If Daniel Farke is relieved of his duties soon by the 49ers regime, how will he be remembered among the die-hard Leeds United fanbase?

First and foremost, there will likely always be some fondness towards the German from the Elland Road faithful for being the manager who delivered a promotion back up to the Premier League, having collected the Championship title on a mighty 100 points.

But, in the here and now, that title success – and the subsequent parade that merrily went through Leeds city centre – feels like a lifetime ago, with the ex-Norwich City boss continuing to struggle in the Premier League as a head coach.

A change could soon come then, with the Whites now five defeats from their last six league games and stuck in 18th spot.

Unfortunately, though, Leeds haven’t always got it right when getting right of celebrated promotion winners in the past, with Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement coming in the form of Jesse Marsch, who could only muster up a weak 11 wins from the pressurised dug out.

On top of that, his track record in the transfer department left a lot to be desired when he was situated in West Yorkshire, with all of his hits, followed by a large list of poor misses.

Leeds’ top five most expensive signings
Player	Cost	The manager who signed them
1. Georginio Rutter	£35.5m	Marsch
2. Brenden Aaronson	£28.5m	Marsch
3. Rodrigo	£26m	Bielsa
4. Dan James	£25m	Bielsa
5. Luis Sinisterra	£21m	Marsch
Sourced by FFC

Ranking Marsch's signings at Leeds

Amazingly, Marsch would sign off on Leeds’ two most expensive captures of all time during his whirlwind 12-month stint in England.

Georginio Rutter never really kicked into gear at the Whites under the unpopular American’s management, but considering he managed to put away eight goals and 18 assists in the end, largely under Farke, he is definitely seen as a success story, having also banked Leeds £40m when he moved to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Another standout success story from Marsch’s spending is Wilfried Gnonto, even if he is not now a regular under the current regime.

Landing the tricky Italian for just £3.8m continues to stand out to his day as an almighty bargain, with the ex-FC Zurich attacker even managing to star under Marsch, when collecting three goals from just 12 games under his methods, which included this fierce effort being thumped home.

Unfortunately for Marsch, this is where his positives in the transfer department begin to dry up, with a vast majority of the ten other signings made under his short-lived tenure no longer at the club.

Luis Sinisterra would at least manage to bag a promising five league goals at Elland Road, to somewhat justify the lavish £21m dropped on his services, but much like Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, and Marc Roca who all joined the Leeds ranks together at the same time, this wave of disappointing pick-ups couldn’t leave the building any faster after relegation was confirmed.

Weston McKennie has also left a bad taste in the mouth up to the present as a failed loanee under Marsch, with the American midfielder registering just one forgettable assist from 20 appearances, which led to the ex-Juventus man labelling the short stint as one of the “lowest” points of his varied career.

The elephant in the room now is, of course, the fact that the current Canada boss was the figure who first brought Brenden Aaronson to English shores, with the former £28.5m purchase a constant source of frustration.

Marsch couldn’t quite get a tune out of the ex-Union Berlin man, despite working closely alongside him at RB Leipzig, with just one sorry goal all he could muster up, before his fellow compatriot’s dismissal.

Thankfully, Farke has managed to get the best out of the 25-year-old in flashes, particularly in the Championship. Yet, with just one goal and one assist all he wrote this season in the Premier League so far, the consensus will be that Leeds overpaid back in 2022 when securing the hit-and-miss playmaker’s services for £28.5m.

Aaronson’s record under Farke
Season	Games	Goals + Assists
25/26	13	1 + 1
24/25	47	9 + 2
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Still, Aaronson does have his nine strikes to fall back on during Leeds’ phenomenal promotion journey.

Whereas this summer recruit has little to cling onto, as he already looks to be an even bigger waste of money than Aaronson’s much-talked-about arrival.

Leeds have made a bigger error than Aaronson

Much like the West Yorkshire giants showed off during Marsch’s reign, significant wads of cash were also dropped in the off-season to try and prepare Leeds for the gigantic leap up to the Premier League.

A position that was in dire need of upgrading was definitely in between the sticks, with Illan Meslier overstaying his welcome as Leeds’ number one goalkeeper by the time a top-flight return was officially clinched, having become error-prone during the Whites’ vital promotion run-in.

Therefore, Leeds must have thought they’d hit the jackpot when they secured the services of Lucas Perri for a substantial £13.9m, with the Brazilian ‘stopper previously being tipped to be one of the “best in the world” in his position by his former manager Paulo Fonseca.

However, the top-flight newcomers have yet to see the calm and assured version of Perri that regularly shone for Lyon – with ten clean sheets falling into his lap last season in Ligue 1 – with the South American receiving plenty of pelters, instead, particularly when he conceded this Morgan Rogers free-kick last time out, as he bizarrely remained rooted to his spot.

Off the back of leaking this effort from Rogers, Perri has now given up a costly eight goals across his string of depressing clashes in November, with the underlying numbers overall – away from just goals conceded – also pointing in the direction of the number one being a colossal waste of cash.

Indeed, it’s unclear now if Leeds have even upgraded on a wobbly Meslier, with Meslier arguably a better option at this point, with his 21 clean sheets in the tough division to date an impressive tally, weighed up next to Perri’s two so far.

The drop-off from his standout Ligue 1 campaign last season is also extremely worrying, with Perri averaging a 74% pass accuracy in the French top division, compared to him now regularly mis-hitting passes, at a far lesser average of 57%.

Of course, the defenders do have to share their load of the blame here for the recent porous displays, but the backline cannot be confident whatsoever, having a ropey Perri behind them, with ex-Leeds player Jon Newsome rightly suggesting that Farke and the 49ers had “wasted funds” after the demoralising 3-1 defeat at the City Ground.

In another reality, Leeds might well have been better sticking with what they had over splashing £13.9m on Perri, with Aaronson at least putting in bright performances here and there this season, while the new ‘keeper has routinely suffered.

Indeed, one Leeds content creator would even hail his showing against West Ham United as “his best in a Leeds shirt”, with eight duels won against the Hammers, standing him in good stead for any relegation scrap that comes, away from also firing an effort home.

The relegation-threatened side would have hoped they’d moved past notable blunders in the transfer department when Marsch left the building, but it looks as if Perri could now be seen in the same light as failed faces such as Sinisterra and Adams down the line, particularly if relegation is grimly served up and the Whites struggle to offload him.

Leeds in one of the biggest transfer battles of all time for England midfielder

He could add so much quality and bite to the midfield.

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 25, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing a January move to sign a £53m “monster” who plays in the Champions League, having identified him as their top target in defence.

Spurs looking to sign new centre-back amid defensive struggles

Thomas Frank is well-known for being more of a pragmatic manager than predecessor Ange Postecoglou, but Tottenham have been very poor from a defensive point of view over the past few weeks, conceding 13 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.

Most recently, Spurs came unstuck against Fulham at home, with Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson finding the back of the net within just six minutes, and the Cottagers ultimately held out for a 2-1 victory, despite Mohammed Kudus pulling one back just before the hour mark.

Following a run of one win, one draw and five defeats in the last seven outings, Frank is now under real pressure, with it recently being revealed that Xavi could be brought in if results don’t improve by the end of December.

It remains to be seen whether the Dane makes it to the January transfer window, with a tough trip to Newcastle United up next, but plans are already being formulated, and ENIC are particularly keen to strengthen in defence.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Tottenham are now preparing a €60m (£53m) move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, who has now risen to the top of the north Londoners’ shortlist of defensive targets.

It could be difficult to get a deal done, given that Bremer is regarded as one of the Italian club’s prized assets, but they may be tempted to cash-in if they receive a bid that is simply too good to turn down.

A whole host of Europe’s top clubs could also be set to rival Spurs for the Brazilian’s signature, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich being named as potential suitors.

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ByDominic Lund Nov 30, 2025 "Monster" Bremer could be ideal addition for Spurs

It is clear that Tottenham could do with some fresh options in defence, given the sheer number of goals they have conceded recently, and the Juventus star could be the ideal addition to the backline.

Lauded as a “monster” by scout Ben Mattinson, the five-time Brazil international, who is under the same agency as James Maddison and Pedro Porro, has put in some solid performances this season, most notably in Juventus’ 2-0 Serie A victory against Parma.

Gleison Bremer’s key statistics vs Parma

Number completed

Clearances

8

Ground duels (won)

3 (2)

Passes completed

46/52 (88%)

Clearances off line

1

Not only that, but the 28-year-old is also very impressive on the front foot for a defender, having picked up eight goals and four assists in 96 outings for Juventus, setting up two goals in his side’s 4-3 victory against Inter Milan earlier this season.

Bremer has spent the majority of the current campaign out injured, and missed 45 games last season due to an ACL injury, so there may be some concerns about his fitness, but the centre-back has proven himself as a top defender on his day.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense enfrentará o Cerro Porteño, pela terceira rodada da Libertadores, nesta quinta-feira (25), no Estádio General Pablo Rojas. O técnico Fernando Diniz terá que conviver com baixas e voltas de atletas. Renato Augusto e Calegari estão à disposição, enquanto o quarteto, afastado por festa na concentração, fica no Rio de Janeiro. Um dos mais experientes no elenco, o atacante Germán Cano falou sobre como o elenco tenta auxiliar os jovens, que ficarão com o episódio marcado.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

– Obviamente, a gente também está surpreso (com a notícia) de nossos companheiros. Lamentavelmente. É um pouco difícil falar disso. A gente sempre tenta ajudar com a nossa experiência. Sabemos que não é bom para o Fluminense, para todos nós – disse Cano, acrescentando:

– Sempre tentamos ajudar os garotos. Vão aprender e vai ficar marcado no pensamento deles, que não têm que voltar a fazer isso.

Cano será a única opção de centroavante para Fernando Diniz, no jogo do Paraguai. O mesmo sofreu uma entorse no joelho direito, que o afastou de dois jogos – contra o Flamengo, no Carioca, e contra o Alianza Lima, na estreia da Libertadores. O camisa 14 ressaltou ter sofrido uma inflamação grave na área, que dificultou seu rendimento dentro de campo.

continua após a publicidade

– Estou tentando voltar a chegar ao melhor possível na parte física. Tive uma inflamação muito grande no joelho, mas faço de tudo para entrar em campo e fazer o meu melhor. O departamento médico está melhorando isso e estou tentando fazer o melhor – completou.

Germán Cano respondeu sobre o que ele espera para o confronto contra o Cerro. Ele também citou o atacante Diego Churín, ex-jogador do Grêmio.

continua após a publicidade

– Cerro Porteño é um time muito bom, jogadores fortes, físicos, que pressionam muito bem. Tem gente grande na área, como é Churín, que conhecemos muito bem. Vamos tentar de tudo para conseguir os três pontos – completou Cano.

Com quatro pontos em dois jogos, o Fluminense enfrenta o Cerro Porteño nesta quinta-feira, às 19h, no Estádio La Nueva Olla. O Tricolor lidera o Grupo A da Libertadores.

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FluminenseFutebol NacionalLibertadores

Liverpool have now reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace as the South London club continue their attempts to agree a new deal with the Frenchman.

The Reds could certainly do with an added boost one way or another. They entered the November international break off the back of yet another defeat, this time against Manchester City, and must put their Premier League form behind them against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.

Against Sean Dyche’s side that will be easier said than done, however, and what hasn’t helped Arne Slot is the recent injury news regarding Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz. Both will miss Forest’s visit to Anfield this weekend, with Bradley set to be out for at least three weeks in a major blow.

Slot confirmed the news, telling reporters: “[Andy] Robertson will be with us today. Alisson trained last week and this week so he will be able to play if things work out today.

“We do have some issues after the international break. Conor Bradley is unable to play, Florian Wirtz unable to play. That is far from ideal. Both muscle issues. I don’t expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days, maybe the end unless a miracle happens. Florian maybe should not be that long. Jeremie is out just as long, won’t be available in the next few weeks.”

Without Bradley, the Reds will only have Calvin Ramsay to call on at right-back, unless they decide to pull Dominik Szoboszlai from midfield again. With games coming thick and fast, it’s the last thing they needed.

However, Liverpool’s focus seemingly remains on improving their frontline even further. Despite breaking their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak in the summer, Anfield chiefs have now set their sights on Mateta.

Liverpool eyeing Jean-Philippe Mateta deal

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Mateta, who has also attracted the interest of Arsenal now that he’s almost into the final year of his Crystal Palace contract.

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Liverpool are weighing up a 2026 bid for one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 21, 2025

The South London club are desperately attempting to tie their striker down to a new deal, but talks are yet to reach a conclusion. The longer negotiations go on, the more encouragement that the likes of Liverpool will have to move in and secure the Frenchman.

Minutes

959

632

Goals

6

3

Assists

0

1

Expected Goals

8.1

2.3

Although there will be some concerns that Mateta has underperformed his expected goals, the threat that he creates is clear. It speaks volumes of his quality that he’s outscored Hugo Ekitike so far this season, who many believe has made a solid start to life at Anfield.

Dubbed “amazing” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Mateta has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League in the last two years and may finally earn a big move as a result.

Diaz 2.0: Liverpool prepare £88m bid to sign "the best player in the world"

Southampton have been urged to appoint a 52-year-old manager instead of giving interim boss Tonda Eckert the job on a full-time basis.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert on a permanent basis

The Saints are preparing for a return to Championship action this weekend and look set to be under the leadership of caretaker manager Eckert once again.

The 32-year-old has won both of his matches as interim boss so far, defeating QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to take Southampton away from any relegation trouble.

A trip to Charlton Athletic is next on the agenda for Eckert, and recent reports have suggested that he is set to be given the Southampton job on a permanent basis.

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, a plethora of available and in work managers have been linked with the job. However, Sport Republic are yet to appoint a permanent successor.

Eckert appears to be in pole position after his start to life at St Mary’s with the first team, and he has impressed Finn Azaz, who said:

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

However, Southampton and Sport Republic have been urged to consider another rumoured target.

Southampton urged to move for Brendan Rodgers

Talking to Football League World, Southampton pundit Martin Sanders urged the Saints to appoint Brendan Rodgers.

Now out of work after leaving Celtic, Rodgers was linked with the St Mary’s vacancy at the beginning of November, although it doesn’t seem as if Sport Republic have made a move for the Northern Irishman who they admire.

Sanders said that Rodgers “ticks every box” and a move would “show real ambition”.

Rodgers has previous Championship experience with Swansea City, winning the playoffs with the south Wales side in 2011, and almost 15 years later, a return to the second tier could be what a number of Southampton fans would welcome.

Southampton can end Eckert experiment by hiring "insanely talented" manager

With the pressure growing on Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his mind up on taking the Liverpool job if it becomes available at the same time that he potentially leaves Real Madrid.

For the first time in Slot’s Liverpool career, serious questions are being asked about his tenure. Last season’s Premier League title win has provided him with plenty of credit but, as Jamie Carragher pointed out on Monday Night Football, not everyone is still convinced that he’s still the man for the job.

After eight defeats in 11 games, the Dutchman simply has to turn things around. The Reds backed him by breaking their transfer record twice in the summer and spending over £400m, but are yet to see that investment pay off.

The most concerning aspect of Liverpool’s recent run is that nothing has changed. Slot has persisted with the same system, which only provided false dawns against Real Madrid and Aston Villa.

Now, with Alonso also under pressure at Madrid, Liverpool could be presented with a tempting opportunity to make a sensational change.

Xabi Alonso makes Liverpool decision

According to Football365, Alonso is now ready to take the Liverpool job if Real Madrid decide to sack him. The Spaniard has been put under increasing pressure by reports that Vinicius Junior has decided against signing a new deal whilst the manager is in charge.

As Real Madrid are forced to decide between their star man and their new manager, it’s Liverpool who could take full advantage.

For many, the big question has centred around who would replace Slot if Liverpool decided to sack the Dutchman. In Alonso, they’d have the perfect answer.

The Reds were interested in a reunion with the Spaniard before they hired Slot and could now get what they initially wanted over a year later.

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Although a lot of pieces will need to fall into place, there’s little doubt that Alonso would be welcomed with open arms at Anfield.

"I'm told" – Romano shares what Slot thinks about his own Liverpool future

Ngarava’s maiden Test five-wicket haul handed the hosts their first innings win since 2001

Sreshth Shah22-Oct-2025It took Zimbabwe less than three hours on the third day to claim their first home Test win since 2013, their first innings win since 2001 and their biggest Test win. Richard Ngarava was the star, where in overcast conditions he took his first five-wicket haul in Tests. His movement through the air and off the pitch never looked exaggerated, but it was relentless enough to break the game open and leave Zimbabwe with a win by an innings and 73 runs against a listless Afghanistan batting unit.The day began with Zimbabwe’s Test squad lining up for a group photo, a clear suggestion they were keen to finish the contest on Wednesday itself. And they started with a surprise by giving the ball to Tanaka Chivanga ahead of Blessing Muzarabani.It turned out to be a good decision as Chivanga’s third over of the morning saw Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicking one down the leg side, and Tafadzwa Tsiga, alert behind the stumps, did the rest. Three overs later, Ngarava produced almost the same dismissal when Ibrahim Zadran, who had reached 42 with measured strokes, flicked another ball going down leg, and Tsiga took his second of the morning.Hashmatullah Shahidi lasted briefly. A full delivery from Ngarava drew a hard-handed push that went to Craig Ervine at slip. Bahir Shah and Afsar Zazai then gave the innings some momentum. Bahir found six boundaries but his counter-attack ended after Muzarabani cramped him with a short ball. The fend popped up and Ben Curran swooped in from short leg. Zazai followed soon after, easing a half-hearted drive to backward point to end the morning session at 127 for 6.The sun broke through after lunch but offered little relief to Afghanistan. Chivanga thought he had Ismat Alam caught, only for a front-foot no-ball to intervene. Ngarava corrected it soon after with a length ball outside off that induced a cut from Alam. Tsiga flung himself to his right and pulled off a one-handed catch that drew gasps even from the slips. Two overs later Sharafuddin Ashraf edged to second slip, giving Ngarava his fifth.Muzarabani, quiet through much of the innings, finished it off with precision. First he flattened Khalil Gurbaz’s leg stump, then beat Ziaur Rahman with a yorker that split middle stump. Those wickets gave him six for the match and ended a game Zimbabwe had controlled from the second hour of the first day.Ibrahim Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with 42•Zimbabwe CricketNgarava’s five, Chivanga’s pace, and Muzarabani’s closing spell combined for a win that was both rare and easily earned. Curran’s day-two performance of 121, which earned him a Player-of-the-Match award, and Sikandar Raza’s 65 were the other highlights of their comfortable win.After the game, Zimbabwe captain Ervine said a win in their final Test match of the year was satisfying.”I’m ecstatic. A lot of credit to the boys for fighting and winning to end a tough year of Test cricket,” Ervine said. “The way we started, in the first hour of day one wasn’t good, but the way the boys pulled things back was excellent. Then with the bat, Curran’s innings – full of composure and discipline – was outstanding.”The wicket offered something throughout, so the boys did well to put on some good partnerships. The boys have learnt with the Test cricket they’ve played in the last six-seven months to find their game. Brad [Evans] with the five-for in the first innings and Richie [Ngarava] stepped up in the second innings. TK [Chivanga] was superb and Bless [Muzarabani] was unlucky not to take a few more wickets.”Shahidi, the Afghanistan captain, rued the batting collapse on the first day when Afghanistan slid from 77 for 1 to 127 all out.”They played really good cricket, it was supporting the fast bowlers,” Shahidi said. “Ball was seaming around but overall, we didn’t play good cricket. We started the Test well with 80 for 1 [77 for 1] in the first innings, but that collapse let us down. I feel the lack of our Test-playing experience cost us since we kept losing back-to-back wickets. In Test cricket, winning the first day is very important.”The two teams now meet for the three-match T20I series starting October 29.

India enforced the follow-on expecting wear and tear, but Campbell and Hope led West Indies’ strongest showing of the series

Karthik Krishnaswamy12-Oct-20251:51

Chopra: ‘Tiredness’ hampered India bowlers

When India wrapped up West Indies’ first innings and secured a lead of 270 runs, seven-and-a-half sessions of the Delhi Test still remained.The pitch was still making bowlers work hard: West Indies, after lasting less than 50 overs in both their innings in Ahmedabad last week, had survived 81.5 overs in their first innings here. Their last two wickets had added 73 runs, suggesting that wicket-taking on this slow, low pitch was particularly difficult when the ball became older, with edges unlikely to carry to close-in catchers.Teams tend not to enforce the follow-on in such situations, given the time remaining in the match and the two major benefits of batting again – rest for the bowlers, and a chance for them to come back and bowl after the pitch has undergone more wear and tear.Related

Kuldeep's stump vision defies flat Delhi pitch

Hope and Campbell fight back after Kuldeep five-for forces WI to follow on

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India, however, asked West Indies to bat again, and by stumps on day three the visitors had enjoyed their best day of the series, with John Campbell and Shai Hope scoring half-centuries and putting on an unbroken 138 for the third wicket. West Indies will begin day four trailing by just 97 runs, with India back on the field with 130.5 cumulative overs in their legs.India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said India had enforced the follow-on in the belief that the pitch would deteriorate significantly by the end of the third day’s play.”There was a discussion to bat,” he said. “Those last two wickets took a little bit longer than we would have hoped for, and had probably started going towards the [space] where you do look to bat again.”But we felt [270] was a good lead. We thought the wicket’s going to keep deteriorating, we thought by close of play it would be at its worst, but it just seems to have slowed down even more.”This left India’s spin trio with a tricky time of finding the right pace to bowl at. Having shared eight wickets between them in the first innings, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar took 1 for 149 between them in 38 second-innings overs.”It’s quite challenging to get any pace out of the wicket, [and] you have to really fire the ball in,” ten Doeschate said. “And, of course, when you fire the ball in, it’s got less chance of spinning. We have found it tricky this afternoon, and Shai Hope and John Campbell batted beautifully, so back tomorrow, get our plans right, and hopefully get those last four batters out and then get into the tail.”Khary Pierre, who scored 23 from No. 8 in West Indies’ first innings, said he was surprised by India’s decision to enforce the follow-on.3:56

What made Campbell and Hope stand out?

“Actually it was a bit surprising that they went back to bowl [even though] the wicket was still a good one,” Pierre said. “For me, personally, batting on the wicket, batting a lot of time, and watching the wicket, seeing what it was doing, I think it’s still a very good wicket.”I was surprised, but it’s India, and you know they want to get the win, and probably didn’t think they needed to go back and bat, but so be it. We have to bat properly in this innings and try and make a game of it.”With eight wickets in hand and the deficit now down to double-figures, Pierre felt West Indies had a real chance of making a game of it.”I would say the Test match is still on,” he said. “Once we apply ourselves with the bat, we have two set batters at the crease right now that will start over tomorrow, and once we bat properly, the game is still on. Once we get a lead, we all know, on the fourth and fifth day of a Test match, the bowlers will come and probably get some balls to spin and stuff and make a game of it.”

Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.

Pochettino contract: When USMNT deal ends

Ex-Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Pochettino stepped into a prominent post on American soil in September 2024. He was charged with the task of ensuring that a so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of talent is ready to fulfil undoubted potential on the grandest of stages.

That process has not been without the odd challenge, but the USMNT are confident that they can compete with the very best in the business when the global elite descend on their own backyard. Pochettino is only under contract until the World Cup finals come to a close.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStay or go: What will Pochettino do after the World Cup?

Coaches in international football tend to work on tournament cycles, with clear beginnings and ends to any given era being easy to find, so will Pochettino follow that trend and bow out when his current deal comes to a close – regardless of how the U.S. fare next summer?

When that question was put to Friedel, the ex-USMNT goalkeeper – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “That’s a great question. I’m quite close with one of his assistant coaches. I think that because he has had to come in and change the culture in the States, if they do well then I could see him staying for another cycle.

“I know he is a guy that likes to build, he likes to have continuity and stability. But he also likes to know that he has quality. I don’t know what he thinks of the next four years on his paper, of what’s going to happen when – as happens with national teams – a few people age out, and are the wrong people ageing out to be successful for the next four years.

“It’s a really good question. I would probably say this: If it doesn’t go well, probably ‘no’. If it goes incredibly well and they win it, I don’t think he stays. If it’s somewhere in the middle and it’s good and building, then I think there is probably a chance. That would be my guess.”

Premier League return? What Pochettino misses

Pochettino has admitted that he intends to head back to club management at some stage, telling : “The Premier League is the best league in the world. Of course I am missing it. I am so happy in America but also thinking one day to come back to the Premier League. It's the most competitive league.”

On missing the day-to-day interaction of working at domestic level, with international camps often months apart, Friedel added on Pochettino’s professional drive: “He’s a workaholic, and his whole staff are. I can say from personal experience, not at the senior level but the U19 national team, you do miss the day-to-day because you are scouting and meeting with people and talking a lot more than you are on the pitch.

“I can see how any manager, especially on the younger side, would miss club management. When the tournament comes around, then you want to be nowhere else except for there because it’s the big stuff. I can see two things. I can see, one, big clubs wanting him. And two, I can understand him wanting the day-to-day because he is a workaholic and very good at his job.”

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Getty/GOALWorld Cup focus: Pochettino and USMNT looking at draw

Pochettino’s stock remains high, so there is every chance that a “big” club will come in for him during the summer of 2026. Teams around the world will be assessing their options at that stage, with many opting for a change in the dugout.

The USMNT will not be worrying themselves about interest from afar just yet, though, as collective focus there is locked on the group stage draw for the 2026 World Cup – which is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on December 5.

أعلن نادي برشلونة إصابة لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بعد مباراة تشيلسي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا ومدة غيابه.

واستضاف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة الفريقين، إذ حل برشلونة الإسباني ضيفًا على تشيلسي، في الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة الدوري في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وخسر برشلونة بثلاثية نظيفة أمام تشيلسي في لقاء ظهر فيه رجال فليك بأداء باهت للغاية على عكس المتوقع، كما نال قائد الفريق رونالد أراوخو، بطاقة حمراء في آواخر الشوط الأول مما أثر تأثيرًا كبيرًا على أداء البلوجرانا.

وتوقف رصيد برشلونة عند 7 نقاط في جدول ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا بالمركز الـ15، فيما رفع تشيلسي رصيده لـ10 نقاط محتلًا المركز الخامس.

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وكشف برشلونة أن فيرمين لوبيز، لاعب خط وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم قد أصيب إصابة طفيفة في عضلة ربلة الساق اليُمنى.

وفقًا لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”، عانى فيرمين من آثار الضربة التي تلقاها في مباراة السبت الماضي بالدوري ضد أتلتيك بلباو، إثر تدخل سانسيت الذي أدى إلى طرده.

وبذل فيرمين جهدًا كبيرًا لمساعدة الفريق في مباراة تشيلسي إذ بدأ المباراة أساسيًا ثم استُبدل ولم يُظهر نفس التألق الذي يتميز به دائمًا.

وتصل مدة غياب فيرمين إلى أسبوعين، وسوف يغيب عن مباريات ألافيس، أتلتيكو مدريد، ريال بيتيس وآينتراخت فرانكفورت.