now, he’s targeting an ambitious push for Europe, with the signings made across the summer propping up these ambitions.

At the forefront is Jack Grealish, and he is back in contention to play this weekend as the Toffees welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Hill Dickinson, having missed last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City due to ineligibility.

Jack Grealish could be the game-changer

Grealish joined Everton from Man City on loan this summer, having fallen by the wayside across the past couple of years in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

He’s back. Four August assists served Grealish the Premier League Player of the Month award, and he’s maintained a talismanic presence, lifting the spirits and the belief of his teammates.

If Everton surpass expectations this summer, expect the plaudits to rain down at the 30-year-old’s feet.

His playmaking quality was sorely missed last weekend, but he can play once again, and it’s a good thing too, for Tottenham have many high-level players and have improved defensively since Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou this summer.

Grealish can’t do it alone, but luckily, Moyes has another talented midfielder who could share the load and maybe even outperform his senior peer on the afternoon.

The Everton star who could outshine Grealish

Last season, Tyler Dibling emerged as one of the brightest teenagers in the Premier League, and there was a swarm of interest in his signature. Everton won the race, signing the 19-year-old in a £42m deal.

However, he has only featured four times in the top flight this term, hooked at half-time on his sole start against Crystal Palace.

In fairness, this was a poor display, but for a teenage talent performing in new territory to flatter to deceive during such a scenario is hardly unheard of.

Minutes played

45′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

0/3

Tackles

1

Duels won

3/10

There’s a real player in there, to be sure, with Dibling having already been on Tottenham’s radar, Spurs having pushed for a deal this summer before Everton won the race.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 17% of positional peers for pass completion, the top 20% for successful take-ons and the top 26% for tackles per 90, with this robust array of skills leading the data-driven platform to list Iliman Ndiaye as one of his most comparable players.

But there’s no denying more is needed after a slow start on Merseyside. Luckily, Dibling has all the talent in the world, and Moyes needs only to bring his confidence and balance in this new team to the fore.

And his match sharpness will have improved after two winning performances with England U19s this month. He drew praise for his performances, with data scientist Michael Green hailing the youngster for being “incredibly positive with every action”.

With Grealish sure to slot back into that left-sided berth, the competition for places is thick, but Dibling could use this chance as a springboard, having endured a testing start to his Everton career, no doubt about that.

His speed and technical quality and athleticism suggest he has what it takes to shine the brightest for Moyes’ Everton side, and there’s no doubt that this is a “world-class talent”, as has been said by his former youth coach Andy Goldie, having thrived in an abject Southampton side.

Should Dibling make an impact against Frank’s Tottenham, who lack fluency in attack right now, all eyes will be on him. In this, he could outshine the ever-impressive Grealish.

Not Keane: Moyes can fix Branthwaite blow by unleashing Everton "revelation"

Everton’s star centre-back has suffered a complication in his injury recovery.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

أشاد الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، بلاعب نادي الزمالك، خلال مباراة فريقه أمام بيراميدز، مؤكدًا أنه قدّم مستوى مميزًا يستحق الإشادة، عكس نهائي السوبر ضد الأهلي، مشيرًا إلى أن عودته إلى صفوف منتخب مصر كانت مستحقة بعد فترة من الغياب.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الاثنين: “في مباراة بيراميدز كان فتوح نجم اللقاء الأول وظهر بمستوى رائع، لا أعلم إن كان السبب هو شعوره بحرية أكبر بسبب تواجد بنتايج أم لا، لكن ما قدّمه كان مميزًا بالفعل”.

وتابع: “ولكن هذا عكس أدائه أمس في مباراة الأهلي بنهائي السوبر، فتوح لاعب جيد ويمتلك قدرات فنية كبيرة، وقد استحق العودة إلى المنتخب”.

طالع أيضًا | شيكابالا: انضمام لاعب الأهلي لـ منتخب مصر قرار مثير للجدل.. وناصر ماهر أخطأ في تصريحاته

وأضاف: “حسام حسن بمجرد أن شعر بأن فتوح استعاد مستواه الحقيقي، سارع بضمه إلى المنتخب، وكأنه يقول له: تعال بسرعة، اشتقت إلى وجودك، وهذه إشارة إلى ثقة الجهاز الفني في إمكانياته”.

وشدد: “فتوح لاعب موهوب للغاية، لكن عليه أن يحافظ على نفسه ويركّز في كرة القدم، فالموهبة وحدها لا تكفي، أنا أتحدث من واقع خبرة، فقد نصحت من قبل لاعبين كبار مثل إبراهيم سعيد وعمرو زكي وصالح جمعة، وكلهم كانوا يملكون إمكانيات هائلة، لكن عدم الالتزام ضيّع الكثير من فرصهم”.

واختتم: “أتمنى أن يدرك فتوح قيمة موهبته، لأنه لاعب جيد حقًا، وإذا ركّز في مشواره الرياضي فسيكون له مستقبل كبير مع المنتخب ومع ناديه”.

Wolves’ turbulent season hit another twist after Vitor Pereira’s sacking, with reports linking Sporting Lisbon boss Rui Borges to Molineux. The Portuguese tactician has firmly rejected the move. With Wolves winless after 10 games and bottom of the Premier League, Borges’ refusal underscores the club’s deepening crisis and Sporting’s determination to stay focused on their title defence.

• Wolves in crisis after winless start in the Premier League

  Wolves' dismal Premier League campaign has reached breaking point. The club sits 20th with just two points from ten matches, the worst start in their Premier League history and the first time a side has gone winless in their opening ten games for two consecutive seasons. Pereira, who took charge in December 2024, was shown the door after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Fulham, marking Wolves’ eighth loss of the season.

  Under Pereira, Wolves endured a dramatic fall from grace. His debut season ended with a six-game winning streak and survival in 16th place, earning him a Manager of the Season nomination. But the optimism evaporated this term with Wolves scoring just five goals and conceding 26, the weakest attack and defence in the league. Pereira’s exit, along with his entire backroom staff, came just 45 days after signing a three-year extension.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Sporting manager Rui Borges says “no” to Wolves

  According to Notícias ao Minuto, Wolves reportedly approached Sporting Lisbon manager Borges. But the 42-year-old swiftly ruled out any Molineux move, insisting his focus remains on Sporting’s Primeira Liga title defence and their Champions League clash against Juventus next week.

  Sporting officials, confirmed Borges’ commitment to the club, where he has a contract until 2027 with a €20 million buyout clause. His refusal doesn’t come as a surprise as Sporting are second in the league with 25 points from 10 matches, just three behind Porto, and Borges is chasing a third consecutive league title.

  Since arriving in December 2024, Borges has transformed Sporting with disciplined defensive tactics and player development. Last season, his side registered 28 wins from 43 matches, scoring 67 goals and conceding only 32. His success in domestic and European competitions, including an promising Conference League run, has elevated his reputation, making Wolves’ interest logical but ultimately futile.

• Inside Borges' rise as a coach

  Borges’ story has been one of steady rise through Portugal’s football pyramid. Since beginning his coaching career in 2017, he’s managed over 325 games with a total of 162 wins, 81 draws, and 82 losses. His stints at clubs like Vitoria de Guimaraes with 18 wins, seven draws, five losses in 30 games and Moreirense with 16 wins, eight draws, and 12 losses in 36 games demonstrated his tactical discipline, with teams known for compact defences and structured transitions.

  At Sporting, Borges’ methods have drawn comparisons to his predecessor Ruben Amorim. His 4-4-2 formation emphasises positional structure and calculated counter-attacks, while fostering growth in young talents like Manu Silva and Bruno Gaspar. His analytical approach and reputation for player development make him one of Europe’s most coveted names – but unlike many peers, Borges remains deeply committed to Portugal’s football project.

  For Wolves, missing out on Borges reflects a growing challenge which is attracting top-tier coaching talent amid instability. With the club’s recruitment misfires and limited budget under scrutiny, the gap between their ambitions and reality is widening.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Who can be Wolves next manager?

  With Borges out of the running, Wolves’ search for a new head coach intensifies. Gary O’Neil, sacked less than a year ago, has emerged as a shock candidate for return who is still admired by owners Fosun International for his man-management and survival instincts. Other names in contention include Brendan Rodgers, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag, while Championship boss Rob Edwards and Steven Gerrard are also reportedly on the shortlist.

  The club’s next appointment could define their season. Wolves are eight points adrift of safety, and their upcoming fixtures against Burnley and Bournemouth may determine whether they can salvage survival hopes before Christmas. The rejection from Borges is a reality check for a side once known for its ambitious, Portuguese-driven project.