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Lothar Matthaus questioned Harry Kane’s Bayern claim that the current squad is too small, insisting the striker had ignored the club’s new signings and key players returning from injury.

German icon challenges Kane’s Bayern viewPoints to reinforcements and returning starsInsists striker overlooked squad improvementsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern lifted the DFL Supercup after a 2-1 win over Stuttgart, securing the first trophy of the season under head coach Vincent Kompany. Harry Kane was on the scoresheet with a stunner, but the England captain’s post-match comments raised eyebrows. Kane described Bayern’s squad as “one of the smallest” he has ever played in, with only 25 professionals available and further departures thinning the group. His remarks came just a day after Kingsley Coman completed a move to Al-Nassr.

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Germany legend Lothar Matthäus openly questioned Kane’s remarks in his latest column for , suggesting the striker had overlooked Bayern’s reinforcements and returning players: “I didn’t quite understand Harry Kane’s comments that this year’s Bayern squad is one of the smallest he’s ever played in. Diaz and Tah are absolute reinforcements, and they’ve also added a really good player in central midfield in Tom Bischof. Furthermore, Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito will return from their injuries at the latest when the title is at stake.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The contrast highlights a broader debate at Bayern, should Kompany’s side rely on their experienced core and integrate emerging prospects, or push for more signings before the deadline? The club has brought in Luis Diaz, Jonathan Tah, and Tom Bischof, yet 11 players have departed permanently, leaving just 22 fit senior options. Sporting director Christoph Freund has admitted the squad “isn’t the greatest in terms of quantity,” underlining Kane’s concerns. Matthaus, though, believes faith in returning stars and youth development will balance the numbers.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

The Bundesliga champions face a decisive two weeks before the transfer window shuts in September. While links to Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku persist, a deal appears unlikely given his price tag. Kane hopes for reinforcements, while Kompany may choose to double down on his younger players, especially after their promising pre-season showings. Bayern kick off their league campaign against RB Leipzig on August 22, followed by a DFB Pokal clash against Wehen Wiesbaden, fixtures that will test whether the squad depth debate proves costly or overstated.

da betobet： This season is shaping up very nicely for Chelsea at the moment.

da casino： Enzo Maresca’s side are second in the Premier League and have the chance to cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points on Sunday.

Then in Europe, they sent a warning out to the rest of the sides in the Champions League with their thumping 3-0 win over Barcelona, a game in which Estevao shone once again.

Maresca and Co will have a chance to make Chelsea’s season even better once the transfer window reopens in just over a month, not just by signing players, but by selling one who once looked like Estevao when he was a youngster.

Estevao's sensational start to life at Chelsea

The expectations placed upon Estevao have been monumental for quite some time now, to the point that respected analyst Ben Mattinson labelled him a “future Ballon d’Or winner” months before Chelsea even signed him.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Since then, the hype surrounding him has only grown, thanks in large part to his fine form in Brazil, where he produced 17 goal involvements in 37 games last season.

Even so, few would have expected the start to this season he has had.

The youngster is not only playing a decent number of minutes, but he’s chipping in with important goals and has already shown a hugely impressive ability to get the fans on their feet.

So far, the 18-year-old has scored five goals and provided one assist for the Blues in 17 appearances, totalling 740 minutes.

That comes out to an excellent average of a goal involvement every 2.83 games, or every 123.33 minutes, which would be commendable for a seasoned veteran, let alone a teenager.

The Franca-born wonderkid has been so effective this year that fans and pundits have actually spoken about him being a particular threat to league-leading Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s game.

However, while Chelsea should be delighted with their new wonderkid, they also need to find a way to sell one of their biggest duds, who once looked like Estevao when he was first breaking through.

The Chelsea flop who needs to be sold

Chelsea have become quite good at moving on players they don’t want in recent years, but even then, a couple remain in the bomb squad who are proving tricky to sell, like Raheem Sterling.

The former Manchester City star joined the club in 2022, and while he’s had moments for the club in which he’s looked excellent, they’ve only ever been that, moments.

Moreover, while his tally of 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 games isn’t terrible, he’s never really put together a string of impressive performances, which is why he was allowed to join Arsenal on loan last year.

Unfortunately, that move only made the situation worse, as he ended up scoring just a single goal and providing five assists in 28 games for the Gunners, and was labelled a “passenger” by journalist Charles Watts.

Since returning to Stamford Bridge, the 30-year-old has been left to train separately from the first team, and with a weekly wage of £325k, that is far from ideal.

It is a serious shame that things have not worked out for the former England international, as before his move south, he was one of the best players in the league.

For example, during his time at the Etihad, he scored 131 goals and provided 86 assists in 339 appearances and won four league titles.

He was even a brilliant player for Liverpool, making his debut in the 11/12 season, but making his name in the 13/14 season, when, like Estevao now, he was just 18 years old.

In that season, the Kingston-born phenom managed to rack up an incredible tally of ten goals and seven assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2535 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or every 149.11 minutes.

Sterling (13/14) and Estevao (25/26) at 18

Player

Sterling

Estevao

Appearances

38

17

Minutes

2535′

740′

Goals

10

5

Assists

7

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

149.11′

123.33′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It wasn’t just the goals, though, as, like the Brazilian, he was a serious threat with the ball at his feet, thanks in part to his speed and close control.

Ultimately, Sterling will go down as a legend of the Premier League, but for the sake of all parties, Chelsea need to sell him in January, even if they barely get anything.

Related The original Estevao: Chelsea lead race to sign "best player in the world"

Chelsea could sign the original Estevao for a mega-money fee.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 28, 2025

Barcelona have confirmed that the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como will not be played at Camp Nou with their return to the stadium delayed again.

• Joan Gamper Trophy clash vs Como confirmed
• Venue has been changed from Camp Nou
• Match won't be accessible to a huge section of fans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After the fuss regarding playing the Joan Gamper Trophy at the resurrected Camp Nou, Barca have confirmed that the game against Como, which is managed by their former player Cesc Fabregas, will be played on August 10 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a stadium which can accommodate 6,000 people and plays home to their women's team.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After two years at Estadi de Montjuic, Barca were confident of returning to Camp Nou with the Joan Gamper Trophy clash. They received the Activities and Construction license two weeks back and were waiting for the First Occupancy license last week; however, they were not issued the latter. If the City Council had opted to allow the First Occupancy license, the Como game would have been played at the Camp Nou, of course, with a reduced capacity of up to 60,000 fans. The club considered shifting the game to Montjuic, but the stadium will host a concert on August 9, a day before the clash, making it almost impossible to be prepared on time. Hence, the Catalans had to take this game to Estadi Johan Cruyff, where only 6,000 fans will be able to enjoy Fabregas taking on his former side. Moreover, their return to the home ground might be delayed until January.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Como will become the ninth Italian outfit to participate in this competition, with Sampdoria, AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, Napoli, Parma, Roma and Brescia being the previous contestants.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA AND COMO?

  This will be the first-ever meeting between Barca and Como in their respective 125 and 118-year history.

كشف كريم نيدفيد لاعب فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، حقيقة تلقيه عرضًا من نادي الزمالك للانتقال إلى صفوفه عقب رحيله عن النادي الأهلي. 

وكان كريم نيدفيد قد رحل عن صفوف الأهلي في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية، لينضم إلى صفوف فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا. 

طالع.. كريم نيدفيد: “مبلعتش” ما فعله رمضان صبحي مع الأهلي.. واللاعبون أرادوا رحيل كولر

وقال كريم نيدفيد في تصريحات على قناة “أون سبورت”: “لم أتلق أي عرض من الزمالك بشكل رسمي ولم يتحدث معي أحد، عقب رحيلي عن صفوف النادي الأهلي”.

وأضاف نيدفيد عن أسباب اختياره اللعب في صفوف سيراميكا كليوباترا: “علي ماهر له فضل عليا بشكل عام، وسيراميكا آخر موسمين له شكل ووضع في الدوري، نادي مستقر وإدارة محترمة ويوفرون للنادي كل شيء” 

وتابع: أي مدير فني ينضم لهم يستمر معهم لفترة، بجانب وجود علي ماهر معهم لأنه يعلم إمكانياتي بشكل جيد جدًا ويجعلني مرتاح في الملعب، ويحارب على لاعبيه وطالما هو متمسك بي فأنا أكون متمسك به أكثر”.

وأردف: “لم أهاجم رمضان صبحي ولكن قلت الذي شعرت به في لحظتها وكرد فعل على الذي حدث وقتها، أنا ورمضان صبحي أصدقاء طوال عمرنا ولكن علاقتنا كانت علاقة ملعب فقط، علاقة عمل أكثر ما كانت إنسانية”.

وأكمل: “موسيماني لم يُظلم في الأهلي وحصل على تقدير كبير، ولكن الكرة في جنوب إفريقيا لا تلعب تحت ضغوطات مثلما يحدث في الأهلي، ولكن موسيماني مدرب جيد هو يعمل في التمرين لمدة 20 دقيقة فني ويترك كل شيء للذي معه، وهو قادر على قراءة الفرق بشكل جيد جدًا”.

وواصل: “لا أعتقد انني لو تلقيت عرضا من الزمالك سأنضم له، هو نادي كبير ويمتلك جماهيرية كبيرة، وأي لاعب تربي في النادي الأهلي ويحب النادي بدون أي مقابل يكون الموضوع صعبًا اللعب في الفريق المنافس، نفس الكلام على لاعبي الزمالك سيكون لديهم نفس الشيء والأمر لن يكون بهذه البساطة”.

واستطرد: “إمام عاشور يمتلك إمكانيات كبيرة وصنع الفارق منذ انضمامه للأهلي وأضاف أشياء مختلفة بطريقة لعبه وأسلوبه لخط وسط ملعب الأهلي، ويحل مباريات كثيرة”.

وأختتم نيدفيد تصريحاته قائلا:”موسيماني في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا أمام الزمالك أبلغلنا لو أردنا الفوز على الزمالك، يجب الضغط عليه بشكل قوي وسنسجل في مرماهم مبكرًا وهذا بالفعل حدث، وعودة اللاعبين للدفاع بعد الهدف كان قرار اللاعيبه للحفاظ على هدف وليس بقرار من موسيماني، وتعرضت للظلم في الأهلي بعدم المشاركة بشكل مستمر، ولم أتوقع انضمام أحمد سيد زيزو وإمام عاشور للأهلي”.

Fulham are the club pushing the hardest to sign an “outstanding” midfielder, with Marco Silva set to be backed in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Cottagers set to back Silva amid uncertain future

Having been at Craven Cottage for just under four years, Silva is now among the longest-serving managers in the Premier League, but there is widespread interest in the Portuguese coach, with Juventus becoming the latest club to express an interest.

With Tottenham Hotspur and clubs from the Saudi Pro League also keen on the 47-year-old, it could be difficult for the board to retain his services, but they have now displayed a willingness to back the manager in the summer transfer window.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Silva has been promised money to improve his squad, while also revealing the Cottagers have now set their sights on a new midfielder.

Fulham are said to be the club pushing the hardest to sign Mainz attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who is set to leave the German club this summer, having attracted widespread interest from the Premier League.

New target: Fulham now ready to pounce for 23-goal striker available for £0

The Cottagers have joined the race for a forward, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

Amiri has already turned down a move to Leeds United, while Crystal Palace have identified him as a potential target, but the west Londoners appear to be more determined to get a move over the line.

A deal would not break the bank either, with the 28-year-old expected to be allowed to leave for a fee of around £15m, and he could be brought in to replace Tom Cairney, amid interest from Wrexham, while fellow midfielder Harrison Reed is also set to depart.

"Outstanding" Amiri enjoyed impressive 2024-25 campaign

The Mainz star has been particularly impressive going forward as of late, picking up seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga outings, and his displays at club level have led to a return to the German national side.

Upon selecting the central midfielder, manager Julian Nagelsmann said: “Nadiem is having an outstanding season. He’s a very good example of how you can take a step back to push your career forward.”

The German maestro had been uninvolved with his national side since 2020, but fought hard to regain his place, saying: “After I received a call from Julian Nagelsmann on Tuesday, I was in tears. It was my dream for so long to be able to play for the national team again. I worked hard, trying to improve every day”

Not only does Amiri have international experience, but he also has 10 Champions League appearances to his name, which could stand him in good stead to be a success at Craven Cottage, and a fee of £15m seems like a bargain for a player of his quality.

In their last nine Test series in South Africa, England, New Zealand or Australia, India’s opening partnership has averaged 21, and lasted only 6.3 overs per stand

S Rajesh24-Dec-20184:05

Manjrekar: Hanuma Vihari should play up the order

India’s last century stand for the first wicket in a Test match in South Africa, England, New Zealand or Australia (SENA, in short) came in Centurion eight years ago, in 2010, when Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir put on 137 in India’s second innings.Since that series in South Africa, India’s opening pairs have come out to bat 62 times in a Test innings in these four countries, and have passed 50 only seven times, with a highest of 63. Their average partnership during this period: 21.03; the average balls they have survived per partnership: 39 (6.3 overs). In nine series in these countries, only once have they lasted more than 50 balls per partnership, on average, and only once was their average stand more than 30.

Whichever way you look at it, these are damning numbers. During the same period, the opening pairs haven’t had too many problems in Asia, averaging 48.27, with eight century partnerships in 75 attempts. Clearly, the challenge of facing up to the new ball in difficult conditions is one that India’s openers have consistently failed to tackle in the last seven-and-a-half years. Their average of 21.03 in these countries is lower than it is for all wickets, except the last two.