Leeds Could Sign "Genius" Manager To Fix Marsch’s Big Issue

Leeds United could be set to make a move to fill their managerial vacancy, with a key name having emerged…

What's the latest on Carlos Corberan to Leeds United?

That's according to Phil Hay, who, writing for The Athletic, offered an update on the 49ers' search for their new head coach.

Whilst Brendan Rodgers has since been ruled out of the running, with the Celtic job seemingly a far more preferable role, Carlos Corberan remains an option despite the Spaniard having signed a new contract at West Bromwich Albion in February.

Final interviews are planned with the man who has occupied a spot in the Elland Road dugout before, and the new owners will hope to have come to a conclusion as soon as possible.

Would Carlos Corberan fix Leeds United?

The one big issue that Jesse Marsch faced, alongside Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce who followed him, was at the back.

No matter how free-flowing their attack may have been, Marcelo Bielsa had seemingly irreparably shifted the mindset of the club in that defending was a second thought. Whilst this worked wonders during that first term back in the Premier League as they finished ninth, it quickly grew stagnant as injuries seeped in and a lack of top-flight quality became ever apparent.

The Argentine's dismissal became a foregone conclusion, and his American successor underwent similar issues without the attacking finesse or legendary status his predecessor commanded in west Yorkshire.

Across 37 games in charge, he would lose 16 and ship 60 goals. In the most recent campaign, of which he was sacked midway through, Leeds conceded a mammoth 78 times, the most in the entire division.

leeds-carlos-corberan-marcelo-bielsa

Meanwhile in the second tier, having taken over from a struggling Steve Bruce, Corberan caught the eye by propelling the Baggies from a relegation battle into the playoff picture, having shored up their defence and made them a true threat on the counter.

Having only overseen 33 games, the 40-year-old has conceded just 37 goals and has subsequently picked up a points-per-match average of 1.70 with his pleasing 4-2-3-1 system. To think that he has already proven himself in the Championship too, his appointment makes more and more sense.

This is without mentioning his work at Huddersfield Town, where against all the odds he nearly led the Terriers back to the top-flight, felled at the final playoff hurdle by Nottingham Forest.

It is no surprise to see Corberan so widely lauded, with former Leeds player Romario Vieira even claiming: "He's a great guy and so talented. When he told us how he wanted us to play, we thought he was crazy. Then it clicked and we were like, 'This guy's a genius.'"

With Marsch failing to make the defence solid enough for safety, perhaps appointing this experienced young coach could fix this key issue to allow them not just to escape the second division, but thrive in the Premier League too.

طريق النصر.. العين الإماراتي يفوز على ناساف ويتأهل لربع نهائي دوري أبطال آسيا

اقتنص فريق الكرة الأول بنادي العين الإماراتي، فوزًا صعبًا على نظيره ناساف الأوزبكستاني، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا.

واستضاف فريق العين نظيره ناساف، في إياب دور الـ16 ببطولة دوري أبطال آسيا 2023-2024، وحقق فوزًا بهدفين مقابل هدف.

تشكيل النصر أمام الفيحاء في دوري أبطال آسيا.. رونالدو وماني في الهجوم

وتقدم أكمل موجوفوي، لاعب الوسط، لصالح ناساف في الدقيقة 51، لكن رد العين جاء بعد أربع دقائق فقط عن طريق المهاجم التوجولي لابا كودجو.

قبل أن يخطف المغربي سفيان رحيمي، الجناح الأيسر، هدف الفوز القاتل في الدقيقة الثانية من الوقت بدل الضائع.

بتلك النتيجة يتأهل فريق العين لدور الـ8 ببطولة دوري أبطال آسيا، بعد أن انتهت موقعة الذهاب بالتعادل السلبي.

وبحصد العين بطاقة صعوده لدور الثمانية، ينتظر الفائز من مواجهة النصر والفيحاء الجارية الآن. أهداف مباراة العين وناساف

الشباب يترقب موقف كاراسكو قبل مواجهة النصر في الدوري السعودي

أكدت تقارير سعودية، أن يانيك كاراسكو، لاعب فريق الشباب السعودي، سيخضع لكشف طبي، اليوم السبت، لحسم موقفه من المشاركة أمام النصر في دوري روشن للمحترفين.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي النصر مع الشباب في قمة الجولة الحادية والعشرين من الدوري السعودي؛ يوم الأحد الموافق 25 من فبراير الجاري.

وكان كاراسكو قد تعرض للإصابة في مباراة فريقه أمام ضمك يوم الجمعة الماضي، والتي انتهت بفوز الشباب بهدف دون رد.

طالع أيضًا | ميدو: لا أفضل اللعب مع رونالدو في فريق واحد.. وسأختار الهلال

وبحسب “الرياضية”، فإن اللاعب سيخضع لكشف طبي لتحديد مدى خطورة إصابته ومدى إمكانية مشاركته في قمة النصر.

يذكر أن الشباب تعاقد مع كاراسكو في صفقة انتقال حر قادماً من أتلتيكو مدريد الإسباني لمدة 3 مواسم.

وتُعد صفقة كاراسكو من أهم صفقات الشباب في الموسم الحالي، ويسعى الفريق للاستفادة من قدراته في تحقيق نتائج إيجابية.

Sunderland "Goalscorer" Could Replace Amad Diallo

Speculation is rife about who will be the man in charge at Sunderland next season but whoever is in the dugout at the Stadium of Light will need to find a way of replacing the influential Amad Diallo.

It was reported by talkSPORT in the aftermath of the 2-0 playoff semi-final defeat against Luton Town that Tony Mowbray was in danger of losing his job at Sunderland, despite leading the Black Cats to an unexpected top-six finish in their first season back in the second tier.

With star striker Ross Stewart sidelined through injury and Ellis Simms recalled by Everton in January, Sunderland were left with few attacking options but achieved more than many expected them to do, largely in part to the extraordinary performances of their Manchester United loanee.

Diallo would make 39 Championship appearances in total for the northeast giants, having contributed an impressive 14 goals and three assists, with a WhoScored average rating of 7.06 for such performances.

This ranked him as the top scorer and third-best performer in Sunderland's squad across the 2022/23 campaign, so it seems clear that he will be a big miss, with the 20-year-old unlikely to return to the Championship after such an eye-catching campaign.

Fortunately for Mowbray, or whoever is in charge next term, the Black Cats may already have a ready-made replacement for the Ivorian winger in academy talent, Max Thompson.

Who is Sunderland striker Max Thompson?

The young striker joined from Burnley in last summer's transfer window having made his senior debut in the Premier League for the Clarets under Sean Dyche, but he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats.

Upon his arrival at the Stadium of Light, Thompson said:

“It feels a long time coming to sign here, as I came close back in January. I would describe myself as a goalscorer and a direct player. I’m eager to learn from all the coaching staff and make serious progress here.”

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a superb spell with Burnley's U21s, where he hit 17 goals in 41 appearances and he has continued that eye-catching form in front of goal with the Black Cats, boasting five goals and one assist in nine Premier League 2 appearances this campaign.

While he remains an unknown quantity in senior football, this impressive goalscoring record certainly suggests that he knows where the back of the net is and could be a threat in the second tier next season.

Thompson has featured predominantly as a striker and right-winger in his career thus far and if he is trusted to make the step-up to the first team, he could be the man to fill Diallo's boots as Sunderland look to go one step further and return to the top flight, under whoever that may be.

Chelsea Send Scouts To Watch £93-A-Week Star

Chelsea reportedly sent scouts to watch Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in action over the weekend, according to a fresh update on the Blues' long-standing interest in the Serie A star.

Who is Victor Osimhen?

The Nigerian has been one of the standout attacking players in Europe this season, spearheading Napoli's memorable Serie A title triumph with a string of outstanding performances. The £93,000-a-week star has scored 23 goals in 29 league appearances for the newly-crowned Italian champions, while in the Champions League, he netted five times.

Chelsea have been linked with a summer move for Osimhen, as the Blues look to bring in an elite striker after struggling in that position all season long. Kai Havertz isn't at his best in that role, instead preferring to create deeper, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had little to no impact at the club, scoring just three goals in 21 appearances.

It looks as though the west Londoners' interest in the 24-year-old continues to be strong, following a new update that has emerged.

Are Chelsea signing Osimhen?

According to Il Mattino, two Chelsea representatives were present for Napoli's 2-0 defeat to Monza on Sunday, in order to watch Osimhen close up. Granted, it proved to be an off day for both the striker and the team as a whole, but it may do little to affect the Blues' interest in him given their league title is already wrapped up.

Manchester United, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are still thought to be in the conversation, too, in what could be an expensive battle for his signature this summer.

Osimhen should be viewed as Chelsea's No.1 attacking target at the end of the season, with Harry Kane highly unlikely to join the club, given their rivalry with Tottenham. The Napoli ace has been compared to Didier Drogba by Jose Mourinho, such is his dominant style leading the line, while Walter Mazzarri has hailed him as "phenomenal" in the past.

At 24, the 23-cap and 15-goal Nigeria international is younger than Drogba was when he arrived at Stamford Bridge back in 2004 and he could enjoy a similar impact, given his combination of brute strength, clever movement and ruthless finishing.

Whether they are able to entice Osimhen to the club is up for debate, however, with a lack of Champions League football potentially working against them, especially as the likes of United, Newcastle, PSG and Bayern all look likely to promise him that next season.

Rangers Make Bid For Fast 25 y/o Forward

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly made a bid to bring Antalyaspor forward Haji Wright to Ibrox this summer.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale appears to be making transfer plans ahead of his first full season in charge of Rangers. The Gers have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks, with the majority of those targets based in England.

Norwich City midfielder Kieran Dowell has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to move north, whereas an approach has been made for West Brom striker Karlan Grant with the Baggies open to a sale.

Meanwhile, experienced goalkeeper Jack Butland has been linked with a move to Ibrox as well as young Liverpool midfielder Leighton Clarkson, but it looks as if the club’s search for new signings has now taken them abroad.

According to journalist Salim Manav, Rangers have made a £7m offer for Wright. He adds that the bid includes a 15% sell-on clause, however, Antalyaspor have rejected the proposal and want a fee over €10m (£8.7m).

Rangers managerMichael Beale

Who is Wright and why do Rangers want him?

Wright, a USA international, is primarily a centre-forward but can also turn out on either wing when required. The 25-year-old made his move to Antalyaspor permanent last summer, and it has proven to be one that has paid off, with his Transfermarkt valuation rising to a career-high €6m.

He appears to be at the top of his game and has scored an impressive 16 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season, while also scoring an outrageous goal for his country at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Beale has confirmed that Alfredo Morelos will depart over the coming months, whereas Antonio Colak could also be on the way out of Ibrox this summer. Therefore, you can see why Rangers are on the search for a new marquee attacker ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Wright, known for his pace and once labelled as a ‘dangerous striker’ by former Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt, has impressed in Turkey, netting a total of 31 goals in 61 games for his current employers, so he could be a shrewd addition, and it’ll be interesting to see of Rangers make an improved offer following this update.

Man Utd Predicted XI vs Sevilla

For the third successive knockout round, Manchester United are set to face off against Spanish opposition in tonight's Europa League, quarter-final first-leg clash at home to Sevilla, having already seen off both Barcelona and Real Betis in the play-off round and last 16, respectively.

Unlike that latter duo, the upcoming opponents are currently enduring a disappointing season in La Liga which has already seen both Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli dismissed from the dugout, although the Andalusian outfit boast an incredible record in the competition, having won it six times.

The Europa League specialists notably knocked United out of the competition at the semi-final stage back in 2020, while also progressing at the Red Devils' expense in the last 16 of the Champions League during the 2017/18 season.

With Erik ten Hag's men out for revenge this time around, the Dutchman will, however, have to make do without the likes of Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay who have both suffered recent injury blows, while Luke Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho are also not yet ready to return.

That being said, however, this evening's encounter will see former Real Madrid man Casemiro available for selection once again, with the Brazilian having sat out the last four games in league and cup after serving a domestic suspension.

With that in mind, here's how Football FanCast predicts that the Old Trafford outfit could line up this evening, following the weekend win over Everton.

What will Man United's starting lineup be vs Sevilla?

4-3-3 – (GK) De Gea; (RB) Dalot, (CB) Varane, (CB) Martinez, (LB) Malacia; (CDM) Casemiro, (CM) Sabitzer, (CM) Fernandes; (RW) Antony, (LW) Sancho, (ST) Martial

We predict that there will be four alterations from the side that ran out 2-0 winners against the Toffees, with one notable change set to see club captain Harry Maguire drop out of the side, while Ten Hag could also look to continue the competition at right-back by handing the starting berth back to Diogo Dalot.

As for the midfield ranks, the aforementioned Casemiro is undoubtedly chomping at the bit to make his return to action, with the £300k-per-week "monster" – as hailed by writer Muhammad Butt – having notably scored more times against Sevilla (three) than against any other team in his glittering playing career.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro

While there will be those angling for Christian Eriksen to return to the starting lineup after making his injury comeback against Sean Dyche's men off the bench, there is no real need to rush the Danish playmaker back into the fold, particularly with Marcel Sabitzer having 'thrived' on Saturday – as per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

With Bruno Fernandes also in line to make his 48th appearance of the campaign, the only other change should lie in a forward line that seemingly picks itself, with Anthony Martial taking the place of the stricken Rashford, alongside Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Tottenham Must Bin £53k-p/w Nightmare This Summer

Tottenham Hotspur fought hard to secure the signing of Arnaut Danjuma, as they tempted the Dutchman down south in dramatic fashion at the eleventh hour.

Having completed a medical with Everton, with the expectation he would be announced imminently after the 21st of January, it was a deal essentially completed. This was a huge coup for the Toffees, who were desperate for some added firepower to help drag them out of their relegation battle.

However, with some key paperwork seemingly left unsigned, it gave the 26-year-old ample time to have his head turned by the Lilywhites. On the day he should have reported to training in Merseyside, the trickster instead travelled down to the capital to sign on loan for Antonio Conte instead.

It was one of the most ludicrous occurrences in January transfer window history, seemingly bolstering Spurs' already stacked front line. This move was expected to offer high-quality competition for the likes of Dejan Kulusevksi and Heung-min Son, getting ample opportunity to displace them should he perform.

However, that opportunity never seemed to come.

How has Arnaut Danjuma played for Spurs?

Having made his debut in the FA Cup, a late goal in their comprehensive win over Preston North End truly suggested that this was an immense coup for the club. Getting off the mark so early was imperative, whilst this goal was expected to really push his teammates to suggest that he was not there to sit on the bench.

His exploits since have proved that perhaps this was not the case, as the former AFC Bournemouth ace is yet to start a single match in all competitions, with his role reduced to mere cameos. Across the five appearances he has made, his total time on the pitch accumulates to just 59 minutes.

There was huge hope when the forward had signed that he could be that missing piece to solidify top four, yet since his move, it seems they have actually fallen away, with Manchester United and Newcastle United now firmly in the driving seats.

arnaut-danjuma-tottenham-hotspur-substitute

The £53k-per-week dynamo had previously been labelled a "nightmare for defenders" by Kevin Phillips, but it turns out Danjuma has been nothing more than a nightmare for Daniel Levy's bank account.

Upon his return to English football, having earned prior success with the Cherries, the winger was likely hoping that by snubbing Everton he would have a greater chance of earning a move back to the Premier League as far up the division as possible. However, his lack of action will likely see the 5 foot 10 speedster return to Spain this summer, back to square one again.

Journalist fumes at Hakim Ziyech ‘shambles’

Journalist Adam Newson was left baffled with Hakim Ziyech’s yellow card ‘shambles’ in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat away to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Chelsea beaten at Spurs

The Blues faced a crucial Premier League encounter in north London as they took on one of their fiercest rivals in what felt like a must-win game, given the Blues’ awful form of only two wins from their previous 14 matches in all competitions.

A tempestuous contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Graham Potter’s side beaten by goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane in the second half as Chelsea endured yet another painful afternoon in a grim season.

Just before half-time, Ziyech was initially sent off for lashing out at Emerson Royal, only for referee Stuart Attwell to eventually go to the VAR monitor and show the Moroccan a yellow card instead.

The Latest: Newson left unimpressed

Taking to Twitter, Football London’s chief Chelsea correspondent Newson was left aghast at the confusion on show from the officials regarding the incident between Ziyech and Royal.

After the initial red card was overturned, the reporter tweeted his disdain over the process involved in reaching the eventual decision, stating:

“What a shambles.”

The Verdict: Not good enough

Some of the refereeing on show in the Premier League this season simply hasn’t been good enough, with inexplicable and erroneous decisions continuing to threaten the credibility of top-flight officials.

The incident involving Ziyech summed up the standard of officiating, with the Moroccan not doing enough to warrant a red card in the first place, and the decision also taking far too long to overturn, with at least three minutes between the initial incident and the eventual post-VAR decision.

This doesn’t excuse another lacklustre performance by Chelsea, though, and there could now be fresh question marks surrounding Potter’s future, with the 47-year-old already under pressure prior to today.

The Blues are now languishing in 10th place in the table after 24 matches – not what one would envisage in the wake of more than £550m being spent on transfers in the past 12 months.

Leeds must avoid appointing Raul

Leeds United’s managerial vacancy is drawing lots of speculation, with the latest report hosting an eye-catching claim…

What’s the latest?

That comes from Spanish publication AS, who claim that director of football Victor Orta is considering offering his compatriot and Real Madrid legend Raul his first foray into senior management.

The report states that the Whites have made an approach to see if the Spaniard can be tempted away from Los Blancos’ B team, where he currently is earning vital experience.

Whilst he has initially knocked them back, this acts as a marker of interest in the 45-year-old who went straight back to the Santiago Bernabeu after retiring as a player to begin his coaching career. It is clear where he sees his future.

Orta must avoid Raul

In their hour of need, now is not the time to take such a monumental risk.

Raul was a sensational player; that much no one would deny. The legendary marksman made 741 appearances whilst in the Spanish capital, scoring a monumental 323 goals and assisting a further 114.

He wrote himself into folklore at one of the most prestigious clubs of all time and earned widespread praise from a myriad of legends. Even Luis Figo once claimed:

“I think he is the greatest player to have ever played the game. He walks on the turf and astounds. It is utterly amazing.”

Zinedine Zidane doubled down on this, by also noting:

“He is a role model for anyone who sets foot on the field to play.” 

Whilst he could translate this maturity and leadership into a managerial role, he is yet to prove anything on the biggest stage that suggests he could succeed at Elland Road.

There is little data to indicate what philosophy he might employ or his man-management style, his ability can only really be gauged based on random testimony.

One of his former players, Miguel Gutierrez, did laud Raul as someone who improved him significantly as a footballer. He outlined his principles by claiming:

“Raul is a very demanding coach, he has made me improve a lot. I played with him in the Youth League, as well as Castilla, and he has made me grow a lot as a footballer and on a personal level”.

However, when actually looking at his results across his short stint in a coaching role, it makes for uninspiring viewing.

Across his 117 games at the helm, he has managed 52 wins with 35 draws and 30 losses, via Transfermarkt. This might seem impressive at first but realistically, it disappoints when considering he commands one of Spain’s most illustrious youth setups.

With little to support his suggested appointment, whilst they stare relegation in the face, Orta must not return to convince Raul to take this plunge.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus