Manchester City star Erling Haaland has already started jogging as he eyes comeback from his ankle injury.
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Haaland has started jogging Continues to recover from ankle injury Man City face Everton on Saturday Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Haaland shared an update on his injury as he shared a video on his Instagram story where he can be seen jogging inside the Manchester City gym. At the end of the video, the striker can be heard saying, "We're getting there!"
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The Norwegian goal-machine was forced off during City's FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth last weekend, with the 24-year-old later spotted in a protective boot. The club later confirmed that the player had injured his left ankle, and manager Pep Guardiola revealed that the club doctors had ruled the striker out of action for between five and seven weeks. The champions are now hoping that Haaland returns to action towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign and fully recovers before the FIFA Club World Cup in the US.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the injury setback, Haaland remains the club's highest scorer this season with 30 goals to his name in 40 matches across all competitions. He has also contributed four assists.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
The Cityzens will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they take on Everton at Goodison Park.
Arsenal may be a far better team than they were a few years ago, but as things stand, their season feels like it’s on the precipice of falling apart.
Mikel Arteta’s side may be second in the Premier League but sit six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. On top of that, they may have just thrown away their chance of winning the League Cup.
The Gunners played host to Newcastle United in the first leg, and despite going 2-0 down early in the second half, the manager didn’t turn to any of his summer signings, including Mikel Merino, who started in the draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend.
The Spanish international may well turn things around, but so far this season, he has struggled to impress the fans, so recent reports linking the club to another central midfielder this month shouldn’t come as a massive surprise.
Arsenal target former PL star
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in signing Juventus ace Douglas Luiz this month.
Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester United, Tottenham and Fulham are all keen on the Brazilian star, who joined the Old Lady for £42m in the summer after years of impressive performances for Aston Villa.
However, the all-action midfielder has found himself out of favour in Turin, and with just 354 minutes played across 13 appearances thus far, the report claims that the North Londoners are keen to bring him back to England on a short-term loan.
It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, especially if other clubs come in with a permanent offer, but given Luiz’s brilliant performances for Villa over the years, it is one worth fighting for, even if it could spell trouble for Merino.
How Luiz compares to Merino
Okay, so while Luiz can play as both the six and eight in a team, the combination of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey already being in the squad and his attacking abilities would almost certainly see him take up the latter role in North London were he to join Arsenal this month.
Juventus' Douglas Luiz in action with Hellas Verona's Reda Belahyane.Reuters/Daniele Mascolo
Therefore, while it might be harsh, he would then be in competition with Merino for a place in the team, a competition many in England would back him to win.
With that said, though, how can we compare them to determine who really would be the ideal starter in that left-eight role for Arteta and Co?
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz
Well, given that neither has played all that much, nor all that well for that matter, this season, the best way to figure this out would be to compare their underlying numbers from last season, as both players were regular starters and vital members of their respective teams.
Unfortunately for the former Real Sociedad star, when we do this, it’s the “box-crashing” Brazilian, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who comes out on top, and by some margin at that.
Luiz vs Merino
Stats per 90
Luiz
Merino
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.28
0.19
Actual Non-Penalty G+As
0.30
0.29
Progressive Carries
1.80
0.94
Progressive Passes
5.05
5.91
Shots
1.32
1.09
Passing Accuracy
85.7%
76.2%
Key Passes
1.59
0.72
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.17
0.98
Shot-Creating Actions
3.52
2.36
Goal-Creating Actions
0.30
0.29
Tackles Won
1.14
1.56
Interceptions
0.69
0.58
Clearances
0.54
1.99
Errors Leading to a Shot
0.06
0.11
Ball Recoveries
5.53
7.14
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season
For example, the former Villa star emerges victorious in the majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots, passing accuracy, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shots and goal-creating actions, interceptions and more, all per 90.
On top of having the better underlying numbers, the Rio de Janeiro-born dynamo had a far better rate of return, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists in 53 appearances, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 2.65 games.
In contrast, the Spaniard scored eight goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances for La Real, which came to a solid but less impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.46 games.
Ultimately, Merino may well come good for Arsenal and help them in their quest to win major silverware in the years to come, but as things stand, he’s struggling to assert himself on this team, and while Luiz is also struggling in Italy, we all know how effective he can be in the Premier League.
Douglas Luiz for Aston Villa
Therefore, if the North Londoners have an opportunity to land the Brazilian on a short-term loan this month, then they must take it.
Arsenal in the race to sign £42m sensation who's "very similar" to Gyokeres
The incredible striker would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.
Roy Keane has slammed Manchester City striker Erling Haaland for his "lackadaisical" penalty against Bournemouth in the FA Cup.
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Haaland saw spot-kick saved Went on to score regardlessLimped out of game and Keane lays it inFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
During City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, Haaland saw a penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga in the first-half, as the Cherries took a 1-0 lead into the interval. Haaland did manage to score in the second half, tapping home Nico O'Reilly's cross, but Keane has slammed the Norway star's attitude, as well as City's as a whole.
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The former Manchester United captain believes that Haaland was both "lackadaisical" in his approach to the spot-kick, and he also took issue with the fact that he was "smiling" after missing a chance later in the game. He was eventually subbed after sustaining an injury.
WHAT KEANE SAID
Keane said on : "Haaland missing a penalty, very lackadaisical, then he missed another chance and he's smiling. Man City strolling around the pitch are really getting on my nerves, not a good sign."
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City will hope to have Haaland available for their next two fixtures; they face Leicester on Wednesday before taking on Manchester United in a huge derby next weekend. Haaland has scored 30 goals in 40 games in all competitions.
Nesta semana, o Grêmio oficializou a conclusão do negócio para a chegada do lateral-direito Rodrigo Ferreira, nome que esteve recentemente no Mirassol, mas que tem uma trajetória considerável no futebol paulista.
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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
Atleta de 27 anos de idade que é natural de Cotia, cidade na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Rodrigo deu seus primeiros passos em uma equipe da própria cidade, o Cotia FC, antes de rodar por clubes como Tanabi, Taboão da Serra (categorias de base) e Batatais, onde fez seus primeiros jogos como profissional).
O lateral-direito chegou a frequentar também a base do Santos antes de, efetivamente, atuar somente como profissional após rumar para o Mogi Mirim.
Depois de jogar em equipes como Cuiabá, Guarani-SC, Ituano, Marcílio Dias e Brasil de Pelotas, as atuações no Botafogo-SP (onde conseguiu a maior regularidade de partidas em uma temporada durante toda sua carreira, fazendo 38 jogos em 2021) chamaram a atenção justamente do Mirassol, seu último time.
Para o setor onde Rodrigo Ferreira chega para disputar posição, o Grêmio conta atualmente com Leonardo Gomes e outro recém-contratado pelo Imortal, Edílson.
Jonny Bairstow is set to return to Punjab Kings’ XI having completed his quarantine upon arrival from the Caribbean
Srinidhi Ramanujam02-Apr-20222:07
Does Bairstow walk into Kings’ XI? Should CSK include a legspinner?
Big pictureFor the first time in their history, Chennai Super Kings have lost their opening two matches of an IPL campaign, and Ravindra Jadeja’s team will be keen to get off the mark against Punjab Kings on Sunday.On a batting friendly pitch at the Brabourne Stadium, Dwayne Bravo and Dwaine Pretorius will be crucial for the Super Kings’ prospects, given that they lack quality pace options. The Super Kings have struggled in the absence of Deepak Chahar, as the team has been missing a bowler who can strike inside the first six overs – a role in which Chahar flourished. In both their losses, against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, none of the Super Kings pacers took a wicket during that phase; with Adam Milne and Chris Jordan both unavailable, Mukesh Choudhary and Tushar Deshpande in particular returned expensive figures against the Super Giants.Live in the USA
In the USA, you can watch the match live on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi.
The Kings, meanwhile, are coming off a loss against the Knight Riders having aced a chase of 206 in their first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Kings’ bowlers could do with some improvement, as they have taken a total of just six wickets from two matches.While Kagiso Rabada’s presence will be a boost, and Rahul Chahar has kept batters quiet, the Kings will be expecting more from the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Harpreet Brar.On paper, both teams have a solid batting line-up, having each posted 200-plus scores this season already. Expect another run-fest on Sunday.In the newsJonny Bairstow is set to return to the Kings’ XI, having completed his quarantine upon arrival from the Caribbean. The aggressive England batter will mostly replace West Indies allrounder Odean Smith. Raj Bawa could make way for pacer Sandeep Sharma.Adam Milne missed the Super Kings’ second game due to injury, but according to head coach Stephen Fleming, he is “not too far away” from returning. If he is fit, the New Zealand quick is likely to replace one of Choudhary or Deshpande.Likely XIsChennai Super Kings : 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2 Robin Uthappa, 3 Moeen Ali, 4 Shivam Dube, 5 Ambati Rayudu, 6 Ravindra Jadeja (capt), 7 MS Dhoni (wk), 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Dwaine Pretorious, 10 Adam Milne, 11 Tushar Deshpande/Mukesh ChoudharyPunjab Kings: 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Mayank Agarwal (capt), 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Jonny Bairstow, 6 M Shahrukh Khan, 7 Harpreet Brar, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 Arshdeep SinghStrategy puntRahul Chahar has been exceptional against left-handers, so will be trusted against Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube and Jadeja. Among spinners bowling to left-handers in India since 2019, he has taken 11 wickets, the second-most after Rashid Khan and has the best strike rate.Stats that matter Since 2019, no bowler has taken more wickets than Rabada in the IPL. Also, in the death overs, the South African has taken the most wickets in this period. The Super Kings have been the better team in this head-to-head, winning 15 out of 25 games against the Kings. Also since 2018, the Super Kings have won five out of eight matches against the Kings. Shikhar Dhawan averages 40+ against the Super Kings in the IPL, and 66.8 since the 2020 edition.
Well, that was not the response that Tottenham Hotspur fans had been hoping for.
Following a disappointing draw at home to Fulham over the weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s side fell further behind their rivals with a defeat away to Bournemouth last night.
The North Londoners’ looked utterly hopeless in the first half, and bar brief moments here and there, they didn’t look much better in the second either.
There were dismal displays all over the pitch from the Australian’s side, including Dominic Solanke.
Solanke's performace vs Bournemouth
It probably wasn’t the return that Solanke was hoping for last night, as in his first game back at the Vitality, he put in one of his worst Spurs performances to date.
The club record signing was practically anonymous for most of the encounter, and then in the rare moments he found himself in a goalscoring opportunity, he made the wrong decision or, as he did in the first half, completely missed with his shot.
Unsurprisingly, the England international did not impress the watching press, as the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick gave him a 5/10 at full-time, which, as his statistics show, might’ve actually been quite generous.
Minutes
97′
Expected Goals
0.18
Expected Assists
0.04
Shots on Target
0
Touches
36
Passing Accuracy
12/16 (75%)
Aerial Duels (Won)
1 (0)
Lost Possession
13
Ground Duels (Won)
9 (4)
In his 97 minutes of action, the former Cherries ace produced a combined expected goals and assists figure of just 0.22, failed to have a single shot on target, took just 36 touches, maintained a passing accuracy of just 75%, lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost the ball 13 times, and lost five of nine ground duels.
In all, it was an abject showing from the £65m man and one that his former fans certainly appreciated.
However, he wasn’t the worst attacker for Spurs last night, that dishonour goes to Brennan Johnson.
Johnson's performance vs Bournemouth
Yes, unfortunately for Johnson, his incredible run of form this season did not carry on into last night’s game.
Instead, like his teammate to the right, the Welshman put in what has to be one of his most lacklustre performances in a Spurs shirt to date.
The former Nottingham Forest ace was completely ineffectual off the left, and even when he moved back to his natural position for the final 30 minutes, he couldn’t do anything to stop the Lilywhites falling to their sixth league defeat of the season.
It might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion shared by Kilpatrick, who gave the winger a 3/10 on the night, writing that he seriously ‘struggled to get in dangerous areas’ all game.
Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, his statistics do not make for pretty reading either.
Minutes
97′
Expected Goals
0.00
Expected Assists
0.03
Shots
0
Passing Accuracy
30/39 (77%)
Crosses (Accurate)
2 (0)
Aerial Duels (Won)
1 (0)
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (4)
Lost Possession
13
Dribbled Past
13
Fouls
1
In his 97 minutes on the pitch, he amassed a combined 0.03 expected goals plus assists, failed to take a single shot on or off target, maintained a passing accuracy of just 77%, was inaccurate with 100% of his crosses, lost 100% of aerial duels and 50% of ground duels, lost possession 13 times, was dribbled past once and committed one foul.
Ultimately, both Solanke and Johnson are incredibly talented footballers who have shown as much this season, but last night was a horror showing from the pair of them, as it was from the whole team.
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Who's hot, who's not? GOAL ranks all 30 teams across Major League Soccer after the opening weekend of the 30th season
Hello, 2025. Matchday one of the season is officially in the books, and we learned a lot about what the upcoming campaign will have in store.
Goals galore exploded Saturday, with four teams scoring at least four times, and eight matches having a minimum of four goals combined between both teams. Four clubs earned shutouts, while only two matches remained 0-0 draws.
Newcomers San Diego FC shocked the MLS world with a stunning victory over the reigning champions LA Galaxy in their league debut, while MLS Cup runner-ups RBNY lost as well. Elsewhere in the league, Atlanta United's high-profile offseason signings led them to victory, while Bruce Arena's takeover of the San Jose Earthquakes set them on track to begin 2025 with a bang.
Not everybody started things hot, however. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami capitulated internally, but the wand of his boot rescued them late, while their Floridian compatriots Orlando City were stunned on opening day by a surprising Philadelphia Union side.
GOAL rewinds the weekend action, going over the top moments – including Atlanta and San Diego's boomin start to 2025 – but this is all about who's hot, and who's not.
So, which club leads the pack, and who is falling short of expectations? GOAL presents the 2025 MLS Power Rankings.
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IMAGN
30Portland Timbers
Phil Neville has to really hate Vancouver. In their last two meetings, they've been outscored 9-1 by the Canadian side, and that speaks volumes.
The Timbers' Achilles heel in 2024 was their defense, and not much changed with their backline heading into 2025, which is not particularly ideal.
If changes aren't made quickly, it could be a long season for Portland.
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29Real Salt Lake
RSL just need to forget Saturday's match and put it in the back of their mind. They conceded four to San Jose, and were completely outclassed in every aspect of the match.
If they can get Diego Luna on the ball more, and bring in a high-profile striker for the season, they will likely be fine and competing for a playoff spot. However, they will be heavily dependent on both of those things coming true.
28Houston Dynamo
Houston, we have a problem.
The Dynamo were upset by cross-state rivals FC Dallas 2-1 in their home stadium on opening day. That one has to hurt.
The good news? Jack McGlynn looks like a perfect fit in their midfield, and he even hit the post with a long-range effort.
There's promise with their roster, it just remains to see if it clicks.
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27Sporting Kansas City
Sporting struggled on opening day, falling to Austin FC 1-0. However, it was quickly evident based on their XI that manager Peter Vermes was prioritizing their CONCACAF Champions Cup series vs. Inter Miami.
Dejan Joveljic did not start the match but got his first MLS minutes for the club off the bench. A big season rests ahead for the 2024 MLS Cup-winning striker in the Midwest, while Week 2 will offer a better glance at how they shape up as a club in 2025.
Ipswich Town are already plotting to replace a summer signing with a “huge talent” from the lower leagues, according to a new report.
The Tractor Boys picked up their first win of the Premier League season on Sunday as they pulled off a surprise 2-1 win away at Tottenham Hotspur. Those first three points of the season have removed a huge burden, and Kieran McKenna will hope that can help his side can kick on for the rest of the campaign.
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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 13, 2024 Jack Clarke’s future at Ipswich in doubt
Jack Clarke was one of many arrivals at Portman Road during the summer transfer window, but already his future has been thrown into doubt. It hasn’t been the best of starts for the 23-year-old, as he’s yet to score for his new side, with his only contribution going forward being an assist in the draw against Aston Villa back in September, and he has only started three of the nine league games he has played in.
This situation has led to Leicester City keeping an eye on Clarke and weighing up whether to make a move for him. The winger signed a contract until the summer of 2029, so Ipswich will be in no rush to sell him for cheap, but the Foxes are monitoring Clarke and have a long transfer plan in mind.
Clarke cannot play for another club this season, as he played for Sunderland before joining Ipswich. Therefore, Leicester plan to wait until the summer before making an attempt for Clarke. It will be down to Ipswich to decide what to do when that time comes, but the Tractor Boys already have their eye on a potential replacement.
Ipswich could replace Jack Clarke with Kwame Poku
According to TBR Football, Ipswich Town are keeping an eye on Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku and his situation at the League One club. The 23-year-old has been a Posh player since joining them in August 2021 from Colchester United, where he had scored six goals in 75 games in all competitions.
Poku, who was described as a “huge talent” by former Colchester boss John McGreal in 2020, has been mightily impressive for Peterborough this season, scoring 10 goals in 15 league appearances, three of which came on Saturday, as he bagged a hat trick against Cambridge United. He also has five assists to his name, making him a key contributor for the Posh going forward.
As things stand, Poku is set to become a free agent next summer, and he has interest from teams such as Ipswich, Southampton, Burnley, and Millwall. Meanwhile, Rangers had scouts present for Peterborough’s game on Saturday, as they wanted to watch him live in action.
Kwame Poku’s Peterborough stats
Apps
133
Goals
28
Assists
29
Peterborough are keen to tie Poku down to a new contract as they try to avoid losing their star man on a free transfer, but his arrival at Portman Road could see Ipswich let Clarke leave, as Poku will be fighting for a place in the starting XI with the form he is showing.
Na noite da última segunda-feira (31), o Corinthians anunciou a contratação do goleiro Ivan, com vínculo válido até 2024. Reforço corintiano, o defensor foi sonho do rival São Paulo em um passado não tão distante.
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Na janela de transferências do meio da temporada passada, o Tricolor do Morumbi fez uma forte investida no atleta, então na Ponte Preta, abriu conversas com o estafe do goleiro, mas nem chegou a formalizar uma proposta porque a Ponte Preta não se mostrou interessada a negociá-lo na ocasião.
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O São Paulo estava em busca de uma sombra para o titular Tiago Volpi, que já havia cometido algumas falhas em partidas cruciais, e voltou a tê-las no segundo semestre após o interesse em Ivan ter sido frustrado. Contudo, no fim do ano a equipe do Morumbi foi ao mercado e conseguiu contratar um outro goleiro, Jandrei, que estava no Santos.
O Corinthians, então, foi ao mercado e, já sem os são paulinos na parada, fez um investida em Ivan e conseguiu fechar o negócio no início deste ano.
Assim como seria no caso do interesse do São Paulo, os representantes de Ivan foram trunfos do Timão para o desfecho positivo no negócio, pois eram parte interessada, até por conta da vitrine. Inclusive, Fernando Garcia, da Elenko Sports, empresa que gerencia a carreira de Ivan, alinhou um acordo com a Ponte Preta para o perdão de uma dívida que a equipe de Campinas possui com o agente e que é superior a R$ 10 milhões, que está alinhado com a transferência do goleiro ao Time do Povo.
Não é de hoje que Ivan é tratado como um arqueiro com potencial. Com atuações expressivas nas categorias de base da Seleção Brasileira, o atleta foi convocado para a seleção principal pela primeira vez em 2019, e desde então despertou o interesse de diversas equipes, tanto no Brasil, quanto no exterior, com a Ponte recusando algumas propostas, como a do Familicão, de Portugal.
Com passagem pela base do Guarani, atuando pelo sub-15 e sub-17, Ivan foi para a Ponte Preta ainda na base, para acompanhar o então preparador de goleiros Betão que trocou o Bugre pela Macaca em 2013. O atleta fez a estreia como profissional em 2016 pela Ponte.
Agora, Ivan chega ao Corinthians para inicialmente ser reserva do ídolo Cássio, que renovou o contrato até o fim de 2023. Com 34 anos, o titular da meta corintiana já manifestou que deseja atuar até os 40 anos, mas encerrará os vínculo atual com 36.
De toda forma, internamente o Timão já enxerga Ivan como substituto natural do camisa 12.
تحدث أحمد بلال مهاجم النادي الأهلي الأسبق، عن إنشاء استاد خاص بالقلعة الحمراء والذي تم تدشينه في وقت سابق.
وقال بلال في تصريحات عبر “بودكاست القلعة الحمراء”: “حان الوقت، ومن وجهة نظري، أرى أنه تأخر قليلًا، ليكون هناك استاد خاص بالأهلي حتى تكتمل المنظومة الحقيقية، الناس يرونه حلمًا، لكنني أراه واقعًا، وكان لا بد من تحقيقه منذ فترة الاستاد ليس مجرد مكان يذهب إليه الجمهور لمشاهدة المباريات، بل يتضمن مشاريع وفعاليات ومتاجر، وهذه أمور تسعدني كأهلاوي، وأتمنى أن أتمكن يومًا من الذهاب إلى استاد الأهلي”.
وتابع بخصوص تصريحاته المثيرة للجدل: “لدي آرائي الخاصة، وقد لا تعجب بعض الناس، لكنني لم أقم يومًا بسب أحد أو الإساءة إليه، يمكنني انتقاد الجوانب الفنية، وقد يكون نقدي قويًا بعض الشيء، لكنني لا أتحدث إلا عن الأمور الفنية، ولا أتعرض لشخصية أحد”.
طالع.. خاص – قائمة الأهلي لمباراة الزمالك في الدوري المصري وواصل: “عندما نتحدث اليوم عن تاريخ الأهلي وتاريخ الزمالك والفوارق بينهما، فهل في ذلك إهانة لأحد؟ بالطبع لا، ولكن هذا قد يزعج البعض، أحيانًا يحاول البعض استفزازك بشأن قضية معينة، لكنني لا أقول شيئًا إلا إذا كنت مقتنعًا به، وقد يرى البعض أن أحمد بلال ليس لديه فكرة، ولن أُغضب من ذلك، فهذا رأيه طالما أنه يتحدث في الإطار الفني، وأنا مقتنع تمامًا بوجهة نظري، حتى لو كنت أعبر عنها بدون تجميل”.
وأكمل: “الآراء تتغير، فعلى سبيل المثال، تصريحاتي عن مصطفى محمد تغيرت بعدما تطور مستواه، فقلت إنه تطور، لأن مفهوم المهاجم لا يقتصر على التواجد داخل منطقة الجزاء فقط، بل يجب أن تكون تحركاته أكثر فاعلية، المطلوب من رأس الحربة ليس فقط التسجيل، بل أيضًا صناعة اللعب عندما تحدثت عنه، أشرت إلى أنه بحاجة إلى تحسين قدرته على الصناعة والتحرك خارج منطقة الـ18 ياردة وقلت إن وسام أبو علي ينقصه الأمر نفسه، لكنه ليس بحاجة إلى ذلك كثيرًا لأن هناك لاعبين آخرين يصنعون له الفرص”.
واستمر: “كمهاجم، تحتاج أحيانًا إلى التحرك خارج منطقة الجزاء، لأنه إذا كنت تعتمد فقط على الكرات العرضية، فقد لا تحصل عليها في بعض المباريات، فما الذي ستفعله حينها؟ لا بد من وجود حلول أخرى، وهذه المهارات تتوفر لدى بعض اللاعبين وتغيب عن آخرين، وتعتمد على رؤية المدير الفني، فكل مدرب يحتاج إلى لاعبين معينين وفقًا لأفكاره”.
واستطرد عن خليفته في الملاعب: “طرق اللعب تغيرت بين الماضي والحاضر، أرى أن جراديشار مهاجم كبير جدًا، يمتلك قوة وسرعة، ويستطيع اللعب خارج منطقة الجزاء، وقد يصبح لاعبًا عالميًا ووسام أيضًا لاعب رائع أما أسامة فيصل لاعب الزمالك السابق، فهو لاعب مميز، لكنه بحاجة إلى اللعب على المرمى بشكل أكبر، لأنه يميل إلى التحرك خارج منطقة الجزاء أكثر من اللازم”.
واختتم حديثه قائلًا: “هدفي في الإسماعيلي كان أفضل هدف سجلته في مسيرتي، وكل البطولات غالية بالنسبة لي، ولا أندم على أي تصريح أدليت به، لكن هناك تصريحات تُنقل عني بشكل غير دقيق، وآمل أن يصبح ابني لاعبًا كبيرًا في المستقبل”.