Latest news with #Neves
New York Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Inter and PSG's real brilliance is their technical quality in midfield
Over the last decade or so, football has been obsessed with pressing. This is not a new concept in the sport, of course — you can trace it back over the best part of a century — but recently it's reached a level that makes you question whether football is on the right track. The increased physical capacity of modern footballers means they can sprint faster, and run further, and do it again and again and again. Advertisement The benefits of pressing, of course, are perfectly obvious. Wanting to win possession high up the pitch is both valuable for the team and potentially exciting for spectators. The problem comes when footballers are selected primarily for their pressing rather than their ability in possession. At that point, running power has overwhelmed technical quality, and undermines the appeal of football, which should be aesthetically pleasing rather than just physically intense. So, when the former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick complained that Cristiano Ronaldo 'was not a player who was crying, shouting 'Hurray! The other team has got the ball, where can we win balls?',' you start to question what football is all about. Do we really want world-class players who cheer when the opposition have the ball because they might be able to force a high turnover? Or do we want world-class footballers who, you know, actually prefer it when their own side is in possession? This isn't to deplore the concept of pressing. When Arsenal won the Women's Champions League final last weekend, their pressing was excellent. But it was intelligent pressing from a side whose deep midfield duo comprised two No 10s at heart, and a centre-back pairing featuring a converted central midfielder and a converted left-back. It was primarily a technical, ball-playing side — who also pressed well. That brings us to this weekend's men's final, where both sides should be considered along the same lines. The tendency has been to assess PSG in terms of their work rate without possession, because it's such a stark contrast from the days when Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar switched off. But there's a danger that we're considering things in the wrong manner. Yes, PSG are combative and aggressive at times, but they're also extremely technical in midfield. In an interview with The Athletic ahead of PSG's semi-final win over Arsenal, for example, Joao Neves spoke about how he enjoys hunting down the opposition and winning possession. But he also said something more interesting. 'I think they are maybe more physical and we are perhaps better with the ball,' Neves said ahead of the meeting with Arsenal. 'What we want to do is defend with the ball in their half of the pitch. Because having the ball is the best way to defend.' Advertisement Neves saw his side as the better footballers, and he was right. After that game, statistics were flying around on social media about Neves making the highest number of tackles in a Champions League campaign since Gennaro Gattuso in 2007-08. Fair enough, but the new structure of the competition has meant two extra group-stage (now 'league phase') games and two extra knockout stage games for PSG, which distorts things a bit. But we've become obsessed with judging midfielders through their ball-winning ability, rather than their ball-playing ability. Fabian Ruiz, while the most physically imposing player of the PSG's midfield trio, is excellent at keeping the ball and playing forward passes. He was probably Spain's best player in their triumphant Euro 2024 side last summer, with his brilliant double-chop-back and finish against Croatia a particular highlight. Behind them, Vitinha is the real genius. He starts deep, and is terrifyingly comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. But he's also unusually positive with his positioning, often popping up in advanced roles thanks to PSG's rotations in midfield. At times, you can't quite tell which of the three midfielders has which role, because of the fluidity and understanding in possession. That is surely more worthy of attention than their pressing. If anything, Inter are even more technical. Their deepest midfielder is Hakan Calhanoglu, who spent the first part of his career as a No 10, before dropping back into this deep position to produce the best form of his career. '(Andrea) Pirlo was always my idol,' Calhanoglu said last year. 'I liked the way he played, how cool he was on the pitch. He didn't feel stress.' Like Pirlo, Calhanoglu is a trequartista-turned-regista. But he's also the opposite of Pirlo, going from Milan to Inter rather than Inter to Milan. Slightly ahead, and to his left, is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, another converted No 10. This is a player who first attracted attention when he topped the goalscoring charts in Ukraine with 25 goals in 2012-13 for Shakhtar Donetsk. Dortmund signed him as a replacement for Mario Gotze. In his time in England with Manchester United and Arsenal, he was often wasted out wide, and thrived when brought inside to play as No 10. But, like Calhanoglu, he has moved deeper and, at the age of 36, feels more capable than ever of influencing the biggest games. The most tenacious of the three midfielders is also the most advanced. Nicolo Barella is an all-action player who scampers forward into attack. Under Antonio Conte, his running felt like his defining quality but he's turned into a calmer and more intelligent footballer. Inter, of course, press well too. They do so in different ways in different games, sometimes going man-for-man and sometimes being methodical in setting traps and then pouncing as a unit. But the more unusual aspect of their game plan is what they do in possession, particularly the way they suddenly move multiple centre-backs up the pitch, temporarily forming a back line featuring two midfielders who have dropped in. They're also notable for almost eschewing the concept of dribbling, and focusing on passing and movement to go beyond opponents. Advertisement The rise of pressing, of course, has created the conditions for this to happen. Because teams are being pressured across the pitch, they have turned to footballers comfortable on the ball in deep zones. They've worked on rotating positions to play through pressure. They increasingly bait the press to create space and attack at speed. All those things can be thrilling, but if the pressing itself is considered the most impressive aspect of the European champions, things have gone wrong. Saturday's midfield battle will be influenced by pressing. But hopefully, whoever wins, we'll all be talking about the technical quality. (Top photos: Getty Images)
NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
PSG vs Inter Milan predicted lineups, team news, analysis for Champions League final
The UEFA Champions League between PSG and Inter Milan will be intriguing and the predicted lineups are fascinating as two teams with totally different styles collide in Munich to be crowned champions of Europe. PSG boss Luis Enrique has created a masterpiece with his young side, as their free-flowing football and intense pressing has been a joy to watch in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. French champs PSG are chasing their first-ever Champions League title and are the favorites heading into this game, so there's a lot of pressure on this talented young group. Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi has once again worked wonders with his experienced side as the Italian giants have reached their second Champions League final in the last three seasons. Inter will look to limit PSG's pace out wide and have shown they are clinical when they get a chance on the counter. Plenty of key players have been rested in recent weeks as they just lost out on the Serie A title to Napoli on the final day of the season. Below is a look at the PSG vs Inter Milan predicted lineups, plus the latest team news and analysis. PSG predicted lineup ——- Donnarumma —— —- Hakimi —- Marquinhos —- Pacho — Mendes —- —— Neves — Vitinha —— Ruiz —— ——— Doue ——— Dembele —— Kvaratskhelia —— The back four and midfield trio picks itself and we focus a lot on PSG's attack, but it is their solid base and the superb form of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma which has made such a huge difference in their run to the final. In midfield Neves, Vitinha and Ruiz are the heartbeat of this side and keep the ball so well, but also keep PSG so high up the pitch because they win the ball back so quickly. The main selection dilemma Luis Enrique has is who starts out wide. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will start on the left flank as the small issue which kept him out of the French Cup final win last weekend is nothing to be concerned about. But it is between Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola on the right and the latter scored twice in the cup final win and both of these youngsters bring direct running and mesmeric skills. Out wide is where the key individual battles will be as Inter's wing-backs Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries get up and down the pitch and will look to pin back PSG's young wingers. Ousmane Dembele has fully recovered from his recent hamstring injury and will start centrally up top and whoever starts in PSG's front three will drift around and interchange to cause Inter's defense problems. Inter Milan predicted lineup ——- Sommer —— —— Bisseck —- Acerbi —— Bastoni —— —- Dumfries —- Barella —- Calhanoglu —- Mkhitaryan —- Dimarco —- —— Martinez —— Thuram —— The 3-5-2 system has worked a treat for Simone at Inter and gives them so much defensive balance. We didn't see much of that defensive solidity against Barcelona because it was absolute chaos and Barca took so many risks and overloaded certain areas. PSG will look to do something similar and it's crucial Inter's wing backs Dumfries and Dimarco not only track back but also attack to stop the threat of PSG's flying wingers. Stefan De Vrij could come in to start but it's likely Bisseck, Acerbi and Bastoni will began the game as the back three. The experience in midfield is incredible with Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan so good at keeping the ball and dictating the tempo of the game and they will not be afraid of inviting the press from PSG and playing around it. That's when Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez come into their own up top as Thuram will run the channels and hold it up and Martinez is so good at timing his runs to perfection and is a clinical finisher. Dumfries has been a revelation in terms of goals and assists and his battle against Nuno Mendes down Inter's right flank will be epic. Another key factor is that Simone is so good at getting his subs right. We can expect Carlos Augusto, Davide Frattesi and Mehdi Taremi to all play a big part off the bench to keep Inter's tempo high and remain a threat on the counter.
Saudi Gazette
7 days ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Rúben Neves slams points ruling in favor of Al Nassr, says Al Hilal belongs in elite competitions
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves voiced his frustration over the Saudi Pro League's decision to award Al Nassr three points following their successful protest against Al Orobah. He called the situation 'a shame' and insisting that Al Hilal earned their spot in next season's AFC Champions League Elite on merit. Speaking to SSC following Al Hilal's final league win, the Portuguese international drew a sharp comparison: 'You don't see Real Madrid playing in the Europa League. Al Hilal is the same — we play in the elite. After missing out on the league title, our goal was to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, and we secured that last week.' Neves added: 'The league wanted to give three points to Al Nassr, so we had to win today. I heard they drew or lost — we're happy about that.' He criticized the league's handling of the decision, saying, 'It's not good for the competition. It's a shame. I don't see this happening anywhere else. But it is what it is — we had to win, and we did. That's our job.' Looking ahead, the former Wolves captain made it clear where his ambitions lie: 'Now we focus on the Club World Cup and next season. We'll play for the big trophies — that's always our aim. And hopefully, there will be no more off-field stories next time.'
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways hosts inaugural career fair in support of its new UAE national talent development strategy
26 May 2025 20:18 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its newly launched UAE National Talent Development Strategy, Etihad Airways held its inaugural career fair - KHUTWATY 2025, a platform designed to connect ambitious Emirati talent with a wide range of career opportunities in aviation and related meaning, my step, in Arabic, is designed to foster direct engagement with the Emirati community. The event provided attendees with the opportunity to explore the world of aviation, discover diverse career paths, connect with influential leaders, and experience Etihad's dynamic work Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, "Our Journey 2030 vision sets bold goals—doubling our fleet, tripling passenger numbers, and expanding to 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. Achieving this ambition requires more than operational growth; it demands exceptional people. At the heart of this vision is our National Talent Development Strategy, carefully designed to attract, develop, and advance the most ambitious and high-potential Emirati talents."KHUTWATY 2025 Career Fair is a key initiative within this strategy, providing a platform to connect with aspiring Emiratis and open pathways to impactful careers, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the UAE through its national carrier."Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, said, "Etihad Airways is deeply committed to empowering Emirati talent by providing exceptional development opportunities within one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region. This commitment goes beyond recruitment; it is about creating an environment where ambition is recognised, nurtured, and elevated. "We are proud to stand alongside the next generation of Emiratis as they pursue careers in aviation—an industry that continues to grow rapidly and plays a vital role in the UAE's future. By investing in their development, we are giving flight to ambition, enabling Emiratis to transform their potential into meaningful impact for the UAE. 'Through our National Talent Development Strategy, we aim to enrol more than 1,000 UAE Nationals in a variety of roles across the organisation over the next five years. Platforms such as KHUTWATY Career Fair are essential in developing a strong pipeline of Emirati talent, allowing us to connect with the brightest national candidates eager to join our growing team."The career fair showcased six specialised programmes designed to provide Emirati Nationals with career opportunities across both technical and corporate includes the Cadet Pilot Programme, a structured two-year journey that combines classroom theory with hands-on flight training in both Abu Dhabi and Spain. The programme prepares aspiring pilots with the foundational skills and international experience needed to begin a successful aviation Technician Programme, an end-to-end development programme, is designed to equip participants with the comprehensive skills required to become licensed Aircraft Technicians. The programme combines academic training, GCAA module examinations, and hands-on practical experience, culminating in a Category A Aircraft Maintenance Licence Airport Management Programme is a development programme offering comprehensive exposure to airport ground operations, both locally and internationally. Participants are rotated through key operational areas, gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills. With opportunities for international placements, the programme prepares Emiratis to take on supervisory roles, and contribute to the seamless functioning of global airport environments. The fair also showcased the Bedayati Programme, a structured training initiative for fresh Emirati graduates. The programme offers real-world work experience across various aviation functions, providing participants with the skills needed to kickstart their careers. In partnership with national initiatives like the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS), Etihad aims to attract talented Emirati graduates to the Bedayati programme, offering them valuable industry exposure and a pathway to potential MBA Future Leader Programme, a rotational leadership programme, offers exposure to core airline functions. Emirati professionals work alongside senior leaders, receive mentorship, and built strategic skills needed to drive progress and lead in a global aviation Emerging Talent Programme is designed for Emiratis with 1–2 years of experience, and offers entry-level roles in high-impact areas such as innovation, digital, finance, and data analytics. With clear development pathways, it supports skill development and career growth into future-focused business 2025 fostered meaningful dialogue with the Emirati community to help align local talent with roles and programmes tailored to their career goals. Participants took part in keynote speeches and panel discussions led by Etihad's senior leaders, and connected directly with hiring managers and industry experts—building networks that support long-term career development. The career fair also featured interactive experiences that offer insight into Etihad's values, culture, and vision of success. Attendees learnt how to reflect these values throughout the recruitment process, with expert-led workshops covering every stage of the candidate journey—from crafting compelling CVs to interview preparation—ensuring Emirati professionals are equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate their career journey successfully. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
16-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways continues fleet expansion with Boeing agreement
16 May 2025 09:43 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is further expanding its fleet, confirming an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft. Since 2023, the airline has steadily grown its fleet as part of a long-term strategy to double in size by 2030. This reflects Etihad's ongoing approach to aligning its fleet with evolving network and operational agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE engines and supported by a services package. These aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards and will support Etihad's existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience.'This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. 'Since 2023, we've made consistent additions to our fleet, and this latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements.'Etihad is currently finalising a detailed plan that will shape the airline's strategy through to 2035. The additional Boeing aircraft will form part of that evolving roadmap, ensuring the airline is well-positioned to deliver extraordinary customer experiences and to remain financially self-sustainable. 'This addition reflects Abu Dhabi's ongoing investment in aviation as a key enabler of connectivity, tourism, and trade,' said Neves. 'Etihad's continued growth supports broader economic opportunity in the UAE and beyond.'
