Australia coach Darren Lehmann’s contract has been extended until October 2019, with succession planning to be a key part of his role over the next three years

Daniel Brettig01-Aug-2016Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann will mentor the national team until the 2019 Ashes series in England before making his exit, with succession planning to be a key part of his role over the next three years.Lehmann’s contract has been extended until October 2019 by Cricket Australia, having previously been elongated until next year. Since his appointment on the eve of the 2013 Ashes series, Lehmann has guided Australia to home Test victories over England, India, New Zealand and West Indies, away defeats of South Africa and New Zealand, plus lifting the 2015 World Cup, also at home.However, a heavy away loss in the UAE to Pakistan, the surrender of the Ashes in England last year and a surprising defeat to an unfancied Sri Lanka in Pallekele last week make it patently clear that Lehmann still has plenty of work ahead of him to advance Australia’s claim to the title of the world’s undisputed best team. In addition to the multiple retirements that followed last year’s Ashes, Lehmann’s support staff have changed considerably in the past six months, offering him fresh faces with which to work towards those goals.”The board have actually seen that we are doing okay as such, barring the result in the Test [at Pallekele], but looking forward to the next few years in charge and hopefully getting some wins in the sub-continent, first and foremost on the agenda, but developing the side as we are,” Lehmann said. “We have a different coaching group now coming in and the players are refreshed and I am looking forward to the challenge.””I suppose the big one on everyone’s lips is the sub-continent – we certainly have to improve there. Ashes is a big home and away and, obviously, the World Cup. They are the big ones for us, as everyone knows, but you have got to try and win every games you play. For us, we just have to get better playing in all conditions.”Probably the spinning ball on the sub-continent [is our biggest challenge] you would think. Swinging ball – a lot has been made of the England swinging ball and we won a couple of Test matches this time, albeit we lost the Ashes and the wickets they produced were very seam friendly. End of the day, that is the way cricket goes. For us, it is probably more the sub-continent conditions at the moment, getting prepared for that obviously with the next two Test matches here and then India at the back end.”With typical frankness, Lehmann replied “I would think it would be, yeah” when asked whether the extended tenure would mark the completion of his time as coach. Between now and then, Australia face a tour of India, a Champions Trophy, another home and away Ashes contest and a World Cup in England. The newly-appointed assistant coach David Saker, recent interim coach Justin Langer and Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie will be among the candidates to eventually replace Lehmann.”We’ll give those guys opportunities along the way. As I’ve always said, it’s the best job in the world. I love the job. But it’s a job you can’t do forever either,” Lehmann said. “So whatever opportunities we can give to the guys along the way we certainly will do. And then it’s up to the board what they do from there and the high performance department.”I think you’re judged on results most of the time all around the world not just on the subcontinent. I think you’ve got to play well and win a lot of games of cricket basically as a coach. That’s what players have to do, that’s what coaches have to do in any sport. You’ve got to hopefully keep getting the results that makes it a lot easier.”The rapid improvement of the national team’s results under Lehmann when first appointed three years ago arguably saved the jobs of more senior CA figures including the team performance manager Pat Howard and the chief executive James Sutherland. They have not yet forgotten this fact, allowing Lehmann the rare privilege of extending his role and also planning well in advance for life afterwards.This is a world away from the attitude the board once held, that Lehmann was too much of a maverick to be entrusted with a coaching job. Howard emphasised Lehmann’s standing as a popular figure in Australian cricket and an influencer of the global game, in explaining the decision.”We wanted certainty and stability for the playing group with both the coach and assistant coach contracted as we build towards the Ashes series and the 2019 World Cup,” Howard said. “Darren has had great success in the role and he and the National Selection Panel deserve a huge amount of credit for taking a relatively young side to number one in the world in two of the three formats.”What often goes unseen is how big of a supporter Darren has been of the wider cricket system in Australia and that is crucial to the long term sustainability of Australian cricket. The commitment he shows to the role goes far broader that of the Australian men’s team and extends into the global support of the game through his work on the ICC Cricket Committee.”

Chelsea are viewing Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani as alternatives to Victor Osimhen this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Will Chelsea sign a striker this summer?

This is going to be one of the most important transfer windows in the Blues' recent history, following a pitiful season in the Premier League. They sit a lowly 11th in the table currently, following last Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Nottingham Forest, and major additions are required at the end of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino will almost certainly be appointed Chelsea's new manager in the near future – it could even happen this week – and he will no doubt already be eyeing up potential additions. One area of the pitch that simply must be strengthened is centre forward, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Pierre -Emerick Aubameyang not cutting the mustard there this season.

It looks as though Osimhen is the No.1 option for the Blues this summer, with the £93,000-a-week attacker enjoying a sensational season for Napoli, scoring 28 goals in all competitions and helping his side clinch Serie A title glory.

Who are viewed as Osimhen alternatives?

Writing on Twitter on Monday, Galetti confirmed that Osimhen is Chelsea's "main target", but name-checked both Vlahovic and Kolo Muani as backup options:

" #Chelsea are looking for a new striker this summer: Victor #Osimhen is the main target. Understand that #CFC – to convince #Napoli – could offer more than €100M for the player. The Blues have Dusan #Vlahovic and Randal #KoloMuani in their list as well."

Both Vlahovic and Kolo Muani could be strong options if Chelsea are unable to acquire Osimhen's services, with a lack of a Champions football, and European action in general, working against them in terms of luring in the very best stars.

The former has scored ten goals in Serie A for Juventus this season, and been hailed as "lightning" and "ridiculous" by Micah Richards in the past. He is still young and could be someone who develops into an even more top-level striker at Stamford Bridge.

Kolo Muani is having an even better season than Vlahovic, however, scoring 14 goals and registering ten assists in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, not to mention so nearly scoring a last-gasp winner for France in their eventual World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Having both in the pipeline should Osimhen not work out is encouraging to see, suggesting that Pochettino is already having a positive impact behind the scenes, assuming he is working alongside Todd Boehly with transfers.

West Ham United’s pursuit of Frankfurt’s Djibril Sow is quickly gaining momentum.

What’s the latest on Djibril Sow to West Ham?

According to Bild, the 26-year-old “dreams” of playing in the Premier League, and the German outfit are prepared to start negotiations with the Hammers.

It is also understood that the midfielder is “looking forward to the next step” in his career, so the stars appear to aligning for a life-changing transfer to the London Stadium.

The report suggests that it could take a bid of €20m (£17m) to prize Sow away from the Bundesliga.

Would Djibril Sow be a good addition to West Ham?

The 36-cap Switzerland international has made 45 appearances in all competitions this season, appeared in every game of his nation's World Cup campaign, and was a crucial component of the Frankfurt that won the Europa League last year.

Since his breakthrough as a professional football, he has always sent shockwaves around his homeland. The titan was named the Swiss Super League Young Player of the Year in 2019, which led to a move to the Bundesliga that year.

Upon his arrival, former Frankfurt board member Fredi Bobic said: “We're absolutely convinced of his ability to perform and his potential to develop further. His technical, strategic, and athletic abilities will strengthen us."

From a West Ham perspective, a talent of this versatility and calibre would be a welcome addition. This is further showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, as well as the highest 33% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

To seal his signature would be another blockade to Flynn Downes, however, who has been reduced to a barely significant role since his £12m move to the Irons.

The former Swansea star has only started six Premier League games and has been unfancied by David Moyes.

Dismally, the £25k-per-week man ranks in the bottom 1% for successful take-ons and progressive passes per 90, as well as the lowest 5% for progressive carries – so it is easy to see why his game time has been so limited.

If West Ham finalise a deal for the "combative" Sow – as dubbed by journalist Sam Smith – it would be extremely unlikely that he would be benched for the relatively unknown Englishman, who has failed to make an impact on the management in his debut season at the club.

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and his firm Aser Holding Company being involved in a deal to buy a stake in Sampdoria may speed up a sale of the Whites to 49ers Enterprises, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Andrea Radrizzani?

As per BBC Sport, Radrizzani, as part of consortium Aser Holding Company has agreed a deal to buy Italian side Sampdoria and has also apologised to Leeds United fans due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

The 48-year-old said: "I am sincerely sorry for how this season has unfolded. We have made significant investments to try to keep Leeds United in the Premier League, but in working hard to improve the club, we have also obviously made some mistakes. We are reflecting on the decisions that we have taken to ensure we learn the lessons to improve our club and make progress in the future."

Sky Sports report that Leeds United owner Radrizzani remains in 'advanced negotiations' to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises and their takeover is still set to be completed regardless of the Whites' relegation to the English second-tier.

Leeds United are also in the hunt for a new manager following news that Sam Allardyce has ended his short spell at Elland Road, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Radrizzani's involvement in a deal to purchase Sampdoria may provide a clearer picture of when Leeds United may change hands at ownership level.

Jacobs said: "Sampdoria is an interesting one, that offer that's been accepted, or, let me rephrase, that agreement that is in place is the first step towards acquisition and I think that's really important to understand. So, what Radrizzani and Aser have done is fought off competition and agreed on something in principle to proceed, but now there has to be due diligence at Sampdoria, now there has to be talks with banks around debt refinancing and Radrizzani has to build a fuller consortium, of which I understand QSI, the owners of PSG are a part of as well. From there, probably by early July, something is likely to be completed and then in these months, it will become a lot clearer as to what the roadmap is for 49ers Enterprises to take over at Leeds United."

What now for Leeds United?

While the ownership situation will continue to dominate the landscape at Elland Road, there is also the matter of identifying who will be trusted to lead the club forward as manager of Leeds United next term.

The Guardian report that former Leicester City boss and ex-Chelsea coach Graham Potter have emerged as two candidates in the frame for the job; however, it is unclear whether they would be willing to drop into the Sky Bet Championship to manage Leeds United.

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan is also a contender for the vacancy alongside Andoni Iraola as the search for Allardyce's replacement begins to take shape in Yorkshire, according to The Daily Mail.

Leeds United also want a new sporting director to replace Victor Orta, indicating that there could be a major sea change at the club this summer as they look to bounce back in 2023/24.

Leeds United could lose a number of key first-team players this summer should they suffer relegation to the Championship.

Only a win against Tottenham Hotspur, combined with Leicester City and Everton dropping points, will be enough to keep Sam Allardyce's side in the Premier League for another season.

With the final day rapidly approaching, a number of Leeds players are perhaps already thinking about where they might be when the 2023/24 campaign rolls around.

One man, who may have already played his last game for the Yorkshire outfit due to the likely interest that will be shown in him this summer, is USA international Tyler Adams.

Could Adams have played his last Leeds game?

The defensive midfielder was signed from RB Leipzig in 2022 and is perhaps one of few players from the current campaign that can escape with any credit, in what has been an excellent debut season at Elland Road.

As per WhoScored, no player in Allardyce's squad has earned a higher average rating than Adams (6.73), while he also boasts the most tackles per game, an attribute that has been badly missed in Leeds' midfield in recent months.

He also excelled at the World Cup with Gregg Berhalter's side as they reached the round of 16, with American legend Alexi Lalas dubbing him a "monster" on Twitter, and it is perhaps no surprise that he has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United in recent months as a return to the Championship draws nearer.

Leeds fans have been well accustomed to seeing their top talents leave in recent seasons but losing Adams so soon after he signed, with just 26 appearances to his name this term, is a cruel blow following a disastrous campaign which will surely end in relegation this weekend.

Unfortunately for Leeds, the 24-year-old picked up a season-ending injury at the worst possible time, with the midfielder pulling up in the warm-up ahead of the 4-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in March.

It is clear the influence that he had at Leeds, as the Yorkshire outfit have won just once since then, with the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest nowhere near enough to preserve their Premier League status.

There is no way that Adams will be fit enough to feature against Spurs this weekend and therefore, Leeds fans may have already seen the last of their £55k-per-week midfielder. Indeed, he has shown with his performances this terr, that he is more than capable of playing in the top flight, and deserves to be playing for a club that can provide that next year.

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s Test captain, has expressed confidence in international cricket returning to the country soon, and said it was ironic his team’s rise to No. 1 in the ICC rankings had to be accomplished without home-crowd support.The ICC chief executive David Richardson presented Misbah with the Test mace at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, after Pakistan had risen to No. 1 for the first time since the current Test rankings were introduced in 2003, by virtue of their 2-2 draw in England this summer. Pakistan are the fifth side after Australia, England, India and South Africa to top the ICC Test rankings.”There is nothing better than being No. 1 in the Test rankings,” Misbah said. “It’s one of the best days in my life; the happiest day in my cricketing career. And there can’t be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground where we last played a home Test seven years ago. It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the No. 1 position has been outside Pakistan.”The players have missed on the crowd support, while the spectators have been unable to watch live some magnificent team and individual performances. But I am confident that things will change and international cricket will soon return to Pakistan.”I would like to congratulate everyone who has been part of this achievement and part of this journey; every individual, every coach, every selector who has worked hard for this No. 1 position.”The families of the players have really sacrificed a lot too. We have to spend almost six to seven months out of the country without them and that’s difficult [for both parties]. Credit should be given to the families. It’s a proud moment for all of us and I hope we can go together at the top for a long period.”Apart from a visit by Zimbabwe in 2015, no Full Member country has toured Pakistan since March 2009, when gunmen attacked the bus transporting the Sri Lankan team to Gaddafi Stadium on a morning of the Lahore Test. Since then, Pakistan have had to host their home fixtures at neutral venues, primarily the UAE.”Being part of a team that is ranked No.1 in Test cricket is a pinnacle achievement for any cricketer. Pakistan is a deserving recipient of the mace,” Richardson said. “It is all the more impressive that it has reached the number-one Test ranking despite not being able to play a series in front of its home crowd since March 2009.”Today is all about the team, today it’s all about Misbah. One of the things that makes Pakistan one of the most watchable teams in the world is the fact that they’ve got a man for all occasions. They’ve got batsmen who can deal with a tight situation, and on the bowling side, you can’t prepare seaming wickets against them because they’ve got the seamers to exploit those conditions, left-arm and the right-arm and of course you’ve got a world class legspinner, so you’ve got all the ingredients for a top team and we are looking forward to Pakistan if not staying at No. 1 then certainly challenging for good many years to come. A strong Pakistan side is good for international cricket.”Pakistan face a challenge to hold on to their No. 1 Test ranking. India, presently No. 2, will displace Pakistan if they beat New Zealand in the upcoming three-Test series at home. Pakistan’s next Test series is in October against West Indies in the UAE. The team that is No. 1 on April 1, 2017, will receive $ 1 million from the ICC.”The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the No. 1 Test side at the April 1 cut-off date,” Misbah said. “It is not going to be easy as we have series against formidable sides like the West Indies, New Zealand and Australia. But instead of getting overawed by our opponents, we need to trust in our abilities, focus on our strengths and try to be as consistent as possible.”

Leeds United fans will have plenty of thoughts on who is most to blame should they suffer relegation from the Premier League on Sunday, with only a remarkable set of results enough to keep them in the top flight.

Poor signings, managerial changes and a woeful defensive record have been major factors in another poor season for the Elland Road outfit which now looks likely to culminate in relegation against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Patrick Bamford, who has often been scapegoated by fans across the years, has certainly had the finger pointed at him in recent weeks after his penalty miss and shocking finish late on against Leicester City.

However, it is not goalscoring which has been Leeds' main problem this term, it has been their inability to keep out opposition attacks, as no side in the Premier League has conceded more.

Injuries to the likes of Liam Cooper and Max Wober have played their part in that record but it seems clear that a number of defenders have not performed to the best of their abilities, with Pascal Struijk in particular enduring a difficult 2023.

How has Struijk played for Leeds this season?

There was actually a strong start to the season from the former Ajax prospect, as he earned above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored in each of his first three appearances in the Premier League, as Leeds threatened at the top of the table with seven points from a possible nine.

Further strong displays against Crystal Palace and Everton would follow from the young defender, who was quickly establishing himself as a mainstay in Jesse Marsch's side despite more senior options at the back.

Struijk was excellent around the World Cup, earning more plaudits from WhoScored after wins against Liverpool and Bournemouth, as well as a creditable draw against Newcastle United, but for some reason, his form since the turn of the year has been nowhere near good enough.

Under Javi Gracia, the £50k-per-week defender was at the heart of a defence which struggled so much, setting a new record for goals conceded in a month, with his performance in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest arguably the last time he did well in a Leeds shirt.

He earned below a 6/10 in three consecutive games against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Manchester City, as he came off the bench to have the wrong type of impact against the Champions, giving away a penalty for his foul on Phil Foden, which Sam Allardyce was not impressed with, describing it as a "silly" and "disappointing" decision from his substitute.

While he is still a young defender with a lot of potential, it seems clear that the 23-year-old hasn't been good enough in the last few months and that he is a significant reason behind Leeds' defensive struggles and likely relegation this season.

أعلن إيمرسي فاي، المدير الفني لمنتخب كوت ديفوار الأول لكرة القدم، عن تشكيل اللاعبين لمواجهة نيجيريا، في نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

كوت ديفوار تأهل ضمن أحسن ثوالث من مجموعته بطريقة درامية، وأطاح بالمنتخب السنغالي ثم تخطى مالي، وفاز في نصف النهائي على الكونغو الديمقراطية ليضرب موعدًا جديدًا مع نيجيريا.

طالع أيضًا.. كانجا أكالي لـ “بطولات”: كوت ديفوار تستحق الوصول إلى النهائي.. وفرصنا متساوية مع نيجيريا

إيمرسي فاي المدرب الذي جاء خلفًا لـ لويس جاسيتيه، يدخل المباراة بطريقة 4-3-3، مع عودة كوسونو لخط الدفاع بعد غيابه ضد الكونغو بسبب الإيقاف لطرده ضد مالي.

وعاد سيرجي أورييه في مركز الظهير الأيمن بدلًا من سينجو، مع مشاركة سيباستيان هالير نجم بوروسيا دورتموند كرأس حربة بجانب ماكس جراديل وأدينجرا. تشكيل كوت ديفوار أمام نيجيريا في نهائي أمم إفريقيا

حراسة المرمى: يحيى فوفانا.

خط الدفاع: سيرجي أورييه، أوديلين كوسونو، إيفان نديكا، غيسلان كونان.

وسط الملعب: جان ميشيل سيري، فرانك كيسيه، سيكو فوفانا.

الهجوم: سيمون أدينجرا، ماكس جراديل، سيباستيان هالير.

Everton have made contact regarding a deal to bring Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Yuri Alberto?

Alberto is a Brazilian international who arrived at the Neo Quimica Arena back in January on a free transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg following a successful loan spell in the opening half of the campaign, as per Transfermarkt, and to date, he’s made 53 appearances across both periods in the Serie A.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s forward has started seven out of eight league games this season so has been a regular feature in his homeland, and despite his contract not expiring for another four years, his impressive performances have seemingly caught the eye of Sean Dyche.

The Goodison Park outfit failed to sign a single player at the start of the year, but the club will know that attacking reinforcements will be needed to keep them away from the drop zone moving forward, and the 22-year-old appears to have been identified as an ideal target on Merseyside.

Are Everton signing Alberto?

According to Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), Everton have “got in touch” with the representatives of Alberto to “get some information” about what it would take to get a deal over the line this summer. The Toffees are “evaluating the possibility” of submitting an official offer for the attacker, though with any transfer being very much in the “early stages”, it’s “hard to imagine” what price Corinthians would demand for their prized asset.

Everton will be aware that Alberto is starting to make a real name for himself at Corinthians having been handed his professional senior debut for Brazil back in March, so it’s unsurprising that he’s been the subject of an enquiry from the Blues, and it could be a massive coup should the hierarchy be able to secure his services.

The Nike-sponsored centre-forward, who earns £13k-per-week, has 11 goal contributions (six assists and five goals) to his name in 25 appearances across all competitions this season and has recorded 14 shots since the start of the term which is the second-highest total throughout the whole of his squad, as per FBRef.

Corinthians’ “clinical” striker, as lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also has the ability to operate out wide on both the left and right flanks and even in midfield alongside his usual role through the middle so would provide the boss with some welcomed versatility, possibly making this a smart deal to wrap up, should the opportunity present itself.

Jack Leach spun Somerset close to a two-day victory with the ECB pitch inspector looking on but they will have to return on the morrow after Rikki Clarke and Chris Wright finally fashioned Warwickshire resistance on a turning surface

ECB Reporters Network07-Sep-2016
ScorecardChris Rogers top-scored with 58 to give Somerset the edge•Getty ImagesRikki Clarke and Chris Wright produced an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 70 as Warwickshire set up the prospect of an exciting third-day finish to the Specsavers County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton.The visitors closed day two on 131 for 8, needing a further 53 for victory, having been 61 for 8 at one stage, chasing a target of 184. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach claimed 5 for 33 from 18 overs.Clarke was unbeaten on 42 and Wright 38 not out, having come together with their team on the verge of defeat. Both hit sixes in a defiant and positive partnership.Brown rues ‘soft’ dismissals

Dougie Brown, Warwickshire director of cricket: “Rikki Clarke and Chris Wright have shown what is possible on this pitch if batsmen are prepared to apply themselves. Again there were too many soft dismissals in our innings. The wicket has been tricky to bat on but by no means unplayable.”
Jack Leach, Somerset spinner: “It was a great day for me because first I went past 50 first class wickets for the season, then 50 Championship wickets, before ending up with a five-for. It has been a crazy two days of cricket and Rikki Clarke and Chris Wright have batted really well. The ball has tended to do more for the bowlers in the morning sessions.”

Earlier, Jeetan Patel had finished with 5 for 86 as Somerset, from an overnight 41 for 1, were bowled out for 211 in their second innings, skipper Chris Rogers top-scoring with 58, the only half-century of the match so far.After 21 wickets had fallen on the first day, ECB Cricket Liaison Officer Phil Whitticase was sent to view the second day’s play.It was batting errors, rather than any great terrors in the pitch, which accounted for the vast majority of wickets. There was assistance for seam and spin bowlers on both days, but also a large number of soft dismissals, which both sides will reflect on with regret.Somerset led by 13 runs when play began and had progressed their second innings to 70 when Marcus Trescothick, on 25, had his off stump uprooted by Patel.James Hildreth made only a single before falling lbw to a Chris Wright delivery that nipped back off the seam. But from 75 for 3 Somerset prospered, Rogers reaching a 123-ball half-century, and Peter Trego hitting sixes off Patel and Josh Poysden.The home side looked well placed at lunch, which was taken with their score 128 for three. But Patel began the afternoon session by gaining lbw verdicts against Trego (31) and Rogers after a fourth-wicket stand of 55.Leg-spinner Josh Poysden weighed in with 3 for 52 as only Dom Bess (25) offered much lower order resistance.Although the ball was turning, Warwickshire would have fancied their chances when their second innings began.Instead a mixture of good bowling and inept batting saw them slump to 49 for 6. Leach ripped the heart out of the innings by sending back Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell for a combined contribution of five runs before having Alex Mellor caught at short-leg for 22.Bess removed Sam Hain and Keith Barker, both pouched by Marcus Trescothick, who with the second dismissal equalled the record number of catches in first class cricket by a Somerset outfielder, 393, set by Jack White during a career that ended in 1937.But just when it seemed Somerset were sure to wrap up victory, Clarke and Wright produced the biggest stand of the match, putting the state of the pitch firmly in perspective.