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It’s the perfect pairing – one brings in experience, the other local expertise and reports are the pair have a calming influence on the team

Mohammad Isam19-Feb-2025That Bangladesh are a team in transition will soon be on display during the Champions Trophy 2025. The absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, two of the team’s greatest cricketers, has wiped a lot of experience away from their ODI depth. But can the coaching duo of Phil Simmons and Mohammad Salahuddin add substance to a set-up lacking big names?As much as it sounds hard to believe that Simmons and Salahuddin can replace Shakib and Tamim in any capacity, Bangladesh have always been a team dependent on coaching. It has been the trend since their cricketing inception in the 1990s. The lack of international exposure made coaches like Gordon Greenidge, Eddie Barlow and Dav Whatmore among the biggest influencers in Bangladesh cricket. The combined experience and knowledge of Simmons and Salahuddin will be effective for this Bangladesh team in different ways.Simmons is among the most experienced coaches in world cricket, having recently become only the fourth coach to be in charge of 400 international matches. Salahuddin’s career highlights include the four BPL titles he won with the Comilla Victorians, but he is also recognised and celebrated in these parts as the country’s go-to coach for technical and tactical troubleshooting.Shakib is Salahuddin’s most famous student, having known each other from their days in the BKSP sports institute where Shakib was a student and Salahuddin a coach. In 2015, Shakib famously sought Salahuddin’s help with his bowling action so they did the consulting over a video call. Shakib once called up Salahuddin to the IPL in 2019 and later credited this stint with him as the reason for his blockbuster performance at the ODI World Cup that year. Tamim, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar and Jaker Ali are among those – from past and present – who have worked extensively with Salahuddin.

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The BCB appointed Simmons and Salahuddin late last year with a short contract till the Champions Trophy. The team had the home Tests against South Africa, the ODI series against Afghanistan and the full tour of West Indies under Simmons. According to those who have worked closely with the team in recent training camps, both coaches have gelled well – with each other and the team.”The first thing that caught my eye was the communication between the two coaches,” Sohel Islam, a coach who worked with the Bangladesh team earlier this month, told ESPNcricinfo. “It was good to see that they have gained each other’s trust. I think it is a really important factor, particularly in the Bangladesh team setup.”Simmons doesn’t speak a lot, but he notices every little detail. I think when he does speak, it leaves an impact on the players. Simmons also encourages the players to express themselves. I really liked his style.”I have worked with Salahuddin for many years. He has retained his coaching style. The players really trust him. Both Simmons and Salahuddin want to make sure that the players get the most out of each practice session. They want the players to get some reward out of every little thing that they do in training.”Salahuddin has seen the emergence of Bangladesh’s players with his presence in the BPL•Bangladesh Cricket BoardTalha Jubair, who worked as a bowling coach in the recent camp, felt that the duo brought in a refreshing energy to the set-up.”I have worked with previous Bangladesh coaches, but I never felt I was welcomed into those setups,” Jubair said. “This time, it felt a lot different. You had Salahuddin and Phil Simmons always bouncing off ideas with him.”Generally, I noticed a happy and comfortable dressing room. I think we have had coaches who were too dominating in the past. It can restrict players, and by chance, if a player is shy about expressing himself, he generally goes into a shell in those situations. I think what this coaching pair has done, is refreshing.”Related

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While the BPL was on, Simmons worked regularly with the captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto wasn’t a regular in the Fortune Barishal XI, which allowed him time with the Bangladesh head coach in a separate setup almost daily in the latter part of the tournament. It allowed for the two to understand each other. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Shanto and Simmons have developed a solid rapport too.Salahuddin, meanwhile, spent the BPL observing, working with, and talking to the Bangladesh players. He is appointed as the senior assistant coach, but everyone in Bangladesh knows that they can all turn to Salahuddin for help.Bangladesh haven’t performed that well under Simmons so far, but their Test win in Jamaica and the 3-0 T20I series win against West Indies was seen as a step in the right direction for a struggling side. With no Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy during the West Indies tour, they blooded in Jaker Ali, Tanzid Hasan and Nahid Rana with a clear focus on the future.

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ESPNcricinfo has learned that the BCB considered Salahuddin for the job after finally deciding that a Bangladeshi coach must be part of the coaching setup. They wanted someone who could communicate better with the players, and someone the players knew from their formative years. Salahuddin was the most eligible candidate.The BCB is also familiar with both coaches. Between the Chandika Hathurusinghe stints, Simmons was in conversation with the BCB for a coaching role. In 2018, shortly after Hathurusinghe had left the job, Simmons had flown to Dhaka for an interview. The board opted for Steve Rhodes instead.Salahuddin also worked for Bangladesh many years ago. He was the assistant coach from 2009 to 2011, when he was known to have guided youngsters like Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur. Salahuddin worked at a Malaysian University for a while before getting into the BPL. The four titles with Comilla also show a winning pedigree in his coaching career so far, and the reputation of working with Bangladesh’s best adds to his sheen.Can Najmul Hossain Shanto lead Bangladesh to Champions Trophy glory?•ICC/Getty ImagesBut for Salahuddin, this has come after some opposition. The BCB had reportedly appointed Salahuddin as the assistant coach in 2017 but changed their decision at the last minute after a board director voiced his dissent. Salahuddin had since stayed away from the BCB, often criticising the board. When Faruque was elected president in August last year, one of the first things he mentioned was the plan to appoint a Bangladeshi in the coaching setup.The general feeling of calmness in the dressing room is a welcome change that many, including those at the BCB, have observed. Bangladesh have often operated in difficult, chaotic situations – particularly in ICC tournaments – in the recent past. It usually resulted in very little success for the team.There is a belief within the Bangladesh camp that the calmness and assuredness that Simmons and Salahuddin have brought to the team could be the difference makers. Interestingly, their contracts expire at the end of the Champions Trophy. Surely the BCB will back them for a longer stint?

Neymar delivered once more for Santos as the Brazilian icon inspired a crucial 3-0 win over Cruzeiro to secure the club’s Serie A survival. However, he admitted afterwards that his future is uncertain as he plans to undergo knee surgery. With his contract expiring in a few weeks and transfer speculation growing, the 33-year-old’s emotional post-match comments have heightened doubts over whether he will remain with his boyhood club.

• Neymar helps Santos avoid relegation with 3-0 win

  Santos wrapped up their season with a decisive 3-0 win over Cruzeiro, a result that ensured the club avoided relegation to Serie B. Neymar once again played a key part in the attacking structure, influencing the game as a creator this time out rather than a finisher, having scored five goals across the two matches prior. The victory capped a late surge in form that carried Santos from danger into 12th place with 47 points.

  The match itself followed a clear pattern from the outset, with Santos dictating the tempo in front of an energised Vila Belmiro crowd. Thaciano struck twice in the 26th and 28th minutes, taking advantage of the momentum that Neymar and the frontline generated with their fluid combinations. Joao Schmidt added a third shortly after half-time, sealing the win and all but confirming Santos’ mathematical safety. For Neymar, the match completed a final stretch played under physical duress, as he continued pushing through persistent knee pain.

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• Neymar casts doubt over his Santos future

  After the 3-0 win, Neymar laid bare the physical and emotional weight he carried throughout the season’s final stretch: "I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery."

  When addressing his future, Neymar added: “I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos.”

• Neymar's strong end to the season restores Santos' hopes

  The resurgence Neymar delivered in the final weeks came after a turbulent season in which he managed only 19 appearances due to recurring injuries, as his hamstring issues repeatedly disrupted his rhythm throughout the year. Despite the fitness issues, his late-season form, with three goals and two assists in two crucial matches before the Cruzeiro clash, proved transformative in the tight relegation fight.

  Neymar’s return to Santos in January had initially been framed as a dream homecoming, but pressure mounted as his fitness and form fluctuated. His outburst last month generated criticism, with claims that he was destabilising the squad rather than leading it. The narrative shifted only when results demanded a hero, and Neymar delivered exactly that.

  His performances against Juventude and Sport restored hope around Vila Belmiro that Neymar can still be decisive, even as he prepares for knee surgery this winter.

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• Brazil and the World Cup dream for Neymar alive?

  Santos now face a pivotal decision period, as Neymar’s contract expires in just a few weeks and negotiations remain delicate due to his impending surgery. The club is expected to maintain dialogue with his representatives, but any new agreement will depend heavily on recovery estimates and clarity around his long-term physical condition. Regardless of affection on both sides, the timing complicates an immediate resolution.

  A broader layer to the story is Neymar’s continued ambition to return to the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has left the door open, insisting he will call Neymar if he is fit enough to contribute, which places even greater importance on a successful procedure and full recovery. For now, the coming months will determine not only his club destination but the trajectory of the final stage of his career.

The announcement is only for the first two rounds of the Ranji Trophy, and, in any case, Vaibhav Suryavanshi might not be around for the whole season because of the Under-19 World Cup early next year

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2025Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named Bihar’s vice-captain for the first two rounds of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season that kicks off on October 15. The squad will be led by batter Sakibul Gani.The appointments came just two days prior to the start of the season after the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) had to make a late scramble to appoint a selector, on an ad hoc basis, to join a two-member panel following a BCCI order. The BCA has been directed to appoint a five-member selection panel at the earliest.Suryavanshi’s elevation came on the back of a rich run of form for India Under-19 on the tour of Australia, where he contributed fast starts up top. He smashed a 78-ball century in the first four-day match in Brisbane and finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the multi-day series, scoring 133 runs in three innings as India won 2-0.Related

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Prior to that, Suryavanshi was also among the runs in England, hitting 143, the fastest century in youth one-dayers, in Worcester this July. In five matches, he amassed 355 runs at a strike rate of 174.01, comfortably finishing as the highest run-getter of the series.Suryavanshi, 14, has played just five first-class games since debuting in January 2024 at 12 years and 284 days, but has aggregated just 100 runs in ten innings, with a best of 41. India Under-19 commitments have meant Suryavanshi is yet to have a straight run of games in India’s premier first-class competition.Earlier this year, Suryavanshi hit the headlines by becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20s when he hit 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur in an IPL 2025 game.Having made history just a few months earlier for being the youngest to be picked in the IPL at 13, Suryavanshi featured in seven games in the 2025 edition, all as an opener. He made 252 runs at a strike rate of 206.55.Bihar endured an abysmal 2024-25 season, finishing with no wins. They managed a solitary point in seven games – losing six of those outright to be relegated. Bihar are part of the Plate league, and will open their campaign against Arunachal Pradesh in Patna, before taking on Manipur in Nadiad from October 25.Suryavanshi’s temperament and run-scoring ability have elicited calls for him to be a part of a more established first-class structure in India. There have been murmurs of a possible switch from Bihar. However, for now, the BCA is keen on doing all they can to retain Suryavanshi in a bid to return to the Elite league.Suryavanshi is unlikely to feature in the entire Ranji season as he’s also in the running for a berth in India’s squad for the Under-19 World Cup in early 2026.Bihar Ranji Trophy 2025-26 squadPiyush Kumar Singh, Bhashkar Dubey, Sakibul Gani (capt), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (vice-capt), Arnav Kishor, Ayush Loharuka, Bipin Saurabh, Amod Yadav, Nawaz Khan, Sakib Hussain, Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Himanshu Singh, Khalid Alam, Sachin Kumar

Anneke Bosch and Sune Luus scored half-centuries to help South Africa clinch a four-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Women’s World Cup warm-up match in Colombo.Chasing a target of 230, South Africa recovered from a shaky start – losing three wickets for 27 runs inside six overs. Bosch and Luus, who made 58 and 54 respectively before retiring, put on a composed 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their efforts laid the foundation for a successful chase, which was completed in just 40.1 overs.Chloe Tryon added a vital 45 not out off 39 balls to guide South Africa home after a minor middle-order stumble. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Diana Baig (2 for 32), put up a spirited fight but they managed to take only six wickets.Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 229 in 45.6 overs. Captain Fatima Sana top-scored with 64 at No. 7, helping to lift her side out of early trouble. The middle order showed resistance, but regular breakthroughs from Masabata Klaas (2 for 26) and Ayabonga Khaka (2 for 40) kept Pakistan in check.

Already thinking about further reinforcements in 2026, Newcastle United are now reportedly racing to sign a £55m star in an attempt to build a new midfield partnership.

Sandro Tonali extends Newcastle stay

It’s been a good week for Newcastle since they suffered defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Not only have they bounced back in style on the pitch, defeating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0, they’ve also got to work off the pitch to ease any fears about Sandro Tonali’s future.

After holding secret talks with the Italian, the Magpies have extended his contract until 2029 in a deal that also includes the option to extend for an additional year. As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Tonali agreed a deal in secret during his ban for illegal betting in an attempt to protect Newcastle financially during his absence.

Repaying the good faith that Newcastle showed in him during his ban, Tonali’s contract will now run until 2029. It comes as a huge relief for St James’ Park, with concerns beginning to grow that they could face an Alexander Isak repeat before the news of the Italian’s new deal emerged.

Now, all focus will be on putting that new contract to use on the pitch. The 25-year-old is one of the most important players under Eddie Howe and the Magpies will need him at the top of his game as they look to end their frustrating start in the Premier League.

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What’s more, now that his contract has been signed and sealed, those in Tyneside have reportedly turned their attention towards handing the former AC Milan man an impressive midfield partner.

Newcastle now racing to sign Elliot Anderson

As reported by iNews, Newcastle are now racing to re-sign Elliot Anderson in an attempt to build on their secret Tonali deal and build an impressive midfield partnership in discreet fashion.

Anderson’s return to the club won’t come cheap, however. After selling the England international to Nottingham Forest in 2024 for around £30m, the Tricky Trees have now reportedly set his price-tag at £55m.

The midfielder’s return is certainly something that Howe would get behind. The Newcastle boss still regrets having to sell Anderson amid PSR troubles and recently took the time to praise his rise to form at the City Ground.

At 22 years old, Anderson’s career could still feature plenty of twists and turns, including a return to Tyneside to from a fresh midfield partnership with Tonali.

RCB awaits the report of the CID investigation that is in its final stages

Shashank Kishore17-Jul-2025The Karnataka government has held Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) accountable for the stampede that occurred outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, resulting in 11 deaths and injuries to more than 50 people.The findings were outlined in the government’s status report, which was made public on Thursday, two days after the Karnataka High Court rejected the government’s request to keep it confidential and ordered its release.In the status report, a copy of which has been accessed by ESPNcricinfo, the government said: “The RCB Management, in association with its event management partner, DNA Networks Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), unilaterally decided to hold the victory celebration without prior consultation with the police and without obtaining the necessary permissions or license for such celebration.”As per the report, KSCA CEO Subhendu Ghosh submitted an intimation on behalf of DNA Entertainment to the Cubbon Park police on June 3 around 6.30pm about RCB’s intention to organise a victory parade should they win the IPL final that was scheduled the same evening in Ahmedabad.Related

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However, the police denied the request due to “insufficient information regarding the expected gathering size, arrangements made as well as the proposal being made on very short notice.”The report, which largely details the sequence of events right from when the request was first made, further underlines how RCB went ahead and posted an invitation on their social media channels at 7.01am on June 4, announcing a victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the Chinnaswamy Stadium.The report further said that the posts on RCB’ s official social media handles, including one that had Virat Kohli announcing plans to celebrate with the fans in Bengaluru, garnered immense engagement online.While citing Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Processions (Bangalore City) Order, 2009, to underscore RCB’s procedural violations for crowd gathering, the report stated, “It is pertinent to note that a mere intimation was given by the organisers.”There was no requisition for permissions in the prescribed format, nor was any necessary information provided to the concerned departments to anticipate the gathering and make adequate preparation.”Meanwhile, lawyers arguing for the government, challenged the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order that revoked the suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar and four others, who were held responsible for the stampede and subsequently dismissed by chief minister Siddharamaiah. They argued that the tribunal had overstepped its jurisdiction.The government contended that managing such a large crowd at just 12 hours’ notice was an impossible task and questioned the officer’s [Vikash & team] handling of the situation. “What was the officer doing? Did he take any action? Instead of issuing prohibitory orders under the Police Act, they proceeded with arrangements for the celebration,” the government stated.RCB continues to await the report of the CID investigation that is in its final stages. Members of RCB’s top brass as well as those from DNA have all submitted their testimonies over the past month. A set date for the judgment is yet to be made public.

خرج برشلونة بنقطة التعادل أمام كلوب بروج، بعد انتهاء المباراة بثلاث أهداف لكل فريق، في الجولة الرابعة بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولم يتردد فرينكي دي يونج لاعب خط وسط برشلونة، بانتقاد نفسه بعد مباراة شهدت هفوات دفاعية من جانب البلوجرانا.

وقد تحدث دي يونج في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “إنها مباراة أعتقد أننا كان يجب أن نفوز بها، كان علينا أن نؤديها بشكل أفضل بكثير”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. رجل مباراة برشلونة وكلوب بروج في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وأضاف دي يونج عن الاختلاف الذي حدث هذا الموسم حيث يعاني الفريق من التحولات وهجمات المنافس رغم نجاح خطة التسلل الموسم الماضي: “نحن ضعفاء بعض الشيء في الهجمات المرتدة ومسألة الرقابة والضغط العالي وتمركزنا في خط الدفاع، الأمر كله يتعلق ببعضه البعض”.

وواصل: “هناك أمور نحتاج لتصحيحها، نحن ندركها ونعمل على حلها، ويجب أن نضع الموسم الماضي خلفنا، لم نكن أفضل فريق في أوروبا أيضاً، علينا أن نتحسن لأننا لم نفز بدوري الأبطال واستقبلنا كثير من الأهداف”.

وعندما سئل دي يونج إذا كان الأمر يتعلق بتحسين الدفاع فقد رد الهولندي: “ليس ذلك فقط، ولكن إذا استقبلت شباكك ثلاث أهداف سيكون من الصعب الفوز”.

وأشاد الهولندي بما قدمه لامين يامال اليوم ضد كلوب بروج: “كان جيدًا جداً، هو لاعب مميز، وسيصنع الفارق دائماً، قد يكون أداؤه أفضل من غيره ولكن إذا استمر في العمل فإنه لن نضطر للقلق بشأنه”.

Bayern Munich could face a major blow as Dayot Upamecano’s contract standoff opens the door for a transfer battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid. With talks stalling over a new deal, the French centre-back’s uncertain future has also drawn interest from Manchester United, setting up a fierce pursuit ahead of the winter transfer window.

• Upamecano's future in doubt as contract talks stall

  The French international Upamecano’s situation at Bayern has reached a critical juncture as the 26-year-old defender, a key part of Vincent Kompany’s defensive setup, has yet to agree terms on a contract extension beyond 2026. According to reports, negotiations have slowed over wage demands, with the Frenchman’s camp pushing for a salary package closer to €15 million per year and a significant signing bonus. While Bayern remain optimistic of keeping him long-term, the risk of losing another top player for free, as they did with David Alaba, looms large.

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• 'stay for a long time' – Bayern's position

  Bayern president Herbert Hainer has reiterated the club’s stance on keeping the French international, saying: “Negotiations are continuing to extend his lease. Of course, we would like him to stay with us for a long time.” However, reports in Germany suggest that Upamecano’s entourage is holding firm, unwilling to make concessions in talks. Sporting director Max Eberl is leading efforts to secure an agreement before the player becomes eligible to negotiate pre-contract terms with foreign clubs in January.

• Barca and Madrid prepare to clash for his signature

  Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have now entered the picture, with the Spanish giants reportedly seeing Upamecano as an ideal defensive reinforcement. reports that “a new Clasico is likely to be played out on the transfer market, with Dayot Upamecano as referee.” Real Madrid view him as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, while Barca are positioning themselves to strengthen a backline that has struggled with injuries. Behind the scenes, both clubs are moving early to outpace rivals and secure the Frenchman’s commitment.

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  Man Utd and Premier League sides are also watching closely

  Interest isn’t limited to Spain, it has extended to a great degree in England as well, as United have been monitoring Upamecano’s situation closely, alongside Liverpool, as part of their long-term defensive rebuilds. The French international, capped 34 times for Les Bleus, remains one of Europe’s most complete centre-backs, combining pace, power, and composure on the ball. Having already won the Bundesliga and DFL-Supercup, Upamecano remains central to Kompany’s plans, but uncertainty over his future could test Bayern’s resolve in the coming months.

  Meanwhile, Bayern are expected to hold a final round of talks with Upamecano’s representatives in the coming weeks in hopes of reaching a compromise. If no agreement is found, the player will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January. With all elite European clubs circling, Bayern’s handling of this situation could shape their defensive future and wage structure for years to come.

In 2021, a graphic designer working for Sky Sport Germany was going to change the footballing world forever. After Jadon Sancho went his first seven matches for Manchester United following his £73m move from Borussia Dortmund without a direct goal contribution, his face was edited onto a picture of James Bond, also known as '007'. In this instance, the two zeroes represented his goals and assists, with the seven the amount of matches he had played.

Since then, '007' has become a humorous moniker bestowed online upon players who record that stat-line. Liverpool's Florian Wirtz recently hit that mark – and has even surpassed it, going nine games without a goal contribution – and now even managers aren't safe, with Ange Postecoglou under fire. The charismatic Australian has failed to win any of his first seven matches in charge of Nottingham Forest across all competitions, with defeats coming in the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup. In fairness, he has at least picked up two draws, so it's not an ethical '007'.

Regardless, it's hard to fathom how Forest have got themselves into such a situation in the first place. They finished seventh in the Premier League last season to book a return to European football, and for a long while appeared headed for the Champions League. Heading into the October international break, they sit 17th in the standings, only one point outside the relegation zone.

For Postecoglou, this represents a rare misstep in his career. Wherever he's gone in the last 15 years, he's brought success (particularly in his second seasons). When he left Tottenham in June, it seemed unlikely he would get another job in England. So how has he gone from the loveable everyman to one of the worst managers in the modern history of the Premier League?

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  Tottenham sacked him for a reason

  Postecoglou first arrived on British shores in 2021 when he was whisked in as the new manager of Celtic, who had failed in a long and public pursuit of Eddie Howe to replace Neil Lennon in the Parkhead dugout. This was his first job outside of Australia and Asia since 2008 when he briefly took charge of third-tier side Panachaiki in his birthplace of Greece. There was understandable scepticism when he was appointed Bhoys boss, but he quickly silenced his doubters with his persuasive charm and his team's entertaining football. It also helped that this led to Celtic emphatically winning back the Premiership title from Rangers.

  After two years in Scotland, Postecoglou got a call from Tottenham, who were desperate to get the bad taste of the miserable Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho eras out of their mouth. Again, there were unbelievers to sway. His immediate task was to make the team play an expansive brand of football, with the hope this would lead to what Postecoglou himself would later describe as 'sustained success'. Spurs won eight and drew two of their first 10 games under the Aussie before they were thrashed by Chelsea, who were ironically managed by former favourite Mauricio Pochettino. From there on, the foundations of 'Ange-ball' became fragile and Postecoglou's side never quite hit those same heights from a domestic point of view, despite achieving an admirable fifth-place finish for 2023-24 when many tipped them to finish outside the European places. Postecoglou's gift of the gab won supporters over, as did the extraordinary, drug-like highs of his opening three months in the role.

  Tottenham's 2024-25 season was unlike any other, be it by their own manic standards or anyone else's. They ended a 17-year wait to win a trophy with victory in the Europa League, yet simultaneously finished 17th in the Premier League. The club's board, led by the soon-to-depart Daniel Levy, released a lengthy statement to explain how they arrived at the decision to sack him soon after the campaign wrapped up.

  "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties," it began. The standout paragraph read: "The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph."

  It was a unique situation that Spurs found themselves in, but one that was understood by most corners of the footballing world, even if it was raw to those most closely impacted. That Postecoglou goes down as a Tottenham legend and also the mastermind behind their worst-ever top flight season in terms of defeats (22) are not paradoxical thoughts.

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  Strange hire for Forest

  Forest's summer was far from unassuming. After nearly throwing away European qualification altogether, they were very much up for UEFA demoting FA Cup winners Crystal Palace into the Conference League to bump themselves up into the Europa League, while Morgan Gibbs-White's transfer to Tottenham was blocked by owner Evangelos Marinakis (or 'Mr Marinakis', as the England midfielder called him several times in a video announcing a new contract).

  That seemed to be the end of the Forest soap opera and they were expected to enjoy another fruitful season under Nuno Espirito Santo. Then, during what was meant to be an unassuming press conference before an on-pitch battle with Palace in mid-August, the Portuguese tactician threw his future into doubt. "I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well (between us) but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close. I think everyone at the club should be together but this is not the reality," Nuno said, lasting only a couple of weeks more in the job before being sacked in one of the strangest sagas this league that sometimes borders on soap opera has ever seen.

  Postecoglou has previously spoken of clubs, and even the Australia national team, turning to him because they and the fans long for change, that there is a want to completely reverse their fortunes. This was a different case. Nuno had unanimous and unwavering support among the Forest faithful and they were angry to see him go. If Postecoglou was appointed based on the job he did at Spurs and the hope he could win the Europa League for a second season running, then that would have made sense. Instead, his close ties to fellow Greek Marinakis felt like the top reason behind the change in the dugout, even more so after it was reported they wined and dined over the summer.

  At an event in July honouring Postecoglou in Greece, Marinakis said: "What I want to say about Ange is that he has spoken about Greece many times, he is proud to be Greek, and in the great success he had with Tottenham by winning the Europa League, he spoke about Greece. (He is) a man who not only does not hide his origin but is also proud of it. What he achieved, he did with a team that has not won any titles, it has had a very difficult time in recent years. In this huge success that the whole world saw, he promoted Greece. We must thank him especially for this, and we wish him well, although we are sure that he will do well as he has the ability. Wherever he goes, the successes will come."

  Overnight, Forest had gone from a team used to playing defensive, conservative football to a side who wanted to play at a hundred miles an hour. Now, they're feeling the aftereffects of whiplash.

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  Breaking the wrong Forest records

  The term 'baptism of fire' doesn't do justice for the start Postecoglou's made at Forest. 'Christening by explosion' might be more appropriate. A 3-0 hammering to former rivals Arsenal started his reign, after which he vowed his side would be the one he envisaged in their following game, a trip to Championship side Swansea in the Carabao Cup. Forest lost 3-2 after being 2-1 up heading into second-half stoppage time.

  Credible draws at Burnley and Real Betis followed before they lapsed back into losing habits, falling to Sunderland, Midtjylland and Newcastle with a whimper. The most recent of those defeats, 2-0 up at St James' Park, was so comprehensive that host broadcaster Sky Sports didn't, or couldn't, show a single Forest chance in their highlights package.

  Postecoglou is now the first permanent Forest boss to fail to win any of his first four league games since 1960, while his start in all competitions means he has the worst opening record at the club in over 100 years. The Australian himself is now 11 Premier League matches without a win, counting his time at Spurs, and his teams have taken only 15 points from their last 23 games. What hasn't helped optics is that Tottenham are currently third in the table under new boss Thomas Frank, while Nuno earned a priceless draw at Everton with West Ham last week. The gruff 60-year-old is both the odd one out and the common denominator.

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  Mutiny at the City Ground

  The extra novelty behind Postecoglou's beginnings at Forest is he was unable to greet his new home fans until his fifth game in charge, managing twice away in the Premier League plus once in the Europa League and Carabao Cup apiece. By then, his stock was already trending downwards, but two limp performances at the City Ground cost him any last shred of goodwill coming into the job.

  During the second of these defeats, a 3-2 loss to Danish minnows Midtjylland, Postecoglou was targeted by chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' from an angry crowd. The three goals Forest shipped were stupidly soft, conceding twice from opposition set pieces and once from their own. The worries people had over Postecoglou heading into this role were real.

  In Postecoglou's first few months at Tottenham, the press hung on his every word. He's an extraordinary orator, hence why his teams have always bought into his methods, and you couldn't help but want to listen to him. That's easier when you're winning, not so much when in a rut. Down the stretch of 2024-25, Postecoglou's responses and messages when speaking to the media became grouchier and bitter. That's extended into his Forest reign without any sort of tangible result to fall back on, and already there is serious speculation of him being fired, with he himself confirming he will hold showdown talks with Marinakis.

  Speaking on Sunday after the defeat at Newcastle, he reverted to the type of his defiant self. "I'm here in the Premier League at the age of 60, you reckon I lack self-belief or don’t like a fight? I've picked fights. I have. In the schoolyard, I've picked fights with people I knew would beat me up. That's the kind of person I am," he bellowed in his press conference.

  "I totally understand it's part of the fanfare around the Premier League that there needs to be a manager under the spotlight. It's my turn at the moment. It's a fun game, isn't it? It's me this week. Who knows, maybe you're all right and I'm gone. Next week it will be someone else. I'm not a worrying kind of guy. I couldn't care less. If people somehow think I'm not enjoying what I'm doing at the moment, they've got no idea." Well, at least someone inside the club is enjoying the Forest experience, then.

The recent Australia tour left Virat Kohli experiencing “the most intense kind of disappointment” he had previously only felt in the summer of 2014, after he went through a wretched tour of England without a single half-century in 10 innings.Like he was all those years ago in England, Kohli was frustrated by his vulnerability outside the off stump during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After starting the series with an unbeaten 100 in India’s win in Perth, eight of his other trips to the crease ended with his outside edge being snaffled up by the wicketkeeper or in the slips. In all, he managed just 190 runs in nine innings at 23.75.”If you ask me the intensity of how disappointed I’ve been, the most recent Australia tour would be the one that’s most fresh. So it might feel the most intense to me,” Kohli said at an event moderated by Isa Guha at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru.Related

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“For a long time, the tour of England in 2014 bothered me the most. But I can’t look at it that way. I might not have an Australia tour again in four years. I don’t know. You have to make peace with whatever’s happened in your life. In 2014, I still had the chance to go in 2018 and do what I did. It might not have been the case. It might have been another blunder. But it didn’t turn out that way.”So, there’s no such guarantees in life. I think when you are at a stage for a long period of time, when you perform, people get used to your performances. They start feeling for you more than you feel sometimes. This has to be corrected.”Kohli revealed he had moments in Australia where the lack of scores made him over-eager to correct things with every ticking innings. However, he understood the importance of soaking in the disappointment, before making a hasty decision.”Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, then you start burdening yourself way more,” Kohli said. “And then you start thinking about things, like ‘I’ve got two or three days left on this tour, I need to make an impact now.’ And you start getting more desperate. That’s something I’ve surely experienced in Australia as well.”Because I got a good score in the first Test. I thought, right, ‘let’s go.’ There’s going to be another big series for me. It doesn’t turn out that way. For me, it’s just about the acceptance of, ‘okay fine, this is what happened. I’m going to be honest with myself. Where do I want to go? What are my energy levels like?'”I’m not sitting here in 48 hours or 72 hours-time to make a decision like ‘let me go.’ Spend time with family. Just sit down. Let everything calm down. And see how I feel in a few days. And within five-six days I was excited to go to the gym. I was like, okay fine. It’s all good. I don’t need to tweet anything right now.”In saying everything he did about overcoming disappointments and facing challenges, Kohli also stated the “joy, enjoyment and love for the game” was still intact. But a recent conversation with former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid helped bring perspective about “when the right time is.””Me playing the game is not for achievement,” he said. “It pretty much comes down to just the pure joy and enjoyment and love for the game. And as long as that love is intact, I will continue to play the game. I have to be honest about that with myself. Because the competitive streak doesn’t allow you to find the answer.”Recently, I had a very interesting conversation with Rahul Dravid when he was our coach. He said you always have to stay in touch with yourself. Figure out where you are placed in your life. And the answer is not that easy, because you might be going through a lean phase and you feel like ‘this is it.’ But it might not be.”But then when it was time, he said my competitive streak would not allow me to accept it. Maybe one more. Maybe six more months, whatever. So, I think it’s a fine balance. And you have to just pray and hope that you get clarity when it comes. At this point in my life, I feel pretty happy. I still love playing the game. Don’t get nervous, I’m not making any announcements, as of now, everything is fine.”