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Uli Hoeness, the honorary president of Bayern Munich, cleared up a frequently made accusation while talking about Florian Wirtz.

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• Hoeness talks about Wirtz
• Rubbishes claims that Bayern weaken their opponents on purpose
• Wirtz linked to Bavarians for a transfer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has admitted his admiration for Florian Wirtz and expressed his desire to see the talented Bayer Leverkusen midfielder at the club. However, he remained candid when addressing recurring accusations that Bayern frequently sign top players from their rivals.

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• WHAT ULI HOENESS SAID

  "I object to such sweeping judgements. We always have to go by what makes us stronger," Hoeness told (h/t SPOX). "The best players tend to play for our biggest competitors, that's obvious. I would love to get Florian Wirtz if the opportunity arose. But that's the football fan Uli Hoeness talking, not the Bayern man.

  "Tottenham, where Harry played, is not our competitor, for example.

  "Generally speaking, you can't be that stupid to want to weaken someone if you don't also think the player will strengthen yourself. It is a logical side effect that it weakens a competitor."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bayern have long been infamous for acquiring top talent from their Bundesliga rivals. During the 2010s, they brought in stars like Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze, and Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund. More recently, they have targeted RB Leipzig by signing players such as Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer, while also adding Yann Sommer (as a stop-gap) from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2023.

  Currently, Wirtz is not just one of the best players in Bundesliga, but in the world. He has been frequently linked to a move from Leverkusen to Munich, even though he is in advanced talks to sign a contract extension with the reigning league winners.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

  The German record champions will aim to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table when they visit VfB Stuttgart on Friday, February 28. Head coach Vincent Kompany will be keen to get his troops back to their best level for the final stretch of the season, amid reports that the Bayern higher-ups are considering taking severe actions should the team fail to meet the sporting objectives by the end of the campaign.

Since Julen Lopetegui joined West Ham United, things have taken a turn for the worse, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, only winning three games from 11 this season.

Despite improving some of their team metrics, averaging more possession per game (45.3%), taking more shots (13.5 per game), and conceding fewer shots (16.3 per game), West Ham are performing worse, struggling to grasp their new system and principles.

But it was very nearly not Lopetegui in the hot seat, as West Ham were in talks to appoint Ruben Amorim, who has just taken over Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim West Ham links

Reports from the Daily Mail have revealed the reason behind West Ham rejecting Amorim over the summer, with the club being worried about his “lack of experience” outside of Portugal.

The 39-year-old had only managed in Portugal before taking the Manchester United job, spending four games in charge of Case Pia, 13 games in charge of SC Braga, before spending 231 games in charge of Sporting, between 2020-2024.

At Sporting, Amorim managed to average 2.29 PPM (points per match), leading the Portuguese giants to two Primeira Liga titles (2020/21 and 2023/24), two Taca de Liga titles (2020/21 and 2021/22), and one Supertaca Candido de Oliveira title (2021).

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

After the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Amorim has now been appointed as the Man United manager, but things could have been very different had West Ham not rejected Amorim in the summer.

The Portuguese coach tends to play a 3-4-2-1/3-4-3, opting for a three central defender system, with attacking wingbacks and inside forwards. And now, it turns out, the Hammers could have a second chance at bringing in an elite 3-4-3 coach of their own, one whom Jürgen Klopp labelled “exceptional” last season.

Xabi Alonso's links to West Ham

Back in 2023, West Ham were linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso. Now, the 42-year-old Spaniard is set to leave Leverkusen ‘on his own accord’ in the summer of 2025, according to reports from Eurosport.

Of course, many top clubs are said to be keen, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich the most likely destinations, but if those jobs aren’t available in the summer, West Ham could become an option for the Leverkusen coach, if he is set on leaving the club.

In their Bundesliga title-winning season (2023/24), Leverkusen held the most possession on average per game (62.1%), and took the second most shots per game (18.2). This shows the intent of Alonso’s team, and how he sets up, looking to be aggressive, keep possession, and control the game, exactly what West Ham are looking for.

Leverkusen also conceded the fewest shots per game in the division, only conceding 8.6 shots against them per game. For reference, West Ham conceded 17.2 shots against them per game last season under Moyes, the fourth most in the Premier League. This is again positive proof that Alonso can coach a defensive unit, and maybe begin to bring those tallies down for the Hammers.

The 42-year-old coach would be the dream appointment for West Ham fans, in the mould of young Amorim, bringing an exciting style of play, more control in games, and a more structured defensive unit. But which individuals could benefit most from Alonso if he were to be appointed?

Who could benefit from Alonso's system

One man who could hugely benefit from Alonso’s 3-4-3 system change, is Lucas Paqueta, who could be used as more of a free-roaming ten, much like Florian Wirtz is used for Leverkusen. Wirtz has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals, providing two assists, and totalling 1,237 minutes played.

This role in Alonso’s team is usually for the playmaker, to allow them the ability to look for pockets of space to receive the ball, link play, and make incisive passes into the forward and wingbacks running in behind.

Whilst the metrics analysed above don’t paint the full picture, with Wirtz outperforming Paqueta in every metric, it is clear to see when watching the Brazilian the talent and quality he has on the ball, and this could be further unlocked by playing in a more progressive style and system, as opposed to the more limiting system of Moyes last year.

Paqueta’s skillset is extremely well suited to this, allowing him to be the primary playmaker higher up the pitch, whilst also having the tenacity and bravery to press from the front (another key principle of Alonso’s side). The former Lyon man has two goals and no assists to his name this season, but could be revived with the Spaniard’s appointment.

Another player that could really take it up a level under Alonso is Emerson, who would become much more of an attacking left wing-back, looking to do damage in the opposition half, much like Alejandro Grimaldo for Leverkusen.

Grimaldo has made 17 appearances so far this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists from that wide role, and totalling 1,312 minutes so far.

Alonso often sets up with one of his wing-backs really high and wide, constantly pinning that side of the pitch deeper, whilst the other wing-back can come inside at times, to help in the build up, before making runs into the box/towards the byline.

Emerson certainly has the technical capacity to be involved in these phases of play, and his numbers could explode in this new role, becoming their very own Grimaldo, by contributing to goals and assists further up the pitch, whilst also being involved in build-up, to help West Ham control the game.

As tough and unlikely as it is for Alonso to become West Ham manager next season, he would certainly take the Hammers to another level, and could even see some big individual improvements, playing in new roles, and zones that suit their skillset.

What "close sources at West Ham" are saying about Lopetegui being sacked

The Spaniard faces increasing pressure in east London.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 15, 2024

Carlo Ancelotti was left 'speechless' by Federico Valverde's commitment on the pitch as Real Madrid edged out Atletico.

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• Ancelotti praised Valverde
• Uruguay international contributed with an assist
• Madrid beat Atletico 2-1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Valverde had a terrific outing in the Madrid derby in the Champions League on Tuesday as he starred in his club's 2-1 win over city rivals Atletico in the first leg of their round of 16 fixture. The Uruguayan provided the assist for Rodrygo's early opener and was defensively solid. He denied the visitors from scoring a certain goal in the first half and put in some crucial tackles after the break.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Los Blancos boss Ancelotti was left 'speechless' by Valverde's relentless commitment on the pitch as he also heaped praise on goalscorers Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz. Julian Alvarez came up with an equaliser for Diego Simeone's side after the Brazilian broke the deadlock early in the game. Diaz's 55th-minute strike sealed an important first-leg win for the reigning European champions.

• WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

  Speaking on Valverde's contribution in the game, the Italian coach told reporters: "I have no words left for him, he is very happy and has contributed a lot to the team. I really have no more words."

  He added: "Today the team worked, ran and made a difference. Rodrygo and Brahim were the best. We didn't press much but that wasn't the idea. Atlético had control at times but they didn't create many opportunities."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Madrid will be back in action on Sunday in La Liga as they take on Rayo Vallecano at Santiago Bernabeu.

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United must adopt the perfect mentality if they are to build on their win against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

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• Fernandes hat-trick helps United to victory
• Face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals
• Bruno issues warning to his co-stars

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United fell behind in the second leg of their last-16 tie at Old Trafford, but two Fernandes penalties put the hosts in the lead before he completed his hat-trick to put them in a comfortable spot. Then, Diogo Dalot provided the icing on the cake when he scored in stoppage time to make it 5-2 on aggregate. United will go on to face Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, keeping the competition as a beacon of hope in an otherwise horrific season for the club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ruben Amorim's team had won just one of their previous six matches heading into Thursday's game and club captain Fernandes has challenged his co-stars to bring more positive results heading into the last two months of the season.

• WHAT FERNANDES SAID

  "This club is all about winning. We need to win games. We have a long way to go, but we are confident if we focus on every game ahead and have the right mentality we can win games," he told "With the result and performance when you start to get a bit more confident, confidence is a big thing in football. We are doing very good progress, but the progress will be seen if we get results. At this club it is all about results."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  United will now turn their attention back to the Premier League and will be hoping to chalk up another win when they meet struggling Leicester – coached by the Red Devils' ex-interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy – on Sunday.

Enzo Maresca has had a great start to life at Chelsea, currently sitting third in the Premier League after 11 games played, only losing to Manchester City and Liverpool so far this season.

Chelsea face off against Maresca’s previous club, Leicester City on Saturday, as their first game back from the international break. This could see some fitness issues arise, as the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo only travelled back 48 hours before the game.

The Blues are averaging 54.7% possession so far this campaign (5th highest in the division), taking 14 shots per game (9th most in the league), and have scored 21 goals so far this season (4th most in the Premier League). This includes some big victories already this season, beating Wolves 6-2, and beating Brighton 4-2.

But it’s a defensive metric that stands out when analysing the team’s performance under Maresca, as last season, Chelsea conceded 14.6 shots per game (7th highest), leading to them conceding 63 goals, their worst defensive record in the past decade.

This season, Chelsea are conceding just 12.8 shots per match (8th lowest in the league) which is 1.8 shots fewer per game than 2023/24.

Much of this improvement is down to the structural changes made by Maresca, with this system favouring control in all phases, rather than the more end-to-end style that Mauricio Pochettino adopted.

How Enzo Maresca's system works at Chelsea

One of the key characteristics of Maresca’s system is the inverting of a full-back into midfield, creating a 3-2-5/3-2-4-1 shape on the ball, that is beginning to dominate in elite European football.

It has often been Malo Gusto inverting into the defensive midfield and even the attacking midfield role at times, depending on the midfield configuration.

But another key detail is the usage of wingers for Maresca, who wants his wide men to stay high and wide, pinning the opposition fullbacks, and being ready for 1v1 isolations.

One man who has fit the bill perfectly so far this campaign is Noni Madueke, who has the exact profile to be a Maresca winger, and that has been evident already this season.

Noni Madueke's form under Enzo Maresca

Madueke was signed from PSV in the 2023 summer transfer window, joining for a fee of around £29m. Since joining the Blues, the 22-year-old winger has made 59 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and supplying three assists.

Under Maresca, Madueke has taken it up a level, bagging five times in 13 outings. His direct runs in behind, 1v1 wide isolations, and ability to cut inside on his stronger left foot have allowed the English winger to increase his shot volume, and therefore his goal tally.

But it is also the defensive work rate of Madueke that has stood out for Maresca, tracking back, winning his duels, and often slotting in to make a temporary back five, supporting the right-back when Chelsea are without the ball.

As good as Madueke has been under the new boss, and it’s clear he is a favourite of the Italian’s for the reasons stated above, the performance levels of the 22-year-old have slightly fallen in the past few matches, which could see the perfect opportunity to unleash another one of Chelsea’s superstar wingers in their natural position.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The best replacement for Madueke at Chelsea

Pedro Neto was described as “incredible” by Gary O’Neil when he was at Wolves, and the Portuguese winger has shown exactly why already at Chelsea, making 15 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 817 minutes.

During his time at Molineux, Neto made 135 appearances in all competitions, netting 14 goals, laying on 24 assists, and totalling 7,585 minutes.

But whilst the 24-year-old has been featuring as a left-winger in the Premier League for the Blues as late, he did his best work from the right-wing at Wolves, and this could be something Maresca looks to do in the next stretch of games.

The metrics comparing Madueke and Neto this season show that the former proves to offer slightly more goal threat, generating more xG (0.33 to Neto’s 0.08) and taking more shots per 90 (3.81 to Neto’s 2.12). However, the Portugal international is playing on his less favoured side, meaning he is unable to cut inside and get shots off as often as he may like.

But his creative numbers have not been hindered by playing on the left, making 2.56 key passes, creating 0.41 xAG (expected assisted goals), and averaging 4.36 shot-creating actions per 90.

This level of creation comes from often beating his man down the left, and using his stronger left foot to whip crosses into the box. However, Chelsea do not have a true aerial box presence so this method rarely leads to goals, which begs the question, could his creative toolset be better utilised on the opposite wing in order to add more variety?

By moving Neto on the right, Maresca could get the best out of a number of other players. First and foremost, though, it would allow the summer signing to fully unleash his creative toolset, putting inswinging crosses into the box on his stronger left foot, whilst also beating player for pace on the outside, and cutting it back for the arriving attackers.

Sanchez & Jackson axed for £124m signings: Chelsea's dream XI after January

Chelsea could replace Sanchez with a £58m signing in their dream starting XI after January.

By
Connor Holden

Nov 21, 2024

There is a new tournament being introduced into the football world in 2025, but it is one that will already be familiar to some English fans.

Between June and July 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup will grace the world stage, as 32 of football’s leading teams will go to the United States for the first edition of the revamped competition, which is surely going to excite football fans in the summer months.

This tournament will bring together the most successful clubs from each of the six international confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA.

Ahead of the tournament getting underway in 2025, we have taken a look at the Premier League teams that have previously participated in the competition, with Chelsea and Manchester City being the representatives in the upcoming edition.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Qualified teams, format, venues & how to watch

The FIFA Club World Cup takes place this summer, with plenty of teams set to head to the United States in July 2025.

By
Ross Kilvington

Oct 30, 2024

1

Man Utd (2000)

Treble winners take part in controversial new tournament

In the inaugural edition of the Club World Cup, Manchester United were unable to take another trophy back to Old Trafford, having secured a historic treble in the previous campaign.

While their Champions League triumph in 1999 saw them take home the Intercontinental Cup title a few months prior to the Club World Cup (pictured above), this new competition caused great controversy.

United’s participation caused the Red Devils to forfeit their place in the 1999/00 FA Cup, leading to criticism back home.

At the tournament in Brazil, they failed to advance from their group, with their only victory in three coming against Australian side South Melbourne, leaving them in third place.

2

Liverpool (2005)

Reds lose Club World Cup final

Liverpool found themselves in the 2005 Club World Cup final, after winning the Champions League in the 2004/05 season.

The Reds defeated Milan 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 3-3 – a game in which the English side found themselves 3-0 down.

In the 2005 Club World Cup, Liverpool secured a 3-0 semi-final win over Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica. The Merseysiders then faced São Paulo in the final but were on the wrong end of the result, as the Brazilian side claimed the victory by winning 1-0 in a controversial affair that saw three disallowed Liverpool goals.

The 15 best Champions League/European Cup finals – ranked

Ahead of the Champions League final, here are the best showdowns of years gone by.

By
Patric Ridge

May 30, 2025

3

Man Utd (2008)

Red Devils claim second intercontinental title

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side secured their place in the Club World Cup in 2008 having beaten Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow on penalties.

It was Ferguson’s second Champions League win as United boss, meaning they had another chance of securing a Club World Cup title in Japan. Having won the Intercontinental Cup in 1999 (also in Japan), the Red Devils were looking to avenge their failure in 2000.

United won both games that they played, beating Gamba Osaka 5-3 in the semi-finals before beating Ecuadorian outfit LDU Quito 1-0 in the final.

4

Chelsea (2012)

Blues suffer final upset against Corinthians

Chelsea were European champions for the first time in 2012 after beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Munich looked on course to win the encounter, but a late Didier Drogba goal levelled things up for Chelsea and helped them eventually secure the trophy.

At the subsequent 2012 Club World Cup, Chelsea beat Mexican side Monterrey in the semi-finals but couldn’t come home with the silverware, as they were beaten 1-0 by Brazilian side Corinthians in the final.

5

Liverpool (2019)

All-conquering Reds win first Club World Cup title

This was Liverpool’s second appearance in the Club World Cup final, after losing the competition in 2005.

In 2019, Liverpool arrived with Jürgen Klopp at the helm, as they had just won the Champions League in the previous season, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final.

They started the 2019/20 Premier League season in imperious form, winning 16 of their first 17 games. Klopp’s side took that form to Qatar as they beat Monterrey 2-1 in the semi-finals before beating Brazilian side Flamengo 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Roberto Firmino.

6

Chelsea (2022)

Thomas Tuchel delivers glory for the Blues

Chelsea made another appearance in the Club World Cup, which was pushed back to February 2022 due to the pandemic.

The Blues were back in the competition after winning the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel in the 2020/21 campaign. Chelsea beat Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal 1-0 in the semi-finals before beating Palmeiras 2-1 in the final. Romelu Lukaku and an extra-time penalty from Kai Havertz secured the victory for the Premier League side.

7

Man City (2023)

City secure Club World Cup after treble-winning season

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City secured their first-ever Club World Cup triumph in 2023 as they beat Fluminense 4-0 thanks to Julian Alvarez’s double, Phil Foden and an own goal.

The success in the Club World Cup put an end to what was a memorable 2023 for City and their supporters, as they secured the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

8

Chelsea & Man City (2025)

Premier League duo to play in 2025 Club World Cup

Chelsea and Man City were awarded 2 of the 12 spots to be claimed by UEFA teams, with each of the last four Champions League winners getting a ticket to the new 32-team quadrennial tournament.

The group stage draw sees City face Juventus in Group G, alongside Moroccan side Wydad and Abu-Dhabi-based outfit Al Ain – the latter both recent Champions League winners on their respective continents.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will face Brazilian giants Flamengo, as well as ES Tunis and Mexico’s Club Leon in Group D. The top two in each group advance to the knockout stages, with the final being held in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 13th July 2025.

San Diego sporting director revealed he has held conversations with Kevin De Bruyne over a possible transfer to MLS in the summer.

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• San Diego in talks with De Bruyne over transfer
• Club official sceptical of a move
• De Bruyne yet to sign new Man City contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Bruyne is in the final few months of his contract at Manchester City and there is a possibility that the Belgian might not sign a new deal and extend his stay at Etihad Stadium. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer and has also reportedly received interest from MLS clubs.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The newest MLS side San Diego FC is closely monitoring De Bruyne's situation at City and could go after the player once he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. San Diego sporting director Tyler Heaps has also confirmed having transfer talks with the 33-year-old, although he remained sceptical of the transfer.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Speaking to , Heaps said: "Those rumours, I don’t know where they come from. I talked to the agent. The agent has many players, obviously. Every time I see it, I say, ‘Are you the one that is saying all this stuff?' He’s a fantastic footballer and he loves this area.

  "He goes on holidays here every single year, but I’m not sure where that rumour keeps coming from. I’ve had conversations with him, but I’ll tell you what, those wages won’t fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KEVIN DE BRUYNE?

  De Bruyne will be back in action for the Belgium national team on Sunday as they take on Ukraine in the second leg of their Nations League play-offs fixture.

GOAL takes a look at emerging trends and storylines ahead of MLS Matchday 5

Matchday 5 of the 2025 MLS is here, and both conferences are starting to take shape, with frontrunners emerging and strugglers settling towards the bottom of the table.

Most impressively, the Vancouver Whitecaps are the lone side to win their first four matches of the season – but this weekend presents them with their biggest roadblock yet due to injuries and international call-ups. Can their manager Jesper Sorensen steer the ship to another victory? Or will their lack of player availability be too tall of a task to overcome?

Then, there's two heavyweights in Atlanta United and LAFC that are hitting a patchy period of form. Both clubs roster superstar talent – with the sporting Olivier Giroud and the with both Miguel Almiron and Emmanuel Latte Lath. As both teams look to compete with the elite of their respective conference, can they overcome some potential early woes?

Elsewhere, Nashville SC star Hany Mukhtar is on the verge of history, while St. Louis CITY SC's defense is, too.

GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.

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  Vancouver's biggest test yet

  The Whitecaps are the only MLS team to win their first four matches of the season, but Matchday 5 arrives with a tall task ahead of them. They take on Gregg Berhalter's Chicago Fire, but the biggest issue ahead of them is the XI they are going to be able to roll out.

  The club already lost Ryan Gauld to injury for the foreseeable future, but due to the international break, Jesper Sorensen has been decimated with international call-ups.

  All four of Ali Ahmed (Canada), Andrés Cubas (Paraguay), Pedro Vite (Ecuador), and Brian White (USA) will miss the match on top of their star Scottish midfielder who is sidelined.

  The Fire, meanwhile, have won two-straight and are unbeaten in their last three matches dating back to Matchday 2. Berhalter has them in fine form, and in every single game this season, they've scored at least two goals. Can the Whitecaps hold their momentum, plant their feet, and keep their spot atop the Supporters' Shield Standings? Or will five large absentees loom large, ending their unbeaten start to the season?

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  LAFC's internal struggle

  With two-straight losses in the regular season, LAFC are looking like a shell of themselves at the moment. Denis Bouanga has not scored in MLS action to begin the season, nor has Olivier Giroud. The brightest parts of their attack have come from defensive or midfield runs – rather than their forwards themselves.

  Manager Steve Cherundolo has been tasked with getting the best out of the group, and he's struggled so far this season. However, Matchday 5 presents them with an opportunity to change their fortunes. They take on Peter Vermes and Sporting Kansas City – a team that has yet to notch a victory under their belt to begin the season and a squad that has leaked goals dating back to 2024. SKC have conceded eight goal in just four matches to start the season.

  READ MORE:

  One issue they'll run into, though, is Bouanga will not be available due to international duty. So who fills his boots? Likely, it will be up to Homegrown attackers Nathan Ordaz and David Martinez to lead the way, along with an experienced Giroud in the middle, and new Designated Player Cengiz Under. Can the quartet take the road and upset Sporting? Or will their attacking woes continue, as Cherundolo searches for answers on how to unlock his attack?

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  Atlanta's identity

  Atlanta will be without eight players—including Miguel Almirón—for Matchday 5 due to the international break, but the bigger issue is their form. They’re winless since Matchday 1 and have gone three straight matches without a result against Eastern Conference playoff contenders.

  New manager Ronny Deila, an MLS Cup winner, carries high expectations, and after the club’s heavy spending this offseason, the pressure is even greater. The results need to start coming.

  A key part of that will be unlocking Emmanuel Latte Lath, who arrived in February for a record MLS transfer fee. The Ivorian striker has two goals in four matches and has shown flashes of quality, but he has yet to fully impose himself over 90 minutes.

  This weekend, face a talented but out-of-form FC Cincinnati side in their search for three points. Taking down a team led by manager Pat Noonan won’t be easy, but the matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.

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  What's trending?

  + With three points on Saturday, Vancouver would become just the fourth team in MLS history to begin the season with five-straight wins off the bat. The last to do so was St. Louis CITY SC in 2023, and all previous three teams who achieved the feat went on to win their conference's regular season title.
  + If CITY can keep a clean sheet through the first 68 minutes of their Matchday 5 contest against the Philadelphia Union, they will own the title for the longest shutout streak to begin an MLS season after starting the campaign with four-straight clean sheets.
  + With a goal-contribution on Saturday, Nashville SC star Hany Mukhtar will tie U.S. legend Landon Donovan for the eighth-most goal-contributions through 150 games in league history. The German attacker is set to make his 150th appearance on Saturday and currently has 67 goals and 48 assists to his name in MLS action.

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship once again this afternoon as they prepare to host Derby County at Elland Road in the early kick-off.

The Whites are back in West Yorkshire after they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park last time out, a result that moved them back to third in the division.

A penalty from Todd Cantwell, who won two Championship titles under Daniel Farke at Norwich City, was the only goal of the game in a tough match in Lancashire.

Leeds know that they need to avoid many more off days, such as that one against John Eustace’s men, if they want to achieve automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

The Whites lost to Southampton in the play-off final last season, after beating Norwich 4-0 in the semi-finals, and will want to avoid having to go through the play-off lottery again.

There will be plenty of lessons learned, you would hope, from the defeat to Blackburn last time out in the Championship, as a number of players in the side underperformed.

Leeds United's worst performers against Blackburn

The headline moment of the match unfortunately involved central midfielder Ao Tanaka, who brought Tyrhys Dolan to the ground in the box to hand the hosts a penalty, which Cantwell gratefully converted past Illan Meslier.

He endured a difficult afternoon at Ewood Park with five of five aerial duels lost and four of seven ground duels lost, which shows that the Blackburn players found it too easy to get the better of the Japan international in the middle of the park.

Another player who struggled with the physical challenges that the Rovers player presented was right-back Jayden Bogle. The summer signing from Sheffield United lost six of his seven ground duels, whilst Owen Beck and Todd Cantwell completed 100% (3/3) of their combined dribbles down that side.

They were not the only disappointing performers on the pitch for the Whites, though, as attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson’s showing also left a lot to be desired.

The USA international was selected in the number ten position behind Joel Piroe and did little to help the Dutchman in the final third throughout the game.

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson failed to register a single shot on target or chance created in 69 minutes on the pitch at Ewood Park.

The midfielder’s play in and out of possession was poor, as he gave the ball away frequently and was dominated in duels, and that contributed to the team’s struggles offensively in the match.

Why Brenden Aaronson must be dropped from the team

Farke must finally ruthlessly ditch Aaronson from the starting line-up for Leeds because it was yet another disappointing display from the former Union Berlin loanee.

The attacking midfielder, who Jesse Marsch signed from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023, has now gone six games without a goal contribution for club and country.

He has also failed to create a single ‘big chance’ for his teammates in those six games for Leeds and the USA, which suggests that his lack of assists has been down to his lack of creativity, rather than due to poor finishing from his fellow forwards.

After five Championship matches without a goal, an assist, or a ‘big chance’ created, Farke must finally drop the American lightweight from the starting XI.

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson had enjoyed a strong start to the season in his first 13 appearances in the Championship, prior to this run of five games.

His return of eight goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 11 starts shows that he was offering a big threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Leeds.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, his form has tailed off and Farke should, now, remove him from the starting XI, in the hope that it gives him a kick to get back to his best, and unleash Largie Ramazani in his place.

Why Largie Ramazani should start

The £17.5k-per-week whiz has come off the bench in the last two matches in the Championship, having been out since October through injury, and should finally make his return to the starting XI.

Ramazani has played as an attacking midfielder and as a centre-forward in his career but is typically deployed on the left flank, which means that he could directly replace Aaronson in the number ten role or could play on the left, with Wilfried Gnonto shifted into the middle.

The 23-year-old star, who was once described as “electric” and a counter-attack “weapon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, joined from Almeria in the summer transfer window and has already shown plenty of promise in a Leeds shirt.

He missed eight matches with an ankle injury, that was sustained in October, and Farke will be hoping that the winger can return to the team to pick up from where he left off prior to that enforced absence.

As you can see in the table above, Ramazani made a strong start to the season with four direct goal contributions in six starts in the second tier for the West Yorkshire outfit.

He is a direct, as shown by his eight completed dribbles, forward who likes to run at opposition defenders to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.

Quite simply, Aaronson has offered very little in the final third over the last five games, with his zero goals and zero assists, and Ramazani, who can provide a big threat in front of goal, must come in to replace him in the starting XI against Derby today.

Farke must sell Leeds flop who Marsch was "convinced" would be "great"

The Leeds United defender must be cashed in on at the earliest available opportunity.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 5, 2024

Vermes led Sporting to four championship titles during tenure as head coach with the club

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sporting KC, Peter Vermes mutually part ways
• Was MLS' longest-tenured manager, having led SKC since 2009
• Led Sporting to four major championships
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sporting Kansas City and manager Peter Vermes agreed to mutually part ways, the club announced Monday, ending his 16-year tenure as coach. Kerry Zavagnin has been appointed as interim head coach, effective immediately.

  Vermes, MLS' longest-tenured manager, led Sporting to four major championships.

  “It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

  The move came one day after Sporting KC's main supporters group called to have Vermes leave the club, as the two-time MLS champions are without a win in their first six games of the campaign.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vermes was appointed as Sporting's technical director in 2006, and was named head coach of the club in 2009.

  Under his leadership, SKC hoisted the 2013 MLS Cup, and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2012, 2015 and 2017. The club made the postseason 11 times throughout his tenure, including four first-place finishes in the Western Conference during the regular season.

  Vermes remains the lone MLS player to win MLS Cup as a player and a manager with the same team, after leading the then-Kansas City Wizards to the 2000 MLS Cup.

  He ranks third all-time in regular season wins with 203, and across all competitions, coached Sporting in 609 matches

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Vermes was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2013.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SPORTING?

  The club face rivals St. Louis CITY SC on Matchday 7 of the regular season next weekend, as they look to return to winning ways on the pitch.