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If you were to look at one position where West Ham struggled last season, it would undoubtedly be their strikers.

Between the five “out and out” strikers used over the season (Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho, Simone Zaza, Jonathan Callieri and Ashley Fletcher), there was just nine goals scored with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Andre Ayew and Michail Antonio helping from midfield.

While last season – particularly the first half – was a disappointment after the exciting seventh-placed finish the season before, the lack of a consistently firing front man is hardly a new problem for the Hammers.

It may come as a surprise to some, for example, to find out that the East London side haven’t had a striker score more than 10 goals during a Premier League season in a decade – since Bobby Zamora managed 11 in the 2006/07 season.

It’s a stat that beggars belief considering how West Ham have only missed one season in the top flight since then. Worryingly still, of the current crop of strikers it seems unlikely the streak will be broken with Andy Carroll married to the treatment table and Diafra Sakho making more headlines off the pitch and on it.

That is, unless Slaven Bilic manages to bring in a proven goalscorer – enter Javier Hernandez.

After a disappointing season where they finished in 12th place, Bayer Leverkusen are having something of an exodus as Ömer Toprak and Hakan Calhanoglu have moved on, with the Mexican expected to follow them out the door.

With reports of Hernandez having a £13million release clause, there is understandably a lot of interest in acquiring his services, with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham heavily linked.

It’s the Hammers who would surely find more to gain from signing the ex-Manchester United striker, who enjoyed a fruitful spell at Old Trafford.

‘Chicarito’ endeared himself to the Red Devils with his clever movement and sharp finishing and managed 20 goals in his first season while also managing double figures in three of his four full seasons, despite not being a regular starter.

He has also impressed in the past on loan at Real Madrid, as well as managing an astonishing 39 goals in 76 games over the last two seasons in Germany.

If Bilic wants a man who guarantees goals there aren’t many better – especially for that price, even if you factor in the striker’s reported £140,000-a-week wage demands.

While he would be a departure from West Ham’s recent approach of a tall striker to aim crosses at, there is every chance Hernandez would thrive should Bilic change his approach. With the impeccable delivery of Dimitri Payet now missing from their arsenal and Lanzini’s penchant for a killer ball, this may well be the idea.

Some would say that having a striker who only offers goals when you won’t make them that many chances is a mistake, but if chances are at a premium, wouldn’t it make sense to have someone that puts them away?

And just think how well he would combine in a big man, little man partnership should Carroll remain fit or a striker in the shape of Olivier Giroud arrive.

If either of the above happened, you can bet West Ham fans won’t have a lot to moan about in the striker department for long.

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Sunderland have announced the signing of Joleon Lescott on a deal until the end of the season.What’s the word?After training with the Black Cats for a short spell, the 34-year-old has been offered a contract by manager David Moyes.

Lescott had been out of work since his contract at Greek side AEK Athens was terminated early in November.

Prior to his move abroad, the defender spent a season at Aston Villa, but it did not end well as he fell out with the fans after a tweet of an expensive sports car was posted to his account just hours after the team were beaten 6-0 by Liverpool.

Sunderland are in need of defensive cover as they are expected to be without Papy Djilobodji for the next four games after he was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

The Guardian reportsÂthat Patrick van Aanholt could be on his way out, with Crystal Palace keen to seal a £12m capture.

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Why Lescott’s arrival proves the cupboard is bare.

Moyes has repeatedly stated that there were limited funds available for spending this January, despite the club being in need of fresh recruits.

The Black Cats currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, three points from safety after losing 15 of their 22 fixtures, and winning just four.

Only Hull City and Swansea City have a worse defensive record than Sunderland, who have had 42 goals shipped past them.

Lescott is certainly not the long-term answer to Sunderland’s defensive woes, but can he do a job for the next four months?

He has vast Premier League experience having played for Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City and Everton in his career.

However, in his recent brush with relegation, he was unable to help Villa remain in the top flight, and various behaviours off the pitch resulted in the fans turning against him.

A positive, though, is that Moyes knows Lescott very well having coached him for three seasons at Everton, so maybe he can get the best out of the defender.

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The appointment of Jurgen Klopp has come at a convenient time. The new manager will have over two months to assess his squad and take stock of what he wants and what he doesn’t want before rifling through the transfer market to find the men who can take the club in the direction the new man wants to see it go in.

January could be a very busy month for Klopp, but it’s more likely that he’ll have to wait for the summer for significant changes. Liverpool made lots of new signings in the summer, and players like Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino – if they hit top form – are players who any top coach could work with.

On top of that, players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner will provide a spine of the team that knows English football and who will always give 100% to the cause.

But within the ranks, there are surely some deadwood players who Klopp could be getting rid of in order to bring something new into the club. Once he assesses the squad and looks to bring it on to a new direction, here are five players he might look to axe in January…

Kolo Toure

The Ivorian has been a major fixture in the Premier League since his arrival at Arsenal back in 2002. But Toure is now 34, and although his experience around the dressing room might count for something, Liverpool’s defence has been the main area with Brendan Rodgers failed at the club.

It’s time for some new blood at the back, and Klopp will have to make room in his squad for a few new defenders who will fit into whatever organisational structure he wishes to impose. The likeable Ivorian might bear the brunt of that, and the song might not be enough to save him!

Lucas Leiva

With Liverpool’s defence looking ropey, Jurgen Klopp needs a man who can anchor the midfield and protect the defenders. But in his entire inherited squad, the only man who is capable of playing that role is Lucas Leiva.

Since the start of the season, Brendan Rodgers has seen this too, and the Brazilian who looked like he was on his way out of the club in the summer has become a fixture in the team.

But given the fragility at the back, this is a very important role, and one that Klopp needs to get right. Lucas will probably be one of the players he observes initially and gives a chance to take the mantle, but if Lucas doesn’t take the chance, Klopp will need to find someone else to perform the role.

Dejan Lovren

Probably the poster boy for Brendan Rodgers’ failings as Liverpool manager ever since the sale of Luis Suarez, Lovren has looked like a liability in the centre of defence every time he has played for Liverpool.

One of Brendan Rodgers’ raids from Southampton, the Croatian was a member of one of the meanest defences in the league. But at Liverpool, some comedy defending has infuriated Liverpool fans and they turned their anger on Rodgers. Lovren wasn’t able to repay his former manager for the faith he showed in him, and given Klopp’s main task is sorting out the defence, the German coach may not fancy putting his faith in him too.

Divock Origi

Signed almost on the back of his impactful performances at the World Cup in Brazil, the Belgian starlet went back to old club Lille on loan, but his performances weren’t great.

He was part of a struggling team in France, but he himself was booed off the pitch by the Lille fans after missing a penalty against Wolfsburg in the Europa League.

His return to Liverpool hasn’t seen him hit the heights we thought he might hit, and although the new manager might give him a new lease of life, if he doesn’t make an impact before January he might see himself shipped out once again in order to make room for a new signing Klopp might have in mind.

Simon Mignolet

Targeted by Liverpool goalkeeping legend Bruce Grobbelaar last season as the reason Liverpool were struggling, Mignolet is a sometimes erratic goalkeeper who lives very much on the edge.

His on the edge style sees him make some remarkable saves, but it also sees him let in goals that look soft, mess up clearances and come for crosses he has no chance of claiming.

If Klopp wants to make an impact on a defence that has been failing for years, he should start with a commanding goalkeeper who can instill confidence in his backline. Simon Mignolet is not that goalkeeper.

Marcus Rashford has been likened to Anthony Martial – a misfiring Manchester United forward that Roy Keane says scores “one goal in 14 years”.

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Home-grown star hit 30 goals last seasonJust two to his name in the current campaignRed Devils lacking spark as a collectiveWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils have plenty of international firepower at their disposal, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Antony also forming part of their attacking arsenal. Erik ten Hag’s side are, however, short on goals and drew a blank again in a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at Newcastle.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rashford – who has two efforts to his name through 18 appearances this season – was replaced just after the hour mark at St James’ Park and was caught on camera appearing to question why he is still with the Red Devils. pundit Jamie Carragher has said of the struggling home-grown star: “Watching Marcus Rashford, it was an unacceptable performance, for a few reasons. None of the players came out with any credit, but that lad didn’t play midweek [in the Champions League], so there isn’t any mitigating reason why he hasn’t been 100 per cent. I’ve been a local player and it isn’t easy, especially when your team is not doing well. When it’s not going well, it’s your job to fix it and you’ve got to drag those around you. I’m watching Marcus Rashford and he reminds me of Martial. And that’s the worst possible thing you can probably say about him. A foreign player who comes in, hasn’t done the business, doesn’t care – and that’s a fact with Martial. Marcus Rashford is now looking like Anthony Martial. As a local player, it’s your job to drag those other players up. If your confidence is down, you’re not scoring goals, or you’re not getting assists, no problem. But you do not stop running for that badge, that shirt and those supporters.”

WHAT KEANE SAID ABOUT RASHFORD

United legend Keane backed up that point by saying of a man that netted 30 times last season, but now finds himself struggling alongside team-mate Martial – who has scored just 12 Premier League goals since the 2020-21 campaign got underway: “He’s a local lad, he’s got the mega deal and that is all well and good. I need a bit more – you run forward but you have to run back. Cover yards. He’s 26 now, he’s not a child anymore. He’s got to set the example. Is he on his own? Absolutely not. He’s one of the experienced players in that dressing room and if he’s not setting the example. We mentioned Martial and I know he’s an easy target. We forgive Martial when he scores a goal every 14 years. But if we’re 1-0 down to Newcastle and we put the ball into the box for you, you better get hold of that ball and get us up the pitch. But he’s just touching it and giving it away cheaply. I’m thinking, ‘You might as well go down the leagues’. Man United were trying to get rid of him a few years ago.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

United have slipped down to seventh in the Premier League table, while also sweating on European progress in 2023-24, and will be hoping to find a spark back on home soil when they play host to Chelsea on Wednesday.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs Leicester in the Premier League on TV and online in the United States.

Crystal Palace take on Leicester City in a Premier Leaguegame at Amex Stadium on Saturday.

After failing to win in their last 13 matches in all competitions, Patrick Vieira parted ways with Palace and Roy Hodgson replaced him at the helm. They are currently 12th in the Premier League.

Leicester City too have failed to register a win in their last six matches and are currently one point above the relegation zone.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the Premier League fixture between Crystal Palace vs Leicester City, plus team news, recent form and more.

• Getty Images
  

  Kick-off time

  Date:	April 1, 2023
  Kick-off time:	10am ET
  Venue:	Selhurst Park

  The game is scheduled for April 1, 2023, at Selhurst Park. It will kick off at 10am ET in the US.

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  How to watch Crystal Palace vs Leicester online – TV channels & live streams

  TV channels & streaming options

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  U.S	N/A	Peacock Premium

  In the U.S., the match can be streamed on Peacock Premium.

• Getty
  

  Team news & squads

  Crystal Palace team news

  Crystal Palace will be without Chris Richards and Nathan Ferguson while Joachim Andersen remains uncertain due to a calf injury that he picked up against Arsenal.

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers:	Whitworth, Guaita, Johnstone
  Defenders:	Guehi, Tomkins, Mitchell, Clyne, Ward.
  Midfielders:	Doucoure, Riedewald, Milivojevic, Hughes, McArthur, Schlupp, Eze.
  Forwards:	Zaha, Olise, Edouard, Mateta, Ayew.

  Leicester City team news

  James Justin and Youri Tielemans are out of this clash due to injuries but the good news for Leicester is that Victor Kristiansen, Jonny Evans, Dennis Praet and Harry Souttar are back in the squad.

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers:	Ward, Iversen, Smithies
  Defenders:	Soyuncu, Faes, Amartey, Vestergaard, Souttar, Evans, Thomas, Kristiansen, Castagne, Pereira
  Midfielders:	Ndidi, Soumare, Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall, Praet, Maddison, Barnes, Tete
  Forwards:	Daka, Iheanacho, Vardy

  Head-to-head record

  Date	Result	Competition
  15 October, 2022	Leicester 0-0 Crystal Palace	Premier League
  26 April, 2022	Leicester 2-1 Crystal Palace	Club Friendly
  3 October, 2021	Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester	Premier League
  27 April, 2021	Leicester 2-1 Crystal Palace	Premier League
  28 December, 2020	Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester	Championship

  Crystal Palace have failed to beat Leicester City in their last five meetings with the Foxes winning twice and three games ended in a draw.

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  Useful links

  • Crystal Palace team page

  • Leicester team page

  • Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

The Premier League table looks a lot healthier for Ten Hag after second-successive win

Manchester United ended a run of seven straight defeats on the road with a 1-0 win against Southampton on Saturday, as Bruno Fernandes' second-half strike secured a first away victory since beating Leeds 4-2 in February.

Erik ten Hag's side have now won back-to-back games after seeing off Liverpool on Monday to put their miserable start to the campaign behind them. Manchester United had lost their opening two games to plunge the new manager's reign into crisis – but the table looks a lot healthier after successive wins, with £60 million signing Casemiro making his debut as a late substitute.

There will be fresh questions about the futures of Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo, who were both left out of the starting line-up again, but that will be a question for another day as the Red Devils will be pleased with their performance at St. Mary's.

GettyThe Winners

Bruno Fernandes:

For a long time it looked like a deeply frustrating day for Fernandes, given his poor use of the ball and failure to take one of two chances during a first half goalmouth scramble.

But he did what he does so well by providing the crucial goal that secured three points for United.

Ten Hag needs to find the best way to incorporate him in his midfield – but he is a match-winner and that is what makes him so important to Manchester United.

David de Gea:

His second half save proved vital when Joe Aribo got the wrong side of Raphael Varane and powerfully headed towards the target.

De Gea's used quick reflexes to push the shot away from close range to maintain Manchester United's lead.

He was at fault for at least two goals in the 4-0 defeat to Brentford – but here he was ensuring Manchester United held on for the win at St Mary's.

Tyrell Malacia:

There is a lot to like about the left-back – and it hasn't taken long for him to force his way into the starting line-up ahead of Luke Shaw.

Tenacious defensively and ambitious going forward, right now it is his position to lose.

United might have unearthed a gem in the Netherlands international, who cost just £13 million.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Harry Maguire:

Left out for the second game in succession after Ten Hag warned him the captaincy wouldn't guarantee a starting place.

These are early days in the season, but the signs aren't good for the England international – especially ahead of the World Cup.

Ten Hag wants to establish a consistent centre-back pairing and Varane and Martinez are the ones being given the chance to stake their claim.

Marcus Rashford:

Given another shot at the point of attack – but was nowhere near as effective as he was against Liverpool.

Looked lost at times in the first half and was barely a threat on goal.

Should have gambled to get in the box to meet a wicked cross from Eriksen, but was nowhere to be seen.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

That's three games out of the first four this season that Ronaldo has been left out of the starting line-up.

His lack of pre-season was the reason for his absence on the opening day of United's campaign against Brighton – but he has had three weeks since then to work on his conditioning.

He is now out of the team for tactical reasons, which will not sit well with the Portuguese legend.

Will he still be here when United are next in action – against Leicester on transfer deadline day?

Getty ImagesManchester United Ratings: Defence

David De Gea (7/10):

Stunning save denied Aribo from close range. Needed that after his nightmare at Brentford. Still a great shot-stopper.

Diogo Dalot (8/10):

Growing into his role as first choice right-back. Pushed high up to keep United on the front foot. Picked out a clever cross for Fernandes to score and late clearance also denied Southampton.

Raphael Varane (7/10):

Good anticipation in the air when Southampton were more direct – but had to rely on De Gea when allowing Aribo to get goal-side of him.

Lisandro Martinez (9/10):

Good aerially and utterly dominant on the ground. That Brentford game is well behind him now. Looks a fixture in the heart of defence.

Tyrell Malacia (7/10):

Loves to engage and threw himself into everything, either in the air or on the ground. Got forward well in support.

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@ManUtdMidfield

Scott McTominay (6/10):

Won some important headers in the air and tried to run beyond Southampton's midfield. Good energy and put in a defensive shift as United were pushed back late on.

Christian Eriksen (8/10):

Precise passes helped in congested areas – and his first half cross deserved to be finished by someone. Unfortunate to see effort blocked during goalmouth scramble.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

He is a game-changer and his goal did precisely that. Still questions over his use of the ball and ability to retain possession – but the quality of his finish was beyond doubt.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo está a um passo de levar o “mundo de novo”, como pede a sua torcida com cada vez mais volume Rio, Brasil e Doha afora. Classificado para a final do Mundial de Clubes, após derrotar o Al Hilal por 3 a 1, na última terça-feira, o time de Jorge Jesus agora aguarda o vencedor do confronto entre Liverpool e Monterrey, nesta quarta, pela outra semifinal.

E o duelo foi como Jesus projetava: encardido e constando a competitiva equipe que têm os sauditas, pois o Flamengo suou para derrotá-la. As pernas podem ter pesado, sobretudo pela alta intensidade na marcação dos rivais, conforme apontou Gabigol, na zona mista do Estádio Internacional Khalifa.

Além disso, Gabigol respondeu a respeito da estadia do Flamengo na capital qatari, onde a delegação rubro-negra está desde o último sábado. O camisa 9 fez um resumo de com está sendo os dias no luxuosoGrand Hyatt Doha, hotel localizado emWest Bay e que a diária custa a partir de R$ 915.

– A gente está levinho, estamos tranquilos. Eu não trouxe videogame, mas acho que uns jogadores trouxeram.A equipe é muito brincalhona, é muito boba. Cada uma fica mais no seu quarto, na resenha, estamos muito preocupados em descansar, estamos bem tranquilos. Temos usado demais a fisiologia e os seus equipamentos. As pernas pesam pois é final de temporada, mas para final de Mundial a gente tira da onde não tem.

RelacionadasFlamengoArrascaeta: ‘Na final, tiraremos força de onde não temos’Flamengo17/12/2019FlamengoEverton Ribeiro alerta sobre melhora do Flamengo de olho na decisãoFlamengo17/12/2019FlamengoO bolso agradece! Flamengo já tem alta quantia garantida com a finalFlamengo17/12/2019

Quanto ao fuso horário, que é de seis horas a mais em relação ao de Brasília, o elenco já está regrado para não sofrer com as consequências, assegura o clube. E Gabigol também falou sobre a alimentação, longe de ser uma dor de cabeça, já que o Rubro-Negro trouxe 60kg de feijão, além de de outros temperos e ingredientes do Brasil, por exemplo.

– A comida está gostosa, veio um chef do Rio antes para cá (Doha), trouxe feijão tem tudo (em relação à comida), o hotel é muito bom e confortável.

Estamos na final! Vamos juntos Nação 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/vdJVZjbGcj

— Gabriel Barbosa (@gabigol) December 17, 2019

Por fim, Gabriel Barbosa teceu comentários, involuntariamente, a respeito da qualidade do gramado do palco da semifinal. O goleador pediu para que o campo servisse de lição para o futebol brasileiro:

– Foi muito linda a nossa chegada no estádio hoje. O Brasil pode se inspirar nisso e, principalmente, nos gramados. O futebol brasileiro quer ser muito a Europa, mas temos que começar pelos campos. Campo bom facilita os jogadores e aumenta a intensidade do jogo.

O Flamengo volta a treinar nesta quarta, às 11h (de Brasília; 17h no horário local), no Abdullah bin Khalifa. Em seguida, parte da delegação vai assistir ao duelo entre Liverpool e Monterrey, no Khalifa.

Chris Morris, the South Africa allrounder, has agreed to join Surrey for this summer’s NatWest T20 Blast competition

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Feb-2016Chris Morris, the South Africa allrounder whose exploits helped turn the tables on England in their recent limited-overs series, has agreed to join Surrey for this summer’s NatWest T20 Blast competition.Morris will arrive at Surrey in July as a replacement for the West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo, who will be departing for the Caribbean Premier League. He will be available for the final six group matches of the tournament, including four Friday night home fixtures at the Kia Oval.”I am delighted to have signed for Surrey to play T20 this year,” said Morris. “Playing county cricket has always been a big ambition of mine and I am delighted to be playing at the Kia Oval. I look forward to joining up with the boys in July and I hope to contribute towards a successful season for the county.”Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, added: “Chris is an exciting three-dimensional cricketer with bat, ball and in the field and has shown his match-winning abilities in the recent South Africa v England 50-over and T20 series. He will give us a number of very good options when he joins us in July and everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming him this summer.”Morris made headlines throughout South Africa’s home summer, both on and off the field, where he was signed by the Delhi Daredevils for US$1,044,000 to play in this season’s IPL.He made his Test debut against England at Cape Town, scoring 69 in his maiden innings as well as clinging onto two outstanding one-handed catches in the slip cordon.His most outstanding moment, however, came in the fourth ODI against England at Johannesburg, when he blazed South Africa to a thrilling one-wicket victory with 62 from 38 balls, a victory that enabled them to come from 2-0 down to win the series 3-2.An NOC certificate was issued by Cricket South Africa this week, allowing Morris to play in England this summer. It will be his first experience in English domestic cricket, coming on the back of experience with the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and the Highveld Lions in South Africa.

تحدث حازم إمام لاعب منتخب مصر السابق وعضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة والمحلل الفني الحالي، عن فوز اتحاد جدة السعودي أمام نظيره أوكلاند سيتي النيوزلندي في افتتاح مشوارهما بكأس العالم للأندية 2023.

واستضاف ملعب استاد مدينة الملك عبد الله الرياضية مباراة اتحاد جدة وأوكلاند سيتي في الدور التمهيدي ببطولة كأس العالم للأندية، والتي حسمها العميد بثلاثية دون رد.

فيديو | الاتحاد يفوز على أوكلاند سيتي بثلاثية في كأس العالم للأندية ويصعد لمواجهة الأهلي

وقال إمام في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية SSC عقب المباراة: “أحداث اللقاء جعلتنا نتفائل بتسجيل أهداف أخرى في الشوط الثاني”.

وأضاف: “أطراف الاتحاد كانت تلعب بشكل جيد في الشوط الأول، لكن عادتنا في البلاد العربية الرتم يهبط في الشوط الثاني، وهذا طبيعي”.

طالع | القنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي واتحاد جدة في كأس العالم للأندية 2023

طالع | موعد مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السعودي في كأس العالم للأندية 2023

وأردف: “المدرب قام بإجراء تغييرات في الشوط الثاني من أجل إراحة اللاعبين لمباراة الأهلي الذي يمتلك عناصر قوية وستكون مباراة مختلفة عن مباراة اليوم”.

واستكمل: “هناك مكاسب كثيرة من المباراة، منها عودة أحمد حجازي ومشاركته 90 دقيقة، وفابينيو عاد من الإصابة، انتصار طبيعي ومهم للاتحاد”.

وواصل: “بنزيما يتحدث عن الجماعية في الأداء وهذا مهم للاعب مثله، بالتأكيد الأرقام عامل مهم، لكنه يتحدث عن الفريق بشكل عام، يقول إنه لا يهتم بالأداء الفردي بل بالأداء الجماعي”.

وأشار: “منذ فترة لم أرى الاتحاد يلعب كرة ثابتة وللأمام، كل الأساليب كانت متاحة في الشوط الأول، الشوط الثاني هبط نوعًا ما”.

واستأنف: “الأهلي فريق كبير دائمًا يلعب على بطولة، وحلمه التأهل لنهائي كأس العالم، الأهلي لا يلعب بشكل دفاعي بل يلعب بطريقة هجومية، ويمتلك لاعبين جيدين، ويمتلك مدربًا جيدًا”.

واستطرد: “لا يجب التأثر بكلام الإعلام وأن الأهلي مستواه متراجع، الأهلي لا يفوز في المباريات الأخيرة لكن يصل للمرمى ويسيطر على المباريات”.

وأضاف: “اللاعب المصري بشكل عام يظهر في المباريات الكبيرة، ويريد أن يثبت أنه ليس أقل من الأسماء الكبيرة، أعتقد أن الأهلي سيلعب على تسجيل هدف في البداية، وأعتقد أن الأمور التكتيكية ستختلف أيضًا، الاتحاد مثلا لن يفتح خطوطه بهذه الطريقة أمام أوكلاند، لأن الأهلي سيستغل هذا عن طريق بيرسي تاو وكهربا”.

وأتم: “فيصل الغامدي لاعب وسط جيد، صغير السن يلعب بجانب كانتي وفابينيو، وسيحصل على كم خبرات كبيرة، اللاعبون الصغار سيتعلمون من النجوم الكبار كثيرًا، فيصل الغامدي إذا استمر على نفس الأداء والإعلام لم يمتدحه كثيرًا سيكون له مستقبل كبير، عليه أن يستغل فكرة أنه يلعب بجانب نجمين كبيرين”.

يذكر أنه بهذا الفوز يقتنص فريق اتحاد جدة بطاقة الصعود إلى ربع نهائي كأس العالم للأندية لمواجهة الأهلي بطل قارة إفريقيا.

وتحتضن المملكة العربية السعودية منافسات كأس العالم للأندية 2023، خلال الفترة ما بين 12 ديسمبر وحتى 22 من الشهر ذاته.

تحدث رولاني موكوينا المدير الفني لفريق صن داونز، عقب انتهاء مباراة الأهلي اليوم، التي انتهت بفوز الجنوب الإفريقي بهدف دون رد، وجاء ذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري السوبر الإفريقي.

والتقى الأهلي مع صن داونز، على أرضية ملعب “لوفتوس” في بريتوريا، في ذهاب دور نصف نهائي الدوري الإفريقي.

وقال موكوينا في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي عقب المباراة: “في الشوط الثاني ظلت الرسالة واحدة والهدف واحد، فخورون بكل داعمينا اليوم لأننا استطعنا الفوز”.

طالع | بالفيديو | الأهلي يخسر أمام صن داونز في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري السوبر الإفريقي

وأكمل: “ممتنون لكل الأمة التي دعمتنا، وأمامنا مباراة الإياب في القاهرة”.

واستكمل: “تحكمنا في المباراة كاملة ولم يخلق الفريق المنافس أي خطورة، وتمكنا من إحراز هدف، أمامنا الشوط الثاني في القاهرة”.

وأضاف: “لا أعتقد أنني سأغير أي شيء، لقد كان أداءنا رائع في المباراة، ولن يكون هناك خلاف كبير عن أداء اليوم في مباراة الإياب”.

وأوضح: “تشكيل الفريق كان رائع وكان يوجد تناغم بين اللاعبين، في بعض الأحيان المدربين يريدون أن يمدحهم الجميع، لكن اليوم اللاعبين هم من يستحقون المدح، كانوا ينقلون الهجمات ويغيرون المراكز، هذا التناغم خلق العديد من الفرص، وتخطي العديد من العقبات في المباراة، جميع المراكز كانت تعمل بشكل أكثر فاعلية”.

وأتم: “علينا أن نضغط في القاهرة أمام الأهلي مثلما ضغطنا اليوم، الرسالة التي أرسلها أن صن داونز يستطيع التسجيل في القاهرة، ولدينا شيء مشابه خضناه في المباريات السابقة، خاصة في دوري الأبطال، فقد كان الضغط متشابه، ولكن علينا أن نحرز أهداف، لنرى ماذا سيحدث في القاهرة، ستكون مواجهة قوية، وهم بالتأكيد يعلمون قوة صن داونز”.