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Australia’s Mitchell Starc, meanwhile, lamented the state of the old pink ball and his team-mates’ lack of situational awareness

Matt Roller04-Dec-2025

Jofra Archer played a valuable hand batting at No. 11 for only the second time in Test cricket•Darrian Traynor/CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images

England believe that the chaotic final half-hour at the Gabba swung the opening day of the second Ashes Test in their favour, after Joe Root and Jofra Archer’s unbroken tenth-wicket stand of 61 took them to 325 for 9 under lights.At the scheduled 9pm close, England were 269 for 9 after 68 overs, with Root unbeaten on 111. It was a remarkably similar situation to the opening day of the 2023 series between these teams in Edgbaston, when Ben Stokes declared with Root on 118 to give England four overs to bowl at Australia before the close.The added element of the pink ball – and the opportunity to bowl at Australia under floodlights – strengthened the case for a declaration, prompting David Warner on Fox commentary to say he was “absolutely baffled” that Stokes had not pulled the plug on England’s innings.Related

Root ton, Starc six as England reach 325 for 9 on opening day in Brisbane

Crawley settles the nerves as he bounces back from Perth pair

Starc on left-arm wickets record: Wasim still the GOAT

Steven Smith, who had floated the prospect of opening the batting with two nightwatchers in such a scenario, was at pains to slow the game down as much as possible, and Root remonstrated with umpire Sharfuddoula at Australia’s apparent time-wasting when Travis Head got padded up to spend a single ball under the helmet at short leg.But Root and Archer seized the opportunity to tee off, adding 56 runs in the final six overs of the day in a partnership that Zak Crawley said had changed the mood of the day for England’s players, who watched on from the viewing gallery outside the away dressing room. “We definitely won that last hour,” Crawley said. “We’re positive going into tomorrow.”Joe Root and Jofra Archer added an unbeaten 61 off 44 balls before stumps•Darrian Traynor/Getty ImagesArcher, batting at No. 11 for only the second time in Test cricket, started the carnage by charging Scott Boland and swiping him over square leg for the first six of the day off the first ball of an over that cost 19 runs. He then swung Mitchell Starc’s full toss over the sprawling Brendan Doggett at long-on, and Root reverse-scooped Boland over deep third in the following over.By stumps, Archer had registered a new Test best of 32 not out, while Root reached 135 overnight. Their stand was England’s first half-century partnership for the tenth wicket since Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson added 66 in the drawn Old Trafford Test in the 2023 Ashes, and their first in Australia since Norman Cowans and Derek Pringle in 1982.Starc, whose six wickets had put Australia firmly on top, was exasperated not only with the state of the old pink ball, but with his team-mates’ lack of situational awareness. “If you have a look at that ball, it’s basically bowling with a tennis ball,” he told SEN radio. “They chanced their arm, there were a few that dropped short. I think there’s a little bit of tactical nous in there as well.”Hopefully, we take that tenth one early tomorrow and get batting with the sun out. We saw that it [the ball] didn’t do a whole lot, and day two is generally a good day to bat on. If we can get stuck into batting early tomorrow when there’s sun on the wicket – and their balls go soft as well – it could be a good day’s cricket.”Crawley, who had briefly changed back into his whites in anticipation of fielding, said that the situation had been “perfect” for England. “There was no talk of a declaration,” he said. “We were just saying, ‘Go really hard,’ and it was a win-win: if it comes off, then we’ll get 50 runs like we did, or if you got out, then we could have a crack at them under lights.”They’re valuable runs and it would’ve worked out either way… We were pretty happy with [being bowled out for] 260 and having an hour at them at that point, to be honest. We were quite optimistic about that last hour, and then it turned out we batted for all of it. It felt like it was a great chance for us either way – with bat or ball – to seize that last hour.”Australia only bowled 74 overs out of the scheduled 90 on the first day, which Simon Katich described as “an absolute joke”. They risk being docked World Test Championship points if they fail to bowl England out inside 80 overs. “The over rates are what they are,” Starc said. “If we keep taking the wickets, they won’t worry about it.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed his frustration after the Real Madrid star was ruled out for around two months with a thigh injury sustained against Athletic Club. The 27-year-old has endured an injury-hit first season in the Spanish capital, making just 11 appearances in all competitions. This latest injury setback makes his diminishing World Cup hopes look all the more at risk.

• Alexander-Arnold reacts after latest injury lay-off confirmed

  Alexander-Arnold took to Instagram to share his thoughts with fans after it was confirmed on Friday that the former Liverpool man is set to be out until at least February with a thigh injury which was sustained early in the second half of Los Blancos’ 3-0 win in Bilbao, the very same night that the Englishman had registered his first La Liga assist for his new club.

  It has been a difficult adaptation period for Alexander-Arnold following his high-profile move from Anfield to Madrid in the summer, not least because of a series of injury concerns and rotation with Dani Carvajal when the pair have both been available. Federico Valverde has even been used in the right-back position ahead of Alexander-Arnold in recent weeks, including on Real’s trip to Liverpool as the boyhood Scouser was reunited with his former club.

  The 27-year-old has not played for Thomas Tuchel’s England since his move to Madrid, and his chances of making the plane for North America next summer now look even slimmer.

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• Trent speaks after devastating injury blow

  Alexander-Arnold told his 16.2 million Instagram followers: “Absolutely gutted about this one. The timing of it hurts but I will work hard to come back stronger and better! See you in 2026 Madridistas.”

• Alexnder-Arnold has endured a challenging start to life in Madrid

  This latest injury for Alexander-Arnold represents another problem in a challenging few months for new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has had to contend with injury problems and conflict with key members of his squad such as Vinicius Jr, who has reportedly said he will not sign a new deal with the club while Alonso is boss.

  Los Blancos find themselves a single point behind Barcelona in La Liga, gaining 36 points in 15 matches including victory in El Clasico in October.

  But marquee signing Alexander-Arnold has not had the desired impact thus far since his arrival, playing less than 500 minutes for the club across the league and Champions League. The fact that he played nearly as many minutes during the Club World Cup reflects the issues he has faced. But just as he had taken a step in the right direction with a maiden La Liga assist, another injury setback has arrived for the England international.

  Alonso recently said of Trent ahead of Real’s visit to Girona: "Trent is a top player, and we need him. It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."

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  World Cup comes nearer but Trent appears further away than ever

  After Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw, the tournament now appears closer than ever. It is almost time for fans and players to begin visualising how things will pan out, as England have been confirmed to face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stage.

  But for Alexander-Arnold, that dream now looks a distant one and the Real Madrid star will need to put in a lot of work to ensure he is ready to compete for Tuchel’s squad in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

  Reece James has been the regular first-choice right-back for former Chelsea boss Tuchel but the fact that Trent offers something completely different is undeniable. His delivery and attacking threat from the right-back position are matched by few and could prove a significant weapon at the tournament.

  But after the two-time Premier League winner’s inconsistent performances in midfield in Euro 2024, he will face a fight on his hands to force his way into the squad in time for the finals. Matters in Madrid are to contend with first, and he will hope to come back stronger and help his side compete across all fronts when he returns for the latter months of the campaign.

خسر الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي آرسنال مباراته أمام نظيره أستون فيلا في اللقاء الذي جمعهما عصر اليوم، السبت، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وواجه آرسنال نظيره أستون فيلا اليوم، السبت، في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”، على ملعب “فيلا بارك”.

وانتهت المباراة بين آرسنال وأستون فيلا بهزيمة الجانرز بنتيجة 2/1 ليصعد فيلا إلى وصافة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي. 

بتلك النتيجة، لازال آرسنال في صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 33 نقطة، مبتعدًا بثلاث نقاط عن أستون فيلا الذي صعد إلى وصافة الجدول بعد فوزه اليوم برصيد 30 نقطة.

وافتتح أهداف اللقاء اللاعب كاش، لصالح أستون فيلا في الدقيقة 36 بالشوط الأول بعدما استقبل عرضية متقنة من زميله وسدد الكرة بقوة بين قدمي الحارس الإسباني رايا.

اقرأ أيضًا | إيزاك: لا أحتاج لأحد لتقييم مستواي مع ليفربول.. ونركز على تحقيق الانتصارات

وأحرز هدف التعادل لصالح آرسنال الدولي البلجيكي تروسارد في الدقيقة 52 بعدما استقبل عرضية أرضية من زميله ساكا وسددها تروسارد في المرمى الخالي من حارس أستون فيلا.

وأضاف بوينديا الهدف الثاني القاتل لصالح أستون فيلا في الدقيقة 95 من وقت المباراة بعد ارتباك داخل منطقة الجزاء حيث سدد لاعب فيلا الكرة في مرمى الحارس رايا ليكتب ثلاث نقاط ثمينة لصالح رجال أوناي إيمري.

وسدد رجال أرتيتا 14 تسديدة على مرمى الحارس إيميليانو مارتينيز، بينهم 8 بين القائمين والعارضة، فيما سدد أستون فيلا 10 تسديدات منهم 4 على المرمى.

واستحوذ الجانرز على الكرة بنسبة 54% فيما استحوذ فريق أستون فيلا على الكرة بنسبة 46%. أهداف مباراة آرسنال وأستون فيلا في الدوري الإنجليزي

Wolves have made an enquiry for Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, with executive chairman Jeff Shi receiving a reply.

Wolves to “take time” in new manager search

The Old Gold parted ways with Vitor Pereira on Sunday following their eighth Premier League defeat of the season and are no further down the line in regards appointing a long-term replacement.

David Ornstein has revealed that Wolves didn’t begin the process for a new manager until Pereira was sacked after the 3-0 loss at Fulham, despite their struggles all season.

“I think they wanted to give Vitor Pereira as long as possible. And therefore, they didn’t start a process to replace him before he was actually sacked.

“Once he was, the work began in earnest, or maybe Saturday night after the Fulham defeat, into Sunday, phone calls were starting to be made to express interest in a number of candidates, including Gary O’Neil.”

It looked as if Gary O’Neil was going to return to Molineux, however, he walked away from talks to leave the club at square one.

Under-21s head coach, James Collins, and under-18s head coach, Richard Walker, are in interim charge ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

Sam Allardyce keen on taking Molineux job but reveals what Wolves are after

Veteran manager Sam Allardyce could potentially make a dramatic return to Premier League management.

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It has been claimed that Wolves “want to take time” to find the right man after O’Neil’s move fell through and Rob Edwards distanced himself from the vacancy.

A leadership group involving Shi and Matt Jackson are involved in the managerial process, whereas Wolves are also being influenced by Jorge Mendes in the background.

The new Nuno Santo: "World-class" manager wants to hold talks with Wolves

Now, a new name has emerged with Wolves even making contact over a deal.

Wolves make Abel Ferreira approach

According to reports from ESPN Brazil, Wolves have made an enquiry over a move for Palmeiras boss Ferreira.

The Portuguese manager was wanted by Nottingham Forest following Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit and was also linked with Chelsea back in 2023.

However, following the latest move from Molineux chiefs, Ferreira has rejected Wolves’ offer as he is focused on the CONMEBOL Libertadores final and the Brazilian Championship with Palmeiras.

A two-time Brazil league winner with his current employers, Ferreira plays a 4-2-3-1 manager and has won 6-0 on four separate occasions.

Wins

361

Draws

149

Losses

154

Goals scored

1,093

Goals conceded

652

Points per game

1.86

Two of those came with Palmeiras and the other two in Portugal when he was in charge of Braga, and as can be seen, the 46-year-old has plenty of managerial experience at a relatively young age.

Unfortunately for Shi and co, a move to Wolves for Ferreira doesn’t look like it is on the cards in 2025, leaving Wolves to look elsewhere once again.

After losing the tournament opener to India, Sri Lanka play Australia in an ODI for the first time since 2019

Madushka Balasuriya03-Oct-20252:44

Can the Australia batting juggernaut be stopped?

India first, Australia second. No, that wasn’t an early prediction for the finals, just simply Sri Lanka’s first two matches at this World Cup. It should only get easier from here but for a Sri Lankan outfit that, despite having played 31 ODIs between the 2022 World Cup and this one, has been crying out for consistent, high-level competition, this upcoming game will lay the most accurate marker yet on their upward trajectory over the past couple of years.Having challenged the hosts India in the tournament opener, they fell short at key moments in that game, perhaps succumbing to the pressure of the occasion. And that pressure will only be cranked up against an imposing Australian outfit, one with so many avenues to hurt you, it’s hard to pinpoint any single weak point that opponents could potentially prey on.For Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu both these matches have come at the right time – at the start of the tournament – and she hopes they will serve as a building block for her side’s ambitions.Related

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“Yes, we’re playing against the two best teams in the first two games, but that’s really good for us,” Athapaththu said ahead of Saturday’s match against Australia in Colombo.”Because then we have some games against teams – like South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan Bangladesh – that we have beaten during the last 12-15 months. So it’s good to start with best teams so that we can prepare well and learn from our mistakes and bounce back.”That resilience to bounce back from setbacks is what has driven this Sri Lankan team over the past couple of years. Between October 2019 and June 2022, they didn’t play a single ODI. Since then, they’ve surged forward, culminating in their T20 Asia Cup title in 2024.Game time has helped, even if parity with the men’s team remains distant. Sri Lanka played 31 WODIs and 61 WT20Is between the 2022 and 2025 World Cups. Still, matches against elite sides like Australia remain rare. Before this tournament, Sri Lanka hadn’t played an international for four months; they prepared with domestic fixtures and games against youth teams.”Everyone knows the Australians are the best team and they have a very experienced side,” Athapaththu said. “In 2019 we played a series against them and I scored a century in Brisbane. After that we never played against Australia because of Covid and some other various reasons. So we missed playing against Australia.”We know we haven’t played international games during the past few months, but we played some domestic cricket. There are things that I cannot control as a captain but I’ll control my bat and ball. Our preparation is good, because we played some games against national youth teams.”Australia’s preparation, meanwhile, has been ideal. They won a hard-fought series in India in September and several of their players have gained exposure to Indian conditions through the WPL. They arrived in Colombo on Thursday afternoon, well in time to recover and prepare for Saturday.”It’s been good, positive vibes,” said opener Phoebe Litchfield when asked about the team’s mood following their journey from Indore. “Woke up this morning, hit the gym, got to the ground and hopefully have some food and get started into training. The commute was fine. It was pretty stock standard but the bodies feel great all around so we’re keen to play tomorrow.”Litchfield struck a 31-ball 45 against New Zealand to set the tone for Australia’s innings in Indore, but with conditions in Colombo unlikely to be as conducive to batting, she knows a more considered approach might be required.”I think we’ll see when we get out there,” Litchfield said. “I’m not going to swing from the limbs first ball. Going to assess conditions, see how it’s playing. And if we think it’s a 300 wicket, it’s a 300 wicket and we’ll play our way. But also know that we might have to adapt depending on the conditions that we face.Litchfield has played just the solitary match against Sri Lanka – a WT20I last year – but Australia know what to expect for the most part.”Their opening bowlers pose a threat but their spin attack is where their work gets done. They’ve got four spinners that are completely different to each other. That’ll probably be the biggest threat to us.”

Liverpool are now reportedly pushing to sign a Celtic youngster in what could deal the Hoops a frustrating blow ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival.

O'Neill: Celtic have restored "confidence"

As far as interim managers go, Celtic couldn’t have done a lot better than Martin O’Neill. There would have been concerns that the 73-year-old was out of ideas in the modern game, but he’s since proved any doubters wrong by getting the Bhoys back on track and rolling back the years.

Signing off in style in his final European game, Celtic secured a much-needed victory against Feyenoord on Thursday evening and O’Neill admitted that “confidence” has been restored in the squad.

The veteran manager told reporters: “Judging from last season, the format, you are looking for 10 or 11 points to qualify. It won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.

“I told my two brothers who came to the game to start my chant, so they must have done so. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. In the dressing room, the lads are full of it.

“It’s hard to say what I thought [when I took charge]. My two daughters were all in on going for it, but my wife said I would probably mess it up. I haven’t messed it up so far. It’s been great. The results are what you live by and they’ve been terrific.

“[The new manager] has got some players who are big winners, which is great. I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the other players.

“The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that. Winning away from home is terrific – it’s not easy away from home in Europe. It gives them belief that they can come and compete.”

The job will now be passed over to Nancy, who could be about to lose one of his best academy stars right away amid Liverpool’s interest in Derek Jikiemi.

Liverpool pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi

As reported by The Daily Record, Liverpool are now pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi after sending their scouts to watch the 15-year-old Parkhead wonderkid. The central defender is one of the most talented players in Celtic’s academy, but could be about to follow in Ben Doak’s footsteps by swapping Glasgow for Merseyside.

Although Jikiemi is one for the future, losing him would represent where Celtic currently find themselves in the European pecking order. They won’t be expected to compete Liverpool in the market, but they must do better to keep hold of homegrown talent.

Nancy must unleash Celtic's most frustrating player since Engels

Wilfried Nancy must unleash this Celtic star who is their most frustrating player since Arne Engels.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

If the teenager did complete a move to Anfield then Celtic would only receive compensation for the years that he came through their system in an added blow.

The Hoops can, however, secure their young star to professional terms at the end of the season when he’s 16 years old. Whether they get the chance to do that remains to be seen, however.

Celtic now confident they'll beat Man City to history-making first signing for Nancy

Martin O’Neill signed off his second spell with Celtic in style with a 1-0 win over Dundee at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

The experienced interim won seven of his eight matches in charge of the club after Brendan Rodgers resigned at the end of October, and Wilfried Nancy will take on the role from Thursday.

Daizen Maeda scored the only goal of the game for O’Neill’s side as he bravely competed to head into the back of the net after Hyun-jun Yang’s effort was saved, which led to him wearing a bandage for the remainder of the night.

Ranking Celtic's best performers against Dundee

The Japan international was, of course, one of the top performers on the night for the Hoops because it was his goal that ultimately sealed all three points to send Celtic level on points with Hearts at the top of the table.

He was not the top performer on the night for the Scottish giants, though, as a couple of other players were ahead of him in that respect, because the striker also missed a ‘big chance’ and lost five of his six duels, per Sofascore.

Reo Hatate was one of those two players. The Japanese whiz created two ‘big chances’, including Yang’s initial shot before the goal, and won four of his seven duels, per Sofascore, in what was a masterful showing in the middle of the park.

Ranking Celtic’s top performers vs Dundee

Rank

Player

1

Colby Donovan

2

Reo Hatate

3

Daizen Maeda

4

Hyun-jun Yang

5

Kasper Schmeichel

As you can see in the table above, Yang and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who pulled off three saves and three run-outs to keep his clean sheet intact, were also among the top performers on the pitch.

However, we have ranked Colby Donovan as the best performer on the night for the Scottish giants, as he provided a reminder of his quality after a shaky game against Hibernian.

Why Colby Donovan is undroppable for Wilfried Nancy

On Sunday, the Scottish full-back lost two of his three ground duels, per Sofascore, and was subbed off at half-time after being booked for a late challenge on Jordan Obita.

After that disappointing showing at the weekend, Donovan may have known that he needed to respond with a big performance against Dundee to ensure that the new manager does not drop him for the game against Hearts on Sunday.

Now, the Scotland U21 international is surely the first completely undroppable player for Nancy at Parkhead, because he was the best performer in the last game before his first match in charge.

Donovan won three of his four ground duels and three of his three aerial duels, winning 87% of his total battles, per Sofascore, whilst Maeda, for example, lost five of his six duels and struggled on that side of the game after scoring his goal.

Vs Dundee

Donovan

Celtic rank

Sofascore rating

8.3

1st

Duels won

6

1st

Aerial duels won

3

1st

Aerial duel success rate

100%

1st

Tackles won

2

1st

Touches

91

4th

Successful crosses

3

1st

Key passes

2

2nd

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate also added creativity in possession to go along with his outstanding defensive work, as only Reo Hatate (five) made more key passes on the night, whilst no one completed more crosses.

Donovan showed Nancy, who was unveiled before the game kicked off, that he is capable of delivering a quality performance at both ends of the pitch from the right-back position, which is why he should already be undroppable.

With Alistair Johnston still sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Scottish youngster should be the first name on the teamsheet ahead of the clash with Hearts on Sunday.

That is also influenced by Anthony Ralston’s disappointing form. Pundit Chris Sutton described his play as “really shaky” when he came off the bench against Hibernian, whilst he was also caught out twice by Mikel Gogorza in the Europa League clash with Midtjylland.

Given Ralston’s lack of form and Donovan’s impressive showing on Wednesday night, the 19-year-old defender will surely already be undroppable for Nancy in the short term.

The Blue Jays are one game away from winning the 2025 World Series after beating the Dodgers in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Following a brutal loss in Game 3's marathon thriller, Toronto quickly rebounded with a win in Game 4 to even up the series at two games apiece. Heading into Game 5, each team knew that the result could heavily tip the scales in one side's favor—as Dodgers minority owner Magic Johnson so astutely put it before first pitch.

On Wednesday, the Blue Jays played spoiler for the second straight time during the Dodgers' homestand with rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage's historic start and Toronto's big-time bats helping to secure a pivotal 6-1 win, and now they stand on the precipice of their first World Series title since 1993. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are teetering on the brink of elimination, their first taste of do-or-die baseball since the 2024 NLDS.

If history is any indication, the odds are very much in Toronto's favor.

In a best-of-seven series tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has won the series 46 of 68 times (67.6%), according to MLB's Sarah Langs.

In series which have a 2-3-2 format (like this one), teams who take a 3-2 lead by winning Game 5 on the road before returning home for Game 6 and 7 have gone on to to win the series 20 of 27 times (74.1%).

The Last Time Winner of Game 5 Clinched the World Series

The last two World Series were decided in five games, so they don't apply in this situation. In the 2022 Fall Classic between the Astros and Phillies, with the series tied 2-2, the Astros took Game 5 in Philadelphia before going on to clinch the title two days later at home in Game 6's 4-1 win.

With Game 6 at Rogers Centre on Friday night, the Blue Jays own the clear advantage and will also get to hear their home fans cheering them on in the same building they won their repeat championship in '93. Facing a Dodgers team that doesn't seem to have any answers at the plate this series, the Blue Jays will have sole control of their destiny.

Daniel Farke – already relegated from the Premier League in the past – was under intense pressure heading into the new season at Leeds United due to his prior top-flight record, although this time was going to be different. Right?

While the 2025/26 campaign is only 11 games old, the worry will be that the German coach is slipping back into old habits, with the Elland Road side currently just two points above the drop zone.

That position is perhaps to be expected for a newly-promoted outfit, although with the Whites currently on a run of four losses from their last five league outings, the mood is unsurprisingly beginning to sour.

Nothing drastic is expected to happen over the next few weeks, even with the international break providing the perfect time to separate, although there is a sense that the ex-Norwich City man is now on borrowed time.

With Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool all visiting Elland Road across the next five fixtures, with trips to Manchester City and Brentford to come, it is crunch time for those in Yorkshire.

Will Farke survive the test? If not, just who could replace him?

Daniel Farke's overall Premier League record

It may not be too bold to suggest that the 49-year-old has been a dead man walking since the summer, with reports emerging that the 49ers’ ownership were considering replacing the promotion-winning coach, even despite the success of guiding Leeds back into the top-flight at the second attempt.

A year prior, for comparison, rivals Manchester United had almost publicly sought out a replacement for Erik ten Hag, albeit while ultimately deciding to back the Dutchman following his FA Cup heroics. Just two months into the new season, however, the former Ajax boss was relieved of his post.

The doubts over Farke following last term no doubt stemmed from his dire previous record in the Premier League, with his first taste of England’s top tier ending in Norwich finishing rock-bottom in 2019/20.

Having stayed on to oversee the attempt to swiftly bounce back, he was then sacked just 11 games into the 2021/22 campaign, having failed to win any of the first ten league games of the season.

At the time of his dismissal from Carrow Road, Farke’s record in the Premier League stood at 49 games played, eight draws, six wins and a remarkable 35 losses, having shipped 101 goals in that time with a points per game ratio of just 0.53.

Games

60

Wins

9

Draws

10

Losses

41

Goals scored

41

Goals conceded

121

Points

37

Points per game

0.62

With three wins, two draws and six losses in the first 11 games of 2025/26, there is little to suggest that the one-time Borussia Monchengladbach boss is faring much better, with Leeds facing a very real threat of a swift return to the second tier.

Rightly or wrongly, Farke was given the chance to prove himself again in the Premier League, although that show of faith may well have backfired.

Does a successor need to be found?

How Leeds can swiftly upgrade on Farke

Appointing a new manager, particularly mid-season, is such a delicate act to get right, with notable names such as Carlos Corberan and Ange Postecoglou among those who could potentially come back onto the 49ers’ radar.

Manager Focus

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Prior speculation has also suggested that Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior could also be in the equation, if Leeds are to make a change, with the ex-Hull City manager currently doing a fine job in France.

Described as “one of the best coaches ever” by pundit Clinton Morrison, Rosenior has taken the BlueCo-owned side to new heights in 2025/26 thus far, with the Ligue 1 outfit currently fourth in the table and just five points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Unlike Farke’s dismal record so far this term, the Englishman’s 12 league games have yielded seven wins, four losses and a solitary draw, following on from a season in which his side finished seventh in 2024/25 to claim a Conference League spot.

What makes that progression even more remarkable is that the average age of Rosenior’s squad at Strasbourg is just 22.6, as per Transfermarkt, albeit with his starting lineup regularly dipping even below that average.

Of course, Ligue 1 provides a different test to the Premier League, although the one-time Brighton man’s attack-minded, progressive style of play is bearing fruit, with his side scoring 24 times already from their 12 league games this term.

For contrast, Farke’s struggling squad have scored just ten times in their 11 Premier League outings – the joint-second worst record in the division.

A man who once lauded Leeds hero Marcelo Bielsa as a “genius” amid his fine work at Elland Road, Rosenior could be another wildcard option to try and follow in the Argentine’s footsteps.

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ByKelan Sarson Nov 13, 2025

Former Bayern Munich and Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet. The 40-year-old World Cup winner has hinted he could extend his playing career at Gornik Zabrze beyond this season if the Polish side continue their remarkable title charge proving once again that the German forward’s love for football still burns bright.

Podolski leaves door open to another season at 40

Even at 40, Podolski is refusing to call time on his extraordinary career. The German forward, who has been playing for Polish side Gornik Zabrze since 2021, has hinted that he could delay retirement if the club achieve something special this season. His contract with Gornik expires in June 2026, and while he had previously suggested that this campaign would be his last, the 2014 World Cup winner now admits the door remains slightly ajar.

“Basically yes, this is supposed to be my last season,” Podolski told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger, before adding with a smile: “If we should manage a sporting coup, it could be that I would like to take part in that one more time.”

Podolski has been more than just a player at Gornik. A hometown hero in Upper Silesia, he has taken on the roles of mentor, ambassador, and leader for the Ekstraklasa side, who currently sit top of the Polish league after 15 matchdays. Despite featuring in just eight games this season, his influence off the pitch has been immense.

“I still love playing, and I also get great pleasure from helping the young players in the team with my experience,” he explained. “But I’m not 30 anymore, so I start to feel a few aches and pains here and there.”

AdvertisementAFPA storied career across Europe’s elite

Few footballers have enjoyed a journey as rich and diverse as Podolski’s. From Koln to Bayern, Arsenal, Inter and Galatasaray, the left-footed forward carved out a career built on thunderous goals, infectious charisma, and unwavering commitment.

His breakout years came at Koln, where he scored 79 goals across two spells, establishing himself as one of Germany’s most exciting young talents. That earned him a move to Bayern in 2006, though competition from Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni limited his opportunities despite winning a league and cup double in 2008.

A return to Koln in 2009 revived his form, and in 2012, Arsene Wenger brought him to North London, where he quickly became a fan favourite. Known for his fierce finishing and love for the supporters, Podolski scored memorable goals, including one in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Anfield and helped end the club’s nine-year trophy drought by lifting the FA Cup in 2014.

Podolski was also part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, playing alongside Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker. Across 130 international caps, he netted 49 goals, ranking among the nation’s all-time greats.

Still leading – on and off the pitch

Since joining Gornik, Podolski has become the heartbeat of the club both on and off the pitch. The Polish side are unexpectedly leading the Ekstraklasa, with European qualification now within reach – a “sporting coup” that could convince their veteran talisman to stay another season.

“I greatly enjoy the work off the pitch,” Podolski noted. “I’m 40 now, so my priorities have shifted. The club has allowed me to get a taste of many different areas.”

Beyond football, the forward has evolved into a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded the Baller League, an innovative indoor football competition alongside Mats Hummels, and owns a chain of kebab shops, ice cream parlours, and an indoor soccer complex in North Rhine-Westphalia. He also operates his own fashion brand, cementing his post-football footprint in Germany.

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Getty Images SportPodolski’s next chapter could wait a little longer

While many assumed that Podolski’s move to Gornik in 2021 would serve as the final chapter of his playing career, the veteran continues to defy expectations. His enduring commitment, leadership, and emotional connection with his boyhood club have given him fresh purpose, both as a player and mentor. Now, with Gornik chasing an unlikely Ekstraklasa title and European qualification, the idea of retirement seems premature. Podolski’s influence on the squad extends far beyond goals or minutes – it’s his presence, energy, and guidance that have defined this resurgence.