كشفت تقارير صحفية موقف الدولي البرازيلي رافينها، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة من المشاركة في مباراة سيلتا فيجو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.
ومن المقرر أن يواجه فريق برشلونة نظيره سيلتا فيجو مساء يوم الأحد المقبل، في إطار منافسات الجولة الـ12 من بطولة الدوري الإسباني.
ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا على سيلتا فيجو في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة الحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.
وقبل أسبوعين وتحديدًا خلال الاستعداد لمباراة الكلاسيكو، تعرض رافينها لإصابة قوية في العضلة الخلفية بقدمه اليُمنى جعلته غائبًا عن الملاعب حتى الآن.
اقرأ أيضًا | فيرمينو يوضح حقيقة اهتمام ريال مدريد بضمه بعد رحيله عن ليفربول
ووفقًا لصحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، فإن هانز فليك لن يخاطر بمشاركة رافينها في مباراة سيلتا فيجو وسيستبعده من القائمة حتى يكتمل شفائه بنسبة 100%.
وأفادت أن فليك سيستغل فترة التوقف الدولي والتي تمتد نحو أسبوعين حتى يستعيد رافينها بعدما يكتمل شفائه وتأهيله ويتمكن من المشاركة بشكل طبيعي في المباريات ولتجنب تكرار الإصابة مرة أخرى.
وذكرت الصحيفة الإسبانية أن فترة التوقف الدولي ستكون بمثابة هدية من السماء للمدرب الألماني حتى يعود إليه بعض من لاعبيه المصابين مثل أندرياس كريستنسن وحارس المرمى خوان جارسيا بجانب رافينها.
Após decidir nos minutos finais a partida contra o Corinthians, Yago Pikachu vem sendo um dos destaques da rodada. Mesmo sendo lateral-direito de ofício, o jogador já marcou muitos gols na carreira, e você sabe quantos são? O Lance! te responde.
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+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades
Mas antes, vale ressaltar que o jogador já atuou diversas vezes fora da lateral, inclusive no último jogo. Yago já atuou de meia-direita, ponta, armador e até volante. Outro ponto, é que Pikachu é batedor oficial de pênaltis no Fortaleza e também foi no Vasco. Com direito a gols contra Victor, Cássio e Diego Alves, exímios pegadores de penalidades máximas.
Yago começou sua carreira em 2012 no Paysandu, por lá foi um dos melhores jogadores do clube. Ajudando o clube a vencer o Campeonato Paraense em 2013. Saiu do Papão em 2016 com 62 gols em 221 jogos.
No novo clube, o Vasco da Gama, Pikachu foi um dos talismãs da equipe. Em 2016, ajudou com o acesso para a Série A e conquistando o Campeonato Carioca. Em 2017, contribuiu para levar o clube para a Libertadores, em 2018 sendo um dos principais jogadores para evitar a queda do Gigante da Colina, já para 2019, foi de novo um dos melhores do elenco. Em 2020 seu rendimento caiu e não fechou bem seu vínculo com a torcida, o clube acabou rebaixado e Yago saiu do clube. O paraense saiu do Vasco marcando 40 gols em 253 jogos.
+ Veja a tabela e os próximos jogos da Série A
Em novos ares, Pikachu chegou ao Fortaleza em 2021. Foi abraçado pela torcida do Leão e ajudou o clube com uma campanha histórica, terminando na quarta colocação no Brasileirão e com vaga direta para a Libertadores, além de três Campeonatos Cearenses e uma Copa do Nordeste. Desempenho tão bom que chamou a atenção do Shimizu S-Pulse, do Japão, para onde foi transferido. Não teve bom rendimento e foi emprestado de volta ao Fortal no início deste ano. Somando as duas passagens pelo Fortaleza, Yago soma 37 gols em 150 jogos.
Na carreira inteira, Yago Pikachu tem 139 gols e 83 assistências em 633 jogos.
De Leede leads fight for Durham with hard-earned four-wicket haul
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025
James Coles raises his bat on reaching a century•Getty Images
A resilient unbeaten century from Sussex’s James Coles defied an excellent bowling performance from Durham’s Bas de Leede on day one of their Rothesay County Championship clash.Ben Raine struck early to give Durham a dream start, but they were pegged back by half-centurion Daniel Hughes, however he was dismissed after lunch to hand Durham the early initiative.Coles remained calm and composed to steady the ship in the afternoon and he along with captain John Simpson put pressure on the Durham bowlers. However, the hosts bounced back after tea thanks to de Leede (4/83), who bowled well on his first appearance of the season.Coles remained at the crease and continued to frustrate the hosts and reached his hundred just before close, with Sussex finishing the day on 322 for nine..Sussex got off to a bad start at an overcast Banks Homes Riverside as Raine removed the in-form Tom Haines for four as he chopped on to his off-stump.Hughes responded with a lovely boundary through the covers from a Matthew Potts delivery, but the Durham opening bowlers limited Sussex’s run-making opportunities. That pressure nearly told as Raine dropped a catch from his own bowling when Hughes mistimed an aerial drive on 15.At the other end Tom Clark took a while to get going, but he played a glorious cover drive for four in Sam Conners’ first over of the season. Hughes continued to take opportunities to score as he slammed a George Drissell ball down the ground for four.Drissell struck back for Durham shortly before lunch as he bowled Clark for 30 with one that found the Sussex man’s off-stump.Hughes then reached his half-century, with it coming from 101 deliveries, but the Australian was bowled for 60 by de Leede, who produced a beauty to dislodge the off-stump.Coles started nicely to thwart Durham’s bowling attack, but the hosts struck back with Conners picking up his first County Championship wicket of the season as Ibrahim was caught behind for five.Durham continued to pile on the pressure and they very nearly had their fifth when Ollie Robinson dropped a regulation catch down the legside after Coles nicked a Raine delivery when he was on 35.Sussex skipper Simpson started well as he launched a Drissell ball down the ground for six.Coles continued to tick along, taking scoring opportunities whenever they presented themselves, with him playing a lovely shot through the covers from the bowling of England man Matthew Potts. The Sussex man then passed fifty for the third time this season, but Simpson was dropped on 17 by Drissell at slip off the bowling of Potts.Coles then pulled a de Leede bouncer to the boundary, while Simpson flicked the first ball after tea to the legside boundary. The impressive Conners struck back with Simpson edging behind to Robinson for a well-made 40.Coles continued to motor though as he caressed a Conners ball through the covers for four and he whipped one through the onside soon after.Wickets kept on falling at the other end though as de Leede got Fynn Hudson-prentice for five after he chipped one up to Emilio Gay at cover and the Dutchman struck again as Jack Carson was caught behind for two.Ollie Robinson came to the crease and hit two boundaries, but he was LBW for nine when Raine caught him plumb in front of his stumps.That brought Jofra Archer to the crease, playing his first red ball game since 2021, and he hit Potts for four through third region.Coles, on 95, nearly fell short of his ton when a leading edge from Raine found its way to de Leede at backward point, but he was dropped for the second time. He then well and truly made Durham pay for their sloppy fielding when he reached his fifth First Class century from 169 balls.Archer looked in good touch with the bat as he slammed a Raine delivery through the covers for four and he then hit de Leede for six, but he was dismissed for 31 from the next ball as he pulled one to Conners on the boundary.Coles remained unbeaten on 117 at close, taking his side to 322 for nine.
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-2025B Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 on his Test debut for India against England at Headingley, while Karun Nair returns to international cricket after an eight-year absence. India have picked four seamers for the first Test, including the allrounder Shardul Thakur at No. 8, but it is their batters who will be put to the test on the first morning after Ben Stokes chose to bowl first.The last six Tests at Headingley have been won by the team bowling first, which might explain Stokes’ decision despite the bright sunshine in Leeds. “Headingley is generally a very good cricket wicket,” Stokes said at the toss. “Hopefully, we can look to use the early conditions, and try to get a bit out of it… We’re all excited, we’re all ready to go.”Shubman Gill, captaining India for the first time in Tests, said he would have chosen to bowl first, but predicted the pitch would become a “really good batting wicket” after the first session. “The sun is out. It looks like a good batting day for us,” Gill said. “The preparation has been amazing.”England named their team two days before the toss, with Ollie Pope retaining his spot at No. 3 and Brydon Carse set to open the bowling with Chris Woakes. Josh Tongue and Stokes are their other seamers, while Shoaib Bashir is their frontline spinner.Prasidh Krishna joins Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as India’s third frontline seamer, with Thakur providing an all-round option. Ravindra Jadeja is their only spinner, with Kuldeep Yadav left out.
England spinner Shoaib Bashir looks set to leave Somerset at the end of the summer in a bid to play more regular first-team cricket outside of his international commitments.Bashir has become England’s first-choice spinner in the last 18 months, playing each of their last 15 Tests, and was player of the match in their recent win over Zimbabwe. But he has struggled for gametime at Somerset, who have preferred the left-arm spin of Jack Leach and the all-round ability of Archie Vaughan in their County Championship side.Last year, Bashir played four Championship matches and a single 50-over match for Somerset and went out on loan to Worcestershire ahead of the Test summer. This season, he made a similar short-term move to Glamorgan, where he took two expensive wickets in three Championship fixtures, and he has not been involved in Somerset’s T20 Blast plans.Bashir signed a two-year extension with Somerset in 2023 and ESPNcricinfo has learned that there have been no discussions around a new deal. Bashir has praised Leach’s impact on him as a mentor at Somerset but conceded last week that his situation is “unique”, saying: “It’s hard to fit two of us [in the side], at the start of the year especially.”Sunday marked the opening of county cricket’s effective transfer window, with players in the final year of their current contracts now free to talk to other clubs ahead of next year. While no approach has yet been made, Surrey – where Bashir played his age-group cricket – could be a potential suitor, as could Warwickshire and Worcestershire.Bashir is centrally contracted by the ECB and if his deal is extended as expected, then a prospective new county would not immediately pay him a salary. He would instead sign a ‘shadow’ contract, outlining terms of payment in the event that he loses his central contract, a standard mechanism for England players.Graeme Swann, whose own career took off after he left Northamptonshire for Nottinghamshire, has previously encouraged Bashir to leave Somerset to accelerate his development as a bowler.Swann, who has coached Bashir in the England Lions set-up, told talkSPORT last year: “Long-term, if the ECB can just say, ‘Look, this is bonkers. He’s the best spinner in England. If you’re not going to play him, then you have to let him go and play for someone else.'”Meanwhile, Surrey have lined up Adam Zampa as a potential replacement signing in the T20 Blast. Zampa has previously played for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred – though will not return this year due to Australia commitments – and could act as cover for Mitchell Santner when he captains New Zealand in a T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe in July.Elsewhere, Todd Murphy has lined up a short-term stint in the County Championship. Murphy, who has played seven Tests for Australia but has slipped behind Matthew Kuhnemann as Nathan Lyon’s understudy, was a late withdrawal from Australia A’s squad to tour Sri Lanka and will play four matches for an undisclosed county in June and July.
Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been found guilty of sending "grossly offensive" social media posts. The 43-year-old called broadcaster Jeremy Vine a "bike nonce" and compared pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko to serial killer couple Fred and Rose West on X. Now, jurors have accepted the prosecution's argument that Barton "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" on six counts.
Barton in court over social media posts
Barton has been on trial at Liverpool Crown Court after being charged with 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety back in January 2024. On Friday, jurors found him guilty of six counts of sending grossly offensive social media posts directed at Vine, Ward, and Aluko, but they cleared the former Manchester City player of the other six counts.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarton victim of 'political prosection'
The day before he was found guilty, Barton told the court he did not intend to call Vine a paedophile and described it as a "bad, dark, juvenile joke". He also said his references to the broadcaster were a "wind-up".
"It was not meant to call him a paedophile. It was a bad, dark, juvenile joke," he said. "I have not at any point tried to cause distress or anxiety or risk his life or his daughters' lives. I don't want people to fear for their lives, I'm a dad. I cannot believe I'm on trial for this. Words on a social media site."
Barton added, "This was the state, in my opinion, trying to squeeze me into the ground. It's a spat between celebrities online. I believe this is a highly politicised case.
"This is a state prosecution I believe for whatever their agendas are in pushing on people."
Vine and Aluko hurt by Barton's attacks
On Tuesday, former England international Aluko said she was "astounded" by Barton comparing her to the notorious serial killers, especially after the pair had exchanged "friendly and supportive" private messages years ago.
"I was surprised because I had never met Joey Barton in person before. I was genuinely appreciative of his support. Between 2017 and 2020, me and Joey Barton exchanged supportive messages. I took Joey Barton as I found him. Obviously, he had a reputation in football. Given his reputation, I didn’t have to have that response to him," she told the court.
"If you see those messages, you would think those two people are friendly, supportive and encouraging. That’s why I was so astounded by a comparison to serial killers. I would have expected, if he did have a comment to make about my punditry, he would maybe message me and say so. I would have absolutely received it. But the fact that he did that publicly suggests it was malicious and was intended to get as much attention as possible, and all at a time when he was promoting a podcast. I believe he was trying to attract a certain audience that was aligned in his views."
Meanwhile, Vine said on Wednesday that Barton's comments made him feel "unsafe", while adding that the ex-Bristol Rovers boss had left a "cloud of filth" with his words.
"I thought it was very vicious to post their faces over two mass murderers of children. I was looking for an explanation and said about a brain injury as a way of underlining my own feelings that he had crossed a line," he told the court. "I genuinely believe what Barton did made me physically unsafe. I took some advice about my security. I varied my movements. I didn't want to communicate the dangers [to my daughters]. Because of this cloud of filth Barton had released I had to explain to them. I can only summarise by saying I believe these messages put me in physical danger."
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Moreover, Judge Andrew Menary KC told Barton that his scarf with a British flag on it was a "stunt" and not to wear it again at his sentencing on December 8. He was also reminded that his bail conditions prevent him from mentioning the three victims in any way before he is sentenced.
واجه روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مهاجم برشلونة مستقبلاً غامضاً مع النادي ويمتد عقد صاحب الـ37 عاماً حتى 30 يونيو 2026، ولم يعلن بعد عن أي تطورات جديدة.
وكان ليفاندوفسكي قد أوضح أنه ليس في عجلة من أمره لحسم مستقبله ويبدو أن أولويته هي البقاء وأنه قد يكون مستعد لتخفيض راتبه والتكيف مع دور جديد قد يكون أقل داخل الفريق، ورغم ذلك يبدو أن البلوجرانا سيتخلى عن القائد البولندي حيث تم تحديد هاري كين كبديل محتمل.
ويرتبط ميلان بضم روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، وبحسب تحديث جديد من الصحفي التركي “حمزة أوجلو” فإن فنربخشة قد استفسر بشكل غير رسمي عن ضم البولندي للحصول على توقيعه في يناير.
أقرأ أيضاً.. تعافي أشبه بالمعجزة.. برشلونة يتلقى دفعة معنوية رائعة في التوقف الدولي
ويفكر النادي التركي في بيع يوسف النصيري الذي يحلم بالانتقال للسعودية، وقد يقدم فنربخشة عرضاً لضم ليفاندوفسكي لعام ونصف في حال حدوث ذلك.
ويبدو رغم ذلك أن احتمالية رحيل ليفاندوفسكي مستبعدة للغاية، حيث أنه يشعر بأنه متحمس للغاية للفوز بمزيد من الألقاب مع البلوجرانا ولن يتطلع النادي لنفسه لرحيله في يناير بسبب مشاكل الإصابات التي يواجهها لذا فإن انتقاله في منتصف الموسم يبدو احتمالاً بعيداً.
وقد ترددت في تقارير صحفية خلال الساعات الماضية أن المستشار الرياضي لميلان زلاتان إبراهيموفيتش قد شجع على خطوة انتقال ليفاندوفسكي للنادي، وأنه سيشكل إضافة مثالية لخط الهجوم وقادر على تقديم أداء ثابت وأنه من المتوقع أن تكون هناك محادثات أكثر خلال الفترة المقبلة، وقد يقدم النادي الإيطالي عقد لمدة عامين على غرار ما حدث مع أوليفيه جيرو.
Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update
The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.
Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn’t believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.
Chelsea's Tyrique George celebrates scoring their third goal withJoshAcheampong
He stated via The Athletic’s Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:
Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.
Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.
With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.
Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.
Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are ‘ready to accept’ a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.
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Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.
In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who’s been called a “very unique” defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.
Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca’s high-octane style of play.
Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.
Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fell to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Oliver Glasner’s Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last month’s Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win.
Sarr’s first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slot’s bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house.
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ByTom Cunningham Oct 29, 2025
Slot’s men had started Wednesday’s tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool.
Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on.
Defenders & goalkeeper
Freddie Woodman – 5
Even Freddie Woodman will be surprised to have received the call from Liverpool in the summer, but here he is and there he was in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman was fairly flawless and could do nothing to prevent Sarr’s first-half brace or Pino’s late effort.
Calvin Ramsay – 6
Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on the teamsheet in a much-changed Liverpool side. The Reds have had their right-back problems as of late, so why not turn to the forgotten man?
Finally back at Anfield following disappointing loan spells and injury troubles, the Scotsman was one of the brightest sparks for the home side, particularly in the first half. He also gets bonus points for a stunning crossfield pass that Liverpool fans became used to down the right-hand side for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.
Joe Gomez – 3
It was a difficult evening for Joe Gomez, whose loose touch handed Sarr his first before his poor positioning allowed the Palace man a second in the space of four first-half minutes.
It was a frustrating watch for those at Anfield, who saw Gomez get off to a solid, leading start before mistakes crept into his game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a poor performance from their other senior centre-back.
Andy Robertson – 4
In an unfamiliar centre-back role, it became clear that Andy Robertson was not in his favoured position from early on. Whilst he deserves credit for slotting in under the circumstances, there’s no denying that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was fitting that the Reds played a fullback at centre-back against Marc Guehi as their regret became exposed.
That said, Robertson will be wondering what he has to do to take back his left-back spot as Liverpool’s disastrous defensive form continues.
Milos Kerkez – 4
Speaking of Liverpool left-backs, it was another frustrating evening for Milos Kerkez. He has continued to look rushed in possession and rash when defending. Although he wasn’t tested as much as previous weeks, the Hungary international was wasteful at times and that far from helped the blunt nature of Liverpool’s frontline.
Midfielders
Wataru Endo – 4
When Wataru Endo entered the Anfield turf last season, it often signalled game over for any opposition side. The Japanese international simply closed up for the evening and secured three points time and time again. This season, however, he has struggled to make the same impact.
Suddenly, there’s no hiding his weakness in possession which was shielded by work rate and robustness in the last campaign. Once again, he was loose against Palace and far from helped his side’s attempts to take control.
Trey Nyoni – 4
It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. Such a highly-rated player at Liverpool, the young midfielder felt the tempo of Premier League opposition in full and often found his passes misplaced.
Those at Anfield witness his unique composure in the middle of the park in pre-season, but he found out the hard way that time isn’t always a given at senior level.
Alas, it must be said that the senior members of the squad could have done a fair bit more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.
Alexis Mac Allister – 3
Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players last season’s title win. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, he formed an excellent midfield. Like much of Slot’s side as of late, however, he’s lost his way in the current campaign.
Still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, the Argentine once again looked a shadow of his best self against Crystal Palace. His form, or lack of it, hands Slot the worrying dilemma of just how to fix his current problems in the middle of the park.
Forwards
Kieran Morrison – 5
Thrust into the side at 18 years old, Kieran Morrison started well before gradually beginning to struggle against senior opposition. It’s not the first-team debut that he would have been dreaming of, but it is a moment in his career that he should cherish at Anfield nonetheless.
Had he at least enjoyed better service, things may have been different.
Rio Ngumoha – 6
Liverpool’s biggest bright spark, Rio Ngumoha very nearly curled a sensational effort into the top right in the first-half and certainly handed the likes of Jaydee Canvot a tough start to the evening. At 17 years old, his ability to take players on remains extraordinary and may just earn him a fair few more chances in the coming months.
Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha
Whilst Liverpool’s attack is full of big-money signings, Ngumoha’s glimpses of quality have sparked questions about his own game time despite his tender age,
Federico Chiesa – 6
It looked for a moment as though Federico Chiesa would hand Liverpool the lead in the early stages, only for his effort to end high and wide. That was that for the Italian’s chances, in truth, who struggled despite once again putting in the hard yards.
Even in defeat, his work rate should have put Slot on notice. As the Reds’ attack continues to struggle to click, Chiesa may yet provide a solution alongside the rest of his senior teammates.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are now targeting Brendan Rodgers as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, amid boardroom doubts about the Portuguese manager, who has made a very poor start to the campaign.
Indeed, Pereira is arguably fortunate to still be in a job, given that West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have already made changes, with the Old Gold sitting bottom of the Premier League, having failed to win any of their opening nine games.
Wolves have amassed just two points, which means they are currently six points adrift of safety, and the most recent result is likely to be particularly concerning, suffering a 3-2 defeat at home against newly-promoted Burnley.
Pereiera had to be dragged away from an altercation with the fans after the full-time whistle, before going on to urge the supporters to stick with the team in his post-match interview, saying: “We understand the frustration of the people and supporters but what I must say, if we fight united with them, we can win games and compete and achieve our targets – without them, it is impossible,”
“If we win two or three games in a row, things will change.”
The 57-year-old appears to be safe for the meantime, with the board not taking any drastic action after the Burnley defeat, but the club’s hierarchy are starting to have doubts about their manager…
Wolves targeting Rodgers to replace Pereira
According to a report from The Boot Room, Rodgers has now emerged as a target for Wolves, with the 52-year-old now available after resigning from his position as Celtic manager earlier this week.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: “Wolves, as it stands, are sticking with Vitor Pereira, but I understand the club’s hierarchy is split. Some wanted Pereira out after their weekend defeat to Burnley, so they are one to watch.”
As such, the former FC Porto manager may get a few more games to save his job, but if results don’t improve, the Northern Irishman could be brought in to replace him, having decided moving back to England is his “number one priority”.
After such a poor start to the season, the Old Gold may need a special manager to guide them to safety, and the ex-Celtic boss, who has managed 34 Champions League games, could fit the bill.
Gabriel Agbonlahor once lauded the former Leicester City boss for the work he did at the King Power Stadium, describing him as a “world-class” manager.
During his time with the Foxes, Rodgers, who often utilises a 4-3-3 formation, secured two fifth-place finishes and won the FA Cup, showcasing that he is capable of punching above his weight with a smaller club.
Despite signing a new three-year contract last month, there is only so long Wolves can stick with Pereira if results don’t improve dramatically, and the former Leicester manager could be the ideal replacement.
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