The English forward proved last season at Getafe that he remains a talented footballer but his arrival has splintered OM's fanbase

Wherever Mason Greenwood wound up this summer after an acrimonious and protracted exit from Manchester United, it was always going to spark controversy. But it just so happens that he has signed for a club with some of the most fiercely passionate supporters on the entire planet: Olympique de Marseille.

To put this already-exceptional transfer into context, Marseille is not like the rest of France; the country's oldest city, it is proudly multicultural, staunchly liberal and unwaveringly progressive, reflected in it being an island of left-wing politics in a sea of far-right voting departments in the south of the country in the recent election, with the left's unexpected, Kylian Mbappe-endorsed victory over the right sparking wild celebrations in the streets.

But while it is home to people of all walks of life, the main religion is its football club. The badge is literally inescapable – graffitied on every wall, worn proudly on replica shirts and tattooed on chests and limbs, and the imposing Stade Velodrome forms part of the skyline. Both in France and overseas, OM are widely perceived as the best-supported side in Ligue 1 – despite Paris Saint-German's riches – and the fanbase has a deep and devout connection to the team and its values, which encompass those of the city as a whole.

Every religion has its different factions, however, and both the club and the city have a penchant for chaos. Hardly surprising, then, that the Greenwood transfer has created such controversy. Having been starved of tangible success for more than a decade, a £27 million ($35m) deal for a player of his calibre – someone that would normally be out of reach for a side of Marseille's relatively modest finances – is deemed a sporting opportunity that is too good to pass up.

The Man Utd forward saw charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against him discontinued in February last year, but the accusations certainly haven't been forgotten. Progressive women's rights are advocated for strongly in Marseille, although diversity brings with it different attitudes across different communities, and there is significant disharmony surrounding the topic of Greenwood's arrival.

GOALThe Greenwood case

Greenwood has been a footballing pariah since audio and imagery emerged online which led to him being arrested and subsequently suspended by Man Utd in January 2022. Although he denied the accusations made and was released on bail, he has not played for the club since.

He was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022, then aged 20. However, those charges were discontinued in February 2023. A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution service said at the time: "A combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

Man Utd then conducted an internal review into whether Greenwood should be welcomed back into the fold at Old Trafford, including consulting the women's team. The drawn-out investigation ended up taking more than six months, with United ultimately U-turning and deciding to sever ties with the forward after delaying an announcement, having initially opted to keep him according to

In a statement at the time, Greenwood said: "I did not do the things I was accused of." He added: "I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post."

A club spokesperson said: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome."

That outcome proved to be a loan move to Getafe in La Liga, where he impressed in making 16 goal contributions in 32 appearances in Spain and earned the attention of plenty of leading European clubs, with Man Utd prepared to permanently end their association with the player this summer.

Advertisement'Zero impunity for attackers'

Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Lazio were all linked at one point or another, but it is Marseille who have won the race for his signature. Greenwood was greeted at the airport by a group of OM fans on Thursday but has not be welcomed with open arms by everyone that follows the club.

Indeed, even rumours of a possible move to the south of France in June prompted the widespread use of the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome on social media as part of a campaign against the transfer.

The OMForum fan group was one of the driving forces, saying in a lengthy statement: “At a time when negotiations for the arrival of Mason Greenwood are announced as becoming advanced, it seems necessary to explain, once again and before the damage becomes irreversible, why this transfer seems inconceivable in view of the values displayed by the club and why it would mean for many of us a red line that would irreparably damage the passion that we have for this club."

A collective of Marseillaise feminist groups called 'J’crains degun' were among those to add their voice to the backlash, including Solidarite Femmes 13, who work closely with the club in the community. They posted on Instagram: "A choice incompatible with the stated commitment of Olympique de Marseille in the fight against violence against women. Zero impunity for attackers, red carpets on the Velodrome pitch!"

Getty'Sickened, disgusted and dismayed'

Speaking to GOAL before Greenwood's transfer was confirmed, Marseille supporter Nash, 30, who is a contributor at , said: "I am sickened, disgusted and dismayed that OM is even considering recruiting Greenwood. No fan of European football can ignore what he has been accused of. There are enough publicly known elements in this case to have a clear idea of what he is capable of doing, and above all, their public nature means that no one can ignore them.

"There is a strong risk, in my opinion, of undoing the links that OM took years to create by building relationships of trust with charitable bodies, particularly local ones. For example, I know that several organisations defending women's rights in Marseille are outraged by the rumours of Greenwood's arrival."

Nash was convinced Greenwood's arrival would damage the very fabric of the club. "Sport serves to spread values, it is one of its main social roles," he continued. "More particularly in Marseille, we are very committed to the fight against discrimination and the supporter groups have a long anti-fascist tradition. However, the fight against discrimination has no meaning if we do not fight against it all.

"Gender-based violence is a major societal scourge that must be fought forcefully. OM has a role to play in this matter: whether we like it or not, sport is eminently political and whether professional players like it or not, especially in a club as important and publicised as OM, are an example for many people who identify with them, particularly young people."

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GettyPockets of support

However, as was the case at Man Utd when Greenwood's future was still undecided, there are pockets of support for him online, with the counter hashtag '#GreenwoodWelcome' being widely shared. One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "His private life is like that now. He became a man. You weren't in on the secrets. He was acquitted of all charges. Leave them alone."

Another posted: "Love always triumphs, a bit like us with our OM. Justice of God #WelcomeGreenwood #TeamOM"

"Why not take 20-30k from his salary and donate it to an association for victims of domestic abuse?" Another commented. "Who tells you that he will do it again and that he hasn't learned from his mistakes? Let's give this guy a chance."

"He has rebuilt his life and is trying to move forward but some would like him to be punished for all the victims who have not had this chance," someone else wrote. "They are bringing out his past to judge him again and inflate their moralising ego."

A £51 million attacker has come out and admitted his summer transfer wish, after claims Tottenham are keen to sign him.

Spurs aiming to bring in new forward for added goals and assists

Fabrizio Romano backed reports that Spurs are eager to sign a quality new attacker to contribute towards goals and assists, with there being plenty of names on Johan Lange's target list heading into the next transfer window.

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The likes of Pedro Neto, Nico Williams and others are being monitored by Ange Postecoglou's side, according to other media sources, with journalist Dean Jones also claiming that Spurs have their eyes on a new attacking midfielder.

"Pedro Neto is somebody on their radar," said Jones to GiveMeSport recently.

"Raphinha has been mentioned as well. Nico Williams, at Athletic Bilbao, is another player that they're continuing to monitor. It will be interesting. Pedro Neto will be a very difficult one to get because of the competition that there will be to actually sign him.

Son Heung-min

14

Richarlison

10

Dejan Kulusevski

6

Brennan Johnson

4

Cristian Romero

4

"But Tottenham have signed a couple of players recently, that they've done well to get through the door, and they will believe that anything is possible."

While Postecoglou currently boasts the likes of Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min, Richarlison, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil and Timo Werner as his out-and-out forward players, there is a case to be made that Spurs need extra quality.

Werner is likely to stay beyond his loan spell, according to various reports, but uncertainty surrounds the futures of Solomon and Gil who could leave if Tottenham bring in two more wingers. Alongside the aforementioned targets, Spurs are believed to hold a serious interest in Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners.

There have been suggestions that Postecoglou's side have been moving early with enquiries for Koopmeiners, who also featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, representing the Netherlands.

Koopmeiners makes summer transfer wish clear after Tottenham claims

Speaking to telegraaf.nl, as translated by Football Italia, Koopmeiners has now admitted to telling Atalanta he wants to leave amid Tottenham's reported interest.

“I told Atalanta I want to leave in the summer,” said the Dutchman.

“Last season, there was concrete interest from Napoli, but the two clubs didn’t reach an agreement. I hope there will be options to consider this year. My girlfriend and I are enjoying Italy, but I would endure rain for some clubs in England.

“I’d lie if I said I have no news of interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs. I read the news, too. I’ve had an amazing time at Atalanta and I hope they will get a big sum.”

While Koopmeiners has requested to leave, his wish to get Atalanta a big fee is backed by reports, which claim he could cost as much as £51 million.

Leeds United have been handed even further promotion incentive after it emerged that a long time target would be open to making the Elland Road switch should they find themselves back in the top flight next season.

Leeds leapfrog Ipswich

A vital win for Daniel Farke's side away to Sheffield Wednesday combined with a poor set of results for clubs around them has left Leeds more confident than ever of a return to the Premier League come the end of the campaign.

A 2-0 victory, combined with a 2-1 loss for Ipswich Town and a draw for Leicester City means that the Elland Road outfit have reclaimed second place, and are just three points behind the table-topping Foxes with nine games of the Championship season left to play.

The Championship- As it stands

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Goal difference

Points

Leicester City

37

26

4

7

41

82

Leeds United

37

24

7

6

40

79

Ipswich Town

37

23

9

5

25

78

Southampton

37

22

7

7

26

73

They are almost guaranteed a play-off spot, but are in with an excellent chance of being able to secure one of the two automatic promotion spots on offer, though it could take a record points tally to do so thanks to Ipswich's great form so far this campaign.

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Though they are taking nothing for granted, Leeds will already have one eye on the summer transfer window, and now they have been told just why promotion is a must to complete one of their key deals.

Leeds target wants to play in the Premier League

Speculation continues to swirl around Leeds and their transfer plans this summer, but one man that could finally make his way to Elland Road after months of rumours is 26-year-old Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is currently plying his trade for Fenerbahce in Turkey's top flight.

Leeds have long held an interest in the versatile Nigerian, with Turkish reports claiming that Daniel Farke's side were one of several teams keeping an eye on him over the January transfer window. However, they added that the club would face competition from Premier League pair Wolves and Crystal Palace should they want to make a move.

And there could be even more conditions to meet before a move is even entertained. Now, GIVEMESPORT have outlined that the 26-year-old is looking to make his next move to the Premier League, which could leave Leeds needing to secure a return to the top flight before they move for one of their main targets.

"Leeds' interest has been historical, so it's no surprise if they return", Ben Jacobs explained. "The player, should he make a move, and England is somewhere that he would be prepared to entertain, would ideally be looking for Premier League football, from what I'm told anyway."

"So if Leeds are to reignite interest in a player that they've tracked before, then it would likely, given that there is other Premier League interest, be contingent on them getting promoted."

Any deal would reportedly cost in the region of £12m to bring Osayi-Samuel back to English football, with the Nigerian having previously spent time with QPR in the Championship, where his best return consisted of five goals and nine assists for the London side.

He, like Leeds, is looking to make the step up to the English top flight this summer though.

Manchester United have struggled on every front this season, with a lack of squad depth costing the side.

Erik ten Hag’s side failed to acquire any new additions in the January transfer window, which may turn out to be the wrong decision.

However, the Red Devils were active in regards to letting players leave the club, with multiple moving elsewhere in Europe on loan deals.

That said, not all of them are enjoying their time away from their parent club, failing to make an impression in different surroundings, with one player in particular finding it difficult to adjust to La Liga while earning more than Kobbie Mainoo in the process.

What Kobbie Mainoo earns at Man Utd

The rise of Mainoo this season has been absolutely fantastic, from suffering an injury in pre-season to becoming one of the players that Ten Hag can rely on the most.

At just 18 years old, the versatile midfielder has started Man United’s last 12 Premier League games, making 14 starts in total.

Having just graduated from the United Academy, Mainoo’s wage is among the lowest in the squad, earning £10k-per-week. This equates to £520k per year over the four years remaining on his contract.

However, it has been reported by Fabrizio Romano that United are already in talks to improve Mainoo’s contract, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe viewing him as a vital player in the Red Devils project, which would then see him earn more than one of his struggling colleagues.

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Posts ByTom Lever Mar 10, 2024 Hannibal Mejbri’s salary and time at Sevilla

Hannibal Mejbri began the 23/24 campaign with Man United’s first team, where he made five appearances in the Premier League and also made his first Champions League start against Galatasaray.

However, his most memorable moment in a United shirt this campaign must be his absolutely stunning strike against Brighton & Hove Albion after replacing Casemiro as a second-half substitute.

Since the 5 foot 10 midfielder's small spell of game time at the start of the campaign, he’s struggled to get minutes, often sitting on the bench for the full game or coming on with moments to go.

Therefore, Mejbri was sent on loan to Sevilla in January in an attempt to get experience and vital minutes under his belt. But that hasn’t exactly gone to plan, as he’s made four appearances, with two yellow cards being all he can show for his performances.

At the Spanish club, the Tunisian is earning just over £15k-per-week, as per Capology, which is more than what Mainoo is currently earning at Man United, despite it still being among the lowest wage per week in the United squad, as you can see by the table below.

Man United's Lowest Earners

Player

Weekly wage

Amad Diallo

£28.8k

Hannibal Mejbri

£15k

Kobbie Mainoo

£10k

Willy Kambwala

£7.5k

Shola Shoretire

£5k

Via Capology

The difference between the two is clear in terms of quality and what they can offer Man United, but at one point, Mejbri was even compared to Luka Modric by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig in regards to his technique, vision, and playmaking ability, which seems like the perfect description for Mainoo rather than the Sevilla loanee.

Overall, the loan move to Spain for Mejbri has been somewhat of a disaster, with the player struggling to impress, and based on Mainoo’s showings, it’s crazy to think the 21-year-old is earning a higher wage. That surely won't be the case for long, though, with Ratcliffe potentially using the Tunisian midfielder to gather precious funds in the summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

Pouco depois do empate em 1 a 1 entre Flamengo e Fluminense, em duelo válido pela ida da decisão do Campeonato Carioca, um youtuber do canal “Sentimento Tricolor” citou a tragédia do Ninho do Urubu para responder a provocações durante uma transmissão ao vivo. Após ser marcado nas redes sociais e o vídeo viralizar, Rodrigo Dunshee, vice-presidente geral e jurídico do Rubro-Negro, avisou que o clube prepara uma ação contra André Luiz, que, inclusive, já compartilhou um vídeo de retração e tirou do ar o que comentara do incêndio que vitimou dez jovens da base do Fla, em fevereiro de 2019.

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– Me marcaram na publicação. A minha dificuldade quando tem uma coisa muito agressiva como essa e falsa é descobrir onde ela mora e os dados. Logicamente, o Flamengo não tem como ir atrás de todo mundo, mas eventualmente a gente escolhe um ou outro para dar o exemplo de que tem que respeitar. A rede social não é terra sem lei. Eu já selecionei esse cara, mas agora preciso identificar o nome, CPF e endereço para poder fazer alguma coisa – disse Dunshee, em entrevista ao site “Coluna do Fla”, emendando:

– Aparentemente, ele tem uma inscrição em um órgão que é obrigado a fornecer os dados, eu tenho como achar. Então, eu vou acionar o jurídico do Flamengo para me ajudar nisso e a gente vai atrás. As pessoas têm que entender que a rivalidade é no futebol, fora do futebol, a gente não pode falar mentiras e agressividades por aí. Isso não ofende só a mim, ofende a uma coletividade.

> Relembre Fla-Flus históricos em galeria especial do LANCE!

No vídeo que gerou revolta, o influenciador tricolor falou o seguinte:

– Paguem às famílias, mulambos. Paguem às famílias das crianças que vocês fizeram de churrasquinho lá. Isso é o que importa na verdade. Futebol, se ganha e se perder dentro de campo. Ceifar a vida de dez crianças, só vocês, nenhum outro clube do mundo vai carregar isso. Vocês vão carregar dez caixões nas costas por toda a eternidade – disse André Luiz, que externou estar sendo ameaçado e pediu desculpas posteriormente, falando que “talvez tenha sido o pior erro” de sua vida (veja o vídeo completo aqui).

+ Veja a tabela completa da Libertadores

No Twitter, ao ver a notícia a respeito do processo que o Flamengo prepara contra o youtuber, Cacau Cotta,diretor de relações externas, postou:

– Vão respeitar no amor ou na dor! SRN (Saudações Rubro-Negras).

Cacau Cotta também esteve envolvido em outro capítulo pós-clássico. O diretor de relações externas se manifestou nas redes sociais após confusão envolvendo Fred e a delegação rubro-negra, provocando o centroavante do Tricolor.

New Zealand legspinner Amelia Kerr took three wickets in an over on her WBBL debut

Andrew McGlashan19-Oct-2019Brisbane Heat backed up their championship-winning performance in last year’s WBBL final by launching their title defence with a crushing 92-run victory over Sydney Sixers who slumped to their lowest ever total.Beth Mooney struck a half-century but the game-changing innings came from Laura Harris who arrived at No. 8 and hammered 36 off 17 balls to give a late surge to a Heat batting display which had spluttered after a strong base in the powerplay.Amelia Kerr came close to a hat-trick on her WBBL debut•Getty Images

She dominated a seventh-wicket stand of 50 off 24 balls with Mikayla Hinkley which included Harris’ onslaught that brought 25 runs off the 18th over.The Heat then made crucial inroads into the strong Sixers top order as Sammy-Jo Johnson removed Alyssa Healy and Ash Gardner to take out two of the power hitters. The loss of Ellyse Perry in the 13th over was curtains for the Sixers and the tail folded to the variations of New Zealand legspinner Amelia Kerr who landed her googlies perfectly on WBBL debut. In a dramatic slide, the last six wickets fell in the space of 14 balls.The Sixers, who opened the tournament with a strong performance against Sydney Thunder, were off colour from the start of the match with a lethargic display in the field which enabled Mooney, who was dropped at cover on 4, and captain Kirby Short to add 51 before Lauren Smith sparked the Sixers with a smart run out to remove Short.The innings then slipped with Grace Harris run out in a mix-up with Mooney and Hayley Silver-Holmes picking up a brace of lbws. As usual, Healy was sharp behind the stumps with her dismissal of Mooney especially swift although Healy was back in position for the next delivery when it became clear the batter was out.That left the Heat 6 for 115 and in need of a late charge which Laura Harris provided as she targeted the leg side with hefty slog-sweeps.Healy looked in the mood to take charge of the chase, striking the ball cleanly one again, but picked out mid-off in the fourth over where Laura Harris kept her cool to take a juggling catch at the third attempt.Her sister, Grace, then held a well-struck shot by Gardner at cover which was followed by Erin Burns top edging an attempt to lap-sweep Delissa Kimmince which left the innings on Perry’s shoulders. She couldn’t get going amid the loss of wickets and eventually picked out long-on in the 13th over from Jess Jonassen who removed Maddy Darke two balls later.Kerr then ripped through the tail with three wickets in four balls in the 14th over and was within a whisker of a hat-trick when No. 11 Stella Campbell shouldered arms to another googly.

Lionel Messi has called out the "very bad surfaces" at Copa America 2024 while hailing Argentina's "amazing" run to the final.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Argentina reaches yet another Copa final
• Beat Canada 2-0 in the semifinal
• Messi complained about pitches in the USA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina will have an opportunity to defend their Copa America crown on Sunday evening after they emerged triumphant against Canada at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, courtesy of goals from Julian Alvarez and Messi. The 37-year-old superstar was elated with the performance of the Albiceleste but was also left complaining about the quality of the pitches in the United States.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT MESSI SAID

  "To be honest, it has been a difficult tournament," Messi told reporters.

  "The level has been as equal as ever, very bad surfaces, high temperatures that make it hard to play, very tough rivals. So the fact we made it and we are here again playing a final is something to enjoy and highlight."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the hurdles, Messi expressed his admiration for Argentina's performance, particularly praising the contributions of the team's veteran players like Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi.

  "What this team has done, what the Argentina national team has done, because after this everyone gives more importance to all the finals that me and the 'older guys' have played," Messi said.

  "Me, Fide [Angel Di María], Ota [Nicolás Otamendi], and that Argentina can play another final is amazing."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi scored his 14th goal in Copa America, tying with Peru's Paolo Guerrero and Chile's Eduardo Vargas, and is now just three goals shy of the tournament's all-time record held jointly by Norberto Mendez and Zizinho.

The match was abandoned 11 balls before the second innings constituted a game, with Australia well ahead in the chase

Andrew McGlashan03-Nov-2019Australia captain Aaron Finch has questioned the need for a 20-minute interval during the rain-ruined T20I against Pakistan at the SCG. The match was abandoned 11 balls before the second innings constituted a game, with Australia well ahead in the chase.Australia were 0 for 41 after 3.1 overs when rain returned and there was no chance for the match to resume before the cut-off time. Pakistan’s innings had been interrupted by a lengthy stoppage after 12.4 overs and then resumed for 14 deliveries before the standard break between innings was taken.”If you’re cutting overs off the game and you still have a 20-minute break, it doesn’t make much sense to me,” Finch said in his post-match TV interview. “When you lose a few overs and then you still have a 20-minute break… I thought that was really interesting. But it’s part of the rules and you can’t do much about it.”Getty ImagesThe ICC playing conditions give the match referee – in this case Javagal Srinath – the discretion to reduce the interval to 10 minutes but that was not exercised.Clause 11.4.2 of the playing conditions states: “… following a lengthy delay or interruption prior to the completion of the innings of the team batting first, the Match Referee may, at his discretion, reduce the interval between innings from 20 minutes to not less than 10 minutes.”Vice-captain Alex Carey said that Australia had approached the match officials about what the length of the interval would be and were told that standard break would remain.”We asked the question, what the changeover would have been, and it remains the same so we were aware of that and can’t change it,” Carey said. “The boys did a great job getting the start, just a shame it was probably five minutes too late.”It’s disappointing to be so close, but it’s part of the game. It’s one of things we can’t change. The spectators would have liked a result, but we understand it. Good or bad, it’s part of it.”Had there been time to resume the game for 11 more deliveries to make it a match, the five-over target would have been 39 so Australia were already ahead of that mark. Had the rain not arrived, Pakistan could have fought back with wickets but this was certainly a case of them escaping what was shaping up as a defeat following Finch’s onslaught against Mohammad Irfan – his second over cost 26.Other than captain Babar Azam they couldn’t find much impetus with the bat, although the stoppage after 12.4 overs worked against them as they had to restart for just 14 more deliveries.”If the match had continued for 20 overs, we should have come up with 160-170. It really effected our team plan,” Mohammad Rizwan said. “We lost early wickets but we had wickets in hand for the last few overs, then the rain came.”

“We have a very good team and definitely Karnataka is a very strong side.”It’s odd to hear those words from R Vinay Kumar, talking of his team playing Karnataka. It’s odder still when you realise he’s going to occupy the ‘away’ dressing room at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The anomaly is complete with J Arunkumar standing beside Vinay, as the ‘away’ coach against Karnataka at the Chinnaswamy.Before the current domestic season began, Puducherry pulled off a coup of sorts by not only hiring Arunkumar as coach, but also roping in Vinay as one of their three professional players. They wouldn’t have known then, that the combination that took Karnataka to an unprecedented double-treble – of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup – from 2013 to 2015, would end up facing their former team at the first available opportunity in the 2019-20 domestic season.Puducherry steamrolled their opposition in the Plate Group, earning a quarter-final spot against the Group A and B toppers, which turned out to be Karnataka. And now, the two men who were front and centre of Karnataka’s two most glorious years, will be plotting their downfall.”I never thought I was going to play against Karnataka,” Vinay said on the eve of their quarter-final. “But it’s cricket. We just need to play to win. I’m looking at it as one more game. Definitely there will be a lot of emotion involved, but when it comes to business, it’s business. I never thought that I would be playing so soon against them in an important game. It’s a bit similar to how in the IPL and KPL, my close friends could be in the opposite teams but we needed to win that game.”Karnataka are the heavyweights and the favourites, but in Puducherry, they have an opponent with tools uniquely fitted to cause a flutter of worry. Vinay has performed better at the Chinnaswamy than he has overall, and both he and Arunkumar know not just the ground, but the opponents, inside out. Vinay’s first-class bowling average at the Chinnaswamy is 21.46, against a career figure of 23.53. In List A matches, he averages 18.60 at an economy rate of 5.14. Those figures would read even better without the only ODI he’s played there, where he conceded 102 runs in nine overs for one wicket. His overall List A average and economy rate are 24.19 and 4.81. The last time Vinay played at the Chinnaswamy, he almost took Karnataka to victory over Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2018-19 semi-final, having put in his most inspired bowling performance of an otherwise sub-par bowling season, only for Cheteshwar Pujara to get a lucky break in their fourth-innings chase.”It’s a bit of an advantage because you know these players really well,” Arunkumar said. “(Devdutt) Padikkal even played for my team in the KPL. But the execution is very important. Usually, if you plan too much it doesn’t work.””I know about their weakness and they know about mine,” Vinay said, while Arunkumar joked about whether Vinay actually had any weaknesses.S Aravind, who is now the Karnataka bowling coach but bowled alongside Vinay for several years and worked under Arunkumar, said it was bittersweet facing old friends. “We have to look at them as opposition now. There’ll be a healthy competition,” Aravind smiled. “As friends, we are in touch, but during the game, we are in different units.”One of the aces up Karnataka’s sleeve is captain Manish Pandey. He has been in sublime touch through the tournament, and has looked like he belongs to a level above the one he’s currently competing in every time he has stepped out to bat. And both Vinay and Arunkumar know that they will need to neutralise Pandey.”He’s performed in every game. I’ve been watching his scores and he’s doing superbly,” Vinay said. “Being a captain and performing like that shows his calibre, and you can see the difference in the team – they’ve ended up top of the group.”Arunkumar focussed on the fact that it was a one-ball game for batsmen. “In the end, it just takes one ball, one mistake, or one brilliant catch,” he said. “Throughout all our league games, we’ve got all teams all out within 40 overs [Puducherry bowled their opponents out in all seven games they had a full bowling innings in, but three of the teams lasted beyond 40 overs]. It shows how commendable our bowling unit is. Our medium pace department is fantastic, and I think we have some of the best spinners in the country.”He (Pandey) is playing his natural game as captain, (but) there will be a bit of pressure now since it’s a quarter-final. Like I said, it’s just a matter of one ball.”Vinay will have potentially 60 of them with his new team, to overturn the fortunes of his old one.

It's been a rather dismal season for Chelsea Football Club this year, as their Premier League form has looked as bad as ever.

The summer of massive spending and the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino has failed to result in any real improvements, and now it feels like it could be just a matter of time until the Argentine is out of the job.

The Blues may be under different ownership these days, but Todd Boehly and Co made it abundantly clear that they were happy to sack managers last season.

But that raises the question: Who could take his place?

The latest on Chelsea's search for a new manager

Discontent among certain sections of the Chelsea fan base has been bubbling under the surface for much of the campaign, as should be expected when hiring a former Tottenham Hotspur coach. However, in recent months, that discontent has seemingly swept through match-going fans.

Mauricio Pochettino

2023 – tbc

Frank Lampard

2023 – 2023

Graham Potter

2022 – 2023

Thomas Tuchel

2021 – 2022

Frank Lampard

2019 – 2021

Maurizio Sarri

2018 – 2019

Antonio Conte

2016 – 2018

Guss Hiddink

2015 – 2016

José Mourinho

2013 – 2015

Rafael Benitez

2012 – 2013

There have been songs about previous managers, such as José Mourinho, songs about Roman Abramovich, and songs explicitly critiquing Pochettino from the Stamford Bridge crowd, and it's beginning to feel as if change is inevitable.

So, with that said, it's not all that surprising to see a slew of rumours and news stories in recent weeks purporting the end of the Argentine's tenure and linking the Blues with several potential replacements, including the prospect of a staggering return of the 'special one.'

However, one of the names that has sprung up as a genuine contender for the job this week is Barcelona boss and legend of the game Xavi Hernandez.

How Xavi compares to Pochettino

Yes, the man who led the Catalan giants to the La Liga title last season and has seen them reach their first Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in four years has been touted for a move to west London in the summer.

The 44-year-old took charge of the European giants in November 2021 following the sacking of Ronald Koeman, and while he has enjoyed success at the club, he's set to step down in the summer following a disappointing first half of the season this year.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, while the Blaugrana feel the club icon could "be persuaded to stay", his availability this summer has alerted several Premier League sides, notably Newcastle United and Chelsea.

The possibility of hiring a true legend of the game and one who has won a league title within the last couple of years could prove too good an opportunity to miss for Boehly and Co, especially with incredibly flattering comparisons from fellow icon Thierry Henry, who said to his former teammate, "I hope you move on because your brain, to me, has no comparison. The only one who is up there with you is Pep (Guardiola) in terms of how you see the game."

The hope would be that Xavi could follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Guardiola, by thriving in the Premier League, with the Manchester City boss – who began his coaching career at Camp Nou – having won five league titles across the last six seasons, as well as claiming the treble last term.

That said, how does the Spaniard's record stack up against the man he could be replacing at Chelsea?

Manager

Xavi

Pochettino

Games

132

39

Wins

83

20

Draws

23

7

Losses

26

12

Points per Match

2.06

1.72

Well, when comparing the pair's most recent jobs, there is no comparison. Where the former Spurs man has picked up just 1.72 points per game with Chelsea, the World Cup winner has managed to average 2.06 with Barcelona, and that's taking into account his poor start to this season.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 21, 2024

Ultimately, while Pochettino might eventually turn things around at Stamford Bridge, he's too far gone in the eyes of many fans, so if there is a chance to replace him with Xavi, Boely and Co should take it.