Just months after being written off as a Barcelona flop, Vitor Roque has reignited his career in spectacular fashion. Now Palmeiras' top scorer and a key figure in their title chase, the 20-year-old has earned a Brazil call-up from Carlo Ancelotti – a moment he calls “the best phase of my life”. From struggling in Spain to thriving back home, Roque’s resurgence underscores how the right environment and consistent game time can revive a player’s career.

• From prodigy to pressure – Roque's Barcelona struggle

  When Roque signed for Barcelona in July 2023 for €35 million, he was hailed as Brazil’s next great striker. Fresh from 15 goals with Athletico Paranaense and a standout U-20 Championship, expectations were sky-high. But the dream quickly soured. Rushed into the squad midseason at then-coach Xavi’s insistence, Roque struggled to adapt to the club’s intense demands, managing just two goals in 16 appearances.

  The January arrival proved ill-timed – as Barcelona sporting director Deco later admitted – leaving the teenager overwhelmed by pressure, language barriers, and tactical rigidity. A loan spell to Real Betis in 2024 offered little reprieve, and by early 2025, Roque looked like another South American talent who had flown too close to the European sun.

  Now starring for Palmeiras, Roque has rediscovered his confidence and form by scoring 19 goals across competitions in 2025. His performances have powered Palmeiras' title charge and earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Brazilian national team by Carlo Ancelotti. From doubts and disappointment to a national recall, Roque’s resurgence marks one of the most impressive turnarounds of the season.

  "I always say that football is very fast-paced. Six months ago, nothing was going right, and today, thank God, I'm very happy. Palmeiras helped me in an extraordinary way; I got back to playing the football I always used to, and, thank God, things are flowing, which is the most important thing," Roque said after receiving his first national call-up.

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  Joining Palmeiras and the turning point

  Rejecting a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, Roque returned to Brazil with Palmeiras in February. At first, it wasn’t easy: 900 minutes without a goal tested his confidence. But Palmeiras stood by him, and gradually, the goals began to flow. With 19 goals in 2025 across all competitions, including 15 in the Brasileirao, he’s become one of the league’s most lethal forwards.

  His impact has been immediate, leading Palmeiras to the top of the Serie A table with 65 points, just ahead of Flamengo. In addition, his brace against Santos and a crucial goal in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against River Plate showcased his ability to deliver in big moments. He ranks among the league’s top three scorers, behind only Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Kaio Jorge, both with 17 goals.

  For Roque, this is redemption not just in statistics but in mindset. “It’s one of the best phases of my life,” he told reporters. “I arrive at the national team with my feet on the ground, working with humility. First at Palmeiras and then there as well.” His chemistry with teammates like Flaco Lopez and Raphael Veiga has been key, the trio have combined for 38 goals in all competitions this season.

• A national recall and growing European interest

  Ancelotti’s decision to include Roque in Brazil’s squad for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia marks a new chapter in his young career. Former Brazil international, Rivaldo, admitted he was surprised but impressed: “I was also struck by the fact that he brought in Vitor Roque from Palmeiras, who has been playing well for a few games now. He started with some difficulties, but now he's in good form and it's a good opportunity for him. The coach is still testing some players; I was even hoping there wouldn't be any more of these tests, but I believe he already has the core group formed for the World Cup.”

  Ancelotti’s approach to Brazil’s roster has focused on blending established stars like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo with emerging domestic players who can bring hunger and rhythm from the Brasileirao. Roque’s selection fits that strategy perfectly.

  "I see that Ancelotti is starting to shape the national team. He certainly already has a base of players for the World Cup. Of course, he's doing some tests with athletes who stand out in the Brazilian Championship. I really liked the call-up of Fabrício Bruno, from Cruzeiro, even after the mistake against Japan. It's a good attitude and shows that the coach has a good heart and trusts him. Many criticised the player, he shouldn't even have hope of being called up, and Ancelotti showed that he believes in him, that he doesn't just look at the mistake, but everything the athlete has done well in his career," explained Rivaldo in an interaction with Betfair.

  Meanwhile, Roque’s resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed abroad. His agent, Andre Cury, confirmed that Premier League clubs are already preparing bids. According to reports, Manchester United are leading the race, with Chelsea and Tottenham also monitoring the 20-year-old forward. Barcelona, who retained a 20% sell-on clause when selling him to Palmeiras, could receive around €10m if a deal materialises.

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  A comeback that could reshape Roque's future

  As things stand, Roque’s focus remains firmly on Palmeiras and Brazil. His goals have put the club on course for another league title and deep into the Libertadores campaign, and his national team call-up could pave the way for a spot in Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup plans. His first task is to impress the Brazil boss for continued chances as Brazil face Senegal on 15 November and then Tunisia on November 19.

  Goals and contributions in these games can be crucial for continued call-ups to the national team and a starting place in next year's World Cup.

Pakistan, meanwhile, set a couple of follow-on records in a high-scoring second Test in Cape Town

Shubh Agarwal06-Jan-20257 – With the win at Newlands, South Africa have registered seven consecutive Test wins. It is their second-longest streak of wins behind their nine in a row in the 2002-03 season, which also involved two home Tests against Pakistan. On the flip side, this was Pakistan’s ninth consecutive Test defeat in South Africa – the longest streak for any team in South Africa. Bangladesh have lost all their eight Tests here while South Africa themselves lost their first eight Tests at home back in the 19th century.3 – It was only the third time in Test history that a team knocked off a first-innings deficit of 400 or more. The previous two instances feature Pakistan overcoming a 473-run deficit against West Indies in 1958 and South Africa getting past a deficit of exactly 400 against Australia in 2002.478 – Pakistan’s second-innings total is the second highest by any team following-on and ending up on the losing side. The highest is India’s 510 in the follow-on against England at Leeds in 1967.ESPNcricinfo Ltd1348 – The most runs scored in a Test match in South Africa since the Cape Town Test against England in 2016.145 – Shan Masood now has the highest individual score by a Pakistan batter in South Africa. He surpassed Azhar Mahmood’s 136 in Johannesburg in 1998.54 – Kagiso Rabada completed an unfortunate fifty on day four, bowling his 50th no-ball in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The next on the list is Alzarri Joseph with 35 no-balls. In the Newlands Test alone, Rabada bowled 17 no-balls with 13 coming in the second innings.4 – It was only the fourth time in the 21st century that three or more South African bowlers had conceded over 100 runs in an innings in a home Test. Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj all gave away over a 100 runs in the second innings. The last time this happened was also in Cape Town, against England in 2016. Overall, South Africa have suffered this fate 14 times in their 254 home Tests.

The India women’s batter has broken records in her first six matches, but she’s relentlessly working on herself to get even better

Shashank Kishore26-Apr-2025
Pratika Rawal, 24, smiles at the wonder of it all – wearing the India blue and sharing the dressing room with idols she once watched from behind the boundary ropes.After a heady initiation into international cricket – the 444 runs scored by her are the most by any batter in their first six innings in women’s ODIs – she’s now coming to terms with where she’s at.”It was surreal at the start,” she says, smiling, “now it feels like I belong here.”Rawal has quickly formed a strong opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, prompting selectors to overlook Shafali Verma despite Verma’s stellar WPL 2025 performance. Now, with a tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa coming up, a solid run-in to the 50-over World Cup that India will host later this year, Rawal has a chance to cement her place in the team.If you watched her bat against West Indies and Ireland in 2024-25 – crisp footwork, clean strokes, an uncluttered mind – you might have assumed Rawal’s calm is second nature. But it wasn’t always this way.Related

• Stats – Mandhana smashes fastest ODI century for India on record-breaking day

• Mandhana hails Pratika Rawal's 'calm head' and versatility

• ESPNcricinfo Awards 2024 Women's debutant nominees: Indian harvest

Her poise has been earned, over years of tireless work and small, deliberate choices: making her bed, decluttering her room, and slowing down her speech to match the pace of her thoughts.”The way you’re off the field is going to reflect how you’re going to behave on it,” she says. “I used to react a lot. I was short-tempered, I spoke very fast. But I worked on that too. I had to.”Rawal had a guiding hand in Deepti Dhyani, her coach, mentor, and unwavering anchor. “She doesn’t get enough credit,” Rawal says. “She worked on every part of me, my routines, diet, fitness, mindset. Everything.”There was a bit of technical work involved too. “Like punching the ball off the back foot, I didn’t know how to do it, I didn’t even know it was a shot when I started,” she says.Rawal credits her coach, Deepti Dhyani (left), for shaping her as a player and person•Pratika RawalAs Rawal started breaking ground in age-group cricket – she made her Delhi Under-19 debut at 14 – Dhyani also taught her how to carry herself after scoring a hundred, and how to rise again after a duck. Recently, conversations have revolved around channelling disappointment. Away from training, Rawal’s mother anchors her with her simplicity and faith. “She often says, ‘Whatever happens, happens for the best.’ And it stuck with me.”That mindset helped when Rawal wasn’t picked at the WPL auction ahead of the 2025 season. It must have hurt, especially after the high of her maiden India call-up just a day earlier. But Rawal looks at it differently. “It was an opportunity to improve. You need to have that hope. Like mom says, maybe it was all part of the plan.”Rawal began playing cricket around the time she was ten years old. Back then, she barely knew the names of players in the Indian women’s team. It wasn’t until her father told her about Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami that she began to follow the women’s game and see the possibilities. In 2017, when she watched India play at the World Cup final at Lord’s, Rawal’s motivation grew manifold.”Harry ‘s 171 in that tournament was epic, it got me even more excited. I knew I wanted to play like her,” Rawal says. Last year in Pune, she stood at training, trying to summon words in front of Harmanpreet Kaur when their paths crossed for the first time in domestic cricket. “I wanted to tell her how big a fan I was… but the only thing I managed to say was, ‘Good morning, .'”Off the field, Rawal brings her mind into the game with the help of psychology – not just as a subject, but a way of life. “One of my professors once said, ‘Psychology isn’t just about understanding others. It’s about understanding yourself.’ That hit home.”She still remembers when the former India allrounder and India women’s coach at the time, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, helped her connect the dots between a dropped head and a misjudged flick shot during a camp at the National Cricket Academy. “That’s when I realised even body language can cloud your decisions. He told me I was playing the shot perfectly in the nets, even to balls from outside off. But somehow in a match, I was lbw flicking a leg-stump half-volley.”Cricket, Rawal believes, is as much a mental game as it is physical. “If you’re nervous, your body language gives it away. Opponents can sense it. So why can’t we flip it – use our own mindset as a weapon?”She has seen that power first-hand, for instance, when she didn’t score in last year’s Senior Women’s Multi-Day Competition but then walked into a high-performance NCA camp and found resolve from Kanitkar’s critique. Or the time she stepped back from basketball – a sport she played at the national level – to give wings to her cricketing dream.Smriti Mandhana and Rawal’s 233-run opening partnership set India up for a record-breaking 304-run win over Ireland women earlier this year•BCCI”It was too much. I used to get injured – dislocated [my] shoulder and all,” she says. “My dad told me, ‘If you want to excel, you’ll have to choose.’ I chose cricket. It made me feel something different inside.”While cricket took priority, she was clear her education needed to progress in parallel. “I dropped U-19 once for my board exams,” she says. She also switched schools, moving to the well-regarded Modern School in Delhi, which she says helped develop confidence, not just in academics but as a communicator.”I wanted to be good at public speaking. I was shy. But I learnt how to express myself there.” Now that she’s done with her graduation, her parents are happy, and her coach is already nudging her towards doing a master’s in psychology.Rawal’s journey has been shaped by structure but not rigidity, as she has explored her interests and grown through the opportunities she has been given, like when she moved teams, from Delhi to Railways – a powerhouse side loaded with India players – after the 2023-24 season. Rawal saw it not as a step away from Delhi but a challenge worth embracing. “It’s hard to break into that side that is full of India players. But I like being challenged.”The first time she trialled for them in 2023-24, she wasn’t picked. So she worked harder. Scored runs. Then came the call. “When you get picked on performance, that respect, that’s what matters,” she says.Rawal remembers a semi-final in the Inter State Women’s One-Day Competition last year, when she scored a fifty for Delhi against Railways. “At the player-of-the-match ceremony, the match referee mentioned my name, and the entire Railways team hooted for me. That felt like respect.”When Rawal is not training, she’s sketching, which she says helps her focus. Or watching on repeat. Or gossiping with her mom. “I love staying at home. You’re out so much with cricket,” she says.And yes, she dreams of the World Cup. But she’s in no hurry. “I visualise things a lot – like how I celebrated my first hundred [against Ireland] by kissing the India flag. I’d seen that in my mind so many times before it happened.”Does she believe in manifestation? “Yes,” she says, without blinking. “Absolutely. Holding that World Cup trophy.”

Leeds United are ready to sell a first-team player in the January transfer window, and there is now interest from a Champions League giant.

Pressure on Farke ahead of Leeds vs Aston Villa

Daniel Farke arguably appears to be the Premier League manager under the most pressure as club football prepares to make a return.

The Whites go into Sunday’s clash at home to Elland Road off the back of two disappointing away defeats to Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

Now just a point above the relegation zone, Farke insisted that his side aren’t panicking.

Leeds have already been linked with numerous managers to replace Farke in Yorkshire, including former RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose and ex-Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou, both of whom are currently out of work.

However, the 49ers Enterprises are ready to give Farke until January to turn things around, and in the winter transfer market, one player exit could materialise.

Inter Milan keen to sign Leeds goalkeeper Meslier

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Inter Milan are interested in signing Illan Meslier in 2026.

Leeds are ready to sell the goalkeeper in the January transfer window with his contract up at the end of the season, however, Inter, as well as rivals AC Milan, have their eyes on a free transfer in the summer.

Both Milan sides have a good relationship with Meslier’s agent Pini Zahavi, who is looking to find the Frenchman a new permanent home with the goalkeeper failing to make an appearance for Leeds in 2025/26, being preferred to new signing Lucas Perri and Wales number one Karl Darlow.

Of course, should Meslier’s situation remain the same, he’ll be able to pen a pre-contract agreement with Inter or AC Milan in the New Year.

The 49ers may find it tough to recoup the £5m they spent on Meslier back in 2020, which is something that would’ve been hard to believe a few years ago when the ‘keeper was once valued at £50m at Elland Road.

Inter are currently joint-top of the Champions League group with four wins from a possible four, conceding just once during that time.

They have Yann Sommer (36), Raffaele Di Gennaro (32) and Josep Martinez (27) as their current goalkeeping options heading into 2026, and by the looks of it, Meslier could join or replace one of the trio.

Academy star who's never played a senior minute for Leeds could replace Bijol

A non-league match had to be called off at half-time after the referee was targeted with alleged sexist abuse. The game featuring AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx could not continue beyond the first half after sexist abuses were hurled at a female referee officiating the game. The FA are now set to conduct the necessary investigations to get to the bottom of the incident.

• Match abandoned after official targeted with sexist abuse

  A Northern Premier League clash between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx had to be abandoned at half-time after a female referee was allegedly targeted with sexist abuse on the pitch. AFC Rushden later released a statement condemning the act, which read: "A comment of a sexist nature was allegedly directed toward the female match official towards the end of the first half. Attempts to identify the individual were unsuccessful. We are deeply concerned and disappointed that such behaviour has occurred at one of our matches. Discriminatory language or actions of any kind have absolutely no place within our community club or the wider football community."

  Home side Coventry Sphinx too released a statement, which read: "We will undertake an investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA."

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  FA to conduct investigation

  The FA have told that a thorough investigation will be conducted to identify the offender, after contacting the officials, the home and away clubs, and other authorities. 

  Diamonds chariman Rob Usher said: "The club fully respects the protocols put in place. The club is currently conducting an investigation into the alleged behaviour of a spectator and as such feels that further comment is inappropriate until such a time as this investigation is concluded."

  Speaking to the club's official media, Diamonds manager Elliot Sandy said: "Someone in the crowd had accused her personally and she requested that the person be removed or the game would be abandoned. That person was removed, as far as I’m aware, and we carried on, but she came in again at half-time and she did not feel her head was 100 per cent in it. We will undertake an investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA"

  He added: "I obviously condemn what’s happened today; there’s no place for it in football and I feel really sorry for her that it has actually happened."

• Diamonds seek help from fans

  Diamonds have also urged the fans gathered at the venue to help them identify the offender, saying that anyone who witnessed the incident should contact the club at the earliest.

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  What comes next?

  Diamonds were leading 1-0 in the first half after Bruno Andrade converted a penalty in the 36th minute. It remains to be seen when the match will be rescheduled by the league and the FA. Diamonds are currently languishing in the 20th position in the eighth tier of English football with 19 points from 16 matches. Sphinx, on the other hand, are currently placed ninth in the league with 25 points from 17 games.

How long will Daniel Farke be given to turn around the ongoing Leeds United mess?

After so much joy at Elland Road, Marcelo Bielsa was put out of his misery 26 games into the 2021/22 season in the Premier League, mustering up just a measly five victories.

By way of comparison, the German is only two victories away from matching that amount right now, with 15 fewer league games under his belt.

Of course, Bielsa was handed more time in the hot seat due to his iconic status in West Yorkshire, but Jesse Marsch was also given 20 league games the following campaign when the Leeds ship looked to be sinking.

A trigger-happy dismissal might not be forthcoming, then, but Farke will know he needs to turn fortunes around quickly, as a whole raft of players continue to underperform.

Bielsa and Marsch were no strangers, either, to players joining the Leeds ranks and ultimately flopping, with Robin Koch one costly error that must still generate grimaces at the Premier League newcomers.

The numbers behind Koch's move to Leeds

It’s fair to say there were an awful lot of misses in the transfer department when the South American and his Wisconsin-born counterpart occupied their dug-outs.

Faces such as Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, and Rasmus Kristensen all joined for big bucks, and then disappeared when relegation was served up at the end of the gloomy 2022/23 season, with Sinisterra and Adams alone costing a whopping £41m to pick up at the time.

Thankfully, the bruised Whites managed to recoup £40m when selling the disappointing duo to AFC Bournemouth. On the contrary, the aforementioned Koch would return to his native Germany for zilch after a largely woeful three seasons in England.

In the end, Leeds were probably just happy to get their former £12m purchase off their roster, even if it was on a free transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt, with the German only managing to collect a dire ten clean sheets from 73 Premier League appearances.

Once branded as being simply “not good enough” by The Athletic’s Beren Cross and looking like a “fish out of water” by pundit Danny Mills, it really was a transfer saga that hurt Leeds, and it still does, arguably, considering Koch has since returned to his more well-known comforts of the Bundesliga and has excelled. This season, he has two goals from ten league appearances, winning a mighty 5.4 duels won on average, too, for Frankfurt.

For context, the no-nonsense Joe Rodon has averaged 5.3 duels won back in the Premier League, but he’s far from a transfer misfire.

Rather, it’s another expensive defensive recruit who could be deemed Leeds’ biggest disaster signing since Koch

Leeds' biggest disaster since Koch

The most frustrating aspect of Koch’s Leeds career, looking back, is that he had a promising debut campaign in West Yorkshire, even if it was ravaged by injury.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Only 13 starts came his way, but four clean sheets were collected, with a final day showing to close out the 21/22 campaign, even seeing him win seven duels against Tottenham Hotspur.

Unfortunately, Jaka Bijol can’t even cling to any early promise at the moment, having cost £3m more than Koch when leaving Udinese behind.

It should have been a giveaway that the Slovenian might struggle, considering Farke was hesitant to chuck the ex-Serie A titan into his starting XI at the start of the season, with the German eventually chucking Bijol into the Premier League deep-end against West Ham United in late October.

Games played

3

Goals conceded

6

Losses

2

Clean sheets

0

Tackles won

3

Duels won

12/19

He did win six duels against the Hammers as Farke’s men got the better of their relegation rivals 2-1, but his showings against Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest since must be leaving a similarly bad taste in the mouth that the German defender once left.

He found himself in no man’s land when Morgan Gibbs-White had all the time in the world to head home this decisive goal at the City Ground, with the out-of-sorts number 16 only managing to win one lacklustre tackle across both heavy away defeats.

The £45k-per-week defender will surely be fearful for his starting spot moving forward; therefore, as Pascal Struijk waits in the wings, with Bijol also yet to show off his prowess in the air, which saw him bag four goals for Udinese in Serie A action.

If Farke is to persist with Bijol, he could go on to be viewed as a Koch-type weak link for oppositions to hone in on, with a potential relegation on his CV also no doubt making him hard to shift for anywhere near his £15m valuation, like the forgettable 29-year-old.

He does still have time to turn around his Elland Road playing days, but the early signs are not good, as Leeds have been here before with a hyped up European import that never lives up to his high price tag.

Leeds stance on recalling Joe Gelhardt in January as Hull eye Harry Gray

He’s been on fire in the Championship.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 19, 2025

Inter president Beppe Marotta has candidly admitted that while a return for former Manchester United and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was "mentioned," as the club searched for a new manager, he would have ultimately "regretted hiring him." Marotta praised the "courageous" decision to appoint Christian Chivu instead, highlighting the club's commitment to different values and a forward-thinking approach over relying on big-name managers.

Marotta discusses Chivu appointment over Mourinho speculation

Marotta has revealed that Mourinho's name was among those considered for the coaching role before the "courageous" decision was made to appoint Chivu. Speaking at the executive master's program in "Sports Management" organized by the RCS Academy Business School, Marotta explained why he ultimately favored Chivu, despite Mourinho's illustrious past with the Nerazzurri.

According to Gazzetta.it, Marotta stated: "I'm surprised people were surprised by Cristian's skill. We chose him because he represents important values; he had the courage to go against the grain, even in the media. Some even mentioned Mourinho, who, with all due respect… If I hadn't had the courage, I would have regretted it."

Mourinho, who famously led Inter to a historic treble in 2010, was reportedly a name floated by "some" stakeholders, indicating a natural inclination among some to revisit a successful past. However, Marotta's comments suggest a deliberate decision to move in a different direction, prioritizing new leadership and values.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesChivu's impressive start and tactical philosophy

Chivu, who took over from Simone Inzaghi, has navigated a challenging start to his tenure at Inter, ultimately guiding the team to the top of Serie A and a perfect record in the Champions League. His initial period included three defeats in Serie A, but the team has since recovered impressively.

Under Chivu, Inter are currently in first place in Serie A alongside Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, demonstrating a rapid turnaround in league form. In the Champions League, their performance has been particularly strong, boasting four wins out of four matches played and conceding only one goal. This triumphant march in Europe contrasts sharply with the earlier domestic stumbles, showcasing Chivu's ability to adapt and motivate his squad.

Marotta's praise for Chivu's "skill" and "courage" aligns with the team's visible progress. Chivu has been credited with introducing a "different football philosophy," which Marotta believes aligns with the club's evolving values. This new approach appears to be focused on developing talent and fostering a collective spirit rather than relying solely on individual star power.

Inter's evolving philosophy: sustainability over big names

Marotta used the platform to discuss the significant changes in modern football, particularly the shift from a "patronage model" to one demanding "sustainability" and "financial balance." He emphasised that the equation "if I spend, I win" is no longer valid, citing PSG as an example of a club that has changed its model from "huge names" to investing in "young talent."

This philosophical shift is directly linked to the decision to back Chivu over a high-profile manager like Mourinho. Marotta highlighted the importance of "motivation multiplied by competence" as the new formula for success. His career path, starting as a "mascot" for Varese and learning to "negotiate" for a tracksuit, underscores his belief in hard work and organic growth, values he sees in Chivu.

Marotta also touched on the increasing complexity of football management, which now involves "criminal, civil, and sports justice codes," and requires "industrial and financial expertise" alongside traditional sporting knowledge. He stressed the importance of leadership that is "courageous, persevering, and must listen," attributes he clearly sees in Chivu.

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Marotta's personal reflections on a long career and San Siro's future and modern stadium concepts

During his address, Marotta shared personal anecdotes from his extensive career in football. He recalled a pivotal moment in 1983 when then-Inter president Pellegrini offered him a junior manager role, an offer he declined. "If I had accepted, I wouldn't be president today," he mused, emphasising the importance of timing and managing career progression calmly.

He also recounted a difficult decision during his time at Sampdoria where he had to fire a "very dear friend," Gianfranco Bellotto, to bring the club back to Serie A. This story illustrates the tough choices leaders often face, prioritising the club's objectives over personal relationships.

Marotta concluded his speech by addressing the contentious issue of San Siro's future. While acknowledging the "bitterness and nostalgia" for old romantics, he stressed the necessity of a new, modern stadium for Inter's future. He entered San Siro for the first time in 1966 and described it as a "vessel of enormous emotions," but argued that innovation and modernity are paramount.

"Renovation was unthinkable, and so it ended up being demolished. But it must be done," he asserted. Marotta highlighted the need for a stadium that prioritizes "security, which is lacking; hospitality, so you can be there all day with entertainment of all kinds; and a sense of belonging. Having your own home." He projected the financial benefits of a new stadium, contrasting Inter's current €80 million (£68m/$88m) per year from matchdays with Real Madrid's goal of exceeding half a billion.

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, and the Bundesliga club’s stance on cashing-in has now been revealed.

Man United have taken major strides over the past month or so, having taken 11 points from their last five matches, but it would be fair to say their defensive record still needs major improvement.

Ruben Amorim’s side have shipped 18 goals in their opening 11 games, the joint-highest number of any side above 16th in the Premier League table, failing to keep a clean sheet since the 2-0 victory against Sunderland at the beginning of October.

Both Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have impressed in an attacking sense, with the former scoring the winner at Anfield, while the Dutchman recently received high praise from Rio Ferdinand, who said: “De Ligt’s been our best defender this season”

“I think he’s been outstanding for us. He’s even adding goals like the last-minute equaliser the other day.”

That said, Amorim clearly needs to tighten things up at the back, given the sheer number of goals his side have conceded, and the Red Devils have now set their sights on a new target.

Man Utd join race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United have now joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck, who is about to enter the last 18 months of his contract with the German club, meaning a bidding war could be on the cards.

Liverpool have also emerged as potential suitors for the centre-back, who has earned comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, in light of his composure under pressure, which has been on display in the Champions League.

Dortmund may need to cash-in due to their financial situation, as they are currently at risk of losing the 25-year-old on a free transfer, and there is no shortage of interest, with Barcelona currently believed to be leading the race for his signature.

The defender’s ball-playing ability, coupled with the fact he is left-footed, is said to make him perfect for Amorim, and the Dortmund star has earned high praise from former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown.

Brown said: “He’s a dominant centre-back, a regular for Germany, and a very defensive option who likes to win tackles, win headers and take charge of the back line.”

Impressively, the German is also very comfortable in possession of the ball, as displayed by his performance across some key passing and dribbling metrics over the past year.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s passing and dribbling statistics

Average per 90

Passes attempted

84.06 (97th percentile)

Progressive passes

7.43 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.29 (89th percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.48 (92nd percentile)

Schlotterbeck is experienced at the top level, having amassed 22 caps for Germany and 35 Champions League appearances, and he could be the ideal option for Amorim at left centre-back.

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He could be a superb signing for the Red Devils.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2025

Leeds United have been linked with making an out of work manager their next boss and a new update has dropped regarding the situation, amid doubts over Daniel Farke’s future.

The Whites sit 16th in the Premier League table currently, with four defeats in their last five matches in the competition seeing the pressure increase on Farke and Marco Rose linked with replacing him.

That said, Sky Sports‘ Zinny Boswell has recently played down rumours of Farke being relieved of his duties any time soon, although there is a tough run of fixtures on the horizon.

“Leeds have no plans to change their head coach as things stand amid growing discontent among supporters and, after taking 11 points from 11 Premier League games, the club and Farke feel the team are currently on course to achieve their goal of survival.

“Sitting one point above the relegation zone, Leeds have the hardest schedule in the Premier League over the next five matches, according to Opta, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool visiting Elland Road as well as trips to Manchester City and Brentford. The fact Farke’s scheduled in for broadcast interviews next week is as strong an indication as any that he will be in the hot seat for at least some of those games and, although it is a daunting run, there is a belief internally that the Elland Road factor is a reason for optimism.”

"Available" Rodgers linked with replacing Farke at Leeds

Now, speaking to Leeds United News, journalist Graeme Bailey has discussed Brendan Rodgers being Leeds’ next boss, saying he could be a strong option something which “piles the pressure” on Farke.

There is plenty to admire about Rodgers as a manager, should he become a genuine option for Leeds, with the 52-year-old winning the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021 and guiding Celtic to four Scottish Premiership titles, among other trophies.

He is an attack-minded manager famed for playing good football in a 4-3-3 formation, and he has huge experience in the Premier League, even coming close to winning the title with Liverpool back in 2013/14, entertaining the masses and getting the best out of the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

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Posts ByDan Emery Nov 16, 2025

That said, it doesn’t appear as though 49ers Enterprises are going to rush into a decision with Farke for the time being, but the situation could change if they struggle in these tough upcoming games.

Leeds now eyeing 4-4-2 "quick and dynamic" manager to replace Daniel Farke

Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, and the Belgian club’s asking price has been revealed.

Forest have set out to bolster their options in the middle of the park, amid growing doubts over the future of Elliot Anderson, as it was revealed the central midfielder would be “very keen” on a move to Old Trafford, with Manchester United now readying a £60m bid.

Chelsea have also started laying the groundwork to sign the England international, with the Tricky Trees’ current Premier League position potentially putting them in a vulnerable position when it comes to keeping hold of their best players.

Sean Dyche’s side remain in 19th place, despite an uptick in results since the arrival of the former Everton boss, meaning it would not be a surprise if Anderson decides to leave, and it would be a very difficult task to replace the 23-year-old.

However, Forest have now joined the race for another potential future star, who is being targeted by a number of clubs from across Europe.

Nottingham Forest join continental bidding war for Nathan De Cat

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest have now joined a continental bidding war for Anderlecht midfielder De Cat, alongside Bayern Munich and a whole host of rival Premier League clubs.

Having made a very impressive start to the season, the 17-year-old is also of interest to Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, meaning the Belgian club believe they are in a position to demand an initial £18m fee, with add-ons seeing the total package rise to around £31m.

There is a suggestion the Tricky Trees believe the youngster could make an immediate impact, despite his age, with the report stating they are ‘seeking a spark to ignite their survival bid.’

Having already emerged as a regular starter for Anderlecht, making 19 appearances in all competitions this season, the teenager may not be too far off Premier League level, and there are signs he could go on to be a top player.

Scout Ben Mattinson was left particularly impressed by the young midfielder last season, providing an overview of his key strengths on X.

That said, an initial £18m fee would be a fair amount to spend on a youngster yet to prove himself in a major league, and it would be a real gamble for Forest to sign De Cat as a potential difference-maker in the relegation battle, so Dyche should probably look at proven Premier League players instead.

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Marinakis is set to have the final say as The Tricky Trees plot another exciting signing.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 16, 2025