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Trevor Bayliss has said he would have “no problems at all” selecting Mason Crane as England’s spinner during the Ashes series

George Dobell in Adelaide07-Nov-2017England might have sent for a replacement fast bowler, but they will not be calling up another spinner.Trevor Bayliss, the England coach, was so impressed by Mason Crane in last week’s two-day warm-up game in Perth that he would have “no problems at all” selecting him during the Ashes series. And while Bayliss admitted that Crane, the 20-year-old legspinner, was “inexperienced”, England are so impressed with his character and potential that they now view him as the natural understudy to Moeen Ali.”I wouldn’t have any problems at all playing Crane in the Test match,” Bayliss said as England trained under lights in Adelaide. “He’s young, but he’s feisty and likes to get into the contest.Bayliss on Steven Smith

“He was always a talent. At Sydney Sixers we made him captain and won the Big Bash. He was always captaincy material – the natural leader in the group – and we won it that first year under him. He was always a batter that bowled a bit. He didn’t necessarily have the most pure technique, but he knows how to score runs. He is living proof that you don’t have to have a perfect technique to do that. Both he and Joe Root have their little quirks, but both are magnificent players. It’ll be an interesting battle this year.”

“He’s inexperienced and still has a fair bit to learn. One of those reasons he’s on this tour is that we think he’ll be a very good bowler in years to come. He’s got to start somewhere and if it’s here during the Ashes then so be it.”Central to Crane’s emergence is his character. While the England management have decided that Adil Rashid could be a little diffident – and a little expensive – they feel that Crane, as Bayliss put it, likes to “get in the battle”.While there might be some eyebrows raised at the idea of Crane as an especially economical bowler – he conceded five fours in seven deliveries at one stage during the tour game at Perth – the quicker pace at which he bowls and the potential for improvement he still offers have clearly moved him ahead of Rashid.”We have spoken to Rashid,” Bayliss said. “The captain was looking for someone in Test cricket that could get in the battle.”Rashid is an attacking-style bowler, like Moeen. So the captain wanted someone who could maybe keep it tight at one end as well. In Test cricket, you have to try to keep a lid on it at time and not give one or two bad balls an over. Rashid has struggled with that a bit.”He’s not been forgotten about. He’s certainly in the one-day team and we spoke to him when we conducted the player reviews a couple of weeks ago. He is in contention if he is bowling well and deserves a spot.”Rashid might also have stiffened the England tail. In the absence of Ben Stokes, England could well go into the Test series with Stuart Broad, Jake Ball – who Bayliss praised as “the one who kept it tight” in Perth – and James Anderson batting at Nos. 9-11. But while that isn’t ideal, Bayliss feels it might be the shape of the side in the future and foresees a scenario where Stokes returns at No. 5 to allow room for another bowler.”That’s one of the things we have had to compromise on with Stokes not being here,” Bayliss said. “It puts more emphasis on the batters doing their job.”But it’s a combination I’ve liked for a while. Obviously I’d have liked Stokes in there, but with Moeen Ali at No. 7 and Chris Woakes at No. 8, it gives the option of another pace bowler or a second spinner.”Meanwhile Bayliss dismissed any suggestion that England might be unhappy with the opposition or conditions they are likely to face ahead of the first Test in Brisbane. While Nathan Coulter-Nile played against them in Perth, it seems England are unlikely to face much pace bowling or many quick pitches – by Australian standards, at least – ahead of the Test series.”We get our county second teams to play them when they come over,” Bayliss said. “So we can’t complain.”

Aston Villa have been looking to seal the signing of Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer and a new update has now emerged regarding the situation.

Do Astn Villa want Nicolo Zaniolo?

The Villans made a dreadful start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday evening, falling to a shock 5-1 defeat away to Newcastle United.

In a game that many expected to be tight, Unai Emery's side were torn to shreds the more the minutes ticked by at St James' Park, with a serious knee injury to Tyrone Mings compounding their misery.

While Villa are still expected to have a good season, despite this setback, it was also a match that showed that further reinforcements are needed in the summer transfer window, as they challenge across four different competitions in 2023/24.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

One player who has been constantly linked with a move to Villa Park in recent days is Zaniolo, who only joined Galatasaray back in January but is seemingly open to sealing a switch elsewhere before deadline day arrives. A new update has now emerged regarding the Villans' pursuit of the attacking midfielder, who is still only 24 years of age.

Will Aston Villa sign Nicolo Zaniolo?

According to Sport Witness [via Calciomercato], Villa's interest in Zaniolo is "more than real" at the moment, with Emiliano Buendia's long-term injury further highlighting the need to sign him.

The report also states that Galatasaray are "not blocking" the exit door for the Italy international and he was left out of their most recent matchday squad against Kayserispor on Saturday.

However, the story adds that the Turkish champions have rejected Aston Villa’s opening €30m package, with those in the Midlands making a new improved proposal that includes a €5m loan fee with an option to buy set at €27m, with Zaniolo already saying yes to a move.

There could be understandable concerns about Zaniolo's injury record when it comes to Villa snapping him up this summer, but he does appear to have overcome the worst of them, making 10 Turkish Super Lig performances since arriving midway through last season.

He could be exactly what Villa are looking for in their midfield, in terms of providing extra creativity in front of the likes of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, and his past pedigree speaks for itself.

Zaniolo made 128 appearances for Roma, showing that he can shine for a top European club, while 13 caps for Italy could be far more without the injuries. He has been lauded as "incredible" by former teammate Daniele De Rossi in the past, and at 24, there could still be so much to come from him, with his best years ahead of him if he can remain fit for long periods.

The fact that Galatasaray are seemingly happy for him to move on at the right price is an added bonus for Villa, who look to have a relatively clear path when it comes to acquiring his signature.

There shouldn't be an overreaction after the defeat to Newcastle, but equally, it was a sobering evening that did show that the Villans could do with bolstering their squad before the deadline.

Bringing in Zaniolo may immediately make them more of a force, however, giving them an extra attacking spark and someone who can provide end product from the middle of the park, having scored 24 goals for Roma.

Rangers could make one of the signings of the summer by tying down midfielder Steven Davis with a new contract, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale and co have been very, very busy this summer transfer window, having secured deals for nine major signings as they attempt to wrestle back Scottish football dominance from rivals Celtic.

In the last two months, Rangers have seen Abdallah Sima, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Jose Cifuentes join the Glasgow giants.

This follows on from the mass exodus of Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Filip Helander, Mateusz Zakowski and Allan McGregor leaving Ibrox, with Beale seemingly orcherstrating an overhaul.

The Teddy Bears didn't exactly get off to a flying start under Beale in their opening Scottish Premiership game against Kilmarnock on Saturday, with Rangers losing 1-0 at Rugby Park.

One player they have missed for his experience is Davis, who was forced to miss the encounter due to still recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

"He’ll be in and around the first team as a normal player in terms of rehab and then there will be a decision," said Beale via Football Scotland.

"At this moment in time, Steven has a real burning desire to play, and we want to help him get back to that.”

The Northern Irishman has been a wonderful servant for Rangers in recent years, and that is set to be rewarded with a possible new contract.

Journalist Dean Jones, commenting on the story, has told GiveMeSport that they could make one of the best signings this summer by doing so.

It’s interesting that Rangers are talking to him about a new contract but also not a surprise, really," said Jones.

"Michael Beale really respects and admires him and for months now there has been a chance that he will stick around.

“He’s invaluable in terms of the team’s identity and character and even in a non-playing role would have benefits to Rangers moving forward. That’s something they will pursue at some point, but firstly he obviously wants to see if he can get back to playing.

“If they could get him back again it could be one of their best signings of the summer.”

How good is Steven Davis?

The 38-year-old could only feature over a handful of top-flight matches for Beale's side last season, but in that time, he averaged a cool 90.2% passing accuracy with only Ryan Jack bettering that number.

A veteran, Davis's presence in the dressing room could be crucial as Rangers look to bounce back from their opening-day defeat and worry Celtic with a title challenge.

Northern Ireland icon Chris Brunt even called Davis one of his country's greatest-ever players, putting him in elite company alongside the likes of George Best.

"Without a doubt, I think he is probably the greatest we've had," said Brunt on Davis.

"I know that's a big call considering some of the players we've had in the past in our history. I think his record speaks for himself.

"The number of caps he has, the way he conducts himself around the place, the way he conducts himself at his club, the way he looks after himself professionally. He keeps grinding it out doesn't he?"

Southampton are now less than two weeks away from kicking off their Championship campaign, yet their squad could look substantially different come kick-off on the opening day against Sheffield Wednesday.

What is the latest Southampton transfer news?

The big talking points regarding Southampton's transfer activity are not so much who they have bought and sold, but more so who could potentially be moved on.

Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento and James Ward-Prowse each continue to be linked with a return to the Premier League, with the Saints demanding big fees for each of the trio.

That is not to mention the likes of Che Adams and Carlos Alcaraz, who have also been touted as targets for teams in the top flight.

New manager Russell Martin has so far signed Shea Charles from Manchester City and Ryan Manning from former side Swansea City, plus young pair Josh McNamara and Derrick Abu.

According to The Guardian, Martin may well be reunited with another of his ex-Swansea stalwarts, as West Ham have offered Flynn Downes to Southampton as part of a deal that would see Ward-Prowse head the opposite way.

What position does Flynn Downes play?

Downes joined West Ham from Swansea in a £12m deal last July but struggled to make much of an impact in his debut campaign in east London, starting just seven Premier League games. A year on, CIES Football Observatory values Downes at just £4m.

The 24-year-old was used more regularly as a substitute and featured 21 times in all competitions, predominantly as a pure central midfielder but also in a more advanced position and on the right.

It is in the middle of the pitch that Downes does the most damage – not that his work is always appreciated. As Martin himself said during their time together at Swansea: "He does the dirty work really well which sometimes goes unsung.

"He enables people to do their roles brilliantly. He plays with no ego at all and knows exactly what his role in the team is."

The 71.9 passes per 90 minutes Downes completed for Swansea in the 2021/22 season was the 10th-most of any player in the Championship, as per FBref, while his pass-completion rate of 92.6% was the best in the entire division.

Despite his lack of appearances – or perhaps because of it – the former England U20 international also led the way for pass completion among West Ham players in the Premier League last season (87.3%).

Downes would be a good replacement for Ward-Prowse, and especially Lavia, but there is another former Southampton player the Englishman is more alike in terms of playing style – Oriol Romeu, who this week joined Barcelona.

As per FBref, Downes won 1.13 tackles per 90 minutes in his final season with Swansea, compared to 1.21 for Romeu in the same season – his last at St Mary's – albeit at a higher level.

They were involved in 0.12 and 0.09 goals per 90 minutes respectively, meanwhile, and were involved in a similar number of goal-creating actions per 90 (0.12 v 0.19), which takes actions such as passes and take-ons directly leading to a goal into consideration.

That is not to say Downes is on his own path to Barcelona, but the midfielder has a proven pedigree in the Championship and would certainly help soften the blow of losing key man Ward-Prowse.

AB de Villiers has said he was “pretty upset” at being asked by the umpires to explain the condition of one of the balls during South Africa’s narrow defeat against England at the Ageas Bowl.Rob Bailey and Chris Gaffaney, the standing umpires, spoke to de Villiers before the start of the 34th over in England’s innings, bowled by Keshav Maharaj. De Villiers was animated in his response on the field and the ball was not changed; afterwards, South Africa’s captain said he felt it was being implied that his players were at fault for scuffing up the ball.”The umpires felt the condition of the ball changed,” de Villiers said, “in a way, making me feel that we are responsible. I was quite upset about that. I don’t know what else I can say, I was pretty upset. It’s done and dusted now, nothing happened, there were no fines given or anything like that.”I honestly told the umpires we have nothing to do with the condition of ball, except for the fact that Maharaj bowled five overs on the trot from that end. The ball generally scuffs up when the spinner bowls a few overs. I expressed my views about that and we move on.”Asked if he felt that the implication from the umpires was that his side had been engaging in ball-tampering, de Villiers replied: “Yes. That’s the feeling that I got and I expressed that I was quite upset about it. But like I said, no further steps were taken from both parties.”If I can give my five cents, I felt it was a bad ball and that happens sometimes. The leather comes off and you do get that. Unfortunately the umpires didn’t agree. [But] nothing happened, generally there’s a warning or a fine, none of that happened, which tells me they realised we were innocent in this case.”South Africa were sanctioned last year for altering the condition of the ball in a Test against Australia in Hobart, after their captain, Faf du Plessis, was filmed by television cameras with a mint in his mouth when applying saliva to shine the ball. In 2013, during a series against Pakistan, du Plessis also pleaded guilty to a charge of ball-tampering after rubbing the ball near the zipper on his trousers.Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, said his team were unaware of any suggestion that the ball had been scuffed up. “Normally, if there’s any dispute about the ball, they change it straight away,” he said.The umpiring team of Bailey, Gaffaney, the third umpire, Rod Tucker, and match referee, Andy Pycroft, were engaged in their customary debriefing after the game, with no suggestion that the matter would be taken further.Having seen his team lose out off the final ball by two runs, de Villiers praised England’s bowlers for closing out victory and the series. With ten balls to go, South Africa needed ten runs to win but Jake Ball and Mark Wood conceded just six singles and a leg bye to deny David Miller and Chris Morris.”I thought the boys played a great hand at the end there, to get us so close,” de Villiers said. “I got a bit excited, thought we had it in the bag. Got to give credit to the last two bowlers of England, who finished there, they showed some great skill and good plans.”Unfortunately it didn’t go our way, we didn’t get the lucky bounce – if you want to call it that, a little edge over the keeper. We were just waiting for one little break and it would be game over. The boys gave it their best shot. Chris and David played a great knock, built a great partnership but unfortunately we couldn’t cross the line.”

Tottenham Hotspur are confident about signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has now identified Cameron Carter-Vickers as a potential target at centre-back, with the Australian keen to reunite with his former player, who he signed for Celtic on a permanent deal last summer.

Micky van de Ven is another option for Spurs, with the Wolfsburg defender being placed on the shortlist, following recent talks, however they will have to do battle for his signature with Liverpool, who have now joined the race.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently detailed that Adarabioyo has "decided" to leave Fulham this summer, rather than seeing out the one year remaining on his contract, potentially opening the door for a move to north London.

As a result of the Fulham defender's contract situation, Football Insider report that Tottenham are confident they will be able to lure him to N17 this summer, however he is not near the top of their shortlist, with the transfer window still at an early stage.

The 25-year-old could become a "real option" for Postecoglou later this summer, and Spurs feel he could be available for a cut-price fee, as this window may be Fulham's last chance to cash-in.

It is also detailed that Postecoglou has made bringing in a new centre-back one of Tottenham's main priorities.

Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?

The centre-back managed to cement himself as a key player for Fulham in the latter stages of the 2022-23 season, starting the last ten Premier League games, and he put in a string of quality performances.

In the Cottagers' final home game, the £41k-per-week defender recorded a 7.4 Sofascore match rating, winning a whopping ten of the 13 duels he contested, while he also displayed his dominance in the air by winning eight aerial duels in a 3-1 win at Everton.

Hailed as "magnificent" by members of the media, the 6 foot 4 colossus ranks in the 76th percentile for aerials won per 90 in the past year, and in the 98th percentile for clearances, however he does not rank highly for tackles, interceptions or blocks.

That said, Adarabioyo's performances in the second half of last season indicate he could be ready to make the step up to a club the size of Tottenham, at least as a back up option, and it could be a low-risk move, if he is available for a cut-price fee.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Rennes midfielder Lovro Majer during the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Who is Lovro Majer?

The 25-year-old is a highly impressive player who has been touted as Luka Modric's successor for Croatia, being compared to him as a player in the process.

Majer has blossomed into one of Rennes' most influential players since joining from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2021, registering five assists in Ligue 1 last season, while he also has four goals in 21 caps for his country.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for the midfielder, with the Magpies seeing him as a strong option to come in and boost Eddie Howe's choices in the middle of the park.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding the future of the £26,000-a-week Majer, with a summer move to St James' Park once again mooted.

Are Newcastle keen on signing Majer?

According to reports in Spain [via Caught Offside], Newcastle have turned their attention to signing the Rennes man after Adrien Rabiot decided to stay put and sign an extension at Juventus.

Majer's current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027 – he only signed a new contract last year – so Newcastle may have to accept that he won't be available on the cheap.

This is a signing that the Magpies should really try to get over the line, considering what a top-quality player Majer is, particularly if he is set for a career anywhere near as successful as Modric, who is widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Majer made seven appearances for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, helping them reach a second successive semi-final, and a tally of 16 assists in 78 appearances for Rennes outlines the creativity he can bring in the middle of the park.

At 25, Majer could be coming right into the prime of his career, which arguably makes him a better option than Rabiot, who is three years older than him. He is someone who could help the Magpies go up another level next season, proving to be an upgrade on Sean Longstaff, who should arguably begin to play more of a squad role as more superior signings arrive.

Rather critically, Majer would arrive with top-level European and international experience – something which may come in handy ahead of the Toon's Champions League adventure next season.

And with Rennes only qualifying for the Europa League last term, Majer may well see Newcastle as an ideal destination.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is said to have been left impressed by Ryan Mason after their meeting on Friday at Hotspur Way.

Does Ryan Mason have managerial offers?

The 32-year-old former Spurs midfielder once again took the reins in north London following the departure of Antonio Conte and then Cristian Stellini.

Results were certainly mixed and Mason was unable to help the Lilywhites secure a spot inside the European places despite their emphatic victory on the final day of the season.

But now there is the prospect of Mason coaching under another manager in north London having already worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Conte.

With two stints now under his belt as the caretaker manager at Tottenham, perhaps he may view this as the perfect opportunity to take a managerial role for himself.

There have been reports suggesting the Englishman has interested suitors from the Championship including Swansea City.

However, after a meeting with Postecoglou last week in north London, it now seems as if the 32-year-old will be remaining at Spurs for the foreseeable future.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed the Australian manager was left seriously impressed with the Spurs coach:

"And from what I understand, Postecoglou was impressed with Mason, Mason was impressed with what Postecoglou had to say. And despite the fact that there's a few clubs interested in Mason, two or three in the Championship, a couple across Europe, Postecoglou convinced him; 'No, stick around with me'."

Who will be Postecoglou's coaching staff?

The Australian's arrival in north London has not come without some hiccups with Celtic holding firm over keeping their coaching staff who worked under the 57-year-old.

Indeed, it has been reported the Bhoys have a clause in the coaches' contracts which means they are unable to follow Postecoglou should he leave the club.

This does leave Spurs in a bit of a tricky spot with most managers usually bringing their own staff with them when they move clubs.

But it seems as if these concerns are not disrupting Tottenham's efforts to improve their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Reports now suggest the Lilywhites are moving in on a potential deal to bring in their next goalkeeper for the future with talks ongoing over a move for David Raya.

After a disappointing campaign, change is seemingly on the menu in north London for this summer and perhaps keeping a familiar face around in Mason will be a positive move.

It has been suggested in the past that the players at Hotspur Way have a lot of respect for the £58k-per-week Mason and he will provide Postecoglou with a clear understanding of the club's values.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confessed last month that he would love to target a 'marquee' signing this summer after his side defied expectations and ended a two-decade absence from the Champions League with a fourth-place Premier League finish.

Thus far, the work plied on the transfer front has been calculated and diligent, with the imperious defence in particular consisting of Kieran Trippier (£12m), Dan Burn (£13m) and goalkeeper Nick Pope (£10m) – all signed since the revolution created by the lucrative PIF takeover in October 2021.

Different now, is the allure of European nights, and there are indeed few outfits more tantalising than Newcastle, who could now use their newfound success to bring in someone such as Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane, who is set for departure in Bavaria after signing for £35m from Liverpool just one year ago.

According to BILD, the Senegalese forward fronts Thomas Tuchel's proposed summer clear-out strategy as he prepares for a major rebuild, with the German newspaper – via Caught Offside – also recently linking Newcastle and Manchester United with a move for the 31-year-old who could cost £30m.

Should Newcastle sign Sadio Mane?

Mane is on the wrong side of 30 but would bring a wealth of illustrious experience and prolific potency at the highest level to St. James' Park at a time when the club could do with such a star to galvanise the troops as they search for silver-laden success of their own.

During his time in the Premier League, the £363k-per-week forward plundered 111 goals and 47 assists from 263 appearances for both Liverpool and Southampton, earning praise from former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp for his "world-class" credentials as an unrelenting "machine".

While the balance within the Magpies ranks is just right at present, targetting first-class signings to enrich the different facets of Howe's system could pay dividends as silverware and successive seasons in the Champions League are targetted.

And Mane could well hold the key to ensuring such endeavours are successful; he may even emulate his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah on Tyneside.

Indeed, the Egyptian is considered the second most comparable player to Mane on FBref's 'Similar Players' model, with the Bayern star ranking among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

Salah, comparatively, ranks among the top 3% for rate of non-penalty goals and also ranks among the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90, and given that the 30-year-old has posted 30 goals and 16 assists across all competitions this term, Mane could match such heights under Howe's tutelage.

Mane has indeed demonstrated his aptitude and then some across his career and, despite not quite integrating as hoped in Germany, he could reignite his distinguished career on Tyneside.

تحدث جوزيه جوميز، المدير الفني لفريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك، عن مباراة الإسماعيلي التي خاضها الليلة في مستهل مشواره مع الفارس الأبيض.

وفرض التعادل السلبي نتيجته على مباراة الزمالك والإسماعيلي التي أقيمت على ملعب الأخير باستاد الإسماعيلية في إطار منافسات الجولة 13 من عمر الدوري المصري الممتاز “النيل”.

فيديو | التعادل السلبي يحسم قمة الزمالك والإسماعيلي المثيرة في الدوري

وقال جوميز في تصريحات بالمؤتمر الصحفي الذي عقد عقب المباراة: “بدأنا المباراة بشكل يختلف عن الذي نعتاد عليه منذ أسبوع، لكن عدنا للقاء وخلقنا أكثر من فرصة”.

وأضاف: “الإسماعيلي كان فريقا شجاعا، وأحمد عادل عبد المنعم تصدى لكرات كثيرة”.

وأردف: “من وجهة نظري لم نُقدم الأداء الذي كنت أنتظره، خلقنا 5 أو 6 فرص للتسجيل، كان طبيعيًا أن نُحرز أهدافًا منها، لكن الطبيعي أن نخلق 15 و20 فرصة ونُسجل أكثر”.

وتابع: “ملخص المباراة أننا لم نبدأ بالشكل المتوقع لكننا عُدنا وخلقنا فرصًا، وفريق كبير مثل الزمالك كان عليه أن يخلق فرص أكثر ويُسجل”.

وكشف: “لم أغير محمد شحاتة بسبب حصوله على البطاقة الصفراء، لكن كنا نريد المزيد من التأمين في خط الوسط، وشحاتة لاعب صغير السن ولديه موهبة، وعندما نحتاج التغييرات سنفعلها ولا ننتظر لآخر دقيقة من أجل إجراء تغيير”.

واستكمل: “سعيد بالأجواء والحضور الجماهيري الكبير بالرغم من أننا نلعب خارج أرضنا، بالنسبة للملعب لو كان جيدًا كنا سنؤدي أفضل من ذلك، لكن لا أريد أن أفتح باب أعذار، طبيعي أن نلعب ونخلق فرص أكثر حتى لو كانت أرضية الملعب غير جيدة”.

تشكيل الزمالك أمام الإسماعيلي في الدوري المصري.. موقف عبد الله السعيد

واستطرد: “الشيء الجيد في فريقنا أنه في كل مركز يوجد أكثر من لاعب جيد، ليس معنى أنني بدأت بـ صبحي أن عواد سيء، الثنائي يتدرب بشكل قوي، كل حارس يمتلك مهارات معينة، في هذه المباراة اخترت صبحي، وعليه أن يتدرب جيدًا ليحافظ على مكانه لأن عواد يتدرب بشكل جيد”.

وأتم: “وأشار إلى أن أداء الزمالك تحسن بعد مشاركة الجزيري في مركز المهاجم وعودة يوسف أوباما لمركز 10، لعبنا مباراة جيدة لكن أنا أريد الأكثر من ذلك”.