Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit is worried about Kylian Mbappe's current situation at Real Madrid amid his ongoing struggles at his new club.
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Mbappe having rough time at Madrid
Missed a penalty in the losses to Liverpool and Athletic
Petit concerned about lack of friends at the club
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has shared his concerns about Kylian Mbappe's situation at Real Madrid and believes the star forward is all alone in the Spanish capital, having no friends in the team. Petit also shed light on how his overall image in the media hasn't helped his cause, especially after all the drama that has unfolded with the France national team following his expulsion by Didier Deschamps for the November games.
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Ever since his move to Madrid last summer, Mbappe has looked a shadow of the player that led France to back-to-back World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022. Mbappe has scored just 10 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for Madrid and has evidently looked unsettled on the pitch. Additionally, reports from Spain have kept mentioning how his dynamic with the rest of the team is broken. Case in point, how Mbappe was apparently ignored by Jude Bellingham in the tunnel at Anfield last week.
WHAT EMMANUEL PETIT SAID
"I think Kylian Mbappe is so lonely at Real Madrid," Petit stated in an interview with Gambling Zone. "I saw Jude Bellingham ignoring him and it doesn’t even look like he has any help or any friends at the club.
"He’s been hammered by the press and doesn’t seem like he has friends in Paris or Spain and he’s also gone to a public enemy number one in France because of what happened in the last international break. He’s so far away from his level this season, too. I know he’s scored ten goals but it’s just stats and he doesn’t look like himself.
"I just say what I feel when I look at him and he looks miserable on and off the pitch. He was the king in France and could do whatever he wanted at PSG and with France and now it’s not the same anymore.
"He’s lonely and with top players, the biggest game is against yourself and you have to be able to solve your problems on the pitch."
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WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?
Following another toothless performance against Athletic Club on Wednesday, in which he missed another penalty, Mbappe took to Instagram to post a story in which he vowed to come back stronger and show the player he is. “Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am," Mbappe wrote on Instagram.
Real Madrid fans will indeed be hoping for Mbappe to turn things around in LaLiga as Los Blancos will be travelling to Catalonia to take on Girona in a tricky away game on Saturday, December 7.
Wrexham are in talks over the signing of a Championship "gamechanger" in the summer transfer window, according to an exciting new update.
Wrexham make winning start to life in League One
The Welsh side have enjoyed a memorable few years, with the ownership of Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney making them one of the most talked-about clubs in the EFL.
Wrexham sealed promotion to League One at the first attempt last season, having escaped the National League back in 2022/23, with their new campaign getting underway on Saturday afternoon. Phil Parkinson's side started with a win, getting the better of Wycombe Wanderers in a 3-2 victory at the Racecourse Ground in front of their biggest crowd since 1980.
While still clearly only early days, it was a perfect way to hit the ground running, and with each win that comes their way, the more belief will grow that they could even find themselves in the Championship in 2025/26, and just one division away from the promised land of the Premier League.
For that to happen, though, new signings will need to keep coming in, with some important faces added this summer, including Arthur Okonkwo and George Dobson, both of whom have come in on free transfers.
Wrexham in League One: Latest standings, fixtures, results & key dates
FFC has all the latest Wrexham info as they seek promotion from League One, along with a look at the Red Dragons’ journey to where they are today.
ByStephan Georgiou Oct 8, 2024 Wrexham in talks to sign attacking "gamechanger"
According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Wrexham are "in talks" to complete the signing of Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith before the current transfer window closes.
The report goes on to add that the Owls are "open to offers" for Smith after recently welcoming Ike Ugbo back to the team, with the 32-year-old considered a good option who can bring proven League One experience to Parkinson's squad.
Smith could be a great addition at the Racecourse this summer, and the fact that he is out of contract at Wednesday next year surely increases the chances of him moving away, allowing them to receive a fee for his signature.
The striker has been an important squad player for the Owls, if not always a key starter, scoring 24 goals in 83 appearances in total, and helping them go from League One to the Championship in 2022/23, finding the net during an incredible comeback against Peterborough United in the play-off semi-finals.
His former manager, Darren Moore, has heaped praise on him in the past, too, saying after a comeback win over Mansfield Town in 2022: "Michael Smith is a gamechanger today. The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality strikers do."
Rotherham United
210
60
Swindon Town
72
26
Sheffield Wednesday
83
24
AFC Wimbledon
25
10
Portsmouth
37
10
Granted, Parkinson already has a plethora of attacking quality at his disposal from Paul Mullin to Ollie Palmer, but increased depth and competition for places can never be a bad thing in the EFL given the relentless nature of the fixtures.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is committed to the club whatever the outcome of their legal case over alleged financial breaches.
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Guardiola signs new contract with Man CityClub facing potential relegation if found guiltyManager will remain even if relegatedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Since joining Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has helped the team win 18 trophies, including their first Champions League and six Premier League crowns. However, City are currently involved in a hearing on alleged violations of the league's financial fair play regulations, which, if proven true, could result in point penalties, a fine, and potentially relegation. Guardiola has always supported City, claiming to have faith in the club's owners.
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After months of rumours that Guardiola may leave City when his previous contract expired at the end of the current campaign, the club confirmed his two-year extension on Thursday. Guardiola also revealed that he will stay put at City regardless of what the future holds for the eight-time Premier League champions.
Getty Images SportWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
Speaking to the media on Friday, Guardiola said: "I said six months ago, when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, [and was asked] what happened if we are relegated. I will be here.
"Next year, if we are in the Conference we will come up to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.
"I signed a two-year contract… for the weather! I don't want next season in September, October or November for it to be all about, "It's the last year of Pep'. I don't want to be in that position.
"I would like to stay for the two years but I know if the results are not good it will not be two years."
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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
The defending Premier League champions are on a four-game losing streak and they will look to break their duck when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Manchester United staff is reportedly "perplexed" as the club is holding back 18-year-old wonderkid, James Scanlon, who is "ready to be unleashed".
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Scanlon shining brightly at the U-18 level Has 10 goals and four assists this campaignThe coaching staff wants him promoted to U-21 setupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The young midfielder has been on fire this season, racking up a hat-trick in United’s 8-0 victory over Leeds, which pushed his season tally to 10 goals and four assists as of early November. His remarkable performance against Leeds isn’t an isolated case. Earlier this season, he grabbed the spotlight with a four-goal display during a 9-0 win over Blackburn on his 18th birthday.
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According to some staff members have expressed concern that Scanlon’s lack of promotion could hinder his growth, potentially impacting his chances of becoming a first-team player. The academy faces the complex challenge of distributing playtime among numerous talented players while ensuring each prospect receives the exposure and development opportunities needed to succeed at elite levels. However, many feel that Scanlon has outgrown his current setting and could benefit from more advanced competition.
DID YOU KNOW?
Adding to his accolades, Scanlon has already made his mark on the international stage as a full-fledged player for Gibraltar. Additionally, his recent recognition as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at a youth tournament in the Netherlands this season highlighted his skills and maturity on the field. His contributions in training also secured him a spot on Erik ten Hag’s pre-season squad, a move that hinted at a bright future within Manchester United’s ranks.
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Getty WHAT NEXT?
The young midfielder has proven his readiness for more challenging responsibilities, and his integration into the Under-21s and subsequently into the senior team should be the next natural step. With Ruben Amorim set to take charge, his fortunes could change and receive the the platform he deserves to show his mettle.
After Hannah Hampton conceded four on Friday, the PSG star put in a calm and commanding performance against South Africa that could go a long way
It's been a while since there was so much to discuss from an England camp. After qualifying automatically for the 2025 European Championships in July, the Lionesses have been afforded the luxury of organising friendly matches of their choice for the remainder of the year, facing opponents that will challenge them in different ways as they prepare for next summer's tournament. In these games, head coach Sarina Wiegman will have wanted areas for improvement to be highlighted, though it's hard not to be concerned by the degree to which they were this past week.
On Friday, England were picked apart by Germany in what was actually defeat by a flattering scoreline. With less than 30 minutes on the clock, the Lionesses had conceded three goals for the first time in almost 10 years. Midway through the second half, they conceded a fourth, the first time that has happened under Wiegman. Fortunately, some heroics from Georgia Stanway helped pull the score back to 4-3, but that shouldn't paper over the cracks.
It likely won't either, because just four days later, South Africa exposed the England defence in a very similar manner. The Lionesses started that outing in a more impressive manner and deserved the 2-0 lead they held at half-time. However, things quickly changed after the break, as one sloppy mistake gave the African champions a goal back and several more errors gifted them the chances to at least equalise, if not win the game.
Fortunately, on that occasion, there were a lot more positives for Wiegman to take as her England side emerged 2-1 winners, with young Grace Clinton a particularly bright light as she staked her claim to start for the Lionesses. Still, it's hard not to feel like this was a camp that produced more questions than answers, with the coach and her staff having a number of concerns to address ahead of their European title defence next summer.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England's latest international window…
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WINNER: Mary Earps
For the next eight months, Wiegman's choice of goalkeeper for every fixture is going to be analysed and scrutinised as everyone tries to decipher who is leading the race to be the Lionesses' No.1 at Euro 2025. Ahead of this camp, after three starts in a row, it felt like Hannah Hampton was tentatively in pole position. That became slightly stronger when she also got the nod against Germany in what was just about Wiegman's first-choice XI.
However, as the camp comes to an end, it feels like Earps may now be just ahead. Hampton had a couple of difficult moments on Friday, not least with the error that led to Germany's fourth goal, whereas Earps was solid against South Africa. There wasn't a ton for her to do in the first half, and there was little she could do about the visitors' goal, but the Paris Saint-Germain star made herself big for an important second-half save and was a generally commanding presence, taking control of several situations that could've gone awry while also recognising when the time was right to slow things down.
By no means was it a show-stopping display from Earps on Tuesday, but this is a fiercely competitive race to be England No.1 and she is certainly the goalkeeper who emerges from this camp in the more positive place.
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LOSER: Leah Williamson
When Leah Williamson struck home after just 12 minutes against South Africa, the relief was palpable in her celebration. Four days prior, the England captain had endured a really tough outing against Germany, making a big mistake in the build-up to their opening goal and generally looking shaky from there on out. It was a performance that continued the difficult form she's been showing at Arsenal through the first few weeks of this season and so, when she marked her 50th cap with a goal on Tuesday, it felt like the confidence boost she needed.
Sadly though, those errors would creep back in before the day was out. It was Williamson's pass that allowed South Africa in for their goal in Coventry, that one of several mistakes made in the game, but fortunately for her, the only one that was punished.
It's understandable that Williamson finds herself in this difficult spot. After all, she only returned from her ACL injury in January and has just had her first pre-season campaign since that devastating setback. It'll take time for her to get back to her best. Throw in that the England defence as a whole looked poor, and the upheaval at club level after Jonas Eidevall's departure, and there are also factors out of her control that will not help.
Whether Wiegman should have started her in both of these games is one question, though sometimes it's best just to try and work through these moments, especially in games where the results are not a priority. Hopefully, it's just a matter of time until Williamson is approaching her top level again.
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WINNER: Chloe Kelly
Things have been tough for Chloe Kelly at club level over the last few months. The winger dropped out of Manchester City's XI towards the end of last season and is still working at regaining that spot in the new campaign, with game time at a premium under a coach, in Gareth Taylor, who doesn't make a lot of substitutions. Given she is in the final year of her contract while all of this is going on, it's unsurprising that speculation continues to swirl around her future, too.
This international window will have been a welcome break from all of that, then – not least because Kelly got a good run out off the bench against Germany and a first start, for club or country, since May in the clash with South Africa. That second game was particularly positive for the winger, who delivered a strong performance which she was so close to capping with a goal, only to see a fierce strike from range cannon off the crossbar.
This is a week that will certainly be good for Kelly's confidence and, if she is called upon by City in the coming weeks, her sharpness. Amid a lack of club minutes, it'll build her credit with England too, with her proving that she's able to shake off any rust with relative ease.
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LOSER: Aggie Beever-Jones
Wiegman used all-but-four members of her squad in this international window, with the lack of action for uncapped goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, the similarly inexperienced defender Lucy Parker and Lotte Wubben-Moy, who had a setback in her return to play protocol, somewhat understandable. The absence of Aggie Beever-Jones, though, was a surprise.
The 21-year-old has been excellent since breaking through at Chelsea last season, earning herself an England debut in the summer. Capable of playing out wide or as a No.9, and both very effectively, it feels like she can be a very useful member of the Lionesses' team, not least because of the lack of depth at centre-forward.
However, Beever-Jones didn't see a single minute of game time across these two matches. Instead, after Alessia Russo started against Germany, it was Jessica Naz – predominantly a winger – who led the line against South Africa. The Tottenham forward was good too, showing great energy with her pressing and her runs in behind, while her composure to tee up Williamson for the opener was impressive.
It feels like there is an opening in the England squad to provide the depth at centre-forward behind Russo, to be the impact sub who replaces her in a tournament like Euro 2025. Through the first few weeks of the season, Beever-Jones' form has suggested she could earn that spot. That she didn't get the chance to impress in an England shirt this week then, while Naz took her opportunity well, will have been a blow.
After a disappointing seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Newcastle United could now sacrifice one of their top stars in order to bring new players through the door at St James' Park.
Magpies eye up defensive reinforcements this summer
After struggling to settle on a nailed on back four last season, Eddie Howe appears to be in the market for players to reinforce his backline. One defender has already made the move to Tyneside with free agent Lloyd Kelly set to join the club at the start of July after leaving Bournemouth at the end of his contract.
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With one already through the door, the latest rumours out of St James' Park have linked Newcastle with a number of further defensive signings. AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori is one name linked with a move to the Magpies with the English defender potentially available for £42million this summer.
Another defender on PIF's shopping list is Juventus' Federico Gatti. The 26-year-old central defender is linked with a £25 million move away from the Turin outfit and Newcastle are reported to be ready to launch a formal bid for the player.
With fresh faces in defence clearly high on Newcastle's list of priorities, the club could now use the transfer window to sell one of their most reliable players in this area of the pitch.
European club target Toon star
As first reported by Sport Witness, the Turkish press are claiming that Trabzonspor are interested in signing Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar. The Swiss centre back has just one year left on his current deal at St James' Park meaning that he is likely to be moved on this summer.
The report goes on to state that Schar is now Trabzonspor's top target in their search for a new central defender after the 2022 Süper Lig winners failed to convince Marseille’s Samuel Gigot to join, and they have already reached out to the Magpies star.
Current Toon boss Howe spoke on Schar's unique abilities back in March, telling the press: “There won’t be many centre-halves like Fabby (Schar). He is a total one-off, he is a very good defender when he is absolutely concentrated and really well-trained.
"He is as good a defender as I’ve seen. But he would probably tell you that his biggest strengths are on the ball, and he can see things and execute things that I don’t see many other centre-halves capable of doing. That’s why he’s so important to us."
Schar made 36 league appearances for the Magpies last season, scoring four goals in the process. The 32-year-old's goal scoring prowess is well known with the player synonymous with well struck efforts that end up rippling the back of the net.
As he is currently away representing Switzerland at Euro 2024, Sport Witness states that any negotiations will not take place until the tournament has concluded.
With Newcastle eyeing up moves for a number of high profile defenders, shifting Schar's £45,000 per week wages off the books could be what allows the Magpies to go after some of their top targets.
Liverpool will strengthen this summer, though FSG will only move for a transfer target if they are deemed to be a significant upgrade or addition to Arne Slot's first team.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes' calculated methodology suggests that Liverpool will enjoy a smooth transition following Jurgen Klopp's departure last summer.
Joel Matip departed upon the expiry of his contract this month to accentuate the need for reinforcements in central defence, while Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool's only real out-and-out right winger – aged 32 and entering the final year of his deal, this is a pressing concern.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
But Liverpool are not restricted to just those positions. Wataru Endo was signed for £16m last season to replace Fabinho at defensive midfield but the 31-year-old is solid if unspectacular, and if the right No. 6 becomes available Liverpool will be certain to pounce.
Liverpool eyeing new defensive midfielder
According to Italian outlet Tutto Atalanta, Liverpool are preparing a €45m (£37m) bid for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Brazil star playing an instrumental role in Gian Piero Gasperini's Europa League-winning campaign.
Gaspereini called it a "challenge" to keep hold of such players when suitors like Liverpool are lurking, but the Reds will now weigh up their options ahead of a possible bid.
While Endo and Alexis Mac Allister present Slot with two diverse options to sit at the base of the midfield, Champions League football is back on the cards and Ederson could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Ederson's 23/24 season in numbers
Ederson, aged 24, joined Atalanta from Serie A rivals Salernitana in 2022 and has since completed 90 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals and supplying two assists.
Speaking of his talents, South American football expert Tim Vickery said: "[He's] strong, well-built central midfielder. Strong on the ball, versatile, box-to-box."
Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Indeed a hulking physical presence, Ederson featured 36 times in the Italian top flight last term, starting 32 matches, and while he proved his multi-dimensional style by notching six strikes, it's the steely defensive game that makes Ederson such an exciting talent.
Indeed, as per Sofascore, the £42k-per-week ace averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, also winning 55% of his duels and being described as a "machine" by journalist Carlo Garganese.
He played a key part in winning the Europa League and was especially in the final against Bayer Leverkusen and across two legs against Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
Atalanta stunned Merseyside when dismantling Klopp's Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield; Liverpool responded with a 1-0 victory in Italy but it was a limp and lacklustre performance that Ederson and his peers succeeded in, containing the Reds with tenacity and superior work rate.
Minutes played
90'
75'
Touches
30
41
Accurate passes
12/17 (71%)
19/23 (83%)
Key passes
0
1
Long balls
2/4
2/4
Dribble attempts
0/0
1/3
Duels won
3/6
7/11
Tackles
2
3
Interceptions
1
0
Clearances
2
3
He proved himself over two legs against Liverpool and would bring the perfect skill set to solidify the base of Slot's midfield. Without question, he would make for an improvement on Endo.
Why Ederson must replace Wataru Endo
Endo must not be sold this summer, with the depth he provides essential for Liverpool to compete across multiple fronts in the wake of Klopp's departure.
But the Japan international lacks in mobility and enterprise and will hamper his team in chasing down silverware and competing against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City across the duration of the Premier League campaign.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo.
Ederson would bring a refined and more dynamic style. As per FBref, the Brazilian ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 19% for progressive passes per 90, suggesting that he can perform a multi-functioning holding role in the centre of the park.
Endo have his strengths but he's approaching the later stage of his career and simply can't produce the same level of robust numbers as his South American counterpart.
Matches played
29
36
Matches started
20
32
Goals
1
6
Assists
0
1
Pass completion
88%
84%
Big chances created
2
2
Key passes
0.6
0.5
Ball recoveries
3.7
5.2
Tackles
1.7
2.3
Duels won
3.9 (44%)
4.8 (55%)
Dribble attempts
0.3 (67%)
0.6 (55%)
It's worth noting that while Endo appears to be a crisper and marginally more creative passer than Ederson, this is largely down to the Japanese being inculcated into Liverpool's system. Throughout the 2022/23 campaign, for Stuttgart, he completed just 80% of his passes.
This is by no means meant to discredit Endo's skills; the Liverpool star proved to be an astute purchase after arriving last summer, a surprise addition following Liverpool's defeat to Chelsea in the race to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Endo, after all, won the club's Player of the Month award for December, featured prominently in the Premier League as Liverpool reclaimed a place in the Champions League with a third-place finish, and even played all 120 minutes as Chelsea were beaten in the Carabao Cup final after Virgil van Dijk netted a last-gasp header – Endo won no less than 12 duels during that affair.
Ultimately, though, Liverpool need to take the next step in their development and build on last season's successes, provide Slot with the tools to craft illustrious success.
Ederson must be signed. For £37m, this could be a deal that the Anfield faithful looks back on as a bona fide bargain.
£27m release clause: Slot eyeing Liverpool swoop for the next Firmino
This talented forward has a release clause in his contract.
ضاعف ماركوس راشفورد، لاعب فريق مانشستر يونايتد، الغموض حول إمكانية رحيله عن النادي الإنجليزي، بعد استبعاده من مباراة الديربي أمام مانشستر سيتي قبل يومين.
وخاض مانشستر يونايتد الديربي أمام مانشستر سيتي على ملعب “الاتحاد” في قمة منافسات الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وحقق مانشستر يونايتد فوزًا قاتلًا ومثيرًا بهدفين مقابل هدف، في غياب الثنائي ماركوس راشفورد وأليخاندرو جارناتشو.
وقرر المدرب روبن أموريم استبعاد راشفورد وجارناتشو من قائمة المباراة تمامًا، مؤكدًا أن الأمر ليس تأديبيًا.
في حين ظهرت تقارير صحفية تفيد إمكانية قيام مانشستر يونايتد بالتخلي عن راشفورد وطرحه للبيع، مطلع العام الجديد.
وفتح راشفورد الباب بالفعل بعد تصريحاته التي أدلى بها منذ قليل، ونشرتها صحيفة “جارديان” الإنجليزية.
وقال راشفورد: “بالنسبة لي شخصيًا، أعتقد أنني مستعد لتحدي جديد والخطوات التالية، عندما أرحل، لن يكون هناك مشاعر سيئة، إذا كنت أعلم أن الوضع سيئ بالفعل، فلن أجعله أسوأ”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. تقارير: مانشستر يونايتد يحدد بديل راشفورد من الدوري الإيطالي
وأضاف: “لقد رأيت كيف غادر لاعبون آخرون في الماضي ولا أريد أن أكون ذلك الشخص، عندما أرحل سأدلي ببيان وسيكون صادرًا من جانبي”.
وواصل: “من المُحبط أن يتم استبعادي من مباراة الديربي ولكن هذا حدث، لقد فزنا بالمباراة لذا دعونا نمضي قدمًا، إنه أمر مخيب للآمال ولكنني أيضًا شخص مع تقدمي في السن يمكنني التعامل مع النكسات”.
وأردف: “ماذا سأفعل حيال ذلك؟ أجلس هناك وأبكي بشأن ذلك، أو أبذل قصارى جهدي في المرة القادمة التي أكون فيها متاحًا”.
واسترسل: “لقد قطعت نصف مسيرتي المهنية، لا أتوقع أن أكون في قمة عطائي الآن، أمضيت تسع سنوات حتى الآن في الدوري الإنجليزي وعلمني ذلك الكثير، وساعدني ذلك على النمو كلاعب وكشخص”.
وأوضح: “لذلك ليس لدي أي ندم على السنوات التسع الماضية، لن يكون لدي أي ندم في المستقبل لأنني أتعامل مع الأمور يومًا بيوم، أحيانًا تحدث أشياء سيئة وأحيانًا تحدث أشياء جيدة، أحاول فقط الحفاظ على توازن جيد”.
وسُئل عما إذا كان الأفضل لم يأتِ بعد، ليرد راشفورد قائلًا: “100%، هذه عقليتي”.
Celtic's 2023/24 campaign will come to an end this weekend as they play their final match against their local rivals in the SFA Cup final on Saturday.
The Hoops travel across Glasgow to Hampden Park to take on Rangers as they eye up a domestic double, having already secured the Scottish Premiership crown.
Brendan Rodgers is looking to cap off a successful return to Parkhead, after he replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer, with a second trophy of the season.
The Northern Irish head coach will then be able to full focus on the upcoming summer transfer window and how he can make changes to bolster his playing squad.
He may want to improve the team in order to enjoy greater success in Europe after his side were knocked out of the Champions League and all European competitions by finishing bottom of their group.
Rodgers is reportedly looking to improve his frontline options and has been linked with an active interest in a current Scottish Premiership star, who could make the Hoops boss forget all about Adam Idah.
Celtic's interest in Premiership marksman
According to FotMob, Celtic are one of a number of clubs lining up a summer swoop to sign Aberdeen centre-forward Bojan Miovski to bolster their respective attacks.
The report claims that at least 20 clubs are keeping tabs on the North Macedonia international ahead of the upcoming transfer window, although only five of those teams currently have a serious interest in the star striker.
Bologna, Southampton, Feyenoord, Rangers, and Celtic are all said to be actively keen on a deal to sign the impressive marksman, who Aberdeen want a club-record fee for.
Bojan Miovski for North Macedonia.
Their record fee received for a player currently stands at the £6.5m deal Liverpool agreed for right-back Calvin Ramsey in the summer of 2022, which included £4m upfront.
FotMob's report states that Rodgers is looking to add more firepower to his arsenal in the off-season and has identified the Aberdeen sensation as a target.
The outlet adds that the Bhoys are currently ahead of their rivals, Rangers, in the race to land the left-footed whiz, but it does not reveal whether they are leading all clubs in their pursuit of him.
It does, however, reveal that teams are expecting bids to start flying in for Miovski sooner rather than later, which could mean that Celtic need to move quickly to get a deal over the line.
Rodgers could now forget all about loanee Adam Idah by securing a swoop to sign the proven Premiership star ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Adam Idah's impact at Celtic
The Hoops signed the Republic of Ireland international on loan from English Championship side Norwich City on deadline day at the start of February.
Adam Idah
Idah has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Celtic to date and chipped in with eight goals and two assists, but zero goals and zero assists in three SFA Cup outings ahead of the final on Saturday.
The 23-year-old striker has only been handed five league starts, in 15 matches, by Rodgers in the Premiership but has made a huge impact in his limited time on the pitch.
23/24 Premiership
Adam Idah
Kyogo Furuhashi
Appearances
15
38
Minutes per goal
76
179
Conversion rate
27%
14%
Goals
8
14
Assists
2
5
Aerial duel success rate
64%
26%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Idah has scored far more frequently than first-choice striker Kyogo Furuhashi, and been significantly better in the air when battling against opposition defenders.
Earlier this month, The Scottish Sun reported that Norwich will demand a fee of at least £5m and that number could go higher if other teams join the race for his services and an auction ensues.
However, the young centre-forward only scored 17 goals in 115 first-team matches for the Canaries and his goal spurt for Celtic may just be a flash in the pan.
He has not nailed down a regular starting spot over Kyogo, despite his impressive scoring record, and that suggests that Rodgers trusts the Japan international more at this time.
It could, therefore, make more sense for Celtic to go out and sign a striker who has proven his quality as a regular starter in the Premiership over the past two years in the form of Miovski.
Why Celtic should sign Bojan Miovski
The 24-year-old arrived at Aberdeen in the summer of 2022 and has been a terrific player for the club over the last two seasons with his sublime scoring quality.
Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.
In his first campaign with the Dons, Miovski plundered an eye-catching 18 goals and three assists in 42 appearances in all competitions – a strong debut year in Scottish football.
16 of his goals during the 2022/23 season came in 37 Premiership outings, as he hit the ground running in the division and proved himself to be a reliable scorer.
23/24 season
Bojan Miovski (Premiership)
Adam Idah (Championship + Premiership
Appearances
37
43
Goals
16
14
Minutes per goal
181
136
Big chances missed
15
11
Assists
2
3
Big chances created
6
4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Miovski enjoyed another fantastic year in the Scottish top-flight this term as he racked up 16 strieks in 37 games for the second campaign in a row.
The left-footed star scored 25 goals and provided four assists in 52 matches in all competitions for Aberdeen this term, including four goals in four SFA Cup games.
Miovski, who was heralded as a "brilliant" boy by manager Barry Robson, has proven himself to be a fantastic goalscorer in Scotland as a regular scorer for two straight seasons, with 16 strikes in both of his Premiership campaigns.
Whereas, Idah has only been in Scotland since February and has yet to prove himself to be a reliable starter on a consistent basis, with five league starts to his name, and that is why the Aberdeen star could be a better addition if Rodgers is looking for a new first-choice.
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Therefore, Miovski's experience and goalscoring quality over the last two years mean that the Hoops boss can forget all about a permanent deal for Idah by signing the 25-goal centre-forward this summer.
Wilfried Nancy's Crew were the victims of goalkeeper chaos, Christian Benteke took the lead in the Golden Boot race and more.
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Seattle thump Columbus 4-0
LAFC draw Houston 0-0
DC United defeat Chicago Fire 2-1, Benteke takes lead in Golden Boot race
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Giroud and LAFC struggle vs. Houston…again
In the race for first place in the Western Conference, LAFC still trail the LA Galaxy by four points after falling flat in a 0-0 draw on the road against the Houston Dynamo.
Olivier Giroud, who got his first MLS start, still hasn't fully gelled with his new team. The DP had just 36 touches, completed 64.3 percent of his passes and had three shots — none on target.
Once again, the Dynamo proved to have LAFC in their web, following a 2-0 win in Los Angeles on Matchday 30.
LAFC still have two games in-hand over the Galaxy, so the West could still be in grasp, but Steve Cherundolo's men are winless in their four of their last five MLS appearances. They meet the Galaxy next weekend in another edition of – a contest that will likely settle the conference.
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Goalkeeper chaos for Columbus, Miami's boost
The Seattle Sounders defeated the Columbus Crew 4-0 on Saturday, but the match was anything but normal.
The Crew were down to their fourth-string goalkeeper due to international call-ups for Patrick Schulte and Nicholas Hagen and an injury to third-string keeper Evan Bush. Fourth-string goalkeeper Abraham Romero, recently acquired from LAFC, started but was sent off just before halftime for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. With no other goalkeeper available, midfielder Sean Zawadzki was forced to play in net for the remainder of the game. It went as well as one would expect.
The Sounders took full advantage, scoring four goals and effectively ending the Crew's hopes for the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. Despite having two games in hand before Saturday, the Crew’s slim chance of contending with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was dashed. Inter Miami now holds a 10-point lead over the Crew, making it unlikely for anyone to catch up as the season nears its end.
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Gillette Stadium stunner, RBNY teen star salvages point
The New England Revolution nearly pulled off a remarkable home win over St. Louis CITY SC, but a late Simon Becher goal handed the hosts a second to secure a 2-2 draw. Record-signing Luca Langoni did, however, bag his first Gillette Stadium goal in front of the Revs faithful – a positive sign for a team looking to flip a switch in the Eastern Conference. The Argentine now has two goals and an assist in his first three MLS matches.
South of Foxborough, MA in Harrison, NJ, the New York Red Bulls salvaged a point late against an Sporting Kansas City side fighting to keep their faint postseason hopes alive. Teen sensation Julian Hall, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea in Europe, scored an 89th minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw. It was the 16-year-old's second goal of the season.
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The strike of Saturday
We love a GOLAZO from a defender. This one, from Chicago Fire's Andrew Gutman, is worthy of all the praise. The 27-year-old left back hit this volley so clean in a 2-1 loss to DC United.
For the winning side, though, star forward and former Belgium international Christian Benteke stayed scoring. The ex-Liverpool man bagged his 18th goal of the season, taking the lead in the race for the 2024 MLS Golden Boot.