أرسل مسؤولو نادي الزمالك، برئاسة حسين لبيب، خطابًا جديدًا إلى لجنة الانضباط باتحاد الكرة، بسبب لاعب الفريق السابق، أحمد سيد زيزو.
ورحل أحمد سيد زيزو عن فريق الزمالك، بنهاية الموسم الحالي بعد انتهاء عقده، منتقلا إلى الغريم التقليدي الأهلي، في صفقة هزت الوسط الرياضي.
وأكد مصدر بالزمالك لـ بطولات، أن النادي أرسل خطابًا اليوم للجنة الانضباط، اعتراضا على رد اللجنة بشأن شكوى القلعة البيضاء ضد لاعب الأهلي الحالي، أحمد سيد زيزو.
وأشار المصدر إلي أن لجنة الانضباط كانت قد ردت على الزمالك، بعدم اختصاصها في شكوى النادي ضد لاعب الفريق السابق، زيزو.
طالع| الزمالك يعلن موعد عودة المثلوثي وأحمد حمدي وجهاد للمباريات
وكان الزمالك تقدم بشكوى رسمية إلى لجنة الانضباط التابعة للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ضد لاعبه “زيزو”، تنفيذًا للقرار الذي صدر عن مجلس إدارة النادي بتغريمه وقت انقطاعه عن التدريبات.
“We have never won two games in the Super 12s before – the boys should be proud of themselves”
Mohammad Isam05-Nov-2022
Nurul Hasan and Taskin Ahmed run across for a quick single•AFP/Getty Images
Sridharan Sriram, Bangladesh’s technical consultant, feels the two close wins over Netherlands and Zimbabwe have made it a satisfactory men’s T20 World Cup campaign for the team, and the five-run loss against India should serve as a lesson.”It is the best tournament Bangladesh has ever had in T20 World Cup,” he said ahead of their last Super 12s game, against Pakistan in Adelaide on Sunday. “We have never won two games in the Super 12s in the history of Bangladesh cricket. The boys should be proud of themselves.Related
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“I think it is a fresh start. I don’t know what happened in the past. We won two very close games against Netherlands and Zimbabwe. We lost a close game against India, but that happens.”Despite just two wins from four games, Bangladesh have an outside chance of making the semi-finals, but for that they must beat Pakistan and hope for other results to go their way, including South Africa not getting more than one point against Netherlands.The India match was a big one, where Bangladesh, at various points, threatened to win, but went down by five runs in the end. It was a “golden opportunity” missed, in Sriram’s opinion.”At the start of the game [against India], if someone said we will lose to India by five runs, anybody will take it,” Sriram said. “I think we got ourselves an opportunity to beat India. But we were not able to cross the line. The boys gained a lot of confidence by having got so close.”Everyone was disappointed in the dressing room to have lost by five runs. They realised what a golden opportunity they missed. It is a great learning for them. It gives the team a lot of self-belief that if we can challenge a team like India, we are not far away.”Chasing India’s 184 for 6, Bangladesh were 17 runs ahead of the DLS par score when the rain came down after seven overs, with Litton Das on 59 from 26 balls. But Litton was run-out after the break, and in a meltdown, Bangladesh lost four wickets in two overs – the 12th and the 13th – and that set them back.Sriram conceded that the batting was “frantic” in that period – Bangladesh lost six wickets for 40 runs in five-and-a-half overs. “It was quite frantic for that brief 15-20 minutes, which is understandable. The pressure got to the boys with 9.75 runs an over,” he said.Now, they have Pakistan to tackle.”We know what challenges Pakistan present. We played them in New Zealand recently. We have to turn up and play our best on the day,” Sriram said. “They are a very good side. We had opportunities in both games that we played against them in New Zealand. We are both aware of each other’s strengths. It will be a great contest tomorrow.”1:59
Shakib Al Hasan: ‘Panicking’, lack of experience of shortened games cost Bangladesh
One of the questions around Bangladesh in T20I cricket has been their inability to play a power game, which is the trend in most parts of the world. To Sriram, however, it’s not the only way to play in T20s.”In Australia, we don’t need that kind of approach. A powerful West Indies didn’t even qualify, so in Australia your approach needs to be different,” Sriram, who had worked with the Australian team for many years before joining Bangladesh, said. “We have to adapt and learn. There’s no particular format to play T20s. The wickets, conditions dictate everything. There’s no one-size-fits-all in T20 cricket.”Technically, Sriram’s contract with Bangladesh gets over after the World Cup, which could be as early as Sunday. Bangladesh next play Tests and ODIs against India at home in December, where Russell Domingo is expected to return as the head coach.”One game at a time, one tournament at a time,” Sriram said of his future. “My goal is now just to finish the World Cup on a good note. I haven’t thought about too far ahead.”
Chelsea have lost their third consecutive game, losing 2-1 against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Blues took a 1-0 lead through Enzo Fernández, but it was a game of two halves as Villa scored two second-half goals through Marco Asensio, taking all three points on the day.
Enzo Maresca made plenty of tactical tweaks for this game, bringing Reece James into a more permanent defensive midfield role, which allowed Malo Gusto to overlap from right back and Cole Palmer to drift from the right wing.
The Blues held 48% of the ball, but still managed to take more shots than Villa (15). However, the Villans did generate more xG with 2.56, compared to Chelsea’s 2.12 xG, with Unai Emery’s side also creating three “big chances” compared to Chelsea’s two.
So what exactly went wrong in the game, with such a good first half performance, what were the key differences in the second half?
Filip Jorgensen's moment of madness
Filip Jorgensen made a crucial error when the Blues were still tied 1-1 with the Villans in the 89th minute, spilling a well-struck volley into his own net, gifting Asensio with his second goal of the game.
The Danish keeper made four saves in the game, but, of course, did have a costly late error which turned one point into zero for the away side. Jorgensen also had a 61% passing accuracy, misplacing nine of his 11 long balls attempted in the game.
The young stopper has been the first-choice in recent weeks, in place of Robert Sanchez – who has made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season – although having also shipped three at the Amex last time out, he’s hardly taking his chance with both hands.
But Jorgensen wasn’t the only player to have a poor performance for the Blues, as another individual was rated even worse by The Standard, earning himself a 4/10 match rating.
Christopher Nkunku's woes continued
Christopher Nkunku has been playing out of position for much of the season. Despite being a more natural attacking midfielder, the Frenchman has had to sacrifice his best position to Cole Palmer, which has seen Nkunku playing as a striker or left-winger.
Stat
Nkunku
Minutes
76
Touches
44
Accurate Passes
23/23
Key Passes
2
Shots
1
Successful Dribbles
1/4
Ground Duels Won
6/13
Tackles
3
Interceptions
2
Despite having 100% passing accuracy in the game, making two key passes and even putting in a shift off the ball, winning six ground duels, making three tackles and two interceptions, Nkunku wasn’t involved enough on the attacking end, often struggling to get himself in the game out on the left wing.
The few times he did receive the ball, he often had to check back inside, slowing Chelsea’s momentum and allowing Villa to regroup defensively. It doesn’t quite seem to be clicking between Nkunku and Palmer, who often prefer to operate in the same areas.
With Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and even Marc Guiu all missing from the Chelsea front line, Nkunku may be afforded a few more chances, but he is surely operating on borrowed time now, as Chelsea fans’ patience is running thin with the French star.
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After a strong start to the season under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have seriously dropped off in recent months.
Since 22nd December, the Blues have won just two Premier League games, suffering losses to Ipswich Town, Fulham and Manchester City, while drawing with Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.
This poor run of form has seen Maresca’s side slip from second in the league – just two points behind leaders Liverpool – to sixth place, with the possibility of European football next season now in serious doubt.
The cause of this decline is unclear, but from the outside, it seems to be a combination of factors: a squad filled mostly with young, inexperienced players, Maresca’s struggle to manage an over-inflated squad that has become harder to control as the weeks go by, and a lack of quality in key positions.
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In goal, for instance, Robert Sanchez has been the most error-prone ‘keeper in the Premier League this season, seemingly costing Chelsea points week after week.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Nicolas Jackson’s goals have dried up and Christopher Nkunku often looks aloof, with his mind seemingly elsewhere during his cameo appearances in the top flight.
While little business was done in January, Maresca will no doubt be hoping to use the summer to reassess his squad and bring in fresh talent capable of meeting his expectations and delivering for the Stamford Bridge faithful.
With that in mind, here are five players we believe Chelsea should target in the summer.
1 Alessandro Bastoni Inter
Inter Milan defenderAlessandro Bastoni.
Chelsea currently have no fewer than eight centre-backs in their squad, but aside from the injured Wesley Fofana, none has fully convinced this season.
To complement Fofana’s pace, power and relentless attitude, the Blues need to pair him with a composed, ball-playing defender who can help steady the ship. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is arguably the best example of such a player in Europe today.
A superb passer and astute dribbler, the Italian is as composed as they come when it comes to playing the ball out from the back. Standing at 6 foot 3, he’s also a physical presence, capable of winning the ball cleanly in the air and on the ground.
While he would be a dream and a sensible acquisition, Bastoni is currently tied to Inter until 2028, so he may require a big-money bid.
Chelsea certainly have the financial muscle to make such a splash, and with his fellow countryman Maresca at the helm, a connection with the manager could help persuade him to test his luck in a new league.
2 Johan Bakayoko PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action
With the exception of the excellent Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s wingers have been underwhelming this season. Pedro Neto has scored just twice in the Premier League, while despite netting seven goals, Noni Madueke has frustrated Maresca and Chelsea fans with lacklustre performances, selfishness in the final third and an inability to track back.
Mykhailo Mudryk, meanwhile, remains suspended after failing a drugs test.
To address their issues on the right wing, the Blues should target Madueke’s former PSV Eindhoven teammate, Johan Bakayoko.
The Dutchman scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists for PSV last season, earning multiple individual honours.
He’s continued his impressive form this season with nine goals and three assists, and has stood out with his tight control, footballing intelligence and ability to score with both feet – qualities he showcased in spectacular fashion when he netted against Liverpool in the Champions League.
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Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez
In addition to strengthening their options at centre-back and right-back, Chelsea also need more depth at left-back. Marc Cucurella has been solid so far this term, but he can’t be expected to play every match, while Malo Gusto is unable to operate on that flank.
Moreover, young Renato Veiga has now left for Juventus for the rest of the campaign, and Ben Chilwell has moved to Crystal Palace. Therefore, someone new may be being lined up for the summer.
A standout acquisition here, at least in our view, would be Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. One of the standout defenders in the Premier League this season, the Hungarian has been defensively solid and dynamic going forward.
His all-around game was on full display during a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in November. Kerkez contributed both assists for Bournemouth on the day, along with three clearances, two ball recoveries and an interception.
4 Diogo Costa Porto
Chelsea’s need for a new goalkeeper is perhaps their most pressing issue, with Robert Sanchez having already made five errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season.
Porto’s Diogo Costa would be a definite upgrade, and at 25 years old, he is a player who could be the Blues’ No 1 for many years to come.
Costa has been one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers in recent years, recording 78 clean sheets in 183 appearances for Porto, including 11 in 20 league games this season.
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1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025 5 Victor Boniface Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea have long been searching for a successor to the legendary Didier Drogba, who tormented Premier League defences with his power, skill and an unrivalled ability to perform when it mattered most at Stamford Bridge.
While Nicolas Jackson’s link-up play might even surpass Drogba’s, his lack of clinical finishing is becoming a growing concern, with the Senegalese striker often costing the Blues valuable points.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface not only fits the Drogba mould – big, strong, dominant in the air, and surprisingly deft for his size – but he is also far more ruthless in front of goal than Jackson.
Since the start of last season, the Nigerian has scored 30 goals, averaging a goal every 103 minutes, while Jackson has found the net 26 times, with a goal every 204 minutes.
أوضح أليخاندرو بالدي أنه كان واثقًا من قدرة فريقه برشلونة على العودة أمام ريال مدريد، رغم تقدم الملكي بثنائية نظيفة خلال مواجهة الكلاسيكو بين الفريقين بالدوري الإسباني.
وتقدم ريال مدريد بهدفين لكيليان مبابي، قبل أن يقلب برشلونة الطاولة وينهي المباراة لصالحه بنتيجة 4-3.
وشهدت مباراة الكلاسيكو أمام ريال مدريد، مشاركة بالدي بعد غياب عن فريقه برشلونة بسبب الإصابة.
وقال بالدي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “أنا سعيد جدًا بالفوز، وخاصةً لفريقي؛ لقد كانت مباراة صعبة”.
وأضاف: “من ناحية أخرى، كانت هذه أسابيع صعبة، غبت فيها عن بعض المباريات المهمة جدًا، والآن، أنا سعيد بالعودة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | بـ 5 كلمات.. مبابي يعلق على هزيمة ريال مدريد أمام برشلونة في الكلاسيكو
وأشار: “كنت هادئًا عند تقدم ريال مدريد 2-0، لا أعرف السبب، كنت أعلم أننا قادرون على العودة، وفعلناها مجددًا”.
كما أشاد بالدي بزميله رافينها قائلاً: “رافينها يقدم موسمًا لا يصدق، ليس فقط بسبب الأرقام، ولكن لأنه يعطي الكثير للفريق”.
وأكد أنه دخل في وقت صعب من المباراة، قائلا: “الحقيقة هي أنها كانت دقائق صعبة، كنت متعبًا لأنني لم ألعب لفترة، يجب أن تكون مستعدًا، وشعرت أنني بحالة جيدة جدًا”.
Kemar Roach reached the landmark of 250 Test wickets as West Indies dominated the third day of the second test with Bangladesh fighting to avoid an innings defeat.Bangladesh was reduced to 132 for 6 in its second innings at stumps on Sunday and still trailed the hosts by 42 runs at Daren Sammy Stadium.Roach took the first three wickets to finish the day on 3 for 32 in 10 overs and move to 252 wickets in his 73rd test for West Indies. Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal was caught behind to give Roach his 250th wicket.Roach is now the sixth-highest test wicket-taker for West Indies. Another quick, Courtney Walsh, tops that list with 519 wickets in 132 matches.Roach went on to dismiss opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Anamul Haque to leave Bangladesh struggling on 32 for 3.Najmul Hossain Shanto is the top scorer so far for Bangladesh in its innings with a 91-ball 42. He was also caught behind off Alzarri Joseph.West Indies earlier resumed on 340 for 5 – thanks to a chanceless and unbeaten 126 from allrounder Kyle Mayers – and extended its overnight lead of 106 to 174 after being dismissed for 408 in the first innings.Mayers was dismissed by Khaled Ahmed after moving on to 146, caught by Shoriful Islam. Mayers’ innings included 18 fours and two sixes. Khaled took 5 for 106.Play was called off for the day at 5.30 p.m. local time after heavy rain.Bangladesh scored a sub-par 234 in the first innings. West Indies won the first test in Antigua in just over three days, by seven wickets.
West Bromwich Albion have now made an enquiry over an “absolutely clinical” striker who is the son of a Baggies legend, according to a report.
Baggies still pushing for promotion
Losing Carlos Corberan to Valencia mid-season undoubtedly put a dent in West Brom’s chances of gaining promotion from the Championship, but they still remain in a strong position to return to the Premier League.
Albion are still in the play-offs under the helm of a caretaker trio of Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill, but they will be hoping to hire a new permanent manager as soon as possible to aid their chances of finishing inside the top six.
The likes of Swansea City’s Luke Williams and former Union Berlin boss Urs Fischer are in the running to take over at The Hawthorns, but there is unlikely to be an appointment prior to this weekend’s trip to AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup.
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Although the Baggies are still without a permanent manager, they are still looking at how they can strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, with a bid accpeted for Isaiah Jones, and The Daily Mail report they have now made contact over a potential deal for a striker.
West Brom have now made an enquiry about the availability of Liverpool striker Lewis Koumas, who is currently on loan at fellow Championship side Stoke City. Koumas will be a familiar name to the Albion faithful, with enigmatic midfielder Jason Koumas, Lewis’ father, spending an impressive five years at The Hawthorns from 2002 to 2007.
Liverpool's Lewis Koumas, Jayden Danns and Trey Nyoni celebrate winning the Carabao Cup with the trophy
A number of Championship clubs are interested in signing the forward, who they feel could give them the edge in the battle for promotion in the second half of the campaign, with Sheffield United and Watford also keen.
West Brom’s upcoming Championship fixtures
Date
Stoke City (h)
January 18th
Middlesbrough (a)
January 21st
Portsmouth (h)
January 25th
Plymouth Argyle (a)
February 1st
Sheffield Wednesday (h)
February 8th
Koumas could follow in his father's footsteps
Jason Koumas was a fantastic servant to the Baggies, and his 19-year-old son is also showing signs he could go on to be a top player, having been lauded as an “absolutely clinical” striker by Wales U21 manager Matty Jones.
The Wales international has predominantly featured on the wing for Stoke this season, displaying his versatility, and he has emerged as a key player, bagging three goals in 25 Championship appearances.
Koumas’ move to Stoke is likely to have been a good learning curve for the youngster, and he could now be ready to take the next step by moving to a team in the upper echelons of the Championship table.
يحافظ المصري محمد صلاح على صدارة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، قبل خوض مباراة ليفربول وليستر سيتي، حيث انطلقت منافسات الجولة الثالثة والثلاثين.
ورفع بريان مبيومو رصيده في جدول ترتيب الهدافين، بعدما أحرز ثنائية في فوز فريقه برينتفورد على برايتون، كما سجل يوان ويسا أيضًا هدفًا في المباراة.
طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد هدف إيزاك أمام إيبسويتش تاون
كما رفع أولي واتكينز رصيد أهدافه في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث أحرز هدفًا في فوز أستون فيلا أمام نيوكاسل بنتيجة 4-1.
وتجمد رصيد إيرلينج هالاند مهاجم مانشستر سيتي في ظل غيابه عن فريقه للإصابة، وقد حقق الفريق فوزًا بثنائية نظيفة أمام إيفرتون في الجولة ذاتها. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي
1. محمد صلاح، ليفربول، 27 هدفًا.
2. إيرلينج هالاند، مانشستر سيتي، 21 هدفًا.
3. ألكسندر إيزاك، نيوكاسل يونايتد، 20 هدفًا.
4. كريس وود، نوتينجهام فورست، 19 هدفًا.
5. بريان مبيومو، برينتفورد، 18 هدفًا.
6. يوان ويسا، برينتفورد، 15 هدفًا.
7. أولي واتكينز، أستون فيلا، 15 هدفًا.
8. كول بالمر، تشيلسي 14 هدفًا.
9. ماتيوس كونيا، ولفرهامبتون 14 هدفًا.
10. جون فيليب ماتيتا، كريستال بالاس، 13 هدفًا.
ويمكنكم متابعة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي محدث أولًا بأول من هنـــا.
After a month of Australia making Pakistan work for every run, wicket and win, here was the exception to the rule. In a rare lacklustre performance, Australia found themselves blown away by a dominant performance as they were crushed by nine wickets to seal a 2-1 series win.It came courtesy of a fiery fast bowling performance, and an unbeaten 190-run partnership between Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan had put Australia in to bat, skittling them out inside 42 overs for 210 before making light work of that target on a featherbed of a surface, with Imam and Babar making an unexperienced Australian bowling attack look particularly toothless. An undefeated 105 by Babar, his second consecutive hundred, and an unbeaten 89 from Imam helped Pakistan canter to a nine-wicket win with 73 balls to spare.Australia knew it was coming, and yet there seemed no way to stop it. A sensational – and yet by now, almost predictable – first over from Shaheen Shah Afridi got rid of Travis Head, dealing Australia a blow that left them groggy throughout the innings, and Haris Rauf removed Aaron Finch before Australia were off the mark.Magicians tend not to perform their tricks too often, but repetition doesn’t make Afridi any less inscrutable. It was a full toss that did for Head first up, but with the moving in the air, there was little the batter could do to prevent it crashing into off stump.Finch has struggled this series, and it showed in the way he tried to tackle Rauf, playing listlessly across the line and finding himself trapped plumb in front. Australia were yet to put a run on the board, and the discipline of Pakistan’s pace bowlers meant they couldn’t get off to the brisk start that characterised their first two innings. Rauf coaxed an edge out of Marnus Labuschagne early, and the normally fluid Ben McDermott got bogged down, managing just 14 in his first 34 balls.Australia looked to be rebuilding with a 53-run stand, but Zahid Mahmood drew a leading edge from Marcus Stoinis as Imam took a sharp catch, before Mohammad Wasim ended McDermott’s innings of attrition. A handy rearguard from Alex Carey and Cameron Green followed, with the batters capitalising on a drop in intensity from the hosts. The field spread out and easy singles are available, and with the frontline fast bowlers out of the attack, Australia were steadily rebuilding as they pushed towards a competitive total. Carey brought up a 55-ball half century two balls after a glorious six over cover drive off Wasim, and for the first time, Pakistan were on the back foot.Babar Azam punches down the ground•PCB
That ended soon after, though, when a bit of reverse swing did for Green as he heaved wildly across the line. It opened the floodgates, and four wickets fell for 18 runs as Rauf and Afridi returned to chip in. But in an entertaining six-over passage of play, Sean Abbott threw caution to the wind, swinging for the fences just about every delivery, riding his luck and further antagonising an increasingly irate Afridi. He managed the strike expertly; Adam Zampa never even got off the mark through the partnership, and by the time he chipped one to short third off Rauf, he’d scored a 40-ball 49. With the target set at 211, Abbott had given himself and his fellow bowlers something to work with.But two days out from a match that saw 348 prove inadequate, any hope Australia harboured of a series win hinged on early wickets, and several of them. It was in that department where Australia’s absences were really felt tonight. Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Ellis and Abbott simply don’t possess the qualities of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and especially Mitchell Starc to blast out an opposition, not least a top order as settled as Pakistan’s is right now.Fakhar Zaman fell for a brisk 17, but with the asking rate hovering around four, the match situation was primed for the more sedate and assured Babar and Imam. Babar being put down at short midwicket on 1 felt like a significant moment in the game, but Australia’s sloppiness in the early overs meant it didn’t come as much of a surprise. A couple of boundaries in the ninth over composed the Pakistan captain, and once that partnership established a foothold, any Australian optimism quickly fizzled out.What followed was a cavalcade of class from the two highest runscorers this series. They appeared to rotate the strike and find the boundaries at will against spin and seam alike. Imam skipped down the wicket to smash Zampa to cow corner, before Babar caressed boundaries off Green off the next two balls either side of the wicket as the target and asking rate shrunk by the over. At last, it looked like a contest between a full-strength home side and a depleted touring party stretched particularly thin.Babar was the more proactive partner, and got a 16th ODI hundred before the game was won, as the two old friends performed a little jig mid-run to celebrate. Imam, meanwhile, would be denied the chance for a third successive hundred simply because Pakistan ran out of runs to chase, and capped a sensational series by knocking off the winning runs, skipping down the wicket to send Labuschagne down the ground.On a tour where Australia have been blown away by Pakistan’s hospitality, tonight was the night the generosity finally ran out.
Arne Slot admitted Liverpool were "really lucky" to beat Paris Saint-Germain but alluded to Michael Jordan's philosophy that hard work pays off.
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Reds were second-best to PSG in ParisManaged to eke out a 1-0 winSlot says his team earned their luckFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Reds had only two shots throughout the match, compared to PSG’s 27, and spent most of the game chasing the ball, with the French giants controlling 71 per cent of possession. Despite PSG’s dominance, goalkeeper Alisson Becker delivered a heroic performance, making a series of crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the contest. Ultimately, it was Harvey Elliott who proved to be the difference-maker, scoring with his first touch after coming on as a substitute, securing a crucial away win for the Premier League leaders.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT SLOT SAID
Slot had no qualms in admitting that luck played a significant role in Liverpool’s victory but pointed to the philosophy of NBA legend Jordan, who famously stated that hard work paves the way for luck.
"We weren't a little bit lucky [against PSG], we were really lucky – but as Michael Jordan said once: 'The harder you work, the more luck you have'," said Slot.
"This is the biggest compliment you have to give the players, they worked incredibly hard. That also has to do with the players being – if you were 45 minutes with the other team having the ball a lot and having to defend so much – mentally and physically so strong to come up with the second-half performance of not giving away as many open chances as we did in the first half. And, even scoring a goal on the counter-attack shows you how mentally and physically strong these players are."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
With title challengers Arsenal and Manchester City both dealing with injury setbacks to key players, Liverpool have taken advantage by opening up a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League. However, Slot responded to these claims by emphasising that every title-winning team experiences moments where they win games despite not playing at their best.
"If you want to win something you need to have once in a while a game where you don't play your best football and you are lucky – which is maybe not luck if you work as hard as we do – to get away with a result," added Slot.
"There are almost no teams that play 38 games [in the league] or in the Champions League that play only good football. Real Madrid are the best example of that, they also find a way to win a game if the other team are better than them. Our full focus is now on Southampton, the first of three finals to be played in the upcoming week."
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Slot will be absent from the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming domestic fixture against the Saints, serving the final match of his two-game suspension. However, he will return to the dugout just in time for the crucial Champions League second-leg showdown against PSG at Anfield on Tuesday. With a slender 1-0 advantage, Liverpool will need another resilient performance to book their place in the quarter-finals.