Carlo Ancelotti says first Brazil match was ‘special' despite goalless draw
Clear-cut chances were limited during a lacklustre 90 minutes at Estadio Monumental with Brazil only able to manage two shots on target.
Ancelotti included a number of Premier League players in his first line-up with Alisson Becker, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro and Richarlison handed starts, but the 0-0 draw keeps Brazil in fourth spot in the South America World Cup qualification standings.
The veteran coach, who started his managerial career in 1995, told CBF.com: 'My first match in charge of a national team, my heart felt something special.
'I was on the bench for more than 1,800 matches and this one was special. I think I can make an assessment of this first period; I was happy with the reception. I feel delighted to work with the CBF and, for me, it is a gift to be here.'
The former Real Madrid boss, who has won five Champions League titles, acknowledged Brazil could improve with the ball ahead of his home debut with Paraguay in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, with Barcelona attacker Raphinha set to return after suspension.
'It was a very good match defensively,' Ancelotti reflected.
'I saw the team playing better with the ball, with a slightly more fluid game. It was a good draw and we left satisfied, with confidence for the next game.
'We have very good quality players. There is not much time to work, but there is the possibility of improvement because we have quality.
'I am sure that we will improve in attack. Today we were missing an important player (in) Raphinha.
'We have to play a game with more rhythm, mobility and intensity. I believe we will do that at our home ground.'
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BBC News
29 minutes ago
- BBC News
Brighton flop to Europe's hot property - is Gyokeres ready for next step?
"I don't think he's the guy," Rio Ferdinand says of Viktor Gyokeres. "I've watched him probably three times really, really closely. And three times I've gone: 'He ain't getting that opportunity in the Prem'."Gyokeres has scored a phenomenal 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, also contributing 26 assists for the Lisbon Sweden forward averaged more than a goal per game in the season just gone, with 54 in 52 appearances. Yet former Manchester United captain Ferdinand is not convinced Gyokeres, who has been strongly linked with the Red Devils, is a good fit for his old clubs, however, are circling for the former Brighton player after an outstanding couple of seasons with Sporting, where he played under United boss Ruben club president Frederico Varandas says they have not received an offer for the striker and they are also not prepared to let him leave for a rumoured 'gentleman's agreement' of £ addition to his 39 goals in Portugal's Primeira Liga in 2024-25, Gyokeres helped himself to another six in the Champions League - including a hat-trick against Manchester doubts remain over Gyokeres' ability to transfer his prolific form in Portugal to the Premier Premier League winner Ferdinand, speaking on his own podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, asks: "Is there enough - after he's physically matched - to get him a goal?"Gyokeres has gone from leaving Brighton without playing a single minute of Premier League football to becoming one of Europe's most prolific marksmen - via loan spells in the Championship at Swansea and Coventry, and in Germany with St who are seeking a clinical finisher to end a five-year wait for a major trophy, have also been linked along with Juventus and Saudi Pro League club how has Gyokeres established himself as one of this summer's hottest transfer targets after leaving Brighton, aged 23, without making a Premier League appearance? The one that got away? Brighton have developed a reputation as masters of the transfer market, renowned for developing young talent and selling them on for hefty January 2019, they signed Alexis Mac Allister from Argentinos Juniors for an undisclosed, but reportedly small fee. The midfielder went on to win the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 before joining Liverpool in a £55m deal in Moises Caicedo signed from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle for £4m in 2021. Two years later he joined Chelsea in a deal worth a British record £ however, is failed to make the grade, Brighton allowed him to join Coventry for a small fee in July 2021 after an unspectacular return of three goals in 19 Championship appearances during a loan spell with the Sky years later he went to Sporting for £20.5m after scoring 38 times in 91 league games across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 playing in Lisbon, Gyokeres has scaled new heights and he is reportedly now valued by the Portuguese champions at £ has also performed on the international stage as part of an exciting attacking line-up for Sweden, alongside Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Tottenham's Dejan scored nine goals in six games for his country - including four in one match against Azerbaijan - in the 2024-25 Nations it is not just his goals that have earned him attention. Gyokeres is known for his intelligent movement and intense work-rate, while his blend of physical strength, technical skill and tactical awareness have earned him admiring glances from is a creator as well as a goalscorer, with a lot of his chance creation coming from his love of running with the Gyokeres the one that got away as far as Brighton are concerned?"Players develop at different rates," Brighton's long-serving chief executive Paul Barber told The Athletic, external last November."In 2021, when Viktor was transferred to Coventry, his pathway here wasn't clear and, with his contract running down, he wanted a permanent home."We have to accept the decision to sell for what it was at that time - right for the player, and right for the club."What Viktor has gone on to do is fantastic." 'Viktor, pass the ball. Pass' Gyokeres' former team-mates and coaches remember a young boy who cried when he lost. They talk about a "stubborn kid" who was "wild, really aggressive" and would occasionally come to blows with team-mates. "I remember the older players were sometimes telling him to calm down a little bit, because he was always going all-in," Magni Fannberg, who handed Gyokeres his first-team debut for Swedish club Brommapojkarna in 2015, told the Times., externalThere are stories about Gyokeres' single-mindedness, focus and Sandberg Magnusson, who played with Gyokeres at Brommapojkarna, adds: "There was one training session I was screaming at him, 'Viktor, pass the ball. Pass'. And he didn't [look at] me. I was so frustrated."David Eklund, academy scout at the club, tells BBC Sport: "He was never a superstar like Dejan Kulusevski [another Brommapojkarna youth product]. But he scored goals. That's it."He had a strong mentality but he's a really nice guy. He always worked hard and had the idea of being a top player, training every day. He wanted to prove people wrong."Dennis Lawrence, who was part of Mark Robins' backroom staff at Coventry when Gyokeres was there, says: "I had to laugh the other day when I saw he scored a free-kick for Sporting. At Coventry, he would try free-kicks [in training] and I would say, 'No, you're not on free-kicks, Viktor'."But his mentality is, 'no, I know I can do this.' "And he's scoring these incredible free-kicks now. He's got that ability to focus on and achieve anything he wants."It all started on the gravel pitches of his local grassroots club in Stockholm, IFK Aspudden-Tellus. Gyokeres was five at the time and he credits his father, Stefan, in his development. "Making that journey together helped me a lot. We'd share good and bad moments," says Gyokeres, who has since gone on to make a big impression - on and off the he was the cover star for Vogue Scandinavia, who described the player as Swedish football's "pride and glory". Will Gyokeres flourish in a tougher league? Take a glance at the list of leading goalscorers in Europe's top leagues in 2024-25 and the usual suspects are there. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe managed 31 in his debut season in La Liga, Mohamed Salah contributed 29 goals as Liverpool claimed the Premier League crown, while Robert Lewandowski finished on 27 during Barcelona's title-winning season - one more than England captain Harry Kane's tally for Bayern who is 6ft 2in (1.89m), managed 39, though the Primeira Liga is not considered one of the top five leagues in question for suitors is whether he could be quite so prolific in a stronger league. He has just turned 27 and is still to play a single game in Europe's top five divisions - hence Ferdinand's is perhaps worth noting 35% of his goals in 2024-25 came from penalties, as he successfully converted all 19 of his he move to Old Trafford he may have to rely more on open-play goals as he would be unlikely to dislodge Bruno Fernandes as penalty-taker. United's captain rarely makes a mistake from 12 yards, scoring 38 of 42 spot-kicks since joining, excluding little denying that Gyokeres is a goalscorer, but will he be such a success against elite-level defences?
The Sun
32 minutes ago
- The Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool in for Barcola EXCLUSIVE, Chelsea urged to sign Guehi, Prem clubs queue for Sancho
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Spain's Euro 2024 has long-been the Gunners' preferred option as a new winger. But Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also reportedly monitoring the 22-year-old. Williams is under contract until 2027, with a reported £40m release clause. Reports in Spain suggest that fee is a stumbling block. And now it's claimed Athletic are working harder than ever to extend their star man's stay. Today, 03:00 By Ian Tuckey 'Blackmail and insults won't work' Sporting's president has furiously hit back at Manchester United target Victor Gyokeres saying: 'Threats and blackmail don't work,' writes MARTIN BLACKBURN. The Sweden striker is considering going on strike to force through a dream move to United or Arsenal. Gyokeres, 27, is furious with Sporting for going back on their word over a transfer promise to him and plans not to play for the club again. He believes he had a gentleman's agreement to leave the Portuguese giants for £50million with a further £8million in add-ons but that claim has been rubbished by president Frederico Varandas. And the Sporting chief insists he will not be bullied into letting the ex-Coventry forward move to the Prem on the cheap this summer. Varandas said: ' Sporting will not accept blackmail and insults – you should know me better by now. 'One thing is certain, we will not accept £50m plus £8m. As of now, Sporting has not received any bids for Gyokeres. 'He is a fantastic professional, to this day he has had zero offers. He has a three-year contract with Sporting.' Today, 01:00 By Ian Tuckey Villa, Spurs and Toon keen on Jadon EXCLUSIVE: Three Premier League clubs are battling to sign Jadon Sancho, SunSport can reveal, writes HENRY TOMLINSON. The former Borussia Dortmund winger is back at Manchester United after Chelsea rejected the chance to make his move permanent. 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And should the keeper fail to secure a permanent move away to another club that meets his demands then he will rejoin Chelsea for pre-season training in July. Strasbourg have expressed an interest in signing the Serbian permanently this summer. However, there is also interest from various Premier League sides - West Ham being one of them - as well as teams from Europe. 11th Jun 2025, 00:14 By Ian Tuckey Foxes 'turn down Norwich bid for keeper' Leicester have reportedly rebuffed an initial Norwich bid for keeper Jakub Stolarczyk. The Pole, 24, has struggled for game time since arriving at the King Power Stadium four years ago. 11th Jun 2025, 00:09 By Ian Tuckey Cherries pal tips Milos for Liverpool Justin Kluivert believes Bournemouth team-mate Milos Kerkez will "probably" join Liverpool. Hungary star Kerkez is tipped to end the Reds' search for a long-term successor to Andy Robertson at left-back. And Dutch winger Kluivert told Voetbal Primeur: 'He'll probably go there. I hope so for him. 'He hasn't really said goodbye yet, but I hope he'll make it happen there.' 11th Jun 2025, 23:42 By Ian Tuckey Chelsea urged to go for Guehi Chelsea have been urged to pursue Marc Guehi. Ex-Blues striker Tore Andre Flo coached Crystal Palace's England centre-back when he was at Stamford Bridge from 2019-2021. But Gueho never broke into the first team, being loaned to Swansea before a permanent move to Palace. The ex-Norway, Sunderland and Leeds star told "I know Marc because I coached him when he was younger. "I worked for the academy for a few years. He's a great boy and I would love for him to be at Chelsea. 'He's such a strong defender. He's quick and he would fight for you and for the club. "That would be a very good signing.' 11th Jun 2025, 23:29 By Ian Tuckey Modric set for Milan Real Madrid legend Luka Modric will reportedly sign for AC Milan soon after the Club World Cup. The Croatia and ex-Spurs midfielder, 39, is a six-time Champions League winner. Sky Sports say Modric will undertake a medical but play for Real during the CWC. He'll then switch to his first spell in Italy. 11th Jun 2025, 22:57 By Ian Tuckey Broadcasting boost for Prem clubs Premier League chiefs have axed a little-known broadcasting rule ahead of next season, writes ALEX SMITH. There have been restrictions in place to stop youth-team matches being shown at the same time as senior top-flight games. But that blackout has reportedly been lifted for the 2025/26 campaign. Under-21 games in the Premier League 2 can now be live streamed even if they clash with fixtures on Sky Sports or TNT Sports. Official club channels are ready to "take the lead" in showing the action. But there are rumours of a TV deal in the coming years should viewing figures be significant. The rule change is a major boost for football fans up and down the country - especially Manchester United supporters. Viewers have long complained about MUTV not showing enough youth-team fixtures live. Just 14 of 35 Under-21 games were shown last season and just eight of those were Premier League 2 clashes. 11th Jun 2025, 22:35 By Ian Tuckey Rashford hits back at online critic Marcus Rashford appeared more than frustrated when a fan responded negatively to an upbeat message from the star on Instagram. The Manchester United striker's future is unclear after his successful loan with Aston Villa. But there have been tentative links with Barcelona - rated his dream destination. Rashford posted a video of himself going through a training routine. He added the words: "Feeling better again" - along with a grinning emoji. But when the clip was re-posted, one social media user responded: "Every pre-season he does these photo shoots but then goes to see boxing matches half way round the world days before important matches! "Makes no sense if you are feeling good one month before the season starts." The fan didn't back up his suggestion But Rashford replied online: "I'm feeling good because I'm now injury free pal." 11th Jun 2025, 22:15 By Ian Tuckey Kop in for PSG ace Barcola EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool are set to swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola — pushing their summer spending over £300MILLION, writes DAN KING. The Premier League champs intend to spend big on another attacker even after they complete a British-transfer record £127million deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. And they are prepared to battle Bayern Munich for £100m-rated winger Barcola, 22. Liverpool have also not given up all hope of prising Alexander Isak away from Newcastle. Kop chiefs would still love 23-goal Isak to lead their new-look frontline. But if the Toon insist on a fee of around £150m for the 25-year-old Sweden international, Liverpool will bow out and look for an alternative. And Barcola has emerged as a spectacular Plan B after doubts emerged over his future with Champions League winners PSG. The Anfield giants have already spent £29.5m on Wirtz's Leverkusen team-mate, defender Jeremie Frimpong, 24, with another £40m-plus earmarked for Bournemouth's 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez. But it is the prospect of Barcola teaming up with Wirtz, 22, and Anfield icon Mo Salah, 32, which will have fans pinching themselves. Barcola, who is Bayern's No 1 target, is no longer part of PSG's first-choice front three. By Ian Tuckey Gunners linked to '£60m Elanga' Arsenal are tipped to step up interest in ex-Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga. The £60million-rated Swede was outstanding for Nottingham Forest this season. The 23-year-old notched six goals and 11 assists as a Premier League ever-present, helping Nuno Espirito Santo's men finish seventh. TBR Football claim Arsenal are just one of the Prem rivals keen on the pacy attacker. 11th Jun 2025, 21:26 By Ian Tuckey Ex-Utd midfielder set for Marseille Marseille say ex-Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes has agreed a deal in principle to join them. The four-cap Englishman, 24, has been a big success with Lille. But he's certain to leave on a free transfer in the summer. And he appears certain for a reunion with ex-Red Devils striker Mason Greenwood at Lille's French rivals Marseille. Sky Sports believe Gomes will sign a three-year deal. 11th Jun 2025, 21:19 By Ian Tuckey Sporting warn Viktor Sporting's president has furiously hit back at Manchester United target Victor Gyokeres saying: "Threats and blackmail don't work," writes MARTIN BLACKBURN. The Sweden striker is considering going on strike to force through a dream move to United or Arsenal. Gyokeres, 27, is furious with Sporting for going back on their word over a transfer promise to him and plans not to play for the club again. He believes he had a gentleman's agreement to leave the Portuguese giants for £50million with a further £8million in add-ons but that claim has been rubbished by president Frederico Varandas. And the Sporting chief insists he will not be bullied into letting the ex-Coventry forward move to the Prem on the cheap this summer. Varandas said: ' Sporting will not accept blackmail and insults – you should know me better by now. 'One thing is certain, we will not accept £50m plus £8m. As of now, Sporting has not received any bids for Gyokeres. "He is a fantastic professional, to this day he has had zero offers. He has a three-year contract with Sporting.' 11th Jun 2025, 21:15 By Ian Tuckey 'Prem clubs queue for Sancho' EXCLUSIVE: Three Premier League clubs are battling to sign Jadon Sancho, SunSport can reveal, writes HENRY TOMLINSON. The former Borussia Dortmund winger is back at Manchester United after Chelsea rejected the chance to make his move permanent. Manager Ruben Amorim has no plans to integrate Sancho back into his first team - meaning the 25-year-old is searching for a fresh start. And SunSport understands Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are all monitoring developments. Villa are thought to be keen on a loan deal for the player, but United would prefer cash to free up funds for a rebuild. Newcastle and Tottenham both see Sancho as a strong option as they look to build squads that can compete in the League and the Champions League. Borussia Dortmund were also tracking Sancho, but they've now opted for Jobe Bellingham. Despite netting in the 4-1 Europa Conference League final win over Real Betis, Sancho couldn't seal a £25million switch to Chelsea. Chelsea had initially loaned Sancho from United and had agreed to buy him for £25million, unless they dropped below 14th or coughed up a £5m penalty clause. 11th Jun 2025, 21:02 By Ian Tuckey Zubimendi worth more than £51m Reports in Spain are claiming that Arsenal will pay Real Sociedad MORE than his £51m release clause to seal the deal. The Gunners have faced competition from Real Madrid for Zubimendi's signature, but appear to be set to sign the midfielder in the coming weeks. Spainish outlet AS claim that Arsenal will instead pay just shy of £60m spread over three instalments. 11th Jun 2025, 19:24 By Ian Tuckey Pep pips Gunners to Nypan Manchester City look to have beaten off Arsenal and Aston Villa to the signature of Norwegian starlet Sverre Nypan. The Etihad club insisted they were not interested in the Rosenborg midfielder, 18, earlier this year but they have now made their move. An £11 million deal is being finalised but the plan would be to send him out on loan next season – possibly to sister club Girona. 11th Jun 2025, 19:17 By Ian Tuckey Brighton to seal Babis deal Greek wonderkid Babis Kostoulas is undergoing a Brighton medical. SunSport's KOSTAS LIANOS says: "Final deal between #BHAFC and Olympiacos is €35m (£29.7m) with €2m (£1.7m) in add-ons. "Kostoulas will sign five-year deal and will soon join Fabian Hurzeler's team for pre-season." The striker, 18, was eyed by Arsenal and Manchester United. He's already been already been compared to Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta. 11th Jun 2025, 18:42 By Ian Tuckey Dortmund play down Sancho reunion talk Jadon Sancho's transfer saga deepened tonight. The Manchester United winger, 25, has been on loan at Chelsea. But Sancho and the Blues failed to agree terms over a permanent deal. Now the 23-cap Englishman's former club Borussia Dortmund have dampened talk of a reunion. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: "Of course, contact with Jadon is always there, in some way, because we have a very long history. "We have other priorities at the moment, and therefore the Sancho issue may have been played more in the media than discussed internally." 11th Jun 2025, 18:25 By Ian Tuckey Germans keen on Liverpool defender Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah - as Florian Wirtz prepares to go the opposite way. Quansah, 22, has also been linked with Newcastle. Liverpool reportedly value the former England Under-21 star at around £30million. Sky Sports say any move for Quansah would be separate from the Reds' looming deal for German attacking midfielder Wirtz.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Leeds United get verdict on finishing above Man Utd in Premier League table
Leeds United legend Stuart Dallas has discussed how the club can compete with staunch rivals Manchester United once the 2025/2026 season gets underway, with the club having to get one thing right to do so Leeds United icon Stuart Dallas believes the club can eclipse bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League next season - if they get their recruitment right. Leeds will be returning to the English top flight for 2025/26 after stunning the Championship this season. With Daniel Farke at the helm, Leeds lost just four times as they claimed 100 points alongside Burnley. However, the Whites topped the division with a superior goal difference. While 2024/2025 represented a joyous season for Leeds, the same can't be said for the Red Devils. Under Ruben Amorim, United found themselves finishing in 15th place in the Premier League and losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. Dallas, 34, now thinks Leeds can push on and challenge Amorim's team come next season, with reports suggesting that the Whites' owners, 49ers Enterprises, have made around £100 million available for transfers this summer. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, at the Leeds American Golf for the #RifeDontMiss putting challenge, he said: "The gap is big. That's common knowledge because promoted teams and how they've done in the last number of seasons. I think it is continuing to grow. "Leeds are in a position where they financially can go and strengthen. You can give me £150m and I can go and spend it. What I'm trying to say is the recruitment has to be right. "I think Leeds have got that in place this season. I think they'll have learned from the past and they have the potential to really do something within the next number of years in the Premier League. But again, for me, the recruitment has to be key, which I'm sure it will be." Dallas, who called time on his career in 2024 after making 248 appearances for Leeds, also touched upon the club's Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season, Daniel James. James played at Old Trafford for three seasons before moving to Elland Road, but Dallas isn't convinced United will be ruing the decision to let the Welsh star go, despite the leaps and bounds made by the 27-year-old. "I think Man Utd have had a number of players, obviously like every club, come and go. Dan has obviously found his feet at Leeds and he's happy. I know his family and that's settled here," Dallas added. "He's been fantastic this season. He started adding goals and assists and numbers to his game, which maybe previously wasn't there. He's always had the talent. "His pace is electrifying and it was just his end product that was missing. He started to produce that this year. I wouldn't say Man Utd will look at him and regret letting him go. But certainly, he's had a really, really good season." Dallas was speaking exclusively to Mirror Football at the second #RifeDontMiss Challenge, celebrating the launch of the new RIFE Black Edition putters. To register for the final qualifier and be in with a chance of winning £50,000, sign up here. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
