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It was crucial that Everton put the brakes on their season for a third time with a win. And win the Toffees did. The Hill Dickinson returned to form as David Moyes oversaw a professional victory over Fulham in the Premier League.

The 2-0 win marked the end of a three-match winless run for Everton, lifting them to 11th in the standings. It’s all rather congested in the middle of the table right now, but Everton know they need to make improvements if they wish to beat off mid-table competition and push for a place in the top half.

And it’s becoming apparent that external solutions will be needed, thus turning our attention toward the looming January transfer window.

Where Everton are looking to strengthen

Everton’s winter transfer plans are currently rather nebulous, but that’s only natural given there is still a month and a half until the January market opens for business.

What is clear is that Moyes will be looking to strengthen, and the Friedkin Group are ready to back him in this endeavour. More detailed plans might be unknown, but it’s obvious that the Toffees will look to sign a striker, with Beto and £27m summer recruit Thierno Barry both toiling this term, one goal between them in the Premier League.

Were the Merseysiders playing their football with a reliable bagsman at number nine, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that European contention would already be a conversation.

That could still be the case, with a few tweaks. It’s not just up top where Everton need to remedy their tactical creases. Both full-back berths have been focus points of criticism this season, with Jake O’Brien industrious at right-back but out of position nonetheless, naturally a centre-back.

Let’s have a look at how Everton could shape up after a window of dealings.

Moyes' dream XI after January

Jordan Pickford will, of course, remain between the sticks for Everton, having extended until 2029 last month.

The return of Jarrad Branthwaite to fitness will also feel like a new signing for side who have had to make do at the rear this term. Praise must be placed at Michael Keane’s feet, the English defender having completed a U-turn before the end of last season, signing a new deal and starting every Premier League match of the campaign.

It is indeed the wide defenders who need changing, and Everton could act on their interest in Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez, with an October report suggesting the Blues have prepared a £17m bid ahead of January.

Sanchez, 23, is a powerful and balanced player, and in La Liga this season, he ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

This would be an interesting deal to add width and dynamism down Everton’s right side, but it could be a move that is overshadowed by a loan bid for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly’s reduced role in Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging team this season is not a reflection of his skillset but an emphasis on the Gunners’ remarkable rise in recent years. The 19-year-old was very much a part of that last year, his performances leading The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid to describe him as a “£100m footballer”.

Arteta has yet to name the prospect from the opening in the top flight this season, and this has given rise to chatter about a winter loan move. A number of unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, and it’s more than likely that Everton are among that mix.

Such additions would have a marked impact on Everton’s prospects this season, giving Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish more freedom and security on the attacking wings. Grealish is only a loanee himself, but there are hopes that a permanent deal can be engineered in 2026.

That leaves the big one. One of Beto or Barry could leave the Hill Dickinson this winter, especially when Everton have shown signs of interest in Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who left the Premier League for Saudi Arabia in 2024.

Toney, 29, is one of England’s most talented and dangerous marksmen, and he had been coveted by Chelsea last summer, before the stars aligned for a big pay packet overseas.

The Athletic have confirmed that the former Brentford man is a player of interest heading into the January market, albeit with a host of complications relating to finances and the thick competition for such a signature at the season’s midpoint.

This would be an ambitious move, but one which could pay off handsomely if the Merseyside club play their cards right. The £30m-rated Toney, after all, is intrigued by the possibility of returning to his homeland ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Instrumental in propping the Gtech up in the Premier League, Toney was described by Thomas Frank as being a “monster” of a striker, not only deadly in front of goal but dynamic and intelligent too.

It won’t be easy, wrestling the £400k-per-week Three Lions star from the Gulf region and beating the inevitable competition for his signature, but Everton need a striker, and Moyes may just canvass a compelling proposal to the proven Premier League star.

We can say without question that Everton have enjoyed an upswing in results and performances since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm. But Everton need more. There’s a bluntness to the squad’s attack, and by reenergising the widths and placing a robust and hungry option at the focal front point, Moyes might just pull off another special success.

0 minutes all season: "Generational" Everton star could be Branthwaite 2.0

David Moyes must consider unleashing this talented Everton youngster in the coming weeks.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 7, 2025

Shohei Ohtani was back on the mound for his first pitching appearance in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform on Monday, and while it wasn't his best outing, it marked a huge step forward as Ohtani looks to return to his remarkable two-way dominance.

The Dodgers star allowed one run on two hits in one inning in his first ever start for L.A. in Monday night's 6–3 win over the San Diego Padres at Dodgers Stadium. Of his 28 pitches, 16 were strikes and one four-seam fastball clocked in at 100.2 mph, tied for the team's second-fastest pitch of the season. At the plate, Ohtani went 2-for-4 with two RBIs as the designated hitter.

Ohtani celebrated his return to a big league mound by sharing a series of photos from Monday's win. He added a simple message in the caption: "I'm back."

The three-time MVP also shared his honest thoughts on his Dodgers pitching debut after the game:

"I did hit 100 today, so I want to see first where my body feels and how it reacts," Ohtani said. "But the expectation is for me to go once a week, hopefully to be able to go a little longer every time I'm out there so that the bullpen won't be so taxed."

Ohtani's return to pitching comes after a grueling years-long recovery journey following his second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September 2023. His last big league start came roughly a month before that in August, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Ohtani owns a career 3.02 ERA as a pitcher. In his second season with the Dodgers, Ohtani currently leads the National League with 25 homers and a 1.039 OPS.

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A quinta-feira (11) foi especial para Rayan. A joia do Vasco voltou a ser decisiva e comandou a virada por 2 a 1 sobre o Fluminense, no Maracanã, no jogo de ida da Copa do Brasil. Autor do gol de empate e peça-chave no lance que originou o gol da vitória, o atacante de 19 anos chegou a cinco gols na competição e assumiu a artilharia ao lado de Kaio Jorge, do Cruzeiro.

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O empate saiu quando Rayan apareceu bem na área para completar o cruzamento de Nuno Moreira. Já no segundo gol, mesmo sem marcar ou dar a assistência, o jogador teve participação crucial: fez bela jogada individual, foi derrubado por Hércules na intermediária e, com rapidez de pensamento, colocou a bola no chão e cobrou a falta rapidamente para Puma Rodríguez. A bola passou por Andrés Gómez no lado esquerdo, que encontrou Pablo Vegetti na área para selar a virada de cabeça.

➡️Vasco x Fluminense bate recorde de público da Copa do Brasil 2025

O gol marcado foi o 20º de Rayan na temporada — no elenco do Vasco, apenas Pablo Vegetti tem mais, com 27, sendo o artilheiro do Brasil no ano. Com a boa fase, o atacante confirma a evolução sob o comando de Fernando Diniz, que valorizou o desempenho do camisa 77.

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— O Rayan jogou bem o segundo tempo inteiro. É um jogador muito decisivo. Desde que cheguei aqui procuro fazer com que ele participe ao máximo do jogo. Tem um poder de decisão muito grande junto com Andrés e Coutinho. No segundo tempo ajustamos o posicionamento e ele conseguiu participar mais. Depois que o Vegetti entrou, veio mais para a ponta e foi decisivo para virarmos — disse Diniz.

➡️Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance!

O treinador também explicou sua relação com o jovem e a importância da confiança no desenvolvimento de talentos.

— Jogador de futebol é muito machucado. Perdemos muito talento nessa pressa de achar heróis e vilões. É difícil para mim, imagina para quem tem 19? O Rayan não tinha problema com futebol, tinha problema de confiança e prazer de jogar. A torcida estava hostilizando. Sempre digo: jogador com confiança é bom, sem confiança é ruim. Para quem tem talento, como Rayan, eles vão se destacar — completou.

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➡️Coutinho revela fator decisivo para a virada do Vasco sobre o Fluminense

Do outro lado, o técnico adversário, Luiz Zubeldía, também reconheceu a força do atacante vascaíno.

— Me parece que os dois times foram parelhos. O Vasco tem um jogador muito desequilibrante, o Rayan. Às vezes o Vegetti faz o gol e o Rayan faz gol. São jogadores que nos surpreendem — afirmou.

Para acompanhar asnotícias do Gigante da Colina, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

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Futebol NacionalVasco

Eddie Howe has now reportedly told Newcastle United to go and sign a Serie A midfielder who Tyneside scouts have already watched in action.

Eddie Howe delivers Nick Pope verdict after Marseille mistake

It’s been one step forward and two steps back for Newcastle this season. The Magpies defeated Manchester City in an excellent display last weekend, before picking up where they left off to take the lead against Marseille. It looked as though they were finally back on track. But that’s when it all fell apart.

Nick Pope’s moment of madness allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to equalise from wide, before the former Arsenal man was at it again to score what proved to be the eventual winner for the French hosts.

It’s not the first time that Pope has come under fire in a Newcastle shirt this season, but Howe decided to back his shot-stopper in his post-match interview, saying: “I think it’s a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who’s at fault. I think we have to look at everything with a balanced head.

“He (Pope) saved us many times. He made some really good saves against Manchester City just two days ago. That’s the life of a goalkeeper. But I’ll certainly back him.”

With Aaron Ramsdale waiting in the wings, however, it remains to be seen just how many more chances Pope will receive. Up next, Newcastle travel to the Hill Dickinson stadium for the first time to face an Everton side who just defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It’s a game that the Magpies will be desperate to win to at least make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League. Alas, it’s also one that may expose their lack of depth in midfield once again.

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ByKelan Sarson Nov 27, 2025

It’s a fairly open secret that Howe’s targeting reinforcements in that area ahead of 2026 and reports are now claiming that he’s told the club to go and sign Serie A star Manu Kone.

Howe tells Newcastle to sign Manu Kone

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Howe has now told Newcastle to sign Kone after sending his scouts to watch the impressive AS Roma midfielder.

The midfielder would instantly add depth to the Magpies’ midfield, but Roma have already reportedly dealt those at St James’ Park a frustrating blow in pursuit of his signature. Unsurprisingly, Roma are keen to keep hold of Kone and have told Newcastle that he is not for sale in 2026.

Whether Newcastle test the waters despite Roma’s stance is the big question. Kone would certainly be worth the chase. The Frenchman was dubbed “composed” by Como scout Ben Mattinson ahead of arriving in Serie A in the summer and could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

As bad as Pope: Howe must drop 4/10 Newcastle dud who made just 14 passes

Ruben Amorim has stuck by his infamous 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United and it appears as though it is finally yielding results.

The Portuguese manager has been in charge at Old Trafford for a year now, and although things have not gone exactly to plan, his side have now gone unbeaten in their last four Premier League games.

Amorim has finally begun to settle on his best lineup. That has seen summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha lock down the two number 10 positions in his system, with Mason Mount providing excellent competition.

However, those two signings have ensured Bruno Fernandes will remain in his deeper pivot role, rather than closer to goal.

Where Fernandes is best suited under Amorim

It has certainly been a topic of hot debate in Amoirm’s year-long tenure in the hot seat at Old Trafford. Fernandes is a number 10 by trade, and played his best football as close to goal as possible, in and around the penalty box.

That season came in 2020/21, when he scored and assisted 29 Premier League goals in 37 games. He was one of the deadliest attackers in world football at that stage. So, you might think it is logical for Amorim to play him as a number 10.

Well, that is not how the United manager sees it. In fact, he explained that his skipper operates in the pivot because he “is the right man to start with the tempo of the play.”

United legend Paul Scholes sees it differently, and says “there is no doubt” Fernandes should be playing as a 10 because he “is the most creative player on the team.”

In 51 games under the tutelage of Amorim, the Red Devils’ number 8 has played 30 games in the pivot, and 21 as a number 10. That certainly shows just how much their manager favours him in a deeper role.

Interestingly, United have another player coming through in a similar mould to Fernandes, and it will be interesting to see where Amorim chooses to play him.

Man United's in-house Fernandes successor

It is clear that Fernandes is viewed as a pivot player by Amorim, despite Scholes’ view and the success he has achieved in previous seasons. With the two number 10 positions nailed down by Cunha and Mbeumo, players may have to adapt.

That could certainly be the case for United academy star Jack Moorhouse. The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Leyton Orient, but has previously impressed for the Red Devils’ youth sides.

It has been an impressive start to life in professional football for Moorhouse. Described as a “deadly” player by United academy page on X, Academy Scoop, the Republic of Ireland U21 international has played 14 games for Orient, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.

As it happens, Moorhouse has already been described as someone who is “ideal for Amorim’s left 10 role” at United by football analyst Ben Mattinson. He has operated behind the striker more often than not for the U23s at the club, too, making five appearances in that role, scoring twice and assisting one.

Interestingly, he’s played a bit deeper for Orient this season, showing excellent versatility. He shone in a box-to-box role against Peterborough United, creating two chances and completing three out of three dribbles.

There are certainly similarities between Moorhouse and Fernandes. Both creative midfielders, they can operate in advanced roles and a bit deeper. It would be intriguing to see where Amorim would utilise him in the first team.

One thing is for sure, the 19-year-old possesses great talent. If the Red Devils are looking for an in-house successor to their “Portuguese Magnifico,” they might be able to find him in their famous Carrington academy.

Carrington's "best talent" is a big Sesko upgrade in the making at Man Utd

Manchester United could yet improve further in attack under Amorim’s wing.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 3, 2025

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Santos e São Paulo fizeram um embate na Vila Belmiro que terminou com o resultado de 0 a 0, em jogo válido pela 34ª rodada do Brasileirão. A equipe paulistana dominou as chances da partida, mandou bola na trave do Alvinegro Praiano e até chegou a balançar as redes em um gol impedido, mas o placar não foi movimentado no duelo.

➡️ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

Com este placar, o Peixe alcança 42 pontos na briga contra o rebaixamento e fica na 14ª colocação. Enquanto isso, o Tricolor chega aos 46 pontos e fica na 10ª posição da tabela.

CINCO LANCES QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

> NÃO PARA DE EMPURRAR! O torcedor santista fez mais um corredor de fogo para incentivar os atletas do Peixe. Na entrada em campo, a torcida do Santos recebeu o time com bandeiras bracas e um mosaico escrito “Um reinado de pura magia”.

> NO TRAVESSÃO! Depois de bola alçada na área por Caio Paulista, Michel Araújo cabeceou, a redonda desviou em Messias e explodiu no poste! A primeira grande chance da partida foi Tricolor.

> JOAQUIM! Após jogada pela direita, a redonda sobrou livre para Wellington Rato finalizar sem goleiro. Porém, o defensor santista se atirou na frente da bola e impediu que a equipe paulistana abrisse o placar da partida.

> ANULOU! Quase que o São Paulo abriu o placar com Juan. Contudo, depois da análise do VAR, ficou clara a posição irregular de Wellington Rato na construção do gol..

> NA PONTA DOS DEDOS! Na reta final do clássico, David finalizou de longe, a bola cortou a área, João Paulo buscou a bola e a trave completou o serviço.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

COMO FOI O PRIMEIRO TEMPO?

A tônica dos 45 minutos iniciais se deu com um São Paulo dominante, que criou as melhores chances. Em uma descida rápida, o Tricolor quase abriu o marcador com Michel Araújo, mas Messias desviou e a redonda explodiu no travessão. Pouco depois, outro lance marcante aconteceu após a bola sobrar para Wellington Rato, ele finalizar sem goleiro e o zagueiro Joaquim salvar o Peixe. As oportunidades criadas pelo Santos foram raras e não deram muito trabalho para o goleiro Rafael.

E A ETAPA FINAL?

O segundo tempo teve um Peixe mais equilibrado em campo. Entretanto, a equipe do litoral não deu trabalho para o goleiro Rafael. Em contrapartida, o São Paulo balançou as redes com Juan, mas o VAR assinalou corretamente a posição irregular de Wellington Rato na jogada. Nos minutos finais do San-São, uma perigosa finalização rasteira de David cortou toda a área e o goleiro João Paulo salvou com a ponta dos dedos, em um lance que o Santos ainda contou com a trave para se salvar. Mesmo com o ímpeto do elenco visitante, o empate foi o resultado final do clássico.

O QUE VEM POR AÍ

Agora, Santos e São Paulo dão um respiro na data FIFA. Depois, o Tricolor volta a campo no dia 22 (quarta-feira) diante do Fluminense. Enquanto isso, o Peixe retorna para os compromissos no dia 26 (domingo), contra o Botafogo.

➡️ Clique aqui para ter mais detalhes sobre o jogo

FICHA TÉCNICA
SANTOS 0 X 0 SÃO PAULO
34ª RODADA – CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

Data e horário: domingo, 12 de novembro de 2023, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Vila Belmiro, em Santos (SP)
Arbitragem: Raphael Claus (árbitro); Alex Ang Ribeiro e Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (auxiliares); Ilbert Estevam da Silva (quarto árbitro); Daiane Caroline Muniz dos Santos (VAR)
Público e renda: 13.442 pessoas / R$ 663.562,50
Cartão amarelo: Rafinha e Wellington Rato (São Paulo)
Cartão vermelho: –

SANTOS

João Paulo; Lucas Braga, Messias, Joaquim e Kevyson; Tomás Rincón, Jean Lucas, Nonato e Soteldo; Maxi Silvera e Marcos Leonardo. Técnico: Marcelo Fernandes.

SÃO PAULO

Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Beraldo e Caio Paulista; Pablo Maia, Alisson e Michel Araújo; Wellington Rato, Luciano e Juan. Técnico: Dorival Júnior.

Jose Mourinho’s commitment to Benfica is highlighted by his “sunrise to sunset” routine, with the Portuguese giants revealing that their enigmatic head coach can often be found sleeping on the club’s campus. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ occasionally passes up the opportunity to head home, with the decision taken to remain on site and dedicate himself to a demanding coaching role.

Full circle: Mourinho back where it all began

Mourinho returned to familiar surroundings when heading back to Lisbon in September. His glittering managerial career started at Estadio da Luz, with his first stint as Benfica boss in 2000 lasting just 11 games.

Having gone on to collect major silverware with the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma, the charismatic 62-year-old has retraced professional steps to where it all began for him.

Mourinho is determined to enhance his highly-decorated CV after taking on another challenge in his native Portugal, with Benfica expected to compete for top honours at home and abroad. Their head coach is leaving no stone unturned in that quest.

AdvertisementSleeping on the job: Why Mourinho beds down at Benfica

Benfica have revealed that Mourinho spends a lot of time at the club’s Seixal stadium training base, which allows him to mingle with youth team players at their cafeteria. The Portuguese giants have stated on their : “The coach has established a routine from sunrise to sunset in Seixal, frequently attending games and training sessions of the club's youth teams.

“On certain occasions, Jose Mourinho joins those who make Benfica Campus their residence, sharing a dinner table with players and coaches in the youth academy's cafeteria, who find inspiration in the illustrious presence of the award-winning coach.”

It has also been revealed that Mourinho beds down for the night when his working day extends late into the evening. Benfica added: “The late working hours have also led the coach to his room at Benfica Campus, where he has slept several nights before the start of a new day entirely dedicated to the entire Benfica football structure.”

Future Portugal boss: How long will Mourinho spend at Benfica?

Mourinho has stated on a regular basis that he is fully committed to his latest post, telling reporters ahead of a Champions League clash with Newcastle, having previously been linked with the Magpies: “I've turned down a few clubs, respectfully, but Newcastle never contacted me. To be honest, they don't need a manager. That means everything is fine for the club and for Eddie [Howe], and that's what I wish for them. Right now, there wouldn't be another club that motivates me and makes me happier than Benfica. I wouldn't trade Benfica for any other club in the world right now.”

While Mourinho claims to be focused on only one club, former Benfica presidential candidate Manuel Manteigas is not convinced that the nomadic Portuguese is in Lisbon for the long haul. He has said: “He’s not a coach with a future here.

“Everyone in football knows Mourinho wants to be the national team coach. Mourinho is a winning coach. If there's anyone capable of making Benfica champions this year, it's Jose Mourinho. He's such an experienced and successful coach that he'll be able to overcome obstacles faster than any other coach we'd want to bring into a project that isn't his.”

Manteigas added: “Mourinho isn't going to stay at Benfica for two, three, or four years. Who doesn't know that Mourinho wants to be the national team coach? Who doesn't know in the industry? The other candidates may not know, but those who work in the industry, who doesn't know that Mourinho spoke with Pedro Proenca to discuss a possible appointment to the national team?”

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Getty ImagesBenfica fixtures: Next up for Mourinho

Benfica currently sit third in the Liga table, four points adrift of leaders Porto and one behind cross-city rivals Sporting through 10 fixtures in the 2025-26 campaign. They will be back in Champions League action on Wednesday when playing host to German giants Bayer Leverkusen, before reaching the next international break after welcoming Casa Pia to Estadio da Luz on Sunday.

MatériaMais Notícias

Premier League (Inglaterra), Bundesliga (Alemanha), Brasileirão Betano – Série B, Brasileirão Assaí – Série A, Série A Tim (Itália) e Liga Portugal Betclic e LaLiga EA Sports (Espanha), são os principais destaques deste sábado (30) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e os horários das partidas.

Germany and Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus believes head coach Vincent Kompany has brought back a "sense of solidarity" and has "united the team again." Matthaus compared the current Bayern team to the German side that lifted the 1990 World Cup, adding that the unity within the players is "the best sign that the coach has the team under control".

• Bayern Munich in unstoppable form

  The Bavarians began the 2025-26 season by lifting the DFL-Supercup after beating last season's DFB-Pokal winners Stuttgart. They have won the opening six games in Bundesliga to send a clear message that they will not lose the throne they reclaimed five months ago. Convincing victories over Chelsea and Pafos further solidified their stature as one of the most frightening teams in Europe at the moment. 10 games, 10 wins, and 38 goals scored – Kompany's Bayern look like the team to beat right now.

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• Imago Images / Sven Simon
  

  Matthaus commends Kompany's work so far

  Speaking to , Matthaus claimed that Kompany has been successful in making his team resemble the Bayern of old, even comparing the current side to 1990's World Cup-winning Germany squad, of which the legendary German was the captain. 

  "Vincent Kompany has brought something back to Bayern that some coaches before him hadn't managed, namely a sense of solidarity, a respectful way of dealing with one another," he said. 

  "He has united the team again. Similar to us at the 1990 World Cup: You get the feeling that the substitutes are just as happy when goals are scored as if they were on the pitch themselves. That's the best sign that the coach has the team under control, that the players also have good contact with one another and are giving their all for one another to achieve the greatest success.

  "Kompany has further developed the team. He makes substitutions that he might not have made a year ago, so he's keeping the whole team together. Everything works, everyone enjoys being involved. They implement the coach's instructions and win their games with dominance, ease, and joy. But they also cleverly switch to management mode without losing focus, because they know which intensive weeks the players will have. There's almost no one who doesn't go to a national team."

• Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies will make Bayern more formidable

  While Matthaus admitted that the return of Musiala and Davies from their respective injuries will undoubtedly make Bayern even tougher, he emphasised on the need to "maintain this sense of togetherness and enthusiasm."

  "Bayern absolutely has the potential to improve even further," he added. "When Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies return from their long-term injuries, it's actually inconceivable that they, with their quality, will be sidelined. With them, the squad will be even stronger in terms of quality. How that works on the pitch is another story. It's important that Bayern maintain this sense of togetherness and enthusiasm for the game, even when difficult personnel decisions have to be made more often."

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  Borussia Dortmund challenge awaits Bayern Munich

  Bayern and Dortmund, currently the top two teams on the Bundesliga table, will lock horns for the first time this season at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. Matthaus believes that Niko Kovac's side must prevail for the sake of the league. 

  "An exciting championship run to the end would be more attractive for the Bundesliga, also in terms of interest abroad," explained Matthaus. "The Bundesliga would benefit if Dortmund, in this case the underdog, could pull off a sensation away from home against the previously unbeatable Bayern. The best result would be three points, of course. But at least they shouldn't lose if they want to stay within striking distance."

  However, the 64-year-old doesn't consider Dortmund to be close to Bayern's level. "No," said Matthaus when asked if two rivals are on par. "Bayern have earned the clear favourite role over a long period of time, and after two or three years of atmospheric disruption, they've regained it. Given the quality of their squad, they would have had the opportunity to prevent this even in Leverkusen's miracle year."

MatériaMais Notícias

A Copa do Brasil conhecerá seus finalistas nesta quarta-feira (16). Às 19h30, São Paulo e Corinthians se enfrentam no Morumbi e a partida terá transmissão do SporTV (rede fechada), Premiere (Pay-Per-View) e Prime Video (streaming). Já às 21h30, é a vez de Flamengo e Grêmio, no Maracanã, e você pode assistir na Rede Globo (e afiliadas), além de SporTV, Premiere e Prime Video.

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+ Com treino aberto, Corinthians inicia decisão por vaga na final da Copa do Brasil mesmo antes da bola rolar

No clássico paulista, o Alvinegro tem a vantagem do empate por ter vencido a ida por 2 a 1, na Neo Química Arena, com dois gols de Renato Augusto; o gol do Tricolor foi marcado por Luciano, que levou um polêmico cartão amarelo pela comemoração e está de fora da partida de volta.

Já no confronto entre o Rubro-Negro e o Tricolor, a vantagem está com os cariocas. A vitória por 2 a 0 na Arena do Grêmio deixou o Fla em ótima situação para a decisão em casa. No entanto, o Flamengo não terá Wesley, suspenso após terceiro amarelo na ida. Já o Imortal não conta com Kannemann, expulso no primeiro jogo.

+ Mesmo sem Kannemann, Grêmio ganha opções para duelo decisivo na Copa do Brasil

Veja abaixo o chaveamento da Copa do Brasil.