Development: FSG know fee needed to sign new “leader” for Liverpool

Liverpool have been continually linked with a move for a trophy-winning "leader" recently, and they now know the asking price in order to sign him in the near future.

Liverpool need new defensive midfielder

The Reds have come on leaps and bounds this season, following such a tough campaign last time around, with the summer signings giving them a new lease of life. Liverpool sit second in the Premier League table after 12 matches in 2023/24, with Jurgen Klopp's decision to bring in the likes of Dominik Szoboszlia, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch paying off, improving on what was an ageing midfield beforehand.

That being said, Mac Allister hasn't always looked entirely comfortable being used in a No.6 position, with his lack of pace and natural defensive instincts a visible weakness in an unnatural role. That's not to say that the Argentina World Cup winner hasn't played well for large chunks of matches, but it could be argued that more of an out-and-out defensive midfielder would further improve Liverpool's chances of going all the way in the Premier League title race this season.

A recent report claimed that the Reds are the front-runners to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, who is fresh off the back of enjoying Copa Libertadores glory with his current club earlier this month.

Liverpool learn Andre price tag

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Fluminense will accept a £30m bid for Liverpool target Andre, acting as a further boost to their hopes of signing him.

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"Fluminense would now accept a £30million January offer for long-term Liverpool target Andre, sources have told Football Insider. The Reds are scouring the market for defensive midfielder options as the new year approaches and the Brazilian is firmly on their radar.

"Alexis Mac Allister has regularly played the role for Jurgen Klopp’s side with summer signing Wataru Endo not yet making an impression in England."

This should be considered a further boost for Liverpool in their quest to sign Andre in the January transfer window, with the amount in question far from an earth-shattering fee, especially for a player with so much potential.

While not necessarily a pure No.6 in the mould of someone like Fabinho, the 22-year-old could still be an upgrade on Mac Allister, covering ground with more ease and giving the midfield more solidity, not to mention allowing the Argentine the chance to play as a No.8, as he so often did at Brighton during his time on the south coast.

Appearances

163

Goals

4

Assists

3

Andre's statistics for Fluminense highlight the weapons he has in his armoury, with 1.9 tackles per game recorded in the Brazilian Serie A this season, as well as an incredible 94.7% pass completion rate.

The Brazil international has also been lauded as a "leader" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and his all-round brilliance and long-term potential make him a no-brainer of a signing for Liverpool, should they further pursue a move.

Wolves could unearth a dream Hwang heir in January swoop for 5 ft 8 sensation

Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed a solid start to the 2023/24 campaign and Gary O'Neil can be pleased with the start to life he has had.

The Old Gold have won four of their 12 Premier League matches so far this season and have secured fantastic victories over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, that has not stopped them from looking at possible signings to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season as they have been linked with a swoop for Norwich City forward Jonathan Rowe.

TEAMtalk named the club alongside Crystal Palace and Aston Villa as the Premier League clubs currently keeping tabs on the England U21 international ahead of the January transfer window.

Norwich forward Jonathan Rowe.

The Canaries are said to be keen to keep hold of their star attacker and it remains to be seen how realistic a deal for the 20-year-old whiz is at this moment in time.

However, if O'Neil can raid his former club for Rowe then he could land a dream long-term heir to current Wolves star Hee-chan Hwang as a goalscoring left winger.

Hee-chan Hwang's season in numbers

The South Korea international has enjoyed a terrific start to the 2023/24 campaign and is proving himself to be a fantastic option for the head coach at the top end of the pitch.

Hwang, who only scored three goals in 27 Premier League matches last season, has racked up six goals in 12 top-flight appearances for the club so far, along with one goal in one EFL Cup outing.

Hwang Hee-chan

His impressive attacking output from the flank has been a joy to watch so far and a welcome boost for Wolves, who only managed 31 goals in 38 league games last term.

However, it is always important to think ahead and Rowe, 20, could be the dream long-term heir to that position – currently held by Hwang, who turns 28 in January.

Jonathan Rowe's season in numbers

The 5 foot 8 sensation has burst onto the scene with Norwich this season and has showcased his potential as a winger who can regularly chip in with goals.

He has plundered seven goals and one assist in 16 Championship starts for the Canaries under David Wagner, having come up through their academy system.

The young gem has also managed one goal and one assist in two substitute appearances in the EFL Cup for his side, which means that the exciting forward has racked up eight goals and two assists in 16 starts in all competitions this season.

Rowe has averaged a direct goal contribution every 1.6 starts for the Yellows this term, which shows that he has the ability to make things happen in the final third on a regular basis.

Of course, he is yet to prove himself at Premier League level but his form for Norwich at such a young age highlights his potential and shows why the 20-year-old magician could be a fantastic long-term signing for Wolves.

The England U21 international, whose Three Lions boss Lee Carsley claimed is "in form" this season, could compete with and learn from Hwang before eventually taking over that position as his own further down the line.

Ceni celebra evolução do Flamengo e reforça confiança no título: 'Sempre tentando melhorar a cada jogo'

MatériaMais Notícias

As duas vitórias consecutivas – sobre o Goiás, na segunda, e sobre o Palmeiras, nesta quinta – reforçaram a confiança de Rogério Ceni na conquista do Brasileirão pelo Flamengo. Não apenas pela curta distância para o líder Internacional, de cinco pontos, mas também pela evolução da equipe nas últimas rodadas. São dois jogos sem sofrer gols, mesmo atuando com uma equipe muito ofensiva, como destacou o treinador após o 2 a 0 nesta quinta.

-Estamos sempre tentando melhorar a cada jogo, construir algo mais sólido. Tivemos boas chances de gol em outros jogos. Hoje tivemos uma apresentação melhor no contexto geral, somando os dois tempos. O time brigou, além do talento. Foram seis jogadores de frente, sendo dois 10 (Diego e Gerson) não lembro do Flamengo começar assim. Já esteve assim em momentos de jogos. Seis jogadores altamente técnicos – afirmou Rogério Ceni, antes de completar:

– Prêmio pela ousadia e dedicação em campo. Estamos em um processo de crescimento. Não acontece em um mês ou uma semana de trabalho, mas com o talento e a entrega que eles têm, temos tudo para brigar pelo octa – afirmou.

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Com 55 pontos, o Flamengo está na terceira posição, quatro atrás do líder Internacional. No próximo domingo, o time de Rogério Ceni enfrenta o Athletico, na Arena da Baixada. Assim, o elenco rubro-negro permanece em Brasília até sábado, quando embarca para Curitiba. A partida válida pela 32ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, contra o Furacão, será às 16h de domingo.

Confira outras respostas do técnico Rogério Ceni nesta quinta-feira:

Opção por Willian Arão na zaga

Nós treinamos semana passada, ele já vem executando em alguns jogos em um tempo, nos últimos 15 minutos, quando precisamos da vitória. Hoje achei que encaizaria melhor nesse modelo de jogo. Achei que o Rony começaria jogando, mas não foi. Arão tem mais mobilidade e achei que com o Rodrigo formaria uma boa dupla. Onde quer que jogue, é um jogador muito importante para nós. Tem 280 jogos pelo Flamengo, sempre tem boa vontade em ajudar. Eu conversei com ele e se colocou à disposição para jogar onde eu quisesse. Para transformar um volante em zagueiro tem que contar com a boa vontade. É um cara que sempre demonstra isso. Pode ser utilizado assim em outros jogos, não necessariamente em sequência. Colabora muito no dia a dia, dentro e fora do campo. Tem uma história no Flamengo.

Vitória contra um time do G6 do Brasileirão

O Flamengo estava com dificuldade contra os cinco primeiros. Foi importante, mostra para a gente, para o torcedor, que é possível enfrentar equipes como o Palmeiras. Fizemos um bom jogo. É importante. Ainda temos Inter, São Paulo e Grêmio. Importante para esses últimos oito jogos que faltam.

Enfrentamos um Palmeiras que só tinha tomado 6 ou 7 nos últimos 11 jogos. É uma equipe forte, bem estruturada, e ganhar um jogo desse tamanho traz a motivação para o torcedor e pode despertar aquele sentimento que torna o Flamengo mais forte. É uma vitória importante, que traz confiança.

Críticas externas e escolhas feitas

Trégua se tem quando está em guerra. Eu penso que, aqui, estamos todos do mesmo lado. Quando vim trabalhar no Flamengo vim fazer o melhor para o Flamengo. Tenho certeza que os atletas também pensam assim. Quando so resultados não vêm, existe uma cobrança. Eu não sou muito ligado em redes sociais. Minhas escolhas são baseadas no trabalho do dia a dia. Não me baseio em opiniões externas. Vivo o dia a dia do CT. Do CT para casa, de casa para o CT. É o que vivo no Rio de Janeiro.

NFL legend Tom Brady 'really impressed' by Jude Bellingham as Birmingham City investor reveals 'conversation' with Real Madrid superstar after watching him inspire Clasico victory over Barcelona

NFL legend Tom Brady is “really impressed” with Birmingham native Jude Bellingham after seeing him star on and off the field at Real Madrid.

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  • England star started out at at St Andrew's
  • American football icon now involved with Blues
  • Took in Spanish trip to watch dramatic contest
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bellingham, who came through the academy ranks at St Andrew’s to make his senior debut at just 16 years of age, has become a global superstar since leaving a West Midlands comfort zone. He has become a talismanic presence for Real and England, with Brady on hand on witness his latest moment of magic as a dramatic winner was recorded in a thrilling Clasico clash with Barcelona.

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    WHAT BRADY SAID

    Brady, who is now an investor and chairman of the advisory board at Birmingham, has told of mingling with Bellingham during a visit to Santiago Bernabeu: “When he actually transferred from Dortmund to Real Madrid, we struck up a conversation. I was really impressed by his maturity and how talented he is, although of course everyone can see that. He's got a great future because of what's in his brain and what he's really focused on.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Brady is not the only sporting great to have been singing Bellingham’s praises, with record-breaking tennis star Novak Djokovic – who has more Grand Slam titles to his name that anybody else in the history of the men’s game – saying at the Laureus World Sports Awards: “What I was impressed with is that he was always trying to make these runs, and he was not getting the right balls, and he was getting a little bit frustrated, but then he was waiting for the right opportunity. He was serious, professional, dedicated, patient and believed that the chance will come. It came in the right moment and he decided the game. He's only 20, so that's a feature or characteristic of a great champion.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

    Bellingham, with 21 goals recorded through all competitions this season, is hoping to get his hands on La Liga and Champions League honours with Real before forming part of England’s quest to savour European Championship glory on German soil this summer.

Everton make decision on "outstanding" Jarrad Branthwaite amid interest

Sean Dyche has finally got Everton closer to their best in the Premier League, enjoying a successful season that even a ten-point deduction has failed to completely disrupt. The Toffees are already back out of the relegation zone after the deduction and would be in the top half of England's top flight if it wasn't for the loss of those aforementioned points.

With it all coming together for Everton, the January transfer window could be a dangerous month, with those at Goodison Park potentially forced into a battle to keep hold of their best players. Planning ahead, the Toffees have reportedly already reached a decision regarding one particular player who has attracted interest.

Everton transfer news

Whilst arrivals such as Jack Harrison and Ashley Young will get some credit for how they've settled in, it's been the likes of Dwight McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucoure who have stood out for Dyche, helping Everton to pick up some crucial points.

Their last win over Newcastle United summed up how good they can be when at their best under the former Burnley boss, and now, Everton will only look to kick on. If they can keep their star players then they may just return to the heights they once found themselves at, especially if one specific player stays put as planned.

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According to Football Insider, Everton are set to reject offers for Jarrad Branthwaite in January, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Having just signed a contract extension at the club until June 2027, it looks as though the star defender is set to stay put for now and help his side as they continue to climb back up the Premier League table in a major boost for Dyche and co. Everton will hope that the case remains the same in the summer transfer window.

"Outstanding" Branthwaite the key to Everton survival

Branthwaite's rise into Everton's first-team has been vital for Dyche's side so far this season, and even at 21 years old, the central defender stands tall as one of the Toffees' best options – Branthwaite's stats prove as much.

Jarrad Branthwaite

14

68

22

Michael Keane

2

7

4

James Tarkowski

14

59

26

It's no surprise that the defender has earned high praise throughout the season as a result of his performances. That includes from England U21s boss and ex-Everton midfielder Lee Carsley, who said (via the Liverpool Echo): "There were a few players that could've worn the armband. It was a way of showing Jarrad how well we think he's doing at present as well. I think it's part of the game he can add to in terms of leadership.

"He leads by example, he's not too loud, he's quite a quiet guy but the way he plays, he's very imposing. I thought he was excellent tonight and it's something that he should be proud of to lead the team out.

"It was (a) low-key (response), he's very much a team player. I'm not sure he was too keen on being the one in the limelight, you've seen that tonight both he and Jarell (Quansah), they play like men. I thought they were outstanding, they played with real matureness in their defending, it was good to see."

Wayne Rooney lands first big job since being axed by Tom Brady & Co at Birmingham City as Man Utd legend links up with 'good mate' Gary Neville

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has landed his first big job since being sacked by Birmingham City, linking up with Gary Neville.

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Rooney to feature on The OverlapWill share the table with Neville, Keane, CarragherHas been doing punditry for various broadcastersWHAT HAPPENED?

The former striker announced his collaboration with Neville's football podcast, The Overlap, marking a significant move in his post-playing career endeavours. The show, launched in 2021, has swiftly emerged as a prominent voice in football media, captivating audiences with its insightful analysis and exclusive interviews. Rooney will join an esteemed lineup of pundits, including ex-United team-mates Gary Neville and Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Jill Scott, and Jamie Carragher, contributing to the channel's diverse content spanning across YouTube and podcasts.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ROONEY SAID

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Rooney wrote on "I'm excited to announce that I will be joining my good mate Gary Neville and the team at The Overlap to appear on the channel across some of their brilliant shows on YouTube and the podcast. I can’t wait to get started – head over and subscribe now!"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Rooney's managerial stint at Birmingham City faced significant challenges, with Tom Brady and the rest of the boardroom officials at the club opting to sack him after just 15 games after their fortunes plummeted under his leadership. Taking the reins from John Eustace with Birmingham City in sixth place, Rooney struggled to steer the team, winning only two games and ultimately leaving them languishing in the relegation zone. Despite the setbacks in his managerial career, Rooney remains determined to explore new managerial opportunities. Meanwhile, he has been trying his luck at punditry making appearances on various platforms, including Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and BBC One.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Rooney was forced to sit out from his scheduled debut on Match of the Day on BBC due to a back injury sustained during a family holiday.

He wrote: "Gutted not to be making my debut on the iconic @BBCMOTD show tonight, it’s something I have wanted to do since I was little.

"Unfortunately I have sustained a painful back injury during a holiday with my family but I look forward to being part of the team in the near future. Good luck to @GaryLineker and the guys for tonight's show and see you soon."

Mumbai teen gets three-year ban for flashing in dressing room

Player receives penalty after team-mate raises complaint

Nagraj Gollapudi17-Jan-2019A Mumbai age-group player has been banned for three years for “gross misconduct” towards a team-mate during an all-India tournament in December. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) took the decision after a complaint was raised against the player by his team-mate on December 22. The ban will last till January 14, 2022, during which the player will not be allowed to participate in any cricket organised by the MCA, or represent Mumbai in any BCCI tournament.The player’s details are being withheld given that he is a minor.ESPNcricinfo understands that the in addition to using bad language, something the player admitted to during the inquiry by an ad-hoc committee set up by the MCA, the player exposed himself in front of his team-mate. It is understood that the player will appeal to the MCA to review the ban.This is believed to be the first such case where a player in India has been punished for a sexually offensive act in front of, and following a complaint by, his peers.The MCA’s verdict did not specify the offence. But in the notice sent to the player, the MCA said he was guilty of “gross misconduct and bringing the name of the association to disrepute”. It also pointed out that the player had resorted to “the ugliest behaviour, which has shocked the entire team. In fact, this [incident] also affected the team atmosphere and is against the very principles of sportsmanship and healthy atmosphere amongst the team members.”The verdict was reached by the ad-hoc inquiry committee, after a meeting held at the MCA office on January 14. In addition to hearing the player and the complainant, the committee also spoke with the team coach, manager and chairman of the age-group selection committee. The ad-hoc committee comprised MCA secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar, CEO CS Naik, and managing committee members Naveen Shetty, Ganesh Iyer and Shah Alam Shaikh.

Brisbane Heat bank on 'once-in-a-generation' Harris to counter Perry threat in final

Brisbane Heat are hoping an unshackled Grace Harris will help them deny Sydney Sixers a third straight Women’s Big Bash League title. The two teams enter Saturday’s season climax with one win apiece from their two encounters in the regular season, but the Heat will draw inspiration from their 66-run victory over the defending champions, a match in which they bowled the Sixers out for 88.

Finalists penalised for slow over rate

Cricket Australia has warned both Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers for maintaining slow over rates in their semi-final encounters.
The Heat, playing the Sydney Thunder, and the Sixers, up against the Melbourne Renegades, were both found to be six minutes behind the scheduled completion time for their 20 overs, which meant that they were each an over short.

While Harris made 20 in that match, she has at times provided valuable top-order firepower for the Heat alongside Beth Mooney, including setting a WBBL record with a 42-ball century in Brisbane’s win over Melbourne Stars in December. There were some fears she had picked up a niggle in last weekend’s semi-final against Sydney Thunder, but Heat captain Kirby Short was confident the allrounder would be fit to play in the final.”She’s actually the fittest she’s ever been, so part of the reason she’s launched onto the scene this year with both bat and ball is that she’s in the best physical condition that she’s been in,” Short said. “And that makes a big difference in the capacity she’s been able to perform in both facets of the game so she’s actually been travelling well, which is why we feel pretty good about tomorrow.”While Harris’ strike-rate of 150.40 is one of the best in the WBBL, she has also taken 13 wickets at an average of 19.07 and a team best economy rate of 5.90.”Grace is a once-in-a-generation type of player for a lot of reasons,” Short said. “We talk about her being our team ‘crazy’ in the most loving way possible, in the sense that she can do things with bat and ball that essentially no woman can do in the world in cricket and part of that is her mind set.”And she plays with such freedom and that carefree attitude, and the hundred she scored at the Gabba was – her sister actually raised in a meeting that we had the other day – just talking about how much she was genuinely just loving doing it. And I think if you just let the shackles off and just set her free what happens, happens.”One of Harris’ challenges could be to contain the WBBL’s leading run-scorer, Ellyse Perry, the Sixers captain who has amassed 744 runs at an astonishing average of 93.00.After the Sixers’ claimed a thrilling Super Over win over Melbourne Renegades in their semi-final, Perry said it was important for the players to put aside any lingering emotion from the victory.Brisbane are banking on Grace Harris to play a leading role in the final•Getty Images

“We’ve been very conscious of making sure that we moved on from last weekend at least for the time being and we had a really good chat about that on Tuesday,” she said. “I think it’s really important to acknowledge the success that you’ve had and what you’ve gone through as a group, but I guess for us the bigger global picture and what’s going to deem you’re a success or not is tomorrow’s match.”It probably keeps us on even footing that both of us have been through that match last weekend.”The Heat won their semi-final on the final ball of the match but missed the end of the Sixers’ win because they were flying back to Brisbane.”We missed the last ball of their game because we were literally taking off,” Short said. “So we’d stretched the airplane-mode capacity to its fullest so we’d taken off and gone home and had actually no idea until we landed in Brisbane what had happened and I think that was kind of a nice reset.”For us, it was a bit of a shame the Renegades didn’t win because that would have meant a home final for us. But I think at the same time that lovely recalibration of ‘okay, that job’s done, we’ve got home, we’ve got a week of training before we go again’.”So I think for us it was the closure on the day in that we flew home that afternoon.”Short suggested that her bowling attack would take confidence in the knowledge that they restricted the Sixers to a small total the last time they met. It is a significant challenge: below Perry and Alyssa Healy, the Sixers boast an enviable pool of batting talent in Dane Van Niekerk, Ashleigh Gardner and Erin Burns.”Lightning may or may not strike twice,” Short said. “We’ll take the 88 for sure. I think what that does give us is we know the plans executed were the right ones. The magic of cricket is trying to do that over and over and consistency is obviously that clichéd thing in sport but really is the key to performing in big moments. So we know that well-executed plans with considered planning get the job done.”Cricket Australia is hoping for a sellout with around 4,000 tickets sold just one day out from the match. Capacity for Drummoyne Oval has been set at 5,000, but ESPNcricinfo understands that there is some flexibility to extend that number if required.Short hoped that there would be a significant number of neutral fans present to buy into a strong state rivalry and cheer for a new WBBL champion.”It’s interesting that tall poppy syndrome, isn’t it?” Short said. “I mean, credit to the Sixers, they continue to show up in grand finals and they continue to win them and I spoke last week about the New South Wales cricket thing as much as the Sydney Sixers thing.”It’s probably a politically incorrect thing to say but I do know there is a little bit of a swell of support for us. It’s that underdog Australian mentality, isn’t it? It’s like, well they’ve won enough, so maybe it’s someone else’s turn. Either way, we’ll have a good crack and if there’s a few extra different colours in the crowd cheering for us, then that would be nice, too.”

أنشيلوتي: مبابي لديه الجودة للوصول إلى 50 هدفًا.. وأعاني وأنتصر مع ريال مدريد

تحدث الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي مدرب ريال مدريد، على قيادة فريقه للقب جديد حيث توج بكأس السوبر الأوروبي على حساب أتالانتا.

ريال مدريد بطل الليجا ودوري أبطال أوروبا، تمكن من الفوز بثنائية نظيفة لفيدي فالفيردي وكيليان مبابي أمام أتالانتا حامل لقب الدوري الأوروبي، ليتوج بالسوبر الأوروبي.

وقال أنشيلوتي في تصريحاته التي نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “شرف وامتياز أن أعيش هذه الليالي هنا، أعاني وأقاتل وانتصر أيضًا”.

وعن المباراة، أفاد: “لقد عانينا قليلاً في الشوط الأول، لأن أتالانتا ضغط كثيرًا ولعب بشكل جيد جدًا دفاعيًا، في الشوط الثاني، أصبحت المباراة مفتوحة بعض الشيء، وأظهروا الإرهاق وكانت لدينا مساحة أكبر”.

وأكمل: “في الشوط الأول فازوا بمواجهات أكثر منا وواجهنا صعوبات أكثر، مع المساحات فإن رودريجو وفينيسيوس ومبابي خطيرون للغاية”.

وبشأن حديثه مع جود بيلينجهام، أوضح مدرب ريال مدريد: “كنت أقول له إنه لعب شوط ثاني جيد جدًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | مبابي يعلق على أول أهدافه وبطولاته مع ريال مدريد.. وإمكانية تسجيل 50 هدفًا

وسُئل هل يستطيع مبابي الوصول إلى 50 هدفًا مع ريال مدريد، وأجاب: “لديه الجودة لتسجيل العديد من الأهداف، علينا أن نبحث عن توازن الفريق وقد حققنا ذلك اليوم، رغم أن المباراة كانت مذهلة في الشوط الأول، لكن الفريق قدم مباراة رائعة على المستوى الدفاعي”.

وأصر الإيطالي: “يجب أن نشكر اللاعبين الذين وصلوا قبل أسبوع والذين وصلوا في حالة جيدة جدًا، أنا أقدر ذلك، لا شيء مفقود، علينا أن نعمل ونقاتل وننافس في كل مباراة”.

وعن هدفه القادم مع ريال مدريد، أتم: “أن نحقق الفوز يوم الأحد القادم (أمام ريال مايوركا في افتتاحية الدوري الإسباني).

Cricket Australia continue rebuilding with new senior executive

Former Hyundai executive Scott Grant is set to be named the new CA COO and has strong links to Kevin Roberts’ former club

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2019Cricket Australia will continue to rebuild their senior leadership team by appointing former Hyundai executive Scott Grant as their new chief operating officer, the role formerly held by new chief executive Kevin Roberts, with the pair sharing a strong connection through Roberts’ former club Bankstown of which Grant is president.First reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, it is expected that confirmation will come shortly it what is a key recruitment in CA’s restructuring following the fallout of the ball-tampering scandal and culture review.During the Brisbane Test, Roberts said the appointment of a COO was close and filling that position would allow progress to be made on the recruitment of a new high performance manager to replace Pat Howard who was one of the big casualties of the Longstaff review.Grant, who also worked for Holden Special Vehicles, Lexus Australia and Toyota Australia has strong links to cricket having been president of Bankstown District Cricket Club since 2005, the same club as Roberts.Grant’s departure from Hyundai was announced last week with the chief executive JW Lee saying: “Whilst I am disappointed that we will lose Scott’s talent and experience, I am pleased for him that he will have the opportunity to follow his career dream.”The next key appointment at CA will be Howard’s replacement and Roberts indicated it may not be a former player despite the criticism of Howard, the former Australia rugby international, coming from outside the sport.”We aren’t looking necessarily for a former player or another coach,” Roberts told . “We’ve got a coach in Justin Langer for the men’s team and a coach in Matthew Mott in the women’s team.”What we need is the best possible person to lead the national performance system. It’s easy to get caught up in a bit of mystique around these roles but at the end of the day it’s about developing teams in the short term and long term.”Belinda Clark, the former Australia captain, is currently in the role in an interim capacity.

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