Sana Mir, Pakistan women’s most-capped international player, has taken a break from the game to “plan and reset my future objectives and targets”. A PCB statement said Mir would miss next month’s ODI and T20I series against England in Malaysia.Mir, or the PCB, did not specify her exact reason for the break or when she would be back in action.”I have decided to take a break from international cricket and, as such, will not be available for selection for next month’s series against England. I will utilise this time to plan and reset my future objectives and targets,” Mir said in the release. “My best wishes will remain with the Pakistan national women’s team in the series against England and I am sure they’ll produce their best cricket.”A training camp of 20 probables will begin in Karachi on November 21 before the squads for the ODIs and T20Is are announced on November 27. The team will depart for Kuala Lumpur on November 30.The ODIs, part of the Women’s Championship, will be played on December 9, 12 and 14 before the T20Is on December 17, 19 and 20. All six games will be played at the Kinrara Oval.
The wicketkeeper-batsman made 59 against a Victoria XI in Melbourne on Sunday and will replace out-of-form Raval in the second Test against Australia
Alex Malcolm22-Dec-2019New Zealand have confirmed reserve batsman and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell will open during the second Test against Australia on Boxing Day in Melbourne with Jeet Raval set to be dropped.Blundell opened for New Zealand in their single day practice match against Victoria XI at Scotch College in Melbourne on Sunday and made 59. The two-day game had been reduced to a single day fixture due to extreme heat in Melbourne on Friday.Blundell has only played two Test matches, against West Indies at home in 2017, where he made an unbeaten century on debut as wicketkeeper. He has never opened in 93 first-class innings and has not batted any higher than No. 5. He has only opened in four domestic T20s and six List A matches for Wellington but has not done so since 2017.However, Blundell is confident he can make the adjustment. “I think it’s just a mindset shift,” he said. “I’ll probably try and still bat the same but it’s just the first 30 balls, you have to be a little bit patient outside that off stump. If I can last those 30 balls hopefully I can bat a little bit more positively.”I feel like I can do a good job wherever and this game I’ve been given the opportunity to open and I’m really looking forward to Boxing day.”Veteran batsman and team-mate Ross Taylor backed Blundell’s selection for the fixture at the MCG.”It’s fantastic,” Taylor said. “Couldn’t think of a better place [for Blundell] to be introduced to opening the batting. I think he started off with a hundred in his Test debut back home in New Zealand and he definitely won’t be over-awed by the occasion.”He obviously started well today [at the practice match], got a 50, and the team are thoroughly enjoying him being around and are looking forward to seeing what he can do come Boxing Day.”I think one of his strengths is pace bowling. He loves to play the short ball. He hasn’t played a lot of Test cricket but when he has played he’s got a hundred on debut. It’s lovely for him to get out there and show what he’s got. I fully back him and look forward to seeing how he goes.”Raval’s form has forced New Zealand’s hand after he failed to reach double figures in seven of his last nine Test innings. Trent Boult is also set to return from his intercostal injury to replace the injured Lockie Ferguson. With just one day of cricket before the Test, Boult played for the Victoria XI, bowling 11 overs across three spells and claimed the wicket of Tom Latham.Australia are set to make one change with coach Justin Langer confirming to on Saturday that James Pattinson would replace injured fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.
The new coach must deal with the fallout after the midfielder made himself a pariah by singing a discriminatory chant with his Argentina team-mates
What should have been remembered as a moment of celebration for Argentina has developed into an uproar that threatens to tarnish their Copa America triumph and cast a shadow over Chelsea's pre-season preparations. Enzo Fernandez is at the heart of the storm, having live-streamed himself and his international team-mates gleefully belting out a racist and transphobic chant at France's expense on board the team bus in the wake of the victory over Colombia.
Fernandez has inevitably apologised for his role in the appalling incident, but the backlash suggests this will not be a case of forgive and forget. Chelsea have a proud history of Black French players who are of African descent, including club legends Marcel Desailly and N'Golo Kante, while the current squad has several members from a similar background.
Fernandez's involvement has not been well received by his team-mates, and now newly-installed head coach Enzo Maresca has a serious problem on his hands before the season has even begun.
Instagram
Racism & transphobia storm
An entirely avoidable situation, Fernandez and his team-mates bizarrely decided to indulge in a racist and transphobic chant against the French when they had just tasted victory over Colombia in the Copa America final in Miami.
The animosity between the two footballing powerhouses dates back to the 2022 World Cup final as jibes were exchanged before and after Argentina's triumph, with France talisman Kylian Mbappe the target of much of the abuse after he had questioned the level of football in South America.
For some inexplicable reason, the Albiceleste squad decided to renew hostilities with their European rivals after winning a second-consecutive Copa. Fernandez streamed an Instagram Live to his 11 million followers of himself and his jubilant team-mates beginning to sing these derogatory words, before someone abruptly and rather tellingly shouts for the video to be 'cut off' after the part about Angola: "Listen, spread the word, they play in France, but they are all from Angola, they are going to run well, they like to sleep with trans people, their mum is Nigerian, their dad is Cameroonian, but on the passport it says: French."
Both racist and transphobic, the mention of "trans people" is believed to relate to Mbappe's association with transgender model Ines Rau.
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'Unabashed racism'
Fernandez's mindlessness means he will be walking into a hostile environment when he returns to his club for pre-season after a holiday, with a number of his team-mates 'angered' and some unfollowing him on Instagram after the nature of the chant came to light.
In an unprecedented step, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana – himself a Frenchman of Ivorian descent – called out his colleague and the "unabashed racism" shown in the video on his own Instagram story. Blues striker David Datro Fofana followed suit, writing: "Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport."
Fernandez and his compatriots are likely to face scrutiny from football's governing body, too, with the French federation making a formal complaint to FIFA over the "racist and discriminatory" song. A statement read: "The President of the Federation Française de Football, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory comments made against players of the French national team.
"In view of the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which run counter to the values of sport and human rights, the President of the FFF has decided to take his Argentine counterpart and FIFA directly to court and to file a complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks."
FIFA said in their own statement: "FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials."
'I am truly sorry'
Fernandez's apology inevitably arrived a day later, in the form of a message on his Instagram story written in the Comic Sans font. However, it failed to address why he and his international team-mates had taken the time to learn the discriminatory lyrics off by heart.
"I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
Enzo Fernandez Instagram
"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my character or beliefs. I am truly sorry."
It has been reported that the midfielder has also apologised privately to his team-mates in a message that was circulated among the entire squad.
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Chelsea forced to take action
Chelsea issued their own statement shortly afterwards, suggesting they would take firm action by punishing the player even though the acknowledged his apology.
A spokesperson for the club said: "Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
"We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure."
It remains to be seen what the result of that disciplinary action will be, although according to Fernandez's actions will only result in a fine rather than a harsher punishment.
Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign after three years in the top division of English football.
Whilst it was bitterly disappointing for the club and the supporters after getting a taste of the top-flight, the relegation to the Championship has provided a number of players with a chance to hit their stride in a Whites shirt.
Georgino Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, for example, have both emerged as first-team stars in the second tier after their respective struggles for game time in the Premier League last term.
Georginio Rutter
Left-back Junior Firpo is another player who has benefitted from playing at a lower level, and manager Daniel Farke has played a blinder with the former Barcelona defender after Victor Orta brought him to the club.
Junior Firpo's Premier League struggles
Journalist Scott Saunders described the full-back as an "absolute disaster" during the 2022/23 Premier League season, as the left-footed dud struggled badly in the top-flight.
Firpo ranked within the bottom 27% of top-flight full-backs for pass completion rate at 73.1%, and the bottom 32% for shot-creating actions (1.38) per 90, which illustrates how wasteful and ineffective he was on the ball.
The 27-year-old flop, who assisted one goal in 19 league games, also let his side down with his lack of physicality as he lost 51% of his ground duels in the league, which means that opposition players were able to get the better of him more often than not.
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo.
Therefore, Firpo, who was dribbled past 23 times in 14 starts, did not offer quality for Leeds in or out of possession as they were relegated to the Championship.
He did not provide a creative threat down the left flank in the Premier League, whilst oppositon forwards were able to beat him with ease down the wing, which is why the defender was described as a 'disaster'.
Daniel Farke's Junior Firpo blinder
German head coach Farke arrived at Elland Road last summer and has deployed an exciting and dynamic style of play that is good to watch, as explained by BBC pundit Jobi McAnuff earlier this year.
The Whites typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and look to dominate possession to consistently create chances, which has got the best out of Firpo – who has completed 82% of his attempted passes in the division.
He missed the opening months of the campaign with a knee injury but has emerged as the manager's first-choice option at left-back, and caught the eye with his superb performances.
Appearances
19
18
Sofascore rating
6.55
7.26
Big chances created
1
7
Assists
1
5
Ground duel success rate
49%
55%
As you can see in the table above, Firpo's displays on the pitch have been significantly better than his showings in the Premier League last term, with seven times as many 'big chances' created and a 6% higher success rate in ground duels.
The former Barcelona defender was hailed as a real "threat" in the final third by Farke, who claimed that Leeds would not be able to afford the left-back if he had been playing as well as he has this season in the top-flight.
It has been a blinder by the German boss to unlock the full-back's attacking potential, even if it has been in the Championship, with his dynamic and front-footed system.
Hopefully, should he remain at Elland Road, Firpo will be able to carry that form over to the Premier League if the Whites are promoted this season.
Williamson, Taylor, Munro fifties in vain as India hunt down 204 to secure a 1-0 lead
The Report by Deivarayan Muthu24-Jan-2020 The last time India and New Zealand met, in the World Cup semi-final last year, Martin Guptill pulled off a memorable direct hit to run MS Dhoni out and seal India’s fate. Six months on, in the T20I series opener against India at Eden Park, he pulled off a similarly memorable diving catch at deep midwicket to dismiss a well-set Virat Kohli for a 32-ball 45 in a chase of 204. On the night, though, it wasn’t enough as Shreyas Iyer finished the chase off in uber-cool fashion, with an over to spare, and put India 1-0 ahead in the five-match T20I series.When Iyer had joined Manish Pandey, who had been picked ahead of a fit-again Rishabh Pant, India still needed 62 off 40 balls. Iyer took charge, making 48 in the unbroken stand with Pandey, and pressed on to a 26-ball half-century, thrilling the sea of blue in the stands.After New Zealand had been asked to bat earlier in the evening, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor reeled off quicker fifties – off 25 balls each – and Colin Munro hit a relatively sedate half-century. When India batted, KL Rahul cracked a 27-ball 56 and Kohli almost got to the mark too, but it was Iyer’s contribution that proved decisive in a match that produced an aggregate of 407 for 9.Munro finds a way despite India’s well-laid plans Munro thrives on width and if he’s denied that he struggles to put the ball away. Most teams have figured that out and try to cramp him for room. India followed a similar template against the left-handed opener on Friday and in addition to attacking his body, they routinely took pace off the ball and challenged him to clear the longish leg-side boundaries.After awkwardly dealing with a surfeit of short balls, Munro flitted around the crease, manufactured room for himself, and messed with the lines and lengths of India’s attack. In the process, he opened up gaps on the off side and scored 23 of his 59 runs in the arc between third man and mid-off. He clouted Shardul Thakur over mid-off for six and then punched allrounder Shivam Dube through the same region for four. He contributed 44 in an 80-run opening stand with Guptill off 47 balls, before Dube tricked Guptill with a 119kph cutter and had him holing out in the eighth over. Four overs later, Thakur finally executed the plan and got rid of Munro with the knuckle ball.The Williamson-Taylor bashIn 2018, Simon Doull had questioned Williamson’s place in New Zealand T20I set up and on the eve of the series opener against India, his captaincy was questioned following the 3-0 shellacking across the Tasman, albeit in the longest format. And not too long ago, Taylor had been dropped from the New Zealand T20I side. But the two batsmen put on a breathtaking display of ball-striking during a 61-run fourth-wicket stand that came off a mere 34 balls.Kane Williamson goes for the big one•Getty ImagesWilliamson was particularly brutal on Thakur, smashing him for back-to-back slogged sixes in the 12th over. Yuzvendra Chahal, who had been selected ahead of Kuldeep Yadav as New Zealand had nine right-handers in their line-up, wasn’t spared either. Williamson rearranged the legspinner’s figures in his last over when he nailed him for three fours in four balls.After Williamson eventually fell to Chahal, Taylor took charge of the innings and finished it in grand fashion. He got his trademark down-on-one-knee hockey swipe going and even dug deep into his reserves, dabbing Jadeja from the stumps to the third-man boundary with the back of his bat.Just when New Zealand seemed like they could wind up with 220, Jasprit Bumrah gave up just 16 runs in his last two overs while picking up the wicket of Tim Seifert.Rahul and Iyer to the foreAfter a tidy shift behind the stumps, Rahul extended his rich form in front of it, with a 23-ball half-century. Although left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner found turn with the new ball and had Rohit Sharma sending a catch to backward point for 7, Rahul regularly found the boundary, ensuring India were always in touch with the asking rate.After a boundary-less first over, India struck at least one boundary in the next eight overs. New Zealand could have had Rahul on 27 had they not missed two run-out chances off one ball in the sixth over. Soon after, Ish Sodhi reprieved Kohli on 33 at third man. In the next over, however, Southee completed a well-judged catch to remove Rahul. Then, Guptill made a difficult catch appear ridiculously easy as New Zealand seemed to be on to something.However, Iyer took on Southee’s length balls and debutant Hamish Bennett’s shorter deliveries to dash New Zealand’s hopes. In all, he looted 40 off 17 balls from the two seamers. At the other end, Pandey played sensibility and simply passed the strike over to his partner. Fittingly, it was Iyer who sealed it, when he monstered Southee over midwicket for six.
Chelsea are being linked with a potential swoop for ex-boss Thomas Tuchel, and reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now commented on the story.
Tuchel eyeing shock return to Chelsea
The Bayern Munich boss is confirmed to be leaving Bavaria this summer, with much being made on his next potential landing spot.
Manager receives Chelsea offer as Stamford Bridge chiefs travel for meeting
Pochettino’s future is still uncertain.
By
Emilio Galantini
Mar 12, 2024
Tuchel's highly decorated managerial resume not only makes him an enticing candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who is under constant pressure, but the former has also already proved successful at Chelsea.
The former PSG boss guided them to a Champions League title in 2021 at the expense of Pep Guardiola's Man City, and it is believed that Tuchel is eyeing a return to England after his Bayern spell ends.
As reported by Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg, Tuchel, who Ben Chilwell called "unbelievable", has Chelsea in his sights despite the unceremonious end to his tenure at Stamford Bridge. Club chiefs sought to replace Tuchel with Graham Potter near the end of 2022, an appointment which proved disastrous.
“It was a kind of shock," said Tuchel on his Chelsea sacking. “I felt it, strangely enough, in the morning when I drove to the training centre that the meeting we would have would be an unusual meeting, and it was a short meeting. It was three to five minutes. I was also not in the mood to talk longer to the decision-makers, I have to say.
Chelsea's next league fixtures
Date
Burnley
March 30th
Man United
April 4th
Sheffield United
April 7th
Everton
April 15th
Brighton
April 20th
“It was a shock for all of us. We had the feeling we were in the right spot at the right time to achieve big things, to build, to stay longer. We had big relationships within the staff. It still hurts in a way to not see these people on a daily basis."
It's interesting that reliable sources indicate that Tuchel would be willing to work under Clearlake Capital again, with Romano now sharing an update of his own.
Fabrizio Romano comments on Tuchel to Chelsea rumours
Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano says a Chelsea return for Tuchel wouldn't be easy due to the soured relationship when the £9m-a-year boss left the first time.
“I’m aware there have also been some reports about Thomas Tuchel potentially looking to return to Chelsea once he leaves his position as Bayern Munich manager at the end of this season," said Romano.
“We know Tuchel will be looking for a new club, but for now I have nothing concrete on a move back to Chelsea. I haven’t heard anything about this and don’t like to guess too much, but what I can say is that for sure it was not an ‘easy’ separation between Tuchel and Chelsea when he left in 2022. So it seems like coming back would also not be easy."
On Friday, AC Milan announced a groundbreaking new maternity policy that would ensure the safety of their female players and staff through pregnancy.
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AC Milan offers new maternity benefitsAutomatic contract renewals after pregnancyWill offer childcare during sporting eventsWHAT HAPPENED?
Recent years have seen a growth in the movement for maternity rights in professional women's sports, with new regulations being introduced by sponsors and a number of sports governing bodies, including FIFA. AC Milan announced the introduction of a “series of protections during pregnancy and early childhood that go beyond current regulations” for players and staff at the club.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
One of the safeguards the Rossonerre will provide would be an automatic one-year contract extension. If a player's contract is scheduled to end during the season that the pregnancy began, the player will get the same financial terms from the deal. In addition, the team will offer childcare throughout sporting events. This covers the cost of suitable lodging, other travel expenditures, and support for children during flights for the children of the player who carried the pregnancy or who is the only guardian, together with one companion.
WHAT AC MILAN CEO SAID
Speaking to club media during the announcement of the safeguards, AC Milan CEO, Giorgio Furlani said: "We are proud to present such an important project, which once again demonstrates AC Milan's attention towards relevant matters for all the people of the Rossoneri family. We want this new step to be a further motivation for growth and development for the entire Club, becoming a model to follow, at a national and international level, ensuring that the world of football increasingly becomes an environment where everyone can feel free to make important personal decisions."
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Getty ImagesWHAT MORE ARE AC MILAN OFFERING?
Rossonere players will also continue to benefit from pregnancy and return-to-activity provisions outlined in FIFA standards, AIC (Italy's Football Union) collective agreements, and club internal regulations. Additionally, Milan will offer its players the services of experts in the fields of nutrition, physiotherapy, and psycho-pedagogy. Milan also has the right to call in outside specialists when necessary to support their players.
Manchester United have failed to impress on every single front this season, with Erik ten Hag’s job far from secure.
However, it’s not just the boss whose Red Devils future may not go beyond the summer, with plenty of outgoings on the cards.
One of those players could be Raphael Varane, whose current contract expires in June 2024.
It seems unlikely that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the French defender in his plans for the rebuild, especially considering he’s United’s second-highest-paid player, earning £340k-per-week, according to Capology.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a potential replacement for Varane, who could have a huge impact on Diogo Dalot.
Man Utd’s centre back search
According to a recent report from FootballTransfers, Man United have added Ezri Konsa to their list of defensive targets.
Last summer, United registered their interest in the Aston Villa defender, but his performances earned him a huge new contract.
ezri-konsa-aston-villa
Having signed that, Konsa’s fee will inevitably be higher this time around, with CIES Football Observatory estimating his value to be around £35m.
However, signing Konsa may not be as simple as it seems, and if Villa qualify for the Champions League, it’s unlikely he leaves.
Man Utd have “discussed” move for £34m "young Pogba" to replace Casemiro
The Man United target has impressed in France this season.
ByTom Lever Apr 5, 2024 How Konsa can supercharge Dalot
The Portuguese defender is having a fine 2023/24 campaign, with it being without doubt his best in a Man United shirt.
Dalot has started 27 Premier League matches this season, becoming Ten Hag’s most reliable defender based on both availability and consistency.
The 25-year-old has developed into a rather complete full-back this season, registering three assists and being dribbled past 0.5 times per game, but he could develop a new role with the potential arrival of Konsa.
This season, Konsa has shown his versatility and vast skillset, being deployed as a centre half and a right back. Therefore, the Dutch boss could look to make a tactical tweak by moving to a back three in possession.
Touches
72.2
Pass accuracy
93%
Balls recovered
4.2
Tackles
1.4
Dribbled past
0.1
Duels won
4.7
As you can see from the table above, Konsa would be perfectly suited to that wide right centre-back role, having already gained experience as a right-back.
Furthermore, Konsa has the best tackle success rate (91%) for a defender across all of Europe’s top five leagues, and he’s only dribbled past just 0.1 times per game, highlighting that he would lock down the right of the defence in transition.
This means that Dalot would be handed more freedom to showcase his creativity and dribbling much further up the field, like the assist he produced for Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser against Chelsea this week.
The England international is also extremely composed on the ball, as shown by his high touches and incredible pass accuracy, which would bring much more control to the United backline.
Overall, the “underrated” Konsa, as dubbed by journalist John Townley, has all the attributes to thrive at Man United while also not absolutely breaking the bank, making him potentially the perfect signing this summer.
Man Utd have “discussed” move for £34m "young Pogba" to replace Casemiro
The Man United target has impressed in France this season.
Given their failures throughout the current campaign, it's clear that Manchester United need to make some ruthless decisions this summer, handing Erik ten Hag or a new manager a squad without any deadwood.
Man United transfer news
Among that deadwood seems likely to be Casemiro. The Brazilian enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at Old Trafford but has lost his way in the current season, with years of playing among the elite finally catching up to him. Now 32-years-old, it looks as though he'll be on his way out of Manchester this summer, as United attempt to welcome fresher faces.
Starts
24
15
Tackles Won
46
29
Interceptions
34
11
Dispossessed per 90
0.59
0.92
Looking at the numbers, it's no shock that United are looking to replace the former Real Madrid star, who was initially at the centre of everything good that Ten Hag's side did last season. Now, however, with his legs clearly gone, those at Old Trafford can't afford to wait another season to make a ruthless decision.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Joao Gomes, who has been valued at £40m by Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead of this summer. Gomes – a young and cheaper option compared to others – apparently fits the profile of what Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking for and seems to be a transfer with the new owner's fingerprints on it.
Still only 23-years-old, the Brazilian would come in and replace his compatriot Casemiro and perhaps even work alongside Kobbie Mainoo to form a partnership with the potential to take United back to the very top of English football. Having already been watched by United representatives this season, there's no doubt that Ten Hag and co will be well aware of Gomes' talent.
"Impressive" Gomes can partner Mainoo
Whilst Mainoo has stolen the headlines as of late after earning his first England call-up at just 18-years-old, he can't take hold of every responsibility in United's midfield at such a young age next season. And that's where Gomes should come in and form a solid partnership.
The Wolves man has been one of many players to have starred in the Midlands under Gary O'Neil this season, earning deserved interest from the likes of Manchester United as a result. O'Neil will be disappointed if he does lose his midfielder, however, having sung his praises via Molineux News earlier this season.
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.
“He’s a super talent. There’s that language barrier as well that he works hard on. He’s been very impressive. At his age and with his lack of experience of Premier League football, it’s still something you have to work with him on and try to improve, but as a starting point with the qualities he has, he’s at a very, very good level.”
With Mainoo and Gomes together, the landscape of United's midfield could drastically change for the better in a heartbeat, representing Ratcliffe's impact for all to see.