Rejuvenating the Edgbaston academy is a prime target as an old favourite returns to Birmingham
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2017
Graeme Welch had a difficult time at Derbyshire•Getty Images
Graeme Welch is rejoining Warwickshire as bowling coach after losing out on the same role with England to Essex’s Chris Silverwood.Welch served as bowling coach at Edgbaston for four years from January 2010, during which time the club won the County Championship title in 2012 and the Clydesdale Bank 40 in 2010.He left the club in 2014 to take up a role as elite performance director at Derbyshire but when that did not work out he subsequently moved to Leicestershire as assistant coach in September 2016 only for them to finish bottom of Division Two in the Championship.Welch’s reputation as a bowling coach remains unblemished, however, and Warwickshire were quick to hail his return as the next step in a coaching reshuffle that saw Alan Richardson released from the role last month.Ashley Giles, sport director at Warwickshire, said: “Graeme Welch is an outstanding bowling coach who was part of an excellent coaching team that delivered trophies at Edgbaston.”In our view he is one of the very best bowling coaches in the game and it came as no surprise to us when he was recently connected with the position of England bowling coach.”We are delighted that he has chosen to return to Edgbaston where he will not only be responsible for getting the first team back to winning ways but also building a bowling academy equipped to develop a new generation of bowlers, from all backgrounds, capable of delivering continued success in all formats for Warwickshire and the Birmingham Bears.”Welch said: “I have enjoyed my time at Leicestershire, but the chance to return to Edgbaston was one I could not turn down. I have been lucky enough to be part of successful Bears teams in the past as both player and coach and am very excited by the challenge of building a bowling academy which will bring success to the club on a sustained basis.”Leicestershire responded quickly to fill the vacancy, appointing John Sadler, who initially rejoined them as Second XI Coach last winter before taking charge of first team affairs alongside Graeme Welch for the final three matches of the 2017 season. Sadler and Paul Nixon, Leicestershire’s new coach, played in the same Foxes side and were both key members of the team that in the early years had the most successful record in the country.
Shreyas Iyer and Ankit Bawne helped India A recover from a precarious position in their chase of 270 but their efforts eventually fell short
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Oct-2017Shreyas Iyer fell ten short of a ninth List-A hundred•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
A sensational hundred from Glenn Phillips took New Zealand A to 269 for 6, but his efforts were so well matched by half-centuries from India A’s Shreyas Iyer and Ankit Bawne that the second unofficial ODI between the two teams in Visakhapatnam ended in a tie.Such a dramatic finish had seemed rather unlikely considering that at one point, India A were 84 for 5. Scott Kuggeleijn (3 for 56) and Todd Astle (4 for 22) had run through the top order to have New Zealand A dreaming about their first victory on the tour. But Iyer, the captain, and Bawne, coming in at No. 7, strung together a partnership of 126 runs in only 104 balls to enliven the game.With 60 needed off the last 10 overs, however, Astle and Kuggeleijn combined to dismiss Iyer for 90 off 73 balls and then claimed three further wickets to set up a tantalising situation – 11 runs to get, six balls to go, one wicket in hand. Bawne, though, was still batting, and together with Siddharth Kaul, was able to bring India A level with New Zealand A in a rain-hit game.The weather in Visakhapatnam had forced this game, which was originally scheduled to be played on October 8, down to a 42-overs-a-side contest. And Phillips, coming in at No. 3, began dominating it with an array of shots. He racked up 15 fours and four sixes at a strike-rate of 107, a timely innings considering the New Zealand management had said six players from the A team would be brought on board for the limited-overs series against India starting on October 22.
Zimbabwe must now win both remaining matches, if they are to avoid a series defeat, but a newly inspired Sri Lanka top order stands in their way
The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Jul-2017Match FactsJuly 8, 2017 Start time: 0945 local (0415GMT)Can Graeme Cremer tighten up things on Saturday?•Peter Della PennaBig PictureWho would want to be a limited-overs bowler? For so long, Sri Lanka had been the home of the lower-scoring ODI, but in the past week, two totals of more than 300 have been mowed down, which suggests the island’s tracks are also beginning to conform to a global trend. As with so many of the pitches during the recent Champions Trophy, two of the three pitches in this series have afforded virtually no seam movement, and no menacing turn.While the bowlers have been defanged – Zimbabwe especially having failed to take more than five wickets in any of the three innings so far – Sri Lanka’s batsmen appear to be in a good rhythm. Chief among them is Upul Tharanga, who, batting in an unfamiliar no. 4 position, has scored 198 runs in the series without having been dismissed. The openers have been in strapping form, and virtually everyone else in the top six has contributed a score as well.Zimbabwe must now win both remaining matches, if they are to avoid a series defeat, but a newly inspired Sri Lanka top order stands in their way. The key, for them, is the discipline in their spin bowling; on Thursday, the hosts’ openers were fed too many wayward deliveries in the middle overs, and found it too easy to work the ball around.Both sides’ catching is under the microscope too. On batting-friendly surfaces, wicket-taking opportunities are at a premium, and bowlers need their team-mates to convert every chance that comes their way.Form guideSri Lanka WWLLW (completed matches, most recent first) Zimbabwe LLWWLIn the spotlightWhile Asela Gunaratne’s batting has been required only once in the series, he has contributed nonetheless with the ball, breaking substantial stands in each match. His presence in the attack is vital. While Sri Lanka wean young spinners at the top level, Gunaratne has been sort of an insurance policy – a bowler to fall back on when the front-liners are having an off day. Where Lakshan Sandakan went for 73 runs on Thursday, for example, Gunaratne returned 2 for 53 from his 10 overs, and prevented Zimbabwe’s total from getting completely out of hand.Graeme Cremer came into the series with some form from the Scotland tour, and also the Pro50 at home, but is yet to make a substantial contribution in this series. Partly this is down to indiscipline. On Thursday, there were five wides down the leg side in his first over, and errors of length in most of his overs after that. As Imran Tahir has repeatedly proved this year – this Sri Lanka top order does not enjoy accurate legspin. If Cremer can tighten up his bowling, he could find himself among the wickets. It might also help if he could win a toss on occasion – by his own count, he has lost nine on the trot so far.Nuwan Kulasekara might replace Nuwan Pradeep in the fourth ODI•AFPTeam newsNuwan Pradeep, who had left the field with a thigh strain on Thursday, has been ruled out of the rest of the series. This means a spot may be open for either Nuwan Kulasekara, or 19-year-old quick Asitha Fernando, who have been drafted into the squad.* Lahiru Kumara is the other seamer in the squad. Sri Lanka may want to keep the top order and the spin attack intact.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Upul Tharanga, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt.), 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Wanidu Hasaranga, 8 Dushmantha Chameera, 9 Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Nuwan Kulasekara/Lahiru Kumara/Asitha Fernando, 11 Lasith MalingaRyan Burl had been unavailable for the third ODI after being briefly admitted to hospital, having unwittingly consumed food he was allergic to. Though he comes back into contention for this game, Zimbabwe may be tempted to stick with his replacement Tarisai Musakanda, who hit 48 from no. 3. Tendai Chatara had an indifferent outing in the last match, but as he remains Zimbabwe’s top wicket taker in the series, will likely retain his place. Carl Mumba may also get another run as the second seamer, having returned an economy rate of 5.68 in 6.2 overs.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Solomon Mire, 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Tarisai Musakanda, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Malcolm Waller, 6 Sikander Raza, 8 Peter Moor (wk), 9 Graeme Cremer (capt.), 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Carl MumbaPitch and conditionsThere is likely to be more of the crosswind that was seen on Thursday, though apparently there is also some chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. The pitch may not be quite as batting friendly, but is expected to have plenty of runs in it.Stats and trivia Thursday’s century was the fifth of Hamilton Masakadza’s ODI career. He now sits at fourth on Zimbabwe’s century-makers’ list, behind Brendon Taylor (8), Alistair Campbell (7) and Grant Flower (6). Since his return to ODI cricket following a 19-month layoff, Lasith Malinga has taken five wickets at an average of 63.60, with an economy rate of 6.25 If Sri Lanka win either of their remaining games, this will be the first ODI trophy they have won since November last year, when they beat Zimbabwe and West Indies in a tri-series.Quotes”There’s not much you can change in one day. We will take the positives and try and and restrict them.” “What we need is consistency. We can lose one or two games, but if we bat well every day that’s great. Some days we don’t do well. If we want to improve we need to be consistent.” *13.57 GMT, July 7: The story has been updated to reflect the inclusion of Nuwan Kulasekara in Sri Lanka’s squad.
Manchester United are working on a number of deals to bolster their squad ahead of next season and now a reliable source has revealed a fresh update on a potential transfer target.
What's the latest on Man United's interest in Axel Disasi?
According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are "exploring" a move for Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi.
Romano revealed on Twitter:
"Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet. Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco.
"Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco. More to follow."
Is Disasi a good player?
Erik ten Hag is pushing to improve a number of key areas on the pitch at Old Trafford with a new goalkeeper imminent due to David de Gea's departure and an extensive search to identify the next centre-forward who can lead the front line next season.
The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Mason Mount this summer, however, with recent reports claiming that the club are ready to offload a number of players before they return to action next month, there is still plenty of work to be done.
One of the players the club is keen to sell to boost transfer funds is club captain Harry Maguire, with the England star falling out of favour since the arrival of the former Ajax boss – tallying up just eight Premier League starts last season.
As a result, the signing of Disasi – who has a €50m (£43m) price tag – could further push Maguire out of the team and potentially out of the club altogether before the transfer window closes, as the Monaco ace could provide Ten Hag with a fresh, energetic and youthful prospect who can become part of the future of the team.
The 25-year-old Frenchman ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, assists, progressive passes, progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches, demonstrating strong ball-playing qualities from his centre-back position, as per FBref.
Not only that, Disasi has been attracting huge praise for his Ligue 1 performances, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was made to play Premier League football:
"Disasi is one of the most underrated youngsters in Ligue 1 at the moment. A true hidden gem. We don’t talk about him enough."
"He would be an amazing signing for any top Premier League club. He was born to play in England."
The Man United head coach is keen to implement his preferred style of play by developing the players who are capable of his intuitive ball-playing style and replacing those that can't adapt, which is the likely reason why Maguire hasn't been featuring as much.
When comparing Disasi's output over the last 12 months to Maguire's, the Monaco titan delivered more progressive passes per 90 (5.80 v 3.09), interceptions completed per 90 (1.81 v 1.35), more progressive carries per 90 (1.70 v 0.95) and successful take-ons per 90 (0.57 v 0.24), showing the younger man's superior ease with regard to playing out from the back.
With that being said, if Man United can beat off their competition to sign Disasi it would be a great piece of business for a player who fit Ten Hag's philosophy perfectly and will give the squad the depth needed to finally offload Maguire too.
Leeds United are reportedly not close to appointing a new manager despite speculation claiming Daniel Farke has agreed on Elland Road terms.
What’s the latest Leeds manager news?
The Whites are still looking to bring in a new long-term manager under new owners the 49ers Enterprises. However, the club appear to be waiting for the EFL to give the green light on a takeover before any official announcement is made on a new manager.
Time is ticking, though, with a number of Leeds’ first-team players set to report back for pre-season ahead of the new Championship season over the coming days.
There have been plenty of rumours about Farke making the move to Yorkshire, with The Daily Mail claiming on Thursday lunchtime that the German has now agreed on terms with the Whites and has even been shown around the Thorp Arch training complex following a lengthy interview process.
However, according to talkSPORT’s Jason Bourne, Leeds are not close to appointing a new manager, saying on Thursday evening:
“Sources close to Leeds suggesting to talkSPORT they're not close with an appointment of a head coach yet. Daniel Farke is being heavily linked with the role today.”
It has been a lengthy process on the search for a new manager after Sam Allardyce was relieved of his duties following a temporary stint, and Farke isn’t the only name to have been linked with a move to Leeds.
Reports earlier this month claimed that former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira and ex-Bournemouth boss Scott Parker were also among the leading candidates. However, it looks as if Vieira is one of the favourites to take over at French side Strasbourg, so a move to Elland Road may not be on the cards.
Speculation has gone quiet with Parker, but on the face of things, you could argue that Farke is the standout option for the three mentioned.
Vieira doesn’t have any experience of the Championship, although Parker has two promotions to the Premier League on his CV with Bournemouth and Fulham, one of which came via the playoffs.
Farke plays a 4-2-3-1 system and has racked up a whopping 251 points in 138 games in the Championship with Norwich City. He led the Canaries to two titles in the second tier, so he could look to make it three with Leeds, but by the looks of it, a move may not be as advanced as some believe.
The GOAL guide on how to score a bargain in the world of sports streaming
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Paramount+
Sports available: NFL, NCAA, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONCACAF, Serie A and more.
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Delving into the world of online video streaming services, it's typical to encounter a minefield of information. Increased competition can lead to increased confusion for the customer.
With so many plans, price points, add-ons, bolt-ons, and you name it, you need a digestible guide and luckily GOAL is on hand to help you out!
Through the lens of a sports-specific focus, this list will take you through the major players on the streaming scene. Ordered by cheapest first, we go through where the best value for money is for you and your particular preferences. So, without further adieu…
RELATED: The best streaming services for sports fans
#1. Paramount+ – $5.99 per monthShop Paramount+ plans
At $5.99, Paramount+ offers the cheapest sports subscription service currently on the market. As you might imagine at such a price point, coverage is limited and Paramount+ have so far only dabbled into the sports world via football and soccer.
Paramount+'s American football offering includes the latest from both the NFL as well as the NCAA.
When it comes to soccer, Paramount+ is the home of the UEFA Champions League and several other high profile tournaments across Europe. You can also watch Team USA in action in the CONCACAF Nations League.
RELATED: How to watch live sports on Paramount+: plans, cost, coverage and more
Start a Paramount+ subscription todayFind a plan
#3. ESPN+ – $10.99 per monthFind a plan
Priced at $10.99 per month, you can’t argue with ESPN+ when it comes to value for money. If you’re a fan of one particular sport, there is a good chance that ESPN+ will cover it in one guise or another.
Basketball, baseball, football soccer, UFC, boxing. The list goes on and on. But fair word of warning: some specific events within ESPN+’s sporting coverage is behind a PPV paywall that a standard plan won’t grant you access to.
ESPN+ Annual Plan Discounts
ESPN+ is available for $109.99 for the year. This would give you around a $20 saving if chosen instead of the monthly option – a worthwhile commitment for sports fans who are sure to get more than their money’s worth across 12 months.
RELATED:How to watch live sports on ESPN+: stream live soccer and more
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#2. Fanatiz -$9.99 per monthGetty Images / GOALFind a plan
Fanatiz do actually have two options cheaper per month but their most popular Front Row Monthly plan is a fairer reflection of their typical price point.
Cheaper plans at Fanatiz – like the Liga1 Play, Brasileirao Play and AFA Play plans only give customers access to one specific soccer league. If, of course, you are a fan of either Peruvian, Brazilian or Argentinian football, then by all means take advantage of their cheapest price offering! A $5.99 per month option – the HandballSCA Plan – is also available
Fanatiz Annual Plan Discounts
All plans at Fanatiz come with a 33% discount when purchased annually. This means the most popular Front Row Annual plan will set you back $79.99 for a 12 month commitment (equivalent to $6.67 per month).
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#4. Hulu – $12.99 per monthGetty Images / GOALFind a plan
Hulu offer perhaps the biggest of price points on the live streaming market. Their Disney Bundle Trio at $12.99, however, is the fairest reflection for this particular list.
While their cheapest price starts at $7.99 per month, it isn’t until you get the bundle that includes ESPN+ as standard where you get value for your money as a sports fan.
At the higher end of their pricing is Hulu + Live TV, and it is here where you get into the territory of some real comprehensive coverage. Among their access to 85 live channels, customers can find live sports on ESPN, FS1, SEC, BTN and ACCN.
Hulu Premium and Live TV Add-ons
Along with everything mentioned above, further add-ons are available to various Hulu plans.
Premium add-ons – which can be tacked on to Hulu plan – include Max ($15.99 per month), Cinemax ($9.99 per month), SHOWTIME ($10.99 per month), STARZ ($9.99 per month).
Soccer fans will be interested to know that Max, the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max, has exclusive coverage to both men’s and women’s Team USA matches.
SHOWTIME, meanwhile, is a word and network that has always gone hand-in-hand with the world of boxing.
The Sports Add-on is priced at an additional $9.99 per month. It is one of four Live TV Add-ons that you can add to any Live TV plan. The Sports Add-on has six on-demand and live streaming services: NFL Redzone.
RELATED:How to watch live sports on Hulu + Live TV
The cusp of immortality. A feverish sense of anticipation emanates across East London and Prague as West Ham prepare for one of the biggest games in their history.
They play Fiorentina in the last stage of the Europa Conference League Final – their first European showpiece since 1976.
David Moyes is not a man prone to experimentation, rotation, or romantic storylines – there is no room for error, and his most trusted lineup must start the occasion.
On the final day of the Premier League season, with safety already secured, the Scotsman named a much-changed side.
One of his ever-presents that was rested at the King Power Stadium was Jarrod Bowen, whose recent rise in popularity and stardom has been a fantastic spectacle over the past couple of years.
The 26-year-old cannot contain his excitement for the final and said: “When I first signed, I couldn’t in my wildest dreams have thought about playing in a major European final three years later, so to be here and so close to winning a trophy for all of us and do to it with players who are my teammates and friends for everybody would be so special. That’s what our focus is on.”
Bowen has been an imperious asset for the Hammers, and he could write his name into Irons folklore tonight.
Why is Jarrod Bowen so important to West Ham?
In the last three Premier League campaigns, the former Hull City starlet has registered 49 goal involvements in 112 outings and has been a formidable component of a Hammers side that secured consecutive top-half finishes and has reached this monumental final.
During this phenomenal upsurge, the £60k-per-week man also received his first England call-up in June 2022.
On West Ham’s endearing journey to the verge of glory, Bowen has been at the centre and Moyes has recognised his contribution, saying: “He has been very much part of the journey from a team third-fourth bottom of the Premier League to a team challenging to be fourth-fifth in the Premier League.
“You have all the right characteristics with Jarrod whether it be a starter or a non-starter.”
Jarrod Bowen West Ham
Although he has endured a quieter season, Bowen has still emerged as the hub of West Ham’s productivity and creativity – he is the club’s joint top-scorer in the Premier League with Said Benrahma (6), without having the advantage of being the designated penalty-taker.
The four-cap international has also averaged the second-most key passes in the squad (1.3), as his effervescence and final ball have been imperative to attacking sequences.
Described as “unbelievable” by Jurgen Klopp, it would surprise no one if Bowen emerged as the hero tonight, and it would be fitting when considering his input across the years.
Brighton left it very late to sink the Red Devils but fully deserved their win against Erik ten Hag's lacklustre side
Brighton avenged their recent shootout defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final by scoring the latest of penalties to secure a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win over the Red Devils.
A VAR review spotted a handball by Luke Shaw after the five minutes of added time had been played, in a reversal of what happened in this fixture in the 2020-21 campaign, when Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty after the final whistle had initially been blown.
Alexis Mac Allister dispatched his 98th minute spot-kick ruthlessly to boost Brighton's hopes of qualifying for Europe and simultaneously harm United's hopes of securing a top-four spot early.
Although United were unfortunate to lose so late in the game, this was yet another poor away showing by Erik ten Hag's side, who could have taken an early lead but were left to rue Antony missing a real sitter after being played clean through by Bruno Fernandes.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from the Amex Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
David de Gea (7/10):
Took an early whack on the head from Mitoma's shot but stayed focused and made a fine save late on to keep out Alexis Mac Allister's low drive, also parrying a last-gasp shot from Caicedo. Could do little about Mac Allister's emphatic penalty.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (8/10):
Dealt expertly with Kaoru Mitoma, keeping tight on him without committing himself and getting beaten. United's man of the match.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
Shaky in possession, gifting a clear chance to Mitoma. Improved as the game went on.
Luke Shaw (4/10):
Was not very commanding and made a big mistake by leaving his hand in the air to give away the penalty.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Had very little joy in attack but was sound defensively.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Fred (5/10):
Brought energy to the midfield but was unable to prise open Brighton and United missed the creative passing of Christian Eriksen, who dropped to the bench.
Casemiro (7/10):
A strong stabilising force although the Brazilian picked up a first-half booking for a tactical foul and then lived on the edge, still diving into tackles and risking getting a second yellow card.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Created the early chance for Antony but did not get much freedom in attack, having to work hard defensively instead.
Getty ImagesAttack
Antony (4/10):
Wasteful and ineffective. Missed the target with a great early chance and grew increasingly frustrated with his inability to get beyond Brighton's defence. Booked for kicking out at Mac Allister.
Anthony Martial (5/10):
Made very few runs behind defence and struggled to link the play or hold the ball up.
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
The only United attacker who looked a threat. Got in down the left wing a few times but his only real shooting chance was saved by the leg of Jason Steele. Took a whack on the ankle from Caicedo.
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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Jadon Sancho (5/10):
Unable to help United put Brighton under any real pressure.
Marcel Sabitzer (5/10):
Barely got involved in the game when he came on.
Wout Weghorst (N/A):
Only introduced for the final six minutes.
Erik ten Hag (4/10):
Made the wrong call in dropping Eriksen for Fred, meaning United struggled to keep the ball for long periods and allowed Brighton to take the initiative. His changes came too late and offered very little.
Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Arne Slot has become slightly more likely to get the Spurs job after rising up their manager list.
What's the latest Spurs manager news?
The north Londoners are working to appoint Antonio Conte's successor in the background of their hunt for a top four Premier League finish.
Spurs could be seen as outside contenders to seal Champions League qualification after recent results, and if they fail to do so, chairman Daniel Levy may face a difficult task in trying to persuade world football's most elite coaches.
Julian Nagelsmann, another managerial target for Spurs, apparently sees Europe as a deal-breaker if he is to take the Spurs job so Levy and co may well need to prepare for alternative options if that is the case.
Tottenham have compiled a list of candidates for the job, with Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique, Ange Postecoglou and Slot featuring in their thinking.
Feyenoord coachArneSlot
The latter manager has performed brilliantly at Feyenoord this season, prompting Spurs to take note and consider a move for him.
Sharing an update on Tottenham's links to the 44-year-old, a report by Soccer News now claims that Slot 'rises one place' on Spurs' list of candidates as he becomes more likely to get the job.
This is partly due to Chelsea and Todd Boehly effectively ruling out a move for tactician, and while Tottenham still prefer other coaches, Slot's odds have increased.
While he is a step behind for the time being, it's claimed that Spurs do see him as an 'interesting option'.
What could Slot bring to Spurs?
The former AZ Alkmaar boss has shone at Feyenoord this season, guiding them to top of the Eredivisie standings whilst losing just once all season.
Slot has also been heralded by Dutch football experts, like Marcel van der Kraan, who have raved over his attacking philosophy.
Van Der Kraan said this on the manager to talkSPORT recently:
“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine.“I don’t think he will leave now with three trophies up for grabs, but in the summer, big chances.”
It's little surprise he is in Levy's thinking based off plaudits like this, and it will be interesting to see if he rises further on Tottenham's list.
Tottenham Hotspur are still without a permanent manager, but under Ryan Mason, things have looked better. In a remarkable turn of events, despite failing to win both games, the 31-year-old has inspired this sluggish group of failures to fight for the shirt once again.
Twice they came back from at least a two-goal deficit, suggesting that quality remains in this squad despite what their performances over the season might have suggested.
It bodes well for whoever is set to take charge after the former Spurs midfielder, that hope remains despite the doom and gloom surrounding the club and Daniel Levy's tenure as chairman.
Despite this, a revolution is still needed. The 61-year-old needs to pull something out of the bag this summer, and in Arne Slot, the Dutchman could prove the perfect catalyst to turn this club around from the depths of despair.
tottenham-hotspur-skipp-injury-liverpool
This is made especially pertinent after the words of De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, who told Vandaag Inside (via Fr12.nl):
"Slot has been invited by Tottenham for a conversation. He has a conversation, but the English club have this conversation with three or four managers and actually always do it that way.
"Nagelsmann, Slot and Pochettino come by and tell their story. Slot will have this conversation".
How does Arne Slot set his team up?
Having impressed this season with Feyenoord, the 44-year-old is set to end Ajax's monopoly over the Eredivisie title with a philosophy that has captured the attention.
Across his 97 matches his taking the helm, Slot boasts 62 wins with a points-per-game average of 2.12. For comparison, this even surpasses the 1.84 of Mauricio Pochettino during his north London reign a few years ago.
What makes this even more appealing is that the former AZ Alkmaar tactician has done this with a 4-3-3 system that has earned huge praise from Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.
He claimed: "The best thing about Arne Slot is that he is probably the best attacking coach I have seen in the last 35-40 years at Feyenoord.
"He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.
“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."
Such vast praise, and the latter statement of his transformative capabilities, all culminate to suggest that Slot could easily be the man to kickstart the revolution that Spurs so richly desire.