With the title race having already swung back and forth while the top-four and relegation battles are as open as they have been for a few years, the Premier League is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Sure, the odd match still follows the formbook, but a number of teams are proving tough to pin down and figure out what to expect from them on a game-to-game basis.

As such, knowing what shape the news cycle is going to take is anyone's guess at the start of a round of fixtures. Refereeing controversies, outrageous managerial quotes and even the reactions of big-name pundits can drive the narrative around the English top-flight, and thus it's difficult to figure out what will be dominating the newspaper back pages, website homepages and fan reaction shows in the hours and days that follow.

That hasn't stopped us at GOAL from trying, though. Rather than merely predicting the weekend's results, we have looked into our crystal balls to figure out what headlines you, the fans, will be reading and clicking on as you digest the latest Premier League action…

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  'Slot sliding towards Anfield exit'

  Liverpool have now lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, with the already under-fire Arne Slot having brought more unwanted attention on himself after he basically sacrificed the Reds' hopes of progressing in the Carabao Cup by resting the majority of his regular starters for Wednesday's clash with Crystal Palace. The result was an entirely predictable 3-0 home defeat, and the only way in which Slot can salvage any positive press from his controversial selection call is to oversee an upturn in results before the November international break.

  He certainly would not have handpicked Liverpool's upcoming fixtures were he looking for straightforward routes to victory, with Saturday's home game against Aston Villa set to be followed by a Champions League clash with Real Madrid and then a visit to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City. Given the standard of performance that Liverpool are currently churning out, there is a world where defeats seven, eight and nine of the season arrive in the next 10 days.

  Slot is desperately searching for a solution, as illustrated by him deploying a 4-4-2 formation against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Reds' last European outing while he matched Palace's 3-4-3 in midweek to little effect. Finding a system to get the best out of his newly-assembled, uber-expensive squad will likely make or break Slot's tenure, and current signs suggest to it eventually being the latter.

  Certainly Villa arrive on Merseyside in buoyant mood after three successive league wins, the most recent of which came over Man City last week, and though Unai Emery has had his own issues in getting the best out of the attacking talent he has available to him, Saturday's encounter presents the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers the opportunity to get their seasons back on track.

  As such, we expect the misery surrounding Liverpool to remain, and given the games they have coming up thereafter, questions will begin to be asked of just how long Slot, the man who delivered the Premier League title in such emphatic circumstances six months ago, can survive if things don't improve.

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  'Maresca losing control of immature Chelsea'

  Slot isn't the only 'Big Six' manager to be feeling the heat, with Enzo Maresca also coming under fire from sections of the Chelsea support after the Blues' inconsistent start to a campaign that promised plenty following the Blues' Club World Cup success. Saturday's last-gasp defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland has left the Conference League winners languishing in ninth in the table, and though they won through in the Carabao Cup in midweek, they had to survive an almighty scare as Wolves fought back at Molineux.

  A Saturday evening trip to take on rivals Tottenham is next on the agenda for Maresca's side, and usually a visit to north London would be exactly the tonic for the Blues given recent results, as they have won six of their eight games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since it opened in 2019, scoring four goals in each of their last two victories there. However, Chelsea's current performances, coupled with their continued discipline issues, suggest there is an opportunity for Thomas Frank's side to further bloody the Blues' noses.

  Expect this one to be ill-tempered given the importance of the fixture to both sides, and we're backing Spurs to narrowly come out on top while Chelsea end the game with nine men. If that plays out, the knives could be out for Maresca before too long.

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  'Mbeumo might be the signing of the season'

  Liverpool and Chelsea's respective slumps have opened the door for others to push themselves into contention for top-four places, and Manchester United already look well placed to push for Champions League qualification after three successive wins for Ruben Amorim's side. Bryan Mbeumo has scored three goals and assisted one other during that stretch as he looks well on his way to repaying his initial £65 million ($85.5m) transfer fee.

  Despite him coming off a 20-goal season with Brentford and the interest of others, that outlay did feel a little steep at the time, but Mbeumo has shown himself to be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim's system while striking up a strong relationship with wing-back Amad Diallo. The pair's combination has been so effective, in fact, that Amorim is already having to answer questions as to how they will be replaced when they head off to the Africa Cup of Nations in December.

  For now, Mbeumo will have the Nottingham Forest defence in his sights, and the Cameroon international will fancy his chances of maintaining his strong form in front of goal. Another two goals to take down Sean Dyche's strugglers will even have some asking whether Mbeumo should be considered the signing of the season so far.

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  'Man City need to make their Iraola move ASAP'

  Across town from Old Trafford, the presumed revival of Manchester City has been a slow process thus far, with Erling Haaland's remarkable goal record having carried Pep Guardiola's side. The Norwegian sat out the midweek cup win over Swansea City after drawing a rare blank against Villa last weekend, but should be back in action when City host Bournemouth on Sunday.

  The Cherries enter the weekend sat second in the table after a remarkable start to the campaign that has seen them go on an eight-match unbeaten run following their opening-night loss at Liverpool. Despite losing his starting goalkeeper and three-quarters of his first-choice defence over the summer, Andoni Iraola has maintained the positive momentum that he has built at the Vitality Stadium, with Antoine Semenyo having emerged as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the division while teenage striker Eli Junior Kroupi has begun to hit his stride in front of goal.

  As such, City are unlikely to have things all their own way at the Etihad, and we're predicting a 2-2 draw that will leave the Super Sunday panel purring to the extent that Iraola will end the day being touted as the ideal man to replace Guardiola when the Catalan eventually steps aside from his role.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia-atacante Everton negocia rescisão de contrato com a Ponte Preta. A tendência é que ambas as partes cheguem a um acordo para antecipar o término do vínculo do jogador com o clube, que se encerra em dezembro deste ano.

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+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Com passagens por Flamengo, São Paulo e Grêmio, o atleta sofre com problemas físicos e já passou por duas cirurgias no tornozelo desde que chegou à Macaca, em julho de 2022. Ao todo, ele participou de apenas cinco jogos em 2023.

Aos 34 anos, Everton não disputa uma partida pelo clube desde 9 de setembro, quando atuou por 45 minutos no empate em 0 a 0 com o Sampaio Corrêa, pela Série B do Brasileirão.

Além de Everton, o clube de Campinas também perdeu o atacante André e o meia Souza, além de dois integrantes da comissão técnica: o preparador físico Anderson Barros, que aceitou uma proposta do futebol tailandês, e o fisioterapeuta Caio Bueno, que fechou com o Reb Bull Bragantino.

India Under-19 collapsed after a 133-run stand between Malhotra and Mhatre

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay22-Jul-2025

Ralphie Albert sparked not one collapse but two in taking 6 for 53 as England Under-19 edged ahead in the rain-affected 2nd ‘Test’ against India at Chelmsford.The 17-year-old left-arm spinner reduced India from 170 for 1 to 181 for 4 before helping to secure the last six wickets for 37 as India were bowled out for 279 to trail by 30.This looked unlikely when Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra were compiling a dominant stand of 133 for the second wicket. Malhotra would go on to make 120 at nearly a-run-a-ball, but aside from this pair, only Harvansh Pangalia (28) and Kanishk Chouhan (23) reached double-figures, with five batters making ducks.England openers Ben Dawkins and Adam Thomas survived the odd scare to stretch that lead to 123 before bad light ended play 12 overs before the scheduled close.Rain delayed the start until 12.15pm before Malhotra and Mhatre dominated the pre-lunch session.Mhatre, dropped at cover on the second afternoon, was reprieved a second time when Alex Green failed to take a tough caught-and-bowled chance, but soon made the most of his good fortune, two sumptuous fours off the back foot and a huge six from the bowling of day-two centurion Ekansh Singh among the pick of his shots.Malhotra survived a big shout for lbw and being struck midships by James Minto. His cover drive off Green was a thing of beauty, and he raised the 100 of the innings with six over square leg. Another six took him to 50 as India scored 108 in the 75 minutes of play. England looked to be searching for wickets, and the result was too many four balls in a tardy effort.[File photo] Ralphie Albert triggered twin Indian collapses•Getty Images

Whether it was harsh words from the coaches or an inspired lunch choice, England emerged a different side. Tighter bowling brought a breakthrough when Mhatre missed one from Alex French, which angled in and spreadeagled his stumps. He scored 80.Door ajar, Albert produced some spin wizardry to strike twice in as many overs, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu bunting back a caught and bowled before Rahul Kumar edged low to Thomas at slip.India’s response was to counter-attack, Pangalia dispatching a long-hop over the longest boundary before driving and cutting for successive fours.At the other end, Malhotra’s 16th four took him to his hundred in 101 balls and at 242 for 4 the visitors were back in the ascendancy.However, Pangalia top-edged a cross-bat slog into the deep and RS Ambrish became the third duck on the Indian card when he drove to cover in Albert’s next over.The Surrey youngster was on a roll, Malhotra becoming his biggest prize when perishing to a catch by Ben Mayes on the midwicket fence. Albert wasn’t finished there, Henil Patel his fourth wicket in 13 balls courtesy of Thomas’ second smart slip catch of the afternoon.Thereafter, only Chouhan held up the hosts for a while, Albert’s fellow spinner Mayes (2 for 17) picking up the last two wickets – a due reward for a tight spell.Dawkins and Thomas were both on a pair and began nervously, the former given a life when dropped at first slip off Aditya Rawat on 7.Rawat’s searching examination survived, the pair prospered, Dawkins clearing the ropes at midwicket, while Thomas drove and cut well to reach 50 with seven fours in the last over before the light closed in.

Smith’s 71 and Green’s 52 builds Australia’s lead to 254 with three wickets in hand on tricky batting surface

Andrew McGlashan05-Jul-2025A pristine innings from Steven Smith and Cameron Green’s first half-century at No. 3 put Australia in control of the second Test in Grenada on a day limited to 58.3 overs by three rain interruptions, a lethargic over rate and latterly bad light. However, regular breakthroughs after tea kept West Indies in touch although the surface remained a challenge for batters.Smith, playing with the lingering effects of the compound dislocation he suffered in the World Test Championship which requires him to wear a splint on his right little finger, barely put a foot wrong during an innings studded with classy drives. There was general shock, not least from Smith himself, when he fell lbw to Justin Greaves for 71 shortly after tea – the DRS confirming ball had struck pad first – leaving the series still waiting for its first century.Greaves became the somewhat unlikely figure to keep West Indies’ hopes alive when he then had Beau Webster edge to a lone slip. After a third shower briefly suspended play, Travis Head was cleaned up by Shamar Joseph, defeated by the angle from round the wicket, leaving Alex Carey the key figure in terms of how many more Australia could add. After the second day’s play, Roston Chase said West Indies would be confident chasing anything under 200 – they are now going to need considerably more than that.Related

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There remained regular signs of uneven bounce – Green received a delivery early on which scuttled for four byes – but the ones that shot low were either not straight or were able to be kept out. As had been evident on the first two days, batting became more manageable as the ball got softer which added to the importance of the 93-run stand between Green and Smith in taking the sting out of the attack.Green, who had done the hard work in the first innings but couldn’t take advantage of being given a life, brought up his first half-century as a Test No. 3 with a perfect straight drive. However, he was again left furious when he chopped on next ball, dropping his bat to the ground in anger before trudging off.Overall, though, it was a step in the right direction. He nearly fell for West Indies’ short ball plan when he top-edged short of deep square leg, but he defended solidly and waited for anything with a hint of width to put away through the off side.Cameron Green got to fifty the ball before he was dismissed•Associated PressAustralia had resumed on 12 for 2 after a difficult finish to the second day where Jayden Seales removed both openers. Progress from Green and nightwatcher Nathan Lyon was sedate before a 40-minute rain break. Shortly after the resumption Lyon edged to third slip where John Campbell, who has had an indifferent time in the field, clung on with a juggle.Lyon had joked in a pre-play interview that Smith thought he should retire to let him bat straightaway. Smith, whose preparation for returning to the side included a session a New York batting cage, received a brutal first ball from Alzarri Joseph which took the glove of his injured hand but he looked in the zone from the off.Smith did well to keep out a delivery from Anderson Phillip that kept low, from which point on he limited his trigger movements to remain stiller at the crease. He collected back-to-back boundaries off Shamar Joseph – a straight drive and one through the covers – as his game looked in top working order despite the recent lay-off.When the ball got soft, West Indies went for a bouncer strategy with, at times, three on the leg-side rope, a deep third and a short leg but Smith was rarely bothered by it. While variable in bounce, the pitch does not have great pace which made a bouncer-barrage hard work although it may have been in part to try and get the ball changed.Smith’s fifty came up from 79 balls with a leg glance and he greeted the introduction of Greaves by stepping out of the crease and clubbing him straight down the ground. Chase’s offspin was then sent straight for six as Australia sensed a chance to cash in on their hard work.After Green’s dismissal, Head came out and threaded his first delivery through the covers with a rasping drive. Another crisp drive, this time off Greaves, took him into the 20s at better than a run-a-ball. He went down a gear after tea amid the loss of Smith and Webster before falling late in the day. But Carey was swiftly into his work and Australia’s bowlers will hope he can given them a cushion of another 50 runs.

South Africa’s all-format coach Shukri Conrad will make “no excuses” for losing “a game of millimetres” to New Zealand in the tri-series final in Harare and is “thrilled” with the way his new-look team played.Though South Africa lost all three matches they played against New Zealand in the competition, they came close to claiming the trophy and pulling off their highest successful chase against them. That they did that with a squad that includes only two players – Reeza Hendricks and Gerald Coetzee – who were part of their last T20 World Cup squad suggests to Conrad that the depth in South African cricket is strong as he builds towards the next World Cup in February-March next year.”There’s so many good things that we can take forward from here,” Conrad said at the post-match press conference. “The result is disappointing but there were so many good things that happened there today that we can be really proud of and that I am really proud of. With such a young and inexperienced side, to put up the type of performance today, that is also pleasing to see. It’s no excuse for losing and we’re still bitterly disappointed. But there were some really good things.”

Pretorius and Brevis repay the faith

Chief among them was the form shown by the two young batters Conrad has also included in next month’s white-ball squads for a tour to Australia: Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis. Pretorius, who scored 31 runs in his first three innings as a T20I opener, was moved down to No. 5 for South Africa’s last league game, where he made 1. He was brought back up to the top of the order for the final and set South Africa on their way with a 35-ball 51.Related

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“Lhuan-dre is one of the bright prospects for South Africa. We saw what he has in him with the innings he played today,” Conrad said. “He had a lean period throughout this tournament, but he’s a classy young cricketer and exciting times lie ahead for him. Young players go through tough times and very often don’t know how to deal with it. But for him to come back in the final and play the way he did gave us a really good foundation.”Brevis had played international cricket before, in 2023, when he scored five runs from two T20Is. He has enjoyed a breakthrough last six months with strong performances in the SA20 and call-ups to both Test and T20I squads in Zimbabwe and the ODI squad to Australia. After establishing himself as a finisher for MI Cape Town earlier in the year, he came within two shots of winning South Africa the final and Conrad is keen to develop his ability to close out games.”Dewald is a special talent,” Conrad said. “He’s hugely disappointed that he didn’t take us home but on another day, he would have hit that out of Harare. He’s a special talent. He’s probably one of the sweetest strikers of a cricket ball in world cricket at the moment. You’re never out of a game when you’ve still got Dewald Brevis in the shed or he’s at the wicket, and he’ll be better for this experience this week. He got us close on a few occasions and it’s a case of when he gets us over the line rather than if he will. This is all part of a journey for Dewald and part of his development. There’s certainly no doubting his ability.”

Bowling options at the death

The other improvement Conrad pointed out was South Africa’s bowling in the last five overs. Though they conceded 45 runs in that period, they only gave away three boundaries and took two wickets. Nandre Burger bowled two of the four overs, conceded 18 runs, and took a wicket, while Kwena Maphaka bowled the last over and gave away 11 runs. “Today, an area that we paid particular attention to was our bowling at the death. It’s been a bugbear for us for a long time,” Conrad said. “I think we’ve made huge strides insofar as that is concerned. Guys are clearer with their plans. In the last five overs, New Zealand only hit three boundaries, which is brilliant for us.”Gerald Coetzee was making a comeback during the tri-series•Zimbabwe Cricket

In South Africa’s first match in this series against New Zealand, they conceded 63 in the last five overs, which demonstrates the improvement Conrad spoke of. In that match, Coetzee bowled two of the five overs and gave away 32 runs. Coetzee did not play the final and has not been included in the squads for the Australia series, with Conrad saying he has moved down the pecking order.Coetzee remains very much part of South Africa’s core group, which Conrad will work with over the next WTC cycle (which will start with a two-Test tour to Pakistan in October) and in the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite losing his first white-ball series in charge, Conrad is optimistic about what South Africa’s players can offer.”The bulk of them would have laid down a marker at some stage during this tournament that they belong at this level and that they want to be a part of this team,” he said. “It’s always great when you can grow your strength or your depth in certain areas, and I think we’ve managed to do that. Ideally, we want to play our best team and our strongest team whenever we can. And that’s going to be the case going forward now. But our experienced guys needed a break. So it’s going to be great integrating some of these young guys.”And, as always, Conrad would not leave without a parting shot about South Africa’s ambitions, especially as he looks to the next global event. “If today is going to be a yardstick, then it comes to the T20 World Cup, whoever wants to win the tournament is going to have to beat us,” he said. “I’m very confident going forward. I think we’ve got the makings of a really great side in every format.”

It was utter pandemonium at Yankee Stadium after New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who had entered play mired in the longest home run drought of his career, belted a go-ahead grand slam to power the club to a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.

Judge, facing Red Sox relief pitcher Zack Kelly in the bottom of the seventh inning, took the first two pitches for balls before crushing the next offering, a 95-mph fastball right down the middle.

As the baseball took flight towards the left field seats and ultimately landed at its final destination, Yankees fans jumped up and down in the stands in pure elation as Yankees players excitedly high-fived each other and celebrated in the dugout.

The Yankee Stadium crowd then implored Judge to do a curtain call, and the Yankees captain obliged.

After the game, Judge commended the crowd, saying it was a "playoff atmosphere."

"Yeah tonight was rockin'," Judge said. "Especially after the seventh inning. At-bat after at-bat. Dugie [Alex Verdugo] getting it started for us, going down 0-2 quick and battling back to get on base.

"Kinda felt like a playoff atmosphere there in the seventh inning, we were kinda rallying so we've been waiting for that."

When told that his crowd-supercharging grand slam ended a 16-game home run drought, Judge briefly wore a look of surprise on his face before admitting he didn't know the streak was that long.

"Was it 16 games?" Judge asked. "I didn't really know that. It's just another day. I really don't focus on hitting homers. I don't focus on any of that. I've got a job to do. Sixteen games, is that a lot or was it not? I don't know."

When told it was the longest streak of his career, Judge quipped that he'll "definitely break that" record at another point in his career. Judge was all smiles during his press conference, and it's not difficult to see why.

The Yankees have won three straight games, two of which were walk-off victories, and now have a three-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East and a two-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for the best record in the American League.

New York will play host to Boston for two more games on Saturday and Sunday before embarking on a seven-game road trip to Seattle and Oakland.

Southampton have sacked manager Will Still after just 16 games in charge, with the Championship promotion hopefuls languishing in 21st place. The 33-year-old managed only four wins during a torrid start to life back in England, and Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Preston proved to be his final match in charge as the Saints turn to interim boss Tonda Eckert.

• Still fired just months into Saints job

  Southampton have confirmed the departure of Still just five months after his appointment, bringing a swift end to his brief and turbulent spell at St. Mary’s. The 33-year-old, who joined the club from Lens in May, managed only four wins from 16 matches across all competitions, including just two victories in the Championship. A 2-0 defeat to Preston on Saturday, which was their fifth straight match without a win, proved to be the breaking point for the Saints' hierarchy.

  Still had been tasked with guiding Southampton back to the Premier League following last season’s relegation, but instead finds himself leaving with the team perilously close to dropping further down the English football ladder. The south coast side currently sit 21st in the Championship table, three points above the relegation zone and 16 behind early leaders Coventry. Despite a dramatic 3-2 win over Wrexham on the opening day, results quickly soured, with the Saints struggling to find consistency or a clear identity under the young manager.

  The club confirmed that assistant coaches Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre, and Carl Martin have also left their roles alongside Still. Under-21s boss Tonda Eckert has been placed in interim charge and will lead the team into Wednesday night’s clash with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Eckert, who is highly regarded within the club, is also being considered as a potential candidate for the permanent position as Southampton’s search for a new manager begins immediately.

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  Still labelled 'a great person' in Southampton's parting message

  Southampton’s decision to part ways with Still was confirmed in an official club statement released on Sunday evening. "Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have this evening parted ways with Men’s First Team Manager Will Still," the statement began, before confirming that "Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre and Carl Martin have also left their positions at the club." It was also announced that "Men’s Under-21s Head Coach Tonda Eckert will take charge of the team on an interim basis."

  Group Technical Director Johannes Spors paid tribute to Still and his coaching team, acknowledging their commitment despite poor results. "Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results," said Spors. "Ultimately, that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now, we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table."

  Spors concluded his statement by thanking the departing staff for their contributions. "I would like to thank Will, Ruben, Clement and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future."

• Still's appointment had initially created excitement at Southampton

  Still’s appointment in May had generated considerable excitement among supporters, with the Belgian-born coach returning to manage in England after gaining recognition for his impressive work in France. He was hired on a three-year deal to replace Ivan Juric, whose departure followed Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League with seven games to spare. Still’s reputation as a progressive and detail-oriented manager made him an attractive candidate, particularly after strong spells at Reims and Lens, where his tactical approach earned widespread praise.

  The club have not won at home since that opening victory against Wrexham and have looked increasingly vulnerable defensively, conceding 11 goals in their last five matches. Saturday’s loss to Preston followed a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, a side that had been in the relegation zone before kick-off – results that ultimately sealed Still’s fate.

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  Saints' U21 boss Eckert assumes interim duties

  Eckert will now assume control of first-team duties on an interim basis, starting with Wednesday’s trip to QPR, as the club launches its search for a new permanent manager. Eckert’s reputation for developing young players and his familiarity with Southampton’s academy setup could make him a serious contender if results improve in the short term. The Saints, however, are expected to explore external options, with the board eager to find an experienced figure capable of steadying the ship.

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.

An unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 114 put the home side in control after Sonal Dinusha followed his century with two breakthroughts

AAP14-Jul-2025Nathan McSweeney gave the national selectors a reminder of his worth with a determined 94 not out to lead Australia A to a strong position in their four-day game against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.McSweeney and Liam Scott took Australia A to 241 for 4 at stumps on day two after the visitors made 272 when asked to bat first at Marrara Oval.The pair had added 114 for the fifth wicket, putting their side in a prime position to push for victory in the first of two four-day games between the two sides in Darwin.McSweeney was called up to the Test side for last summer’s home series against India, but was dropped after averaging 14.4 through the first three matches.He then went on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka but wasn’t used, and was not chosen in the country’s squads for last month’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s and the current tour of the West Indies.But after making 85 not out, 5 and 9 in Australia A’s 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka A in the Darwin one-day series that finished last week, McSweeney was back in strong form on Monday in drawing within six runs of a century by stumps.The South Australia captain had turned in a composed knock against the Sri Lanka A attack, with six fours coming in his 219-ball stay at the crease.His SA team-mate Scott was in fine touch as well, the pace-bowling allrounder reaching 52 off 117 balls with four boundaries.The pair steadied the ship after Australia A lost their third and fourth wickets with the score on 127, with Kurtis Patterson lbw and captain Jason Sangha caught out for a three-ball duck.Both wickets were taken by 24-year-old left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha, who followed his strong work with the bat in making an unbeaten 105 on Sunday.Earlier, Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald struck a fine 98-ball 54 with six fours and a six, while fellow opener Campbell Kellaway of Victoria made 13.

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O volante Auremir retornou à titularidade do CRB na partida do último sábado contra o Ituano no interior paulista e ajudou a sua equipe a sair de campo sem sofrer gols. O atleta comentou o desempenho do sistema defensivo do time alagoano no confronto.

– A primeira função, não a única, de um jogador da minha posição é a marcação. Sendo assim, quando saímos de campo sem tomar gols, a missão de certa forma foi cumprida. Embora estejamos bem à frente na classificação, nunca é fácil jogar em Itu e acredito que nosso rendimento foi bom – declarou.

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Na décima colocação, mas apenas cinco pontos atrás do G4, o CRB volta a campo no próximo sábado, quando receberá o Criciúma, oitavo lugar, no estádio Rei Pelé. Restando 18 pontos em disputa, Auremir mantém as esperanças de que o CRB poderá disputar a Série A em 2024.

– São muitos times brigando por três vagas, já que o Vitória está um pouco mais distante. Obter os três pontos nessa próxima partida será fundamental, pois poderá nos deixar muito próximos do G4 – finalizou.