Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca heaped praise on debutants Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Samuel Rak-Sakyi as the Blues comfortably beat Astana.
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Maresca praised Blues' young starsChelsea beat Astana 3-1Extend winning streak to six gamesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Maresca made 10 changes in the Blues' starting lineup in the Conference League clash as Pedro Neto was the only player to have also featured against Tottenham last weekend. Under extreme weather conditions in Kazakhstan, a young Chelsea team performed well as they thrashed Astana 3-1.
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The Chelsea boss was particularly impressed by young English defender Acheampong, making his first start for the senior team, as well as George and Rak-Sakyi. The Italian coach was extremely happy to see the youngsters flourish under difficult circumstances.
WHAT ENZO MARESCA SAID
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 44-year-old head coach said: "I was impressed by all of them. The ones that started – Tyrique, Sam and Josh – they all have done very good. Very happy for them. Also, the ones that came on in the second half. So I’m pleased for them."
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
The London side, who extended their winning streak to six matches across all competitions, will next face Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
England legend hasn’t played competitively for nearly two years
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2021Sarah Taylor, the former England Women’s wicketkeeper, has come out of retirement a month ahead of schedule, and will make her competitive comeback for Northern Diamonds at Emerald Headingley on Saturday, in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.Taylor, 32, has not played professionally since retiring at the end of the 2019 season due to her long-term struggle with anxiety issues. But, having returned to the sport as a wicketkeeping consultant for Sussex this season, she was due to resume her playing career for Welsh Fire in the augural season of the Hundred.However, she has now answered a call from her former England team-mate, Dani Hazell, Northern Diamonds’ coach, following the loss of both of the team’s designated wicketkeepers. Bess Heath is injured and Lauren Winfield-Hill is away on England duty, so Taylor will slot straight into the side against South East Stars this weekend.”Dani gave me a call and told me that Lauren was going off with England and Bess is injured so they were after a keeper,” Taylor said. “It’s good for me to play in a good competition in preparation for my Hundred stint. It’s kind of a win-win for everyone really, but it was really nice of Dani to think of me.”In the course of an England career that spanned 13 years and 226 matches across formats, Taylor forged herself a reputation as one of the outstanding wicketkeepers – male or female – in world cricket.She still holds the record of 51 stumpings in both the ODI and T20I formats, while some of her dismissals, including a pre-emptive diving catch to dismiss Jodie Fields in the 2013 Ashes – off Hazell’s bowling, no less – have entered folklore.Related
'It's dark, but there's light at the end of the tunnel' – Sarah Taylor
Sarah Taylor joins Sussex coaching ranks
Sarah Taylor signs up for playing comeback in the Hundred with Welsh Fire
“It’s going to be a good test for me,” Taylor said. “I might be a little bit rusty but part of the reason for me playing is to get rid of that. Hopefully, I will perform well and can carry on where I left off. If I don’t then it’s okay, it’s just me getting back into the swing of things and remembering what it’s like to keep for 50 overs.”I know the Diamonds squad is a good one and I’m looking forward to joining them at training tomorrow.”Northern Diamonds have won two and lost one of their three matches in the RHFT so far – that defeat coming in a thrilling opening game at Headingley that showcased the best of women’s cricket, as Central Sparks chased a stiff target of 280 to win by two wickets.”You look at the games that have happened so far in the competition and you can really see the development of the women’s game,” Taylor said . “We’re playing on good pitches at good grounds and that is testament to the way the standard is going. Every year it is getting better and better. I’ve got a couple of years to catch up. Hopefully I can do that and we can go well.”I have played at Headingley before, it’s a great ground and I’ve loved playing there in the past when we’ve had the chance. Playing against the South East Stars, there’s a student of mine from my school playing for them so that will be good fun.”Reflecting on her return to the sport, both through her Hundred signing and her consultant work at Sussex, Taylor said: “I had to take some time out of the game to gain a little bit of perspective on it, but after everything had settled down, life got back to normal. It was nice to then have the opportunity to look at the game and throw myself into it.”Once the opportunity came around with Sussex and then the Welsh Fire, it was a really easy decision to come back. Now with the Northern Diamonds, I think I’d be stupid to turn these opportunities down.”
510 for 8 dec (Abid Ali 215, Azhar Ali 126) by 158 runsPakistan are on the cusp of a 2-0 series win after regular strikes in the final session left the visitors just one wicket away from wrapping up an innings victory. On a day that began with a magnificent spell of fast bowling by Hasan Ali, culminating in yet another five-wicket haul, Zimbabwe folded meekly in the first innings, and were forced to follow on. The second time around, there were flashes of resistance disappointingly absent nearly all series, with an 80 from Regis Chakabva and Brendan Taylor’s flamboyant 30-ball 49 guaranteeing the hosts surpassed 200 for the first time this series. Nauman Ali, though, was the chief architect of Zimbabwe’s downfall in the second, taking five wickets of his own, before Zimbabwe’s tenth wicket pair dug in to ensure the game would go to a fourth day.In the morning session, Hasan stormed through the middle and lower order. That helped skittle the home side out for 132, handing Pakistan a 378-run lead and the opportunity to enforce the follow-on.The fast bowler has been in spectacular form since his return to Test cricket this year, with 19 Test wickets in his last four innings. He would make that 24 in five after a stirring performance in the morning, demonstrating complete command over line, length and swing as the Zimbabwean batters crumbled in front of him. Tendai Chisoro was undone by one that moved away from the bat on a length, with Imran Butt taking a sharp low catch in the slips.The catching behind the wickets was another running theme, and it brought Hasan his next breakthrough. This time, it was a short delivery that grew big on Chakabva, requiring Abid Ali to leap to grab hold at first slip. Luke Jongwe would be undone shortly after with a sublime inswinger, the batter shouldering arms as it came back in to hit the stumps.Roy Kaia, who had been dealt a painful blow on the knee that forced him off on the first day, came back on to bat with a noticeable limp, and while he accounted well for himself, he even had the chance to extract a bit of revenge. He pinged a short delivery to Abid Ali at short leg, with the ball smashing into his elbow. Abid was the man who had forced Kaia off in similar circumstances on the first day, and while he lumbered off clutching his funny bone, the Pakistani was unlikely to be seeing the lighter side.Zimbabwe showed more application in their final innings of the series than any other, stalling Pakistan’s charge towards a 2-0 series victory, the top order putting up dogged resistance. Chakabva, arguably the hosts’ most solid batsman across these Tests, was the spearhead, first in defence, then in attack, as he successfully saw off the new ball before moving up a gear, taking on the Pakistan bowlers as he brought up a brisk, convincing half-century.The contrast between the first hour and second was stark, with Zimbabwe bogged down in sheer survival mode early on. At one point, they managed just 15 runs in 13 overs as Kasuza hunkered down, much like he had in the first innings where he managed just four in 43 deliveries. But once Chakabva decided to take on Sajid Khan in the 18th over, the shackles seemed to come off all of a sudden. Sajid was thumped for 17, and Kasuza joined the fun shortly after, a straight drive over Nauman’s head for six arguably the shot of the Test. Nauman had an exquisite comeback, though, dragging his line back to one Kasuza looked to go after in the same vein. He failed to get to the pitch, and the ball took out his middle stump to nip a budding second-wicket partnership.When Taylor came out next, he took the attack to the bowlers from the outset. His knock involved him hitting repeatedly through the air, often close to where fielders stood, relying on pinpoint precision to keep him safe. Nauman was lofted for a pair of neatly timed airborne drives, while a flick of the wrists off Tabish Khan brought him his first six. Before long, there was something of a swagger to Taylor’s game, and he had raced along to 49 off 30, looking all set to bring up the fastest Test half-century by a Zimbabwean.Misfortune struck, though, with the umpire adjudging a tickle down leg side had come off the bat. Taylor’s hands initially indicated it had clipped the hipbone, but when the umpire raised his finger, the hand went to his head in despair. Zimbabwe’s most enterprising partnership had been broken after 79 runs, and the resistance to follow was feeble.Chakabva continued to motor along, refusing to let the runscoring come to a halt, or allow any bowler to settle. Few would have begrudged him a hundred, but his approach carried inevitable risk, and when a swipe off Nauman caught the outside edge, Babar Azam held on to a sharp catch.The lower order has middle order has proved Zimbabwe’s been weakness time and again, and once more, there was little resistance. Nauman continued to chip away as the victory drew nearer, completing his own five-fer. Pakistan opted for the extra half hour to try and force a result tonight, but Blessing Muzarabani stuck in alongside Jongwe before the umpires brought out the light metre and called a halt to proceedings. Zimbabwe still trail by 158 runs, and when the players come back out tomorrow, the proceedings are likely to be mere formalities.
The former USMNT and Toronto FC striker has invested in NFL franchise Buffalo Bills after long-time interest in professional sports ownership
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Jozy Altidore joins Buffalo Bills ownership group
Purchased minority stake with Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady
Long time Bills fan
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Former U.S. international star Jozy Altidore had joined the Bills ownership group, he announced on social media. The former Toronto FC, Sunderland, AZ Alkmaar forward is a lifelong NFL fan, and has invested in the franchise alongside NBA legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter.
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Altidore joins an ever expanding field of NFL and soccer interlocking. Over the past few years, former football stars such as JJ Watt and Tom Brady have invested in lower league English clubs. Meanwhile, long-time soccer veterans like Harry Kane have made their NFL interest clear – with the England captain alluding to his desire to finish his athletic career as a kicker in the NFL.
WHAT ALTIDORE SAID
Altidore expressed his excitement to be joining the ownership group: "Having played and won an MLS championship in nearby Toronto, I've been a huge Bills fan for many years. it's always been a goal of mine to become part of professional sports ownership, so this opportunity to join the Buffalo Bills family is an incredible honor and dream come true."
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WHAT NEXT FOR ALTIDORE?
The ex-USMNT striker, who scored 42 goals for his country, will join the Bills ownership, effective immediately.
This exit means the club is short at right-back, although interestingly, recent reports have linked them to a star who's earned comparisons to Pedro Porro.
Tottenham Hotspur transfer news
Daniel Levy and Co may have only just completed the impressive £65m capture of Solanke over the weekend, but a recent report from journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that the club are now interested in signing AS Monaco's Vanderson.
In fact, Andrade has actually revealed that the Lilywhites have already "opened talks with Monaco" and that the French side are "expecting an offer in the region of 40 million euros."
That fee converts to around £34m, and while that's a lot of money, the sale of Emerson means that a new option at right-back is probably needed this summer.
Monaco's Vanderson
Moreover, Vanderson has impressed for Les Monégasques and the fact he's been compared to Porro should encourage fans that this is a deal worth pursuing.
Vanderson's comparison to Porro
So, Vanderson and Porro share one fundamental similarity: they are both very attacking full-backs.
Tottenham defender Pedro Porro
For example, when talking about the Monaco ace, respected data analyst Ben Mattinson described him as "very good going forward", while U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed he is blessed with "obscene pace and acceleration."
Likewise, Mango described the Spaniard as an "aggressive" full-back with "a wonderful low centre of gravity" who is "extremely dangerous" in attack, which is hard to deny when you watch him play.
Vanderson
However, while the praise and analysis help us understand how they operate, you can also see their forward-thinking tendencies in their raw output.
For example, in 37 appearances for the Lilywhites last season, the former Sporting CP gem scored four goals and provided seven assists, equating to a seriously impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.36 games.
Vanderson & Porro in 23/24
Player
Vanderson
Porro
Appearances
23
37
Goals
3
4
Assists
1
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.17
0.29
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Likewise, while he could only make 23 appearances for Monaco last season partly due to injury, the Brazilian defender still scored three goals and provided four assists, meaning that he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 5.75 games, which is still impressive for a player in his position.
Finally, if people are still unsure of how similar the two right-backs are, they only need to look at Football Transfers, which has ranked Porro as the fifth most comparable player to Vanderson across football.
Ultimately, while he could cost the club a pretty penny, bringing the Monaco man in to replace Emerson this summer and fight for a place in the team seems like the perfect way to maximise Postecoglou's attacking philosophy in every aspect of the team.
Therefore, Levy and Co should do what they can to get this deal done, and who knows, another attack-minded full-back in the team could even help Solanke hit the ground running.
Solanke's dream transfer: Spurs could sign "insane" £51m Kulusevski upgrade
The incredible talent would help the Englishman hit the ground running.
Glasgow Rangers face a crucial final few weeks of the transfer window, especially if they wish to add another few players that can bolster their first team squad.
The opening few weeks of the 2024/25 campaign have already seen the Ibrox side drop points in the Premiership, while the club has crashed out of the Champions League following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Dynamo Kiev.
Philippe Clement may not entirely be at fault considering the shortcomings of the board and the whole debacle surrounding the delay in getting Ibrox ready for the new season, but he will soon have to get things right on the pitch.
The starting XI that took to the Hampden pitch on Tuesday evening was arguably just as bad as the dross supporters had to put up with during the first few seasons the club spent in the top flight following promotion in 2016.
Opponent
Date
St Johnstone (League Cup)
August 17
Ross County (Premiership)
August 24
Celtic (Premiership)
September 1
Dundee United (Premiership)
September 15
Hibs (Premiership)
September 28
Via Sky Sports
All areas of the pitch need improvement, but it is clear the Light Blues haven’t really replaced Steven Davis in the heart of the midfield. The Northern Irishman was able to control games with ease, even during his later years.
Steven Davis’ Rangers statistics
His first spell may have been more successful, winning eight trophies between 2008 and 2012 before his departure to Southampton, but his second spell saw Davis really emerge as an icon in the light blue.
He initially signed on loan from the Saints in January 2019, before joining on a permanent deal that summer and his acquisition was one of the best pieces of transfer business Gerrard conducted during his time in charge.
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Steven Davis.
He made 43 appearances during his first full season back at Ibrox, dropping into a slightly deeper role than his first spell due to his advancing years, which allowed the player to use his wonderful passing range to dictate games, both domestically and in Europe.
The 2020/21 campaign would prove to be his nadir for the Northern Irishman during his second spell. Not only did he miss just three league games in the Gers' unbeaten title-winning season, but Davis also shone when compared to his teammates across a range of metrics.
Indeed, he ranked second for accurate passes per game (64.2), while also ranking second for accurate long balls per game (3.7), third for tackles per game (1.7) and second for interceptions per game (1.2), showcasing his passing skills and defensive abilities.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
16
2
0
2021/22
33
1
1
2020/21
49
2
3
2019/20
43
1
3
2018/19
18
0
3
2011/12
39
5
14
2010/11
53
5
12
2009/10
50
4
16
2008/09
39
6
12
2007/08
22
1
6
Via Transfermarkt
His appearances became more limited during his final two years at Ibrox, before he suffered a serious injury towards the end of 2022, which eventually forced the midfielder to retire.
Despite Clement signing Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande in recent months, Rangers have still to replace the qualities of Davis in the heart of their midfield.
Steven Davis for Rangers
Could a recent transfer target potentially have the profile that would fit into the current Gers team? As the Belgian is turning towards the Bundesliga…
Rangers showing interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder
According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet last week, Rangers were one of the clubs who were showing interest in Leverkusen midfielder Gustavo Puerta ahead of making a potential swoop for the player.
There were several other clubs keen too, including Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, and Danish side Brondby, with the player dealing with plenty of offers.
The report also stated that the Belgian side were looking to seal a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for around €6m (£5m).
Indeed, journalist Dominik Schneider claims that the midfielder is dealing with three offers, with a decision to be made by Sunday, and it could either be a loan or a permanent move.
This suggests the Light Blues may have a chance at securing his services, but they will have to present a solid offer in order to bring him to Scotland.
If they do, Clement might finally fill the Davis-shaped void in the Rangers squad.
Gustavo Puerta’s season in numbers
The youngster may have won the Bundesliga title as part of Leverkusen’s stunning, invincible squad, but he made just seven appearances in the top flight, starting no games throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
During his fleeting appearances in the league, Puerta did succeed with 95% of his passes while succeeding with 100% of his dribbles and winning 67% of his total duels, showcasing his talents, albeit briefly.
Gustavo Puerta
Prior to the transfer window, Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson examined the midfielder, lavishing praise on the youngster, saying: “If you watch the footage below you’ll see a technically gifted midfielder with an incredible range of passing.
“A central midfielder that is comfortable receiving and carrying the ball under a pressure.
“A player that also comes with that South American flair and doggedness.”
He did start two matches during the Europa League group stage last season, demonstrating his sublime passing skills in those matches.
When compared to his peers during the competition last term, Puerta ranked in the top 3% for both passes attempted (86.17) and pass success rate (91.7%) per 90.
He even ranked in the top 9% for successful take-ons (1.91) per 90 and while this may only be over three matches, it proves how impressive he was when coming out of the wilderness to immediately perform to this level.
This sort of passing ability hasn’t truly been seen at Ibrox since Davis retired, and it is desperately needed, especially following the poor start to the season.
It looks as though Clement has plenty of competition for the midfielder and will have to present an attractive offer to Leverkusen if he hopes to land the youngster this summer.
If he was given a regular run in the starting XI, Puerta could turn into one of the finest players at the club, due to his metronomic play in possession.
Much could depend on whether the Light Blues manage to sell a few players, but priority should be made in bringing Puerta to Glasgow, preferably before it is too late.
Morelos 2.0: Rangers lining up a dream £1.7m signing for Cerny
Philippe Clement appears to be in contact with a young striker ahead of a potential move
Sri Lanka’s captain also had words of praise for Ramesh Mendis, though he felt he could improve his lines and lengths
Andrew Fidel Fernando03-May-2021
Praveen Jayawickrama claimed match figures of 11 for 178 on Test debut•AFP/Getty Images
Praveen Jayawickrama was on Test debut, and had played only ten first-class matches before that. Ramesh Mendis was playing just his second Test. The pair combined to take 17 wickets in the match, against Bangladesh, bowling Sri Lanka to a commanding victory in Pallekele – the team’s first win against World Test Championship opposition since August 2019.Jayawickrama, 22, was especially impressive, claiming match figures of 11 for 178, which are not only a record for a Sri Lanka debutant, but the tenth-best by any Test debutant. It was his accuracy that his captain Dimuth Karunaratne was especially impressed with.”Praveen does the simple things well,” Karunaratne said after the match. “He pitches the ball in the right spot. That’s something we saw from Rangana Herath as well. He makes the batsman play, and gives the ball a chance to do something. When you play at this level, you have to have that consistency in line and length. He did his job 100%, and played like a bowler who had more than his ten first-class matches. It’s a great sign for the future of our Test cricket.”The seniors just gave both bowlers confidence. Some players can panic at times when they come into the Test arena, because they try a lot of things. What we tried to tell them was to play as if they would a regular first-class game, and to handle the pressure that way. Praveen absorbed pressure really well.”Dimuth Karunaratne made a double-century in the first Test, and followed it up with scores of 118 and 66 in the second•AFP/Getty Images
Mendis’ match haul was 6 for 189, and he was particularly effective in the second innings, claiming the wickets of Bangladesh’s most senior batters – Tamim Iqbal (caught behind), Mominul Haque (bowled off an inside edge), and Mushfiqur Rahim (caught at leg slip). While Mendis has been a batting allrounder at the lower levels, Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur even before this series had identified his bowling as a potential asset to the Test side.”At a time when we didn’t have anyone experienced, both bowlers came and bowled like experienced players,” Karunaratne said. “I think Ramesh also gave Praveen a lot of help from the other end, in terms of building pressure. That bowling partnership was good, and they had an understanding because they also play for the same club [Moors Sports Club].”Ramesh can improve a little bit more in terms of his lines and lengths, but it’s also his second Test, and when he gets to 15-20 Tests, he’ll be able to get the hang of all that.”Karunaratne also praised Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, which put up an imposing 493 for 7 in the first innings, with Karunaratne himself and Lahiru Thirimanne hitting hundreds, before Oshada Fernando made 81 and Niroshan Dickwella produced 77 not out. For Karunaratne, this was a continuation of the progress the batters had made in the West Indies, where Sri Lanka played out two draws.”In the West Indies we did a lot of good things. It’s not an easy place to bat, with the Dukes ball being used. But we fixed our mindset and worked on our temperament and patience. I think that’s why we were able to make big scores in this series – Dhananjaya de Silva’s 166 [in the first Test], and Thiri’s 140. We knew that we needed a big score on the board in the first innings to win a match, so that was playing on our minds. We took responsibility.”
After an excellent summer transfer window, Manchester United are already reportedly targeting further incomings, with a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw now in their sights.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils ended the window with the arrival of Manuel Ugarte to ensure that they welcomed additions all across Erik ten Hag's side, from the backline to his attacking options. Ugarte may well prove to be the most important incoming of the lot. The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder should replace Casemiro and put an end to United's woes in the middle of the park.
Ugarte was a fan of the deal himself, expressing his delight by telling the club's official website: "It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world. The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player."
However, those at Old Trafford haven't taken time to admire their summer business, as they have already shifted their attention towards further incomings. According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are now targeting a long-term deal to sign Antonee Robinson to replace the injury-prone Luke Shaw. The 27-year-old is reportedly valued at £30m by Fulham and could help solve another problem in Ten Hag's side.
Fulham defenderAntonee Robinson.
No one's doubting Shaw's ability, of course, but his injury record speaks for itself, with the left-back having already missed the start of the campaign. Robinson, meanwhile, missed just one Premier League game last season and has enjoyed a flying start to the season at Craven Cottage.
"Great" Robinson has picked up where he left off
Arguably one of the Premier League's best left-backs last season, Robinson has simply picked up where he left off since the summer, assisting twice in three games to maintain his place as one of Fulham's most important players.
Fulham boss Marco Silva is well aware of just how talented the American is too, having said via The Athletic last weekend: "The way he started last week, he’s a great, great athlete. He’s a crucial, crucial player for us. If he keeps improving, then it will be another big season ahead for him. A great assist, great decision to do it first-time for Iwobi. He has to really like his performance."
As Robinson continues to steal the headlines, Manchester United could close in to land the ultimate replacement for the unreliable Shaw.
Premier League stats 23/24 (via FBref)
Antonee Robinson
Luke Shaw
Assists
6
0
Key passes per 90
0.91
1.21
Tackles won
1.60
0.75
Minutes
3,265
959
Shaw's lack of minutes last season highlights just how unreliable an option he has become under Ten Hag. By contrast, Robinson's ability to create and his consistency stand out as traits that the Red Devils should be chasing sooner rather than later.
O técnico Tite não escondeu sua irritação com a equipe de arbitragem do empate em 0 a 0 entre Argentina e Brasil, realizado nesta terça-feira (16), em San Juan. Ao ser perguntado sobre a cotovelada do argentino Otamendi no atacante Raphinha, o comandante canarinho subiu o tom.
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-Vou tirar a máscara para falar e vou falar o que falei no vestiário para a arbitragem e vou assumir. O Cunha (Andres Cunha, árbitro que conduziu jogo) é um extraordinário árbitro. A qualidade técnica, um acompanhamento, percepções altíssimas, aspecto disciplinar muito alto e a arbitragem exigem uma boa equipe de trabalho. E quem está no VAR exige uma equipe muito alta – e subiu o tom:
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– E quem está no VAR é simplesmente impossível, vou repetir, é impossível não ver a cotovelada no Otamendi no Raphinha. Quem quer ter isenção na análise, é muito clara. Isso ia determinar o resultado do jogo? Não sei. Tradição, qualidade técnica dos dois, tudo bem. Mas o componente(arbitragem) tem de ser igual. De um trabalho para árbitro de alto nível de VAR eu não posso conceber. Estou falando isso porque sou educado – completou.
O treinador considerou a partida entre as seleções uma “prévia” para os confrontos que o Brasil terá na Copa do Mundo no Qatar.
– Sim, partida de bom técnico das duas equipes. Com embates individuais, marcação posicional é o forte de ambas equipes, alternância de domínio e controle – declarou.
Tite ainda falou sobre as variações das equipes.
-Um jogo com recursos técnicos extraordinários, times que procuram sair jogando, que premiam jogo, premiam articulação, a Argentina que procura uma saída com De Paul para chegar no Messi numa transição para assessorar Lautaro, ter um Di María. Olha a qualidade. E nós temos Vini agudo do lado e uma proposta agressiva no sentido de atacar espaços com Raphinha e Antony, fica um modelo de uma equipe mais vertical. Um gramado que proporciona uma qualidade boa e um espetáculo com alternâncias, uma equipe mais com bola e outra um pouquinho mais vertical, mas que ninguém controlava o outro tamanha qualidade das equipes… disse.
O Brasil volta a campo em 27 de janeiro de 2022, quando enfrenta o Equador.