زكي عبد الفتاح في حوار لـ"بطولات": الأهلي يستطيع الفوز على إنتر ميامي.. وهذه طريقة إيقاف ميسي

يرى مدرب حراس منتخب مصر الأسبق والحالي لنادي لوس أنجلوس إف سي الأمريكي، زكي عبد الفتاح، المتأهل حديثًا إلى كأس العالم للأندية 2025 أن مباراة الأهلي وإنتر ميامي سيكون نسبة المارد الأحمر بها أكثر للفوز.

وتقام بطولة كأس العالم للأندية على أراضي الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، في نسخة موسعة بمشاركة 32 فريقًا على رأسها الأهلي وكذلك الوداد والترجي، الهلال والعين.

وتواصل بطولات مع زكي عبد الفتاح الذي سبق وعمل كمدرب للحراس في منتخب مصر رفقة المدرب، بوب برادلي، للحديث عن مباراة الأهلي وإنتر ميامي.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاعب مانشستر سيتي يخضع لعملية جراحية.. وغيابه عن كأس العالم للأندية

كيف ترى تطور الدوري الأمريكي بعد انضمام ميسي؟

“طبعًا ميسي غير شكل الدوري، من قبل المدرجات كانت شاغرة، الآن، مباريات إنتر ميامي كاملة العدد، هناك شغف كبير من الجالية اللاتينية التي تعشق كرة القدم، والمستوى بدأ يتطور جدًا”.

هل إنتر ميامي فريق جاهز للمنافسة في كأس العالم للأندية؟

“بصراحة لا، الفريق جيد فنيًا ولكن الموسم الماضي كانوا أقوى، الآن خسروا أكثر من مباراة، والدفاع لديهم كارثي، وخط الوسط ليس قويًا، باستثناء ميسي والهجوم، ليس لديهم حلول واضحة”.

“يعتمدون دائمًا على الاستحواذ في خط الوسط ولكن مع المدرب ماسكيرانو الأداء أقل بكثير، وليس بالمدرب الذي يجيد تغيير النتائج لصالح فريقه”.

ما أبرز نقاط قوة الفريق؟

“طبعًا الهجوم، ميسي وسواريز، هناك انسجام قوي بينهما، وأيضًا جوردي ألبا وتاديو أليندي مميز ويقدم مستوى ممتازًا، دائمًا ما ينظر إلى ميسي ويتحرك بشكل ذكي جدًا، وهذا ما يسبب الخطر على أي دفاع”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماسكيرانو عن مواجهة الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية: المستوى أعلى وستكون حاسمة

ما رأيك في لويس سواريز؟

“لا يمكن مقارنته بما كان عليه في برشلونة، الآن يعتمد على خبرته فقط، ولم يعد يمتلك نفس القوة البدنية أو المهارات الفردية السابقة، لكن خطورته تأتي من التفاهم الكبير بينه وبين ميسي، وليس من تحركاته الفردية”.

ما أبرز نقاط الضعف في الفريق؟

“الدفاع يعاني كثيرًا، حيث أن الثنائي في قلب الدفاع يرتكب أخطاء واضحة تحت الضغط، والتمركز الدفاعي غير منضبط، أما الحارس، فهو جيد في اللعب بالقدمين، لكنه لا يمنح الثقة الكافية، أي ضغط من الأهلي قد يكشف تلك الثغرات بسهولة”.

كيف يمكن للأهلي إيقاف ميسي؟

“الأمر ليس سهلاً على الإطلاق، يجب التعامل معه من خلال منظومة جماعية، وليس بشكل فردي، لا ينبغي منحه وقتًا أو مساحة، والأهم هو التركيز على تمريراته لزملائه، خاصة جوردي ألبا وسواريز، الرقابة الفردية لا تنجح معه عادة”.

ننتقل إلى الأهلي.. كيف ترى الجهاز الفني الجديد؟

“المدير الفني لم يتسلم المهمة سوى منذ أيام، عليه أن يتعرف على اللاعبين سريعًا ويدرس إمكانياتهم، خصوصًا أن الوقت لا يسمح بخوض مباريات ودية كافية، هذا ما يجعلني أشعر بالقلق، لكن أتمنى أن يكون هناك اندماج سريع، لأن حتى لو إنتر ميامي لديه لاعبين تخطوا حاجز الثلاثين عامًا، هناك آخرين شباب وقادرين على منح الطاقة للفريق”.

“لو المدرسة الإسبانية التي نعرفها جميعًا، سيكون المدرب مفيدًا بالتأكيد للأهلي، خصوصًا في التحكم في رتم المباراة، ستحدث الفارق بكل تأكيد”.

“أرى ريفيرو محظوظًا بالبداية بتلك البطولة، ليس هناك أي ضغوط عليه لتحقيق أي نتائج، لكن لو أدى الفريق جيدًا سيكون إضافة رائعة قبل العودة إلى المنافسات المحلية”.

“تغيير الجهاز الفني مهم في ذلك الوقت، حتى لو كان الأهلي يفوز لكن أداء الفريق مع كولر قد انخفض بدرجة كبيرة، والكرة الإسبانية ناجحة ولديها تخطيط جيد مثل ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، هناك دائمًا تركيز على اللاعبين الشباب مع الخبرة لتقديم أفضل أداء ممكن، هذه فلسفة مهمة”.

كيف ترى فرص الأهلي في المباراة؟

“كنت أراها متكافئة بنسبة 50-50، لكن الآن أرى أن كفة الأهلي قد ترجح قليلًا، ربما 60-40، إذا سجل الأهلي أولًا، سيتمكن من إغلاق المساحات والدفاع بشكل منظم، خاصة وأن إنتر ميامي معروف بانهياره السريع بعد استقبال الأهداف وإذا سجلوا الأهلي الهدف الأول يمكنه إضافة الثاني والثالث أيضًا”.

“لكن يجب الحذر أيضًا، لأن إنتر ميامي لديه لاعبين حصلوا على كأس العالم من قبل ودوري أبطال أوروبا، يجب التركيز على نقاط الضعف وأن هناك لاعبين آخرين أقل خبرة، نعم التخطيط من أجل أن ينتقلوا بعد فترة إلى أوروبا، لكن الآن، ما زالوا ضعفاء في المستوى”.

انضمام زيزو وفائدته بالنسبة للنادي الأهلي؟

“لا أفهم ما سبب انزعاج الزمالك بسبب انتقاله إلى الأهلي، أراه عاديًا، الزمالك فشل في التوصل لاتفاق لتمديد عقده، وبالتالي، لا مشكلة في رحيله إلى الأهلي، وأعتقد أنها صفقة مربحة للأهلي وسيربح الكثير من الصفقة تسويقيًا بالتأكيد مثلما حدث مع ميسي في إنتر ميامي وكذلك باريس سان جيرمان من قبل، بالنسبة لي، ستكون رائعة فنيًا للفريق وكذلك من أجل إضعاف المنافسين”.

“سيكون وجود زيزو مميز وسيساعد كثيرًا في تحقيق الكثير من النتائج الإيجابية المميزة في الفترة المقبلة”.

ما الفرق بين كرة القدم المصرية ونظيرتها الأمريكية؟

“الكرة الأمريكية تطورت بسرعة بفضل النظام والاستثمار في الرياضة، لديهم إمكانيات هائلة وملاعب حديثة وجماهيرية متزايدة، أما في مصر، فلدينا مواهب كبيرة بالفعل، لكن ما زالت المشكلات الإدارية والتنظيمية تعوق هذا التطور”.

McSweeney and Lehmann leave Queensland ruing missed opportunity

The visitors struck early on the final day but couldn’t push further for victory

AAP23-Nov-2022

Nathan McSweeney helped secure a draw for South Australia•Getty Images

Queensland have missed a golden opportunity to solidify their spot in the Sheffield Shield top two after Jake Lehmann and Nathan McSweeney secured a draw for South Australia.On a fighting final day in Adelaide, the pair batted through 65 overs to help wipe out Queensland’s 102-run first innings lead and take South Australia to 3 for 246 when the match was called.Wednesday’s result leaves the Bulls still in second spot on the ladder, but vulnerable of falling below Tasmania at the halfway point of the season if they beat Victoria this week.Under Sheffield Shield rules the top two teams qualify for the March final, with the majority of the rest of the season to be played without Test stars.But the story could have been so much different for Queensland. Xavier Bartlett ripped through the Redbacks to leave them 5 for 25 on the opening morning, placing Queensland in the driver’s seat early on.After the hosts fought back to be all out for 240, the Bulls then had the chance to build a big first-innings lead of close to 200 and push for an outright result at 2 for 184 in reply.But when Joe Burns ran himself out on 85, Queensland lost eight wickets in the middle session of day three to be all out for 342 and a lead of 102.Queensland then had one last sniff when Bartlet had Daniel Drew (37) edging on the first ball of the fourth morning, with his second-innings figures of 2 for 48 to go with his first-innings 4 for 64.The right-armer also then swung one across Jake Carder (54) to have him caught at third slip, leaving the Redbacks three down while still trailing by two.But then came McSweeney and Lehmann, with the former soaking up 218 balls for his unbeaten 77 and the latter scoring 68 from 181.The pair batted smartly in their 146-run stand, with the only major opportunity coming when McSweeney survived a close run-out call just before lunch.At one stage quick Gurinder Sandhu even turned to off spin, while Burns and fellow opening bat Bryce Street were both also used with the ball.The result means South Australia momentarily go ahead of NSW who are now bottom of the ladder, pending the result of the Blues’ clash with Western Australia at the SCG.

Bizarre scenario sees Luka Modric & one other Real Madrid star have their contracts extended by just two weeks following urgent FIFA request

Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez's contracts end on June 30, 2025, but upon a special request by FIFA, the duo will earn two-week extensions.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Modric and Vazquez nearing contract expiry
  • Real Madrid will rely on the duo for the Club World Cup
  • FIFA has asked club to give two-week extensions
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Real Madrid will be among the leading contenders to win the inaugural edition of the revamped Club World Cup, set to kick off in June. In preparation for the tournament, FIFA has requested that clubs offer special short-term contract extensions to players whose current deals expire on June 30, 2025. As a result, AS reports that Madrid veterans Modric and Vazquez are expected to receive unique two-week renewals, ensuring they remain eligible to compete in all of the Club World Cup fixtures scheduled for July. That is, if Madrid progresses to the knockout stages.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Madrid have been paired with Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg for the group stage of the Club World Cup. Their games will be played on June 18, June 22, and June 27. Should they finish as runners-up in the group, they will play their Round of 16 tie on June 30. If they finish first, they will play their last-16 tie on July 1, one day after the contracts of Modric and Vazquez expire. For the two seasoned campaigners to legally be eligible for all the subsequent games, provided Los Blancos go deep into the tournament, they'll have to sign short-term renewals until July 13. Madrid are patient and will sit down with two of their senior-most members to extend their contracts for a further 14 days.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    However, the long-term futures of both Vazquez and Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu remain uncertain beyond the Club World Cup. Reports suggest that the Merengues are unlikely to offer a contract renewal to the 33-year-old right-back for the 2025–26 season. With Dani Carvajal expected to fully recover from his ACL injury ahead of the new campaign — and the anticipated free transfer arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold — Madrid are already planning for the future at right-back, potentially leaving Vazquez surplus to requirements.

    As for Modric, AS reports that a renewal remains difficult but not entirely off the table. The Croatian maestro is eager to continue competing at the highest level in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. However, any extension would be contingent on him accepting a reduced salary and embracing an even more diminished role within the squad.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

    Although Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals and lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, they remain alive in a bid to defend their LaLiga crown. Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently four points behind their rivals from Catalonia, whom they will face on May 11. Before that, though, a game against Celta Vigo on Sunday, May 4, awaits.

Leicester 0-2 Arsenal player ratings: Was anyone else as bad as Sterling?

Arsenal scored twice late to secure a massive 2-0 win over Leicester City in a game that saw few chances at either end as the Gunners struggled to kick into gear with their makeshift attack.

Leicester City

Match Stats

Arsenal

39%

Possession

61%

5

Shots

10

2

Shots on target

4

9

Fouls committed

10

2

Corners

7

Leicester City player ratings Mads Hermansen – 5

Had very little to do and could do nothing when Merino headed past him 10 minutes from time.

James Justin – 7

Was having an excellent game until he was forced off through injury towards the end of the first half.

Wout Faes – 6

Was excellent in keeping the Gunners quiet for much of the afternoon but was caught under the ball for the opening goal which undid all of his hard work.

Caleb Okoli – 7.5

The best of Leicester’s defenders all afternoon, its a mystery he hasn’t featured more often.

Victor Kristiansen – 4

Tormented by Ethan Nwaneri all afternoon, and both goals ultimately came down his side.

Wilfred Ndidi – 8

Was excellent for the Foxes on his return to the side, breaking up play well and helping his side keep Arsenal at bay for much of the game.

Boubakary Soumare – 7

A strong performance from the Frenchman to help shut-down Arsenal’s chief creator in Martin Odegaard.

Bobby de Cordova Reid – 5

A willing runner but very little end product.

Bilal El-Khannouss – 5

Could not make the most of what little he had of the ball and was booked for a late challenge.

Jordan Ayew – 6

Was his usual terrier-like self as he harried the Arsenal defence, but got no joy on this occasion.

Jamie Vardy – 6

Ran the channels willingly but had very little service and should have done better finding a teammate with a breakaway at 0-0.

Substitutes: Coulibaly 6.5, Mavididi 5

Arsenal player ratings David Raya – 6

Hardly had a save to make but walked away with another clear sheet.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Continued to pull his side forward from fullback without much joy.

William Saliba – 6

Kept Jamie Vardy quiet but in truth had very little to do.

Gabriel – 6

Didn’t put a foot wrong at the back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8

A really strong performance from the Arsenal academy talent who saved his side a goal with an excellent piece of last-ditch defending.

Thomas Partey – 6

Really struggled in the early stages but grew into the game and made some vital tackles as the game wore on.

Martin Odegaard – 5

Arsenal’s captain struggled in front of a stubborn Leicester defence, and despite some cute flicks it was far from his best performance for the Gunners.

Declan Rice – 7

His usual hard-working self and barely put a foot wrong while others around him struggled.

Ethan Nwaneri – 9

Despite his youth, everything bright Arsenal did ran through the teenage gem, who hit the woodwork twice with excellent efforts before producing a delicious cross for Arsenal’s winning goal.

Leandro Trossard – 5

Asked to play as a striker and in wide areas, but offered nothing in either as he struggled against the Leicester defence before providing an excellent ball for Merino to seal the win.

Raheem Sterling – 3

Another awful display for Sterling in an Arsenal shirt, which saw him substituted just after the hour mark after failing to make an impression in attack for the Gunners.

Substitutes: Merino 9, Calafiori 6, Jorginho 5, Tierney 6

Leeds have unearthed their own Le Fee in star who’s "like tackling smoke"

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship on Monday night as they prepare for the first of a hat-trick of incredibly challenging fixtures.

The Whites are set to welcome Sunderland to Elland Road before they travel to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane the following Monday, which is followed by a clash with West Bromwich Albion in West Yorkshire.

Daniel Farke’s side, who beat Watford 4-0 away from home in their last Championship outing, have to deal with Regis Le Bris’ high-flying team first.

Sunderland are fourth in the division and decided to bolster their squad in the January transfer window with an ambitious swoop for midfield star Enzo Le Fee.

Sunderland's ambitious signing of Enzo Le Fee

The Black Cats swooped to sign the French playmaker from Roma on loan until the end of the season, mere months after he joined Roma for a reported fee of £19m last summer.

Le Fee, who previously played for Stade Rennes and Lorient in Ligue 1, was a big-money signing for the Italian giants last year and Sunderland managed to snap him up.

His pedigree has been clear to see on the pitch since his temporary move to the Stadium of Light, as he has caught the eye in his Championship appearances in the last couple of months.

As you can see in the clip above, the French star scored a stunning goal against Luton Town last time out, cutting in from the left wing to curl a sublime strike into the far corner.

Chalkboard

Le Fee has created ten chances and registered one assist to go along with that goal in his six appearances for the Black Cats in the second tier, as he has offered a touch of class on the left flank for Le Bris.

Leeds already have their own Enzo Le Fee

Leeds did not dip into the market to make any similarly ambitious moves in the January transfer window, but that was because Farke already had a fantastic squad at his disposal.

The Whites head coach did not need to go and sign a player like Le Fee because he already has his own version of the Frenchman in the form of Manor Solomon, who joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

Leeds secured a coup when they brought the 25-year-old star in on loan from the Premier League outfit ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, and he has starred on the left wing for Farke.

24/25 Championship

Manor Solomon

Appearances (starts)

25 (16)

xG

5.07

Goals

7

Big chances created

11

Key passes per game

1.4

Assists

7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed dynamo has offered a constant threat at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Earlier this term, he was described as “unplayable” by ex-Leeds boss Neil Redfearn, who claimed that it was “like tackling smoke” for opposition defenders when the winger dribbled with the ball.

Leeds now already looking to sign "incredible" new £46k-p/w star for Farke

There could be several changes to Leeds’ frontline before the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByBen Browning Feb 14, 2025

Solomon came in with Premier League pedigree and has not let Leeds down with his touch of class on the left wing, which shows that the Whites already have their own version of Le Fee who could be a difference-maker against the Black Cats on Monday.

Not just Garnacho: Amorim was let down by Man Utd’s 5/10 "tough watch"

Manchester United lost for the second time in as many Premier League games on Sunday afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur. The North Londoners ran out 1-0 winners over Ruben Amorim’s side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Red Devils now falling to 15th in the table as a result.

It was an early goal which settled the clash, coming just moments after Alejandro Garnacho had a shot from range saved by the returning Guglielmo Vicario. It was James Maddison who scored, getting on the end of a rebound from a Lucas Bergvall shot, which Andre Onana could only parry into the path of the Spurs number ten.

Garnacho had another golden chance moments later but failed to hit the target from inside the 18-year box with no defender putting pressure on him. Mathys Tel, who joined Spurs in January ahead of United, also forced a save out of Onana.

The second half resembled a basketball game in many ways. The Red Devils had a few chances to equalise, with Garnacho squandering some big opportunities, and Joshua Zirkzee glancing a header just wide. However, they could not find a way past Vicario.

It was a really poor performance from United, with Garnacho one of the players who struggled.

Garnacho’s stats vs. Spurs

If things had gone differently in the January transfer window, United’s number 17 could have been playing for their opposition today. Spurs reportedly wanted to sign the winger in the winter window, according to Football Transfers.

However, it was the famous Red shirt of United that the Argentine donned, but he squandered some key chances for his side, and could not find the equaliser.

The best chance came when he blazed over the bar in the first half, but Garnacho also missed a one-on-one and a strike from outside of the box in the second 45.

Performance in Numbers

The tough day at the office for the 20-year-old was showcased in his stats from Sofascore at full-time. Garnacho completed just 72% of his passes, missed one big chance and lost the ball 13 times. It was a disappointing performance.

He certainly has an issue in front of goal this season. As electric as the winger can be, Garnacho has a big chance conversion rate of 14%, the lowest out of players who have had at least ten in the top flight this term, as per Opta.

As bad as the winger was, someone who was arguably worse for the Red Devils was captain Bruno Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes’ stats vs. Spurs

Normally one of the players who is always reliable for United, their captain Fernandes struggled against Spurs. He was constantly involved as always but did not look after the ball well, and although he created chances, didn’t give United that cutting edge like usual.

Football journalist Mina Ibrahim described Fernandes’ performance as a “tough watch”, which certainly rings true when looking at some of his stats. He had a 78% pass accuracy and lost the ball 28 times. It was a disappointing showing from the Red Devils skipper.

Stat

Number

Touches

103

Pass accuracy

78%

Passes completed

54/69

Long balls completed

13/17

Number of times ball lost

28

Crosses completed

4/11

Richard Martin, a journalist from Goal, gave the Portugal international a 5/10 for his efforts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He explained that, at times, ‘his high positioning left Casemiro with a lot to do’. There were occasions when the Brazilian got caught in two-vs-one situations without Fernandes next to him.

It was a really disappointing showing from Fernandes, who Amorim would have hoped for more from on Sunday afternoon. With his squad threadbare due to injuries and illness, the Red Devils manager had a bench full of academy players without first-team experience.

Perhaps a more influential performance from his captain would have gone a long way to helping United leave North London with at least a point.

It was certainly frustrating that Fernandes, and the likes of Garnacho, could not take the game by the scruff of the neck as United stumbled to another poor defeat.

Two more Man Utd stars have new injuries before Spurs with Mainoo and Amad

More bad news for Amorim…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 16, 2025

Corinthians e Jô são condenados a pagar R$ 13 milhões a clube japonês

MatériaMais Notícias

Não é porque saiu do Corinthians, que o atacante Jô ainda não tem dado o que falar no Timão. O jogador e o clube alvinegro foram condenados pela Corte Arbitral do Esporte (CAS) a pagar 2,6 milhões de dólares (R$ 13,3 mi, na cotação atual) ao Nagoya Grampus, do Japão, por conta da chegada do atleta a equipe do Parque São Jorge, em julho de 2020.

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+ Saiba quais os atletas da base que mais integram os profissionais do Corinthians com Vítor Pereira

A informação da punição foi publicada inicialmente pela TNT Sports.

O CAS entende que o Corinthians precisa ser solidário ao Nagoya, já que Jô tinha vínculo com o clube japonês até o fim de 2021, mas deixou o Japão oito meses antes sem autorização.

A defesa corintiana e do jogador utilizaram o argumento de que foi a equipe asiática que solicitou a quebra do contrato, mas o Nagoya expôs que a decisão foi fruto do que considera abandono de emprego por parte do atacante brasileiro. Por isso que o próprio Jô também foi condenado pela corte.

+ TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão

As divergências entre Jô e o Nagoya Grampus iniciaram em fevereiro de 2020, quando começaram os primeiros indícios da pandemia de Covid-19. Com a paralisação das competições no Japão, o Nagoya liberou os atletas dos treinamentos, mas não autorizou a saída do território japonês, algo que foi descumprido pelo ex-corintiano.

Jô alegou na sua defesa que o motivo da saída era que os filhos estavam no Brasil, com os avós, e havia o receio com o fechamento das fronteiras. O jogador relatou que encaminhou essa justificativa ao Nagoya Grampus, que não aceitou.

Semanas depois, o time asiático suspendeu os pagamentos de Jô e entrou com o procedimento de quebra unilateral do contrato.

Em julho, o atacante acertou o seu retorno para terceira passagem ao Corinthians, que se encerrou na semana passada, após um polêmico flagra do atleta em um bar de São Paulo tocando pagode, enquanto o Timão era derrotado pelo Cuiabá, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, no Mato Grosso. O atleta estava afastado da partida, se recuperando de um trauma na perna esquerda.

De toda forma, o entendimento do CAS é que o fato de Timão ter contratado Jô no período em que ele tinha contrato com o Nagoya Grampus, sendo que partiu do atleta a saída, faz com que o clube alvinegro estivesse de acordo e dando respaldo a atitude do jogador, também levando a equipe a condenação pela entidade.

Chicago Stars FC fire head coach Lorne Donaldson six games into NWSL season

The former Jamaica national team manager is out of a job six games into the NWSL campaign

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Lorne Donaldson fired by Chicago StarsManager removed six games into seasonComes after promising 2024 campaignFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Chicago Stars announced they parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson on Wednesday. Assistant coach Masaki Hemmi will serve as the team’s interim head coach while the team searched for Donaldson’s replacement

Donaldson was in his second year with the NWSL side, after a promising 2024 campaign saw them finish 10-14-2 in the regular season while clinching a spot in the NWSL playoffs, after finishing at the bottom of the table in 2023. However, after a 1-5-0 start to the 2025 season, Donaldson is now out of a job.

“We are grateful to Lorne Donaldson for the culture, respect, and sense of self-belief he helped build within our squad,” the team’s general manager, Richard Feuz, said in a statement. “We appreciate his work and wish him the best for the future.”

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Donaldson was previously the manager of the Jamaica women's national team, where he led them to become the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the knockout stage Round of 16 during the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

Donaldson's firing marks the third coaching change the Stars will have over the past four seasons.

The Stars have struggled in 2025, highlighted by the absence of USWNT star Mallory Swanson, who has been away from the club since January. The forward has been away from the team for unspecified personal reasons.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hemmi will work alongside assistant coaches Ella Masar, Karina Báez, and Brenton Saylor. Masar, a former Stars player, served as interim head coach in 2023.

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WHAT NEXT FOR CHICAGO?

Their head coach search is now well underway, while they return to the pitch this weekend to take on Gotham FC.

Palmer’s dream: Chelsea in talks for "one of the most exciting DMs in Europe"

Transfer deadline day has been quiet in terms of incomings for Chelsea, but it’s safe to say it’s been dominated by outgoings, with various players on the way out of Stamford Bridge.

João Félix has agreed a late deal to join Serie A side AC Milan on a loan deal until the end of the season, but it doesn’t include a permanent option to move at the end of the campaign.

Axel Disasi is another player who could still move before the 11 pm deadline, after previous talks with Spurs and Aston Villa, but it’s previously been reported that despite wanting a move to Unai Emery’s side, Enzo Maresca wouldn’t allow him to join a Champions League rival.

Ben Chilwell is another player edging closer to a temporary exit from West London, looking set to move to Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season to gain valuable game time after being frozen out by the Italian.

As a result of the pending exits, it could allow the Blues boss to dip into the market and make a new addition, with one player popping up on their radar in recent hours.

Chelsea in talks to land midfield talent

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have held talks over a move to land Sporting CP midfielder Dario Essugo before the 11pm deadline tonight.

The 19-year-old is currently spending the season on loan at LaLiga outfit Las Palmas, but has caught the eye of the Blues, with it being unclear whether he would move now or in the summer.

Romano confirmed that he’s under consideration by the club with his parent side expecting movement in the coming hours, potentially opening the door to a move to West London.

Any move for Essugo would be yet another phenomenal piece of business for an upcoming star, helping one player reach the next level during his own time at Stamford Bridge.

Why Essugo could be perfect for Palmer at Chelsea

Cole Palmer is a player who’s thrived at Chelsea since his big-money £40m move from Manchester City back in the summer of 2023, a fee that now looks to be a bargain given his success at the club.

The now England international has featured 70 times since moving from Manchester to London, registering a combined tally of 60 goals and assists – undoubtedly becoming their key man within the final third over the last two years.

By the end of the campaign, Maresca will want to have secured a return to Champions League football, with the Blues needing to continue their early season form and finish within the top five come the end of May.

Whilst it remains to be seen if Essugo would link up this month or in the summer, he would provide a superb addition, despite his tender age – aiding Palmer in his efforts within the final third.

The teenager may primarily be a defensive midfielder, but he’s excelled in and out of possession regaining the ball before playing into forward areas – something which would certainly be of use to the England international.

Essugo, who’s been dubbed “one of the most exciting DMs in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won an average of 2.8 tackles per 90 and completed two interceptions per 90 in 2024/25 – showcasing his stellar defensive ability.

Essugo’s stats for Las Palmas in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

14

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

87%

Progressive passes

4.4

Progressive carries

1

Successful take-ons

0.8

Tackles won

2.8

Interceptions made

2

Clearances made

2.1

Stats via FBref

However, his ability in possession has been just as impressive, completing 4.4 progressive passes per 90 at a completion rate of 87% – with his passing ability aiding Palmer within attacking areas to boost his already impressive goalscoring tallies.

It’s unclear how much any deal for the Sporting youngster would cost on deadline day, but as seen from his figures so far this season, he would be another superb youngster to add to Maresca’s ranks.

Chelsea managerEnzoMarescaapplauds fans after the match

He could provide serious competition to the current starters in the first-team squad, having the potential to develop into a world beater given his tender age.

Perfect O'Reilly alternative: Chelsea closing in on "Lavia-esque" talent

Chelsea are getting ready to complete a last-gasp January signing or two.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 3, 2025

صفقة هامة تبدأ متابعة برشلونة ولامين يامال عبر "إنستجرام"

يستعد نادي برشلونة الإسباني لإبرام العديد من الصفقات خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية بعد موسم رائع والتتويج بالثلاثية المحلية.

ويريد برشلونة تدعيم صفوفه خاصةً مراكز الهجوم وفقًا لرغبة هانزي فليك، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي.

وقام الإنجليزي ماركوس راشفورد، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر يونايتد والمعار لأستون فيلا بمتابعة حساب برشلونة على إنستجرام ولامين يامال.

وكان ديكو، المدير الرياضي كان اجتمع مع ماركوس راشفورد، لبدء مفاوضات التعاقد معه، بعد صعوبة إتمام صفقة الكولومبي لويس دياز نظرًا للتكلفة المالية العالية.

اقرأ أيضًا | ديكو يدير ظهره لـ لويس دياز.. برشلونة يجد ضالته في البديل الأنسب مقابل 40 مليون يورو

وتعتبر خطوة متابعة حساب برشلونة على إنستجرام جيدة ومؤشر على وصول الطرفين إلى نقطة اتفاق ودليل على اقتراب راشفورد من النادي الإسباني.

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