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Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso provided a key update on Kylian Mbappe's fitness ahead of the club's La Liga fixture against Getafe this weekend. The star forward picked up an injury while on international duty with France. He limped off the pitch late on during Les Bleus' clash with Azerbaijan and missed their World Cup qualifier against Iceland after being released from the French squad.

Mbappe suffered ankle knock against Azerbaijan

Mbappe's participation in their first World Cup qualifier of the October international break was hanging in the balance due to an ankle injury he sustained while playing for Madrid against Villarreal in La Liga. Despite the knock, the France captain took to the the field against Azerbaijan last Friday but he suffered another ankle knock and had to be subbed off in the 83rd minute.

The attacker was subsequently released from the France squad so that he could work on his recovery back at Madrid's facilities. A statement from the French Football Federation read: "Upon the French delegation's return to Clairefontaine, the French team captain spoke with Didier Deschamps. The national coach has confirmed his absence. Kylian Mbappe has been released to his club and will not be replaced."

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesAlonso provides key update on Mbappe

Ahead of Los Blancos' upcoming La Liga match against Getafe on Sunday, manager Alonso provided a key update on Mbappe's condition. Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference, the Spanish coach said: "Yes, Kylian Mbappe is back and can also start against Getafe."

Mbappe's recovery comes as welcome news for the Spanish giants, who will aim to occupy the top spot in the league ahead of their Clasico fixture against arch-rival Barcelona next week. The French star is currently enjoying a remarkable scoring run, having scored in his last 10 consecutive matches for both club and country. His recent scoring streak includes goals against Ukraine, Real Sociedad, Kairat, and Espanyol, with the 26-year-old hitting the net in multiple competitions. He also broke the deadlock in France's 3-0 win against Azerbaijan with his 17th goal in 13 appearances for club and country this season, which also marked his 53rd international goal for France, meaning he is now only four goals away from Olivier Giroud's record as Les Bleus' all-time top scorer.

Mbappe wants to help Alonso win many trophies

Alonso created shockwaves in Europe after his scintillating stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the German side win the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season. Following his brief stint as a manager at Leverkusen, the Spaniard returned to Real Madrid, where he had previously played with distinction. Mbappe, who is in fine form, lavished praise on the manager while claiming the Madrid players want to help Alonso with as many trophies as possible.

Speaking about Ancelotti and Alonso's managerial style, Mbappe had to : "They're different, two generations of coaches who have crossed paths. Ancelotti is one of the best in history. When you arrive, you're happy to play for him; he's always close to the players. Xabi wants to help a lot, but he's younger. He has more need and desire to prove himself with Real Madrid, to achieve things in his first big opportunity at the best club in the world. We're going to try to help him win as many titles as possible. It's an important year for Real Madrid and the national team. We're starting to understand what the manager wants from us, but we have to improve to get where we want to be."

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AFPReal Madrid facing hectic fixture list

Alonso will have to rotate his squad as much as possible in the next few matches, as they face a hectic fixture list that involves playing four matches in a span of 13 days, starting this Sunday. The fixture list also includes a key Champions League game against Juventus on October 22 and El Clasico in La Liga four days later. Madrid are currently at the top of the table with 21 points from eight matches. 

The Real Madrid boss says he's taking one game at a time: "For me, the next one is always the toughest when I'm going through a block. This one with fewer games because we've had a clean week, but we want to keep making progress, being consistent in all competitions. We're thinking about what's coming next, which is Getafe. We're not looking any further ahead. We're aware of what's coming, obviously, but what we've talked about internally is tomorrow's opponent, which will be very demanding. So far, we've been very consistent and reliable, but we can't let our guard down."

Bangladesh’s first Test centurion assumes the BCB president’s role at a difficult time

Mohammad Isam30-May-2025Aminul Islam has been elected president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after a board meeting in Dhaka on Friday, following the removal of Faruque Ahmed by the sports ministry. Aminul is a former Bangladesh captain who led the side at the 1999 World Cup, and was their first Test centurion in 2000.Aminul’s ascent comes less than 24 hours after Faruque lost his place as the sports ministry’s representative on the board of directors, effectively ending his reign as the board president.The sports ministry said in a statement that it took the decision after eight BCB directors tabled a no-confidence motion against Faruque. It also based the decision on a fact-finding committee’s report on corruption within the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Related

Anatomy of a fall: How the BCB presidency changed hands

'It is totally performance-based' – Bangladesh's sports adviser on Faruque's removal

Aminul is BCB president for a 'quick T20 innings'

Hathurusinghe questions BCB's motives after sacking

BCB director Fahim threatens to quit over fallout with Faruque

The sports ministry made Faruque one of its two directors on the BCB board on August 21, 2024, following the resignation of Nazmul Hassan, who was also the country’s sports minister during the Awami League regime. On the same day, the directors elected Faruque as the BCB president.Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, one of the signatories to the no-confidence letter, was the other sports ministry representative in the board. Aminul made his way into the BCB through the same path. The sports ministry added Aminul as one of its representatives in the board, making him a director first. Then the nine other directors elected him board president.ESPNcricinfo understands that Aminul will continue until the next BCB election, which is likely to take place by October this year. He has taken leave from his work as an ICC development manager based in Melbourne.Faruque Ahmed’s tenure lasted nine months and eight days•BCBAminul assumes the BCB president’s role at a difficult time. There were several controversies during Faruque’s nine months as the board chief. On his first day in charge, Faruque questioned head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe’s position, before sacking him two months later. The BCB directors, in their letter to the sports ministry, said Faruque had ignored the BCB constitution, which expects the president to inform the board directors on decisions such as hiring or firing a coach.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Faruque’s handling of BPL 2025 was a key reason behind his losing his job. Bangladesh’s interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus had taken a keen interest in the BPL, but the controversy surrounding the Durbar Rajshahi franchise marred the tournament. The government had to intervene when the Rajshahi owner failed to pay players on time, even ignoring to pay their hotel bills in Chattogram and Dhaka. It led to a player revolt.Faruque also clashed with an assistant of the sports adviser, and his fallout with board director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim also became public. Dr Yunus didn’t attend the BPL’s final match as planned, which many believed was viewed negatively by the sports adviser Asif Mahmud.The BCB has continued to be mired in controversy since. The Dhaka cricket clubs were angered when the BCB was in the process of amending its constitution, before questions began to emerge about certain Dhaka Premier League (DPL) matches. The situation came to a head after a stumping incident in the Shinepukur-Gulshan club match. The start of the investigation process was also criticised after the BCB’s head of anti-corruption asked the same players to enact the incident publicly at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on the following day.Last month, Faruque said in an interview on YouTube that he would contest the upcoming board elections. Some board directors told ESPNcricinfo that his focus on the upcoming elections alienated him from the other directors. In all, Faruque lasted nine months and eight days on the hot seat.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is braced to make a ruthless call on new manager Ange Postecoglou after his dreadful start to life at the City Ground, which was compounded by a surprise 3-2 loss to Danish minnows FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou reacts to Nottingham Forest sack rumours

Just six games into his tenure, Postecoglou is already facing reports that he could be sacked if they lose to Newcastle United this weekend.

The 60-year-old has guided Forest to four losses and two draws from his opening matches in charge, having just been appointed under a month ago, and Marinakis could ruthlessly cut ties with Postecoglou despite only just arriving.

While Forest have displayed brief flashes of brilliant, interchange attacking play, the squad is really not coping well with Postecoglou’s brand of ‘Angeball’ as they struggle to adjust to a completely new system to that of his predecessor.

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Unlike Nuno’s dogged, pragmatic and counter-attacking style, Forest are tasked with playing a more front-footed, open and offensive game — and this has resulted in Forest conceding 13 goals since Postecoglou’s arrival.

They’ve also looked extremely vulnerable to set-pieces, which was on full display against Midtjylland, as chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ rang around the City Ground.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle at St. James’ Park, Postecoglou sent a defiant message that he’s unfazed by the noise and solely focused on winning matches.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Forest could be patient with Postecoglou, but Sky Sports report that Marinakis isn’t afraid to make a cut-throat decision.

Sky Sports share Ange Postecoglou sack update out of Nottingham Forest

The broadcast giant, sharing an update via their live broadcast, says that Marinakis isn’t afraid to pull the plug on Postecoglou and could do it imminently if results continue to on a downward trajectory.

Postecoglou, if sacked after Newcastle, could break the Premier League record for shortest reign by any manager, and it would be another unwanted blotch on his CV after also making the worst start by any Forest boss for 100 years.

That being said, despite Forest’s woeful form, Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp believes it would be “crazy” for Postecoglou to go already.

Over the last three seasons, Arsenal have been within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought for a Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners last claimed title glory way back in 2004, with a generation of supporters unable to personally experience the heights achieved in the years prior.

In recent years, the club have shown glimpses of ending such an extended wait, but have been unable to cross the line and end a campaign in top spot.

Arteta’s men have finished the last three seasons in second place, but will be hoping to go one better this time around after the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of new additions.

However, despite the heavy spending from the board, one player already in the ranks at the Emirates could offer the solution to their recent inability to jump the final hurdle.

Why Saka could lead Arsenal to title glory in 25/26

Winger Bukayo Saka has been a crucial member of the Arsenal squad over the last couple of years, even cementing his place as a regular starter under Arteta.

The Englishman has risen through the academy ranks and showcased his worth, subsequently reaching unthinkable heights in the club’s hunt for title glory.

The 24-year-old has since racked up 270 senior appearances for the Gunners, registering 144 combined goals and assists in the process – an average of 0.53 per 90.

He missed a huge chunk of last campaign through injury, restricting him to just 37 appearances in all competitions, but it didn’t stop him from achieving a total of 25 goal contributions.

Such numbers weren’t enough for Arteta to claim any form of silverware, but his return to full fitness in 2025/26 will only improve the club’s chances of success.

His emergence through the youth ranks has highlighted the impressive work done by all the staff behind the scenes, which could allow players to emulate his success at the Emirates.

The Arsenal star who’s already a Saka-type player

Over the last couple of months, Arsenal fans have found a new reason to be excited, with teenager Max Dowman making his mark on the first-team despite being just 15.

He made his first senior appearance for the Gunners in the 5-0 triumph over Leeds United at the Emirates, featuring for just under half an hour but still having a huge impact.

The youngster won a penalty late on in the contest, handing Viktor Gyokeres the chance to net his second goal for the club, already showcasing his ability to torment the opposition despite his tender age.

Given his immediate impact in North London, there’s no denying that Dowman has a huge future at the club, but it’s crucial Arteta and co manage the expectations placed upon him.

However, the route of being in the academy and making the jump to the senior squad isn’t as simple for others, with Eberechi Eze one player who’s demonstrated just that in recent years.

He spent time in the youth ranks during the early years of his career, before being let go and making a name for himself at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Gunners subsequently forked out a deal worth £67.5m for his signature this summer, with the hope he can become as crucial as Saka in the immediate future.

Eze, who’s been labelled “magical to watch” by Paul Hall, has glaring similarities to the aforementioned star, with the attacker already being comparable to his compatriot.

In his first eight games back in North London, the 27-year-old has already showcased his creative ability, laying on two assists in his first five Premier League outings.

Shots

2.8

1st

Shots on target

1.13

1st

Shots on target %

46.2%

5th

Progressive passes

5.23

8th

Shot-creating actions

3.83

3rd

Goal-creating actions

0.68

4th

Successful dribbles

1.3

3rd

Take-on success %

61.5%

1st

However, Eze has also shown that he’s capable of starring alone, already netting his first goal for the club in the recent Carabao Cup clash against Port Vale.

Both traits have seen Saka become a real fan-favourite in North London, with the winger undoubtedly a key part of any potential success the club could achieve this campaign.

As for the new summer addition, he could also follow suit if he continues his excellent start to life at the Emirates – subsequently adding a new dimension to Arteta’s already potent front line.

Arteta can drop Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who's emulating Haaland

Viktor Gyokeres should be under pressure to perform at Arsenal.

ByMatt Dawson Oct 15, 2025

“What I like is communication with the players, making the players feel secure, talking to them, giving them comfort around their weaknesses and strengths”

Vishal Dikshit05-Jun-20252:53

Gill: Difficult to fill Rohit-Kohli void but it’s no additional pressure

Shubman Gill was clear in his communication. He looked comfortable and snug sitting next to the strong-headed Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, and secure and confident, no matter what kind of questions were thrown at him. He faced the media for the first time in his role as India’s new Test captain.The qualities Gill exhibited on the same stage where chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced him as Rohit Sharma’s successor less than two weeks ago are exactly what he wishes to carry into the dressing room for the five-Test tour of England: clarity and security.Related

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Gill must now chart his own path

“There is no particular style of captaincy that I want to follow,” Gill said in Mumbai when asked about his idea of Test captaincy. “The more you play, the more experience you get. I think your personal style is more visible to the people. What I like is communication with the players, making the players feel secure, talking to them, giving them comfort around their weaknesses and strengths. There are many such things…forming a bond with the players is very important. If you are a captain of any team or a leader of any team, if your players feel very secure, only then they can give their 100%.”I have played under some amazing and terrific leaders. Rohit was very clear with his communication from what he wanted from the players. That was his great quality which I would want to inherit from him.”So as a leader, as a captain, you definitely want to be able to lead by example, by your performance and any match that you play.”Shubman Gill addressed his first press conference as India’s new Test captain•AFP/Getty ImagesGill, at 25, has been handed the “great challenge” in his own words, of starting his captaincy journey with a “big tour” of England, especially after India suffered forgettable series losses – first at home to New Zealand and then away against Australia – that cost them a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Gill said he was “quite overwhelmed” when he learnt about the selectors’ decision to make him the captain, which would make him India’s fifth-youngest Test leader, and the youngest since Ravi Shastri, who was some days younger when he took over in early 1988, although only for one Test at home. As well-thought out and smooth Gill’s answers were on Thursday evening, the start of almost each one of them with “sir” served as a reminder of his tender age.”There is pressure on every tour,” Gill said, playing down the magnitude of the series that will start the new WTC cycle for India and England. “It’s tough to fill the gaps left by the experienced players who won us so many matches over the years. But there’s no different pressure as such. There’s pressure in every series and all the players are used to playing and trying to win under pressure. I think the combination of batting and bowling in our team is a very good mix of experience and talent.”Gill further explained the management had not decided on the team’s batting line-up, which would be firmed in the lead-up to the first Test starting June 20, after the preparations start in and around London. His batting position and Kohli’s successor at No. 4 remain a mystery.”We haven’t really decided on the [batting order], we still have some time,” he said. “We will be playing an intra-squad match [from June 13 to 16] and I think we will be having a 10-day camp in London. So we still have a little bit of time and I think we can decide on the batting order once we go there.”Shubman Gill: ‘Rohit was very clear with his communication from what he wanted from the players. That was his great quality which I would want to inherit from him’•AFP/Getty ImagesIndia called up the uncapped top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan, handed a berth to 33-year-old Karun Nair, who last played a Test over eight years ago, and retained Abhimanyu Easwaran in their 18-member squad. Among allrounders, they picked Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur apart from the proven name in Ravindra Jadeja, making it a mix of two spinners and two fast bowlers among them. Gambhir said the look of the final XI will depend on a few different factors.”It’s not just the conditions of the ground that are different [from India], overheard conditions also matter,” Gambhir said. “So after considering everything, the best playing XI will be selected [depending on] who can give us a result, whether it is a spin-bowling allrounder or a seam-bowling allrounder. So it’s not just by looking at one or two things, we have options. And more importantly, Test matches are won when you take 20 wickets. Even if you score a thousand runs, there is no guarantee of winning. But if you take 20 wickets, then you are more or less in a position where you can win a Test match.”A big factor that could also prove pivotal in India picking 20 wickets will be England’s aggressive style of play – popularly called Bazball – which they have adopted under head coach Brendon McCullum. That modus operandi is a two-edged sword that helped them race to a score like 427 for 6 in just over 80 overs against New Zealand in early December for a massive win and also led to a collapse of 143 all out barely 10 days later for the opposite result in Hamilton. Like Jasprit Bumrah told the early last year before the home Tests against England, Bazball could lead to “heaps of wickets”, Gill further said on Thursday it does give the opponents “an opportunity”.”Yes, they play a certain way,” Gill said. “I think we saw that when they came to India as well. But I think it’s very exciting for us, it gives us an opportunity, and I think it’s a great challenge. If we are very proactive with our execution and if we are proactive with our plans, I think it would put them under pressure immensely.”In ODIs and T20Is India still top the ICC rankings, led by captains who are 38 and 34 respectively. With the next WTC final still two years away, a lot rests on the unburdened shoulders of Gill, who will be only 27 by the time the next cycle ends.

There were 19 hat-tricks in MLS regular season and GOAL ranks the best, including Messi's finale dominance and Son's first in the league

Lionel Messi delivered the only hat-trick on MLS Decision Day – a moment that was both fitting and surprising. Fitting, because the league’s biggest star showed up when the spotlight was brightest. Surprising, because it was somehow his first of the season.

Overall, the 2025 MLS season featured 1,530 goals across 510 matches – the second-highest in league history, just behind 2024's total of 1,552. Of those, 57 came via 19 hat-tricks, which also ranks second all-time.

As MLS continues its rise, so too does the level of play. LAFC’s Son Heung-Min and Vancouver’s Thomas Muller were just two of the high-profile additions who made immediate impacts this season. The adjustment period that once came with big-name signings? Pretty much gone.

Now stars are showing up ready, and it’s paying off – with sharper team play, tighter chemistry and performances that keep raising the bar. And if that means more hat-tricks, no one’s complaining. GOAL ranks the top five hat-tricks from the 2025 season.

Getty Images Sport5Tai Baribo: Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati, March 1

Not much was expected from the Union when they kicked off the season. There was more hype about a certain 15-year-old on their reserve team, Cavan Sullivan, than anyone on the first-team roster or their new coach, Bradley Carnell. The club didn't spend the cash on player signings in the offseason and dismissed long-time manager Jim Curtin. 

Tai Baribo changed all of those perceptions almost instantly, with an exclamation mark. On March 1, he recorded a hat-trick against FC Cincinnati, a team that spent big in the offseason and would be one of the league's top contenders. It was also the first hat-trick of the season. 

Although injuries and international call ups would ultimately slow Baribo's then-league-leading scoring pace, his message was clear: Philadelphia are contenders. The team would capitalize on a strong start to seal their Supporters' Shield two weeks before Decision Day. 

Advertisement4Brian White: Vancouver Whitecaps vs Austin FC, April 12

The parallels between Brian White's Vancouver and Philly can't be ignored. Similar to the Union, the Whitecaps were coming off a disappointing season where they parted with a popular manager, Vanni Sartini. And also similar to their Eastern counterpart, it took an unexpected campaign from a striker to catapult them into contention. 

White scored four goals in the 2022 season for Vancouver, but at the start of the 2025 campaign, he'd put that tally up in a single game against Austin FC. The 5-1 win pointed to the Whitecaps being one of the surprises of this season. White's efforts on April 12 marked the only four-goal outing of the season.

While injuries curtailed what was looking to be a record-breaking season for White, his breakthough at 29 years old also led to opportunities with the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino at both the January camp and the Gold Cup. He finished his season with 16 goals in 21 games, and the Whitecaps are second in MLS's Western Conference entering the playoffs. 

Imagn3Thomas Muller: Vancouver Whitecaps vs Philadelphia, Sept. 13

If White signaled the start of heightened expectations for Vancouver, Muller's arrival in August punctuated that sentiment. The Bayern Munich legend is a serial winner, with 35-plus trophies to his name. And unlike some of his previous star predecessors who came into MLS in their late 30s, Muller very much cares about what transpires on the pitch.

From barking instructions at teammates to being an all-around performer, he isn't here on name value alone. Nothing showcased that more than his role in Vancouver's 7-0 shellacking of the league-leading Union. 

Muller got himself a hat-trick for his birthday and also added an assist for a good measure. It was the seventh time a MLS side won by seven goals, and it was the largest win in Whitecaps history.

It is also worth noting Muller's three goals were the end to a historic 24 hours for MLS, with three other players all notching hat-tricks that weekend: Idan Toklomati, Denis Bouanga, Diego Rossi also scored triples.

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Getty Images Sport2Son Heung-Min: LAFC vs Real Salt Lake, Sept. 17

While there was palpable excitement over Son's arrival in MLS, LAFC fans weren't exactly sure which version of the South Korean they were getting. Was this going to be the Son who was a force in the Premier League for nearly a decade, or the winger who looked a step slow in a Tottenham side that struggled all season?

On Sept. 17 against Real Salt Lake, Son proved to MLS that he might just be the second-best player in the league, becoming a 1B to Messi's very clear 1A. All three goals were on counterattacks, with Son blazing through RSL's defense on each play. But his second stands out as he just blasted it in from 25 yards out.

It's also worth noting that Bouanga got the assist on Son's final goal to wrap up the 4-1 win. Son returned the favor by assisting on one of Bouanga's goals in a hat-trick just four days later, another 4-1 scoreline.

Ajax are considering a sensational reunion with Erik ten Hag, with director Alex Kroes holding fresh talks to bring the former coach back amid mounting pressure on John Heitinga. The Dutch giants’ struggles under the ex-Liverpool assistant have prompted calls from fans and insiders for change as the club seek stability after another bruising European night.

Ajax crisis deepens as Heitinga loses support

Ajax’s season has lurched deeper into crisis following their 3-0 home defeat to Galatasaray, leaving Heitinga’s future hanging by a thread. The result sparked fury among fans, who demanded “a coach with experience” in a statement released by supporters’ group AFCA, urging director Kroes to act swiftly.

Kroes, who has faced growing criticism over the team’s direction, reportedly met Ten Hag earlier this week in Huizen. Officially described as a “planned coffee meeting,” the timing just days before the Galatasaray collapse has fueled speculation of an imminent managerial change, according to .

The ex-Manchester United boss, currently out of work after a brief spell at Bayer Leverkusen, remains deeply respected in Amsterdam after his trophy-laden tenure between 2018 and 2022, during which he guided Ajax to three Eredivisie titles and a Champions League semi-final. His potential return is viewed as the club’s only viable lifeline to restore order on and off the pitch.

AdvertisementAFPKroes looks to Ten Hag as crisis solution

Inside the Johan Cruyff Arena, pressure is mounting not only on Heitinga but also on Kroes himself, whose credibility is now tied to the struggling manager. According to reports, the Ajax director will hold follow-up talks with Ten Hag, hoping to persuade him to take charge before the winter break. For Kroes, the stakes are clear. Without Ten Hag’s agreement, his own position could soon become untenable. 

Ten Hag’s track record speaks for itself. Under his leadership, Ajax became synonymous with dynamic, high-pressing football and world-class talent development, producing stars such as Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek. His return would not only bring tactical clarity but also much-needed stability to a fractured club structure.

However, the 55-year-old will face a far tougher challenge this time. The current squad, described by Dutch media as “limited and flawed,” lacks the depth and technical quality of his previous era. Yet, given the club’s current state, expectations are modest, few believe a title race is even possible this season.

Fan frustration reaches breaking point

Wednesday’s humiliating loss to Galatasaray marked Ajax’s fourth straight defeat in the Champions League, leaving them bottom of the table and with just one goal scored. Heitinga, once seen as a steady interim figure, now looks increasingly out of his depth. Players’ silence spoke volumes: Davy Klaassen, echoing teammates Remko Pasveer and Steven Berghuis, stopped short of backing the coach, admitting there was still “little foundation” and “little development.”

The discontent reflects deeper structural failings. Ajax’s recruitment has faltered, academy integration has slowed, and confidence has drained from a squad built on uncertainty. The AFCA supporters’ group voiced what many fans feel: “This football will bring tears to your eyes.”

For a club once hailed as Europe’s model of modern success, the current malaise has been jarring and it explains why Ten Hag, despite previous tensions with the board, is seen as the only man capable of restoring identity and purpose.

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AFPTen Hag’s return: motivation, timing and obstacles

Since the abrupt end to his three-game stint at Leverkusen, Ten Hag has been taking time away from football. Reports suggest he is open to returning to Ajax in January, provided the club demonstrate both ambition and structural support.

Financially, the move will not be simple. His €6 million severance package from Leverkusen complicates immediate negotiations, but Ajax are prepared to wait if it means securing their preferred candidate. Rival interest from Wolves, currently battling relegation in the Premier League, adds a layer of urgency. 

For Ten Hag, the appeal is clear – a chance to reclaim his legacy at the club where he built his reputation and reignite a project that still bears his tactical fingerprints. For Ajax, it’s a gamble they can’t afford not to take.

Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 0-0 draw by Monaco in the Champions League last time out, but it was the hosts who had the better chances to win the match.

The French side created five ‘big chances’ in the game, compared to Tottenham’s one, and Guglielmo Vicario prevented a whopping 2.68 xG with eight saves.

Whilst Thomas Frank will be concerned that his goalkeeper needed to make so many saves, the Spurs head coach should be concerned about the lack of potency in the final third.

Tottenham have struggled at the top end of the pitch under the former Brentford boss in the Premier League so far this season, as shown in the table below.

1

Crystal Palace – 33

Crystal Palace – 22

2

Man City – 27

Man City – 17

3

Liverpool – 24

Liverpool – 17

4

Chelsea – 23

Leeds – 14

5

Arsenal – 22

Man Utd – 14

6

Man Utd – 22

Arsenal – 13

7

Brighton – 18

Newcastle – 11

8

Leeds – 17

Nottingham Forest – 11

9

Newcastle – 15

Chelsea – 10

10

Everton – 15

Everton – 10

Spurs do not rank within the top ten Premier League sides for ‘big chances’ created or missed, as they sit 15th in the division for ‘big chances’ created with 13, per Sofascore.

On top of struggling to create chances on a consistent basis, it also remains to be seen whether or not the Lilywhites have a striker who can provide consistent quality in front of goal.

Ranking Tottenham Hotspur's striker options

Mathys Tel, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke are the main centre-forward options at Frank’s disposal this season, although Solanke is currently making his way back from an ankle injury.

Despite scoring a goal against Leeds United last month, Tel may rank at the bottom of the manager’s options in the number nine position, because he is still a young and inexperienced player.

The France U21 international has scored four goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for the club, per Sofascore, which shows that he still has development to go through before he can offer a consistent threat.

Richarlison is currently the first-choice number nine, in Solanke’s absence, and he has scored eight goals in 37 matches since the start of last season, per Sofascore, including three goals in eight Premier League outings this term.

Appearances

27

Starts

25

xG

10.97

Goals

9

Big chances missed

12

Minutes per goal

245

xA

1.15

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, Solanke scored more goals in the Premier League alone last season than Richarlison has managed in all competitions since the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

This suggests that the England international is the best striker in the current Spurs squad, but the club are reportedly keen on a player who is even better than him.

Spurs ready to pay up for Serie A striker

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by TuttoJuve, Tottenham Hotspur are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Juventus centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic.

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The report claims that Fabio Paratici is eyeing up a potential swoop for the Serbia international, but will face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

It adds that all three clubs are willing to pay the fee that Juventus are looking for, which is up to £22m, as they look to move on from Vlahovic in the upcoming January transfer window.

The experienced striker’s contract in Turin is set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, which is why the Old Lady are keen to move on from him in January to avoid losing the forward for nothing in the summer.

Why Spurs should sign Dusan Vlahovic

Paratici should push to secure a deal for Vlahovic ahead of both Chelsea and Manchester United because he could arrive in North London as an instant upgrade on Solanke.

The Serbian number nine’s form last season and throughout his career at the top level suggests that he would offer a far more clinical and lethal presence at the top end of the pitch for Spurs.

Vlahovic scored 17 goals in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, including the summer Club World Cup, and hit double figures for goals in the Serie A, per Sofascore.

Starts

21

25

Goals

10

9

Minutes per goal

180

245

Shots on target per game

1.0

1.0

Assists

4

3

Aerial duels won per game

1.3

1.7

Aerial duel success rate

48%

43%

As you can see in the table above, Vlahovic was far more prolific than Solanke at league level, as shown by their respective minutes per goal ratios, whilst he also won a higher percentage of his aerial duels and provided more assists.

These statistics suggest that the Juventus striker, who was described as an “absolute monster” by reporter Carlo Garganese, would provide more quality than the Englishman in the final third.

That is further backed up by their respective career finishing statistics. Per UnderStat, Solanke has scored 38 goals from 52.23 xG in his top-flight career, whilst Vlahovic has 89 goals from 90.73 xG in his time in the Serie A with Fiorentina and Juventus.

This suggests that Vlahovic would provide a level of clinical finishing and goalscoring prowess that Frank does not currently have at his disposal in North London this season.

Therefore, Paratici needs to do all he can to convince the Serbian marksman to turn down potential moves to Manchester United and Chelsea to join the Lilywhites in the upcoming January transfer window, as he would improve the current first-team squad.

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India Under-19 collapsed after a 133-run stand between Malhotra and Mhatre

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay22-Jul-2025Ralphie Albert sparked not one collapse but two in taking 6 for 53 as England Under-19 edged ahead in the rain-affected 2nd ‘Test’ against India at Chelmsford.The 17-year-old left-arm spinner reduced India from 170 for 1 to 181 for 4 before helping to secure the last six wickets for 37 as India were bowled out for 279 to trail by 30.This looked unlikely when Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra were compiling a dominant stand of 133 for the second wicket. Malhotra would go on to make 120 at nearly a-run-a-ball, but aside from this pair, only Harvansh Pangalia (28) and Kanishk Chouhan (23) reached double-figures, with five batters making ducks.England openers Ben Dawkins and Adam Thomas survived the odd scare to stretch that lead to 123 before bad light ended play 12 overs before the scheduled close.Rain delayed the start until 12.15pm before Malhotra and Mhatre dominated the pre-lunch session.Mhatre, dropped at cover on the second afternoon, was reprieved a second time when Alex Green failed to take a tough caught-and-bowled chance, but soon made the most of his good fortune, two sumptuous fours off the back foot and a huge six from the bowling of day-two centurion Ekansh Singh among the pick of his shots.Malhotra survived a big shout for lbw and being struck midships by James Minto. His cover drive off Green was a thing of beauty, and he raised the 100 of the innings with six over square leg. Another six took him to 50 as India scored 108 in the 75 minutes of play. England looked to be searching for wickets, and the result was too many four balls in a tardy effort.[File photo] Ralphie Albert triggered twin Indian collapses•Getty ImagesWhether it was harsh words from the coaches or an inspired lunch choice, England emerged a different side. Tighter bowling brought a breakthrough when Mhatre missed one from Alex French, which angled in and spreadeagled his stumps. He scored 80.Door ajar, Albert produced some spin wizardry to strike twice in as many overs, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu bunting back a caught and bowled before Rahul Kumar edged low to Thomas at slip.India’s response was to counter-attack, Pangalia dispatching a long-hop over the longest boundary before driving and cutting for successive fours.At the other end, Malhotra’s 16th four took him to his hundred in 101 balls and at 242 for 4 the visitors were back in the ascendancy.However, Pangalia top-edged a cross-bat slog into the deep and RS Ambrish became the third duck on the Indian card when he drove to cover in Albert’s next over.The Surrey youngster was on a roll, Malhotra becoming his biggest prize when perishing to a catch by Ben Mayes on the midwicket fence. Albert wasn’t finished there, Henil Patel his fourth wicket in 13 balls courtesy of Thomas’ second smart slip catch of the afternoon.Thereafter, only Chouhan held up the hosts for a while, Albert’s fellow spinner Mayes (2 for 17) picking up the last two wickets – a due reward for a tight spell.Dawkins and Thomas were both on a pair and began nervously, the former given a life when dropped at first slip off Aditya Rawat on 7.Rawat’s searching examination survived, the pair prospered, Dawkins clearing the ropes at midwicket, while Thomas drove and cut well to reach 50 with seven fours in the last over before the light closed in.

England accused Gill of hypocrisy after he took issue with their time-wasting tactics in a dramatic final over

Matt Roller12-Jul-2025

Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley were involved in a heated exchange•Getty Images

England accused India’s captain Shubman Gill of hypocrisy after he took issue with their time-wasting tactics in a dramatic final over on the third day at Lord’s.Gill, who spent several minutes lying down and receiving treatment during India’s fielding innings on the second day, appeared to tell Zak Crawley to “grow some f***ing balls” after he twice pulled out while Jasprit Bumrah was running into bowl the first over of England’s second innings, which started around six minutes before the close of play.Crawley called for treatment two balls later when he was struck on the glove, prompting several India fielders to walk towards him while clapping sarcastically. Both Gill and Crawley pointed fingers at one another in a heated exchange and Tim Southee, England’s bowling coach, suggested that Gill had no right to complain about time-wasting.

Always annoying when you can't get another over in before close pic.twitter.com/3Goknoe2n5

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2025