Celtic have agreed a deal to sell a Champions League player following their qualifier defeat to Kairat Almaty.
Rodgers frustrated as Celtic miss out on Champions League football
The Hoops missed out on a fourth consecutive Champions League campaign after being stunned by Kairat Almaty on Tuesday evening. After 210 minutes of goalless action, Celtic lost on penalties, with Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda all having their spotkicks saved by Kairat’s 21-year-old second-choice goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.
Talking after the defeat in Kazakhstan, Rodgers described the defeat as a “huge blow”. “It’s very frustrating. We showed a glimpse of what we can do at this level but we haven’t been able to show that over the course of these two games.
“It’s bitterly disappointing, because we were on the right track last season and working really well and playing really good football, so to not be in there this season is a huge blow for us. We missed a massive opportunity over these two games.
“I thought overall it was a poor game. The pitch made it awful. We were defensively OK but couldn’t quite make the breakthrough. We had good chances, especially in the second half and extra-time, and when it goes to penalties anything can happen.
“We just have to reflect on opportunities that we didn’t take and we have to settle for the Europa League.”
Benjamin Nygren
FC Nordsjaelland
£2m
Shin Yamada
Kawasaki Frontale
£1.5m
Hayato Inamura
Albirex Niigata
£250,000
Kieran Tierney
Arsenal
Free
Ross Doohan
Aberdeen
Free
Callum Osmand
Fulham
Undisclosed
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
Man City
Loan
There is still time for Celtic to bring in further signings before Monday’s transfer deadline, and former Hoops star Stiliyan Petrov thinks Rodgers is short of “four or five classy players”.
“I think they’re short probably four or five classy players with good quality. Celtic has always paid attention to developing players, giving them time, but they have those players. Now they need quality. They need players who can make a difference.”
Celtic agree deal to sell Mitchel Frame
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, following the Hoops’ defeat to Kairat Almaty, Celtic have now agreed to sell teenager Mitchel Frame to Aberdeen.
Those at Parkhead have included a “significant sell-on clause”, with the full-back into the final 12 months of his current Glasgow deal.
Frame actually made his Celtic debut in the Champions League against Feyenoord back in 2023, but since then, hasn’t featured under Rodgers.
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A regular for Celtic B in last season’s Lowland League, Frame will now be looking for more senior game time at Pittodrie.
With just two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards a Champions League winner to replace Alexander Isak.
Latest on the Alexander Isak saga
It wasn’t so long ago that Isak was the talk of the toon for all good reasons. The Swede was wheeling away in celebration, ironically pointing back at the Liverpool backline after he sent Newcastle on their way to victory in the Carabao Cup final. Now, a great striker has gone on strike and been at the heart of the saga of the summer.
With the Premier League campaign now underway and Isak nowhere to be seen in the Newcastle squad, just where this saga goes next is difficult to say. Whilst he is doing everything to leave the Magpies – even going as far as moving out of his house in Tyneside – Newcastle won’t budge until their £150m price tag is matched, and they have a replacement.
Having his say on the matter in the build-up to the Aston Villa game, manager Eddie Howe told reporters: “We do [have to forget about Isak] – he’s not here with us.
“We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he’s not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability. I want him to play. I want him to train. I’ve had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private.”
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Meanwhile, the search for a replacement goes on. After missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Newcastle have reportedly looked at the likes of Samu Aghehowa and are closing in on a deal to sign Yoane Wissa, but one more name is also threatening to steal the headlines.
Newcastle "interested" in Gonçalo Ramos
As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle are now “interested” in signing Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, in what would be a “big transfer”, although the deal will not be an easy one to pull off.
The Portuguese forward did himself no harm in the shop window earlier this week when he emerged from the bench to equalise late on for PSG against Tottenham Hotspur in the Super Cup final.
The Champions League winner may not be first choice at PSG, but he would be the star man at St James’ Park. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions last season in a squad role, Ramos is more than capable of becoming the main man elsewhere.
Even in a bit-part role too, Luis Enrique was full of praise for his forward last season. The PSG boss told reporters in May: “He’s a wonderful player, capable of very high performances.
“If he plays a minute, he plays it very well. If he’s not on the pitch, he still helps the team. And today, he came into the starting eleven and scored three goals. So he’s a player who always performs at his best, and I would call him a guarantee.”
Following the news that Ismaila Sarr has been forced to drop out of the Senegal squad through injury, it could be eight weeks before he returns to full Crystal Palace training.
Sarr more important than ever at Crystal Palace
Whilst Jean-Philippe Mateta has been destroying corner flags all around the Premier League, Sarr has quietly become an important player for Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace. Alongside the star striker, Sarr has proved to be an excellent addition and, after a slow start last season, found his stride and hasn’t looked back since.
Oliver Glasner no longer has Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise to call on. The former joined Arsenal this summer in a dream move and the latter has, of course, been starring at Bayern Munich since leaving last year. So, naturally, the responsibility has fallen the way of the likes of Sarr to step up alongside Mateta, especially as new signing Yeremy Pino settles in.
You wouldn’t know that there’s any extra pressure on the former Watford winger, however. He has stepped up with ease, scoring twice in three Premier League games to follow up his effort in the Community Shield victory against Liverpool.
Glasner is well aware of his quality too, having told reporters last season: “He’s different. We knew that we couldn’t replace Michael one-for-one, because he’s got his own profile and his own qualities.
Oliver Glasner lifts the FA Cup.
“Ismaila is more of a direct runner with a lot of pace. We knew if we get him into the right areas in the right moment he will get chances to score goals.”
The manager’s earlier praise will only make the news of Sarr’s injury all the more frustrating and Chat GPT has now delivered a damning verdict as to when Palace fans can expect their winger to return.
When Sarr could make Crystal Palace return
Amid reports that he has suffered a grade two hamstring tear, the AI tool revealed that Sarr is likely to make his Crystal Palace return in four to eight weeks. In the best case scenario, the severity of the grade two injury will not be disastrous enough to rule him out for two months, but Sarr’s explosive sprinting may well mean that Palace take their time with this one.
Indeed, Sarr can only return to training after such an injury when several recovery factors have been ticked off. Palace must ensure that full strength and flexibility has returned to his hamstring, there’s no altered running gait or imbalance and that he is able to participate in full training, which could take six to eight weeks.
They must also consider the re-injury risk. According to AI, this is at its highest in the first two months after recovery and can be reduced by Nordic hamstring/ exercises.
Ismaila Sarr
If Sarr misses just one month of action, then he is likely to be sidelined for games against Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Liverpool before potentially returning against Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa Conference League.
Meanwhile, a two-month absence will see him miss that Europa Conference League tie as well as games against Everton, Bournemouth, AEK Larnaca, Arsenal and Brentford.
Dynamo Kyiv's new signing Vladislav Blenuce says he doesn't support Russia as he admitted to his mistake amid war 'propaganda' accusations.
Blenuce at the center of pro-Russian scandal
Scandal came to light just a week after his signing
Forward has issued an apology
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Just one week after signing a long-term contract with Kyiv, Moldovan-Romanian forward Blenuce has found himself embroiled in a major scandal. Dynamo supporters discovered pro-Russian content on his social media accounts, including TikTok reposts of Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, as well as clips with soundtracks from a Russian TV series that has been banned in Ukraine. The discovery triggered immediate outrage among the club's fiercely patriotic fanbase, with many demanding that the club terminate the player's contract immediately.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The controversy surrounding Blenuce's social media content is particularly explosive due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The situation was further complicated by the discovery of similar pro-Russian content on the social media of the player's wife, including speeches by Vladimir Putin and nostalgic Soviet-era imagery.
Blenuce was brought in as a key part of the club's squad rebuild following the departure of star forward Vladyslav Vanat to Girona. The Ukrainian club's decision to offer a long-term deal until 2030 showed their trust in him, a trust that has been seriously tested by the backlash. The club was forced to issue an official statement to address the controversy, confirming that Blenuce had acknowledged his mistakes and reaffirmed a pro-Ukrainian stance.
WHAT BLENUCE SAID
Blenuce addressed the controversy directly via the club media, expressing regret for his actions and clarifying his position on the war. He insisted that the reposts were a mistake and that he was unaware of the individuals' roles in Russian propaganda.
"I want to prove to Dynamo fans that I support their opinion on the war," he said. "Russia is an aggressor and encroaches on someone else's property. This is very sad, because Ukraine, defending its land and its citizens, is losing many people in this unjust war. This is definitely a difficult situation for me, because it can be interpreted incorrectly."
He added: "I want to state that I do not support Russia. And I certainly never said anything bad about Ukraine. It was my mistake to repost these posts. I did not know these people and did not attach importance to their role in Russian propaganda. For me they were no-names. When they explained to me who they were, I realized my mistake and realized that I had gotten into a bad situation. I am an absolutely pro-European and pro-Ukrainian person, I am on this side.
"I will demonstrate my sincere support. If anyone has any questions for me, I am open to communication, ready to meet with every fan and explain everything. I will repeat that I do not support Russia. I am on the side of the Ukrainian people."
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WHAT NEXT FOR BLENUCE?
Despite his apologies and affirmations of support for Ukraine, Blenuce's future with the club remains uncertain. The anger among Dynamo's fanbase are deep-seated, and words alone may not be enough to win them over. The Romanian forward will need to prove his commitment to the club and the country both on the field with his performance and off it with his actions. He is expected to make his debut in the team's upcoming UPL match against Obolon.
Last summer, Celtic reportedly banked a joint-club-record fee of £25m for Denmark international Matt O’Riley when they sold him to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 24-year-old maestro moved on from Parkhead after an exceptional return of 18 goals and 13 assists in 36 appearances in the Scottish Premiership during the 2023/24 campaign.
O’Riley provided a huge threat at the top end of the pitch, particularly as a goalscorer, and that earned him a big-money move to the Premier League last year.
The Dane’s departure meant that Brendan Rodgers did not have a natural goalscoring midfielder who could chip in with anywhere near as many as the left-footed star did.
Celtic lacked a consistent goal threat in midfield
The Hoops signed Arne Engels from Augsburg to ‘replace’ O’Riley and the Belgian did provide a threat at the top end of the pitch, ending the season with ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Arne Engels
However, seven of his nine goals in the Premiership came from the penalty spot in his first year in Glasgow, which shows that he did not offer a huge threat from open play as a goalscorer.
Celtic’s goal threat from midfield
24/25 Premiership
Starts
Non-penalty goals
Arne Engels
21
2
Reo Hatate
24
9
Callum McGregor
29
8
Luke McCowan
12
5
Paulo Bernardo
11
2
Stats via WhoScored
As you can see in the table above, none of Celtic’s central midfielders hit double figures for goals last season, but they did spread the goals among them.
The Premiership champions are now reportedly one of the teams in the race to sign former Burnley star Josh Brownhill on a free transfer, and he could be their best central midfield signing since O’Riley.
Why Brownhill would be Celtic's best midfielder since O'Riley
The experienced midfield star would be an influential figure in the middle of the park for the Hoops, as he is fresh off the back of an exceptional campaign with Burnley in the English Championship.
His brilliant performances in central midfield helped the Clarets to earn promotion to the Premier League by finishing in second place in the league, as he showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third.
Unlike the options Rodgers currently has in his squad, Brownhill has the potential to deliver O’Riley-esque numbers in front of goal after an 18-goal haul in the Championship.
Only three of those 18 goals came from the penalty spot, which means that he scored six more goals than the top-scoring Celtic midfielder at league level last term.
The 29-year-old star, who was lauded as “immense” by journalist Josh Bunting, could be the man to finally replace the prolific level of scoring that O’Riley provided when he was at Parkhead in the 2023/24 campaign.
Brownhill also made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game for his team, whilst no Hoops midfielder managed more than 2.0 tackles and interceptions per match, which suggests that the potential is also there for him to offer more to the team out of possession as a screening presence in front of the defence.
These statistics show that the free agent maestro has the qualities to be an exceptional addition to the squad on a free transfer, as he has the goalscoring and defensive capability to be the club’s best central midfield player since O’Riley left to sign for Brighton as a standout offensively and defensively.
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No Celtic midfielder has stepped up to take on the goalscoring mantle from the Dane in the past 12 months, but Brownhill’s form for Burnley suggests that he is the man to step up for Rodgers, which is why they must push to get a deal done for him in the coming days.
The supporters of Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly have a sense of excitement building among the fanbase, as they start a new era in the 2025/26 campaign.
Thomas Frank is set to lead the side in North London, hoping to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of the previous season.
Many may have seen the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou as harsh given the European success, but his side’s lack of quality in the Premier League led to his departure.
The Dane will be looking to avoid suffering a similar fate, needing to strike a balance between success in the league whilst also being competitive in the Champions League.
However, if the new boss is to be a success during his maiden campaign in the role, he will undoubtedly need backing from the hierarchy within the transfer window.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
In the last couple of days, Spurs have made their opening offer to West Ham United for the potential signing of talented forward Mohammed Kudus – but their bid was immediately rejected.
However, they’re set to make another offer in the coming days, with the new boss wanting to accelerate a deal for the Ghanaian attacker this window.
Despite the move for the 24-year-old, another Premier League forward has emerged on their shortlist in recent days in Rodrigo Muniz, according to Brazilian outlet BolaVIP.
They claim that a £32m bid has been made for the Fulham striker after he scored eight times in England’s top flight throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
It also states that the Lilywhites will face stiff competition from Leeds United, after the newly promoted side made an offer for his services earlier this window.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Haaland
Erling Haaland is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines within the Premier League, scoring endless goals for Manchester City over the last few years.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandduring the warm up before the match
The Norwegian moved to the Etihad back in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 124 times in his 146 appearances – a simply staggering record in the modern day.
He’s registered four goals in his six appearances against the Lilywhites, often causing the club countless issues, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they had their own version of the forward.
However, talents like Haaland don’t come around very often, and if they do, they will likely cost a small fortune – especially given the money in the current climate.
They could be about to land their own version of the talisman with Muniz this summer, with the Brazilian labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref.
Whilst he’s undoubtedly been massively outscored throughout 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Haaland in numerous key areas, showcasing what an excellent addition he’d be to Frank’s side this summer.
Muniz, who’s been labelled as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.
Games played
31
31
Goals & assists
9
25
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Passes into final third
1.2
0.3
Progressive passes
2.5
0.6
Take-ons completed
0.9
0.4
Fouls won
2.9
0.4
Aerials won
6.3
1.8
He’s also registered more progressive passes per 90, with more passes completed into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with chances in attacking areas.
The Fulham star has also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering Frank an all-round option at the top end of the pitch that he will likely desire.
It’s unclear if Marco Silva’s side will accept the latest offer for Muniz’s signature, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be an excellent option for Spurs.
If he can replicate the levels produced by Haaland over the last couple of seasons, it would be a superb signing and one that could catapult the club up the table next campaign.
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India A made a solid start to their chase but fell away against the home side’s spinners
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-2024
Maddy Darke hit an unbeaten century to put Australia A in a strong position (file photo)•Getty Images
India A 184 and 149 for 6 (Shubha 45) need 140 more runs to beat Australia A 212 and 260 (Darke 105*, de Broughe 58, Mani 6-92)Australia A were on course for victory in the four-day game against India A as they worked their way through some stubborn top-order resistance after Maddy Darke’s outstanding unbeaten 105 and set a tough target.Darke, who had her family watching on, helped add 96 further runs in the morning as the lower order, led by Grace Parsons at No. 10, provided important support, but India A gave themselves a good base in the chase before the home side’s spinners combined to do the majority of the damage as the visitors lost 5 for 42 across 21 overs.Related
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“Physically [I’m] probably not in the best shape at the minute, but really goes to show this format of the game, the way it tests you both physically, mentally and tactically as well. Come to see what red-ball cricket is all about,” Darke said after then keeping wicket for the rest of the day.”[It was about] just keeping it really simple, playing the right shot to the right ball as long as possible. Going back out there today, every run was going to be crucial on a wicket that’s getting harder and harder to bat on.”Captain Charlie Knott broke the opening stand by having Shweta Sehrawat lbw and fellow offspinner Lilly Mills ended a second-wicket stand of 52 in 23 overs when Priya Punia was well taken in the covers by Georgia Voll.Legspinner Parsons produced an excellent delivery to have Tejal Hasabnis caught low down at gully then Tess Flintoff provided the only wicket for pace so far in the innings with the key dismissal of Shubha Satheesh, although she did not seem pleased with the caught-behind decision.India A captain Minnu Mani tried to break the shackles but ran past a delivery from Knott and the impressive Parsons struck again to have Sajeevan Sajana caught in the off side. At that stage a three-day finish looked a possibility, but Raghvi Bist and Uma Chetry negotiated through to the close.Australia A had resumed with a lead of 192 but lost Mills early when offspinner Mani took her match haul to 11 wickets. However, Parsons showed her batting prowess to form a ninth-wicket stand of 75 with Darke who was content to give her plenty of the strike.Darke, who had come in with Australia 53 for 4 on the second day, was on 91 when Parsons fell but No. 11 Nicola Hancock was able to see her through to a superb century, brought up by just the fourth boundary of Darke’s innings when she pulled Sayali Satghare through midwicket. It was Darke’s second century of the multi-format tour after her unbeaten 106 in the second one-dayer.”She [Hancock] was definitely playing the team role there and I really appreciate what she did for me,” Darke said. “The whole family is here – mum, dad, brother – think they saw the opportunity for a one-four flight rather than a four-hour one [to Western Australia] so it’s really special. They are massive supporters of me.”
This is the earliest they have ever gone out of the competition, triggered by defeats to USA and India
Danyal Rasool14-Jun-2024Pakistan have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 after inclement weather in Lauderhill meant points were split between Ireland and USA. USA have qualified for the Super Eight alongside India from Group A, also sealing their berth in the 2026 T20 World Cup.For Pakistan, though, a torrid tournament culminated in a hasty exit under gloomy skies that epitomised the grim nature of their World Cup campaign. They arrived in the USA with no warm-up games scheduled, and most of their practice sessions were cancelled due to rain. Their unfamiliarity was punished by the home team in their opening fixture as USA pipped them in the Super Over, before Pakistan fell apart chasing 120 against India, losing by six runs.Related
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That left them depending on other results, most significantly the outcome of this particular game in Lauderhill between USA and Ireland. An Irish win would have kept Pakistan alive, with any other outcome giving USA an unassailable lead over Pakistan in the points tally.Pakistan’s only win so far has been a seven-wicket triumph over Canada. They still have one game left as they play Ireland – who were also eliminated as a result of this washout – on Sunday.However, this does not mean they will have to play the qualifiers to secure a place at the next T20 World Cup, with their current T20I ranking – seventh – sufficient to guarantee a spot at the tournament in 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.This is the earliest Pakistan have ever been knocked out of a T20 World Cup, having played just three games before their fate was sealed. They also suffered group-stage eliminations in 2014 and 2016, but reached at least the semi-finals on every other occasion. No side has reached more finals than Pakistan (England are joint-top with three), and Pakistan won the title in 2009.
You have to wonder whether Manchester United’s decision to keep hold of Erik ten Hag after winning the 2023/24 FA Cup played into Daniel Levy’s decision to sack Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
Added to the long list of managers at the Tottenham helm since Levy assumed ownership of the club in 2001, Postecoglou would be forgiven for feeling aggrieved after winning the Europa League last month, ending 17 years of searching for silverware.
But he has paid the price for the year-long suffering in the Premier League, the injury-hit Londoners slumping to a 17th-place finish, one above relegated Leicester City.
Ange Postecoglou
Jul 23 – Jun 25
101
1.53
Antonio Conte
Nov 21 – Mar 23
76
1.78
Nuno Espirito Santo
Jul 21 – Nov 21
17
1.65
Jose Mourinho
Nov 19 – Apr 21
86
1.77
Mauricio Pochettino
Jul 14 – Nov 19
293
1.84
Tim Sherwood
Dec 13 – May 14
26
1.65
Andre Villas-Boas
Jul 12 – Dec 13
80
1.91
Harry Redknapp
Oct 08 – Jun 12
198
1.73
Juande Ramos
Oct 07 – Oct 08
54
1.35
Martin Jol
Nov 04 – Oct 07
147
1.62
Jacques Santini
Aug 04 – Nov 04
13
1.46
Glenn Hoddle
Apr 01 – Sep 03
102
1.35
There’s no question Tottenham’s trophy-winning European campaign has been at variance with their wretched top-flight term, but given the schism that has been created through Levy’s latest dismissal, it’s crucial that they get the next appointment right.
And you’d have to say, Thomas Frank would be a brilliant signing.
Why Spurs want Thomas Frank
Emerging as the clear frontrunner in the bid to replace Postecoglou at Tottenham, Brentford boss Frank is being pursued, although official contacts with the Bees have yet to take place.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank
Taking Brentford into the Premier League and establishing them as a solid unit with an attractive brand of football, the Danish tactician has proved his durability, adaptability and flexibility during his time in London, hailed for creating an “extraordinary team” by Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
Frank’s nuanced tactical approach is perhaps the definitive factor behind Levy’s desire to get the deal done, with Postecoglou, for all his exciting attacking play, perhaps a little one-dimensional at times.
However, there’s no certainty that Tottenham will make the appointment. Indeed, an alternative approach for Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi underscores that point.
And Lilywhites chairman Levy may even be ready to sign an alternative.
Spurs line up Frank alternative
According to BBC Sport, Frank might be the favourite for the vacant manager position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also in the frame.
Iraola has been a revelation since joining the South Coast club in July 2023, and he’s since led the Cherries to their two biggest points hauls in Premier League history (48 in 2023/24 and a whopping 56 last season).
With Frank holding a sizeable release clause in his Brentford contract, Iraola might be a fantastic alternative to turn to, not least because his Bournemouth side finished a place above Frank’s in the top flight.
What Andoni Iraola would bring to Spurs
Iraola has shaped Bournemouth into one of the easiest-on-the-eye teams in English football, with former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha commenting on the “incredibly impressive” start to life at the Vitality Stadium, instilling a clear identity.
The 42-year-old’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation is also something that would suit Spurs’ current crop well, retaining the attacking style Postecoglou will leave embedded but taking it and shaping it into something more fluent and organised.
Iraola’s success could even see him prove a better fit for Tottenham than Frank, who has been described as “one of the best in the league” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
His ability to transform Bournemouth from a pragmatic outfit expected to fight to stave off relegation into a slick team capable of knocking on the European door showcases how he could improve Tottenham, who will need some transformative coaching after their wretched domestic campaign.
Raising the ceiling is something both Frank and Iraola have proved themselves capable of doing since taking their respective posts in England, but Iraola may also help a more seamless transition away from Ange’s high-line, big-risk, high-intensity possession-based game.
Indeed, as per FBref, Bournemouth only averaged 48.5% of possession in the Premier League last year (putting them 11th), but Brentford were even less active on the ball, 15th with a 47.9% average.
This may feel like something of a regression in tactical expansion, but it would actually be a move rooted in progressive pragmatism, scaling back from the high-stakes gambling played by Postecoglou.
Moreover, Iraola’s teams have earned praise for their organisation and togetherness when out of possession, further highlighting the issues Tottenham have been beset by and how they could fix this.
Still, the two managers aren’t diametrically opposed, and Iraola’s intense physical demands would allow him to dovetail into the Tottenham milieu.
While Frank is a proven manager in the Premier League, Iraola is also showing himself to be a nuanced and dynamic tactician, and could be the right man for the job.
Fans will understandably be concerned that Tottenham are stuck in something of a circular motion, winning some silverware, yes, but continuing to churn through managers.
Manager Focus
Such back-and-forth threatens to isolate the success, leaving it as a flash in the pan. However, Iraola is a fantastic and intelligent manager, and if given several years to inculcate his teachings onto the north London squad, this could be a real corner for Tottenham.
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Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final last night with a routine 1-0 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Real Betis in the final at the end of the month.
The Blues have reached their eighth major European final, looking to add to their two Champions League and two Europa League triumphs in previous years.
Given their form in the competition, it would be a surprise to no one that Maresca’s men are the favourites to go all the way – topping off a superb first year in the role for the Italian.
Numerous players impressed during the second leg victory, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.
Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden
Alongside scoring the goal that clinched another win, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed an evening to remember, producing numerous impressive figures throughout.
The 26-year-old created three chances – the most of any player in the match – whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, showcasing the threat he carried in attacking areas.
He wasn’t the only star to impress at the Bridge last night, with 16-year-old academy graduate Reggie Walsh getting the opportunity to start from the off after his cameo last week.
The teenager impressed with the opportunity, completing 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning four fouls and posing a serious threat to the opposition despite his tender age.
However, despite the showings by the aforementioned duo, one other Blues star managed to impress, with the boss simply unable to drop him from the side after such a positive showing.
The Chelsea star who now looks undroppable after Djurgarden
The Europa Conference League run has been extremely beneficial for Maresca over the last few months, handing the manager the opportunity to fully evaluate the players at his disposal.
Many players, like Walsh, have taken the chance handed to them with both hands, but the same can’t be said for others, with departures likely over the summer window.
That being said, investment is also to be expected in West London as the club looks to push towards the summit of the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.
However, such events shouldn’t affect youngster Josh Acheampong, who’s managed to go from strength to strength after originally being frozen out during the early stages of the Maresca reign.
The 19-year-old featured for the entirety of the clash once again last night, thriving in the side as the Blues booked their place in the final of yet another final.
He registered a staggering 122 touches on the ball, completing 85 passes at a completion rate of 91% – not looking out of place in the first-team ranks despite his youthful years.
Acheampong also managed to make 10 passes into the final third and won two tackles, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch during the triumph – leading to journalist Nizaar Kinsella labelling him as “Chelsea’s best player”.
Minutes played
90
Touches
122
Passes completed
85/93 (91%)
Passes into final third
10
Tackles won
2
Fouls won
4
Duels won
9
To top off his magnificent showing, the teenager was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Express’ Dom Smith, highlighting how impressive he was during the meeting at the Bridge.
After such a display, Maresca can’t drop the academy gem, handing him a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s huge clash with Newcastle United.
The Blues need an excellent end to the campaign if they are to secure Champions League football for next season, with Acheampong deserving of the opportunity to help the club in their quest.
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