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Allrounder’s success vindicates backing of Manoj Tiwary and management

Himanshu Agrawal16-Jun-2022″That was the best match I have ever played for Bengal so far.”Shahbaz Ahmed smiles as he jogs back to a memorable game from earlier this Ranji Trophy season. In their opening match against Baroda, Bengal were shot out for 88 in the first innings and were later set a daunting 349.A loss would have most certainly thrown a dagger on their qualification chances, given there were only three group games. Shahbaz walked in at 176 for 5. He had rookie Abishek Porel, straight out of the Under-19s, for company.The pair added 108 in just over 22 overs on the final day as Bengal scripted a historic win. It was their highest-ever first-class chase, and the sixth best in Ranji history. Shahbaz ended with 71 priceless runs; Porel made a half-century.On Thursday, Shahbaz added another milestone in his nascent first-class career, when he hit a backs-to-the-wall century, his first in Ranji Trophy, to keep Bengal alive. His 167-run stand with fellow centurion Manoj Tiwary helped rescue the team from a precarious 54 for 5.”IPL is all about hard-hitting and shot-making; in Ranji, you have to play an entirely different game,” Shahbaz says of the switch, in a chat prior to the semi-final. “One major change for me is having to play a lot later in red-ball cricket, since the red ball swings a lot more than the white one. Another requirement [of the longer format] is to keep leaving a lot of the balls, both of which I have been trying to do in net sessions which I have had.”Shahbaz was always a competent batter, but perception was that he was a left-arm spinner who could bat. So, while many outside the fringes expressed surprise at his spunky batting contributions for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, his team-mates and coaches knew it was Shahbaz excelling at his primary skill.Within two days of finishing his IPL stint, he landed in Bengaluru for the Ranji knockouts. And in his first red-ball outing in three months, Shahbaz made 78 as Bengal declared after piling up 773 for 7 against Jharkhand. He has followed that up now with a maiden first-class century.One of the hallmarks of his knock was the situational awareness. He curbed the drives and pulls early on, seemingly intent on leaving deliveries to ensure he didn’t give the Madhya Pradesh pacers an opportunity to break in. Having done so knowing fully well he was the last-recognised batter with Tiwary brought out his maturity. His partnership with Tiwary was poetic in a way because the former Bengal captain was among the first to push for Shahbaz’s inclusion in the team four years earlier. Tiwary was impressed with Shahbaz’s consistency in domestic cricket but faced opposition when he was told they can’t field an “outsider.”Like his senior Bengal team-mate Mohammed Shami, Shahbaz isn’t a local. He grew up in Mewat, Haryana, and only came to Kolkata in 2013. Having started with club cricket, Shahbaz directly made it to the domestic level, completely bypassing the age-group circuit.Related

• Shahbaz Ahmed replaces injured Washington Sundar for Zimbabwe tour

• 'Heart of the team' Shahbaz Ahmed wants to be Bengal's Ben Stokes

• Shahbaz Ahmed: 'Prepared and waiting to finish matches on my own'

• Experienced Tiwary, talented Shahbaz combine to keep Bengal's hopes alive

“My friend Pramod Chandila, who played for Bengal at the time, was the one who brought me to play club cricket in Kolkata,” Shahbaz recalls. “I consistently kept playing there, though I had never really come thinking that I wanted to play for Bengal in domestic cricket. I just wanted to play since club cricket in Kolkata is the best you would get anywhere in India.”It’s during a club tournament that Tiwary first noticed Shahbaz. “I always wanted a spinner who can bat, because to win the Ranji Trophy you have to have a spinner who can bat as well,” Tiwary says. “So, I was looking for one. During the team selection they used to have that proper data of who was scoring runs and picking wickets in club cricket. Shahbaz was one of them who was always picking up more than 50-odd wickets and scoring 1200-1500 runs. I always wanted him to be in the side.”Whatever norms the CAB has of outstation players coming and playing club cricket, as far as my knowledge goes, he fulfilled that criterion to be selected in the senior team. So, there was no question about ‘he is playing as an outsider’ or whatever it is. But yes, there were lot of questions raised. And results are there to be seen now. He’s justified his selection over a period.”Shahbaz couldn’t be more thankful to Tiwary’s support from back in the day. In 2018-19, he managed just two games but had a breakout season in 2019-20, which coincided with Bengal’s march to the Ranji Trophy final.Shahbaz Ahmed scored over 500 runs and picked up 35 wickets in Ranji Trophy 2019-20•PTI “When I had just about started playing in Kolkata, it was Manoj Tiwary who spotted me first, and I ended up making my debut [for Bengal] under him,” Shahbaz says. “It is tough for someone to directly get a chance at the highest level in domestic cricket if he hasn’t played U-19 or any other [age-group] cricket, but he gave me a chance to play for Bengal directly from club cricket.”What stands out about Manoj is the way he dominates spinners. When you look at him while batting, he gives you the impression that he always has a lot of options against spin. And the way he looks at a match situation is also very helpful. He is a long-term thinker too. At the same time, he also breaks it up into sessions.”These traits were evident when they carried on keeping Madhya Pradesh at bay in the ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final in Alur.Another person instrumental in Shahbaz’s success has been Arun Lal, the current head coach. Lal’s coaching philosophy borders on being frank and to say things as it is. Shahbaz has embraced this openly and admits this has helped him become a better thinker of the game.

“During the team selection they used to have that proper data of who was scoring runs and picking wickets club cricket. Shahbaz was one of them who was always picking up more than 50-odd wickets and scoring 1200-1500 runs. I always wanted him to be in the side.”Manoj Tiwary on Shahbaz Ahmed

“I was dropped after playing my first two [first-class] matches for Bengal. At the time, I had a very wide-open stance while taking strike,” he recalls. “So, Arun Lal sir said that scoring runs with that [technique] would be very difficult because of the pitches in domestic cricket in India. And so, after getting dropped, the first thing he asked me was to change the stance. So ever since I have done that, I have started getting the results with the bat – especially in Ranji.”For all the adulation and success of the IPL, Shahbaz hopes he can win the Ranji Trophy for Lal now. “He is a very positive person who keeps motivating us by saying that we can even play for India soon,” Shahbaz says. “We get a lot of good vibes from him, and that boosts our confidence too.”He isn’t even looking beyond the Ranji Trophy. “At this moment, I need to improve a lot,” he says when asked of his India aspirations. “It is only then that I can hope for a chance in the national team. I need to keep maintaining my form and keep winning matches for my side – especially with the bat. I must keep performing consistently to get that chance.”In an interaction with ESPNcricinfo in 2020, Shahbaz had said that he aspired to be Bengal’s own Ben Stokes. So how far has he reached in his goal?”I want to be a good finisher for my team,” he keeps on repeating, “and so I look up to Stokes, since he has won the World Cup, and single-handedly won the Headingley Test for England. His body language stands out for me. So, I just want to finish games off for Bengal and in the IPL, just like he does it for England.”

The 2025 Dodgers may be remembered as one of the most talented teams in MLB history. With four former MVPs and a pair of Cy Young winners among its ranks—not to mention World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history—Los Angeles was fittingly home to a star-studded roster. That being said, can this year’s squad claim to be the best in team ever? It’s a fierce competition considering the franchise’s rich history.

By winning three World Series titles in the last six years, giving the franchise nine total championships, the Dodgers now find themselves tied with the Athletics and Red Sox for the third-most World Series wins, trailing only the Yankees’ 27 and the Cardinals’ 11. Those nine titles span 70 years and have been split among three managers, with Dave Roberts now a lock to join Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda in the Hall of Fame one day.

The Dodgers’ latest triumph presents a prime opportunity to compare those nine World Series-winning teams. As in ’s ranking of this century’s champions, statistical factors as well as intangibles were considered. If this decade’s results have been any indication, we might have to update these rankings awfully soon.

9. 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers (88–68)

Pythagorean record: 82–74 | Playoff record: 4–2

Runs scored (MLB rank): 705 (6th) | Runs allowed (rank): 670 (7th)

Manager: Walter Alston

World Series MVP: Larry Sherry | Other key players: Don Drysdale, Duke Snider, Wally Moon

Los Angeles was quite lucky to host the World Series for the first time—its run differential was third-best in the NL, barely better than that of the 74–88 Reds—but the Dodgers proved themselves as giant killers. After tying the Milwaukee Braves for the best record in the NL, they swept them in a playoff, taking down a team that boasted future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews and Warren Spahn. Then, after losing Game 1 of the World Series by an 11–0 score, they recovered to defeat the White Sox, who had MLB Cy Young winner Early Wynn—back when there was just one trophy given to the majors’ best pitcher—AL MVP Nellie Fox and AL MVP runner-up Luis Aparicio (all of them also being future Hall of Famers). 

Sherry may have just been a rookie, but this World Series marked the peak of his career. The 24-year-old reliever remarkably recorded two wins and two saves against the White Sox while boasting a 0.71 ERA in 12 ⅔ innings (including the final 5 ⅔ innings of the series) to earn series MVP honors. 

8. 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers (94-67-1)

Pythagorean record: 91–70 | Playoff record: 8–5

Runs scored (MLB rank): 628 (19th) | Runs allowed (rank): 544 (2nd)

Manager: Tommy Lasorda

World Series MVP: Orel Hershiser | Other key players: Kirk Gibson, Tim Leary, Tim Belcher

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed the reason Daniel Munoz sat out Sunday's trip to Fulham. Munoz missed out on the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage as the Eagles look to follow up their 1-0 win Burnley in midweek. The Colombian scored the winning goal at Turf Moor on Wednesday night but wasn't part of the matchday squad in west London at the weekend.

Getty Images SportMunoz absent for Palace's game at Fulham

Munoz wasn't part of the Palace matchday squad on Sunday afternoon, with the experienced Nathaniel Clyne instead called upon at right wing-back in Glasner's favoured three-man setup. The Colombian wasn't the only first team regular to miss out on a spot in the starting XI at Fulham, with Will Hughes also starting from the bench as Eddie Nketiah came in for a rare start.

Nketiah scored his second league goal of the season on his first start as he featured alongside Yeremy Pino behind Jean-Philippe Mateta in attack. However, it was Munoz's absence that raised eyebrows after the 29-year-old hadn't missed a single minute of game time prior to Sunday's London derby.

And prior to the weekend game at Fulham, Glasner confirmed the reason behind Munoz's absence in west London, which was due to a knee injury.

Advertisement'Sorry, mate, I have to rest you'

When asked by Munoz wasn't included in the matchday squad by Sky Sports, Glasner replied: "His knee. I said to Danny 'sorry, mate, I have to rest you' and that's why he can't play. He knee is a little bit swollen. Of course, we never take any risk, and that's why he misses today's game. We are hopeful that he can return to face City next Sunday."

And on Clyne's first league start of the season, Glasner said: "Clyne has not played many minutes, but he's always available and he knows what to do in this position. We know that we can always rely on Clyne.

"He's not that attacking player like Danny, but he's very reliable, so that's why he starts. Then we know maybe we are missing a very attacking wing-back, so we're getting a second striker on the pitch, in [Eddie] Nketiah, who has proven that he can score goals."

Getty Images Sport'He's a mix between a right-back and a right winger'

Munoz has established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the Premier League following his arrival from Genk last January, and has become a mainstay in the Eagles starting XI. The Colombia international has scored three goals and provided two assists for the south London side in the Premier League this season as Glasner looks to mastermind a top-half finish.

And Glasner had praised Munoz ahead of Palace's game at Fulham, telling the club's official website over the weekend: "I think it's unfair to compare him with right-backs because when you play a back four, as a right-back, you have to be a little bit more cautious. He’s, let's say, a mix between a right-back and a right winger, and that's why we're also playing this system because we know his attacking style and we know that he's very dangerous. Even before he came to Palace, I think he scored five goals in the Belgium league in six months and that's just his nature.

"Of course his physicality, his runs, always being there and having this feeling in the box, at the far post, this is something special. You can't always have your right-back in the opposite box, but in our system we can, and that's one of the reasons why we play a back three. For us, Dani is a very important player. if you don't score many goals, and your right wing-back has now four… at the moment, after losing Ismaïla [Sarr, to injury] he's one of our few players who makes runs in behind without the ball, and that helps us."

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Palace looking to bounce back in Europe

After Sunday's game at Fulham, Palace are next in action against Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night as they look to bounce back from their 2-1 loss to Strasbourg last month.

And Palace follow up their midweek European tie with the welcome of Premier League title contenders Manchester City. The Cityzens closed the gap on league leaders Arsenal to two points as they claimed a 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique lavished praise on "world class" Vitinha as the Portuguese midfielder delivered one of the standout Champions League performances of the season in their 5-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Parisians twice fell behind at the Parc des Princes, but Vitinha’s exceptional hat-trick dragged the reigning European champions over the line in a match that exploded in the second half.

A hat-trick for the ages reignites PSG’s European charge

The 2025 Ballon d’Or bronze medallist struck first with a breathtaking drive into the top corner on the brink of halftime, restoring balance after PSG’s shaky start. He repeated the feat shortly after the interval with an arrowed effort from distance, and despite his mistake leading to Spurs’ third goal, he showed no hesitation in stepping up to bury his hat-trick penalty in the 77th minute. It was a performance dripping with quality and one that has amplified the growing chorus declaring him the most complete midfielder in the world.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEnrique's glowing take on Vitinha

Speaking ahead of PSG’s trip to Monaco, Enrique offered one of his most detailed and effusive assessments of Vitinha. 

"If you have to judge Vitinha's level, you have to look at last season, you have to look at his first season, how he changed the way we attack, how he improved the way we manage games," replied the Spanish manager. "It's very good for me, as a coach, to have a player of this ability. He loves playing football; he wants to train every day. These are the kinds of players you have to keep in check."

Enrique even addressed comparisons to the legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets, one of the defining midfielders of the modern era and a former pupil during his Barcelona tenure.

He added: "It's true that we were able to manage the way Vitinha plays to change many things in the past about what we thought about this position. Because he is very different, for example, from Busquets who was world-class. Vitinha is world-class, without a doubt. But they are two different ways of playing. As a staff, I think we managed this well to have a top Vitinha and a very positive Vitinha for the team, and at the same time have the ability to play as a team."

Thomas Frank joins the chorus

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, despite leaving Paris empty-handed, could only marvel at Vitinha’s display. Speaking in the aftermath of Spurs’ defeat, he conceded that his team had been undone by pure brilliance.

He told reporters, via Football London: "I'm pleased with the performance. It was the reaction I wanted from the players, from the team. We've been working very hard on that, the players, the staff, me, to make sure that we responded well and bounced back because that's crucial after a bad performance. Today I saw more identity of the team I want to create, we want to create. Much more character, personality, aggressiveness. Three words you need to have in any team no matter how you want to do, how you want to play, whatever formation, whatever. Today we saw it, that I'm pleased with. 

"Of course, I think it was performance that was up there where we could get something out of the game, a draw or a win. So that's a little frustrating thing that we conceded some goals. Of course, one with a little bit of margin from Vitinha, not top corner but top, top corner. And then, of course, goal three and four. Those are the ones we definitely need to avoid if we want to get something out of here, but something to build on. Strikers scoring two goals. The whole team, I think, all performed well. Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, positive. When we played against a decent team where they have one Ballon d'Or winner and I think the next one is playing in midfield. Vitinha. Wow, what a player."

Frank added to TNT Sports: "Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world. He will be the next Ballon d'Or winner."

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AFPPSG strengthen their grip in Europe

The win over Tottenham keeps PSG firmly situated near the summit of the Champions League group, sitting second on 12 points with only Arsenal above them. With three matches remaining in the round, the reigning champions are now on the brink of securing a direct route into the last-16, avoiding the dreaded play-off gauntlet. Up next is a gruelling run of fixtures. PSG travel to face fierce rivals Monaco on Saturday, followed by a home match against Rennes. Then comes another Champions League clash, this time against Athletic Club, where PSG hope to confirm their place among Europe’s elite for the knockout stages.

Manchester United have been told that they could sign a long-term target for a much smaller fee than has been mooted ahead of the January transfer window. The Red Devils were able to sign coveted players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko this summer but their hunt for a central midfielder goes on. Now, one agent has claimed that a certain target could be available for no more than €40 million (£35m/$46m).

Man Utd eye midfield maestro

In 2025, United have been linked with Atalanta midfielder Ederson as they try and solve their problems in the centre of the park. The 26-year-old, who can play in defensive midfield, in the centre, and further forward, has been watched by a number of top teams, including Liverpool, but for now, he remains with the Serie A side. In the past, reports have suggested he could cost up to €80m (£70m), but that is said to have put off potential suitors. Now, however, Brazilian agent Andre Cury thinks he could be available for less than half of that.

AdvertisementGetty Images'A spectacular player'

Agent Cury, who represents Ederson and also Chelsea's Estevao, has suggested that the ex-Cruzeiro man will be available in 2026 for a cut-price fee as his contract expires the following year. He also said the Brazilian is a "spectacular" player.

He told Cadena SER: "Atalanta were asking for a lot of money, between €60m and €75m. He’s close to the end of his contract, they could even lower his price by half, to between €30m and €40m, but he’s a spectacular player with some of the best stats in Europe for his position."

Agent talks up Barcelona move

Ederson's representative appears to be drumming up interest for his player as he believes the midfielder would fit in nicely at Barcelona, a team the former Corinthians player has also been linked with.

Cury added: "A player I think could adapt very well to Barça’s system, contributing a lot of physicality and stamina, is Ederson, who plays for Atalanta. It’s an opportunity because his contract is expiring. Atalanta hasn’t wanted to sell him despite receiving very high offers. I think they’ll complete the transfer in this winter or summer window."

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GettyWhat comes next for Ederson?

Going by his agent's comments, it seems that Ederson, who has played 151 times for the Italian top-flight team and scored 14 goals, could be on the move in 2026. But whether United, Liverpool, Barcelona, or anyone else signs him, remains to be seen. The player himself will have an eye on making Brazil's World Cup squad so his future may only be settled after that tournament finishes next summer.

A renovated Santiago Bernabeu has played host to the first-ever NFL match played at the stadium, helping to elevate its status to a multi-purpose stadium and, Impressed with the revamped stadium, UEFA are reportedly planning to host a Champions League final at the Bernabeu in the near future.

First NFL game in Spain

A revamped Santiago Bernabeu hosted an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The game, which the Dolphins won 16-13, saw a huge turnout from locals as well as from fans abroad. As per a report from Defensa Central, the governing body of European football, UEFA, were surprised by the stadium's transformation. Despite having a not-so-healthy relationship with the club in recent times, UEFA did not shy away from admiring Real Madrid's innovative new-look stadium. They have also indicated a potential Champions League final taking place at the iconic stadium; however, nothing has been made official yet. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPerez's plan is successful

Back in 2023, Florentino Perez had pointed out how the renovation would pan out, explaining: "The investment in technology has been increased in all the areas of the Bernabéu Tour. The Museum will be much bigger and the spaces have been modified to make them more attractive. The traditional Tour has been extended with 2 new routes. The turf maintenance lighting has also been changed from fixed to variable spectrum, which allows the full range of natural light colours to be used, and this is the first time it has been used anywhere in the world with spectacular results. The increase in investment has also been allocated to improving the gastronomic services of the bars, which will represent a qualitative leap in the offer to members and fans. All this involves an enormous effort in the development of infrastructures, which, in addition to providing a better gastronomic experience, will serve to optimise the generation of income through this activity. In order to address all these additional investments and expenses, we have decided to finance ourselves on a long-term basis to avoid having to impact the activity and the club's outstanding balance sheet in the short term. The budget for these new investments is €370 million. Thanks to the financial solvency that Real Madrid enjoys, this will allow us to obtain financing under very favourable conditions, as we have obtained an A-rating, equivalent to that of the Kingdom of Spain."

Barriers which can prevent a Champions League final at the stadium

There is only one barrier that might prevent the stadium from hosting a Champions League final, and that is the club's will. In order to get hosting rights, the club will need to submit a bid, and as per the report, Los Blancos are in no mood to do so. Moreover, they are looking at this project to be one that generates a huge revenue. As per Defensa Central, this NFL game generated more than €80 million once ticket sales apart from other commercial activities and hospitality in the city. 

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Getty Images SportWhen do Real Madrid again play at the Bernabeu?

Real Madrid have taken a major step in the reformation of the stadium, and that is to remove the name of Santiago from it. From now on, the iconic venue will be known as only Bernabeu and necessary changes will also be made to the logo, as per Diario AS. The stadium was named after legendary Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid player Santiago Bernabeu de Yeste in 1955. Notably, Bernabeu also performed the duties of a club president for Los Blancos. With the change in name, the legacy is not expected to diminish. But Madrid are currently not playing any home fixtures, with a return scheduled for December 7, when they take on Celta Vigo in the Spanish top flight. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense ainda não oficializou a contratação do meia Renato Augusto, ex-Corinthians, mas o técnico Fernando Diniz está com altas expectativas para o reforço do Tricolor. Antes do embarque da delegação rumo ao Mundial de Clubes, nesta terça-feira (12), o treinador rasgou elogios ao jogador, caracterizando-o como “talentoso” e “decisivo”.

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+ Como o Fluminense pode jogar em 2024 com a chegada de Renato Augusto?

– É um jogador que dispensa comentários, história linda no futebol, extremamente talentoso, que decide jogo. Todas as informações são que ele é um grande profissional, excelente caráter e ótimo amigo. Jogador para mim fala a partir de seus gestos dentro do campo. Há muito tempo eu admiro o Renato e para a gente vai ser uma alegria e honra muito grande contar com tamanho talento e tamanha integridade pessoal – disse Fernando Diniz.

A contratação de Renato Augusto já foi confirmada pelo presidente Mário Bittencourt, que comentou o andamento da negociação também nesta terça. Segundo o mandatário, o meia era um “sonho” de Diniz e está tudo “bem encaminhado”, faltando apenas trâmites burocráticos.

– Está bem encaminhado, sim. Na verdade, em termos de contrato e de tempo, está tudo encaminhando. Faltam os trâmites burocráticos normais. Era um jogador que o Fernando tinha sonho de trazer, eu não posso negar que também tinha. Além de tudo, tem passado lindo nas Laranjeiras. Eu tive oportunidade de estar com ele em jogos, quando nos cumprimentamos. Tenho amigos que falam muito bem dele. É um grande jogador, um grande homem e um grande caráter. É como a gente preza no nosso elenco. É uma família. Além de trazer grandes jogadores, a gente busca jogadores fortes, de personalidade, com princípios e bons conceitos de vida – declarou Mário Bittencourt.

A NEGOCIAÇÃO

O Fluminense chegou a um acordo com Renato Augusto na sexta-feira (8). Segundo o GE, o jogador tem contrato com o Timão até o fim deste mês e não estava nos planos do clube, e agora, irá reforçar o Tricolor Carioca em 2024, após reunião realizada no CT Carlos Castilho.

Renato já não vinha nos planos de Mano Menezes, técnico do Corinthians, para jogar no clube no próximo ano. Com isso, o jogador recebeu a oportunidade de trabalhar com Fernando Diniz no Fluminense, onde já atuou no futsal de base do clube carioca.

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

Além do Paulistão e da Recopa em 2013, o meia viveu seu auge pelo Timão em 2015, quando foi destaque na campanha do título do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Outro jogador já acertado com o Tricolor Carioca é o zagueiro Antônio Carlos, ex-Flamengo, Corinthians, e Palmeiras. O atleta estava jogando no Orlando City, dos Estados Unidos.

Italian side Fiorentina have announced the sacking of Stefano Pioli as head coach. The decision comes amid a dismal 10-game winless run that has left the club rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. Pioli joined Fiorentina following successful spells with AC Milan and Al-Nassr, having won the Scudetto with the Rossoneri.

Pioli sacked after dismal Serie A start

The Viola are winless in the league this season, with four draws and six defeats in their opening 10 matches, leaving them near the bottom of the table. Their strong start in the UEFA Conference League, where they sit top of the table with two wins from two games, wasn’t enough to save Pioli from dismissal.

The club’s official statement read: “ACF Fiorentina can confirm that Stefano Pioli has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team.”

Meanwhile Fiorentina have announced a temporary replacement for Pioli until a new head coach is appointed. The club stated: “Daniele Galloppa will take charge of the first team temporarily, starting from this afternoon's training session.”

Pioli’s sacking follows Fiorentina’s decision to terminate the contract of sporting director Daniel Prade.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhere did it go wrong for Fiorentina?

Italian outlet summed up Pioli’s downfall at Fiorentina by highlighting several key mistakes the tactician made during his tenure. It all began with an air of overconfidence that stemmed from his past successes with Milan and Al Nassr. The Italian coach often declared himself among the country’s top managers, even taking subtle digs at peers such as Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique. However, this arrogance backfired as results worsened and performances declined, with Pioli appearing to lose confidence with each passing game.

On the pitch, Fiorentina looked disorganised and lacked chemistry despite Pioli’s claims of productive training sessions. His frequent tactical switches between the 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1 and 4-4-2 formations only deepened the confusion, leaving players uncertain and disconnected. Pioli even tried deploying Fagioli as a deep-lying playmaker in a 4-4-2 system, but the experiment was abandoned after a draw against Como. His substitutions often worsened matches rather than improving them, exposing his poor in-game management.

Fiorentina’s summer transfer activity, conducted jointly by Pioli and sporting director Prade, also proved problematic. Pioli’s initial tactical plan relied on a three-man attack featuring Moise Kean, Edin Dzeko or Roberto Piccoli, and Albert Gudmundsson, leading the club to invest heavily in Piccoli. However, after a string of disappointing results, Piccoli was benched and the three-man attack was scrapped altogether, rendering that investment a costly misstep.

Pioli enjoyed success with Milan and Al-Nassr

Pioli was appointed as interim head coach of AC Milan in 2019, replacing Marco Giampaolo. He implemented a 4-2-3-1 system that revitalised the team and restored Milan’s identity. With the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pioli brought stability and experience, helping young players such as Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Sandro Tonali reach their full potential. Under his guidance, Milan qualified for the Champions League in the 2020–21 season after a seven-year absence. The following year, Pioli led the Rossoneri to their first Scudetto since 2011, marking a remarkable turnaround.

He continued to impress in Europe, guiding Milan to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2022–23 season before leaving the club in 2023–24. During his tenure, Pioli managed 240 matches, recording 128 wins, 64 draws, and 48 defeats.

In 2024, he took charge of Saudi side Al-Nassr, where he reportedly became the fourth highest-paid manager in the world. At the Riyadh club, he managed stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, achieving 22 wins, six draws and six losses during the 2024–25 season.

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Getty ImagesFiorentina start search for a replacement

Fiorentina take on German side Mainz in the Conference League on Thursday as they look to appoint a replacement as soon as possible. For Pioli, the Fiorentina sacking will come as a setback, but given his impressive accomplishments with Milan, he will be hoping to find a new opportunity either in Italy or abroad.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na luta para continuar a ficar com uma distância segura na liderança do Brasileirão, o Botafogo encara um duro desafio nesta sexta-feira (22), às 20h (de Brasília). Diante do Corinthians, a equipe de Bruno Lage se empenha para virar a página em relação a situações indigestas na competição nacional

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Uma delas passa pelo período com Bruno Lage. O Glorioso ainda não venceu como visitante no Brasileirão sob o comando do português. A luta por transpor esta barreira fica ainda mais forte quando se trata do Timão: o Glorioso jamais saiu de campo vitorioso na Neo Química Arena.

Antes 2.88, a odd turbinada para o Botafogo vencer o Corinthians está em 3.00! Triplique sua banca com o Fogão!

Desde 2014, foram disputados sete jogos. No máximo, o Alvinegro arrancou dois empates e, nas demais partidas, colecionou frustrações.

+ Veja a tabela do Brasileirão

O alento, porém, aconteceu no Brasileirão de 2014. Tratava-se da “estreia” corintiana na Neo Química Arena. O adversário seria o Botafogo, em jogo válido pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão.

Jadson colocou o time da casa na frente, em chute de fora da área. O Timão parecia caminhar para a vitória até que os botafoguenses conseguiram um gol curioso. Edílson arriscou, a bola desviou em dois adversários, tocou na trave e estufou a rede, definindo o empate em 1 a 1.

Com o intuito de deixar para trás as oscilações, em especial quando atua longe de seus domínios, o Botafogo pode passar por mudanças em sua equipe. O técnico Bruno Lage chegou a testar Tchê Tchê de maneira mais avançada, atuando próximo a Tiquinho e Victor Sá.

O objetivo é garantir sua guinada e manter o Glorioso em sua caminhada para o título. O Botafogo, que chegou a São Paulo na noite de quinta-feira (21), tem força máxima, com Lucas Perri confirmado como titular na meta.

With the October international break now in the rearview mirror, club football returned in style over the weekend, with some huge clashes headlining Europe's biggest leagues. Manchester United plunged great rivals Liverpool into even deeper crisis in the Premier League, Bayern Munich got the better of Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker while there were changes of leader in both Serie A and Ligue 1.

On an individual level, some of the main contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or continued their fine starts to the season while there was a managerial sacking in England that many saw coming a mile off but still generated huge headlines around the world for just how quickly it came once the action got back under way.

GOAL breaks down the 10 biggest winners and losers from around Europe this past weekend…

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  WINNER: Ruben Amorim

  It might have taken him 11 months and 51 matches, but Ruben Amorim has won back-to-back matches as Manchester United manager. For so long the Red Devils have lurched from one crisis point to another, so it actually feels a little strange to be talking about them being in a position to capitalise on some forward momentum.

  That Amorim backed up the win over Sunderland from before the international break with victory over United's eternal rivals Liverpool will have made this even sweeter for Red Devils supporters. Not since Wayne Rooney netted the winner on Merseyside in 2016 had United won at Anfield, but their performance in Sunday's 2-1 was not only deserving of the three points but also pointed to Amorim being able to eventually bring some consistency to Old Trafford.

  Ever since he replaced Erik ten Hag at the helm, questions have been asked as to whether Amorim can actually bring sustained success back to the Theatre of Dreams due to his insistence on playing a 3-4-3 formation that his squad aren't a fit for. However, if Casemiro can continue rolling back the years, Bruno Fernandes can maintain his current energy levels and Senne Lammens can build on his solid start to life in the United goal, then they certainly have the talent in attack to turn this ship around.

  Time will tell as to whether this result truly was lift-off for Amorim, but he couldn't have (eventually) got himself a better launching pad.

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  LOSER: Ange Postecoglou

  Has there ever been a more inevitable sacking coming back from an international break than Ange Postecoglou's dismissal by Nottingham Forest? Probably not, and even then it came as a shock that the Australian's removal from the City Ground dugout was confirmed just following Forest's 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday.

  Postecoglou was on a hiding to nothing following his appointment in September after replacing the immensely popular Nuno Espirito Santo, with few seeing many similarities between the two coaches' respective footballing philosophies, and thus he needed results to win over both the Forest fans and players. Instead, Postecoglou oversaw a 39-day tenure that resulted in six defeats and two draws across all competitions and that leaves them inside the Premier League's relegation zone just six months on from being entrenched in the top four.

  Of course, the former Tottenham boss didn't help himself by insisting pre-match that, if given the time, he has proven he will win a trophy in his second season in charge. Unfortunately for 'Big Ange', the most likely piece of silverware Forest would have been chasing in 2026-27 would have been the Championship trophy had he remained in charge.

  Quite where Forest go from here is anyone's guess. Evangelos Marinakis sounded out both Sean Dyche and Roberto Mancini to potentially replace Postecoglou, with the former the most likely to take over, but whomever takes over has a real job on their hands to meet the ambitions of the club's owners. Forest again spent big over the summer following their qualification for Europe, but that has only resulted in a bloated squad that would threaten to make Chelsea blush.

  On Saturday, £113 million ($152m) worth of recent arrivals – James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa and Arnaud Kalimuendo – failed to make the bench, while £36.5m ($49m) forward Dan Ndoye was an unused substitute. Factor in that club-record signing Hutchinson wasn't even named to Forest's Europa League squad, and this is clearly a club whose thinking is anything but joined up. If Postecoglou's replacement isn't able to create a sense of unity, relegation could become a serious possibility.

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  LOSER: Bundesliga title race

  Seven games in, and it seems the notion of there being a title race in this season's Bundesliga is already over. For the past two years, Bayer Leverkusen have challenged Bayern Munich's supremacy in Germany, but the departure of Xabi Alonso and a glut of key players from the BayArena was always likely to lead to Leverkusen falling away (even if the short-lived Ten Hag era accelerated matters!).

  Borussia Dortmund looked likely to re-take up the mantle of being Bayern's biggest challengers after going unbeaten through their first six matches, but Saturday's 2-1 win for the defending champions in Der Klassiker means that Vincent Kompany's side already look uncatchable at the top of the table. Harry Kane continued his all-worldly form while Michael Olise netted the winner as Bayern moved five points clear at the top of the table after winning each of their opening seven games.

  They are averaging almost four goals a game in that time, and as long as they aren't hit by a ridiculous injury crisis, a 27th Bundesliga title already feels assured before October is even over.

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  WINNER: Marseille

  While the title race might already be over in Germany, it's rather surprisingly up for grabs in France right now. Paris Saint-Germain's injury issues have led to some underwhelming results to start the season, and they again dropped points on Friday as they fought back from 3-1 down to draw with high-flying Strasbourg.

  That result has seen the European champions sacrifice top spot in Ligue 1, with Marseille the beneficiaries. Roberto De Zerbi's side thrashed 10-man Le Havre 6-2, led by four goals from last season's top scorer Mason Greenwood, on their way to being the only team from within the top five at the start of the weekend to record a victory. This was also the fourth time already this season that OM have scored at least four goals in a game, with their high-powered attack proving to be a handful for all defences.

  Whether they can sustain this form remains to be seen, with De Zerbi's sides not known for their consistency, and it would be a shock if PSG didn't rattle off a run of wins once they get back to full strength, but they could yet face something of a fight to retain the crown many presumed they would be able to claim without breaking a sweat over the coming months.