List of All Articles with Tag 'epsocmag'

It might not necessarily be considered a typical football nation, but a striking new academy has been launched in Pakistan with Uefa-accredited coaches. Lahore, the capital of the Punjab in Pakistan and the country’s second-largest city, will now offer a football academy. Called the Legends Academy, it enrols over 300 children, both boys and girls, who take part in regular training sessions. Owner of the academy, Hamza Syed said: “It’s the only one in the country that offers Uefa-licensed coaching. We had another initiative four or five years ago but it collapsed and we are the only one and so far we’ve got 300 kids.” The country has its own Pakistan Premier League, with 16 teams, and although the stadiums are small, it is an important step. Syed added: “My three coaches are all ex-Premier League, Liverpool, Arsenal and the third one is arriving tomorrow morning was at Manchester United, and he was very senior he used to run the under-9s and under-6s as an elite coach. “This is a first of its kind venture in Pakistan.” Football is a growing sport in Pakistan. The World Cup was available on television, and while you may not find children playing from dawn till dusk like you would cricket, it is increasingly popular. Syed said: “The response has been fantastic. In the space (since launching a few months ago) we have 300 kids. Cricket is the national sport but in the city schools everyone follows the big leagues in Europe, everyone knows what’s going on, everyone wants to be Aguero. “Football is big, I would say it’s a misconception [that it isn’t].” The Lahore-based academy has girls in every age group, although the majority of children are boys. It is currently fee-paying to enrol into sessions, but Syed is hoping that can change with further investment more scholarships can be offered. The dream, as always, is to eventually have a Pakistani footballer playing in one of the top leagues in Europe, in a hope that would further encourage everyone in the country to take up the sport. Read More Officials use soccer to highlight climate worries in India's ecologically fragile Ladakh region Arsene Wenger reveals his blueprint for the future of football Ukraine vs England LIVE: Latest updates from Euro 2024 qualifying Harry Kane admits it ‘hurt’ watching England peers win titles while Tottenham toiled Man Utd winger Antony appears on Brazilian TV to deny assault allegations

England are taking on Ukraine in Poland tonight as qualifying for Euro 2024 continues with a meeting at the Tarczynski Arena between the top two sides in Group C. Gareth Southgate’s side already have four wins from four games on the board and sit atop Group C, and victory here over second-placed Ukraine would almost guarantee qualification for the tournament in Germany next summer. This is England’s only competitive match of the September international break, with a friendly against Scotland to come next week. Ukraine are having to stage the fixture in the Polish city of Wroclaw due to the ongoing war at home following Russia’s invasion of the country. They are in a tussle with European champions Italy to take the group’s second automatic qualification spot. Ukraine come into the game with six points from three games, while Italy – who take on North Macedonia later tonight – have three points from two fixtures so far. Follow all the latest from Ukraine vs England below. Read More Harry Kane admits it ‘hurt’ watching England peers win titles while Tottenham toiled Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is one of a kind, says England manager Gareth Southgate

England are closing in on a spot at next summer’s European Championship in Germany after four consecutive victories in qualifying. Gareth Southgate’s men are six points clear of nearest rivals Ukraine and will move nine points ahead should they defeat their hosts this evening. The Three Lions have excelled against Ukraine in recent meetings running out 4-0 winners against them in Euro 2020 before goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were enough to earn England a victory when the nations clashed at Wembley back in March. Kane will also captain England on his first international appearance since joining Bayern Munich this summer. Due to the ongoing Russian invasion of their country, Ukraine have been playing their international matches in Poland with this game going ahead in Wroclaw. Southgate’s team selection with be a hot topic of conversation with Harry Maguire set to feature despite only making one appearance for Manchester United this season and Raheem Sterling excluded from the squad. England’s qualifier against Ukraine in their only competitive match of September’s international break but they also play Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match, plus all the latest football odds and the latest offers and tips ahead of Ukraine vs England here: When is Ukraine vs England? Ukraine host England in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Saturday 9 September at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland with kick off at 5pm. Where can I watch it? Channel 4 will be airing the game in the UK and have exclusive live coverage of the rest of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers. Coverage is scheduled to start at 4pm and is available to watch via a free live stream on the Channel 4 website and app. What is the team news? Mykhailo Mudryk returned to action for Chelsea at the weekend as he overcame an injury and is in line to start for Ukraine but experienced midfielders Ruslan Malinovskyi and Yevhen Konoplyanka have not been included in Serhiy Rebrov’s squad. John Stones, Reece James and Mason Mount are all missing due to injuries with Raheem Sterling and James Ward-Prowse not selected. Jordan Henderson could feature despite moving to the Saudi Pro League while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish have withdrawn from the squad. Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and James Maddison are competing to join Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the forward line. Predicted line-ups Ukraine XI: Trubin, Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Kryvtsov, Matviyenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov, Yarmolenko, Buyalskyi, Tsygankov, Vanat England XI: Pickford, Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Chilwell, Rice, Henderson, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Rashford Odds and tips Ukraine 7/1 Draw 7/2 England 12/25 Latest odds here. Prediction England have dominated Group C during this qualifying campaign and will once again get the better of Ukraine despite missing a few key players. An impressive victory will all but confirm their place at next summer’s Euros. England 3-0 Ukraine Read More England can benefit from Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich – Gareth Southgate Premier League playing time for England-qualified players drops again Raheem Sterling may have no way back as Gareth Southgate shows his hard edge

Harry Kane said that it “hurt” to watch his England teammates winning titles and going the distance in the Champions League, as he insists the Premier League goalscoring record was never a motivation. The new Bayern Munich signing said that the fact that it was “the one thing missing” from his career hung over him, and that was ultimately why he left Tottenham Hotspur. Kane said he is enjoying the pressure of having to win every Bundesliga match convincingly, compared to how two Spurs games without winning “wasn’t a disaster”. “As a competitor, when the boys are playing the Champions League and I am just sitting at home watching it, I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that hurt,” Kane said, as Kyle Walker’s incredible medal record was put to him. “Of course, I want them to do well - Kyle and all those guys to win when they are in competitions I am not in - but a part of me wants to have those experiences. With the other players in the team having done that, I am not sure jealous is the right word, but it does motivate me to go on and try to push myself towards some of those trophies the guys have got.” He also stressed the Premier League record never factored into his thinking. “I think there was a lot of talk about it and the fact I was getting closer to it but I have never been anybody who has chased individual honours ahead of team awards. “I have said before in interviews, ultimately it comes down to me to see how good I can be and I felt like I had to be playing Champions League football and competing for titles each year. Bayern Munich definitely gives me that. “The record of course would be amazing and it might be amazing if one day I do end up breaking it. But it is not why I play football and my move shows that.” Kane has already been struck by how exacting it is at Bayern, something he relishes. “It’s definitely a different pressure compared to what I felt at Spurs. Of course we wanted to win things at Spurs but if you went a couple of games without winning then it wasn’t a disaster. The feeling at Bayern is that you have to win every game. We won the first two games 4-0 and 3-1 and there was still talk about not being too happy about the way we played. That’s part and parcel of being at one of the biggest clubs in the world. But we’ve had a good start and I’m enjoying feeling those different emotions and that’s part of the reason that I wanted to go. And we start the Champions League campaign when we get back, which they expect to win – or have a good chance of winning. So you’re going into those games with maybe a different feeling to what I’ve had in the past.” Kane meanwhile said it had been pointed out to him how the 2024 Champions League final is at Wembley, that he could potentially win with his German club, and that the Euro 2024 final is in Berlin that he could win with England. “Yes! I have been told about the Champions League final in Wembley, for sure. I know the Euros are in Germany next summer so if there’s someone out there writing a movie, I will try and do my best to make it happen! It’s hard. There’s so much time to go I don’t want to think about it too much, but if it did happen it would be incredible.”

Manchester United have denied that they attempted to cover up allegations of physical abuse levelled at Brazilian winger Antony by his ex-girlfriend. The 23-year-old was dropped by Brazil after accusations of physical aggression on a number of occasions since January towards his former partner Gabriela Cavallin. Antony, who has made 31 appearances since Cavallin made a complaint to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in January, has denied the claims. Cavallin’s lawyers have suggested to Sao Paulo Civil Police that United sent a player-support officer to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester, where an alleged assault took place in January, and that the officer called for a club doctor to assess her injuries to deter her from attending hospital and arousing suspicion. Her lawyers have asked Sao Paulo Police to investigate the support officer’s actions and have requested CCTV footage from the hotel, according to reports in Brazil. However, Manchester United issued a short statement rejecting the claims. “Any suggestion that the club covered up these allegations is categorically false,” it read. In an interview with Brazilian website UOL – which also published photographs and screenshots of messages between the pair – Cavallin claims she was attacked by Antony “with a headbutt” in the Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment. Cavallin, a social media influencer, also alleges she was punched in the chest by Antony, which she claims caused damage to a silicone breast implant which required corrective surgery back in Brazil. Another alleged incident is claimed to have taken place at a house on 8 May, with Cavallin saying she suffered a cut finger while trying to protect herself, accusing Antony of throwing a glass cup towards her as well as then taking her passport. Cavallin is said to have filed a report to Sao Paulo Civil Police concerning allegations of physical and verbal abuse by Antony while on holiday in Brazil during June 2022, when she was pregnant, as well as making a separate complaint to GMP. “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries,” said an initial club statement. “Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments. As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.” Brazil have dropped Antony from their squad for their upcoming international fixtures but United have not said whether the player remains available for selection. Writing on Instagram earlier this week, Antony, who signed for United from Ajax in an £85.5m deal in September 2022, dismissed the claims as “false accusations”. “From the beginning I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications before the police authority,” he wrote. “However, I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made. “My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression. Therefore, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the entire disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify whatever is necessary. “I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.” Additional reporting by PA

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso has filed a legal complaint over an unsolicited kiss by football federation boss Luis Rubiales following Spain’s win over England in the Women’s World Cup final, the national prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday. With the complaint, Rubiales could face criminal charges in addition to the ongoing probe by Spain’s top sport court for “serious misconduct” and an investigation by world governing body Fifa. The kiss occurred minutes after Spain won the World Cup, immediately prior to lifting the trophy as the squad received their medals and passed a line of dignitaries – one of which was Rubiales in his position as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (Rfef). There, he was seen planting a kiss on Hermoso’s lips – which the player says was not consensual and Rubiales insists that it was. While the crisis engulfing Spanish football has centred around Rubiales’ position and conduct, it has not been limited to the president, with head coach Jorge Vilda sacked from his post this week and claiming it to have been an “unfair” decision. Rubiales, meanwhile, continues to protest his innocence in the situation, releasing a statement to say “justice will be served” and that “information [...] is being subjected to numerous manipulations, lies, and censorship”. Spanish prosecutors initially opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault, with the office now saying the legal complaint has been filed. The national sports tribunal also opened a misconduct case against Rubiales, ruling the kiss on Hermoso constituted a “serious offence”, but not one to the degree which would have resulted in his suspension. However, he has already been suspended from his duties by Fifa, while Uefa also said his behaviour was “inappropriate”, but are leaving any sanctions to the game’s governing body to hand out. Meanwhile, the Rfef’s regional leaders have called for Rubiales’ resignation from the head of the organisation. Rubiales’ mother locked herself in a church and went on a hunger strike as the controversy around her son broke out, insisting she was “willing to die” to protest his innocence. However, she was eventually taken to hospital for treatment. Former England international Jill Scott said this week that the saga had “overshadowed” the enormous sporting achievement of the Spanish squad having won the World Cup, while every member of the squad have refused to play for Spain again while Rubiales remains head of the federation. Neither Hermoso’s representatives nor Rubiales were immediately available for comment. Read More Sacked Jorge Vilda defends clapping Luis Rubiales’ ‘I will not resign’ speech Luis Rubiales fallout live: Spain boss Vilda hits out at ‘unfair’ sacking Jill Scott says World Cup kiss saga ‘overshadowed’ Spain playing ‘great football’

Manchester United have said they take “seriously” the allegations that Brazilian winger Antony attacked his ex-girlfriend, but the club have not confirmed whether an internal investigation will now take place. Brazil have dropped the 23-year-old from their upcoming international fixtures, but United have not clarified whether he remains in contention for club selection. “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the Police are conducting enquiries,” a statement read. “Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments. “As a club we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.” In an interview with Brazilian website UOL – which also published photographs and screenshots of messages between the pair – Gabriela Cavallin claims she was attacked by Antony “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment from a doctor. Cavallin, a social media influencer, also alleges she was punched in the chest by Antony, which she claims caused damage to a silicone breast implant which required corrective surgery back in Brazil. Another alleged incident is claimed to have taken place at a house on 8 May, with Cavallin saying she suffered a cut finger while trying to protect herself, accusing Brazil international Antony of throwing a glass cup towards her as well as then taking her passport. Cavallin is said to have filed a report to the Sao Paulo Civil Police concerning allegations of physical and verbal abuse by Antony while on holiday in Brazil during June 2022, when she was pregnant, as well as making a separate complaint to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Writing on Instagram, Antony, who signed for United from Ajax in an £85.5m deal in September 2022, protested his innocence in response to what he called “false accusations”. “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations I have been the victim of,” Antony said. “From the beginning I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications before the police authority. The police investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public. However, I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made. “My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression. At each moment, whether in testimony or in an interview, she presents a different version of the accusations. “Therefore, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the entire disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify whatever is necessary. I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.”

For Eddie Nketiah, it is a story of Arsenal royalty and Chelsea rejects. A first senior call-up for the record scorer in the history of the England Under-21s capped a fine start to the season and came after a reunion. Nketiah and Declan Rice were players who thought their dreams had died, south Londoners who were released by Chelsea as teenagers. Now they could be teammates for club and country: one is currently Arsenal’s first-choice forward, the other their £105m record signing. “It is funny how life works sometimes,” Nketiah reflected. “We have done the full 360 to be back together. I was there from the ages of nine and it came as a shock to me because I was doing well at the time. Obviously Declan was of that age group as well and had a similar experience.” Rice was the first to taste disappointment; two years later, Nketiah was deemed too small. Each could seem a costly mistake; then it was a crushing blow to them. “I think it gives you an awakening and just knowing that things can change like that: that you can lose everything you have worked for,” he said. “It gives you that extra bit of motivation and resilience when times are hard. I’m able to dig a level deeper than maybe some people can or don’t want to go into.” Arsenal helped him dig, rebuilding his confidence with the aid of their two greatest goalscorers of all time. Ian Wright became a mentor. Thierry Henry coached him in the academy. His best advice to Nketiah was motivational, not tactical. “Probably just to believe in yourself,” said the younger forward. “He came in and saw the quality I had when I was 16 or 17 and said that I just needed to believe in myself, whatever anyone else said. That is what is going to drive you, to motivate you.” They may seem simple words but the stature of the man delivering them meant they had added meaning. “He knows what he’s talking about, so it’s not a bad feeling,” Nketiah said. As a player, he may share more similarities with Wright than the World Cup winner but there is an echo of Henry whenever he dons the Arsenal kit. The No 14 shirt used to be the Frenchman’s. “Thierry wearing it has made it a lot more special,” Nketiah said. “When the number was available and offered to me, it was something that I embraced. I’m not here to try and recreate Thierry’s moments. I’m here to put my own stamp on it and create my own special memories in the shirt.” Which, at times, he has done: January’s 90th-minute winner against Manchester United was an indication of the merits of a predator. Nketiah has taken advantage of Gabriel Jesus’ absence to start three of four league games this season. And yet the shirt number can have another meaning: Nketiah has often seemed roughly the 14th man, the perennial substitute. Two-thirds of his Premier League appearances have come off the bench. When he was loaned to Leeds in 2019-20, 15 of his 17 Championship outings under Marcelo Bielsa came as a replacement. Much as Nketiah wants to start, the temptation is to wonder if his excellence as a substitute helps account for Gareth Southgate’s decision to select him: in a squad where Harry Kane’s pre-eminence among the strikers is established, England may want a game-changer in reserve. A perennial starter for his club, like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, has less experience of being sent on in the dying minutes of major matches. That status as the regular reserve may account for his Under-21 scoring record: without playing enough club football, he was less likely to be promoted to the senior set-up and so ended up with 16 goals in 17 caps. Meanwhile, this month marks six years since his Arsenal debut: he has been overtaken by Bukayo Saka, two years his junior but with 28 full caps to his name. Nketiah, meanwhile, was courted by Ghana. The England call-up came at an opportune time, when Nketiah was at home, surrounded by family and a friend. “When I got the text it was surreal. I am usually a calm guy but I did lose a little bit of composure for a 10 seconds or so,” he said. “My parents were really emotional. They sacrificed a lot for me to get here and it was really nice to see that happiness and pride on their faces.” His father used to drive him to every game and booked flights to watch him on tour. His mother would stay up late, washing his kit. His sisters would finish school, come home and put him on a train to first Chelsea’s Cobham training ground and then Arsenal’s Hale End academy. The journey was not a simple or straightforward one but Nketiah is now on the brink of an England debut. Read More Eddie Nketiah ready to make “own story” for Gareth Southgate’s England in upcoming internationals Mikel Arteta hails Eddie Nketiah’s fight to play for England after first call-up England can benefit from Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich – Gareth Southgate

Eddie Nketiah insists he never felt that his chance to represent England had passed him, by even after Arsenal team-mates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe got the jump on him on the international stage. The 24-year-old, England’s all-time record goalscorer at Under-21 level, received his first senior call-up for the upcoming games against Ukraine and Scotland but is now ready to make his “own story” with Gareth Southgate’s side. Nketiah made his Arsenal debut six years ago and last turned out for the Under-21s in 2021. He has scored 34 goals in 136 games for the Gunners, starting with a memorable home debut off the bench against Norwich - scoring a brace to secure victory in an EFL Cup tie. Despite bursting onto the scene, Nketiah’s options were limited to the lesser cup competitions and a disappointing loan spell at Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship was seen as another setback. All the while, Saka and Smith Rowe were emerging as the next precocious academy talent off the Hale End production line - the former now a firm favourite of England boss Gareth Southgate. Asked if he was concerned he may have missed his own international opportunity, Nketiah replied: “I’m still young. “Everyone’s journey is different. In this day and age everyone needs to focus on their own story and their own journey, not look at anyone else’s. Our career paths have been totally different. We’ve had different opportunities at different times. “I’ve always been someone who’s trusted in God, trust in myself, believe in the process step by step. It might not always happen exactly when you want it but if you keep putting in the work and doing the right things it will come. “I am playing for a great club and a big club at Arsenal. These tough games will be a different and new experience but it is about doing as well as I can, showing my quality this week, and hopefully getting an opportunity to go out there and help the team. “I think I am a much better player now than I was two or three years ago. It is really nice and I am coming in at a good time. “I feel confident and I feel ready to continue to improve - that is the thing, I’m still young and humble enough to know I am not the finished article. “Coming away with these players and being able to show my quality and learn from them is really good for me and (to) continue to take those steps in my career.” Nketiah could have opted to switch allegiances, with Ghana - the birthplace of his parents - putting feelers out to attract him to play for the Black Stars. But, once the England call came, the former Chelsea youngster knew he had made the right decision. He added: “I think obviously both sides were always an option. “I think naturally coming through the academy at England, you have the aspiration to play here and once the call-up was there and the offer was on the table it was really hard to turn down, something which I felt was a natural progression for myself at this stage. “I felt now was a good time to make that step so obviously I’m really happy to be here and proud to be here. Hopefully I can go on and help the team this week and get some caps.” Read More Premier League playing time for England-qualified players drops again Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of upcoming England fixtures Lewis Hall among three England Under-20 players to train with senior squad Premier League playing time for England-qualified players drops again Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus hopes he has seen the last of knee niggles Mikel Arteta hails Eddie Nketiah’s fight to play for England after first call-up

The Spanish Football Federation has sacked women’s manager Jorge Vilda only two weeks after winning the World Cup amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales crisis. Vilda’s entire playing and coaching staff resigned in protest against Rubiales, the Federation (RFEF) president who refused to step down over his conduct during the final in which he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Spain’s trophy presentation. He was also pictured handling other players, kissing them on the cheek and grabbing his own crotch in an aggressive celebration. Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity and banned from contacting Hermoso or those close to her while an investigation is carried out. In a speech made to RFEF officials and the media, Rubiales refused to resign and hit out at a “witch hunt” against him – and Vilda was pictured in the audience applauding the man who appointed him as head coach of the women’s team in 2015. Vilda later issued a statement condemning Rubiales’ conduct but did not resign, and he has now been removed from his post, according to multiple reports in Spain. Vilda has long been a controversial and unpopular figure among the Spanish squad. His team looked to be on the brink of implosion 12 months ago when 15 players made themselves unavailable for selection, saying that the environment of the national team was having a negative impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They complained about the oppressive nature of Vilda’s managerial regime and were unhappy about how outdated the international set-up seemed. Some of the arrangements, like travelling long distances by bus or not having staff in certain key roles, fell well below their standards at club level and they did not feel the Spanish FA was given them the best chance of fulfilling a unique generation of talent. Other complaints included the coach’s demands that their hotel room doors remain unlocked until midnight, and that their bags were routinely checked. Meanwhile, the current RFEF president, Pedro Rocha, has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales’ actions, saying he is “ashamed” by them. “The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values ​​of football and sport as a whole have been enormous,” Rocha’s letter said. “Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values ​​of Spanish society as a whole. “His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice. To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.” more to follow... Read More Luis Rubiales speaks out to ‘continue defending myself’ over kiss scandal Spain manager asks for ‘forgiveness’ after applauding Luis Rubiales speech Watch: Wiegman dedicates Women’s Coach of the Year award to Spain players

Jurgen Klopp hasn’t had a knock on his office door. But Dominik Szoboszlai heard the speech in the dressing room. Mohamed Salah had told his teammates he is staying, the Hungarian reported. The Egyptian, according to his manager, has never come to tell him he was leaving. The German, seeing Salah’s commitment in matches and training, noting his input in meetings of the players’ leadership group, had not felt the need to ask him if his next match would be for Al-Ittihad. “For me it wasn’t a subject for one second, to be honest,” Klopp said. Perhaps only for him. Klopp could brush aside a £150m bid, with a breezy indifference to the prospect of a windfall, because of Salah’s attitude. “I never had any doubt about his commitment to this club,” he said. “You can’t imagine how much fuss the world has made but how calm we are with it. He is our player and wants to play here.” Which, Szoboszlai said, was the message conveyed to the rest of the side. The Saudi Pro League transfer window remains open but Liverpool’s position is unchanging: Salah is not for sale. The 3-0 win over Aston Villa was his latest tour de force, but there were few signs it will prove his last: there was no wave that could be interpreted as a farewell on the pitch afterwards, his hug with Klopp was brief while the manager paid more attention to Jarell Quansah. There was a feel of normality, though these are abnormal times. More than a few would be distracted by the prospect of becoming the best-paid player in the world: not Salah. Other footballers, from Matheus Nunes to Wilfried Gnonto, went on strike towards the end of the window. Salah instead struck against Villa. Such dissent as he has shown this season came at Chelsea on the opening weekend when he contrived to rip a relatively small bandage into several pieces and fling it on the pitch in his annoyance at being substituted. Yet it was all a sign of an enduring ambition: to play, to excel. The signs are that it is to continue at Liverpool. He has propelled himself to greatness in Europe in a way that was not preordained – not for a player from his background, not for a fringe figure at Chelsea – and perhaps he is reluctant to give up his spot at the top table. Saudi Arabia may not be a retirement home for everyone, but it is for some. Salah’s old sidekicks Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are there, the Senegalese after a troubled season at Bayern Munich, the Brazilian when his race felt run, but Salah is in the sort of shape to suggest that, even at 31, he is not entering his dotage. Even as Erling Haaland seems to have supplanted him as the annual Golden Boot winner, he may be more creative than before. Perhaps no forward in the Premier League presents such an all-round threat. As the best-paid player in Liverpool’s history, he is scarcely a pauper. Yet, in a time of transition at Anfield, when the side of 2024 may not reach the heights of some of its recent predecessors, it is notable that Salah has given no indications he is going. And this when he had more reasons to decamp to Saudi Arabia than most. The inexplicable element is that Al-Ittihad left their approach so late: as the best Arab footballer on the planet and, along with Karim Benzema, the outstanding Muslim player, Salah is seen as a flagship signing, a long-term target for the league as a whole. But that time may now have to be next summer, if not later. Liverpool will tend to sell anyone when three criteria are met: when the offer is big enough, when the player wants to go and when Klopp has the time to recruit a replacement, should he need one. Al-Ittihad only ticked one of those three boxes and increasing the bid to, say, £200m would not change that. If Klopp, his players and the fanbase who sang about their Egyptian king are in harmony, the most intriguing element of the Liverpool coalition is the owners. Fenway Sports Group traded their way to the top; Liverpool’s rise was financed in part by selling very well. Financial logic dictates that nine-figure sums for players in their thirties must be accepted. The case for keeping Salah is partly footballing, partly fiscal, given the value of Champions League qualification, partly a case of morale and status and keeping Klopp happy. But taking £40m for Fabinho, who seemed an old 29 last season, represented the kind of offer they were otherwise unlikely to get; £12m for a 33-year-old Jordan Henderson definitely was. Taking £150m for Salah, who could leave on a free transfer in 2025, might have seemed a no-brainer. But it would also be accepting defeat; for Liverpool but maybe for Salah, too. Read More Jurgen Klopp gives update on Mohamed Salah Saudi Arabia transfer As Saudi clubs prepare world-record bid, Mohamed Salah shows his true value to Liverpool Liverpool reinvented as midfield shuffle hints at Jurgen Klopp’s past Andy Robertson expects Mohamed Salah to stay at Liverpool despite Saudi interest Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool’s stance on keeping hold of Mohamed Salah will not waver Jurgen Klopp gives update on Mohamed Salah Saudi Arabia transfer

Fantasy Premier League managers get one free transfer a week to make but with the competition in full flow some may have saved up for two free switches to their teams while others will be considering a four-point hit or more to maximise the chances of success. Here are five players who we think are worthwhile considering as the Premier League heads into the new gameweek, judging by upcoming fixtures and individual player form. Destiny Udogie, Tottenham - Defender (4.7) In his last three matches, the defender has recorded 22 points, making him a good option for those looking to move some things around and free up some money in their team. He has already notched up two assists this season, and Spurs’ next match is against Sheffield United, although rotation may be expected with Liverpool and Arsenal to come afterwards. After those two difficult matches however it is a good run for Tottenham going forward. Udogie could be a high-scoring option, especially if there is flexibility to rotate him out for the difficult matches. Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford - Midfielder (6.8) Mbeumo has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, averaging 8.2 points per match and has already scored four goals. While Newcastle away next week might be a tough ask for Brentford, there are matches against Everton and Nottingham Forest afterward. While not necessarily a cheap option, he can offer a more affordable option than other midfielders. Julian Alvarez, Manchester City - Forward (6.7) Forwards, and in particular Manchester City forwards often come with a high price tag, which makes Alvarez a relative bargain. He has averaged seven points a match, scoring two goals and recording three assists, especially during his 14 points during City’s dominant 5-1 win over Fulham at the weekend. With City’s next three fixtures coming against West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Wolves it could also be the ideal time to add in some extra support. James Maddison, Tottenham - Midfielder (7.8) Tottenham have won their last three matches, so on paper they look strong and it’s the right time to add their players to a squad. Maddison has been outstanding since joining the club, averaging 7.2 points a match, scoring two goals and providing two assists. It is a high price tag but could be worth the investment in the long run. Alphonse Areola, West Ham - Goalkeeper (4.1) Areola was known for his shot-stopping abilities when he was at Fulham, and seems to have taken over the number one spot at West Ham this season. As goalkeepers go he is a cheap option at just 4.1 million but he has averaged five points a match, including a memorable 10 points during the second gameweek against Chelsea. At a minimum, he is guaranteed to play every week, and with West Ham’s impressive start to the season he could be a good addition if the rest of your budget is allocated in other positions. The Hammers face Man City at home and Liverpool away next, but Areola could be a cheap option to pair with a more expensive goalkeeper who has difficult fixtures in gameweeks seven and eight, with the potential to score points against Sheffield United at home and Newcastle at home. Read More James Ward-Prowse, Raheem Sterling and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 4 Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 3 Ange Postecoglou expects Brennan Johnson to ‘fit in really well’ at Tottenham Tottenham ‘still at the beginning’ despite Burnley rout – Ange Postecoglou Erling Haaland on fire again for Man City and Tottenham continue fine start