لوف بعد ثلاثية ألمانيا أمام أوكرانيا: خضنا مباراة صعبة.. وكروس سيشارك ضد إسبانيا

أكد يواكيم لوف مدرب منتخب ألمانيا أنهم خاضوا مباراة صعبة أمام منتخب أوكرانيا، مساء أمس في بطولة دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

وتلاقى المنتخبان في الجولة الخامسة من البطولة، حيث فازت ألمانيا بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف. أهداف مباراة ألمانيا وأوكرانيا

وقال لوف، في تصريحات نشرها موقع الاتحاد الألماني لكرة القدم: “لم تكن هذه مباراة سهلة بالنسبة لنا، لقد رأى الجميع أن أوكرانيا يمكنها اللعب جيدًا”.

وأضاف: “في الشوط الأول، قدمنا إيقاعًا عاليًا وسيطرنا على المباراة، في الشوط الثاني لم يكن هذا هو الوضع، فقدنا الكرة عدة مرات، بشكل عام أعتقد أننا نشعر بالرضا تجاه ما قدمناه”.

وواصل: “كان علينا استبدال عدد قليل من اللاعبين، لكننا كنا ما زال قادرين على إيجاد إيقاعنا، نجحنا في تهديد الخصم من خلال المهاجمين السريعين الثلاثة، في الدفاع حاولنا كسر قنوات التمرير الأوكرانية مبكرًا”.

وتابع: “توني كروس سيشارك معنا يوم الثلاثاء أمام إسبانيا”.

ولم يشارك كروس في مباراة الأمس أمام أوكرانيا، حيث لم يتواجد في قائمة الماكينات.

Crystal Palace must do everything to sign Michy Batshuayi permanently

Crystal Palace really didn’t want the season to end after a late flurry of form saw them finish in a comfortable 12th.

Homage has to be paid to Roy Hodgson, who brought in the right players to make another successful season possible but the Eagles are really hoping that next term will be their time to break into the top 10.

With the group of players they have currently assembled, that is a realistic aim, so long as they keep the main core of quality players.

As well as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfred Zaha, Crystal Palace will be praying they can hang on to Michy Batshuayi.

‘Batman’ as he is known was brought to Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea in January and has since made a massive impression.

Batshuayi (who is valued at £27 million on Transfermarkt) has been prolific since arriving at Selhurst Park and it goes without saying Crystal Palace (the Evening Standard reported as much earlier this month) are desperate to keep him beyond the summer.

With five goals in 11 appearances, the Eagles have a completely new and dangerous threat to their attack, with him leading besides Zaha and Andros Townsend.

Because of Chelsea’s transfer ban, business may be a lot harder to do, as the Blues could be less open to selling him on a permanent but even another loan deal would suit Palace.

The Belgium international is 25-years-old and that surely means Palace can expect him to reach his peak potential when at Selhurst Park.

If that isn’t enough reasoning to splash out on him this summer, who knows what is!

Do you want Michy Batshuayi back at Selhurst Park next season… Join the discussion and let us know!

شكوك حول مشاركة بوجبا في مباراة مانشستر يونايتد ووست بروميتش

تحوم الشكوك حول إمكانية مشاركة لاعب فريق مانشستر يونايتد بول بوجبا في مباراة اليوم المرتقبة أمام وست بروميتش ألبيون، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويلتقي الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة التاسعة، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

وحسب صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية، فإن بوجبا لم تتم مشاهدته مع لاعبي مانشستر يونايتد في فندق لوري قبل مباراة الليلة.

وتوجه أفراد مانشستر يونايتد إلى فندق لوري استعدادًا لخوض مباراته اليوم أمام وست بروميتش.

وأوضحت أن بوجبا لم يظهر في أي مكان رفقة اللاعبين، حيث إنه من غير الواضح حتى الآن ما إذا كان سيلحق بزملائه بعد ذلك، أم أن المدرب أولي جونار سولشاير قرر إبعاده عن اللقاء.

يأتي هذا بعد تصريح بوجبا، قبل أيام، بأنه يعاني من أصعب مرحلة في مسيرته المهنية بسبب قلة الفرص التي يحظى بها للعب هذا الموسم (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

ورغم تصريحات الفرنسي، إلا أن سولشاير أكد أن بوجبا مازال جزءًا أساسيًا من الشياطين الحمر (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

الزمالك يقرر تعيين أيمن عبد العزيز بجهاز باتشيكو قبل مواجهة الأهلي في نهائي إفريقيا

قرر مسؤولو نادي الزمالك تعيين أيمن عبد العزيز كمدرب معاون في الجهاز الفني لفريق الكرة بقيادة جيمي باتشيكو.

ويلتقي الزمالك أمام الأهلي مساء الجمعة المقبل في المباراة النهائية بالبطولة القارية والمقرر إقامتها على ملعب استاد القاهرة.

وعلم “بطولات” أن الزمالك قرر تعيين أيمن عبد العزيز بشكل مؤقت بدلًا من مدحت عبد الهادي، بسبب استمرار إيجابية العينة الخاصة بالأخير، وإصابته بفيروس كورونا.

طالع | خاص.. تفاصيل إصابة محمود الونش بفيروس كورونا

وكان مدحت عبد الهادي قد أجرى مسحة طبية مساء أمس داخل نادي الزمالك للاطمئنان على مستجدات إصابته بفيروس كورونا.

Transfer Focus: Antoine Griezmann is the perfect man for Paul Pogba at Man United

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Man United are in communication with Antoine Griezmann about a potential move to Old Trafford, according to The Independent.

What’s the story?

The Atletico Madrid stand-out is on the verge of an exit from the La Liga side after announcing his intention to leave this summer.

Barcelona was thought to be his destination but this new report from the paper suggests there are doubts on Barca’s end about making a move for the French international.

This paves the way for a sensational United move, with sources telling The Independent that contact has been made with the £135m-rated player about a potential switch to Manchester, with a deal now possible.

Attacking force

There are obvious benefits to adding a player of Griezmann’s quality to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

His 21 goals and 10 assists this season demonstrate he still has the ability to make an impact at the highest level, having been a consistent stellar performer for Atletico over the years.

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

United are looking for a new blend in attack after difficult seasons for the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.

Griezmann has the quality to provide both creativity and the finishing ability to be a real difference maker at Old Trafford, also versatile enough to play in a number of attacking positions.

Pogba-pleaser

The other massive positive of Griezmann’s arrival would be his impact on Paul Pogba’s happiness and form at United. The midfield talent has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this month amidst question marks regarding his happiness at the club.

He has a noted friendship with his international teammate Griezmann, whom he has won a World Cup with in the past.

The addition of the 28-year-old would surely settle Pogba down off the pitch.

On the pitch it would obviously be a great boost to Pogba’s game too, with Griezmann able to play centrally, link up with and feed off the Man United man’s ambitious midfield play.

أحمد بلال ينتقد مدربي الأهلي والزمالك.. ويصرح: البطل ليس دائمًا الأفضل

تحدث أحمد بلال مهاجم الأهلي الأسبق عن فوز ناديه بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا على حساب الزمالك.

وفاز الأهلي على الزمالك ليتوج بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في مباراة القمة التي جمعت بينهما في نهائي البطولة الإفريقية على استاد القاهرة، بعد فوزه بهدفين مقابل هدف، ليحقق اللقب التاسع في تاريخه.

وقال أحمد بلال في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “الفريق الأفضل وارد ألا يفوز بالبطولة، واستغلال الفرص سلاح البطل”.

وأكمل: “من الوارد ألا يكون البطل هو الأفضل فنيًا، لكن الأهلي بروحه وإصراره وعزيمته تمكن من التتويج بالبطولة”.

طالع | علي لطفي يهدي تتويج الأهلي بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا لـ مؤمن زكريا

وأردف: “نزول كاسونجو غير مفهوم، ويوضح أن المدرب بعيد عن أجواء اللقاء، هذا لاعب لا يعرف كيف يسيطرعلى الكرة أو يركض بها، وإمكانياته محدودة”.

واختتم: “ألوم على موسيماني عدم استغلال جبهة إسلام جابر التي كانت نقطة ضعف واضحة في الزمالك، كان يجب رؤية هذه الثغرة والعمل عليها”.

The Chalkboard: 3 positions Newcastle must strengthen this summer

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Newcastle are reportedly the subject of a takeover bid from Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nehayan, but what must their priority be in the transfer market this summer?

A report from The Sun sent Tyneside wild this weekend, as the paper suggested a takeover from Mike Ashley is already complete.

While that report seems to have jumped the gun slightly, there is clearly strong interest in the Magpies, with reports in the Middle East, verified by Pete Graves of Sky Sports, claiming the takeover will indeed happen at some point.

On Wednesday, The Evening Chronicle shared a statement from the Bin Zayed group, saying: “Terms have been agreed between us and Mike Ashley; these terms have been reflected in a document, signed by both parties, which has been forwarded to the Premier League.”

So, assuming the club’s new owners will give Rafael Benitez the cash injection a manager of his calibre deserves, what are the Magpies’ first ports of call this summer?

Striker

Salomon Rondon was excellent on Tyneside, showing exactly what can happen when Rafa gets his man.

Benitez’s checklist for a number nine is complex, as they need to be powerful enough to hold the ball up, but mobile and athletic enough to make constant runs that stretch the defence.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Without a player to do this, the likes of Ayoze Perez and Miguel Almiron will have no space to work their magic, evidenced by how poor Perez was whenever he played with Aleksandar Mitrović, who fills Benitez’s first requirement but not the second.

A striker of Rondon’s quality or better must be the first priority.

Centre-mid

All great sides have a great spine, which is why central midfield is the next department in line for an upgrade.

Isaac Hayden, Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey could all leave, so regardless of whether or not Manchester United swoop for Sean Longstaff, midfield reinforcements are a must.

Left-back

Finally, Benitez desperately needs a left-back. Playing with five at the back asks a lot of the wide men, and while Javi Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin are far from perfect, at least they are actually right-backs.

On the left, a combination of Paul Dummett, who is definitely not an attacking wing-back, and winger Matt Ritchie was the first choice for Rafa by the end of the campaign, which is simply not good enough.

Ally Robertson claims Chris Hughton would be the best managerial appointment for West Brom

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Speaking to Express & Star, West Brom legend Ally Robertson has given his assessment of the current managerial situation that’s engulfed the club, suggesting Chris Hughton would be their best bet.

What’s the word?

Three months ago Darren Moore was rather harshly sacked by the Baggies despite sitting fourth in the Championship.

However, after giving Jimmy Shan the post until the end of the season, Albion are still yet to find a permanent boss.

In the last two weeks Chris Wilder became a candidate whilst the club have also held talks with Slaven Bilic. West Brom are also keen to speak to Charlton manager Lee Bowyer.

A few weeks ago Hughton was one of the names to become a target, news which was reported just after he was dismissed by Brighton.

And speaking to Express & Star, Albion stalwart Robertson thinks he would be the best choice for the Midlands outfit. He explained:

“Chris Hughton has been there and done it all, he knows what’s needed for this division. For me, he would be brilliant. He would be the best manager we could get. He would be the one I would get in.”

Experience key

Moore and Shan had very minimal experience under their belts but the same can be said for Bowyer. Although he achieved promotion, it seems questionable that the club want to speak to someone who has only had one full season in the tank.

As a result, Robertson’s comments about needing someone who has been there and done it is perfectly understandable.

Hughton woudn’t be a particularly exciting appointment but his two promotion winning campaigns with Newcastle and Brighton is enough evidence of what he can do in the Championship.

The former footballer has experience of working to a tight budget too, something that’s likely to be put in place at the Hawthorns after the need to cut back on wages was emphasised by Luke Dowling.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

If Albion are thinking short term, it’s hard to disagree that the 60-year-old would be their best option. Despite being sacked by the Seagulls, he still did an impressive job on the south coast.

Knowing the division could be vital in terms of bringing in new players, but only time will tell whether that’s who the Albion board choose to go with.

ويلشير: ما يحدث مع أوزيل في آرسنال "عار"

انتقد الإنجليزي جاك ويلشير لاعب وسط آرسنال السابق، الوضع الذي يعيشه مسعود أوزيل داخل الجانرز هذا الموسم، بعد استبعاده من قوائم الفريق.

أوزيل خرج من قائمة الفريق الأوروبية والمحلية، ولم يشارك في أي مباراة مع المدرب ميكيل أرتيتا، منذ بداية الموسم.

وقال ويلشير في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “أحببت اللعب مع أوزيل، إنه لاعب كبير، لكن أعتقد أن ما يمر به عار وأمر مخز”.

وأضاف: “لا أحد يعرف السبب، لكنني متأكد من أنه في يوم من الأيام سيتم الكشف عن أسباب استبعاده، أعتقد أن آرسنال بحاجة له في الفريق”.

وأكمل: “أود أن أرى أوزيل يلعب مع أرتيتا من جديد، خلف أوباميانج ولاكازيت، لكن من الواضح أن هذا لا يحدث في الوقت الحالي، ويمكنه الإمساك بالكرة جيدًا في وسط الملعب”.

ومن المنتظر أن يرحل أوزيل عن آرسنال بنهاية الموسم الجاري بعد انتهاء عقده، وبإمكانه الاتفاق مع أي نادٍ في يناير.

Transfer Focus: West Ham table bid for Lorient winger Alexis Claude-Maurice

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Sky Sports have reported that Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham United have tabled a bid for Lorient winger Alexis Claude-Maurice as they search for their third signing of the summer window.

What’s the word, then?

The Hammers’ approach to the Ligue 2 side is believed to be £10m for the 21-year-old, who has also been linked with West Ham’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Claude-Maurice has represented the French national team at every level from under-18 to under-20 and spent his entire career thus far at his current club, having progressed through their youth ranks.

However, following the Brittany side’s failure at promotion to Ligue 1 in 2018/2019, the attacker is expected to leave with the London Stadium very much looking like his next destination at present. He’s a left winger by trade but can play centrally and even be fielded on the right flank.

Real kick in the teeth for Diangana

You may be asking yourself, why do the east Londoners want an exciting young attacking hotshot who can play on either wing or in the middle when they have Grady Diangana, that very thing?

Well, the truth is that this move, if it goes ahead, would be a real kick in the teeth for the Academy of Football product and possibly the beginning of the end for him and the team he’s been with since childhood.

Breaking through into Pellegrini’s side to secure his senior debut last term and making a further 20 appearances in all competitions, many are predicting the 21-year-old to really kick on and become a first-team regular next campaign.

However, a move to bring Claude-Maurice in would suggest that the club don’t have the same confidence about Diangana and perhaps don’t believe his future lies in east London.

The Frenchman is exactly the same age as the Englishman and has an eerily similar style of play. In fact, they are so similar in so many different regards that it would make little sense to have them both in the same squad. This has to go down as the first nail in the coffin of Diangana’s West Ham career.

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