Barcelona are finalising plans to play a friendly match in Peru this December to offset the financial loss from their cancelled Miami fixture against Villarreal. The proposed game, worth up to €7-8 million, comes after La Liga and organisers Relevent pulled the plug on the U.S. match, a blow to Barca’s global expansion and revenue strategy.

• Barcelona explore Peru friendly after Miami cancellation

  The Catalan giants are negotiating a lucrative offer to play in Peru in late December after the club’s planned Miami fixture against Villarreal was officially cancelled. According to , the potential friendly would generate between €7-8 million, providing a much-needed financial boost amid the club’s ongoing efforts to stabilise revenue streams.

  Barcelona had been scheduled to face Villarreal at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on December 20, but the event organisers, Relevent Sports, withdrew due to “uncertainty in Spain.” La Liga and Relevent confirmed the match would not take place, citing a lack of preparation time and growing political instability, while Barcelona described it as a “missed commercial opportunity.”

  The club had also rejected a separate offer to play in Libya earlier this month, which could have generated an additional €5m, due to safety concerns. Now, the club see the Peru proposal as an ideal alternative to recover lost income, especially after another financial setback from the Miami cancellation.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Financial motives drive Laporta’s decision

  Club president Joan Laporta personally addressed the players, manager Hansi Flick, and sporting director Deco at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex, confirming the club’s willingness to accept the Peru offer. During the meeting, Laporta highlighted the match’s financial significance, especially in light of reduced commercial revenues this season.

  The friendly would take place after Barcelona’s final La Liga fixture of 2025, originally set to be the Miami encounter with Villarreal on December 20, and before the league’s Christmas break. The club are consulting the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) to ensure the date aligns with the players’ collective bargaining agreement regarding the official start of the holiday period.

  If approved, the trip would mark Barcelona’s second exhibition abroad in December, following their 2023 friendly in the United States against Club America. The South American market, particularly Peru, represents a strong commercial opportunity for the club’s global brand strategy and one that fits perfectly with Laporta’s renewed push to strengthen ties across Latin America.

• Wider impact on La Liga’s global ambitions

  The decision to cancel the Miami fixture has reignited debate over La Liga’s internationalisation strategy, a key project championed by Javier Tebas. The league president criticised the cancellation as “narrow-minded,” accusing Spanish football authorities and Real Madrid in particular of “blocking progress” in taking competitive fixtures abroad.

  Barcelona, meanwhile, have sought to maintain their own commercial momentum through friendlies and global tours. The Peru proposal illustrates how the club are bypassing traditional barriers to secure financial stability independently of La Liga’s initiatives. The €8m payday would not only cover the lost Miami revenue but also strengthen Barca’s cash flow ahead of an expensive 2026 campaign, which will include the reopening of the newly-renovated Camp Nou.

  For a club still recovering from years of financial turbulence, opportunities like this remain critical. Despite improved sponsorship income and Champions League qualification, the Blaugrana club continue to navigate tight economic margins, and every global engagement is carefully evaluated for its commercial return.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Barcelona’s South American trip gathers momentum

  The friendly in Peru would cap off Barca’s 2025 calendar year and could be scheduled just days after their final La Liga fixture against Villarreal at La Ceramica. While the precise date remains under discussion, internal approval appears likely, given the club’s positive financial projections and the absence of major scheduling conflicts.

  If confirmed, it will be Barcelona’s first-ever senior appearance in Peru, a country with a passionate fanbase and strong ties to Spanish football. The match is expected to draw significant local attention, with organisers anticipating a sell-out crowd and major television coverage across South America.

  Barcelona’s first competitive match of 2026 is set for January 3 or 4 against Espanyol at Cornella-El Prat, meaning players would have a short window for rest before the season resumes.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Série C do Brasileirão teve sua quarta rodada da segunda fase nesta sábado (23) e não faltou teor decisivo nos quatro jogos. O Brusque se tornou o primeiro time a garantir vaga na Série B de 2024 ao bater o Operário por 2 a 1, de virada. Além disso, os catarinenses sabem que vão disputar a final da terceira divisão. Enquanto o Paysandu venceu o Botafogo-PB por 3 a 2 e ficou perto do acesso

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Líder com folga do Grupo A, o Brusque precisava vencer para garantir o acesso para a Série B e a vaga na final da Série C. No entanto, foi surpreendido pelo Operário-PR com um gol de Tréllez logo no início. No fim do jogo, com dois pênaltis marcados a seu favor, o time catarinense virou a partida com dois gols de Olávio.

Assim, o Brusque foi a 12 pontos e abriu oito do segundo e do terceiro colocados no grupo, que têm apenas quatro. Como os dois primeiros vão para a Série B, uma vaga já está garantida. Além disso, o primeiro colocado disputa a final. Como os catarinenses não podem ser alcançados na ponta, também têm vaga certa na decisão. Agora espera o líder do Grupo B para saber quem será o campeão.

+ Condição especial para matrícula no curso Gestor de Futebol, aprovado por Dante, Petković, Léo Moura e outros craques. Saiba mais!

Ainda Pelo Grupo A, o São José-RS bateu o São Bernardo-SP, de virada, por 2 a 1. Matheus Oliveira abriu o placar para a equipe paulista, mas o goleiro Fábio, de pênalti, empatou. No fim do jogo, Gilvan virou e decretou a vitória do time gaúcho, que agora vai a quatro pontos e ocupa a terceira posição.

+ Ceará arranca empate da Chape, e CRB quebra invencibilidade do Guarani; veja resultados da rodada da Série B

Pelo Grupo B, o Paysandu foi até o Almeidão para enfrentar o Botafogo-PB e venceu a equipe da casa por 3 a 2. Os gols da vitória foram marcados por Edilson, Vinícius Leite e Robinho. Pipico, duas vezes, foi o autor das bolas na rede da equipe paraibana. Com o resultado, o Papão foi a dez pontos e depende de apenas um empate nas próximas duas rodadas para voltar para a Série B após seis anos.

No mesmo grupo, o Amazonas venceu o Volta Redonda-RJ por 2 a 0 e assumiu a segunda posição. Sassá e Gustavo Ermel garantiram os três pontos para o time amazonense, que agora vira o adversário direto do Paysandu por uma vaga na final do campeonato.

Left-arm spinner joins as injury replacement for Australian Hayden Kerr

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-2025

Wasim has featured in the last two editions of The Hundred•Getty Images

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has signed for Glamorgan as an overseas player for the remainder of the Vitality Blast campaign.The 37-year old, who was born in Swansea, joins to replace Hayden Kerr, who picked up in the home game against Surrey which will rule him out of his planned stint with the club.Returning to the country to his birth, Wasim brings a wealth of experience with 130 international caps for Pakistan. He will be representing his second Blast club having made 19 appearances for Nottinghamshire in the competition. He has also played for Trent Rockets in the Hundred, and has 390 appearances in the T20 format.Subject to approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board Imad will be available for selection for Saturday’s home fixture with Sussex. Glamorgan currently sit fourth in the South Group, with three wins from five.Commenting on the signing Director of Cricket Mark Wallace said: “It’s a real shame that Hayden’s injury has turned out to be a bit worse than we initially hoped. He has settled in really well and though he won’t quite be fit to fulfil his initial contract at the club we hope to see Hayden back in a Glamorgan shirt in the future.””To be able to bring in someone of Imad’s experience and quality at such short notice is fantastic. He’ll give us plenty of options to bowl at a variety of times with the ball and as another left-handed batting option in the middle order. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Wales.”

Opener steers Division One leaders’ steady reply after Somerset post 379

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-Jun-2025Nottinghamshire 214 for 3 (Slater 116*) trail Somerset 379 (Banton 84, Abbas 3-59) by 165 runsBen Slater’s 15th first-class hundred spearheaded a solid Nottinghamshire batting display on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.The home side extended their first innings score from an overnight 275 for 6 to a challenging 379 all out, Tom Banton dismissed for 84 and Matt Henry making an unbeaten 41 off just 29 balls, with four fours and three sixes.By the close, Notts had posted 214 for 3 in reply, opener Slater contributing an unbeaten 116, off 224 balls with 14 fours, and sharing useful partnerships with Haseeb Hameed, Freddie McCann and Jack Haynes.Like their opponents on day one, Somerset bowled few loose deliveries and every run had to be fought for on a day of soaring temperatures. Jack Leach conceded just 42 runs from 25 overs of left-arm spin and Craig Overton 31 from 13.Banton was unbeaten on 57 at the start of play, having been dropped on 2, and shouldered major responsibility for lifting Somerset to a competitive score. With only nine runs added to the total, he lost partner Kasey Aldridge, caught at second slip by McCann low to his right off Mohammad Abbas.Overton looked in good touch, scoring 24 and helping Banton add 44 for the eighth wicket, before being pinned lbw by Hutton with the total on 330 in the 111th over, both sides having been forced to settle for two bonus points.Left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White had bowled tightly throughout the innings and reaped the reward of a second wicket when Banton, who had battled away for four hours and 17 minutes, striking eight fours, mistimed a reverse sweep straight to Abbas at backward point.The remainder of the innings was all about Henry, who treated the 2000 children admitted free from schools around the region, to some exciting hitting. The New Zealander survived a chance to Joe Clarke on the long-on boundary and produced numerous clean strikes in a last wicket stand of 39, to which Leach contributed just six before being caught at bowled off a leading edge by Farhan Ahmed.Abbas was the pick of the Notts attack with 3 for 59 from 27 overs, while new-ball partner Brett Hutton ended with 3 for 94. The visitors had to negotiate a tricky 15 minutes before lunch, but reached the interval on 15 without loss from three overs, Leach having opened the home bowling attack with Henry.The afternoon session saw Somerset bowl without much luck in rising heat. They made a breakthrough with the total on 38 as Hameed got a thin edge to a delivery from Henry to be caught behind by James Rew.Slater was soon looking to capitalise on a pitch offering no more than occasional assistance to the bowlers and moved confidently to a half-century off 62 balls, with nine fours. McCann contributed to a second-wicket stand of 66 before pushing forward to offspinner Archie Vaughan and providing Rew with a second catch. At tea, the scoreboard read 124 for 2, Clarke having begun positively to be on 14, while Slater was unbeaten on 65.The final session saw Leach strike with the vital wicket of Clarke, on 18, as the Notts player aimed a big drive at a wide delivery and edged into the safe hands of Overton at slip.Haynes had a heart-in-mouth moment next ball as it rapped his back pad and went straight to Overton. Somerset’s huge appeal for either leg before or a catch off an inside edge went unheeded and it proved a big moment as a meaningful fourth-wicket stand developed.Slater remained unmoved and brought up a hugely valuable century with a square cut for two off Vaughan, having faced 171 deliveries and extended his boundary count to 14. It was an innings of patience and sound shot selection on a pitch, which like the first day, required application with both bat and ball.By stumps, the partnership with Haynes was worth 71 and Notts could reflect on a decent afternoon’s work.

Careless batting and missed opportunities in the field cost Somerset a position of dominance against Warwickshire on the second day of their Rothesay County Championship clash at Edgbaston.On a pitch which is excellent for batting, Somerset were 407 for three (Tom Lammonby 133, 196 balls) but collapsed to 498 all out – a total that insures against defeat but does not apply the major scoreboard pressure that beckoned.Warwickshire closed the second day on 157 for one with Alex Davies (63 not out, 152) and Tom Latham (65 not out, 142) having added 125 in 43 overs. Both were reprieved as Davies, on 36, survived a high chance to Archie Vaughan at point and Latham, on 28 escaped a missed stumping by James Rew off Jack Leach.On such a batter-friendly pitch, offering seamers nothing and spinners only very slight turn, near-flawless cricket is required to craft a victory. Somerset’s was that on the first day, but on the second they relieved the pressure on the hosts to leave the match already 99.47% certain to end in a draw.After Somerset resumed on the second morning on 327 for three and overnight pair Lammonby and Tom Abell (48, 103) took the total past 400, the platform was there for a mammoth total for Craig Overton’s side. Instead of showing the required ruthlessness, however, they succumbed to collective carelessness.The collapse began when Abell, seeking to accelerate towards another batting point, hit Corey Rocchiccioli for three successive fours then pulled a short ball to mid-wicket to supply the Australian’s first wicket for Warwickshire. Lammonby had batted beautifully to turn his ninth first-class century into a career-best but chipped Ethan Bamber tamely to mid off.Warwickshire’s part-time spinners Rob Yates and Jacob Bethell then shared the last five wickets in 15 overs. Tom Banton skied Bethell to mid off and Vaughan missed a sweep and was lbw to Yates who quickly had Migael Pretorius caught at slip. Leach conjured up another way to get out when he reverse-swept Bethell to slip. When Matt Henry slogged Yates to long off, Somerset were left with 498 – a tall total but not the intimidating score which would have forced Warwickshire to bat very long even to avoid the follow on.The moment that Warwickshire avoid the follow-on figure – 349 – this match will be doomed to a draw. Yates perished in infuriating fashion, caught down the leg side by Rew off Pretorius, but Davies and Latham reined in their attacking instincts to ensure it was an isolated early wicket.Davies reached his half-century from 109 balls and Latham followed to his from 95. As the shadows lengthened, Somerset’s bowlers gave very little away, so did the batters and so did the pitch and something truly remarkable has to happen if this 148th Championship meeting of these teams is not to conclude in a 68th draw.

It’s incredible just how quickly the mood around a football club can change, and Chelsea are a perfect example.

Less than a month ago, the Blues were coming off their third defeat in four games, and as a result, the club had to publicly back the manager.

Yet today, after three wins on the bounce against Benfica, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, there is a renewed sense of optimisim that Enzo Maresca’s side will be near the very top of the Premier League table come the end of the season.

What makes this turnaround even more impressive is that it’s come without the talismanic Cole Palmer. However, the manager does have another star in his team, whom he has compared to the former Manchester City gem.

How Chelsea have coped without Palmer

Palmer was forced off just 21 minutes into the defeat to Manchester United last month, has missed the previous three games and will be out for another six weeks.

However, while Chelsea lost to Brighton & Hove Albion, largely thanks to Trevoh Chalobah’s red card, they have come out on top against Arne Slot’s Reds and the Tricky Trees without the sensational Englishman in the side.

Now, that isn’t to say the Blues are better without him – they are not – but it does show that, unlike some other sides, the West Londoners are capable of putting in good performances without their talisman.

For example, against the defending champions, the Pensioners opted to stick with Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto on the wings, with Enzo Fernández down the middle, and were still able to create chances.

Moreover, when the former Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star came off in the 75th minute, Maresca opted to throw on the young and hugely exciting Estevao, who was able to slot home the winner late on.

Interestingly, instead of keeping the 18-year-old in the starting lineup, the manager opted to start Neto at the City Ground, and what a decision that turned out to be.

In his 78 minutes of action, the Portuguese international was a constant threat. Although he lacked that final delivery in the first half, he provided an assist early into the second and then scored a free-kick to ensure his side collected all three points.

It was a comprehensive performance from Chelsea, and one that showed they can cope without Palmer when it really comes down to it.

With that said, Marsca did start another player whom he has compared to the Englishman.

Chelsea's star who is like Palmer

Given the quality of young players in Chelsea’s squad today, like Estevao, you could argue that several of them could become Palmer-type players.

Chalkboard

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

However, a player you might see as being all that comparable to the talismanic attack is Reece James.

However, it was after the Conference League final last season that Maresca claimed that “for us, he is like Cole Palmer.”

There were two reasons the Argentine made this comparison, and the first is that he sometimes needs his minutes managed due to injuries and fitness.

However, the second and far more important point of comparison is just how undeniably important the two players are to the West Londoners.

After all, the defender might not be as involved when it comes to goals and assists, and therefore doesn’t get the same recognition outside the club, but he is a core leader, he is the captain.

Moreover, while he’s not as prolific as his compatriot, he is still more than capable of chipping in with goals and assists.

For example, he has already provided two assists this season, and scored his first goal of the campaign against Forest on the weekend.

Finally, his underlying numbers more than back up the idea of him being one of the best full-backs in the world.

Shots from Free Kicks

0.27

Top 1%

Through Balls

0.44

Top 1%

Total Passing Distance

1050.58

Top 3%

Passes Completed (Medium)

25.83

Top 3%

Passes into Final Third

6.20

Top 3%

GCA (Take-On)

0.05

Top 3%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

42.42

Top 3%

% of Aerials Won

69.4%

Top 3%

Goals – xG

+0.07

Top 4%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.07

Top 4%

Passes Completed

59.60

Top 5%

Progressive Passing Distance

341.62

Top 5%

Passes Completed (Long)

5.11

Top 5%

Aerials Won

1.85

Top 5%

Touches

79.94

Top 6%

Touches (Live-Ball)

79.94

Top 6%

Shots on Target

0.44

Top 7%

GCA (Shot)

0.05

Top 7%

Live-ball Passes

59.71

Top 8%

Interceptions

1.52

Top 9%

Switches

0.44

Top 10%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through balls, the top 3% for passes into the final third, the top 5% for passes completed and aerials won, the top 9% for interceptions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, it might not seem like an immediately obvious comparison to make, but when you think about how important he is to Chelsea, James really is like Palmer.

Chelsea open talks to sign "powerful" £35m forward with 15 goals in 2025

The Blues have entered discussions with the agents of a new forward, who is enjoying an impressive campaign.

ByDominic Lund Oct 19, 2025

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is braced to make a ruthless call on new manager Ange Postecoglou after his dreadful start to life at the City Ground, which was compounded by a surprise 3-2 loss to Danish minnows FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou reacts to Nottingham Forest sack rumours

Just six games into his tenure, Postecoglou is already facing reports that he could be sacked if they lose to Newcastle United this weekend.

The 60-year-old has guided Forest to four losses and two draws from his opening matches in charge, having just been appointed under a month ago, and Marinakis could ruthlessly cut ties with Postecoglou despite only just arriving.

While Forest have displayed brief flashes of brilliant, interchange attacking play, the squad is really not coping well with Postecoglou’s brand of ‘Angeball’ as they struggle to adjust to a completely new system to that of his predecessor.

Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Nottingham Forest so far	Competition
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

Unlike Nuno’s dogged, pragmatic and counter-attacking style, Forest are tasked with playing a more front-footed, open and offensive game — and this has resulted in Forest conceding 13 goals since Postecoglou’s arrival.

They’ve also looked extremely vulnerable to set-pieces, which was on full display against Midtjylland, as chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ rang around the City Ground.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle at St. James’ Park, Postecoglou sent a defiant message that he’s unfazed by the noise and solely focused on winning matches.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Forest could be patient with Postecoglou, but Sky Sports report that Marinakis isn’t afraid to make a cut-throat decision.

Sky Sports share Ange Postecoglou sack update out of Nottingham Forest

The broadcast giant, sharing an update via their live broadcast, says that Marinakis isn’t afraid to pull the plug on Postecoglou and could do it imminently if results continue to on a downward trajectory.

Postecoglou, if sacked after Newcastle, could break the Premier League record for shortest reign by any manager, and it would be another unwanted blotch on his CV after also making the worst start by any Forest boss for 100 years.

That being said, despite Forest’s woeful form, Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp believes it would be “crazy” for Postecoglou to go already.

Wayne Rooney has revealed that former Manchester United teammate Carlos Tevez was his favourite strike partner at Old Trafford, snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils legend said he shared a 'special connection' with Tevez during their two seasons together, describing their aggressive, hard-working style as the perfect blend that made them a nightmare for defenders.

Rooney names Tevez as his best strike partner at Man Utd

Rooney has opened up about his favourite attacking partnership during his Manchester United career, naming Tevez as the player he most enjoyed playing alongside. The former England captain shared the pitch with a host of world-class forwards under Sir Alex Ferguson, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, Robin van Persie, Louis Saha and Javier Hernandez. However, when asked who complemented him best, Rooney pointed to Tevez’s relentless work rate, aggression and understanding as the qualities that made their partnership click.

Rooney and Tevez spearheaded United’s attack between 2007 and 2009, forming a dynamic duo alongside Ronaldo that helped deliver two Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy. The pair combined for 47 goals during that spell, embodying Ferguson’s philosophy of intensity and fluidity in attack. Though Ronaldo’s brilliance often stole the headlines, Rooney insists it was Tevez who brought out the best in his own game.

Tevez, who joined United on loan from West Ham in 2007, instantly struck up a connection with Rooney through their shared energy and tenacity on the pitch. Their ability to interchange positions and press defenders from the front made them one of the Premier League’s most feared strike pairings. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMan Utd legend explains why he and Tevez clicked so well

Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the United legend said: “Tevez, I really enjoyed playing with Carlos and I enjoyed playing with all of them, but with Carlos, there was a big thing in the papers when we were signing him saying that the two of us [were] too similar [and] we couldn’t play together.”

“And yeah, I think for the both of us, that really like, you know, we were like, ‘Okay, we’ll show you and stuff [like that],’ and we were aggressive and we worked hard and tackled as well, but then bounced off each other.”

“One of us plays the [No] 9, the other is a [No] 10 and we change it up and yeah, so he was definitely the favourite one to play with.”

Rooney’s remarks highlight how his chemistry with Tevez went beyond goals or statistics. Instead, it was built on mutual understanding, unselfish movement, and an unwavering desire to outwork the opposition. While Ronaldo dazzled with his individual brilliance, Rooney’s bond with Tevez was rooted in shared effort and relentless pressing – qualities that made them inseparable on the pitch

Rooney and Tevez once formed a formidable partnership

The Rooney-Tevez partnership was short-lived but unforgettable. Both players brought a similar intensity that made Manchester United’s attack uniquely ferocious. Their aggression, energy, and ability to constantly swap roles left defenders guessing, while Ronaldo’s presence added a devastating third dimension.

Rooney and Tevez complemented each other perfectly because neither was a traditional number nine. Both enjoyed dropping deep to link play, drifting wide to create space, and pressing from the front to recover possession. Their chemistry was instinctive – a reflection of their working-class footballing roots and shared hunger to prove critics wrong after early doubts about their compatibility.

Reflecting on his time as a central striker under Ferguson, Rooney also admitted he sometimes found the role less enjoyable despite his prolific form. “I had two seasons when I played as the No 9, scored 34 goals in both but I was bored,” he explained. “I liked to play football and be involved in the game… I was scoring goals and we were winning games, but I wanted to get involved.”

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Getty Images SportTevez and Rooney's differing paths post Old Trafford

Rooney’s admiration for Tevez serves as a reminder of an era when Manchester United’s attack embodied work ethic as much as flair. While Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest players in history is undisputed, Rooney’s reflections shed light on how footballing chemistry isn’t always about star power. Their partnership remains one of the most iconic in Premier League history precisely because of that mix.

For Tevez, who went on to represent Manchester City, Juventus, Boca Juniors and Shanghai Shenhua before retiring in 2022, the bond with Rooney remains one of the defining periods of his career.

Nottingham Forest haven’t enjoyed a positive start to life under Ange Postecoglou and a key update on his future has now emerged from the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest suffer damaging Europa League defeat

The fairytale return of Nottingham Forest to the European scene was a just reward for an excellent campaign last term. However, their shock 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland was a stark reminder of the frailties present within Postecoglou’s side.

Despite being alive in the majority of the Australian’s matches so far, conceding at awkward times has led to six games without a win under the former Celtic boss, breeding an elevated level of pressure on him to get it right in the East Midlands.

Speaking post-match, Postecoglou remained unbothered by chants calling for his dismissal, claiming that nothing surprises him in football anymore.

He said: “I heard it. They’re fans, they want to see their team win, and they’re entitled to their opinion. Nothing surprises me in football any more. We’ve just got to keep going. There is no hiding in the sport we’re in. Got to keep your head up and recover. We have a tough game against Newcastle at the weekend.”

With high-profile pundits such as Tim Howard among his detractors, Postecoglou has work to do in order to prove the doubters wrong, but that sort of challenge saw him win the Europa League last term, hence why it would be premature to count him out.

Nottingham Forest star fumes at something he's "never seen" before vs Sunderland

The Tricky Trees are still yet to find a victory under Ange Postecoglou.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 28, 2025

Newcastle United await on Sunday and won’t be an easy outfit to overcome. Nevertheless, their indifferent start to the Premier League season may offer a sliver of hope to the travelling supporters.

Either way, a change in mood is needed at the City Ground, though how are the Nottingham Forest hierarchy feeling about Postecoglou’s situation? Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that front.

Fabrizio Romano on how Nottingham Forest view Ange Postecoglou

Writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed Nottingham Forest are being patient with Postecoglou and believe that he simply needs time to adapt before results improve at the City Ground.

Truthfully, Postecoglou is between a bit of a rock and a hard place, though he is certainly made of strong stuff and has shown he has the thick skin to come through adversity.

However, his side need to find a level of stability, as two draws and four defeats isn’t going to cut it if Nottingham Forest want to survive. Making their priorities clear, Evangelos Marinakis and company are opting to keep the faith for now.

كشف أحمد حسام ميدو قائد منتخب مصر الأسبق، عن وجود عرض أوروبي لأحد لاعبي الأهلي المتواجدين مع منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

منتخب مصر، استطاع حسم التأهل إلى دور الـ 32 من كأس العالم للناشئين، بعد احتلاله المركز الثالث في مجموعته الخامسة، ليتأهل ضمن أفضل 8 منتخبات احتلت المركز الثالث للمجموعات الـ 12.

وقال أحمد حسام ميدو في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة النهار: “منتخب مصر للناشئين يضم ثلاثة أو أربعة لاعبين لديهم إمكانيات كبيرة تؤهلهم للاحتراف الخارجي، ومن بينهم حمزة عبد الكريم مهاجم الأهلي”.

وأكمل: “حمزة عبد الكريم يمتلك القدرة على اللعب مع نادٍ كبير في أوروبا بكل أريحية، وحمزة مهاجم رقم 9 مميز؛ طويل القامة، يقف على الكرة ويتصرف فيها بشكل صحيح”.

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وواصل: “حمزة لديه مساحة كبيرة للتطور، وأسلوبه رائع، يتمتع بكل أساسيات رأس الحربة المحترف والمقاتل، لم أشاهد منذ سنوات مهاجمًا بهذه الصفات في الكرة المصرية”.

وأضاف ميدو: “لدي معلومات بأن أحد أكبر وكلاء اللاعبين في العالم قدم عرضًا فعليًا لحمزة من نادٍ جيد جدًا في أوروبا، وهناك أكثر من لاعب في منتخب الناشئين خطفوا أنظار الأندية الأوروبية، وهذا يؤكد أن مستقبل هؤلاء اللاعبين واعد على مستوى الاحتراف الخارجي”.