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Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole in their team before Champions League clash
Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole in their team before Champions League clash
Newcastle is twinned with Gelsenkirchen and, as Borussia Dortmund need no reminders, the German city is home to their great rivals, Schalke. They are found in the second division now: as Newcastle can testify from the Mike Ashley years, a vast stadium offers no immunity against relegation. Instead, as Newcastle and Dortmund go head to head in the Champions League tonight, they find themselves twinned in a footballing respect, wrestling with the same problem: how to cope with the loss of a pivotal midfielder. For Jude Bellingham, read Sandro Tonali, one gone to Real Madrid for a nine-figure sum, the other set for 10 months on the sidelines with a gambling ban. Tonali played in a Champions League semi-final for AC Milan last season. He will not for Newcastle this year, regardless of how far they progress. Wednesday’s game could be his last. “I’m expecting him to be available,” manager Eddie Howe said. If not, his plans may require a late rethink, Tonali’s campaign already curtailed. Dortmund arrive at St James’ Park with certain advantages in a shared conundrum. They had plenty of time to prepare for Bellingham’s departure: from the moment it became clear Erling Haaland would be their big sale of 2022, it seemed obvious the midfielder would be 2023’s cash cow. They received some €103m, whereas Newcastle paid £55m, the second biggest sum in their history, for Tonali. They will derive precious little benefit from it for the rest of this campaign and if their owners’ coffers are scarcely empty, Financial Fair Play limits their room for manoeuvre. Barring significant sales or a loan with an obligation to buy, there will be no £50m midfielder arriving in January to replace him. “It is too early for meetings to decide that,” said Howe, but his options may be limited. And Newcastle, who established a reputation as astute planners, were caught by surprise by the Italian Football Federation and the police’s investigations into Tonali. Both Howe and the Tyneside crowd have struck a supportive note, and Tonali’s apparent gambling addiction means he merits sympathy, but they thought they had signed a player who, along with Bruno Guimaraes, was supposed to be a cornerstone of their midfield for years. Dortmund’s answer to their own void might be deemed typical in several respects. For one, they did not spend all the money they banked: they are no strangers to transfer-market profits and tend to end up in the black roughly every other year. Some of the Bellingham bounty went on Niclas Fullkrug, a striker designed to compensate for the loss of Haaland, albeit one who has had a slow start. Around half the Bellingham millions went on midfielders. Felix Nmecha, bought from Wolfsburg at 22, is older than the Englishman but still conforms to the Dortmund model, a rising star with potentially big resale value, though his arrival came cloaked in controversy after he shared social media posts that led to accusations of homophobia and transphobia. Marcel Sabitzer, bought from Bayern Munich at 29, forms part of a growing trend. It may be harsh to say Dortmund take Bayern’s cast-offs or that their strategy is to take players not deemed quite good enough for the champions and thus finish second in the Bundesliga. But if the traffic of players south to Bavaria is more famous, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule and Sabitzer form an ex-Bayern contingent at the Signal Iduna Park. One criticism may be that it is an acceptance of being second best. Dortmund’s broader problem might be familiar: whoever they targeted, they were never going to get a replacement of Bellingham’s calibre, and the same could be said when players such as Haaland and Robert Lewandowski left. But now, with Dortmund goalless in the Champions League, thoughts could be cast back a year, when Bellingham scored in each of their first four group games and when he was the biggest factor in their progression to the last 16. They could do with finding such a catalyst in an altogether tougher pool. Tonali’s Champions League campaign now may be brief but memorable: granted a euphoric reception on his homecoming at San Siro as Newcastle drew 0-0 with AC Milan, he then played in one of St James’ Park’s great European nights, the 4-1 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain. Now Dortmund may be his final outing until the 2024-25 campaign. That may render it unforgettable for the Italian, whatever happens. His imminent absence will leave Howe, instead of the deluxe upgrade Tonali was supposed to represent and with the exception of Guimaraes, with a midfield who were in a team that was winless at this stage two years ago: he inherited Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock, and did not even pick the Geordie for his first game in charge. Each has improved exponentially in his reign but Newcastle may have to rely on hustle and bustle where they had looked for an injection of class. His Dortmund counterpart Edin Terzic has not had the luxury of spending £400m in his reign. But when they are side by side in the technical areas at St James’ Park, he may be able to empathise as each wonders what to do when he has a hole at the heart of his side. Read More Eddie Howe opens up on ‘hardest part ahead’ for Sandro Tonali Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards Newcastle issue update on Sandro Tonali amid investigation into illegal betting
2023-10-25 14:24
Fans gush over George Stephanopoulos and wife Ali Wentworth's 'timeless' beach snap as she bids farewell to summer
Fans gush over George Stephanopoulos and wife Ali Wentworth's 'timeless' beach snap as she bids farewell to summer
'GMA' George Stephanopoulos' wife Ali Wentworth shared a summer farewell post on her Instagram as they bid adieu to the season
2023-09-06 12:11
Marketmind: Spotlight falls on South Korea, Indonesia rate calls
Marketmind: Spotlight falls on South Korea, Indonesia rate calls
By Jamie McGeever A look at the day ahead in Asian markets from Jamie McGeever, financial markets columnist.
2023-08-24 05:48
Adults over 65 admit they’re baffled by digital terms including ‘smartphone’
Adults over 65 admit they’re baffled by digital terms including ‘smartphone’
Do you know your phishing from malware? One in six older adults admit they are completely “baffled” by digital terms. A study of 2,000 over-65s found the likes of hyperlinks, phishing and “The Cloud” are among the jargon which leaves people scratching their heads. Processor, malware and USB-C also made the top 20 list of confusing terms - with cookies, IP addresses and smishing also featuring highly. It also emerged 11 per cent think digital terms are so complicated that a foreign language would be easier to learn. To help older people get a better understanding of online jargon, BT Group has partnered with AbilityNet and lexicographer Susie Dent, to create a Digital Dictionary consisting of the 21 most commonly misunderstood words used on the internet. Susie said: “Whilst so much of modern life seems easier online – whether that’s booking a doctor’s appointment, managing your finances, or doing the weekly shop – we’re forgetting one crucial thing: it’s only easier if you understand the language the web is built on. “So, it’s great that this Digital Dictionary is a guide that simplifies the language.” The survey also found the over-65s spend just five and a half hours a week online, with 78 per cent feeling left behind by their lack of knowledge. Just over half (54 per cent) wish they were more knowledgeable when it comes to computing, but 17 per cent of these feel a lack of motivation. Other issues include feeling there is simply too much to learn or needing someone to show them what to do. But 16 per cent worry others will see them as a burden if they ask for help understanding different areas of technology. The main feeling for people who struggle with online jargon is frustration, though others feel silly, or stupid. And while easy access to information (31 per cent), convenience (17 per cent) and keeping in touch with friends and family (15 per cent) were deemed good things about the online world, many had negative things to say. A third (34 per cent) say their least-liked thing about being online is scams, with 14 per cent having privacy concerns. One in 10 (10 per cent) also stress that not every piece of information they see online is credible, according to the OnePoll.com figures. Victoria Johnson, spokesperson for BT Group added: “As younger generations grow up with the internet, it gets even harder for older generations to understand ever-changing online jargon. “But for anyone who isn’t a digital native and didn’t grow up with smartphones or super-fast broadband, it can feel like a whole new world to some. “It’s a shame to see from the research that older adults feel they are a burden when asking for help navigating their way online. “We want to create a more inclusive society by helping them make the most of life in the digital world. “We hope that the variety of online guides will give people the confidence to start exploring the internet and will give them all the training and support needed to live life to the full in the digital age.” The Jargon over 65s don’t understand: 1. Smishing 2. Vishing 3. Hyperlink 4. USB-C 5. Ransomware 6. URL 7. Phishing 8. QR code 9. Cloud 10. Malware 11. IP address 12. Cookies 13. Streaming 14. Tabs 15. Processor 16. Spam 17. Antivirus 18. Hardware 19. Browser 20. Upload 21. USB 22. Social media 23. Emoji 24. Webpage 25. App 26. Google 27. Download 28. Search Engine 29. Software 30. Smartphone Read More Brits think investing is for the super-rich, poll finds Brits get itchy feet in their home after five years, study finds The AI scams that are targeting young adults Elon Musk to live stream himself gaming on X in ‘everything app’ bid Japan startup unveils 15-foot robot suit for space exploration Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones
2023-10-02 22:38
Stabbing 'rampage' injures at least 12 in South Korea
Stabbing 'rampage' injures at least 12 in South Korea
A man his 20s has been arrested following an incident southeast of the capital, Seoul.
2023-08-03 21:51
National Eating Disorders Association takes its AI chatbot offline after complaints of 'harmful' advice
National Eating Disorders Association takes its AI chatbot offline after complaints of 'harmful' advice
An eating disorder prevention organization said it had to take its AI-powered chatbot offline after some complained the tool began offering "harmful" and "unrelated" advice to those coming to it for support.
2023-06-01 22:56
When Does LoLdle Refresh?
When Does LoLdle Refresh?
The LoLdle website refreshes each clue after a 24 hour period. It resets each night at midnight, which gives players ample time to complete the games.
1970-01-01 08:00
Andrea Evans' final Instagram post weeks before her tragic death leaves fans heartbroken
Andrea Evans' final Instagram post weeks before her tragic death leaves fans heartbroken
Evans' notable roles were appearances on ‘The Young and the Restless’, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, and NBC's 'Passions'
2023-07-11 15:55
The driest place in North America has sprung to life with lakes and flowers after Hurricane Hilary
The driest place in North America has sprung to life with lakes and flowers after Hurricane Hilary
California's Death Valley is the hottest place in the world and the driest place in North America. Two months after Hurricane Hilary's epic rainfall, parts of the national park look more oasis than desert.
2023-10-25 16:17
The Flash mocked for bizarre 'baby in a microwave' scene
The Flash mocked for bizarre 'baby in a microwave' scene
The Flash movie is officially in cinemas and it's fair to say that it has received a lukewarm to negative response from fans and critics. Although the movie pays a lot of fan service to the character and history of DC Comics it has been criticised for its shonky CGI and 'grotesque' cameos of deceased actors. There is also the issues and numerous controversies surrounding lead actor Ezra Miller. Now one particular scene in the movie has raised eyebrows just for how absurd it is. Warning: This article obviously contains spoilers for The Flash so don't read any more if you want to see it. Early in the movie The Flash, aka Barry Allen is called into action to save citizens from the collapsing wing of a hospital which includes several babies falling from a great height. Sign up to our new Indy100 weekly newsletter Now due to the Flash being able to move at incredible speeds, he is able to do seemingly complex things in the blink of an eye. So, in order to save the falling babies The Flash places one of them in a microwave to protect it from the flying debris and shrapnel. Yes, a microwave... Only one baby goes into a microwave while the other kids are placed in a line and safely fall on to a stretcher that the Flash has laid on the ground. Now, this is all fairly standard goofy superhero fare and isn't unlike anything that you would see in comic books but the scene has since gone viral and out of context looks very strange indeed. Yet people who have seen the movie are still completely baffled by what they had just witnessed. It remains to be seen how successful The Flash will be despite the negativity but Deadline does report that it is protected to make $72 million at the box office in its first 4 opening days. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-06-17 18:01
A judge called an FBI operative a 'villain.' Ruling comes too late for 2 convicted in terror sting
A judge called an FBI operative a 'villain.' Ruling comes too late for 2 convicted in terror sting
A federal judge recently ordered the release of three of the “Newburgh Four,” who were arrested in 2009 in a fictitious plot to destroy military planes and New York synagogues
2023-08-08 12:04
SoftBank’s Arm Files for IPO That Could Be 2023’s Biggest
SoftBank’s Arm Files for IPO That Could Be 2023’s Biggest
SoftBank Group Corp. semiconductor unit Arm filed for what is set to be the year’s largest US initial
2023-08-22 04:42