Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered some bizarre advice to under-fire Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso ahead of Wednesday's huge Champions League clash between the two sides at the Bernabeu. Alonso comes into the match fresh from a damaging La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo and with serious question marks over his future as manager.
*Squads subject to change
Captain Matt Short
Coach Tim Paine
Fixtures Click hereSquad Hasan Ali (PAK), Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Jamie Overton (ENG), Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton, Luke Wood (ENG)How they stack upAfter winning a final in BBL13, Strikers sunk to the bottom of the ladder in a disappointing first season under new head coach Tim Paine who took over from Jason Gillespie. Strikers’ top-order was inconsistent and could not quite fire in the batting-friendly surrounds of Adelaide Oval. They have shaken up the batting-order after the departure of Jake Weatherald to Hobart Hurricanes while veteran D’Arcy Short has not been retained. Recruits Jason Sangha and Mackenzie Harvey add class and vigour as Strikers look to shore up a batting-order perennially dependent on skipper Matt Short. An even bigger issue for Strikers last season was their death bowling as they continually leaked big totals. International quicks Hasan Ali and Luke Wood will be relied upon to alleviate those issues, with Test seamer Brendan Doggett having moved to Renegades.Player to watchAs per usual, Matt Short will carry a lot of burden on his back. He is Strikers’ talisman and the team’s barometer. After back-to-back BBL MVP awards, Short had an injury impacted season and made just 236 runs at 33.71 with 109 of those being in Strikers’ franchise record of 251 for 5 against Heat. Short will also be keen to produce a big season to ensure selection in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. He’s been on the fringes of Australia’s white-ball teams for some time and had modest success against India recently.Availability issuesHasan is on the outer of Pakistan’s national teams so will be available for the whole season if he fails to be selected for January’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. Having played white-ball cricket recently for England, left-arm seamer Wood is a chance of being called up for the T20I and ODI tour of Sri Lanka which starts on January 22. Jamie Overton, who was Strikers’ standout with an outstanding allround season in BBL14, is also in the selection mix for the Sri Lanka tour. Test players Travis Head and Alex Carey should be available after the Ashes series wraps up on January 8.Shaheen Afridi’s arrival will create plenty of interest•AFP/Getty Images
Captain Usman Khawaja
Coach Johan Botha
Fixtures Click hereSquad Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK), Tom Alsop (ENG), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro (NZ), Michael Neser, Oli Patterson, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack WildermuthHow they stack upIt was a disappointing title defence for Heat, who finished second last on the ladder. They made an off-season statement in their bid to lift back into contention when they selected Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi in the draft. His signing was made even more important after left-arm speedster Spencer Johnson was ruled out of the season with a back injury. Heat still boast enviable pace depth with Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett also in the line-up, but their spin stocks took a hit when legspinner Mitchell Swepson signed with Stars.Player to watchAfter a stellar season, where he topped the team’s run-scoring, Matt Renshaw resisted the temptation of a move and re-signed with Heat. Renshaw has started the domestic season strongly across formats and performed reasonably well in his first taste of ODI cricket in the recent series against India. His batting flexibility and sheer power makes him the key of Heat’s batting-order.Availability IssuesPakistan’s recently announced three-game T20I series against Sri Lanka in January could impact the availability of Afridi, who had originally been slated to play a full season. Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja should be available after the Ashes although Khawaja’s current place in Australia’s team appears shaky.Mitchell Owen was last season’s hero for Hobart Hurricanes•Getty Images
Captain Nathan Ellis
Coach Jeff Vaughan
Fixtures Click hereSquad: Rehan Ahmed (ENG), Marcus Bean, Jackson Bird, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain (BAN), Chris Jordan (ENG), Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac WrightHow they stack upAfter underachieving for so long, Hurricanes broke their hoodoo with a season for the ages capped off by a stunning triumph in a home decider against Sydney Thunder. Hurricanes have retained a large core of the title-winning team and importantly secured the signature of Tim David who was heavily courted by several rivals during the free agency period. But the ‘Canes have not stood idle after recruiting Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster and veteran quick Jackson Bird. Weatherald is effectively a like-for-like replacement for opener Caleb Jewell who was traded to Renegades.Player to watchTwelve months ago, Mitchell Owen was a relatively unknown allrounder whose only foray on the overseas franchise circuit was playing in a T10 tournament in the Cayman Islands. But Owen’s move up the order for Hurricanes proved a masterstroke with his brute force reinventing batting in the powerplay. He capped off an incredible season with a blistering century in the final at a febrile Ninja Stadium, leading to him being in major demand worldwide as the IPL, PSL and MLC beckoned. He also made his T20I and ODI debuts in a whirlwind year. Now a household name, there will be much expectation on Owen this season and BBL rivals will undoubtedly be better prepared. It will be interesting to see how he handles it all.Availability IssuesWeatherald, and possibly Webster, won’t be available until after the Ashes. There were concerns over England spinning allrounder Rehan Ahmed after he was ruled out of the Lions tour of Australia due to a right lower leg strain suffered in England’s first Test warm-up at Lilac Hill. But he is expected to be fit in time for the BBL although he could be part of England’s white-ball Sri Lanka tour in January. Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain will be available after the BCB did not grant him a NOC last season and he looms as a key cog after spinners Peter Hatzoglou and Paddy Dooley were not retained.Jason Behrendorff is one of Renegades’ new recruits•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Captain Will Sutherland
Coach Cameron White
Fixtures Click hereSquad Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Hassan Khan (PAK), Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Mohammad Rizwan (PAK), Tom Rogers, Will Salzmann, Gurdinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert (NZ), Callum Stow, Will Sutherland, Adam ZampaHow they shape upRenegades overhauled their roster ahead of last season and transitioned into a new era under the leadership of Will Sutherland and Cameron White. But it did not do the trick with Renegades missing the finals for the fifth time in six seasons. With the pressure on, the ‘Gades have continued to make roster changes and went about bolstering their inconsistent batting line-up by drafting Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. They also traded for Hurricanes opener Caleb Jewell who sought more opportunities. Renegades will boast a potent pace attack and the two highest wicket-takers from last season – with Tom Rogers now joined by long-time Scorchers spearhead Jason Behrendorff. Test quick Brendan Doggett is also a new addition after leaving Strikers.Player to watchNot long ago Jake Fraser-McGurk was the hottest batting prospect in the country but he has somewhat dropped off the radar. Fraser-McGurk made just 188 runs from 10 innings last season but did show off his extraordinary talent in Renegades’ final game of the season when he whacked 95 off 46 balls to help haul down a target of 197 against Heat. Fraser-McGurk, 23, has already played 15 white-ball matches for Australia and was part of the CA XI side in their recent red-ball match against England Lions at Lilac Hill. He remains a player of significant interest for the national hierarchy, but needs to show far more consistency this BBL season.Availability Issues Rizwan may miss part of the season due to Pakistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka in January, while wicketkeeper Tim Seifert may be selected in New Zealand’s white-ball squads to face India in January. Nathan Lyon, and potentially Doggett, will not be available until after the Ashes. Will Salzmann will miss the season due to injury.Glenn Maxwell was joint player of the tournament last season•Getty Images
Captain Marcus Stoinis
Coach Peter Moores
Fixtures Click hereSquad Austin Anlezark, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke (ENG), Tom Curran (ENG), Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jon Merlo, Haris Rauf (PAK), Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Tom WhitneyHow they shape upAfter Hurricanes’ broke their hoodoo, glamour franchise Stars are now the only club to have never won a BBL title. Stars did complete an incredible turnaround last season after overcoming a 0-5 start to qualify for finals. They are hoping the momentum carries over with Stars retaining a core that includes veteran batters Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright. While they made minimal changes, Stars did recruit legspinner Mitchell Swepson and quick Liam Hatcher who is hoped to help offset the losses of Joel Paris and Brody Couch. But their pace stocks have taken a hit after Mark Steketee, who was superb in BBL14, was ruled out of the season with a hamstring injury. Ultimately Stars are banking on continuity to help them finally lift a title.Player to watchIt is no surprise that Stars’ fortunes last season largely hinged on Glenn Maxwell, their long-time talisman. They struggled badly when he was sidelined with a hamstring injury before he inspired the remarkable turnaround with typical heroics. He produced one of the greatest BBL innings in history after he farmed the strike and whacked 10 sixes to single-handedly beat Renegades. Even at the twilight of his career, Maxwell remains a freakish player, capable of bending a game to his will. Maxwell has had an injury-interrupted start to the season having made just 2 in his only innings in the T20I series against India after missing the first three games due to a wrist injury.Availability IssuesFast bowler Haris Rauf is another with some uncertainty given the T20I series against Sri Lanka which has been added to the calendar, while Scott Boland will only be available after the Ashes.Mitchell Marsh should be available for the full regular season•Getty Images
Captain Ashton Turner
Coach Adam Voges
Fixtures Click hereSquad Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (NZ), Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Laurie Evans (ENG), Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, David Payne (ENG), Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner.How they stack upThe five-time champions are coming off a season where they missed finals for just the third time in their proud history. Scorchers hierarchy have not panicked and have backed their blueprint of continuity and sticking with a local core. They have brought back a couple of trusted former title-winning players in middle-order batter Laurie Evans and left-arm quick David Payne. Joel Paris has also returned after stints with Hurricanes and Stars. He is an ideal replacement for veteran left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who departed alongside fellow fan favourite Andrew Tye. Ex-Stars quick Brody Couch also adds to the pace stocks as he completes his transition to Perth after moving over last year to play for Western Australia in the Shield.Player to watchMitchell Marsh is second on Scorchers’ all-time run-scoring list, but has played just one BBL game in the past three seasons due to international commitments and injuries. Barring an unlikely inclusion in the Ashes, Marsh is set to be available for the full campaign and should solve Scorchers’ patchy top-order returns in recent seasons. Marsh and Finn Allen loom as a dynamic one-two punch at the top with the New Zealander having a point to prove after a lean debut season for Scorchers. After recommitting to Scorchers on a three-year deal, Marsh will be keen to make up for lost time in a BBL campaign that also looms as a perfect tune up for the T20 World Cup.Availability IssuesJhye Richardson is closing in on a return from shoulder surgery. He is set to miss the first match while he trains with the Test squad but is expected to be available for the second game against Heat. Scorchers will be without the services of quick Lance Morris who has been ruled out for the summer after undergoing back surgery. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is likely to only be available after the Ashes. Payne will arrive after the ILT20 and Allen may leave for the white-ball series against India in January.Steven Smith will bolster Sixers after the Ashes•Getty Images
Captain Moises Henriques
Coach Greg Shipperd
Fixtures Click hereSquad Sean Abbott, Babar Azam (PAK), Jafer Chohan (ENG), Sam Curran (ENG), Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, Mitchell StarcHow they stack upSixers pulled off a major signing by going for Babar Azam in the draft while Sam Curran could also prove a very effective acquisition. Elsewhere it’s a host of familiar names in one of the more consistent T20 squads going around. Kane Richardson has joined the pace attack, and further bolsters the death-bowling options, while Jackson Bird has gone to Hurricanes. They will hope for more from Josh Philippe this season after he has re-emerged as an Australia white-ball option.Player to watchFor sheer drawcard power, it’s hard to look past Babar Azam, making his first appearance in the BBL. How he approaches things at the top of the order will be fascinating to watch. There is the potential in the latter part of the season that he could form an opening partnership with Steven Smith although now that he’s back in Pakistan’s T20I side the series against Sri Lanka could spoil the best-laid plans.Availability issuesSean Abbott will miss the start of the competition with the hamstring injury he suffered last month ahead of the Ashes. Smith is expected to come into the side after the Ashes finishes while Mitchell Starc, fitness permitting, will feature for the first time in 11 years. Josh Hazlewood could use the tournament for a return from injury ahead of the T20 World Cup should his rehab go to plan.Tanveer Sangha is part of a strong Thunder spin unit•Getty Images
Captain David Warner
Coach Trevor Bayliss
Fixtures Click hereSquad Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley (ENG), David WarnerHow they stack upThunder had lined up one of the biggest signings of BBL history in R Ashwin, but he had to withdraw through injury in a blow to the club and competition at large. It is a stable domestic list with the only addition being Tasmania allrounder Aidan O’Connor. Even without Ashwin, they are well stocked with spin: Tanveer Sangha, Tom Andrews and Chris Green could all feature in the same side. David Warner led the batting last season and others chipped in around him after Cameron Bancroft was lost to injury following an awful collision with Daniel Sams. Batting conditions at home can be tricky.Player to watchHaving fallen out of Test contention, Sam Konstas should get a full season and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the rhythms of T20 having just found some form in the Sheffield Shield ahead of the competition taking its break. He has shown glimpses in the format so far with two half-centuries last season. Signed a four-year extension with the club earlier this year.Availability issuesThere will be a bit of a revolving door among overseas players. Reece Topley will start the season before heading off to the SA20, at which time Lockie Ferguson will arrive from the ILT20. Shadab Khan’s availability may be impacted by Pakistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. Thunder don’t have anyone on their main list involved in the Ashes.
Allrounder admits he could miss depending on the make-up of Australia’s top six but is hopeful he can play a part in the Ashes if selected
Alex Malcolm28-Oct-2025
Beau Webster took a wicket on return•Getty Images
Allrounder Beau Webster agreed that he could be squeezed out of Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test depending on the make-up of the batting line-up, but he feels that he can contribute in the series if given the opportunity.Webster’s role in the Australia side has been a topic of discussion despite being one of the most reliable performers over the past seven Test matches. Webster had played as the sole allrounder in the XI across all of those matches since replacing Mitchell Marsh in January.But Cameron Green’s return to bowling, after playing as a batter only at No. 3 in the last four Tests, as well as Marnus Labuschagne’s return to form and questions around the need to pick another specialist opener, have created uncertainty about the make-up of the top six for Perth.Related
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George Bailey, the chair of selectors, guaranteed Webster would be in the squad for the first Test, saying “everyone can relax.” But there is a way Webster could be squeezed out of the XI if the selectors opted to reinstate Labuschagne at No. 3, either retain Sam Konstas or pick another opener in his place to partner Usman Khawaja, and move Green back to No.6, given he is expected to be fit to bowl again despite a slight setback in his workload progression.Webster had missed the first two Sheffield Shield games of the summer due to an ankle injury, which only added to the speculation. Speaking after day one of his return for Tasmania against Victoria at Junction Oval, where he took 1 for 26 with the ball from 12 overs, Webster hoped that “I’ll be thereabouts”.”We’ve obviously got a potential hole around the top of the order there, and see who fills that,” Webster said. “If they see me as a pure middle-order [batter], then I’m probably going to get squeezed out. That is what it is. I hope I’m still in the conversation, certainly as a batter only, and if not, if it’s just the makeup of the team I’ll plug the way back in first-class cricket. There’s a there’s a lot of Test cricket coming up in the next two years. I hope I’ll be thereabouts.”Webster, 31, has done very little wrong in his first seven Tests. He has four half-centuries from 12 innings, averaging 34.63, which does not do him justice given the difficulty of the surfaces he has played on. He also has eight wickets at 23.25 with the ball, striking at 45.1, and has taken 12 catches in the field, where he has been a huge asset, especially in the slips cordon.Beau Webster has done little wrong since his Test debut•AFP/Getty Images
He said it was nice to hear Bailey guarantee his spot in the Perth squad, but he had not been given the same guarantee about being in the XI.”That depends who you ask,” Webster said. “I’d obviously love to be in the XI. I think I’ve got a lot to contribute there, and especially this Ashes series, I feel like I’m playing the best cricket of my life at the moment. So I certainly want to be there. Sometimes it’s the make-up of the team and the balance and the overs and who bats where. It feels like this series has probably got more questions over that than any before.”Webster admitted he felt some rust on return for Tasmania. He took the new ball to front end his overs having come into the game on a 16-over limit from Cricket Australia’s [CA] medical staff. He used 12 of those on day one in four spells. He picked up the wicket of former Test opener Marcus Harris with a delivery that pitched back of a length outside leg and nipped sharply across the left-hander to scratch the outside edge. Webster later took a sharp catch at slip but dropped one he would normally take.”If I could sum my day up today, a few no-balls and a drop catch at first slip, it probably felt like I was five or 10% off what I usually am,” Webster said. “I mean, that comes when you have probably three weeks of not playing. I felt like I was probably just slightly off it. But to get out there today and bowling 12 overs and get some more time in the slips is always beneficial.”Webster said the time off was helpful to freshen up mentally and also to do some strength work in the gym, having played nearly a full winter with Australia and Warwickshire in the county championship.”I think there’s some benefits, no doubt,” Webster said. “I think looking back, I did play a lot of cricket in England, and that’s by choice. I play my best cricket when I’m constantly playing. To have a three-week gap there, it was nice to get back in the gym and do some running and probably freshen the body up physically, ready to go for a big summer.”
يستعد فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي لمواجهة نظيره شبيبة القبائل الجزائري، في دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وكان الأهلي قد تأهل إلى دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا عقب تخطي عقبة إيجل نوار البوروندي في دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
طالع.. معلق مباراة الأهلي وشبيبة القبائل في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
ويقع الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا رفقة أندية شبيبة القبائل الجزائري والجيش الملكي المغربي ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني.
ويستهل الأهلي مشواره في دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، ويضع عينه على حصد أول ثلاث نقاط في المجموعة، لا سيما بعد التتويج بكأس السوبر المصري.
ويطمح الدنماركي ييس توروب المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، في استمرار نتائجه الإيجابية منذ توليه تدريب الأهلي، حيث توج مع الأحمر بالسوبر المصري ونجح في التأهل لدور المجموعات، بالإضافة إلى الانتصارات الأخيرة في الدوري الممتاز.
ومن المقرر أن يواجه الأهلي نظيره فريق شبيبة القبائل الجزائري، في الساعة السادسة من مساء غد السبت، على ملعب القاهرة الدولي، في الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
A “creative” midfielder who’s made three Champions League appearances this season has now been identified as a January transfer target by Leeds United chiefs.
Leeds keen to strengthen in January amid dip in form
The Whites have now failed to win in their last three Premier League matches, which means they now sit just three points above the relegation zone, and it may not be too long before the teams below them get their act together.
Nuno, who led Nottingham Forest to Europe last season, is vastly experienced in the Premier League, with the Tricky Trees’ performance last season proving the manager has what it takes to guide the Hammers to safety.
Sean Dyche’s arrival at Forest should also be a boost, given the former Everton manager’s record of avoiding the drop, leading the Toffees to a 17th-placed finish in the 2022-23 season, after taking over when they were in 19th place and two points from safety.
Leeds linked with "one of the best coaches ever" to replace Daniel Farke
The German could soon be under huge pressure.
ByCharlie Smith Oct 22, 2025
As such, Daniel Farke’s side need to get their act together sooner rather than later, and they may need to strengthen their squad in January to avoid an instant return to the Championship.
It is clear the Whites are particularly keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, having opened talks to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Issouf Sissokho earlier this week, and they have now set their sights on a Champions League midfielder.
That is according to a report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), which reveals Leeds chiefs have now identified Inter Milan maestro Piotr Zielinski as a target for the January transfer window.
Zielinski is a ‘prime candidate’ to leave the Italian club this winter, and he has emerged as a popular target at Elland Road, although the newly-promoted side will have to spend a ‘significant’ amount to get a deal done.
The Poland international’s huge wages could feasibly pose a problem too, with it being reported he rakes in a whopping £133k-a-week.
Zielinski has the quality to help Leeds avoid the drop
Leeds’ number one goal this season will undoubtedly be to preserve their Premier League status, and the Inter midfielder has the quality to help them avoid the drop, given his vast experience at the top level.
The Pole has made 54 appearances in the Champions League, including three this season, and 10 en-route to Inter reaching the final against Paris Saint-Germain last season.
Once lauded as a “creative spark” by journalist Josh Bunting, the former Napoli man has remained a consistent source of assists over the past year, averaging 0.23 per 90, which places him in the 93rd percentile compared to other midfielders.
It is a little early for Leeds to press the panic button, considering they currently remain outside the relegation zone, but if come January they are in need of proven top-level players to lead them to safety, Zielinski could be an ideal addition.
Nottingham Forest are believed to be making contingency plans if they decide to sack manager Ange Postecoglou, which is still rumoured to be a possibility as Evangelos Marinakis weighs up his next move.
Ange Postecoglou's disastrous start at Nottingham Forest
Postecoglou’s tenure at Forest has been marked by a disastrous start, casting a shadow over the club’s hopes for progress this season.
Since taking the reins after Nuno Espírito Santo’s unceremonious departure, Postecoglou has struggled to find form, becoming the first permanent Forest manager in a century to fail to win any of his first six matches.
Arsenal 3-0 Forest
Premier League
Swansea 3-2 Forest
Carabao Cup
Burnley 1-1 Forest
Premier League
Real Betis 2-2 Forest
Europa League
Forest 0-1 Sunderland
Premier League
Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland
Europa League
Newcastle 2-0 Forest
Premier League
His attempts to implement a new playing philosophy — characterized by high-intensity pressing and open attacking football — have yet to yield any results, leaving the squad visibly unsettled and fans frustrated.
Chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ rang around the City Ground during Forest’s shock 3-2 defeat to Danish minnows FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, and discontent from supporters will only be piling pressure on Marinakis after his controversial decision to sack Nuno.
Reports suggest that Marinakis is furious with Forest’s current state behind-the-scenes and holds personal accountability for his role (TEAMtalk), and if results don’t improve soon, the Greek billionaire isn’t afraid to be ruthless and make another immediate managerial change (Sky Sports).
Should Forest decide to part ways with Postecoglou, several candidates have emerged as potential replacements.
Fulham’s Marco Silva is considered a leading contender, especially given his relationship with Marinakis following the pair’s time at Olympiacos together (talkSPORT).
Silva’s contract situation and success on a shoe-string budget at Craven Cottage makes him an attractive long-term target, while other names linked include Rafa Benitez and Oliver Glasner, both of whom bring proven experience managing in the Premier League.
Benitez was spotted close to Marinakis during a recent Olympiacos clash against Arsenal in the Champions League, whilst Glasner is reportedly emerging as a “prime candidate” for the Forest job if Postecoglou does leave.
Marco Silva expected to leave Fulham amid Nottingham Forest interest
Sharing an update on the prospect of Silva’s potential appointment, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has urged Tricky Trees supporters to “keep an eye” on the Portuguese with his deal — said to include an £8 million release clause — due to expire in 2026.
Crook also says that he expects Silva to depart Fulham at the end of his contract amid Forest’s interest, but also states it’ll be tricky to convince the tactician to swap jobs immediately.
The 48-year-old, who guided Fulham to Premier League promotion from the Championship, has since kept them afloat with solid mid-table finishes, and they briefly contended for Europe last season — despite underspending in comparison to their top flight rivals.
Ex-Hull City striker Evandro, who worked with Silva at the MKM Stadium, has branded Silva a “master” tactician.
Legendary former AC Milan and Netherlands footballer Marco van Basten blasted the officials for disallowing Club Brugge's goal, which would have potentially won them the game against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Dutch icon erupted in anger after the game, claiming that the Belgian heavyweights "were robbed" and insisting that VAR made an incorrect decision.
Club Brugge shock Barcelona in dramatic 3-3 draw
The reigning La Liga champions, who visited Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday, were shocked by the home side as they managed to hold on to a 3-3 draw which leaves Barcelona in 11th place in the overall Champions League standings.
The hosts raced into a surprise early lead in the sixth minute when talented young striker Nicolo Tresoldi was assisted by in-form 21-year-old Portuguese winger Carlos Forbs. However, the Catalans responded immediately through Ferran Torres, who notched his seven goal of the season thanks to an assist from a Fermin Lopez in red-hot form.
Forbs, who terrorised the Barca backline all evening, restored Club Brugge's lead less than 10 minutes after Torres' strike, exposing the fragile Barcelona high line once again. The first half finished with the hosts taking a vital lead into the break.
Barca, unable to get back into the game, were rejuvenated by the substitutions of Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, the duo having only recently returned from their respective injuries. Two minutes later, Fermin racked up his second assist of the night as Lamine Yamal helped his team equalise for the second time.
Forbs grabbed his second goal of the game to help Brugge take the lead for the third time just under two minutes after Yamal's equaliser, but Brugge couldn't withstand the persistent pressure from Barcelona, who made it 3-3 in the 77th minute following a Christos Szolis own goal.
AdvertisementAFPVan Basten blasts decision to disallow Brugge goal
Club Brugge thought they had managed one of the biggest upsets in recent memory when Romeo Vermant made it 4-3 in stoppage time of the second half. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ultimately disallowed for an alleged foul by Vermont on Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
AC Milan and Dutch football legend Van Basten made his thoughts known on Dutch television, claiming that the goal should have counted while erupting in anger. "Club Brugge have been robbed! The goal for 4-3 should have counted. He doesn't foul Szczesny, he doesn't even touch him! It's Szczesny himself who makes it look like a foul, but it wasn't," the three-time Ballon d'Or exclaimed after the full-time whistle.
Hansi Flick unhappy with Barca's lack of intensity
After the game, Flick addressed the media and revealed that he would have a conversation with his players before adding that he was not pleased with his side's performance. It's the first time since 1969 that Club Brugge managed to score thrice against Spanish opposition.
"We can defend in the final third, but we'll stick to our philosophy because we can do better," the German told . "When you lack intensity, you have no chance, especially in the Champions League. Club Brugge played very well, as I expected, and I told the players that. Last year's 1-0 goal would have been two meters offside. But we want to play our game. A 3-3 draw isn't the best result for us, but the positive aspect of the match is that we managed to come back after they took the lead three times. We do need to talk about this, though."
He elaborated that the defence should have been ably supported by the midfield: “It’s not just about defending in the back line, but also in midfield. We have to be alert when they create chances in one or two touches. It’s not easy, not easy at all. We did create several chances, but the truth is they played very well. They were very aggressive, obviously in a positive way.
“The truth is that we haven't been able to press the ball effectively; we've lost many duels, especially in midfield, which was crucial against such fast players. For us, it's about intensity when we don't have the ball. Above all, we need to be alert when they create chances with just one or two touches. I'm sure we'll improve on that.”
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Getty Images SportBarca need a string of wins to return to form
Barcelona have managed to win just thrice in their last seven games, losing as many games in addition to the 3-3 draw against Brugge. One can argue that Flick's plans have been hampered due to injuries to Raphinha, Pedri and Joan Garcia, but the Blaugrana must return to winning ways this weekend, when they visit Celta Vigo. They have struggled on their trips to Estadio de Balaidos, with Celta proving to be a tricky opponent in recent history.
Premier League title winner Danny Simpson has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why he will be avoiding a boxing match with ex-Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney. Simpson has stepped into the ring, while Rooney is a big fight fan, but no clash will be organised there due to close friends occupying very different weight classes.
Nicolas Garcia Hemme, LALIGA North America Managing Director, backed the Spanish top flight's controversial Miami-based fixture for success, despite criticism over its scheduling. The executive admitted that the December game could ruffle some feathers, but claimed that it is a crucial way for Spanish football to differentiate itself in the U.S.
Getty Images'This is strategic for us'
Garcia Hemme said that, although local fans have questioned the scheduling of the fixture – due to be played on Dec. 20 in Miami – it is part of a wide-ranging venture to encourage La Liga's growth in the United States.
"This is strategic for us. It is very important for us to make sure that people understand that we as La Liga are willing to be bold, are willing to be innovative, are willing to try things in a different way, and we're gonna try," he told GOAL following a media event in New York City on Tuesday.
Villarreal-Barcelona in Miami: Pre-sale Oct. 21Ticket accessAdvertisementAlienating home fans?
While Garcia Hemme, LALIGA North America Managing Director, is confident about the success of the match, he also admitted that the decision could alienate some fans in Spain. Numerous groups of both Villarreal and Barcelona supporters have pointed out that playing a fixture so far from home will prevent season ticket holders from attending.
The game was due to be hosted at Villarreal, a key match on the calendar and a potential significant moneymaker for the club. Real Madrid sit at the top of the La Liga table, followed by Barcelona and Villarreal.
"So even with the game, there's been conversations about a compensation plan for the fans of Villarreal at home, that is something that costs a lot of money, and we are willing to do the investment," Garcia Hemme said.
The club has suggested that they will offer free travel to Miami for the game for supporters.
AFPA long time in the making
The fixture has been in the works for a while now. La Liga first attempted to play a game abroad in January 2019, when they floated the possibility of Barcelona facing Girona in Miami. But that idea was quickly scrapped after the Spanish Football Federation voiced strong opposition.
Since then, though, the idea has gathered steam, with league president Javier Tebas leading the charge.
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Pushing the U.S. market
La Liga, for their part, have also insisted that they're eager to honor U.S. fans of both Barca and Villarreal. That desire – not financial incentives – they insist, is the driving force behind the controversial fixture.
"We are willing to do the investment to make sure that we balance the feelings of both fans in the U.S. that wake up at 5 a.m. to watch a game in LA and are willing to travel to Miami to watch that game, and fans in Villarreal that are season ticket holders and feel that the club is part of their lifestyle," Garcia Hemme said. "So it is part of what we are exploring is how we are able to make everybody decently happy with this initiative."
The initial plans for the new stadium had included a fully-fixed roof but the latest modeling has raised significant doubts over where it would work for cricket
AAP26-Mar-2025
A concept design of the proposed new stadium in Hobart•Tasmania Government
Tasmania’s proposed waterfront stadium that is a condition of the state’s entry into the AFL could end up with a less extensive roof after concerns about shadows and its ability to host cricket.Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket Tasmania have written to the state government raising worries about designs for the 23,000-seat Macquarie Point venue.Construction of a roofed stadium on the Hobart site is a contractual obligation of a deal with the AFL for a 19th licence and entry into the men’s league in 2028.Related
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Hobart's new stadium designed to host indoor Test cricket
In a letter obtained by the ABC, the two cricket bodies say the roof design means the stadium is unlikely to be conducive to hosting Test matches. They also say holding one-day and T20 fixtures could be challenging.The letter raises concerns about the impact of shadows cast by the roof on the field of play, particularly on the cricket pitch block throughout the day.”For this reason, we would like to discuss with you what opportunity there is to consider a stadium design option that does not have a roof, or that has an operable roof,” the letter to the state government says.Cricket Tasmania and CA support the stadium, slated to cost AU$775 million, and want to see it progress, a spokesperson said.The stadium design includes a transparent fixed dome-shaped roof supported by steel and timber. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who inked the deal with the AFL, said all parties were working through the challenges.The government was committed to a roof but open to design options including a partial roof, Mr Rockliff said.”This is not just an AFL stadium, it is a multi-purpose stadium that needs to cater for events, other codes of sport,” he told reporters.It is planned that Tasmanian cricket will move away from Bellerive Oval when the new stadium is completed•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Macquarie Point Development Corporation CEO Anne Beach said designs were being finessed.”Because we have a fully transparent covering, you then have a fair bit of contrast on a fully clear day,” she told a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday. “The beams have been made as efficient as they can, so they are relatively small. But they are still there, so they do cast a shadow.”There were several ways to address shadows including reducing the number of timber beams and adjusting building materials, Ms Beach said.The extent of the roof “might be something” that needed to be looked at, she said.”We are in constant dialogue with the Tasmanian government about the design for the Macquarie Point stadium,” a CA spokesperson said. “We want to ensure the stadium is fit for purpose for all forms of cricket so we can bring the best possible international and domestic cricket to the stadium and maximise benefits for all Tasmanians.”The AFL has reiterated its commitment to a roofed, 23-000-seat stadium at Macquarie Point. The federal government is chipping in AU$240 million for development at the site, while the AFL is contributing AU$15 million.The project, with a 2029 build goal, is being assessed by an independent planning body which will provide a draft report by the end of March and a final report in September. It must then be voted through state parliament to get the green light.Tasmania’s Labor opposition supports the stadium but has raised concerns about the delivery.”Nowhere in the world has cricket been played under a cross laminated timber roof,” Labor MP Josh Willie said. “It is up to the premier [in terms of] how he is going to deliver the project.”