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Big-spending Atletico Madrid can't afford another also-ran season – it could cost Diego Simeone his job

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The highest-paid coach in world football is already under pressure after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 campaign

When Clement Lenglet came to face the press after Atletico Madrid had been cruelly knocked out of last season's Champions League on penalties by city rivals Real, the Frenchman admitted that the team-mates he'd just left behind in the dressing room at the Metropolitanto were still in a "state of shock".

However, despite the agonising nature of the last-16 elimination, Lenglet was defiant. Atleti had been the better side, winning 1-0 on the night to force a shootout that had effectively been decided by the ludicrous 'double-touch' rule that has since been changed, and he was quick to point out that Diego Simeone's side still had a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona to look forward to.

"We produced a massive performance from start to finish," the Frenchman told . "I think we deserved [to win] as a team, a club, for the fans and their support, which helped us a lot. But we will handle the blow to our morale in the days ahead. We have a lot of work left to do, we have important things to play for; the season doesn't end today."

In a way, though, it did. Atletico never really recovered from their desperately unfortunate Champions League elimination. And they still haven't, in fact.

Indeed, a club that once again spent big in the summer transfer window has made another slow start to their La Liga season, meaning questions are already being asked as to whether Atletico are really getting their money’s worth out of an expensively assembled squad and the world’s highest-paid coach…

AFPClub built in the coach's image

Atletico's decision to give Diego Simeone a history-making contract extension in November 2023 felt entirely logical at the time. The Argentine was – and still is – an icon at the Metropolitano, having lifted eight trophies with a club that was in total disarray when he took over in 2011.

Atleti winning the Spanish title in 2013-14 – while at the same time reaching the final of the Champions League – ranks as one of the great coaching achievements of the modern era, given the quality of the opposition. Since then, Simeone has only become even more synonymous with Atletico, so much so, in fact, that it's hard to think of another side that so perfectly personifies its coach.

At their very best, the Rojiblancos are utterly relentless, never giving anything less than 100 percent in their aggressive pursuit of success. As Antoine Griezmann said recently, it's not easy to play for Atletico because Simeone demands as much effort, pride and passion from his players as he does from himself. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAlvarez's arrival

It was clear even at the time of the renewal, though, that Atletico had to spend even more money on the squad than they had on re-signing Simeone. The team was ageing and lacking a cutting edge. So, an initial €75 million (£65m/$87.5m) of the €188m (£163m/$220m) spent during the summer of 2024 went towards convincing Manchester City to part company with Argentine attacker Julian Alvarez.

It was a deal that raised eyebrows all across Europe, but the World Cup winner has proven excellent value for money, scoring 30 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions. The problem for Simeone, though, is that the arrival of Alvarez hasn't solved all of Atleti's problems. 

Spain international Robin Le Normand has been a good addition to the defence, Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth has played the role of super-sub well, while Conor Gallagher's versatility has come in useful on several occasions. Last season, though, Atletico turned out to be less than the sum of their parts.

AFP'We are close'

Things looked to have clicked midway through the season when they embarked upon a club-record, 14-game winning streak that saw them overhaul Barcelona at the top of the Liga standings. However, Atleti's form nosedived during the second half of the season and what little hope they had left of winning the title effectively ended on the night of March 16, when they blew a 2-0 lead at home to leaders Barca by conceding four times in the final 18 minutes of play.

When they lost at home again to the Catalans in the Copa del Rey on April 2, the Rojiblancos had nothing left to play for during the final six weeks of the season. The hope was that Atleti might restore some pride at the Club World Cup, but they were, as Simeone said, "doomed" to an embarrassing group-stage exit after being routed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their tournament-opener. Even then, though, he was looking on the bright side, arguing that Atleti's elimination had merely helped to illustrate the squad's shortcomings.

"We’re not in the same league as PSG and Botafogo," he claimed, rather bizarrely bringing the Brazilians into the argument, "but we got the same number of points as the Libertadores and Champions League winners and we're out.

"That's the beautiful thing about football: it tells you that we’re close, but we’re always just a little bit short. We are calm, though, because we are more than clear about what needs to be improved and this helps us to do so."

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Getty Images'Needs to take another step'

Consequently, despite the desperately disappointing nature of the trophy-less 2024-25 campaign, Atletico were more than willing to back Simeone again during this summer's transfer window.

There may not have been a statement signing made to match that of Alvarez, but the Rojiblancos have still forked out another €190m (£165m/$220m) on new players, including Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, David Hancko and Giacomo Raspadori – meaning Simeone was in a very positive mindset ahead of Atleti's season opener at Espanyol on Sunday.

"I'm very happy," he told reporters last week. "I'm happy where I am. I still have the energy that the position I occupy requires. I know the consequences, good, regular, and bad, of where I am.

"The team has evolved enormously, and the team needs to evolve accordingly. In recent years, the team has grown more than the club; then, the club matched the team; then, the club grew more, but the team didn't. So, now, the team needs to take another step to match the club's current position."

Sunday, though, felt like a very significant step backwards.

Dean Elgar's maiden Essex century provides apt tribute to Chelmsford's departed

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Essex 421 for 6 (Elgar 120, Critchley 103*, Cox 67) vs KentNothing changes with any great speed at Chelmsford. Plans are currently afoot for a grand renovation of the pavilion and its surrounding concourse – the only corner of this postage-stamp ground with any wriggle-room for expansion – though rather like this week’s announcement that the ground’s Hayes Close and River Ends have been renamed in honour of its most storied Test performers, Graham Gooch and Sir Alastair Cook, there’s been no pretence of an upgrade in signage in the interim. Indeed, the interactive “Graham Napier Sixes Trail”, with its 16 plaques to commemorate each of Napier’s swings for the bleachers in his famous T20 onslaught against Sussex in 2008, remains Chelmsford’s most visible tribute to any former player, Graham or otherwise.Until, that is, Dean Elgar rocked up with a note-perfect tribute to Cook, whose studiously anonymous retirement last summer had precluded any official attempts to send him off in style. As if to make amends, Elgar filled his boots – in every sense – with no fuss and little flourish. Just 176 balls of nuggetty application across the best part of two sessions, as Essex’s latest left-handed ex-Test opener shifted through his gears with the same unshowy elitism that his English forebear had habitually brought to bear.And, just as had been the case in Essex’s opening-week victory at Trent Bridge, Elgar’s sidekick throughout an innings-defining third-wicket stand of 159 was an up-and-coming England prospect with the same weight and range of stroke as the recently departed Dan Lawrence. Between them, Elgar and Jordan Cox set about convincing an impressive first-day crowd of 2,226 that nothing whatsoever has changed about Essex’s red-ball batting prowess. A scoreline of 421 for 6, capped by an unbeaten century from Matt Critchley, amply backed up that pretence.It wasn’t all plain sailing for Essex after Tom Westley had won a handy toss on the first genuinely shirt-sleeves day of the season. In keeping with the uneven challenge that this month’s two-round experiment with the Kookaburra ball has created, Kent’s seamers caused havoc for precisely 21 balls. In that time, Westley himself was caught behind for 5 off George Garrett, after Feroz Khushi – whose use of an improperly sized bat at Trent Bridge still threatens his side’s top-of-the-table status – chose not to use it at all this week in being bowled by Wes Agar while shouldering arms first-ball.That double-whammy brought Cox out to face his former team-mates at an awkward 10 for 2 – and given his pointed pre-season remarks about Kent’s lack of red-ball ambition, the stage was set for him to be served a large dollop of schadenfreude. Instead, Cox’s opening gambit was a volley of extraordinarily poised drives down the ground – three fours and a three as Garrett strained for swing – and as he marched to 15 from his first six balls, it was as if all threat off the pitch or through the air had been dragged away with him.Jordan Cox made a free-flowing fifty against his former team-mates•Andrew Miller/ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Cox’s confidence on the front foot was ample excuse for Elgar to step up his own intent with a series of compact drives of his own, but it was the introduction of Matt Parkinson’s legspin that kicked Essex’s innings into overdrive. Cox greeted his first-ball full-toss with a dismissive slap through the covers – the first of three fours in a 13-run first over – and he was scarcely allowed to settle thereafter in leaking 25 runs in his first three.Having romped to his fifty from 61 balls, a chance came and went for Cox when Agar at fine leg fumbled a top-edged pull off Nathan Gilchrist, but he had added only seven more runs when Garrett pushed a touch fuller to pin him on the knee-roll for 67. It was hardly the harbinger of a Kent fightback, however. Critchley emerged with a platform of 169 for 3 but just as importantly the Kookaburra entering its dead-zone in the 39th over, and Essex duly punched along at a rate of 4.5 an over, with scarcely a need to over-reach themselves.Elgar’s departure came as something of a surprise when, on 120, he popped a tame catch to short midwicket off Parkinson and dropped his bat in frustration at his own missed opportunity, but that merely unleashed the long levers of “Tall” Paul Walter, who bombed the long-off boundary with a four and two increasingly weighty sixes before scuffing a third attempt to give Parkinson his second wicket.Michael Pepper, too, peppered the boundary, including with a full-faced lift for six over the cover rope, only to pick out deep third with an attempted ramp, one short of his fifty. Critchley, however, made no such error in carrying Essex past the second new ball and through to the close, with the promise of plenty more where these first-day offerings had come from.The only truly duff note for Essex had come before play, when Sam Cook – their Kookaburra-proofed seamer whose ten-wicket haul had routed Nottinghamshire in the first round – was ruled out of contention. Not, it should be said, in protest at the wrong Cook getting the honour of an End named after him, but as a precaution after feeling a thigh strain.

Deepak Chahar added to India's squad for last two T20Is against Australia

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Deepak Chahar has been added to India’s squad for the last two matches of the five-match T20I series against Australia. Mukesh Kumar, meanwhile, was released ahead of the third game in Guwahati on Tuesday for his marriage. But he, too, will be joining the squad for the final two games.Chahar, who has been hampered by injuries over the last few years, last played for India, in an ODI, in December 2022. He had a good Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20) Trophy recently for Rajasthan. There he picked up ten wickets in five games at an economy of 7.38. With the bat, he scored 67 runs off 39 balls at a strike rate of 171.79.He has also started well in the ongoing 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. In two matches so far in the tournament, he hit an unbeaten 66 off 56 balls against Arunachal Pradesh, and also grabbed 6 for 41 against Gujarat.Given none of India’s first-choice fast bowlers are useful batters, Chahar’s return is good news in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in June. After the ongoing Australia series, India have six more T20Is and the IPL, before the World Cup is played in the West Indies and the USA.Mukesh was impressive in his two outings in the series. In the first T20I in Visakhapatnam, he conceded just 29 from his four overs even as Australia posted 208 for 3. In Thiruvananthapuram, he got rid of a dangerous-looking Marcus Stoinis.Both India and Australia have rested several of their T20I regulars for this series, which started just four days after the ODI World Cup. India currently lead the series 2-0.

Impressive Strikers bowling attack sets up victory over Thunder

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Adelaide Strikers 119 for 4 (Wolvaardt 47, Patterson 36*, Smith 3-16) beat Sydney Thunder 118 for 6 (Athapaththu) by six wicketsAdelaide Strikers’ bowlers were outstanding in a six-wicket win over Sydney Thunder, now in fourth on 13 points, with stylish opening batter Laura Wolvaardt leading the successful run chase at Karen Rolton Oval.Strikers have a bowling attack which boasts economy and variety and as a collective they found their groove to restrict Thunder to 118 for 6.Related

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Former Zimbabwe international Anesu Mushangwe began her spell with a double-wicket maiden. Megan Schutt and skipper Tahlia McGrath kept it tight. Nearly half the deliveries in the innings were dot balls.When Heather Knight fell to Jemma Barsby, Thunder were 32 of 3 in the seventh over. In-form opener Chamari Athapaththu was graceful but well contained by the bowlers. McGrath, who removed Athapaththu, also bowled a maiden to Marizanne Kapp in the ninth over.Strikers paced their run chase to perfection. Wolvaardt and opening partner Katie Mack anchored the innings and Bridget Patterson finished the win off superbly despite the best efforts of spinner Lauren Smith.Smith had found herself on a hat-trick when she removed Mack and bowled McGrath with a beauty that spun between bat and pad.Three teams are now level on 14 points with Perth Scorchers leading the way on net run-rate. There is significant incentive to finish top as that means a direct path into the grand final while the team in second gets to host the Challenger final. Those in third and fourth have to win two knockout matches to reach the final.

مُحترف جديد على خطى الأسطورة.. الزمالك يعلن عن الصفقة الثانية رسميًا

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

أعلن نادي الزمالك، بشكل رسمي، اليوم الأحد، عن صفقته الثانية، لتدعيم صفوف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.

وكان الزمالك، أتم التعاقد مع أولي صفقاته منذ قليل، وهو الحارس المهدي سليمان، بعد انتهاء عقده مع فريقه الاتحاد السكندري، ولمدة موسمين.

وأتم نادي الزمالك، التعاقد بشكل رسمي مع اللاعب الأنجولي شيكو بانزا لاعب فريق إستريلا أمادورا البرتغالي، لمدة أربعة مواسم.

ونشرت الصفحة الرسمية لنادي الزمالك على “فيس بوك” فيديو معلنة فيه انضمام شيكو بانزا إلى صفوف القلعة البيضاء: “استعدوا لسحر جديد على خطى الأسطورة، شيكو بانزا أحدث المنضمين للقلعة البيضاء”.

ووقع اللاعب على عقود الانتقال لنادي الزمالك في جلسة مع جون إدوارد المدير الرياضي للنادي، بعد الاتفاق على كافة التفاصيل الخاصة بالصفقة مع النادي البرتغالي.

شيكو بانزا، صاحب الـ26 عامًا، يجيد اللعب كمهاجم وفي مركز الجناح الأيمن أو الأيسر، شارك في 13 مباراة مع إستريلا وسجل هدفًا الموسم الماضي، إلى جانب 15 مشاركة دولية مع منتخب بلده.

نادي الزمالك يسعى إلي تدعيم صفوفه بشكل قوي من أجل المنافسة على البطولات المشارك فيها خلال الموسم المقبل، بعد غيابه عن منصات التتويج في الموسم المنتهي، حيث لم يحصد إلا بطولة كأس مصر فقط.

يذكر، أن الزمالك خاض مباراة ودية أول أمس الجمعة، ضد فريق أورانج، في الظهور الأول للمدرب الجديد يانيك فيريرا وحقق الفوز 1-0 بهدف لحسام عبد المجيد.

Alongside Alvarez: Liverpool now join PL race to sign £29m Argentina gem

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Shifting their focus towards future stars, Liverpool have now reportedly joined the race to sign an Argentina gem worth £29m who could complete an Anfield switch alongside Julian Alvarez.

Liverpool eye Argentinian additions

With one World Cup winner already in their ranks in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing Alvarez this summer courtesy of a club-record bid. The Reds know all about the former Manchester City star’s quality and could commence their attacking overhaul by welcoming him back to the Premier League this summer.

There’s no doubt that Alvarez would be an instant upgrade on Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, who have all failed to take hold of the No 9 role under Arne Slot this season. In contrast, Alvarez has thrived at Atletico Madrid – scoring 23 goals and assisting a further five.

It’s not just current stars who could arrive as part of the Reds’ overhaul, however, with those at Anfield also reportedly setting their sights on one particular rising talent.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have now joined a hectic race to sign Franco Mastantuono this summer alongside Arsenal and Chelsea. In pursuit of a deal that would cost just €35m (£29m), Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could yet pull off an impressive coup to sign the 17-year-old River Plate gem.

Slot can axe Jota for Liverpool teen who's a "better finisher than Nunez"

Liverpool are planning for significant changes in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 19, 2025

An attacking midfielder, Mastantuono would certainly add some creative spark to an attacking force often left relying on the brilliance of Mohamed Salah. That said, at such a young age, the Argentine’s impact would likely come in years to come rather than in Arne Slot’s second season in charge at Anfield.

"Gifted" Mastantuono is a rising star

Already involved in two goals in just four appearances in Argentina this season, it should come as no surprise to see the Premier League’s top clubs beginning to form a line in pursuit of Mastantuono’s signature. As Liverpool search for an attacking spark perhaps alongside the more experienced Alvarez, turning towards another Argentinian could hand them the answer they’ve been looking for.

Of course, the mistake that Liverpool won’t want to make again is missing out on a young talent of Mastantuono’s calibre, having done so in the past when Alvarez joined Manchester City.

By winning the race to sign the teenager who analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed “gifted” early on, the Reds can save themselves a hefty fee and land a deal which could be looked back on as the bargain of the summer in years to come.

Amid competition from Arsenal and Chelsea, the champions-elect could look to flex their crown for the first time by luring Mastantuono to Anfield this summer.

Bangladesh rest Salma Khatun and Rumana Ahmed for Sri Lanka tour

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Women’s selector Manjurul Islam says the decision was taken keeping in mind this year’s busy schedule

Mohammad Isam18-Apr-2023

This will be the first time Bangladesh will be without Salma Khatun and Rumana Ahmed in ODIs•ACC

Bangladesh have left out seniors Salma Khatun and Rumana Ahmed from their consolidated white-ball squad of 16 for the tour of Sri Lanka starting later this month. This will be the first time Bangladesh will be without these two stalwarts in ODIs, although the team played a match without this pair in the Women’s T20 World Cup in February this year.Women’s selector Manjurul Islam has said that Salma and Rumana, who have combined 274 caps in international cricket, are rested keeping in mind this year’s busy schedule. The Sri Lanka tour comprises three ODIs, which are part of the Women’s Championships, and as many T20Is.”The biggest challenge on this tour will be the weather and conditions,” Manjurul said. “We have built the team thinking of these two factors. We have taken some emerging cricketers, those who did well in the Under-19 World Cup recently. We have rested a few senior cricketers. We have a lot of cricket this year at home and abroad. Fitness will be a big issue in Sri Lanka. We have taken all this into account when selecting this squad.”Bangladesh tour of SL

April 27: Bangladesh vs SLC Board President’s XI, Colombo Cricket Club
April 29: 1st ODI
May 2: 2nd ODI
May 4: 3rd ODI (all ODIs at P Sara Oval)
May 7: Bangladesh vs SLC Board President’s XI, Colombo Cricket Club
May 9: 1st T20I
May 11: 2nd T20I
May 12: 3rd T20I (all T20Is at SSC)

Apart from Salma and Rumana, they have also left out young pacer Marufa Akter and opener Sharmin Akter. Sultana Khatun is the newcomer in the squad.This will be the first limited-overs bilateral series between Bangladesh, who leave for Colombo on April 25, and Sri Lanka in women’s cricket. Both teams have collected two points each with Sri Lanka occupying the eighth spot after six matches Bangladesh are seventh after three matches in the Women’s Championship points table. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan last June while Bangladesh’s points have come from two abandoned matches in New Zealand last December.Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (capt), Fargana Hoque Pinky, Shamima Sultana, Fahima Khatun, Murshida Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Sanjida Akther Maghla, Sobhana Mostary, Lata Mondal, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Ritu Moni, Disha Biswas, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun

VIDEO: 'Let's get it' – Paul Pogba shares latest cryptic update as ex-Juventus & Man Utd star is put through his paces with mystery surrounding next club after doping ban

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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.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

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.

'This club demands victories' – Cruz Azul coach Vicente Sánchez on eliminating León, setting up third straight playoff matchup with América

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Cruz Azul will now face América in the semifinals, a matchup that has become a modern classic

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Will be the third consecutive meeting in Liga MX playoffs

Cruz Azul have become formidable, now 18 games unbeaten

Vicente Sánchez has only lost one of 25 games with La MáquinaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Cruz Azul has secured a spot in the Clausura 2025 semifinals after defeating León 2-1 in the second leg of the quarterfinals, Sunday night sealing a 5-3 aggregate win in favor of .

Goals from Ignacio Rivero and an own goal by Rodrigo Echeverría led Vicente Sánchez’s side to victory, while Jhonder Cádiz briefly gave León hope with a goal for Eduardo Berizzo’s team. Following the win, head coach Vicente Sánchez praised his team’s mentality and execution throughout the series.

“I’m happy to move on to the next phase," he said. "Honestly, winning every match – both away and at home – is exactly what Cruz Azul aims for. This club demands victories. Beating a top opponent with a talented squad and a national team coach in both legs, it makes me very proud. Now it’s time to prepare for what’s coming next."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Under Sánchez’s leadership, Cruz Azul has become a force, going 18 games unbeaten. Across 25 matches between Liga MX and the Champions Cup, he’s led the team to 16 wins, eight draws, and only a single loss – an impressive record.

“Yes, we’ve gone almost twice as many games without losing as we’ve drawn, so the numbers are very strong," he said. "What’s behind us – whether good or bad – can’t be changed. We’ve built something solid, but what matters now is what comes next. We’re competing on two fronts: we’re in the semifinal and also in a final.

"So we’re extremely proud and grateful for the effort every player puts in, and for the support from the president and the technical staff. We’re excited and hungry to keep going."

AFPWHAT VICENTE SÁNCHEZ SAID

Despite the excellent results, Sánchez’s future on the Cruz Azul bench is still uncertain. However, the Uruguayan coach remains calm and focused.

“I’ve always carried myself this way, even as a player. I believe the most important thing a person can have is humility. Being thankful to God, to family, and continuing to work every single day. I think the results speak for themselves,” he said.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?

La Máquina will now face América in the semifinals – a clash that has become a modern classic. This will be the third consecutive time the two rivals meet in the Liga MX playoffs.

In Clausura 2024, América edged Cruz Azul in the final with a 2-1 aggregate win. The following tournament, Apertura 2024, saw come out on top again with a 4-3 aggregate. However, just a few weeks ago, Cruz Azul got their revenge, knocking América out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, further intensifying one of the league’s most heated rivalries.

Titularidade, sequência e assistências: Veron assume papel importante no Palmeiras

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MatériaMais Notícias

Autor de duas assistências na goleada do Palmeiras sobre o Atlético Goianiense, Gabriel Veron voltou a ganhar espaço na equipe de Abel Ferreira após se recuperar de lesão e vem assumindo um papel importante no elenco titular.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAbel rechaça ‘Amarelinha’ e mantém posição firme: ‘Já treino a seleção do Palmeiras’Palmeiras16/06/2022PalmeirasEm noite de zagueiro-artilheiro, Gómez fala sobre nova função no Palmeiras: ‘Estou à disposição’Palmeiras16/06/2022PalmeirasAbel exalta poder de reação do Palmeiras e volta a elogiar canto de torcida: ‘Time da virada e do amor’Palmeiras16/06/2022

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>ATUAÇÕES: Gómez é zagueiro-artilheiro em nova goleada do Verdão

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Por conta de uma lesão sofrida por Raphael Veiga e da nova função de Gustavo Scarpa no plantel, atuando mais como armador, o garoto de 19 anos foi titular nos últimos três jogos e apresentou boas atuações.

Até o momento na temporada foram 28 partidas disputadas, um gol marcado e 19 passes para gol. O processo de recuperação de espaço no concorrido ataque alviverde passou, desde a parte física, até a parte psicológica do atleta, o que foi fundamental para um retorno positivo.

– São momentos muito difíceis, demorar um mês, depois volta e demora mais dois meses para voltar, é algo complicado para mim. O que eu mais tive que trabalhar foi o músculo que estava machucado e a minha cabeça para não ficar pensando sempre em lesões, porque no momento que você machuca, quando você volta, acaba pensando “será que eu vou machucar nesse momento?”, então eu tinha que tirar isso da cabeça. Foi dando certo, foi dando certo, tive uma sequência, depois outra lesão, mas eu consegui voltar bem e agora é continuar trabalhando para não acontecer de novo – desabafou o jogador.

Promovido ao time principal do Verdão em 2019, a ‘Cria da Academia’ está caminhando para ter a maior sequência de participações em campo desde que subiu das categorias de base. Em 2020 e 2021, foram apenas 39 aparições do garoto, número que deve ser batido ainda este ano.

O Palmeiras de Abel Ferreira é conhecido por lapidar os jovens formados no clube e valorizá-los ainda mais, não somente no sentido financeiro. Assim, a boa fase de Gabriel Veron faz com que a diretoria e comissão técnica contem com uma opção ‘fresca’ no setor ofensivo, além de elevar o patamar do clube.

– É verdade que o Veron, que é um jogador talentoso, tem muito futebol, ainda é um moleque, que tem que aprender que o futebol é coisa séria. É difícil dizer para eles não verem ‘TikTok’, sair do celular, porque faz parte dessa nova geração. Eu tento falar para eles serem mais sérios, focados, se dedicarem mais aos treinos, que vão tirar resultado disso. É normal, com o tempo passando, a maturidade crescendo, a maturidade competitiva, como homem. Ele está a crescer com a equipe. É uma peça importante dentro de um conjunto de 24, junto com os moleques da base que nos tem ajudado muito – comentou Abel Ferreira sobre a evolução do garoto.

Com a indefinição sobre a renovação do contrato de Gustavo Scarpa, utilizado pelo português como ponta pelo lado esquerdo, o camisa 27 começa a ser peça fundamental no esquema do treinador e abre a possibilidade para que Rony e os atacantes recém chegados, Merentiel e Flaco López, possam atuar como referências ofensivas.

Gabriel Veron atacante é o mais jovem a marcar pelo Verdão na Libertadores, Copa do Brasil e Brasileirão. Ao todo, são 90 jogos e 13 gols como profissional, sendo bicampeão paulista (2020 e 2022), bicampeão da Libertadores (2021 e 2022), além dos títulos da Copa do Brasil (2020) e da Recopa (2022).

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