Mason Greenwood has been forced to change his summer transfer plans after Xavi Hernandez departed Barcelona.
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Tottenham Hotspur recruitment chiefs think one club's mainstay midfielder is a potential star in the making, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy now seemingly readying a move.
Spurs closing in on early January deals
Following the widely reported capture of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner on a six-month loan deal, it is now believed that Tottenham are close to signing Genoa star Radu Dragusin as well.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
The north Londoners are currently chasing Champions League qualification after a stellar first season overall for manager Ange Postecoglou, who has quickly endeared himself to the hearts of Spurs supporters.
The Australian's brand of intense, attack-minded football is easy on the eye, with Tottenham sealing some impressive results this season despite a plethora of injury and suspension problems.
Postecoglou has been left very short defensively in particular. First-choice centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been unavailable for long periods since early November, exposing Spurs' real lack of depth in defence and prompting them to open talks for Dragusin this month.
Spurs' head coach will be eager to get the Romanian to N17 as soon as possible, but it's also believed that Levy and sporting director Johan Lange would like to bring in a centre-midfielder as well.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher if they can offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before January 31, alongside the likes of Royal Antwerp ace Arthur Vermeeren. Now, it is believed the north Londoners have their eyes on Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton as well.
Tottenham "readying a move" for Wharton
The 19-year-old, who has been a mainstay in Blackburn's midfield this season, starting 20 games and playing 24 overall, is seen as a potential "star in the making" by Spurs.
That is according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, who also claim Tottenham are "readying a move" to sign Wharton after scouting him extensively this season.
While it is believed a transfer is unlikely to happen in January, the Lilywhites are apparently stepping up their interest in the Englishman ahead of a possible 2024 swoop.
The teenage sensation, who can play across the midfield, currently ranks as one of Rovers' best-performing players by average match rating according to WhoScored.
Blackburn 1-2 Watford
7.82
Watford 1-0 Blackburn
7.52
Blackburn 4-2 Birmingham City
7.51
Blackburn 1-2 Preston
7.50
Coventry City 1-0 Blackburn
7.40
“I saw Adam’s quality on the ball immediately when I arrived here," said Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson to Rovers TV.
“I’ve been pushing him every day, he’s a young boy who wants to learn and he has a big future. I’m on him every day, he has to demand more from himself as well.
“He’s a great player but there’s still a lot to learn off the ball. The important thing with Adam is that he’s willing to learn. He’s done a great job, he’s a positive boy and he’s already developed a lot and he has the mentality to become better every day."
Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor has been announced as Emma Hayes' replacement at Chelsea after her switch to the United States women's national team.
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Bompastor announced as new Chelsea bossReplaces Hayes after USWNT switchHas won Champions League title that the Blues craveWHAT HAPPENED?
Hayes left the Blues at the end of the 2023-24 season after 12 incredible years in charge, that which saw her transform them into the dominant team in English women's football. She won 16 trophies in that time and bid farewell by clinching a fifth successive Women's Super League title in her final game in charge.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Her successor has long been reported to be Bompastor, who has won seven titles in her three seasons at Lyon, and that news has now been confirmed after the 43-year-old coached the French giants in the Champions League final on Saturday, with her last game in charge ending in a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona. Bompastor has won the competition before though, back in 2022, and Chelsea will hope she can repeat that success with them as it is the trophy that the Blues crave the most. The Frenchwoman has signed a four-year deal.
WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID
“I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea," Bompastor said. "It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players. I hope to live up to Emma's legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”
General manager Paul Green added: “The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor. Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate. She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Bompastor is the only woman to win the Champions League both as a coach and as a player. She was part of the Lyon squad that triumphed in 2011 and 2012, before then delivering the same success as a manager two years ago.
There is a feeling that a hugely influential figure at Newcastle United could leave the club, according to a key update from journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Magpies have had a disastrous season so far in truth, having struggled to replicate their brilliance in the Premier League and crashed out of the Champions League group stages.
Eddie Howe has been dogged by endless injuries to important players, and it has led to tiredness within the squad due to a lack of rest, and that has heightened the need for new signings to arrive in the January transfer window.
Newcastle have been linked with plenty of players, with VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy an exciting target who has taken the German Bundesliga by storm this season, scoring 17 goals in just 14 appearances in the competition. A move for Kalvin Phillips also isn't out of the question, with the 28-year-old looking almost certain to leave Manchester City this month and a loan exit appearing to be most likely for the time being.
Meanwhile, sporting director Dan Ashworth is the man who has played a pivotal role in the Magpies' transfer business of late, having taken up the role just under two years ago, but a key update has now emerged regarding his future.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Jacobs admitted that there is an increasing feeling "within the industry" that Dan Ashworth could leave Newcastle for pastures new, with Manchester United looking his most likely next destination.
He said: "The feeling within the industry is that an approach will come and the feeling within the industry is that Newcastle wouldn't stand in Ashworth's way if he wants to move. But Ashworth did an interview only a few months ago saying he's happy at Newcastle and he likes the project.
"But clearly what helps is not only Manchester United's history and the INEOS factor, because Ashworth knows them well, but also the fact that Newcastle may not be able to build on last season. So Newcastle qualifying [in] back-to-back seasons for [the] Champions League is one thing, but Newcastle ninth in the table, and not able to consolidate on last season, versus Manchester United with fresh new plans under INEOS might just tempt Ashworth."
This is clearly a concerning update for anyone of a Newcastle persuasion considering the impact that Ashworth has enjoyed at the club, having such a strong relationship with Howe and playing a key role in the signings of some wonderful players in a short space of time.
Former United defender and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has heaped praise on him in the past after bumping into him at a match, saying of the 52-year-old:
"He transformed the FA’s structure, set Brighton up for this incredible period of success and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle. He’s competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s doing. Will work with his coach, recruitment team and other departments coherently and calmly."
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Newcastle surely must do all they can to retain Ashworth's services given the superb job he has done, but if he feels the club are going backwards and wants to test himself at Old Trafford, it could be hard to keep him.
The batting coach believes consistency in selection has helped bring out the best in the younger players
Mohammad Isam in Bristol09-Jun-2019Neil McKenzie, Bangladesh’s South African batting coach, wants his batsmen to trust their games in defining moments. Bangladesh started well against South Africa, but have somewhat fallen apart against New Zealand and England. The Bangladesh batsmen, on their part, believe McKenzie has made a difference in his time with the side. His belief that the Bangladesh batsmen are capable of making big scores, many say, is slowly beginning to seep through the ranks.”The trust is there,” McKenzie told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the England game, where they responded with 280 to fall 106 short. “I think it is for them to trust themselves and the game plans. From the batting side of things, it is about trusting the person who is doing the job. I think with trust, you can let them play their game. I like to see it with the lesser-experienced players who have all been proper match winners.””They have made good contributions in the last seven-eight months. [Mohammad] Mithun had two fifties in really trying conditions in New Zealand. We know what Soumya [Sarkar] can do. Mushfiqur [Rahim] and Shakib [Al Hasan] played really well. I think the guys can judge themselves on game plan. Committing to how they are going to play.”They need to have a backup plan, if plan A doesn’t work, then they need proper thinking. Bangladeshi batsmen have some great hand-speed. They hit the ball consistently well in skilled areas. We just have to trust their process.”McKenzie believes coaches and selectors have been consistent in picking players over the last 12 months precisely to empower them in tough situations. He cited the example of Liton Das, who was given ample opportunities and finally came good under pressure in the Asia Cup final, when he struck 121. Another example is Mosaddek Hossain, who has only managed to break open the selection door following an impressive 27-ball 52 not out in a rain-shortened tri-series final against West Indies in Malahide last month.”I think selection has been a lot more consistent,” he said. “We have to nurture our young players, and when they get the chance, they know they will get a proper run. It is not just one game in, one game out. I think it is through the whole system has been really good. Liton was in and out, up and down in the Asia Cup. We backed him. He got a good forty. He failed again and then he got an unbelievable hundred in the final.”The selectors are showing the guys that we back them. We trust and believe them. We are not giving them a chance because the journalists are saying that’s the guy who should be making it. The coaches and captain believe in these guys. It is batting for your country as a young player is really hard so you definitely need the backing from everybody.””Saikat has fantastic hands through the ball, he said of Mosaddek. “It is just about getting that consistency, wanting to be there when the pressure is on, and wanting to be there for Bangladesh when its needed. I am very pleased with him, I think he has worked really hard. I think his game plans are a little bit sound, and he comes with a bit of maturity and chance.”McKenzie also said he doesn’t mind batsmen getting out, if they are out to shots that was part of the strategy at a given time. He felt backing them in such situations was the best way to induce self-belief.”The guys are getting closer to knowing their games, which is really good for Bangladesh cricket,” he said. We will hopefully pose a few more 300s, when the wicket demands it. We have some proper players who are missing out in the squad and at home. It says that the batsmen you have on tour are world-class.”
MatériaMais Notícias
O lateral-esquerdo Moisés, do Internacional, se envolveu em polêmica na última quinta-feira, em Porto Alegre. De acordo com vizinhos do atleta, a sua casa foi palco de um grande evento para comemorar o seu aniversário.
Segundo informações, a festa foi promovida pelo pai de Moisés e após diversos chamados, a polícia chegou ao local.
– Quando chegamos, fomos informados que a residência seria do pai de um jogador. A festa já tinha começado perto do final da tarde e estaria sendo finalizada. Já tinha pouquíssimas pessoas, por volta das 21h30, 22h. Ele alegou que teria organizado uma festa surpresa para o próprio filho. Com alguns amigos. Foi nesse momento que a gente disse para ele que, em razão do decreto, teriam que ser identificados e que a festa deveria ser encerrada imediatamente – declarou o delegado Rodrigo Reis.
De acordo com Reis, os envolvidos na festa devem responder pelo delito previsto no Artigo 268 do Código Penal, que fala sobre “infringir determinação do poder público, destinada a impedir introdução ou propagação de doença contagiosa”.
Internacional
Em meio a divulgação do fato, o Colorado emitiu uma nota em relação a festa na casa do jogador.
– Os atletas são orientados a seguirem todos os protocolos de saúde, mesmo fora do ambiente de trabalho, em suas vidas particulares. O clube ratifica a extrema importância dos cuidados e pleno cumprimento dos protocolos sanitários – diz a nota.
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Australia’s attention turned to spin in their build-up to the Men’s World Cup, with Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon the focus of the second training session in London. While Australia’s bowling strength in the 50-over format has undoubtedly been pace in the post-Shane Warne era, legspinner Zampa believes spin will play a key role in their upcoming campaign and revealed how he and Lyon – who were both part of Australia’s recent eight-game undefeated streak against India and Pakistan – have worked closely on their partnership.”I think it was a few months ago where we actually spoke to each other and said, ‘I reckon we can play a huge role coming up in the World Cup together so let’s do everything we can to make sure we’re both there’,” Zampa said. “So we’ve communicated really well over the last few months. We speak a lot in the nets, we speak a lot in the field, just about whatever – anything – spin bowling, field settings or how the ball’s going to come out. Just anything. So we communicate a lot and really well.”Zampa, who averages 35.45 at a strike rate of 38.00, has been the first-choice spinner for Australia in ODIs after a string of options were used with varying success while Lyon, who came to prominence in T20 cricket after a breakout season with South Australia, has been preferred in Test cricket and has often been overlooked in white-ball formats. But while Australia rarely opt for two spinners outside the subcontinent, Zampa believes that could change in England.”It’s definitely going to play a role with the smaller grounds,” Zampa said. “I think the way we have been playing lately, we’ve been loading up a little bit towards the back end, so to have those wickets in hand is really important. So I guess stopping the [opposition] spinners from getting wickets in the middle overs is really important and obviously vice versa for us, for me and Nath to bowl well.”I love playing with Nath. We play two different roles. He’s so accurate, beautiful offspinner. Bowls to his field really well, bowls really tight, and it means I can attack from the other end. So I really, really like bowling with ‘Gaz’. I think it’s going to play a huge role for us sometime throughout the World Cup. I don’t know if it will be every game but I definitely see us playing a huge role together.”Nathan Lyon appeals successfully•Getty Images
Zampa was overlooked for Australia’s ODI tour of England in 2018, which they lost 5-0, but picked up a contract playing T20 cricket in The Blast for Essex, an experience he hopes to draw from in the coming months.”I absolutely loved my time there,” he said. “It was really tough and I think the added pressure of being an overseas player, you’ve got to really perform. So I found playing under those conditions and that pressure really good for me. Small ground. Chelmsford is probably the smallest ground in the world if you’ve ever been there, so yeah, that was enjoyable.”As the role of spin has developed in ODI cricket, so has Australia’s use of spinners. Zampa believes he has more licence to be attacking during the middle overs under captain Aaron Finch, even if it means leaking runs. That’s the kind of confidence he admires in the England camp and he views Adil Rashid as something of a role model.”Adil Rashid is someone that, you know, I could almost base my career around his,” Zampa said. “He’s been in and out of the team when he was a lot younger, he’s probably a little bit of a different bowler than I am but England have really backed him in. From looking from afar they’ve almost said to him, ‘you’re playing every game for the next couple of years until the World Cup is over.’ So he goes 1 for 80, 3 for 80, he’s a genuine wicket-taker for England and he’s probably had some ups and downs in his career too, but he’s someone I’ve really enjoyed watching bowl and he’s had a lot of success in England.”Australia’s first World Cup match is against Afghanistan in Bristol, a match that will likely pit Zampa against another player he admires and has observed closely, Rashid Khan. The pair spent time together during the most recent BBL series in a session that Zampa found both informative and humbling.”I had a bowl with Rash after a [Melbourne] Stars versus [Adelaide] Strikers game this year and I was always intrigued with Rash,” Zampa said. “I was like, ‘I love watching this guy so I’m going to pull him aside and have a bowl with him’ and, to his credit, he spent about 45 minutes with me and at the end of it I was so glad I did that because now I know that I would never ever be able to bowl like Rashid Khan.”Perhaps not, but Australia will undoubtedly hope that bowling like Adam Zampa is good enough to help them win a World Cup.
Aston Villa are looking to take full advantage of the opportunity to sign players this month, with Unai Emery being particularly keen to bolster his squad.
Multiple reports have confirmed that the Midlands club is interested in signing Championship star Morgan Rogers, who only joined Middlesbrough in the summer window of 2023.
However, according to Keith Downie of Sky Sports News, the move could become more difficult than anticipated, with Rogers' club already rejecting two bids from Villa as they are reluctant to sell the 21-year-old.
Therefore, let's look at three players who Emery could sign as alternatives to Rogers this month.
1 Option 1: Giovanni Reyna – Borussia Dortmund
As per a report from Football Transfers this month, Villa have inquired about the potential signing of Giovanni Reyna of Borussia Dortmund.
The 21-year-old has been dubbed "incredibly exciting" by football journalist Zach Lowy, but with the arrival of Jadon Sancho, his time on the field at BVB is further under threat.
The USMNT star has only started once all season, but the table below from the 2022/23 Bundesliga proves that if he is given time on the field, he can create moments of magic.
Appearances
22
Starts
4
Average Minutes per game
28
Goals
7
Assists
2
However, his never-ending injury issues over the years have led to the German side looking to move him on this January for a cut price of around £13m-£17m, which could prove to be a bargain if he is managed correctly.
January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland
Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.
ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 2 Option 2: Crysencio Summerville – Leeds United
Another Championship player who has caught the eye of Emery is Crysencio Summerville, who has lit up the league this season with his dazzling performances.
Football Insider confirmed earlier this month that Villa are extremely interested in signing the Dutch ace, who is in "sensational form," as per Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.
The 22-year-old is the fifth-highest scorer in the second division, scoring ten more goals than their current target, Rogers, and this is how he ranks in the Championship among positionally similar players for some key statistics.
Goals
12
5th
Assists
7
6th
Big chances created
13
3rd
Key passes (PG)
3.0
1st
Successful dribbles (PG)
2.6
3rd
Summerville will eventually move to a top Premier League side in no time, and if Villa could purchase him before other clubs start sniffing, they would be onto a winner.
3 Option 3: Emile Smith Rowe – Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe has been targeted by Villa for years, and they could finally be successful in their quest for the Arsenal star this month.
According to Ben Jacobs, who was speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Villans are seriously interested in signing the Gunners attacking midfielder, who could move away from his boyhood club to seek minutes on the field.
Apperances
33
Starts
21
Average Minutes per game
58
Goals
10
Scoring frequency
193 minutes
Shots per game
1.2
Assists
2
The 23-year-old is only averaging 21 minutes per game in the league this season and 15 minutes per game last term, with injuries impacting his development, yet the statistics above from the 2021/22 campaign prove that he has endless ability with the ball at his feet and a knack for scoring goals from midfield.
Smith Rowe has the perfect opportunity to reignite his career as a Premier League footballer, and what better way to do it than underneath Emery, who he knows extremely well from his time as Arsenal boss?
A £30m midfielder has been told to pack his bags and join Tottenham after a recent claim they will "do everything possible" to sign him for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs keen on signing new midfielder
Reports over the last month have suggested that Postecoglou wants to bring in a new midfielder at Spurs, and one who can provide that extra bit of dynamism/creativity.
Tottenham look at signing "exciting" £15.5m alternative to Antonio Nusa
He’s been likened to AC Milan star Rafael Leao.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 30, 2024
While the Lilywhites head coach said new signings are unlikely this month as things stand, late twists may still be on the cards as we approach February 1, with Postecoglou refusing to completely rule out more transfer business (via Dan Kilpatrick).
Reliable media sources like Jacob Steinberg of The Times have also mooted potential late moves for the likes of Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, as the north Londoners apparently consider a late for the Englishman who's starring under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
All confirmed Tottenham deals for January so far
Transfer
Timo Werner
Arrival (RB Leipzig, loan)
Radu Dragusin
Arrival (Genoa, permanent)
Djed Spence
Departure (Genoa, loan)
Ashley Phillips
Departure (Plymouth, loan)
Japhet Tanganga
Departure (Millwall, loan)
Sergio Reguilon
Departure (Brentford, loan)
Ivan Perisic
Departure (Hajduk Split, loan)
Eric Dier
Departure (Bayern Munich, loan)
Atalanta star Ederson has been linked with a move to Spurs as well, but it appears Postecoglou will have current midfield ace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to choose from a little while longer. The Dane's lawyer, Lars Helgreen, publicly confirmed his wish to remain in north London.
"Despite the rumours and noise, the player has always kept focus on helping the team, coaches and Tottenham," he told Sky in Germany (via The Evening Standard). "The player never asked to leave now. He’s very ambitious for Tottenham and for Denmark and continues to keep improving himself, like he did all of his career. He’s a strong character and player.
"His only focus is Tottenham to finish the season well and to help as much as possible."
Despite Hojbjerg's desire to stay, Steinberg's aforementioned report suggests that Spurs are still weighing up new midfielders, and one man who's been linked recently is Fenerbache star Sebastian Szymanski.
The Pole has bagged an incredible nine goals and eight assists in the Turkish Super Lig this season, and a report by newspaper Aksam claimed Spurs will "do everything possible" to sign Szymanski with Postecoglou personally very keen.
Szymanski told to pack his bags and join Tottenham
Following this report of serious interest, Szymanski has now been told to join Tottenham and pack his bags by former agent Kamil Kosowski. Speaking to Przeglad Sportowy (via Sport Witness), Kosowski is quoted saying that when a club like Spurs come calling, you just "pack up an go" and there is "no better time" than the present to do so.
He appears to be garnering quite a reputation as Poland's potential next star, and he would be quite the asset at Tottenham. Called "superb" by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Aksam state he is valued at around £30 million.
أكد إيلكاي جوندوجان أنه غير نادم على فترة انضمامه إلى برشلونة، وتحدث عن الوقت الذي قضاه مع النادي الإسباني.
وكشف جوندوجان عن كواليس حديثه مع المدرب بيب جوارديولا، ليعود إلى مانشستر سيتي في الصيف.
وغادر جوندوجان صفوف برشلونة في انتقالات الصيف وعاد إلى مانشستر سيتي مجددًا، وتحدث اللاعب في مقابلة مطولة مع صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية.
وقال جوندوجان: “أعتقد أنني قضيت وقتًا ناجحًا هناك، أعني بصرف النظر عن أي شيء، لعبت لأحد أكبر الفرق في العالم، لقد حققت أحد أحلام طفولتي، اللعب لصالح برشلونة وارتداء هذا الشعار”.
وأستطرد: “ربما ينظر الناس إلى الموسم الماضي ويعتقدون أننا لم نفز بأي شيء، هذا صحيح، ولكن إذا نظرت إلى أدائنا، فقد حصلنا على 85 نقطة في نهاية الموسم، أي أقل بثلاث نقاط فقط من العام السابق عندما فازوا بالدوري”.
وأردف: “كنا نلعب ضد فريق ريال مدريد الصعب حقًا، أشعر بامتياز كبير للعب لبرشلونة، في ظروف أخرى ربما كانت الأمور ستسير بشكل مختلف، كانت تجربة صعبة ولكنها رائعة أيضًا، لذلك لا أشعر بأي ندم على الإطلاق”.
اقرأ أيضًا | جوندوجان يكشف تأثير جوارديولا على أرتيتا ومستوى هالاند
وبشأن العودة إلى مانشستر سيتي، أفاد: “أنت تعرف كيف يكون الأمر عندما تغادر وتعود، لا تتفاجأ إذا كانت الأمور مختلفة، والديناميكيات مختلفة، عليك إعادة التكيف وربما العثور على دورك، الأمور تتغير، لقد مر الوقت وعليك أن تتأقلم مرة أخرى”.
وواصل جوندوجان: “عندما تأكدت من أن العودة ستكون رائعة، تحدثت مع بيب، اتصلت به وسألته عما إذا كان يتخيل الأمر، لم يكن ذلك من فراغ، لقد فكرت في الأمر، كان الأمر شيئًا أردت القيام به شخصيًا ولم يكن لدي الكثير لأخسره، كما تعلمون”.
وأكمل: “كنت متوترًا بعض الشيء قبل ذلك لكنها كانت مكالمة لطيفة، من الواضح أن علاقتي ببيب كانت جيدة دائمًا، على الرغم من أنني كنت في برشلونة العام الماضي، أجرينا بضع مكالمات هاتفية بيننا، التقينا هناك أيضًا مرة واحدة”.
وأكد: “لا يوجد سبب لإخفاء أن لدينا اتصالًا جيدًا ولكن في النهاية لا تعرف أبدًا كيف سيتفاعل الناس أو ما يفكرون فيه بشأن مواقف معينة”.
وأتم: “لذا عندما ذكرت الأمر وحصلت على رد رائع، شعرت بالارتياح، كان الأمر شيئًا ربما لم أتوقعه تمامًا في تلك اللحظة، قال جوارديولا لي لو كان الأمر متروكًا له لكان قد تم غدًا”.