Phil Parkinson says Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney “get it” when it comes to the football business, with “everybody out to beat Wrexham”.
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Takeover completed in 2021
Back-to-back promotions enjoyed
Not everything will go as planned
WHAT HAPPENED?
Hollywood co-owners arrived at SToK Racecourse in February 2021 as relative novices when it came to the world of soccer. They have, however, committed emotionally and financially to an ambitious project in North Wales that has delivered back-to-back promotions and plenty of drama for what is now an award-winning documentary series.
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WHAT PARKINSON SAID
Parkinson has been able to call upon the full support of those in the boardroom throughout his reign as manager, with the Red Dragons boss telling the podcast of what it is like to work under the brightest of sporting spotlights: “People want to speak to you when you win, but it’s about when you have bad days at the office – which you are inevitably going to have. You need that support and Rob and Ryan have been brilliant. They get it, they totally understand it. This is a competitive industry we’re in and everybody is out to beat Wrexham – they know that. It’s not going to go all our way, all the time. When we lose, we take the pain together. When we win, we enjoy those victories. It’s not when we lose ‘let’s blame Phil and the team’, we all look at it together and we move on.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Reynolds and McElhenney make a point of messaging Parkinson in the darker times, to let him know that they have his back, with the experienced coach adding on the need for everybody to pull in the same direction: “Support from the owners is huge. It’s good that they understand. They understand that the overall aim was to get promotion. In every season as a player or a manager where I have been successful, there have been times when it doesn’t go your way. The 111-point seasons, a record points total, they don’t happen! You are going to get beat, you are going to have bad days, you are going to get injuries to key players.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Parkinson does not get beaten very often – suffering only 27 losses through 165 games as Wrexham boss – but he is now preparing for an ever bigger challenge as the Red Dragons step up into League One and seek to ensure that they bring the right players in during the next transfer window.
تحدث فرج عمران نائب رئيس نادي الإسماعيلي، عن كواليس انتقال عمر الساعي إلى صفوف الأهلي، مشيراً إلى أزمة القيد التي يتعرض لها الدراويش.
وانتقل عمر الساعي إلى صفوف القلعة الحمراء مقابل 50 مليون جنيه، وسيدفع الأهلي 35 مليون جنيه كاش، بينما سيتم دفع 15 مليون جنيه خلال 3 أشهر، كما تم الاتفاق على إعارة 3 لاعبين للإسماعيلي، وفقًا لما أفاد به مراسل “بطولات”.
وقال عمران في تصريحات عبر قناة “dmc”: “مجلس الإدارة يحمل تركة كبيرة جدًا، ندفع مبالغ ضخمة لحل أزمة القيد، وللاعبين الذين ضغطوا علينا بشكل غير عادي، ونتمنى أن نُحقق آمال جماهير الإسماعيلي في عودة الفريق للمراكز المتقدمة”.
طالع أيضاً.. خاص | التفاصيل المالية لصفقة انضمام عمر الساعي إلى الأهلي
وتابع: “تمت الموافقة على انتقال عمر الساعي إلى الأهلي، والرقم هو 50 مليونًا، كنا نتمنى ضعف هذا الرقم ولكن هذا هو المتاح حاليًا، أما بالنسبة للإعارات التي سنحصل عليها، فـ بالتأكيد لا يوجد ناد سيفرط في لاعب نجمه لامع”.
وأضاف: “إيهاب جلال مستمر في قيادة فريق الإسماعيلي خلال الموسم الجديد، أعلم أن الجماهير حزينة من بيع اللاعبين، لكن إن شاء الله سنضم لاعبين أقوياء سيرفعون من قيمة النادي”.
وأكد: “عبد الرحمن مجدي انتقل إلى بيراميدز مقابل حوالي 40 مليونًا”.
وأتم: “نحن هدفنا أن نضع النادي في مكانة أفضل، نلجأ لهذا الحل وهو بيع اللاعبين لأن الأندية الشعبية ليس أمامها حلول أكثر من ذلك، وهدفنا بناء قوي للإسماعيلي من أجل المستقبل، من خلال الاعتماد على اللاعبين الشباب بجانب صفقات كبيرة تضيف لهم”.
The captain warned his team against getting stuck in predictable ways after their third defeat in a row
ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2019
Umesh Yadav and Virat Kohli try to come up with a plan•BCCI
Winless after three games, Royal Challengers Bangalore will need to be more “experimental” and “brave” when things aren’t going their way, if they are to turn their fortunes around this season. This was Virat Kohli’s view after Royal Challengers slipped to a 118-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, which he termed as one of his side’s “worst losses ever”.The platform for Sunrisers’ thumping win came from their openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner, who both made hundreds and put on 185 in just 16.2 overs. While giving the two batsmen credit for their “brilliant effort”, Kohli felt his bowlers could have varied their plans to them a little more.”Probably one of our worst losses ever. I mean, there’s literally nothing I can explain right now,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation. “Nothing went right for us from ball one, until the last wicket fell in our batting innings, so really difficult one to explain, I guess. We were outplayed in all departments by a quality, quality side, and this showed why they won the previous year, made the finals last year, and now they’re up and running again, so credit to them, they played really well and deserved to win.”We could have tried a few different things, probably [taking the] pace off the ball and a few more bouncers in our innings should have been good, but we really didn’t try anything once those guys got in. It was very difficult to contain runs, and a few of the edges just fell in between as well, you need some luck going your way, get a couple of wickets and stop the run flow.”But the way they batted, I think it was outstanding, just to show intent for 16-17 overs on the run is a brilliant effort, especially in the first innings, where we thought the ball wasn’t coming on as well as the second innings. So credit to both of them, they were world class today and they definitely deserved to be on the winning side.”Kohli once again stressed on the need to be more flexible, and not become predictable, when asked about Royal Challengers’ prospects for their next game, against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.”Well, the pitch is definitely going to be nice, so we’re going to be in with a contest again. We have to bring our A game to the table. What we did against Mumbai [Indians] is the kind of intensity we need to bring to the ground, and when things don’t go our way we need to be a bit more experimental, a bit more brave out there in the middle.”If we go through the motions, if we do the regular basic stuff, then things are going to keep going away from us. So we’ll have to find ways of winning moments, and eventually getting the result our way and really get going in the tournament, which is very important. If we want to gain some momentum we need to start well, and probably next game should be that game for us.”Kohli opened the batting in Royal Challengers’ season-opener against Chennai Super Kings, but has since moved down to No. 3. He felt this lent his team the best possible balance, and didn’t think any drastic changes were necessary for the rest of the tournament.”We’ve thought about that initially as well. When I’ve opened I’ve done well for the team, but the important thing is to find the right balance in the batting line-up, and I feel myself at three brings in that balance to the side,” Kohli said. “Myself and AB [de Villiers] batting together has always been an advantage for us, so that’s probably the mindset behind me batting three. So I don’t see that changing.”We just need a better start from the boys up front. Just three games into the tournament, we still have 11 games, and things can turn around pretty quickly in this particular league. We’ve seen that in the past, so we’ve got to stay optimistic, not think of too many changes now, and just go with that set batting order and try and capitalise on the moments that come our way.”
It's difficult to judge Everton based on the Premier League table alone. As things stand, the Toffees sit just one point clear of the relegation zone, but without the deduction, they would be as high as 12th and 11 points clear of the drop. That said, those at Goodison Park must face their current reality and continue a solid season of results to keep their top-flight status intact once again.
It could yet be a damaging month for the Merseyside club, however, with a Premier League rival reportedly making contact to sign one of Sean Dyche's best players at Goodison Park. His exit would certainly deal the Toffees a major blow.
Everton transfer news
After already breaching Financial Fair Play rules, Everton's main priority may well be to stay within the regulations these days, rather than run the risk of another decuction, which could leave them all but relegated. This means that it could be a fairly quiet month in the blue half of Merseyside when it comes to incomings. Instead, Everton may be forced to shift their focus to keeping hold of certain players with one club reportedly circling to land one of Dyche's stars.
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According to TeamTalk, Arsenal have made an approach to sign Amandou Onana from Everton this month. The Toffees will hope to fend off any interest by reportedly setting a huge price tag, with previous estimations sitting between £70m and £90m in what would likely be one of the most expensive deals in the transfer window this month.
Whilst Everton are reluctant to sell Onana, they reportedly see the midfielder as one of their most sellable assets, which could potentially see them cash in for the right price. As the window goes on, the Belgian will certainly be one to keep an eye on amid Arsenal's interest.
"Terrific" Onana is vital to Everton's survival chances
At just 22-years-old, Onana is only likely to get even better over time in the Premier League and that makes him vital to Dyche's side in both the present and future. As things stand, the Belgium international is vital to their survival chances, making a mid-season departure a potential disaster for those at Goodison Park. Onana's stats prove how important he is to Dyche, given that he's started 15 of Everton's 20 Premier League games in the current campaign.
It's therefore no surprise that Onana has earned plenty of praise from Dyche, who told Everton TV: “I thought Amadou [Onana] was terrific today, not just his goal but the ugly side of the game with his hard work and positional sense."
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
What stands out most when looking at Onana's performances is his aerial ability. The midfielder is in the top 95 percentile for aerials won when compared to midfielders in Europe's top five leagues. His 2.47 aerial duels won per 90 minutes makes him a vital player in Dyche's squad and someone that Everton should avoid selling at all costs during the January transfer window.
Cristiano Ronaldo has explained why retirement remains some way off for him, with the Al-Nassr and Portugal star closing in on 900 career goals.
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All-time great still going strong at 39Could reach 1,000 career goalsStill wants to compete for trophiesWHAT HAPPENED?
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who is assured of a standing among the all-time greats, has registered 763 goals at club level – with 48 of those coming this season across action in the Middle East. He is also the leading scorer in men’s international football with 128 efforts to his name.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT RONALDO SAID
That leaves Ronaldo on 891 in total, meaning that 1,000 remains a realistic target for the evergreen frontman. He has no intention of hanging up his boots any time soon, with the 39-year-old telling the podcast: “I feel proud to have this age and still compete at the highest level. It's great and it gives me motivation to carry on. If you look at my career for the last 20 years, my level is high. If you are top for 20 years, it's unbelievable. I do that and I continue to do that. For me it's a big achievement.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo – with league titles in England, Spain and Italy to his name, along with five Champions League crowns – added on still having an insatiable desire to compete: “My biggest motivation is to carry on. It's not easy to be at this level. To still push, to still motivate, to carry on, to score goals, to be in good shape, to compete with the young lions that are coming and that when they play against me, they want to show me that they are stronger and faster than me. You have to prepare very well not just physically but mentally, too. This is the challenge.”
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
CR7 continues to meet that challenge head on. He has major honours to chase down with club and country in 2024, with Al-Nassr through to the King Cup of Champions final while Portugal ready themselves for another shot at continental glory in this summer’s European Championship.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be delighted that his squad have shaken off a dismal run of form to craft a two-match winning streak in the Premier League.
After 17 matches, Spurs have 33 points and are one point off fourth-placed Manchester City; at this point last season, Antonio Conte's side had 30 points but endured a terrible late-season collapse to languish to an eighth-place finish.
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ByAngus Sinclair Dec 20, 2023
Postecoglou will be determined to ensure that doesn't happen, but recent injuries and the effect that they have had illuminates the need for January reinforcements, with some exciting names lined up.
Tottenham transfer targets – Radu Drăgușin
According to the Daily Telegraph's Mike McGrath, Tottenham are "stepping up" their interest in Genoa centre-back Radu Drăgușin, with the Romanian ace impressing in the Serie A.
While Genoa would be reluctant to part with their star at the 2023/24 season's midpoint, it's understood that a fee of around £26m would be enough to tempt manager Alberto Gilardino to sell.
However, the Italian outfit are eager to tie the titan down and have presented a contract extension to combat the recent interest – with Manchester United also listed as suitors – and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must be tactful to weave through the obstacles and secure his signature.
Radu Drăgușin's style of play
Drăgușin has chalked up 59 appearances for Genoa, scoring five goals, since signing from Serie A giants Juventus on an initial loan deal with an option to buy in 2022, since making the move permanent and cementing a spot as now of Italian football's biggest prospects.
The 12-cap Romania international has started all 16 of Il Grifone's league fixtures this season, demonstrating his mettle and strength as a defensive rock with an average of 3.2 ball recoveries and 4.6 clearances per game, also winning 67% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 15% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 14% for touches in the attacking box, progressive passes received and aerial duels won per 90.
What this signifies is a proclivity for progression that will serve him well should he join Postecoglou's fluid, forward-thinking squad, corroborated by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has referenced his ever-improving "complete" skill set.
Imagine Radu Drăgușin & Micky van de Ven
Should Drăgușin complete a move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, he could be the perfect partner for Micky van de Ven, serving as the understudy to star defender Cristian Romero.
The left-sided Van de Ven signed from Wolfsburg for £43m in August to bolster the newly-appointed Postecoglou's backline, with former head of Ajax talent development Ruben Jongkid claiming that he has "world-class potential" and "never seen" speed for a centre-half.
With the "dominant" – as also said by Kulig – Drăgușin's robustness and physicality somewhat mirroring Romero's game, he could slot right in alongside Van de Ven, whose athleticism is underpinned by his ranking among the top 9% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.
Spurs defender Micky van de Ven celebrates winner against Luton.
Postecoglou has made it known that his preference is to sign young, exciting talents who can be moulded and shaped under his guidance, to his own style, and Drăgușin fits the bill in this regard.
Aged just 21, he would probably not expect to play every match of the Premier League season with Romero and Van ve Ven so formidable when partnered up, but he would be a marked improvement on Eric Dier and Ben Davies. However, the latter has proved his worth when called upon this term.
With Postecoglou's managerial prowess showcasing his ability to compete with the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta, the Australian manager must now be provided with the tools to erase any cracks in his Tottenham edifice, fortifying and buttressing his fortress with impactful, lasting signings.
Glasgow Rangers defeated Motherwell in their latest Premiership clash on Christmas Eve, and it looked to have set them up nicely for their clash against Ross County just a few days later.
Unfortunately, due to storm Gerrit causing havoc in the north of Scotland, the match was postponed as travel from Dingwall proved to be impossible.
This has given Philippe Clement a much-needed respite following a hectic fixture list over the previous few weeks, and it will set his side up nicely for the clash against Celtic this afternoon.
With the Gers closing the gap at the top of the Premiership to just five points – albeit with two games in hand – they are in a much better position than they were a few months ago.
With a squad ravaged by injuries, the Belgian coach doesn’t have much room for manoeuvre with regard to rotation and the key question will be who will start at left-back this afternoon?
Ridvan Yilmaz’s game in numbers vs Motherwell
The Turkish defender was given the chance to shine in the starting XI against Well having played the full 90 minutes just a few days prior against St Johnstone, and he played his part in the 2-0 win.
Yilmaz was solid against the Steelmen, winning four out of his six total duels, making three clearances and four interceptions as he impressed defensively.
Ridvan Yilmaz
In an attacking sense, he didn’t quite have as much influence. The youngster made only one key pass during the clash while delivering just two successful crosses, and he ended up losing possession a staggering 21 times.
The left-back does need a decent run of matches in order to showcase his true potential, and he has shone in spells during his time in Scotland.
Ridvan Yilmaz’s statistics at Rangers
The former Besiktas defender cost the Light Blues a fee of £5m back during the summer of 2022 as former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was aiming to build a side which could dominate Scottish football.
Former sporting director Ross Wilson lavished praise on the young gem, saying: "He's a talented young player who has been coveted throughout Europe following outstanding performances for Besiktas.
"We also know how highly regarded he is in the Turkish National Team. This is another exciting young player to join our squad, and we are delighted to bring Ridvan to Rangers."
23.9
24.1
0.7
2
0.7
0.8
2.8
2.9
2
0
Unfortunately, his first full season was filled with more lows than highs as he struggled to settle. The 22-year-old missed 29 matches due to suffering a hamstring injury after making only five appearances for the club and this injury disrupted any progress he had made.
He recovered and played the full 90 minutes in all of the club’s final five league fixtures of the season, and it looked as though he was establishing himself as someone who could be a key player during the current campaign.
Like 2022/23 however, this term has seen Yilmaz play rather intermittently. Michael Beale left him out of the Europa League squad therefore he hasn’t played a single minute of continental football this season.
He has started seven league matches and even scored his first goal for the club during a League Cup tie against Livingston, yet with a clash against Celtic proving to be arguably the biggest game of the season so far, Clement may go with experience in his defence.
This could see Borna Barisic return to the starting XI having missed the clash against Motherwell and, while he may not be the answer, especially in the long term, he does have plenty of experience in the Old Firm derby.
Borna Barisic’s record vs Celtic
The £21k-per-week left-back has been at Rangers since 2018 and since then, he has played against Celtic a total of 17 times.
During these clashes, Barisic has been on the winning side on just seven occasions, missing victories in 2018, 2019 and 2023 which would have boosted his tally of wins against Celtic.
During these 17 games, the Croatian has registered five assists and Clement will be keen on seeing him bombing down the left wing often if he starts this afternoon.
He has starred in notable matches such as their first win at Parkhead in nine years in December 2019, along with the 4-1 Scottish Cup victory in 2021 which saw the Gers secure passage into the quarter-finals.
His contract expires at the end of the current season and while his future remains uncertain, there is no doubt the 31-year-old will be keen on adding another two or three Old Firm victories before he moves on to pastures new.
Borna Barisic’s statistics this season
The left-back might not be in the best form of his career, but he has impressed in spells during the current season.
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Indeed, among the Light Blues squad, Barisic currently ranks second for key passes per game in the Premiership (2.2) along with ranking fourth for assists (two) and for tackles per game (1.6) and it proves he is still proving to be among the best members of the squad with regard to these performance metrics.
He has been a mainstay in the defence since 2018 and during the 2020/21 title-winning campaign, journalist Josh Bunting heaped plenty of praise on him, saying:
Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
“Borna Barišić is just incredible, fantastic player he has everything in his locker, brilliant from set-pieces and his free-kick today proves that. Has so many different elements to his game and for me is extremely underrated.”
These statistics will give Clement the licence to unleash Barisic against Celtic for the 18th time in his Gers career and with a win crucial with regard to the title, he will be more than up for the clash.
Yilmaz’s time will come in the future surely, but for now, the Belgian manager simply cannot afford any gambles as he prepares to manage in his first-ever Old Firm derby.
Having not won at Parkhead since October 2020, the onus will be on the Light Blues to end this hoodoo and, given their recent form, they have every opportunity to put on a performance and claim all three points.
West Bromwich Albion have suffered a little blip in form in recent weeks, having won just won game from their last four outings in the Championship which came in the form of a 2-0 victory against bottom-of-the-table Rotherham United.
The Baggies are still sitting inside the playoff places but another slip-up could leave them outside the top six as the games come thick and fast over the Christmas period.
As a result, head coach Carlos Corberan has turned his attention towards the January transfer window to bring reinforcements to the Hawthorns.
West Brom transfer news – Conor Bradley
According to a recent report from TEAMTalk, West Brom are one of a dozen clubs who have contacted Liverpool about possibly signing fullback Conor Bradley on loan when the winter market opens in two weeks. The outlet are also claiming that promotion rivals Leeds United are in the running for the Northern Ireland international’s signature.
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley.
Bradley’s game-time has been limited to merely two appearances this season, having recently played a full 90 for the English giants in their final Europa League group stage game against Union Saint-Gilloise, although he only earned a 5/10 match rating from This Is Anfield for his display during the defeat.
Conor Bradley's Stats vs USG
Touches
75
Passing Accuracy %
77
Expected Assists
0.11
Successful Dribbles
2
Passes Into Final Third
8
Tackles Won %
100
Clearances
2
Defensive Actions
5
Duels Won
6
Ball Recoveries
2
Stats via FotMob
Nevertheless, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp still believes the Irishman is a “real talent” after the fullback made his European debut at the beginning of December in a home win against LASK.
Conor Bradley’s stats – 2022/23 season
Having seen only 98 minutes of action this season, a loan move for Bradley could be just what the doctor ordered. However, the 13-cap Northern Ireland defender needs to be challenged at a higher level after he spent all of last season out on loan with Bolton Wanderers in League One.
Nonetheless, his time at the Toughsheet Community Stadium certainly did him no harm after the attacking fullback scored seven goals and recorded six assists with the Trotters across 53 appearances for the club, lifting the EFL Trophy in a 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle in the final back in April.
As a result of his superb loan spell with the former Premier League outfit under manager Ian Evatt, Bradley’s market value has been placed at £4m, although given Klopp’s praise of the player, it looks as though the most Liverpool will sanction is a six-month loan deal.
What also makes Bradley stand out is his versatility, having played as a right-back, right wing-back, right-winger and even as a centre-back once. Corberan likes versatile players in his squad, such as Pipa, but the Spanish defender has played just 138 minutes of football for the Baggies this term.
Darnell Furlong has been the manager’s first-choice this season, having started 20 of West Brom’s 22 games this season. Pipa hasn’t provided the adequate cover that Furlong needs in his position, but Bradley might.
Overall Stats
Conor Bradley – 2022/23
Pipa – 2023/24
Goals
7
0
Assists
6
1
Dribbles Per 90
1.3
0.4
Key Passes Per 90
1.1
0.4
Cross Per 90
0.5
0.3
Long Balls Per 90
1.3
0.3
Tackles Per 90
1.8
0.4
Clearances Per 90
1.2
0.4
Interceptions Per 90
1
0.1
Stats via WhoScored
While the move will only be a loan deal, Bradley could offer real competition to Furlong at right-back and would add serious quality to West Brom’s wide department given his ability anywhere on that side. This is a no-brainer if the Baggies can get it done.
Sitting ninth and 11 points adrift of the Premier League's top four, there was once a time when Newcastle United would have bitten your hand off when offered such a start to the campaign, but times have changed and standards have gone up. The arrival of rich owners quickly saw the Magpies rise from relegation contenders to a side qualifying for the Champions League, all without even fully dipping into their massive funds. One season later, however, and that looks unlikely to be the case this time around.
In a shock decision, PIF could lose patience with Eddie Howe and turn to one of La Liga's best managers this season to guide Newcastle back on course to earn a place in Europe ahead of next season.
Newcastle manager news
After losing four of his last five games in charge, which has included defeats against Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, Howe's job isn't quite as secure as it once was at Newcastle. It once felt as though the former Bournemouth boss was somewhat untouchable following Newcastle's top four finish last time out, but results have stalled ever since. Reports now suggest that those in charge at the club are looking at one exciting potential replacement.
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According to MARCA, Newcastle are eyeing a move for Michel Sanchez, who has guided Girona to a shock place in second and only behind Real Madrid on goal difference in La Liga this season.
PIF are reportedly looking very seriously into appointing Michel if they decide to show Howe the exit door at St James' Park. If they do want to land the manager, they may need to act sooner rather than later, given how in-demand the Girona man is likely to be after such stunning success.
What is Girona's style of play?
It would arguably be one of the biggest shocks in La Liga history if Girona went on to win the title this season, but it is very much a possibility. They have already defeated Barcelona this season and overcame Atletico Madrid in a last-gasp 4-3 victory on Wednesday evening.
With a ten point gap down to the rest of the league behind Girona and Real Madrid, the duo look set to battle it out in a dramatic title race. The Catalan outfit have scored the most goals in the league this term, netting 46 times in 19 games, with a brave, attacking style that focuses on creating overloads in the wide areas.
Michel Sanchez for Girona
In the middle of that race, however, Girona could yet lose one of the most important figures in their rise in the form of Michel. The manager has been at the centre of their success, as Michel's win rate of 81% proves. Michel's preferred formation of 4-1-4-1 could suit Newcastle too – it would see one man sit at the very base of midfield, whilst allowing others to push on. This would allow the likes of Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron to prove their attacking ability even further, whilst getting the best out of Kieran Trippier due to the focus on overlaps out wide.
All that said, it remains to be seen whether Michel would give up a title race with Girona if Newcastle come calling this season. Choosing between a Premier League sleeping giant and a La Liga title race certainly won't be an easy choice, that's for sure.
Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate has not ruled out the prospect of losing Alastair Cook to an England comeback at some stage.Former England captain Cook, who scored an unbeaten 150 this week playing for Essex in a pre-season game against Cambridge University, retired from international cricket last September with a knock of 147 in the fifth Test against India at The Oval. He made 161 Test appearances, scoring 12,472 runs, both England records.He received a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours list before recording his 64th first-class ton against Cambridge in his first outing on home soil since retiring.”It is a possibility,” ten Doeschate told talkSPORT2 when speaking about the prospect of Cook making a return for England.”Just speaking to him and gauging where he’s at, I would say it’s unlikely, but I know how much he does love England cricket and how much work he’s put in there so no, I wouldn’t rule it out in times of desperation and if he was playing really well and he felt the desire was there, I guess there’s no reason why he couldn’t make a comeback.”In the meantime, ten Doeschate was delighted to have Cook’s services at Essex.”Obviously he’s a fantastic cricketer, but the things he brings away from cricket are just as important,” ten Doeschate said. “His work ethic, the desire he has for the game and the desire he has to pass on his knowledge is an absolute treasure chest for us.”He could really strengthen what’s been a slightly under-achieving batting line-up for us in the past few years and if he can drag a few guys along with him, we’ve definitely got the bowlers to do very well in this Championship.”Essex defeated Cambridge by 286 runs in their three-day match. They open their County Championship season at Hampshire on April 5.