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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gave supporters a reason to be excited during his first few weeks in the role after seamlessly transitioning into life in West London.

The Italian lost his first game against Manchester City but led the Blues to a six-game unbeaten run, looking like the biggest challengers to runaway leaders Liverpool at one stage.

However, in recent months, the side have endured somewhat of a drop-off in form, slipping to fifth in the Premier League and 21 points off Arne Slot’s side with just 11 games remaining.

Qualifying for the Champions League would be a huge success in his first season in charge, giving him a platform to build on for the coming years during his tenure at the club.

If he is to build off his recent success at the Bridge, he needs to invest well once again this summer, replicating some of the deals which he’s overseen during his first season in the capital.

The impact of Maresca’s signings at Chelsea in 24/25

Forward Pedro Neto joined Chelsea in a £54m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers over the summer, looking to add further firepower to the club’s already potent forward line.

The Portuguese international has since registered five goals and six assists in his 31 games for the club, including a phenomenal strike against local rivals Arsenal at the Bridge.

Neto wasn’t the only forward to move to West London last summer, with Jadon Sancho joining the Blues on loan with an obligation to buy from fellow Premier League side Manchester United.

The 24-year-old looked as though he would be a shrewd addition after his cameo off the bench for his debut against Bournemouth, but his performance levels have rapidly declined in recent weeks.

The former Borussia Dortmund ace has failed to register a goal or an assist in any of his last nine outings, putting his starting place under the Italian at risk.

However, despite the form of the aforementioned duo, one other summer addition has failed to deliver – with Boehly brutally needing to offload the big-money signing at the next opportunity.

The player who Boehly needs to offload this summer

As seen by the previous arrivals during Maresca’s first window in charge, owner Todd Boehly put trust in the new boss to make the additions he wanted to take the side to the next level.

Such trust saw the Italian raid his former club Leicester City and bring Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with him to West London after his time with the midfielder in their Championship-winning campaign last time around.

The 26-year-old registered 12 goals and 14 assists in his 44 league appearances in 2023/24, impressing at the heart of the Foxes midfield and playing a pivotal role in their immediate return to the Premier League.

As a result, Boehly forked out £30m to prise him away from the East Midlands outfit, with Maresca labelling him “fantastic” after securing a move for his services.

However, Dewsbury-Hall has struggled to impress for the Blues since his transfer, unable to dislodge the likes of Enzo Fernández and Moises Caidedo from their starting roles at the heart of the side.

He’s only registered eight league appearances to date, with only one of which coming from a starting role and subsequently relying on Europa Conference League minutes to showcase his talent.

The midfielder has registered two goals and one assist in his eight European outings, but ultimately, he hasn’t demonstrated enough quality for a player who cost £30m.

Games played

8

Minutes played

180

Pass accuracy

89%

Dribble success

33%

Tackles won

50%

Fouls committed

1.5

Duels won

41%

Numerous rumours emerged over a potential move for Dewsbury-Hall in January, but the boss reiterated his desire to keep hold of the Englishman, but he’s only featured for 105 minutes since the closure of the window.

As a result, Boehly needs to be brutal over the summer and cut their losses on the former Foxes star, ultimately preventing the Blues from losing a small fortune on the fee they forked out for his signature.

It’s a shame that the move to the Bridge hasn’t worked out for Dewsbury-Hall, but he needs regular minutes to recapture his form, with the funds potentially helping Maresca improve the side in other areas to allow them to reach the next level.

Chelsea's "monster" signing has become the new Werner under Maresca

Chelsea’s £52m star may have become their next Timo Werner, showing levels of inconsistency.

1 ByConnor Holden Mar 3, 2025

Paul Pogba shared a latest update on his physical condition as mystery surrounds over his next club after doing ban.

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Pogba's latest update on social mediaTraining rigorously ahead of next moveHas been a free agent since NovemberFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The French midfielder is without a club after leaving Juventus in November. The Frenchman is now able to return to football after serving an 18-month ban for a banned substance. His initial ban of four years was reduced on appeal.

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Pogba has been training alone since April, trying to regain full fitness before joining a new club. As the 2024-25 campaign comes to a close, the ex-Manchester United and Juventus star posted a video of himself training rigorously. In the caption of his post, the player wrote: "Let's get it."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PAUL POGBA?

There have been several rumours about the 32-year-old's next destination. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, the Saudi Pro League and Ligue 1, while many have claimed that he should consider moving back to the Premier League.

India Maharajas crash out after just one win in five games

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Mar-2023A rapid half-century from Upul Tharanga (50 off 31) followed by a tight bowling display from Mohammad Hafeez (2 for 21) guided Asia Lions to the final of the Legends League Cricket Masters as they completed a massive 85-run victory over India Maharajas in the eliminator on Saturday.It was a sloppy start to the chase from Asia Lions as they dropped two chances off both India Maharajas openers Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa. Gambhir, the highest run-scorer in the tournament, was dropped for four runs in the first over by Abdul Razzaq before Uthappa was dropped for 5 in the fourth over off Abdur Razzak as Shahid Afridi dropped a simple chance at mid-off. Uthappa made the most of his chance as he slammed Razzak for two consecutive boundaries through mid-on in the same over.A steady 47-run opening stand was broken by Hafeez in the next over. Gambhir drove a tossed-up delivery outside off straight to Misbah-ul-Haq, who took a sharp catch at extra cover. It was all downhill from there for the Maharajas as wickets continued to fall. At one point, the asking rate even touched 11 per over.Suresh Raina struggled through his innings of 18 runs off 29 deliveries. Sohail Tanvir ended his misery with a full-length delivery that beat his defence to hit the stumps. Stuart Binny was the next victim for Tanvir as he tried to work a full delivery towards third man but only managed a thick edge onto the stumps.Apart from the top four, no other batter managed to get into double digits for India Maharajas. Tanvir, Razzak and Hafeez picked up two wickets apiece.Earlier, Asia Lions started slowly after opting to bat with India Maharajas’ new-ball bowlers Irfan Pathan and Ashok Dinda relying on their disciplined lines. That forced Tharanga to take a few early risks, which paid off when he struck Pathan for a six and a four in the third over.Tharanga continued to revive the scoring rate for Asia Lions in the next over. He greeted Yusuf Pathan’s offbreaks with consecutive boundaries towards extra cover before using his feet and driving towards deep cover for the third boundary of the over.His opening partner Tillakratne Dilshan, though, struggled to find his rhythm. He failed to time his paddle sweeps and execute his traditional Dilscoop but was able to stay above a run-a-ball with a 26-ball 27.Tharanga reached his half-century in 30 balls before he was dismissed by Pragyan Ojha off the next delivery, majorly due to a stunning one-handed catch by Mohammad Kaif at extra cover.New batters Hafeez and Asghar Afghan stitched a 42-run stand for the third wicket. That was immediately followed by a rapid 44-run partnership between Afghan and Thisara Perera as the Asia Lions put up the highest score of the tournament, which proved to be well over-par. Asia Lions will face reigning champions World Giants in the final on Monday.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured an inconsistent season, and their managerial situation has now become a point of contention with the campaign drawing to a close.

Ange Postecoglou speculation runs rife at Tottenham Hotspur

Who would be a manager? Ange Postecoglou has recently become the latest Premier League boss to come under scrutiny due to his side’s inconsistent campaign, which has left their potential destiny hinging on the outcome of Spurs’ Europa League exploits.

Incredibly, Tottenham could secure Champions League qualification if they can navigate their way to trophy glory in Bilbao. However, the Lilywhites must overcome Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by one of Bodo/Glimt or Lazio, before potential final opponents emerge from the other side of the draw.

Domestically, their form contradicts the likelihood of that sequence of events unfolding. In the Premier League, Spurs have taken 34 points from 87 available and crashed out of both cup competitions, leaving Postecoglou’s future in North London hanging in the balance amid rumours that Daniel Levy is starting to do his due diligence on a potential succession plan.

Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola have emerged as frontrunners for the role. Noise is part and parcel of every manager’s duties, but it has created an unwanted sideshow for the Australian as he looks to deliver the first piece of silverware since 2008 in N17.

Ange Postecoglou’s record in charge of Tottenham Hotspur – all competitions

Wins

42

Draws

12

Losses

33

Points per game (Premier League)

1.49

Injuries have also hampered his mission to take Tottenham forward, and on that basis, there is an argument for giving the former Celtic manager more time to implement his masterplan.

Nevertheless, Levy and ENIC may have seen enough as a high-profile manager has entered the frame to step into the Spurs hot seat.

Mauricio Pochettino could make exciting Tottenham return

According to reports in Spain, the Tottenham board is seriously considering a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino, with Postecoglou’s future in North London becoming increasingly uncertain.

The outlet states the prospect of the Argentinian returning appeals to all parties, and he could be the new face of the Spurs project due to his strong rapport with supporters and at board level.

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Recently, Pochettino revealed he would be keen to come back to North London one day, stating: “Look, when I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham and that is of course.

“I am in the USA, I am not going to no, I’m not going to talk about that, but what I said then still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back.”

Pointing out his current engagement as head coach of the United States national team, it remains to be seen whether he would be open to swapping Stateside life for another crack at Premier League football following his latest club spell in charge at Chelsea. Earning recognition for his sterling work, Pochettino was previously labelled one of the ‘top managers in England” by Pep Guardiola.

While the prospect of leading the Stars and Stripes out as one of the host nations in next year’s World Cup is enticing, could the thought of a sensational rescue mission at the side where he shot to global prominence as a manager carry a little bit more weight? Only time will tell.

Returning as wicketkeeper-batter to the Test side after 2017, he hit his first hundred in the format

Andrew Fidel Fernando17-Apr-2023In his first eight innings in Test cricket, way back in 2017, Sadeera Samarawickrama’s best innings were two thirty-odds. There was promise there for sure – his first knock, a sparkling 38 off 35 balls in a Dubai Test that Sri Lanka won, was especially good.But then he went to India, as tough a place as there is for a 22-year-old batter to tour, and made 23, 0, 13, 0, 33, and 5. He was dropped, but has been on the fringes of the team ever since. Now, he’s back as a wicketkeeper-batter, and struck an unbeaten hundred against Ireland in Galle – ostensibly a far easier challenge than playing India in India, or even Pakistan in the UAE.His 104 not out off just 114 balls also came after Sri Lanka’s top order set them on course for a big total. But regardless, Samarawickrama did as could have been hoped. He said it was the mental side of his game that needed working on, following his first foray in Test cricket.Related

Jayasuriya five-for stuns Ireland after SL post 591

“I learned a lot from being dropped,” he said after the second day. “I was about 22 when I played three Tests against India, and they are the best team in the world. I wasn’t able to do much in those matches, but I did learn from them. And what I learned there I brought here. I learned a lot about what’s required at the top level. I tried to work on those things in the domestic competitions.”I worked very hard on my batting. I batted in a lot of different spots in domestic cricket, the A team, and in provincial cricket. I think the biggest change is mental. I worked really hard on what I need to be doing and what I need to be thinking, and how to handle various situations.”Coming in at No. 8 is an unusual batting position for Samarawickrama, who usually plays in the top order even when he is the wicketkeeper, but was slated to come in at No. 7 against Ireland.”This is the first time I was [to be] batting No. 7. Although I’d batted in many other spots, I hadn’t batted in this position. Because we sent a nightwatchman out, I slipped down one more place – to No. 8. There was a bit of nervousness. But because I was positive in the middle, that went away quickly. Because I’d planned on how I’d build my innings, it became easier for me.”His unbeaten partnership with Dinesh Chandimal was worth 183, and came off only 217 balls. Sri Lanka declared soon after both batters had got to triple figures. Their stand turned a big total into a mammoth one.”I’ve batted a lot with Chandi in various teams,” Samarawickrama said. “The wicket was a little tougher to bat on today than yesterday because it had got older. I tried to bat positively and hit the loose balls, because I knew we’d be declaring today. I have to think about the team as well as my milestone. I tried to get those runs quickly and get the team to a stable place.”Ireland had been in the field a lot and what we talked about was to wait for the loose balls, and how to make the best use of that. Because we were positive, we were able to attack the bad ones. We got a lot of runs that way.”

Historically, the Gold Cup has been a springboard for success for a number of USMNT legends – who will be next?

The U.S. men's national team will not be at full strength this summer. Christian Pulisic is out. So, too, are Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, Tim Weah and Yunus Musah. For many within the player pool, though, this opportunity means everything – and history tells us that this Gold Cup will be a launching pad for at least one player's stunning World Cup rise.

Going back to the 1994 World Cup cycle, a total of 12 players entered the Gold Cup with fewer than five caps and proceeded to represent the USMNT in the subsequent World Cup. That list includes both USMNT legends in the making and players who caught lightning in a bottle, but all involved parlayed a Gold Cup into a World Cup dream.

DaMarcus Beasley had just three caps before emerging at the Gold Cup in January of 2002. Same for Pablo Mastroeni, who had two appearances entering that tournament. Stu Holden had yet to feature for the USMNT prior to the 2009 Gold Cup, while Oguchi Onyewu launched his USMNT career four years prior with a run at the 2005 tournament.

More recently, both Matt Turner and Shaq Moore entered the 2021 Gold Cup with six caps between them. Both ended up in Qatar.

The point is this: roster decisions and player absences and outside noise notwithstanding, the USMNT's upcoming friendlies and Gold Cup matter from a player development and visibility perspective, beyond overall team performance – particularly to the newcomers, and for coach Mauricio Pochettino.

This summer's roster features a dozen players with fewer than five caps, including six who have yet to appear for the USMNT. Each of those 12 will believe that they can play their way into the World Cup squad – and that all starts now. Will history repeat itself?

GOAL looks at the top candidates in that category who could change the trajectory of their careers.

Getty ImagesDiego Luna

It's hard to believe we've only seen Luna in a USMNT shirt on four occasions, largely because he's packed so damn much into those four games. From the broken and bloodied nose to a big Nations League assist, Luna has already endeared himself to the USMNT fanbase and, more importantly, to Pochettino, who clearly appreciates the attitude the Real Salt Lake star brings.

It'll be a big summer for him. Luna won't be surprising anyone anymore and, with the World Cup just a year away, he'll fight to be one of the guys Pochettino relies on in attack. Both Luna and Malik Tillman will be relied on to do heavy lifting in the attack – thanks to those notable absence – and that could potentially lead to the starting No. 10 next summer.

It's been a quick rise for Luna, and the 21-year-old's exploits in MLS may just be the beginning.

AdvertisementAFPJack McGlynn

McGlynn does something better than just about anyone else in the player pool: pass the ball. His vision is incredible, as is his touch, allowing him to set the tempo or dictate games from dead-ball situations. A player such as James Ward-Prowse has ridden a similar style all the way to the England team and, while McGlynn may not be at that level, it's easy to see why any club could find a use for him.

There's still one looming question: Does he have the athleticism or defensive instincts to compete at the international level? He can hit a ball, for sure, but the international game requires a different caliber of speed. Through his first four caps, McGlynn hasn't seen that challenged often, but this summer will give him the chance to answer those questions.

With the likes of McKennie and Musah out of the picture for the Gold Cup, due to Club World Cup commitments, McGlynn has a chance to show why he should be joining them in the USMNT midfield.

Getty Images SportDamion Downs

Downs is perhaps the biggest wild card in the USMNT squad – for multiple reasons. The first of which is his position, which is always more form-based than others. The second? Few who follow the USMNT have seen him play.

The 20-year-old German-born striker broke out with FC Koln this season, netting 10 goals in 26 games to help his club win the 2. Bundesliga. That came after he scored twice in the Bundesliga as a teenager, ending against Borussia Monchengladbach and Union Berlin last season before Koln went down to the second division.

Internationally, this isn't Downs' first experience with the U.S., having previously spent time with the U23s, but a bulk of his games have been with Germany. That makes a pre-Gold Cup call-up all the more interesting as it indicates that Downs knows where his future lies: with the USMNT.

A striker spot won't be easy to win with the likes of Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent all in contention next year. Other newcomers Patrick Agyemang and Brian White, are in the mix, too. Downs, though, has a realistic path to the 2026 World Cup, particularly if he impresses this summer and in Koln's Bundesliga return next season.

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GettyAlex Freeman

The right-back spot seems sorted with Sergino Dest and Joe Scally in the mix, but there's a reason why so many people are high on Freeman. Orlando City's rising star is with the USMNT for the first time, having more than earned his place in MLS.

He's a modern attacking fullback, one who creates chances at an elite level in MLS. It's why teams in Europe are reportedly eyeing him just a few months into his first real run at senior soccer.

Pochettino will love him, too, particularly as a like-for-like replacement for Dest should that be required. Freeman has the skillset to really make a difference for the USMNT and, at just 20, it's clear that there's plenty of room to develop.

Celtic are currently on course to secure the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth year in succession, as they sit 13 points clear in the last international break of the season.

The Hoops were beaten 3-2 by their city rivals Rangers last time out at Parkhead but that only delayed what seems inevitable – Brendan Rodgers lifting his second title in as many seasons since his return to Glasgow in the summer of 2023.

Their efforts to win the division have been bolstered by the phenomenal performances of the likes of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Nicolas Kuhn, among many others.

As you can see in the clip above, players like Kuhn have provided quality moments at crucial times to win matches for the Scottish giants this season.

What may get lost, however, among the glitz and the glamour of Kuhn, Maeda, and Jota’s wizardry in the final third is the consistent performers who go under the radar.

One former Celtic player who could firmly be placed in the underrated section of ex-stars is Australia international Tom Rogic, who was rarely commended for his efforts on the pitch.

Tom Rogic was an underrated player for Celtic

The left-footed maestro racked up 272 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions over the course of a nine-and-a-half-year spell at Parkhead, joining in January 2013 from Central Coast and leaving in the summer of 2022.

In almost a decade as a Celtic player, Rogic was often a valuable squad player rather than a consistent starter – playing 30 or more Premiership matches in just two of his seasons.

As you can see in the highlights above, though, the Australian star was capable of providing magical moments at times with goals and assists from a central midfield role.

The now-retired dynamo found the back of the net 46 times and provided 51 assists in his 272 matches for the club in all competitions, which shows that he did offer a decent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals during his time in Glasgow.

He was rarely heralded for his performances in the middle of the park, though, as his first inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year did not come until his ninth and final season in Scotland in the 2021/22 campaign.

Former Hoops centre-back Eric Sviatchenko once told the Celtic Way that some of the things Rogic did on the pitch were “effortless” and that he was not sure if the midfielder was “underrated”.

Rodgers, now, has several players in his current Celtic squad who could fall into that same boat as Rogic as underrated performers for the club.

Celtic's most underrated player

Arguably, Celtic’s most underrated player is Canada international Alistair Johnston, who joined the club from CF Montreal in the January transfer window in 2023.

The right-back has been a brilliant performer for the Hoops in the last two years but has not been named in the PFA Team of the Year for his efforts to date.

Appearances

32

26

Goals

1

4

Big chances created

11

13

Assists

5

7

Dribbled past per game

0.3x

0.5x

Ground duel success rate

59%

56%

Aerial duel success rate

56%

57%

As you can see in the table above, Johnston has offered quality in and out of possession from a right-back berth in the Premiership since the start of last season, providing a huge creative outlet whilst also dominating attackers in defensive duels on the ground and in the air.

As a defender, his displays may go under the radar compared to the likes of Kuhn, Maeda, and Jota – whose goals grab headlines – but he is an equally important part of the team.

There is another Celtic ace, however, who is now on his way to becoming a Rogic-esque, underrated, figure within the Hoops squad – Hyun-jun Yang.

Why Hyun-jun Yang could be an underrated Celtic star

The 22-year-old winger only managed one goal and three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the club in his first season last term, which was far from an impressive return at the top end of the pitch.

A poor start to a career at a club can lead to knee-jerk reactions from supporters, media, and even the manager, and there were plenty of critics after his first year in Glasgow. In fact, we at Football FanCast published an article calling for him to be dropped from the team in December of last season, because of his disappointing performances.

It can sometimes take a lot to change an opinion and Yang’s slow start to his Celtic career left him with a mountain to climb heading into the current campaign.

The South Korean star, whose former club president Kim Byung-ji claimed he “could easily become a world class player like Son Heung-min”, has shown big improvements in his performances this season and is now on his way to becoming an underrated star for the Bhoys.

Appearances

24

18

Goals

1

4

Goals per 90

0.09

0.5

Big chances created

5

3

Assists

3

2

As you can see in the table above, Yang has already been directly involved in more goals in the Premiership this season than he was in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Hoops whiz has racked up five goals and six assists in all competitions to date this term, five times as many goals and twice as many assists as last season, and has provided an excellent depth option to the manager in the wide positions.

Rodgers, now, knows that he can rely on Yang to start when needed or come off the bench to make an impact in matches, which was not the case in his first year in Scotland.

This suggests that the potential is there for the South Korean starlet to emerge as a Rogic-esque figure for Celtic, in the sense that he could be a long-serving player who can consistently contribute with goals and assists as a quality squad option – even if he does not become an outright star.

Not Maeda or Kuhn: Celtic's "amazing" star should be the Player of the Year

This Celtic star should be the Player of the Year over both Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda.

ByDan Emery Mar 21, 2025

This, along with his poor start to life at Celtic, is why he could become an underrated part of the squad, just as Rogic was, in the long run at Parkhead.

The women’s game is some way away from such a situation, and “we have to nip things in the bud before it gets too big,” Sthalekar says

Mohammad Isam23-May-2023Lisa Sthalekar, the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) president, is concerned that the men’s international cricket calendar could reach breaking point soon if solutions aren’t found quickly.There is the matter of franchise T20 leagues taking over larger chunks of the calendar with each passing year, and also the reports of ongoing informal discussions between IPL franchise owners and international cricketers about long-term contracts.”The game is changing at a rapid rate. These conversations have been happening for a while behind closed doors [between the ICC, the cricket boards and FICA]. We are getting to a point where things may break,” Sthalekar, in Dhaka for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh, said. “I know that the ICC is speaking to the national boards. We are speaking to the ICC as well. We have to wait and see how that happens.Related

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“We all see the benefit of T20 cricket. We understand players have a small window to maximise their earnings. A lot of our players are enjoying playing bilateral cricket, ICC events and the T20 leagues. We understand that the men’s calendar is getting quite big. We are urging the ICC and national boards to come together because it is not a solution that can be solved straight away. Certainly, the players would like to play a role in that, to see if there’s a way forward for everyone to have their cake and eat it as well.”Heath Mills, FICA’s executive chairman, had last month confirmed that a lot of such informal contract discussions have taken place between the IPL team owners and players from at least five countries.Sthalekar said that the national boards would want to keep their best players for international cricket, with the FICA trying to make decision-making easier for the players so that they are not forced to choose.

‘We represent a big proportion of players that travel around the world. We want to make their decisions easier so that they don’t have to choose one or the other”Lisa Sthalekar

“The challenge is not for FICA; it is the national boards wanting to keep their players to play for the country,” Sthalekar said. “Ideally, we want a strong competition internationally where countries want their best players to play against each other. We are seeing a number of leagues come up, which clash with bilateral cricket.”Men’s calendar is getting pretty full. We are working with the ICC. We are happy to work with the national boards. We represent a big proportion of players that travel around the world. We want to make their decisions easier so that they don’t have to choose one or the other.”Sthalekar: Women’s cricket ‘can learn some lessons from the men’s calendar’The same is not the issue, at the moment, with women’s cricket where T20 leagues are yet to break into the playing calendar in a big way. Sthalekar would like it to remain that way.”People have been crying out for the WPL for a long time. It was very successful. The appetite was great. Crowds came in, the broadcast numbers were excellent,” she said. “The great thing is that female players can earn a decent living playing the game. When I was playing – I retired ten years ago – I had to have a full-time job [outside the game]. It is no longer the case for a lot of cricketers. Obviously, there’s still a long way to go.”Ideally we would like to see the women’s calendar fit in T20 leagues, bilaterals and ICC events so that players don’t have to choose one or the other. We can learn some lessons from the men’s calendar. We have to nip things in the bud before it gets too big.”Sthalekar’s Bangladesh visit will include a meeting with some of the leading women’s cricketers, including national captain Nigar Sultana and star quick bowler Jahanara Alam.

Renato Paiva praised his team’s tactics in a 1-0 Club World Cup win over Paris Saint-Germain and laughed off a surprise kiss from owner John Textor.

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Botafogo stunned PSG 1-0 at Club World CupPaiva said they beat PSG using their own style of playTextor gave the Portuguese manager a surprise kissFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Botafogo pulled off a huge upset at the Club World Cup, defeating European champions PSG 1-0. After the final whistle, head coach Paiva was giving a post-match interview when club owner Textor interrupted with a kiss on the cheek. Paiva laughed it off, saying: “I like my wife’s better!” The win left Botafogo’s players, fans, and executives celebrating a moment of glory.

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The result showed how far Brazilian and other South American clubs have come in competing with Europe’s elite. Les Parisiens were outmatched in intensity and organisation, with Botafogo executing a disciplined plan that mirrored the French side’s own usual strengths.

WHAT RENATO PAIVA SAID

After the match Paiva said: “We killed PSG with their own poison. By playing like a great team united in defence and attack. I told the players to enjoy themselves and they played a perfect match. Playing together. That's the secret of Paris Saint-Germain, that's why they've won everything they've won and why they've become a benchmark in the world of football."

He added: "We played a game in which, tactically, we were perfect. Flawless. PSG didn't have all those clear chances. They had the ball a lot, in fact they did, but we were very united."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Botafogo are virtually through to the knockout stages of the Club World Cup. They face Atletico Madrid in their final group stage match on Monday and Paiva will hope his side can continue upsetting the odds and proving that South American clubs deserve respect on the global stage. All eyes will now be on how far they can go.

Ange Postecoglou could quickly land a lucrative new job just weeks after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

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Postecoglou linked with Saudi ArabiaAl Ahli could require new coachEx-Spurs boss an attractive optionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Postecoglou is being considered by Al-Ahli, should they require a replacement for current head coach Matthias Jaissle. The German delivered AFC Champions League glory last month but could now return to Europe amid links with RB Leipzig – he was formerly in charge at Red Bull Salzburg.

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Postecoglou would certainly be a coup. His dismissal by Spurs, while not a shock given a worst-ever Premier League finish, still hurt given that he had just ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League. That also secured passage into next season's Champions League. Postecoglou had been mocked all year for pointing out that he always wins a trophy in his second season at a team…and then actually did it. He is no stranger to working in Asia, with Australia admitted into AFC in 2005 while he was in charge of the Under-20 national team, before later taking charge of the senior Socceroos, and Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos.

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Al-Ahli's Champions League-winning squad featured former Premier League players Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, Edouard Mendy and Ezgjan Alioski, as well as ex-Serie A defenders Merih Demiral and Roger Ibanez, and ex-Porto forward Galeno. But continental success came at the expense of domestic form, finishing fifth in the Saudi Pro League, 16 points behind champions Al-Ittihad.

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Waiting on Al-Ahli is unlikely to be the only avenue. 's report adds that offers are generally expected. Postecoglou has also been linked with the Scotland job, after previous success at club level with Celtic, and even Brentford, which would be a remarkable swap with Thomas Frank, who has replaced him at Spurs.