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With upcoming friendlies against the U.S. and Mexico, the 50-year-old Canada coach is aiming to build on recent success

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The expression "working miracles" is oft-used cliche in sports. But in Jesse Marsch's case, it might be apt.

To put it mildly, Canada Soccer was on the verge of financial collapse prior to the former Leeds, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg's arrival as coach in May 2024.

The organization was operating on deficits for three-straight years, $4 million in 2022, $3 million in 2023 and a projected $4 million this year. Canada's financial turmoil escalated to the point that the men's national team boycotted a scheduled exhibition in Vancouver against Panama in June 2022 and the women's national team threatened to do the same at the SheBelievesCup prior to Canada threatening legal action.

Due to Canada's ongoing financial struggles, MLS's Canadian teams (Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto), along with private donors, had to collaborate to meet the financial commitment required to hire Marsch ahead of the 2024 Copa America.

So far, it appears to be money well spent.

Despite having less than a month to prepare for the Copa America, Marsch galvanized a team that wasn't expected to get past the group stage and stunned the competition by taking it all the way to the semifinals. Now, ahead of two friendlies against the U.S. (Marsch's nation of birth) and Mexico (a long-time rival of the U.S.) the 50-year-old is aiming to build on that success.

"Off the backside of Copa America and those performances, this is a perfect fixture list for us. If we want to be able to make progress and feel good about what we've done, then we've got to be able to continue to test ourselves," Marsch told GOAL. "Clearly US and Mexico, over the last 25 years, have been the gold standard for the support is in the region…I think now there's growing expectations within the team about what these games can look like. So it'll be a big test for us, but we're really excited."

In a wide-ranging interview with GOAL, Marsch discussed going up against the U.S. for the first time as a national team manager, the reported hiring of Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNT coaching role, what his time in Europe meant to him, and what Canada needs to do to continue to grow as a program.

AFPAn emotional matchup against the U.S.

Marsch acknowledged that the "friendly" against the U.S. this Saturday in Kansas City isn't a run-of-the mill encounter for him.

"I'll be juiced on match day," Marsch said. "I know a lot of players on the team [the U.S.]…I'll be excited and I know our team will be too. This is big, for us as a country. We respect the U.S. a lot but we're excited to test ourselves now."

Representing America with pride as both a player and manager has always been a priority for Marsch. The Racine, Wisconsin native earned two caps with the U.S. senior national team, played 13 years in MLS, and served as an assistant coach under Bob Bradley during his tenure with U.S. Soccer.

Marsch had long been linked to the head coach position, but withdrew from consideration in 2023, openly criticizing U.S. Soccer’s selection process. The pleasantries about U.S. Soccer fade when Marsch discusses the team's current coaching search.

Marsch admitted that the extended process to replace the fired Gregg Berhalter – it was reported more than three weeks ago that Mauricio Pochettino had agreed to take the USMNT role, but there still has been no official announcement – is a bit perplexing from the outside looking in.

"It's been strange, right?" Marsch asked before adding, "I don't think I've ever seen an appointment in world football, club or national team, where the speculation has been so deep, but the information about what's actually happened has been such a mystery.

"I've checked almost every day over the past month, like "OK is he going to be the head coach [or not]?' Because I'm trying to prepare a team [to face the U.S.] and not knowing what to expect. So, it's been strange."

Marsch has actually coached against Pochettino in Europe. His RB Leipzig side faced Pochettino's star-studded Paris Saint-Germain in the 2021-22 Champions League group stage. Pochettino bested Marsch in their first encounter, 3-2, and the two sides drew 2-2 in the second match. Marsch assessed Pochettino's traits as a manager based on those encounters.

"I don't think he has a real style, other than he's pragmatic in the way he coaches his teams to try to get the most out of his player personnel," Marsch explained.

He added, "He's someone who really tries to invest in his top players to get the best out of them. So, if he were to take over the U.S. team, then a big part of what he would do is trying to maximize the potential of guys like [Christian] Pulisic, [Tyler] Adams and [Weston] McKennie — those types of players. Which I think could be a good recipe for success for them."

U.S. Soccer announced this week that Mikey Varas will coach the team on an interim basis for the team's upcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand. Pochettino is reportedly working through an unpaid wages resolution with Premier League club Chelsea FC.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesNavigating controversial drones situation

Canadian pride in its national team was at an all-time high after its unprecedented run to the Copa semis. It quickly dissipated at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Prior to the women's soccer tournament kicking off, the Canadian women's soccer team were found to be spying on New Zealand through drones piloted by two assistant coaches.

The punishment that followed was swift and severe. Two assistants were sent home. Canada's women coach Beverly Priestman was barred from coaching for a year after initially volunteering to step away for Canada's match against New Zealand. The team also suffered a six-point deduction and currently faces an ongoing investigation. It also opened the doors to other suspected uses of drones by Canada, with previous men's team manager John Herdman being implicated in the matter.

Canada's CEO Kevin Blue claimed that Marsch had no involvement in the scandal, saying the American-born coach learned about the scandal after the fact. Marsch declined to dive too deeply into details due to the ongoing investigation, but he insisted where he stood on the issue.

"All I know is," Marsch said, before pausing. "I value the work, I value and respect opponents and I try to create a process that helps us be the best that we can be and use all the information we can to understand what the opponent is doing without crossing the lines, right?"

Marsch did also acknowledge that the practice is more pervasive that most would imagine.

"There are levels of things [like this] happening in the sport," he said. "When we played in the Champions League, you go to the [opposing] stadium the night before… You know that pretty much the cameras are going to be on and probably someone from the [opposing] technical staff is watching training, right?"

Still, he understands the reputational damage caused to Canada Soccer by the scandal.

"I know that the country has been disappointed," Marsch said. "We're going to find a way to still get through this the right way and make sure we continue to push our program the right way."

AFPLessons learned in Europe

Prior to joining Canada in 2024, Marsch became a trailblazer for American coaches in Europe — setting several milestones through a nearly five-year run with RB Salzburg (first as an assistant then manager), RB Leipzig and Leeds United.

In 2019, Marsch became the first American manager to coach in the UEFA Champions League with Salzburg. Over two years, he won consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles and Austrian Cups, with a 68.09% win rate. He also coached rising stars, including Erling Haaland, who scored 28 goals in 22 appearances under him.

Marsch was then promoted to manage RB Leipzig, becoming the first American-born manager in the Bundesliga, replacing Julian Nagelsmann. However, after a challenging period marked by key player departures, Marsch and Leipzig parted ways. Marsch's last stop in Europe would be at Leeds, where he was the third American coach in the Premier League. Despite keeping Leeds in the English top flight, a turbulent second season would see his time at Elland Road come to a end.

Marsch believes the highs and lows of his experience in Europe, ultimately shaped him and helped him prepare for his current role with Canada.

"I think the progression of how it went was good for me, right? Like, going as an assistant, then going to Salzburg, then going to Leipzig, then going to Leeds. People will always argue was I successful [in Europe]? Was I not? Whatever, I don't care," Marsch said. "But I certainly was able to to develop myself and my understanding of what the game at the highest level is, and needs to be, and add it to who I am.

"And now it's nice. I have a group that is really hungry to learn from a lot of these things, and I think we're going to together build an incredible, rewarding experience, and one that I hope that the country of Canada is able to appreciate in 2026 [at the World Cup]."

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Getty Images SportFinding, developing and pushing talent

This is Marsch's first turn as an international manager after spending 13 years in the club level. The adjustment, despite his early success with Canada, hasn't been always easy. Marsch, who is known for his energetic approach and focus on preparation, admits the lengthy spells away from training his squad took some getting used to.

"When you're together, it's like all in, all the time you're in concentration, and then when you're away, you're away," he said.

What does push Marsch, when there aren't international games at hand, is the chance to help elevate and build new foundations for soccer in Canada. He says he's fallen in love with the multiculturalism of the country and has spent the summer attending youth tournaments and Canadian Premier League matches to learn more about the competition.

The country has always had potential, producing elite players such as Owen Hargreaves, Alphonso Davies among others. The country's lack of strong soccer infrastructure has seen players, including Hargreaves, refuse to play for the country though. And there are numerous talents that have slipped through the cracks and players who aren't identified as professional-caliber talent until their 20s.

One talent Marsch pointed to is former Rapids center defender Moise Bombito, who the manager believes has elite potential. Bombito, was under the radar, bounced around various levels, from USL League Two to the University of New Hampshire to gain playing time and develop. It took another season and a half in MLS for Bombito to finally get recognition for his talent at 24, eventually earning a move to Ligue 1 with OGC Nice.

"Everybody believes that there is a lot of untapped talent, and that we can do a better job of connecting the dots," Marsch said.

Marsch believes things are getting better for Canada infrastructure-wise, and he firmly believes his experience in Europe has promoted buy-in from the national pool of players. He is excited about the future of this group and the possibilities that the 2026 World Cup could present, especially with the tournament to be held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

"I've taken all those experiences [from Europe] and and created a new set of standards and demands for what I think this team can become," Marsch said. "I think that's the reason why we performed well in Copa America, right? They adapted. They learned. They could see that the information I'm giving them was helpful, and they were intelligent enough to and good enough and talented enough to apply it in all the right ways.

"So it gives me big hope for the future of what we're doing here."

Former England batsman extends time with his home county’s senior ranks to 23 years

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2020Ian Bell has signed a one-year contract extension with Warwickshire to the end of the 2021 season, extending his association with the club’s senior ranks to 23 years.Former England batsman Bell, who turned 38 in April, is one of Warwickshire’s most successful players with 17,350 runs, including 38 centuries, across all formats. He is also the most capped England men’s cricketer to represent the county, having played 118 Tests and 161 one-day internationals.ALSO READ: Warwickshire size up move for Bess as Patel successorCoventry-born Bell joined the Warwickshire set-up as a 10-year-old and progressed through the county age group system and academy. He made his First Class debut in 1999 and became a regular in the senior team in 2001, winning his county cap later that year.Bell missed Warwickshire’s entire 2019 season through injury. In 2018, he was the leading run-scorer in division two of the County Championship with 1027 runs at an average of 54.05 and he also topped Birmingham Bears’ scoring in the Vitality Blast with 580 at 48.33, putting him third in the competitoin overall.”I’ve been fortunate to be part of some fantastic Warwickshire sides that have won trophies across formats throughout my time with the club, and I firmly believe that we are building for another period of challenging for more titles,” Bell said.”In the last couple of years we’ve seen some really promising young players come into the side and make an immediate impression. Part of my role now is to provide support to them as they have the potential to achieve a huge amount both with Warwickshire and England.”ALSO READ: Bresnan joins Warwickshire on two-year dealPaul Farbrace, Warwickshire’s Sport Director, said the signing meant that the club’s youngsters would continue to benefit from Bell’s vast knowledge and experience.”It’s also important to remember that in the last season that Ian took to the field, he was one of the leading run scorers in both the Championship and the Blast,” Farbrace said. “He has still got a huge appetite for scoring runs and winning games of cricket, so we’re thrilled that he will continue to do this for Warwickshire.”Warwickshire announced on Monday that its men’s squad would return to training this week in preparation for the delayed start to the 2020 county season on August 1. Details of the formats and fixture list will be revealed by the England & Wales Cricket Board in the coming weeks.

Pep Guardiola is one of the names on the FA's shortlist for the England role, with Lee Carsley not guaranteed the job.

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Guardiola the 'dream appointment'Carsley might not get permanent roleInterim boss leads Three Lions to two winsWHAT HAPPENED?

England parted ways with Gareth Southgate earlier this summer after their heartbreaking defeat in the European Championship final against Spain. Southgate resigned from his role after finishing second best in the Euros for the second time in a row.

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After the 54-year-old's departure, the FA appointed England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley as the stop-gap manager of the senior men's team. While the Three Lions have performed satisfactorily under Carsley thus far, winning their first two Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland, the FA might not hand Carsley the permanent job as they have started searching for external candidates, according to the Telegraph.

DID YOU KNOW?

The report further adds that the FA has prepared a shortlist of managers who could take charge of the national team in the coming months. Newcastle United's Eddie Howe and former Chelsea manager's Graham Potter and Frank Lampard are the English names which are being considered. Among the overseas managers, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's name is on the shortlist, and he's reportedly the FA's dream appointment.

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR PEP GUARDIOLA?

For now, Guardiola remains focused on the Cityzens who will aim to extend their winning streak to four Premier League games on Saturday as they take Brentford at home.

Former England captain believes senior seamer is bowling better than ever at age of 34

George Dobell27-Jul-2020Stuart Broad is currently bowling as well as at any time in his career, according to former England captain, Andrew Strauss.Broad will go into the final day of the Test series against West Indies requiring one more wicket to become just the seventh man – and fourth seamer – in history to claim 500 Test wickets.But while Broad is now aged 34 and has been omitted from the team several times in recent months, Strauss believes his competitive spirit has pushed him to new heights over the last year or two. Determined to prove he is still worth his place in England’s first-choice team, Broad has produced several incisive spells, including a burst of 3 for 1 in the second Test that revived a game that appeared to be heading towards a draw, then eight wickets so far in the third – featuring a run of six in seven overs across two innings – which has given England an opportunity to win the series.”I honestly don’t believe Stuart Broad has bowled much better than this,” Strauss said from Emirates Old Trafford on Monday, where rain washed out the fourth day’s play. “There were a couple of years where perhaps he lost his wrist a bit and it was hard work for him bowling to right-handers. But in this series he seems to be equally potent against left- and right-handers.”But when we look at all of his attributes. you can talk about his height and pace; it’s actually his competitiveness and we have seen this year. He is at his best when he has something to prove. He’s had the bit between his teeth in these last two Test matches and that has served him particularly well over the course of his career.”ALSO READ: Openers prove old virtues can work for new EnglandStrauss’s words are largely supported by the statistics. Not only is Broad England’s leading wicket-taker in this series – he’s taken his 14 wickets at a cost of just 10.50 apiece – but he was also his side’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes and the series against South Africa. Over the last 12 months, his 62 Test wickets have cost 20.58 each.While Strauss, who is currently chair of the ECB’s cricket committee, admits he didn’t predict quite such success when he first saw Broad, he was confident he had the qualities to enjoy a “long-term England career.””I remember the first time I played with him was in an England Lions game,” Strauss said. “He was very young at the time. Probably 20 years of age and fast making a reputation for himself in the county game.”And I remember a T20 finals day where he bowled brilliantly at Ronnie Irani. There was obvious talent and he was comfortable on the big stage and delivering under pressure.”When I saw him it was clear he had most of the assets you needed as a fast bowler: quick enough at 80-85 mph, obviously a lot of height and an ability to swing ball away from right-hander. He also had real knack of getting wickets with not great balls which was a good knack to have.”But there have been so many bowlers whose star has shone for a year or two then either they have been worked out or their confidence has deserted them and they’ve been cast aside.”I don’t think anyone could have predicted he would take 500 Test wickets, but I do think people thought he had the potential to have a long-term England career.”Although Strauss welcomes the emergence of other viable bowling options for England, he suggested it would be an error to move on from either Broad or James Anderson prematurely.”We write them off at our peril,” Strauss said. “So let’s not be in a hurry to pension them off, because they have both got a lot more to offer England. We need to savour and appreciate and enjoy every time that those two bowl together in an England shirt.”At the same time, it’s really healthy there’s competition for places and some of these young guys are putting their hands up and showing they are ready to play international cricket. From a selector’s points of view, it is a great position to be in.”Meanwhile, the Ruth Strauss Foundation announced that donations during the game had surpassed £650,000. The foundation was set up by Strauss in memory of his wife who died from a rare form of cancer. Strauss thanked the “entire cricket family” for its support and said he was “blown away” by the amount of money raised in such a challenging economic environment.Anyone wanting to donate should visit: www.ruthstraussfoundation.com

Jurgen Klopp's departure marks a significant step in Liverpool's history. Away from the poignancy, the pathos and the raw pain of losing the man who transformed an outfit that had fallen by the wayside, the pendulum has swung with far more dramatic and long-lasting overtones.

Michael Edwards, FSG's CEO of Football, heads a new infrastructure that has recently seen a manager leave and a head coach take his place.

The terming of this switch is key: Arne Slot will control the first team and Liverpool's football, its on-pitch performance and progress, but there is little doubt that Klopp's exit has seen the metaphorical flight of managerial power at Anfield.

But that's okay, Liverpool are in good, intelligent hands and there's a tentatively optimistic sense that all the newly-formed facets will dovetail to unleash an institution of lasting synergy and success.

Especially when Edwards appears to be engineering a move for an exciting young defender – who could potentially solve Slot's most pressing early concern.

Liverpool lining up exciting defender

According to French outlet Le Parisien, Liverpool have entered the race for coveted Lille defender Leny Yoro, who may cost as much as €100m (£85m).

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of Europe's foremost young talents and is also attracting interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with the former having long been admirers.

But Carlo Ancelotti's side are set to welcome Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to the Santiago Bernabeu and might not have the means to launch a bid this summer, suggesting that Edwards and co might find success in an incisive swoop for Yoro's signature.

Leny Yoro's season in numbers

Last year, Yoro's high-class performances in Lille's academy saw him prematurely promoted to the senior set-up, completing eight starting appearances in Ligue 1 and leading journalist Zach Lowy to pronounce him as the latest in a "treasure trove of ballers" emerging from Les Dogues' youth ranks.

Tentative steps into the big league saw Yoro earn the confidence and admiration of manager Paulo Fonseca and he is now an essential part of the team's backline, starting 30 times in the French top flight and playing 44 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals.

As per Sofascore, the French teenager featured 32 times in the league this season, bagging twice, keeping 13 clean sheets, completing 92% of his passes, averaging 3.9 ball recoveries and three clearances per game while winning 63% of his contested duels.

His ability is reflected in the quality of his performance against Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League. Lille were defeated on penalties in the quarter-finals but only on penalties, losing 2-1 in England before securing an impressive 2-1 victory at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the second leg.

Minutes played

90'

120'

Touches

67

98

Accurate passes

58/62 (94%)

82/87 (94%)

Possession lost

4x

5x

Long balls

3/5

7/10

Tackles

1

1

Interceptions

1

2

Clearances

3

6

Duels won

1/1 (100%)

4/4 (100%)

Fouls

0

0

Sure, Lille crashed out against one of Europe's most exciting, fast-rising teams in Unai Emery's Villa, but if Yoro's two-legged performance was an audition, he passed with flying colours, winning every single one of his duels across the tie and maintaining superlative control and composure.

Yoro is contracted at Lille for 12 more months and his team will be desperate to ascertain whether he would consider agreeing to fresh terms in the coming months. If not, Yoro's market value would suggest that cashing in this summer would be the prudent move.

How Leny Yoro would fit in at Liverpool

Said to be "world-class material" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it's easy to forget that Yoro spent the opening few months of the 2023/24 season as a 17-year-old, and spent some time observing him in action, his youthfulness becomes all the more perplexing.

How is the future France star performing with the guileful swagger of a seasoned veteran, tried and tested and draped in illustrious praise? Yoro is simply destined for greatness, and he would be the perfect successor to Van Dijk's throne in the Liverpool defence.

As per FBref, Yoro ranks among the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, speaking of his technical prowess and composure in the rearguard. He's not, at this primitive stage, very creative, but that's okay, especially given he still has striking similarities to Van Dijk – journalist Antonio Mango noting that he sees "Virgil van Dijk in him"…

Van Dijk, aged 32, is out of contract in 12 months but Liverpool will address this in due course, hopeful to tie their captain down to fresh terms.

He has been utterly imperious throughout the campaign, leading Liverpool's resurgence and holding the backline together despite the incessant injury issues.

In the Premier League, the Netherlands phenom completed 91% of his passes, averaging 4.7 recoveries and 3.9 clearances per game while incredibly winning 76% of his duels.

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ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2024

Yoro's finely wrought array of abilities makes him a real contender for Europe's finest centre-half down the line, and while he would be the perfect player to adopt Van Dijk's presence at Liverpool, signing him this summer could give Slot's system the security it needs to flourish, augmenting a crop containing Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah, but not much else.

Moreover, he could absorb the fruits of the Dutchman's prowess over the next year or two to put him in a brilliant position to forge a career that will live long beyond the day he decides to hang up his boots.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has admitted he doesn't know when captain Reece James will return from injury.

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James appointed captain in August 2023Suffered hamstring injury in DecemberMaresca unsure when he'll returnWHAT HAPPENED?

Maresca and his coaching staff do not have a return date for James, after a recent hamstring injury failed to heal properly. The Chelsea right-back was originally sidelined due to a hamstring operation in December 2023, and this summer he suffered another problem that has prolonged his return to action.

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The England international is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's best full-backs, but he has repeatedly seen his development scuppered by injuries. Last season, the 24-year-old only made 10 appearances in the league, and in the previous campaign he played just 16 times. Earlier this week it was reported that his return was 'put on hold', and Maresca has now confirmed that.

WHAT MARESCA SAID

Maresca said: "His injury is a bit delayed. The most important thing is players come back when they are 100% fit. Reece is still out. Unfortunately, we don't have an idea at the moment [when he’ll be back]. In this case, he’s been very unlucky.” 

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

With James having played just 413 Premier League minutes since he was named Chelsea captain in August 2023, the Blues have learned how to cope without their star right-back. They'll have to do without him once again this weekend when they face West Ham United in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, although Maresca has received a welcome injury boost ahead of the London derby.

It was another painful end to a Premier League season for Arsenal again this year, as Mikel Arteta's side came within two points of finally ending their two-decade title drought, only for Manchester City to pick up a fourth on the trot.

The Gunners needed to be near enough perfect to win the league, but unfortunately, a shaky December and a slip-up against Aston Villa ultimately cost them.

However, with a more clinical striker in the side next season in place of Kai Havertz, the trophy's ribbons might just be red and white this time next year.

The North Londoners have already been linked with several high-profile marksmen, although they may have just been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of one thanks to Manchester United's FA Cup triumph.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a recent report from football.london, Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak has just been strengthened thanks to the Red Devils' FA Cup success over the weekend.

This is because with Erik ten Hag's team beating Manchester City in the final, they will now qualify for the Europa League next term, pushing Chelsea down to the Conference League and therefore pushing the Toon out of European competition altogether.

This is beneficial for the Gunners because, before Saturday's final, Eddie Howe's team had placed a £200m price tag on the head of their star striker, confident that with the money to come from European football next season, they would not have to sell the Swede to strengthen their financial position, and would instead be able to sell a slightly less important member of the team.

However, they will no longer have that increased income or the prestige of continental football to appease their top players, which, according to football.london might've 'increased' Arsenal's chances of signing the former Real Sociedad star.

It would still require a mammoth bid from the North Londoners, but thanks to United's incredible 2-1 win, their pursuit of Isak is still just about alive.

How Isak compares to Havertz

So, if Edu Gaspar and Co were able to work their magic – and Stan Kroenke's wallet – to bring Isak to the Emirates this summer, he'd likely be faced with Havertz as his most significant challenge for the starting number nine role, as Gabriel Jesus, in starting just four of the final 12 league games last season, has already lost that place to the German.

With that said, when comparing the pair's raw output this season, the Swede comes out miles ahead, scoring 25 goals and providing two assists in 40 games, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.48 games for an injury-ravaged Magpies outfit.

In contrast, the German racked up 14 goals and seven assists in 51 games, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.4 games in his first season for the North Londoners.

Appearances

40

51

Goals

25

14

Assists

2

7

Goal Involvements per match

0.67

0.41

Moreover, while the former Chelsea ace did manage to score eight goals in 18 starts as a striker, that still gives him an average of a goal every 2.25 games, while the 25 goals his potential replacement scored in 38 starts means he averaged one every 1.52 games.

Lastly, when looking at their underlying numbers as a striker, it is once again a clear victory for the "magnificent" man in black and white, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.74

0.47

Non-Penalty Goals

0.58

0.31

Assists

0.06

0.17

Shots

2.55

2.15

Goals per Shot

0.23

0.14

Shots on Target

1.34

0.83

Goals per Shot on Target

0.43

0.37

While he provides fewer assists, he produces a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, scores more non-penalty goals, takes more shots, more shots on target and scores from a higher number of his shots both on and off target, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Havertz put in an impressive shift toward the end of the season, he just isn't as clinical a goalscorer as Isak is, and if Arsenal want to make sure they finally get their hands on the title next season, a clinical striker is of paramount importance.

If they can get this deal over the line, they might just have to thank United.

Arsenal eyeing their next Aubameyang in free-scoring £120m "animal"

The incredible forward has been in red-hot form this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 24, 2024

Lightning’s Kathryn Bryce takes five-for and scores 71 in losing cause

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2020Diamonds 226 for 9 (Sciver 104, K Bryce 5-29) beat Lightning 217 for 7 (K Bryce 71, S Bryce 57, Beaumont 51) by nine runsNat Sciver scored a century and claimed two wickets in a fine all-round performance to guide Northern Diamonds to a nine-run victory over Lightning in their Rachael Heyhoe Flint clash at Emirates Riverside.Sciver starred with the bat, scoring the first hundred in the competition from 106 balls, allowing the Diamonds to post a competitive total of 226 from their 50 overs, recovering from 24 for 4.Lightning skipper Kathryn Bryce claimed five wickets and scored a half-century, but it was not enough to prevent the visitors from slumping to their second defeat in a row. Sciver, Jenny Gunn and Linsey Smith notched two wickets apiece to clinch Diamonds’ second win in the competition, leaving them in a strong position in the North Group.Lauren Winfield was the key player in the Diamonds’ victory over Central Sparks in their opener. However, she lasted only four balls as Bryce got the breakthrough in the second over, sneaking her second ball of the day through the gate.The Scotland captain struck again through the clever work of Sarah Bryce, stumping Hollie Armitage after she stepped out of her crease. Kathryn was on a roll notching two further scalps to remove Sterre Kallis and Katherine Brunt to leave the hosts reeling.Sciver and Gunn turned the momentum with a stand of fifty for the fifth wicket from 82 deliveries. However, Bethan Ellis dismissed Gunn and Bessie Heath to put the pressure back on the home side.Sciver kept her composure despite the loss of wickets around her and was able to reach her half-century from 62 balls, passing the milestone with a strike over the top. Sciver was aided by Alex MacDonald, adding a half-century for the seventh wicket guiding the Diamonds past the 150-run mark.The 28-year-old was rewarded for her exploits in the middle with a century, reaching the milestone with a quick single. Bryce returned to claim her fifth wicket of the innings, bowling Sciver for 104, although the Diamonds were able to post a competitive total of 226.The Lightning began well in their reply without taking a great deal of risk. Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce brought up their fifty partnership in the 10th over. Both players were able to manoeuvre the ball around the field to make inroads into their target.Beaumont deployed the sweep to great effect and she brought up the visitors’ hundred with two runs down to fine leg, while Sarah Bryce then worked her way to her second half-century of the competition from 80 balls.Beaumont followed suit in recording her fifty, but was then bowled by Smith, breaking the opening stand at 117. Smith then had Sarah Bryce caught behind for 57. Once the openers were gone the Lightning struggled to score, and Sciver ramped up the pressure by removing Ellis and Lucy Higham cheaply, completing a fine all-round display.Kathryn Bryce held the innings together for the visitors, notching a vital 66-ball fifty. She upped the ante by dispatching a four and a six from back-to-back deliveries. However, it was not enough for the visitors, who fell short of their victory target.

A trophy-laden manager is apparently open to replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, with the board's stance on potentially appointing him emerging as well.

Chelsea begin search for new manager after Pochettino exit

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are set to begin Chelsea's search for a new manager, with Pochettino officially departing by mutual consent after months of speculation.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea have discussed hiring £8.5 million title-winner

The Blues’ managerial search has officially begun.

ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2024

The Argentine lead Chelsea to European qualification after a fine end to 2023/2024, but that wasn't enough to convince the Chelsea hierarchy to stick with him. Before their excellent run of form in the latter stages, Pochettino was subject to uncertainty regarding his future, and reports at the time suggested Chelsea had already begun succession planning.

This is echoed by journalist Ben Jacobs, who shared a detailed analysis this week on Pochettino's departure and what comes next for Chelsea.

"Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley will lead Chelsea's search for a new manager," wrote Jacobs on X.

"Prior to Mauricio Pochettino's departure, succession planning had already begun. Clubs do this even if they don't make a change when there is uncertainty (or potential demand in other cases), or a manager is simply on a short-term contract. Expected to be a fast appointment. Kieran McKenna, Michel, Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank all discussed.

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"Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim not viewed as likely at this stage. Volume of names shows #CFC have done their diligence allowing to them move quickly. As for Pochettino, understand he's happy to go straight back into work. His departure is described as amicable. Chelsea's strong end to the season, and form since Boxing Day, plus the young squad he was working with, mean he leaves with plenty of plaudits within the industry."

Many other names have been linked as well, like former boss Thomas Tuchel. Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg even claimed earlier this week that Chelsea have held loose talks with Tuchel over a return, with talkSPORT now sharing an update of their own on the trophy-laden tactician.

Chelsea board stance with Tuchel open to returning

According to the broadcaster, Tuchel is open to re-joining Chelsea as manager, but the feeling isn't mutual on the club's side after all.

Indeed, they claim that the hierarchy aren't keen on the possibility of a reunion with the 50-year-old, coming after their relationship ended on a very sour note last time round.

This could disappoint a section of supporters given his fan favourite status, and left-back Ben Chilwell could be gutted by this news as well.

"[Tuchel's continuity] can only be a good thing," said Chilwell in praise of Tuchel during his reign. "As players we have full confidence in the manager – we know we’re not going to get a better manager here. I’m not just saying it. He’s an unbelievable manager in all aspects and I think he has a lot of trust in us as well."

Fell’s first red-ball ton since recovering from testicular cancer paves way for 78-run win

ECB Reporters Network18-Aug-2020Tom Fell surely possesses a unique perspective on playing cricket and it was a day for him to cherish deeply as his first red-ball hundred since beginning treatment for testicular cancer in 2015 helped his side to a second Bob Willis Trophy victory as Worcestershire beat Northamptonshire by 78 runs at Wantage Road.His unbeaten 110 allowed Worcestershire to declare on the final morning and set Northamptonshire 263 in 68 overs. It was easily defended as the hosts were bowled out for 184.Fell was a rising star at New Road and as 21-year-old in 2015 made 1127 first-class runs at 42. But the hundred he made against Middlesex that September was his last until now. Cancer cruelly halted his career progress but here was evidence that he still has much to give the game.It was a touching moment when he took his overnight 81 to a sixth first-class century, nudging his 205th delivery to long leg off Gareth Berg. There was visible emotion on the visitors’ balcony.And no doubt scenes of joy inside the dressing room after Worcestershire completed victory to keep up their challenge for a place in the Bob Willis Trophy final. After a poor 2019 in the County Championship, the Worcester boys are again happy in red-ball cricket.After Fell reached his hundred, the flare immediately went up and he and Ed Barnard launched 29 in two overs before the declaration came, Worcestershire no doubt mindful after running out of time against Glamorgan last week.The target offered hope for Northamptonshire and they began brightly. Ricardo Vasconcelos cut two boundaries, flicked another and beautifully drove Brett D’Oliveira for another four to leave an exciting finish in prospect.Tom Fell raises his bat for his hundred•Getty ImagesThe hosts were going very well at 48 without loss but it was quickly ruined by their latest collapse at they lost 3 for 7 in 10 balls.Both openers fell in identical fashion. But both decisions against Ben Curran, to Joe Leach for 17, and Vasconcelos, to Josh Tongue for 31, appeared to have some doubt with balls from right-arm over to left-handers that didn’t significantly straighten. There was only bemusement, though, as Alex Wakely played a back-foot block and somehow lobbed Tongue to mid-on.Charlie Thurston nicked behind a brisk Barnard away-swinger soon after. Richard Levi then tried to turn Dillon Pennington to leg and got a leading edge to point where Barnard to a good catch diving forward. Pennington struck again before tea as Saif Zaib wafted outside off and edged behind.With their top order having failed for a sixth consecutive innings, Northamptonshire went down swinging in the final session. Berg cut Leach for four but was bowled driving at Tongue. Adam Rossington pulled two boundaries and advanced at Leach to lift him over mid-on. He skewed another four over the slips cordon but eventually skied a catch to Cox off Leach.The fun continued as Nathan Buck struck three sixes – Leach over midwicket, Pennington and Barnard over long-on, the latter after a sashay down the wicket.Buck’s unbeaten 24 was the innings’ third-highest score and Northamptonshire took only four points from the game and have very little to show for their three matches so far. Good job they declared their intention to use the Bob Willis Trophy as a development competition before the season began.The late hitting did save them from consecutive defeats by a three-figure margin but as Barnard took out Jack White’s off stump to finish the game, it completed another disappointing week for a county who made much progress in 2019.