Category Uncategorized

Tasmania opener Caleb Jewell stepped up with a century in the absence of Test debutant Jake Weatherald to put his side in a strong position in their Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.Jewell’s 102, his ninth first-class century, lifted the visitors to 196 for 2 at Cricket Central at stumps on day two in reply to NSW’s 391 for 9 declared.Related

• Patterson shines between the rain for New South Wales

• Geyer shines on debut as Renshaw gets pink-ball test

Tasmania’s plans were disrupted by a concussion to allrounder Aidan O’Connor and a leg injury to fellow allrounder Mitch Owen on day one. They were replaced by pace bowler Jackson Bird and batter Charlie Wakim.The competition has this year introduced injury substitutes who can play in a game under set conditions, so Wakim will be able to bat.Tasmania opened their batting with left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and he performed a sterling job in his knock of 21 supporting Jewell in a 56-run opening stand.Jewell, who pulled the ball with venom in an innings that included 11 boundaries, found another ally in Tim Ward, who finished the day unbeaten on 53.It was Jewell’s first Shield century of the summer and came at just the right time with regular opening partner Weatherald on Test duty.NSW had earlier resumed on 214 for 2 after a rain-interrupted opening day. Left-hander Kurtis Patterson added just one to his overnight tally before being run out for 80.From there the visitors were able to keep chipping away to take wickets at regular intervals but Lachlan Shaw and Josh Philippe ensured NSW reached a solid total before their declaration.Tasmania quick Riley Meredith finished with 3 for 77 to take his season tally to 15 wickets in just five innings. The consistency of the 29-year-old paceman has been a highlight this season where he has captured three wickets in an innings on five occasions.Meredith, who took a career-high 23 wickets in just six matches in the Shield last season, is returning to the form that led to him representing Australia in both ODI and T20Is.

Australia achieved the highest successful chase in women’s ODIs

Shashank Kishore12-Oct-20253:54

Review: Healy was Australia’s bedrock

Alyssa Healy’s epic 142 powered Australia to the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history, leaving a packed Visakhapatnam stadium thinning very quickly towards the close as World Cup hosts India suffered a second successive heartbreak.Two nights after failing to defend 252 against South Africa, India’s decision to play just the five specialist bowlers will be debated long and hard after they were unable to work with a total of 330. Australia won with six balls to spare, and three wickets in hand; Ellyse Perry hoisting her WPL team-mate Sneh Rana down the ground to seal victory.Perry, who remained unbeaten on 47, had suffered a bout of cramps that forced her to retire hurt with Australia cruising at 154 for 1. Then she returned at the fall of Ash Gardner’s wicket with Australia needing 32 off 36. When Amanjot Kaur had Sophie Molineux lbw at the start of the 46th over, Australia were seven down.This is when Kim Garth joined forces with Perry to put on 28 crucial runs off 23 balls to see Australia home. Garth finished unbeaten on 14, including a superbly executed reverse-paddle off Rana in the penultimate over with Australia needing 13 off 11. The win, Australia’s third in four games, puts them on top of the table halfway through the World Cup.Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth walk off after Australia sealed the highest chase in women’s ODI history•Getty Images

India were eventually left to rue the seven balls they didn’t play after a late and sensational collapse – they lost 9 for 138 in the last 30 overs to finish with 330 when they looked set to scale 350. Unlike Australia, who had Healy go on to convert her start into a maiden century as captain, and third in a World Cup, India were left waiting for their big innings, with both Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) falling short of three-figures.Except left-arm spinner N Shree Charani, who displayed terrific control to put the brakes on Australia with figures of 3 for 41, the others wilted against Healy’s assault in trying conditions. Shree Charani bowled out in the 39th over, by which time Australia’s required rate was a-run-a-ball.It didn’t help that Kranti Gaud, full of bristling promise, had a second off day, conceding 73 in nine wicketless overs, while Sneh Rana, one of India’s form bowlers, went for 85 from her full quota. The make-up of India’s attack meant Harmanpreet Kaur had few alternatives on what was among the best batting surfaces of the tournament.Australia began cautiously, scoring just 25 off the first five overs before switching gears to ransack 57 in the next five. Healy’s fast hands were on display as she took 18 off Gaud’s fourth over, while Phoebe Lichfield cracked three consecutive boundaries off Amanjot Kaur before a missed stumping chance briefly spared her. India didn’t have to wait long, though, as Litchfield fell reverse-sweeping Shree Charani to Rana at point to end an 85-run opening stand off just 11.2 overs.Smriti Mandhana made 80 off 66•Getty Images

From overs 6.6 to 10 alone, Australia hammered eight fours and two sixes, most from Healy, who dismantled India’s spinners with sweeps to every part of the leg side. Perry, scratchy early on, found rhythm alongside her, even resorting to reverse sweeps to unsettle Rana. Their fifty stand came in 55 balls, but India sensed an opening when Perry retired hurt and Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland, who celebrated her birthday earlier in the day with a five-for, fell in quick succession.Healy briefly reined herself in before surging to a brilliant century off 84 balls, managing the chase almost single-handedly despite struggling with cramps. Her dismissal, caught off a sliced drive to point was adjudged clean after a tight review where stand-in third umpire Kim Cotton looked in two minds. When she finally felt Rana’s hands were underneath the ball, it ended a stunning innings that comprised 21 fours and three sixes. It gave India a fleeting lift, but Perry’s return and Garth’s composure soon quashed any hopes of a late twist.India would look back on their batting performance with mixed emotions. They displayed the kind of sustained aggression they’ve long spoken about but rarely executed, yet the recurring collapses would be worrisome for the team management. From 192 for 1 at the 30-over mark, they looked set for 350-plus but fell woefully short, as they failed to capitalise on a superb 155-run opening stand between Mandhana and Rawal.India have lost two matches in a row now at the 2025 World Cup•Getty Images

After three ordinary outings, Mandhana returned to her fluent self, reaching fifty off 46 balls. Her six off Molineux made her the first woman to score 1000 or more ODI runs in a calendar year, and she later became the fastest to 5000 runs in the format. While Mandhana took on Molineux, Rawal targeted Gardner, though their partnership was interspersed with spells of caution – like the passage that produced just 15 in five overs after they finished the powerplay at 58 for 0.This was largely down to Rawal’s cautiousness. That forced Mandhana to take more risks, producing audacious shots like a ramp over Healy’s head. Rawal’s 69-ball half-century helped post the second-highest World Cup partnership by any side against Australia before Mandhana fell for 80.Harleen Deol (38), Harmanpreet (22) and Jemimah Rodrigues (33) injected urgency unseen so far in this tournament but couldn’t convert their starts. The burden of providing the late surge yet again fell on Richa Ghosh, whose 94 against South Africa had bailed India out earlier. Here, though, a Sutherland slower ball undid her, triggering a collapse from 309 for 6 to 330 all out.Sutherland’s clever changes of pace and length earned her a maiden ODI five-for and throttled India’s momentum, leaving them disappointed at not making the most of the platform they had built so well.The loss now leaves India without a win against South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia at a World Cup (50 overs and T20 included) for five years now. And with England up next in a week in Indore, they’ll need to regroup quickly to keep pushing for the semi-finals.

Liverpool won at the weekend, but we have seen several times already this season that wins can prove to be false dawns as Arne Slot looks to restore consistency to his side.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo snipped away the shocking run of form that had led to nine defeats from 12 in all competitions, six from seven in the Premier League, three from four at Anfield.

It beggars belief, so diametrically opposed is Slot’s second-season system from the slick and stylish outfit that defied everyone to romp to the league title last season, sealing the deal less than a year after Jurgen Klopp raised the microphone and waved goodbye to the red half of Merseyside.

Liverpool must stay grounded, as Slot said in his post-match interview. There is a long way to go.

One of the most curious aspects of the Reds’ victory was the boss’s call to drop Mohamed Salah. This glimpse into a brand new world has also played into rumours that FSG are looking to sign a wide forward in 2026.

Liverpool planning to replace Salah

Salah did not make it off the bench at the London Stadium, the first time the Egyptian has been an unused substitute in the Premier League since 2019/20, with Klopp’s title-winning campaign effectively wrapped up when the Reds played out a 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby.

Last season, he was the best player in the Premier League. But that herculean effort has depleted the veteran’s resources, and he is struggling this year.

Goals scored

0.77

0.34

Assists

0.48

0.17

Shots taken

3.23

2.43

Shot-creating actions

4.51

3.27

Touches (att pen)

9.50

6.21

Pass completion (%)

70.6

68.1

Progressive passes

3.84

4.19

Progressive carries

4.14

3.94

Successful take-ons

1.55

0.92

Ball recoveries

2.70

2.77

As you can see, there’s been an undeniable drop-off. Liverpool’s wider crew have all slipped across the decking, but time is not on the 33-year-old Salah’s side.

To try and find a like-for-like replacement would be a fruitless task. What Liverpool need instead is a sharp and athletic winger with a flair for goal. Someone like Sadio Mane, perhaps (hardly an easy endeavour in itself).

Well, as per Foot Mercato, Liverpool have opened talks with rivals Everton for one of their star forwards, Iliman Ndiaye.

The versatile Ndiaye, 25, is both athletic and potent in the final third. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, and the Toffees would be looking to bank around £70m for their star man.

What Iliman Nidaye would offer Liverpool

Woah. From Everton to Liverpool? Blue to red? Nonsense, right?

It’s certainly unlikely, but Liverpool have held an interest in Jarrad Branthwaite for a while now, and Everton explored a move for Ben Doak in the summer before he signed for Bournemouth.

And Ndiaye would be worth the stress. Hailed for having “magic in his boots” by Everton writer Lyndon Lloyd, he ranks among the top 5% of positional peers in the Premier League for successful take-ons and tackles won, and the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90 (as per FBref).

Presenter Jamie O’Hara has even gone as far as to claim that the Senegalese is “one of the best players in the Premier League”.

Ndiaye shares a homeland with Liverpool icon Mane, but they have more in common than merely nationality. The Everton winger, who can play across the frontline, is electric on the ball, combative when against the flow of play and devastating in the box.

Though he’s spent most of his time on the right wing this season, Ndiaye is probably a left-sided forward at heart. Considering this, there’s a good chance Ndiaye would take Cody Gakpo’s starting berth from him at Anfield, with a more protean threat than the clinical Dutchman.

The African talent was Everton’s top scorer last season with 11 goals in all competitions, and that trend has not been bucked this year, Ndiaye with four goals and an assist across 13 games.

When Mane moved from Southampton to Liverpool for around £35m in 2016, he levelled up. Ndiaye could follow his countryman in this regard, having added a range of instruments to his toolbox in recent years and in an up-and-down Everton team.

Liverpool perhaps made a mistake in failing to replace Luis Diaz with a like-for-like successor this summer, and the ramifications have been felt through Gakpo’s somewhat limited attacking approach. He scored and assisted against West Ham at the weekend, but lacked the kind of dynamism that Liverpool’s previous left-sided wingers have offered.

Mane is certainly one of them, probably the cream of the crop. It would be unfair to expect Gakpo to play such a role, but if Ndiaye were signed, Slot would have a player who could match the Netherlands star’s output while bringing so much energy and enthusiasm to the role too.

Mane, now 34 and playing in Saudi Arabia, was once one of the world’s finest forwards, deadly across so many years at Anfield and blending clinical goalscoring with physicality and an unflappable mentality.

One scout even hailed Ndiaye as being “Mane all over again”, and given this is a proven formula in the English top flight, it’s surely one FSG will be enticed in completing.

With the greatest respect to West Ham, tougher tests lie ahead for the Anfield side, whose win at Eintracht Frankfurt in August preceded defeat at Brentford. The elation over that remarkable victory over Real Madrid had crumbled after the triad of recent losses.

Liverpool are nothing if not inconsistent this season, but that can change. It has to change. Liverpool need balance and security, but they also need to be bold and courageous, offering more flair than the likes of Gakpo have been providing.

And what could be more bold than signing a rival in Ndiaye, who would elevate the skill in Slot’s team and also balance the squad’s slanting spirit level.

Shades of Thiago: "Incredible" star had his best game in a Liverpool shirt

This Liverpool star could become the new Thiago at Anfield after his best Premier League showing for the club.

ByDan Emery Nov 30, 2025

تحدث البلجيكي تيبو كورتوا، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن أزمة مباراة الكلاسيكو التي حدثت بسبب تصريح لامين يامال الاستفزازي الشهير.

كان ريال مدريد واجه برشلونة في مباراة جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا” واستطاع أن يحقق فوزًا ثمينًا بنتيجة 2/1، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

وسخر لامين يامال قبل مباراة الكلاسيكو من ريال مدريد واصفًا إياهم بأنهم “يسرقون ويشتكون” ما أثار غضبًا كبيرًا لدى الجميع في مدريد.

وقال كورتوا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “لامين لاعب رائع، سيتذكره الناس بالسنوات التي قضاها في الملعب لكنه أثار ضجة وانقضت عليه الصحافة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | أنشيلوتي: رونالدو الأكثر احترافية.. ولاعب ريال مدريد السابق لديه غرور كبير

وأضاف: “​​عندما تكون المشاعر مشتعلة نقول أشياءً لا داعي لها لكن هكذا هي مباريات الكلاسيكو، بعد خسارتنا 4 مرات العام الماضي، كنا بحاجة إلى بعض الحماس لمهاجمتهم”.

وأكمل: “تصريحات لامين حفزتنا، عندما هزمونا لم يحترمونا أيضًا، إذا رأيت لامين في مطعم سألقي عليه التحية بالطبع”.

وأتم عن التعامل مع الصحافة: “في كرة القدم، يركزون على تصدر العناوين الرئيسية بشكل أكبر، في كرة القدم الأمريكية على سبيل المثال يذهب الصحفيون هناك إلى غرف تبديل الملابس، أما هنا فهذا لا يحدث، هم يبحثون عن قصص أخرى، يتحدثون عن أمور كثيرة لا علاقة لها بكرة القدم”.

The Los Angeles Dodgers captured the 2024 World Series title in five games over the New York Yankees, finishing the series off in New York with a five-run comeback in a 7-6 Game 5 clinching victory.

Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman earned World Series MVP after hitting home runs in each of the first four games of the Fall Classic. Freeman finished the five-game series batting .300 with four home runs and 12 RBI.

What makes Freeman's climb to the mountaintop in 2024 even more special was the troubling times it took to get here. Just a few short months ago, Freeman's 3-year-old son Maximus endured a very scary and serious health battle. After doctors probed for answers with Maximus's health rapidly declining, it was eventually determined that he was suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome. He is doing much better now, and Freeman reflected on an up-and-down 2024 on-and-off the field.

"I would say [I've learned] a lot in so many different ways," Freeman said of his trying year. "I wish I'd never have to go through what we did as a family. But ultimately, Maximus is doing really, really well right now. He's a special boy. But it has been a grind for three months, it really has. It's been a lot, and then obviously with the injuries at the end, it makes it all worth it kind of in the end. I mean, I'll never compare Maximus to baseball, I won't. It's just two separate things. But with him doing really well now, it does mean a little bit extra."

Freeman's ending to the season was well deserved given everything he went through this season, which culminated with his second World Series title as a professional and first World Series MVP.

Northamptonshire have also signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Robinson for two Championship matches and four Blast fixtures

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-2025

Corey Rocchiccioli will be available for four Championship games•Getty Images

Corey Rocchiccioli, the Western Australia offspinner, has signed a short-term deal to play for Warwickshire in the County Championship. Rocchiccioli will be available for four Championship games over the next six weeks and said he “jumped at the chance” to play overseas during the Australian winter.Rocchiccioli, 27, has thrived in red-ball cricket over the last two years: since the start of the 2023-24 season, he has taken 84 wickets at 27.65 in the Sheffield Shield, second only to South Australia’s Nathan McAndrew. He joins Warwickshire for the Championship rounds this year that will feature the Kookaburra ball, rather than the Dukes.”We are very excited about welcoming Corey into our squad through June and July,” Ian Westwood, Warwickshire’s head coach, said. “He is a proven performer in Sheffield Shield cricket, and with his experience of the Kookaburra ball, we know he will make an impact for us.”Rocchiccioli said: “I’m really excited to play at a prestigious club like Warwickshire. I jumped at the chance to play when Westy and Davo [captain Alex Davies] rang me. I’m really excited to learn and grow in English conditions and hopefully contribute to some strong wins along the way.”Australia’s selectors have signalled their interest in Rocchiccioli, picking him for Australia A teams to face India A and the England Lions last summer. He is one of several potential successors to Nathan Lyon, along with Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy, who has agreed a deal with Gloucestershire for the same block of Championship fixtures.Elsewhere, Northamptonshire signed Tim Robinson, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter, on a short-term deal. Robinson, 23, will be available for two Championship matches and four Blast fixtures and replaces Matthew Breetzke after his selection for South Africa’s Test squad to face Zimbabwe.

AC Milan captain Mike Maignan is still yet to sign a contract extension at the San Siro, giving Chelsea or Man United a chance to sign him for free in 2026.

The France number one is classed as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, and his availability on a free transfer next year is putting Premier League clubs on red alert.

Chelsea have long been after Maignan and attempted to agree a cut-price deal in the summer window.

Enzo Maresca also personally asked Chelsea’s hierarchy to sign a world-class new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez (Graeme Bailey), with the Blues previously sensing an opportunity to go for Maignan to grant their manager’s wish.

Appearances

168

Bookings

8

Red Cards

1

Goals conceded

172

Clean sheets

63

Minutes played

14,963

via Transfermarkt

However, a major difference in pricing saw Milan refuse to sanction his move to Stamford Bridge, despite the 30-year-old’s eagerness to join them. Chelsea wanted him before their Club World Cup campaign, but snubbed the Rossoneri’s attempts to demand an extortionate fee because of that.

A deal for Maignan ultimately wasn’t revisited before deadline day on September 1, with Max Allegri since captaining the shot-stopper as Milan potentially give him something to think about.

They’re just three points behind Serie A leaders and Italian champions Napoli after three consecutive wins, and if Milan continue in this fashion, who knows, Maignan could be tempted to pen an extension.

In the meantime, though, he is set to leave for free at the end of the season, and reports suggest that Chelsea are ready to offer Maignan a pre-contract in January to end their reliance on Sanchez, who was sent off against Man United last weekend.

Mike Maignan decides whether he wants to join Chelsea or Man United

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are also after a reliable keeper, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Maignan wants to join Chelsea next year as things stand.

This comes as an almighty boost for the west Londoners, as Maignan is an arguably unmissable opportunity.

Why Chelsea need to sign Mike Maignan

All Premier League title-winning sides have one thing in common — the presence of a truly commanding star between the sticks.

Chelsea acknowledge that Sanchez has displayed improvements lately, but the jury is out on whether he can still be Maresca’s main point of call if they’re truly serious about ending their long wait for a top flight crown.

Maignan, available at zero cost, is set to become Europe’s most available, high-pedigree keeper next year, with the former Lille favourite possessing years of top-level experience and proven ability.

He’s also highly-rated by his peers, like Liverpool’s Alisson, who recently explained why Maignan is one of the best in the world.

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has joked his post-playing career path back to the club is "already mapped out" after comments from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The 36-year-old, who is starring in the MLS for Vancouver Whitecaps, remains non-committal on a specific role but admits his connection to the club of his life, Bayern, remains "very, very good."

Getty ImagesMuller jokes 'path is already mapped out' after Rummenigge comments

Muller has joked that his future path back to the club as an executive is "already mapped out," following recent comments from supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Speaking to 's Blickpunkt Sport, the 36-year-old discussed his future plans and his strong connection to the Bavarian giants.

Rummenigge recently stated that all doors remain open for Muller at Bayern and endorsed his move to North America. The former CEO told the German Press Agency: "It is the wish of the fans and the club that former players take on a leadership role at Bayern Munich." This follows a well-trodden path for club icons, including Rummenigge himself, who returned as a club executive after his playing career.

Muller, who is Bayern's all-time record appearance holder, acknowledged this precedent. He is already scheduled to work as a television expert for MagentaTV during the 2026 World Cup, mirroring the first post-playing step Rummenigge took. "Actually, the path has already been mapped out," Muller said with a laugh, acknowledging the parallels.

AdvertisementLegend non-committal on specific coach or official role

Despite the lighthearted comment, Muller was quick to clarify that he has not yet decided on a specific post-playing career, admitting he is unsure if a high-pressure role as a coach or official is what he wants. "That's a long shot," the 2014 World Cup winner said regarding the recruitment efforts. "I'm aware of that. I know my skillset. But even so, I still have no idea whether I could be a good coach and want to be a good coach. And whether I could be a good sports official and want to be a good sports official."

'Muller hype' builds in Vancouver after dream start

Since joining the Whitecaps on a free transfer in August 2025, Muller has sparked what the source describes as a "veritable Muller hype." He has been in exceptional form, netting seven goals and providing three assists in just seven MLS appearances. His total record for the Canadian side stands at 10 goals and six assists in 13 games across all competitions.

The forward, however, remains focused on his responsibilities on the pitch. "I didn't come here to become Vancouver's superstar," Muller told BR. "I feel a responsibility to give something back to the club. We want the stadium to be full and to draw attention to the sport in the city." He also joked about his developing English skills, assuring, "Don't worry, Radio Muller broadcasts here too."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Star forward admits confusion over MLS playoff format

Muller’s immediate challenge is the MLS Cup Playoffs, where his Vancouver Whitecaps are set to face FC Dallas in the first round. The German forward, who is accustomed to a knockout format like the DFB-Pokal, admitted he is still unfamiliar with the MLS structure. "I thought playoffs were like basketball or ice hockey," Muller said. "If I could choose, I'd prefer a home and away game." The first round of the MLS playoffs is contested as a best-of-three series before reverting to single-elimination matches in later rounds.

Ange Postecoglou may find himself under increased pressure if results at Nottingham Forest do not improve quickly, according to reports. The Australian 'retains the immediate backing' of the Forest board, who believe extenuating circumstances may have played a role in his failure to win any of his first six matches in charge in all competitions. Fans made their voices heard late on in defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, though, and the understanding is that things must improve soon.

Postecoglou has support of board despite tough start

As reported by BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest’s next Premier League match away at Newcastle United may be a ‘key fixture’ for how Postecoglou’s position at the club is viewed moving forward. Both the result and the manner of the performance are thought to be equally important by the club hierarchy. Postecoglou retains their backing in the meantime, and has full faith in the project he has begun at the club.

The Australian arrived at the City Ground in unenviable circumstances and will have his work cut out to win over fans, many of whom are not happy at how Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following a disagreement with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Sections of the home support chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” towards their own manager after Midtjylland went 3-1 up late on Thursday. Chris Wood pulled a goal back from the spot in stoppage time but could not prevent defeat. The result meant Postecoglou became the first Forest manager in 100 years to win none of their first six matches in charge.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEnraged Forest fan chants reflect a series of concerning results

While it felt slightly premature for Forest fans to be calling for their manager’s head after just 24 days and six matches, it reflected the worries beginning to expand within the fanbase. What was supposed to be their most celebrated season in a generation as European football returns to the City Ground, is looking an uncertain one already.

Just one point was earned from league matches against newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, while Forest capitulated late on to lose 3-2 at Championship Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. Add that to a 3-0 defeat at home to 19th-placed West Ham United in Nuno’s final game in charge at the City Ground, and it is easy to see why a series of concerning results have led to fan backlash.

A 2-2 draw away at Real Betis has truly been the only encouraging result of Postecoglou’s reign so far, even that being a game which ended in disappointment as Antony equalised for the La Liga side in the 85th minute. The pressure is on for things to improve, quickly.

Postecoglou speaks as pressure ramps up

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou said that he does not allow pressure to impact his management, citing his Europa League win despite a miserable domestic season with Tottenham Hotspur as a prime example of this.

"It doesn't enter my head," he stressed. "My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things”, said Postecoglou.

"If I start putting timelines to that or worry about what is going to happen next week then I am not performing the role I have been given.

"I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play, and, as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.

"Put it this way – I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about three or four months before I did, but that didn't stop me from winning something."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCrucial month lies ahead for Postecoglou and Nottm Forest

It is easy to see why the clash with Newcastle is viewed as of such importance for Postecoglou and Forest. It Is 15th vs 17th as neither side have made the desired start to the new campaign – though the Magpies will be buoyed by a 4-0 win at Union Saint Gilloise in the Champions League, while Forest’s midweek European exploits went in an entirely different direction.

A heavy defeat at St James’ Park could put Postecoglou under ‘internal scrutiny’ ahead of the international break, where a decision may be taken. Challenging fixtures against Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United see out the month.

Postecoglou has the backing of the Forest board, for now – but how long can things continue before Marinakis and co. begin to consider whether they appointed the right man?

Ruben Amorim is under pressure at Manchester United, and the Red Devils may be intrigued by the fact that a proven winner may be interested in succeeding him at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim responds to pressure surrounding his Man Utd position

During the week, the football world witnessed the Red Devils suffer one of their worst-ever results, bowing out of the EFL Cup second round to Grimsby Town via a penalty shootout.

Despite clawing their way back into the match from 2-0 down, Amorim’s men will need to live with the shock of a loss that will only serve to increase pressure on the former Sporting boss, who apologised to supporters who made the unfateful trip to Blundell Park.

He stated post-match: “I just want to say I’m really sorry to the fans. The support they give me, the support that they are always there, with all the defeats, with the team, today I have nothing to say apart from sorry.

“I think they gave the response on the pitch today. Now, we have a game in the weekend and then two weeks off. We will solve things out.”

Old Trafford chiefs could soon make a decision on Amorim and won’t shy away from pulling the trigger, and reports suggest Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner may be a candidate to take over at Manchester United should he be relieved of his duties.

Related Man Utd now considering late hijack for "sensational" £33m Newcastle target

The Red Devils are weighing up a late move for a new midfield target…

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025

Of course, his underperforming squad need to take a fair share of the blame. Manuel Ugarte and Andre Onana flattered to deceive against Grimsby, but they were far from the only ones culpable.

Either way, the pressure is on, and a reputable manager could well be open to an Old Trafford return if INEOS decide to call time on Amorim’s reign.

Jose Mourinho is open to Man Utd return

According to FourFourTwo, Jose Mourinho would be open to a surprise return to Manchester United after leaving Fenerbahce following their elimination from the Champions League playoff round against Benfica.

The former Red Devils boss, who won the FA Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield at Old Trafford, is set to return to the United Kingdom with his family and will be a target for several Premier League clubs considering a managerial change.

Manchester United could enter that discussion if results under Amorim continue, with his side struggling to adapt to his 3-4-2-1 formation. In contrast, Mourinho prefers a 4-2-3-1, which may be a more applicable tactical style given the personnel Manchester United have at their disposal.

Winning 11 trophies in total during spells at the Red Devils and Chelsea, Mourinho is a proven winner and would attract plenty of media attention, albeit some supporters may cite the fact that recent success within his managerial tenures has been short-lived.