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تحدث الدولي الأرجنتيني لاوتارو مارتينيز، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميلان، عن صدمة الخسارة الكبيرة من نادي باريس سان جيرمان في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا 2025.

ولم يتمكن الفريق الإيطالي من حصد اللقب للمرة الثانية في تاريخه بعدما خسر أمام باريس سان جيرمان بخماسية نظيفة في نهائي “ذات الأذنين” لموسم 2024/2025.

وقال لاوتارو عن شعوره بعد الهزيمة من باريس سان جيرمان: “العجز، هذا ما شعرت به، لم نتمكن من تنفيذ ما خططنا له وهذا ما أغضبنا بشدة”.

وعن قوة باريس سان جيرمان الخارقة أكمل: “كنا نعلم أن المباراة ستكون صعبة لأنهم فريق قوي وواثق ومتماسك، وقد فاز بالعديد من الألقاب لكن في هذه المباراة لم نكن جيدين، لقد كان ذلك يومهم الأعظم وقدموا أداءً قويًا للغاية، وكانت النتيجة مستحقة، أهنئ حكيمي ودوناروما، لقد لعبا في ميلانو، ولدينا علاقة ممتازة، أنا سعيد من أجلهما بالطبع”.

اقرأ أيضًا | “مثير للاهتمام”.. لاوتارو مارتينيز يرشح محمد صلاح للفوز بالكرة الذهبية 2025

وعن عدم حديثه مع أحد لمدة 5 أيام حزنًا من الهزيمة أوضح: “نعم أردت التحدث مع الناس، مع زملائي في الفريق لكنني لم أستطع، شعرت ببعض القلق والحزن لأنها كانت ضربة موجعة، أتيحت لنا فرصة الفوز بـ 3 ألقاب وهم الدوري والكأس ودوري أبطال أوروبا، وفي النهاية وجدنا أنفسنا بلا شيء، إنه أكثر وأصعب ألم شعرت به في حياتي”.

وعن سبب الانهيار أمام باريس سان جيرمان قال: “من الصعب تفسيره لأن هذه هي كرة القدم، أحيانًا تفوز وأحيانًا تخسر، نابولي الفائز بالاسكوديتو (الدوري الإيطالي) لم يلعب إلا في الدوري، استراحوا واستعدوا للمباراة أسبوعيًا، أما نحن فمنذ العام الماضي تراكمت علينا المباريات والإرهاق والإصابات وبالتالي غاب اللاعبون في اللحظات الحاسمة، لقد كان الأمر مؤثرًا للغاية، لكنك تتعلم مع كل موسم”.

وعن تأثر الفريق برحيل إنزاجي قبل النهائي أتم: “بالتأكيد لا، لكل شخص حرية اتخاذ قراراته، لم يخبرنا المدرب بتلقيه عرضًا أو برحيله، لذلك كنا بعيدين كل البعد عن تلك الشائعات وركزنا على أهدافنا، لطالما أظهر احترافية عالية وشعرنا براحة كبيرة معه، لقد كان محفزنا والقوة الدافعة لنا”.

Former England fast bowler had been appointed to the post in April 2022

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jun-2024Chris Silverwood has resigned from his position as head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s team, effective immediately. Silverwood had been in the job since April 2022. SLC had extended his tenure in April until the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup.SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo that Silverwood had conveyed his decision to resign before the board had had any internal discussions as to whether it would like to extend his contract further.”Being an international coach means long periods away from loved ones,” Silverwood said in an SLC statement. “After lengthy conversations with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel it is now time for me to return home and spend some quality time together.”Silverwood thanked the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of SLC, and said he’d be “taking away many fond memories” from his time in Sri Lanka.Related

Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka's interim head coach

Jayawardene resigns as SL's consultant coach

Silverwood, a former fast bowler himself, will be remembered for the emphasis he put on developing Sri Lanka’s pace resources. The likes of Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara have all come through under him. Sri Lanka had also won the T20 Asia Cup in 2022, and made the final of the 2023 ODI Asia Cup under his tenure.Sri Lanka have also had two disastrous World Cup campaigns during this time, however. They finished ninth at last year’s ODI World Cup and consequently failed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy. They also crashed out of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the first round, having lost to South Africa and Bangladesh.SLC CEO said the board would be advertising the head coach role, and would “also be doing some head-hunting”. The board was also considering local coaches for the position, he said.The team’s next major fixtures are the Tests in England, which start on August 21.

Leeds United are thought to be “well-placed” to complete the signing of a £6.8m-rated midfielder this summer, as the Whites eye key reinforcements to stay in the top flight.

Leeds eyeing Premier League-ready signings

Daniel Farke’s men are basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, following two seasons in England’s second tier. It appears to be harder than ever for promoted teams to avoid the drop at the first attempt, highlighting the importance of Leeds and 49ers Enterprises nailing their summer transfer business, bringing in players who are ready to hit the ground running.

With the error-prone Illan Meslier no longer feeling like the Whites’ long-term solution between the sticks, a top-quality goalkeeper will be required this summer, and Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is reportedly keen on moving to Elland Road. Meanwhile, FC Augsburg ‘keeper Finn Dahmen has also been mentioned as an alternative option to the Englishman.

In terms of possible outfield additions, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a switch to Leeds, which would be an eye-catching piece of business. Granted, the Dane has struggled at Old Trafford this season, but he still has 25 goals in 90 appearances for the Red Devils overall, and seven in 22 caps for Denmark.

Leeds "well-placed" to sign Hidemasa Morita

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Leeds are “well-placed” to sign Sporting CP ace Hidemasa Morita at the end of the season, potentially snapping him up for just £6.8m.

The 29-year-old has to decide if he wants to sign a new Sporting deal this summer, with his current contract there expiring in the summer of 2026, leaving the Portuguese giants running out of time to cash in. He is believed to be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Morita could be such a strong signing for Leeds ahead of their return to the top flight, having now racked up 112 appearances for Sporting, winning the Primeira Liga title last season. He is also a 40-cap Japan international.

At 29, he could add great experience and competition for places at the base of the Whites’ midfield, making them as hard to play through as possible, as they prepare to face some of the best teams in Europe in 2025/26.

Playing time has been more limited for Morita this term, with only 11 starts coming his way in the league, so he may feel that now is the right time for a new challenge, testing himself in the Premier League.

A sensational Meslier upgrade: PL player wants to join Leeds this summer

Leeds United could be about to land a star who can allow Daniel Farke to forget about Illan Meslier.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 1, 2025

Morita is statistically a similar player to Kalvin Phillips and Ao Tanaka, according to Football Transfers, which could excite Leeds fans, given the latter’s popularity at Elland Road and Phillips’ incredible time in Yorkshire.

The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.

With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha

It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.

That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.

Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.

As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.

Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder

Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.

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Elsewhere, meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.

As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.

The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.

There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.

How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd

There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.

The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.

What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.

Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.

Frenkie de Jong – compared to European midfielders

Stat

Record (per 90)

Ranking

Non-penalty goals

0.12

Top 25%

Assists

0.12

Top 28%

Shot-creating actions

2.59

Top 36%

Passes attempted

82.09

Top 4%

Pass completion

93.8%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.17

Top 9%

Progressive carries

2.09

Top 16%

Passes into final third

9.20

Top 3%

Tackles (in attacking 3rd)

0.49

Top 10%

Stats via FBref

As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.

What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.

For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).

For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.

Related After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap

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After a series of injuries, the Delhi fast bowler is keen to “know where I stand” in the Ranji Trophy

Himanshu Agrawal17-Oct-2024Bowling fast has come naturally to Navdeep Saini. He grew up playing tennis-ball cricket, which demanded accuracy. That, in turn, made him bowl full and fast, and develop quick arm speed.Saini first made a name for himself when he rattled Bengal in the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy in 2017-18, consistently touching 140kph as a 25-year-old. Seven years on, he is an India international, although matches at the highest level have been few and far between. While Saini can still continually bowl at 135kph, multiple injuries have hampered his progress.”If someone is a fast bowler, he has to put in a lot more effort to bowl at that pace,” Saini told ESPNcricinfo ahead of Ranji Trophy 2024-25. “Thus, a fast bowler has a lot more chances of getting injured, as compared to someone who bowls at 120 or 125 [kph].”Related

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Saini, with 34, was Delhi’s highest wicket-taker in their run to the Ranji final in 2017-18. He was named in India’s squad in June 2018. While the debut didn’t come, he did make the standby list for the ODI World Cup in 2019.It was a year of promise and the surge began with his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, for whom he picked up 11 wickets in 13 games. In August, Saini impressed on his India debut in a T20I against West Indies.”Virat [Kohli] was India’s captain at the time, and having played for RCB under him, whenever there was pressure, I used to talk to him and he used to calm me down,” Saini said of his early days with India.By February 2020, Saini had shaken West Indies in a series decider on ODI debut, shown his full repertoire – from 150kph to accurate change-ups – against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.”Virat Kohli used to calm me down when there was pressure” – Navdeep Saini•BCCIBut the highs, as they often are, were often followed by the lows. In a four-month period from September 2020, Saini had a miserable IPL, where he also split his webbing. On India’s tour of Australia, he leaked 153 runs in 17 overs across the first two ODIs, and struck only once. In Sydney, in the third Test, Saini made his debut; but in in Brisbane, he walked off with a groin strain. But despite those setbacks, Saini never thought of sacrificing his pace.”Bowling fast helps you create more opportunities to get a wicket,” he said. “That makes you put in a lot more effort on your body. That, in turn, makes you injury prone. So you never know how or when you can get injured while trying to bowl at such high pace.”You only try your best to focus on your fitness, and it is difficult to point out any one reason why someone gets injured more than others.”Since Brisbane, Saini has played for India only twice – an ODI and a T20I each in July 2021. That T20I appearance, against Sri Lanka, happened only because multiple first-choice starters were ruled out due to Covid-19, with Saini batting as high as No. 7, and not getting to bowl.”You never know how or when you can get injured while trying to bowl at such high pace”•Getty ImagesSaini remained within touching distance of the national set-up in early and mid-2022. That was a time when there was intense competition for places with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur all ahead of him in the pecking order. But he never gave up – both hope and pace. He went to play county cricket for Kent, bustling in, extracting good bounce, and pocketed a five-for on Championship debut.”That was all according to the preparation. I put in the same effort day after day while practicing, and then follow the same process in the match,” Saini said. “I can’t reduce my pace, which is my strength. I don’t want to sacrifice any bit of it; pace, after all, is my identity. I have always played cricket the same way, and intend to continue playing like that.”But doesn’t that make him more susceptible to injury?”No, sir. All I know is that I need to take proper care of everything. Sometimes you must sacrifice something to gain something else. The competition is so tight these days that I will never want to reduce my pace, something which is unique to me. It is [up to] my quality if I can continuously bowl at that pace for four or five days in a row.”

Shami feels I should keep hitting the 6-8 metre length; that will prevent me from leaking runs, and all but assure me of wickets. I always follow Shami Saini on the help he’s received from Shami

It turned out that five-for in England was only a brief reprieve. Ahead of the Duleep Trophy and a one-day series against New Zealand A in 2022-23, Saini suffered a groin injury. In yet another comeback, he toured Bangladesh two months later with India A. An opportunity for the senior side was around the corner with both Bumrah and Shami missing. But ahead of the second Test, Saini had an abdominal muscle strain. This is why over the last six to 12 months, Saini has put in a lot of effort to remain injury free.”I have paid more attention to my diet, rest and recovery,” he said. “I have tried to sleep on time, and maintained a particular time for practice to ensure I tick all boxes. I have been to the NCA for a camp. The physios and trainers there are really good: they set up a programme, and that helped me understand quite a lot. They provide you with a plan regarding your training regime. There are also the little things like having a good warm-up.”It was on a trip to the NCA that Saini was able to spend some time with Shami, whom he admires a lot. Saini remains keen to improve his bowling, and doesn’t let any chance to speak to Shami pass by.”Shami has always advised me not to bowl too full,” Saini said. “He keeps telling me that I’m a hit-the-deck bowler, and that the ball moves [sideways] after I pitch it. He feels I should keep hitting the 6-8 metre length; that will prevent me from leaking runs, and all but assure me of wickets. I always follow Shami .”Like Shami said, Saini’s first wicket of the 2024-25 domestic season came with a ball which seamed in. Playing for India B against India A in the Duleep Trophy, Saini went on the fuller side of a length around sixth stump. Shubman Gill shouldered arms, but the ball seamed back in sharply to hit the middle of off stump at 140kph.Saini has been working on his fitness and believes he is on the right track•PTI Initially, Saini wasn’t even named in any of the four Duleep Trophy teams, but replaced Siraj when the latter fell ill ahead of the first round. Saini has “no idea” why he wasn’t picked in the first instance despite “so many boys” getting selected. Eventually, out of “God’s (kindness)”, Saini was not only selected but he also played all three games for India B. He ended the Duleep Trophy with 14 wickets at 25.42, taking back valuable experience ahead of the more straining assignments like the Ranji Trophy.”I played a red-ball match after seven to eight months,” he said. “And since it was a four-day match, I also got to know about my fitness – like how much work I have done on myself, and where I stand.”Saini’s pace hovered around 135kph against India A, with two catches dropped off his bowling. He’s happy with his performance in the season-opening Duleep Trophy, and also about how he has shaped up this year.”There is a certain confidence that [makes me think] yes, I am on the right track, and that I should continue to follow the same process,” he said.When you look at Saini’s numbers across formats, there is hardly anything to choose from – his averages in first-class cricket, List A and T20s are 28.97, 30.46 and 30.80, respectively. But he considers the longest format his strength, and hopes a notable domestic season can take him to Australia.For now, though, the goal is to remain fit and firing, and, no matter the injuries in an up-and-down career so far, never give up on pace. After all, Saini believes competition among fast bowlers in India is at its fiercest now.”It has never been like this before,” he said. “But I know how I have played cricket till date, and the things I have done from the beginning. And I will remain stuck to it.”

Sri Lankan legends were among those to shower Dasun Shanaka’s team with praise

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2022

Congratulations for a fantastic win and most importantly bring back the Sri Lankan brand of cricket that we were renowned for. You brought the cup back home as planned! Enjoy this moment. Next target the World Cup !

— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) September 11, 2022