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“Coach and captain want me around, so as long as I am still hungry, want to put in the work then I will keep trying to give my best”

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-2023James Anderson has insisted he has had “no thoughts about retirement” despite taking four wickets in his three Ashes Tests this summer.Anderson, who will turn 41 this week, admitted he has been “frustrated” not to have a bigger impact on the series, but said in his column: “I still feel like I’m bowling well.”He wrote: “I have certainly not had the returns I would have liked in this series. Everyone goes through a lean patch but you just don’t want it to be in the most high-profile series we play.Related

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“Ten or 15 years ago the debate would be about whether I should be dropped. Now it is about my future. I understand that. It is The Oval, the end of a series and a time for speculation.”I keep talking to the coach and captain. They want me around, so as long as I am still hungry, want to put in the work then I will keep trying to give my best for the team. That is exactly where I am at the minute.”Anderson added that he still loves Test cricket “as much as I ever have” and that the last 14 months have been his favourite period as an England player. “There are no thoughts about retirement,” he wrote.”If I was bowling horrendously, with my pace down and hobbling around in the field I might be thinking differently. But the hunger is still there. I feel like I’m bowling well, that I can still offer something to the team. I felt like I bowled well at Old Trafford and if I get another chance this week, I will just keep trying the same stuff and hope my luck changes.So far, James Anderson has four wickets in three Tests this Ashes•Getty Images

“It is just one of those things. There are always one or two players who have a lean series. It can be a batter who gets good balls and then a bit of bad luck. It felt like that was my week in Manchester. I felt like I beat the bat plenty of times, but just didn’t take the wickets that you want as a bowler to help the team win.”There were a couple of times when I bowled a tight five-over spell then Woody [Mark Wood] came on and took a wicket straightaway. It feels like maybe I created the pressure, then Woody came on and let loose. It’s teamwork.”Anderson also declared himself available to play in the fifth Test at The Oval, which starts on Thursday.”I’ve chatted to a few of the guys because it is frustrating when you go through this,” he wrote. “You are frustrated and desperate to help the team, desperate to win games.”But unfortunately for me it was not to be this series. I’ve still got another game to go if I do get a chance and I will try and do the best I can.”

India and Mumbai batter is in the middle of a slump after an unbelievable year in 2022

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-20233:10

What’s gone wrong for Suryakumar Yadav?

In 2022, Suryakumar Yadav was redefining the concept of risk in cricket. Playing behind the wicket as much as he did in front of it, taking balls from well outside off for boundaries to square leg and midwicket, he was expanding on what was possible on the field and he was able to do it for a fairly long time. In 12 months, and 31 T20Is, he amassed 1164 runs at an average of 46.56 and strike rate of 187.43. Very few in the modern era have been that successful while being that destructive.It prompted India to look at Suryakumar as a gamechanger in other formats as well. They gave him a Test debut against Australia in Nagpur on a spin-friendly pitch where it looked like, at least before the game, batting long didn’t really look likely. So they chose to keep Shubman Gill – a player equally gifted but more in the traditional mould – out of the side in favour of Suryakumar and his ability to play high-impact innings in a very short space of time.But things didn’t happen that way. Suryakumar fell into a slump, scoring 8 (Test), 0, 0, 0 (ODIs), 15 and now 1 (IPL) in the defeat against Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede stadium.Former Australia allrounder and vastly experienced T20 coach Tom Moody, on ESPNcricinfo Time:Out, found it hard to explain why a batter who not so long ago looked impossible to stop now looks like its impossible for him to score.”It’s very hard to dissect,” he said, “But I think what we’re learning is that he is human. For a period of time there, we were sort of not really coming to terms with what he’s actually doing to the game; he was nearly untouchable. But I think now we’re seeing the polar opposite. Sport does a vicious cycle of exposing the human element of our vulnerability. You can call it form or luck or whatever you like.Suryakumar Yadav has scores of 8 (Test), 0, 0, 0 (ODIs), 15 and now 1 (IPL)•Mumbai Indians”He’s probably doing exactly the same thing as he’s done the last 12 months but he’s just not getting the rub of the green. The thing is that then can turn into a situation where he starts questioning his form, questioning whether he’s doing the right things, he might start to change his technique or batting stances or all sorts of things, the way he is preparing which is what he shouldn’t be doing. That’s why a lot of people say cricket, particularly batting, is 80% mental and 20% skill.”Moody’s partner on the show, the former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait believed these highs and lows happen to batters who are unorthodox.”If you look at someone like Glenn Maxwell,” he said, “Through his career, he’s had that sort of times as well where he’s had unbelievable purple patches and maybe a slump. Obviously he’s going to be highly criticised. Because of the way he plays as well, Surya, he’s got all those shots, and you can say he’s sometimes reckless.”Obviously he’s an unbelievable player but you wouldn’t say he’s an organised player when he comes to the crease. Someone like a Virat Kohli, right, he’s an organised player. That’s his game. Surya can change things around innings to innings. But because he’s so flash and so great to watch and entertaining, maybe the recklessness can fall the other way.”The other thing that comes in as well, maybe the hype and the great run he’s had maybe he’s come down a couple of rungs. Hopefully he can get back up there. He’s like Maxwell. The way he thinks about the game is a little bit different and so the fall can be a little bit harder for those sort of players.”Despite his recent struggles, there are still people like three-time world champion Ricky Ponting who are backing Suryakumar to come good again.”Everyone around the world knows what Surya can do in white-ball cricket. They [India] should stick with him, I feel,” he told the ICC Review. “Because he is I think the kind of player that can win you a World Cup. He might be a little bit inconsistent but he’s the sort of guy who in big moments can win you something,”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has hit back at Deco's open admiration for Luis Diaz by suggesting his own interest in two Barcelona stars.

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Slot hits back at DecoBarcelona chasing signing of Luis DiazLiverpool closing in on WirtzFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Barcelona sporting director had told media that the club were plotting moves for Diaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, but then claimed talking about a deal for either player was disrespectful to their respective clubs. The Catalan giants want to strengthen their already-ruthless attack with another wide player to complement the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha who have had to play close to 50 games each this season. However, the public declaration of interest in Diaz has been laughed off by Slot.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWHAT DECO SAID

Speaking about potential incomings, Deco said: "Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect. We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."

WHAT SLOT SAID

Firing back at Deco, Slot said in a press conference: "Every club has its own way of doing things. You are used to the fact that I don't talk about players from other clubs that we haven't signed.

"I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz – because I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player, having a great season. He [Deco] admires a few players, which we all do. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha a lot as well!"

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Liverpool will be hesitant to let Diaz depart without recouping more than the £50 million ($67m) outlay they sent in Porto's direction to bring the Colombian to Anfield just three years ago. The Reds are reportedly seeking to tie Diaz down to a longer-term contract, but with just two years remaining on his current deal, may be forced to cash in now. They will be desperate to avoid losing another star player for no fee with Trent Alexander-Arnold walking out the door as a free agent this summer.

Roy Keane has fired shots at Eni Aluko with a quick-witted Ian Wright joke after her claims of the Arsenal legend 'blocking' female pundits.

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Aluko blamed Wright for 'blocking' female punditsKeane makes a quick-witted joke about AlukoLeaves Scott, Wright, Neville and Scholes in hystericsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Last month, Aluko claimed that Wright 'blocked' female pundits as she blamed the Arsenal legend of 'dominating' the coverage of women's football. The former Lionesses star later apologised for her comments towards Wright after reports of a potential sack from her punditry role with ITV. However, her claims have continued to irk those in the footballing world.

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Keane has now fired shots at Aluko with a quick-witted joke on Sky Sports' Stick to Football podcast as Jill Scott explained why she does not work too much in the women's side of the game. The United legend quipped: "Because of Ian?" The whole cast, including Scott, Wright, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, were left in hysterics while Keane remained straight-faced.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

After the controversy, Aluko resigned from hosting the Women's Football Awards last week. The public has been advised by Wright to "move on" from the incident. ITV has also backed him, issuing a forceful statement in favour of the Arsenal icon.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ALUKO?

The former Lionesses star is set to stay on with ITV for the rest of the season at least, following her apology to Wright. However, her continuation with the broadcaster through the summer remains in doubt.

Manchester City made four signings during the winter transfer window in a bid to salvage something from the second half of the season.

Three started against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon as the club secured a well-deserved 4-0 win over the Champions League chasing Magpies.

Omar Marmoush lived up to his £59m transfer fee by scoring a wonderful first-half hat-trick at the Etihad, with the first one being the pick of the bunch, as the Egyptian star lobbed the ball over Martin Dubravka in the Toon goal.

To round off the win, James McAtee scored the fourth during the final few minutes and Pep Guardiola will surely be pleased with his team. The result prepares the club well for the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie against Real Madrid next week.

Omar Marmoush was incredible against Newcastle

The former Eintracht Frankfurt gem had to wait 165 minutes to score his first Premier League goal for City but proceeded to score three in the space of 14 minutes during a frantic first half.

The winger also delivered three accurate crosses into the opposition penalty area, attempted two dribbles, and won three ground duels in what was a superb display.

Man City vs Newcastle United – Key Statistics

Metric

Highest-Ranked

Accurate passes

Nico Gonzalez (98)

Shots on target

Omar Marmoush (3)

Tackles

Lewis Hall (7)

Ground duels won

Lewis Hall (8)

Key passes

Phil Foden (3)

Via Sofascore

Guardiola will hope this is a sign of what’s to come from the 26-year-old. He wasn’t the only one to shine against Eddie Howe’s men, however, as Savinho on the opposite flank was just as good.

Savinho’s game in numbers vs Newcastle

The young winger has been so impressive since arriving at City last summer. Across 32 games in all competitions, the 20-year-old has scored twice while registering eight assists for City.

Guardiola unleashed the Brazilian on the right against Newcastle, where he and Marmoush tore apart a fragile defence.

Savinho may not have scored, but he did everything else right. Not only did he grab an assist, but he also completed 90% of his passes during the game, took 70 touches, and created a big chance.

Elsewhere, the former Girona sensation attempted a staggering nine dribbles throughout the 90 minutes. Yes, he may have succeeded with only three, but his desire to take on his opposite number proved he wanted to get involved as often as possible.

Journalist Sam Lee hailed his dribbling ability, saying: “Savinho has absolutely no fear of Hall at all. He’s going at him every time.”

Defensively, he lost the ball 16 times while winning six ground duels contested, but this facet of his game may improve as time goes on.

At the present moment, all Guardiola will be looking for is Savinho to cause chaos for opposition defences, something that Newcastle found out the hard way on Saturday.

Marmoush will likely get all the plaudits, yet the Brazilian delivered an equally vital performance for City as they moved up to fourth in the Premier League table.

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Arsenal have been hit by a double injury scare ahead of PSG tie as Ben White and Mikel Merino are doubtful for the Champions League semi-final.

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White & Merino absent during Palace drawBoth players are having injury "issues"Could potentially miss the PSG clash Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The duo played no part in the Gunners’ 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, with neither making the matchday squad. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed prior to kick-off at the Emirates that both players were unavailable due to issues sustained after Arsenal’s previous Premier League outing – a hard-fought victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday. Their absence was keenly felt in a game that saw Arsenal twice surrender the lead, eventually sharing the spoils with the visiting Eagles.

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Merino’s availability is particularly crucial for Arteta’s side, given the unique role he’s played in recent months. With Arsenal hit by a series of injuries to their forwards, Merino has taken on an unorthodox role leading the line — a position typically outside his comfort zone as a central midfielder. His adaptability and effectiveness in that position were on full display during the Gunners' Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, where he found the back of the net once and provided two assists over the two legs.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

Speaking after the match, Arteta was asked whether White and Merino would be available for the PSG encounter next week. His response did little to calm nerves: “We’ll have to wait and see, they weren’t able to be in the squad today.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

White had only recently made his comeback from a significant knee injury that required surgery in November. He had been reintegrated into the squad over the past few weeks and was expected to reclaim his starting spot, particularly with the defensive unit stretched due to fixture congestion and minor knocks throughout the squad. However, the latest fitness issue has again sidelined the England international, raising concerns over his ability to maintain consistent availability during a crucial stretch of the season.

Leeds United took a closer look at a “pacey” wide player over the weekend as they eye new arrivals in January, according to a new report.

Leeds transfer news

It has been a quiet January transfer window for the Whites so far, which may not be a surprise given they are top of the Championship and into the fourth round of the FA Cup. But that doesn’t mean in the remaining two weeks of the window that Leeds won’t conduct any transfer business.

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It’s been reported that the Yorkshire side are looking to sign a new goalkeeper following mistakes that Illan Meslier has made this season, despite Daniel Farke’s public backing of the Frenchman.

As well as looking to sign a new keeper, the Championship side are in the market for a new striker and have renewed their interest in Mergim Berisha. Leeds have also been linked with a move to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough, but that deal looks to be more difficult now, as MLS side Atlanta have made an offer worth £20 million to sign the striker.

Farke may be pushing the club’s hierarchy for a new striker even more now too, as Joe Gelhardt closes in on a move to Hull City. The Whites have sanctioned his temporary departure, but that could mean Leeds now enter the market for his replacement, despite the fact that Gelhardt has hardly featured in this campaign.

Leeds send scouts to watch "pacey" wing back as Farke eyes reunion

But it isn’t just a new goalkeeper and striker that the Whites are looking at, as according to LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds are taking a look at Bali Mumba of Plymouth Argyle and had scouts in attendance to watch him against Brentford on Saturday.

The 23-year-old full back, who can also play further up as a winger, first joined the Pilgrims on loan in the 2022/23 season from Norwich City. After scoring six goals and registering seven assists as Plymouth won promotion to the Championship, they secured the permanent transfer of Mumba.

Mumba has been an important player for Plymouth in the Championship, scoring three goals last season as they beat the drop. He has continued to impress this season, so much so that Leeds had scouts watching his performance in Plymouth’s shock 1-0 win over Brentford in the FA Cup, as they look at options to improve their defence.

The Whites are keeping a close eye on Mumba and are considering making a move for him in what remains of this transfer window, but it is unclear how much he could cost, as he is under contract until 2027. Farke is fully aware of what Mumba can bring, as he had the player at Norwich City, and he was the one who gave him his Premier League and Carabao Cup debut, labelling the defender “pacey” back in 2021.

Farke said: “Actually, I was quite pleased because we wanted to use a bit more of a pacy full-back on our side, and that is why we gave Bali (Mumba) his debut.”

Shikhar Dhawan, India’s stand-in captain for the ODIs in the West Indies, has praised the maturity of his young squad which swept the series 3-0. With India resting Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah – and KL Rahul unavailable because of injury and Covid-19 – Dhawan was pleased with how the bench strength had handled pressure during the series.”The way the boys responded … They are young in age but quite mature and sensible, they can handle pressure quite nicely,” Dhawan said after India won the rain-interrupted third ODI by 119 runs in Trinidad.Related

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“Because of domestic cricket and the IPL … the transition to international cricket becomes quite easy for us. At the same time, hats off to all the boys – both the batting and bowling unit, the way they responded was amazing. They were quite disciplined and practical. They weren’t going with emotions but were using their sense out there. It’s a big, big tick for all of us.”Dhawan was pleased with the way almost every batter contributed in the series. Shubman Gill starred with 205 runs from three innings, Shreyas Iyer made 163 runs with two fifties, while Sanju Samson and Axar Patel also scored crucial half-centuries. Dhawan also said the plan to use allrounder Deepak Hooda with the ball worked so well that he opened the bowling with the offspinner in the third ODI.”If you talk about the batting unit, everyone has scored runs – Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju, Axar … there couldn’t be a better sign for a batting unit,” Dhawan said. “And they all are youngsters. So to play in these conditions after the England tour, be it batting first or chasing, or to play with the same grit in the third game after you have won the first two, that’s a big thing in itself.”Before the series, we knew Deepak could play an allrounder’s role. The way he responded in the first match, that confidence just went up that instead of five overs, he could bowl seven-eight overs too. And not only against left-handers, but he also bowled well to their right-handers. After two games, we realised that their left-hander might struggle a bit against his offspin, we thought of giving him the new ball because there was not much swing for the fast bowlers. So given the wicket, we thought the offspinner might work, and today the first over was a maiden.”In the absence of regular openers Rohit and Rahul, India had to choose between Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan and Gill to partner Dhawan at the top. They chose Gill and he ended up being the Player of the Series, averaging 102.50 with three 40-plus scores and two century partnerships with his captain.Shubman Gill smashed his way to a second fifty of the series on Wednesday•AFP/Getty Images

“He [Gill] has got a very good technique and he is a classy player; you can see that the touch he’s got – I think he has got a bit of Rohit touch in him,” Dhawan said. “He has a lot of time in him. Good to see that he has scored 98 today. He knew how to convert his fifty to 90s. We both got two 100-run partnerships in three matches, that’s a very good sign. The way we handled the first ten overs and their bowling attack, it was really good.”Apart from having a successful series as a captain, Dhawan also made important contributions with the bat. His recent form had not been great: he averaged only 28 in his previous five ODIs before the tour of the Caribbean, and his last hundred was in June 2019. Dhawan finished as the second highest run-scorer in this series, with scores of 97, 13 and 58.”I am very pleased with my batting because the way the ball is hitting my bat and my shots are coming out … With the experience I have and the calmness I play with, I was not rushed at all while batting. I handle the pressure in an even better manner now, so that feels good.”India’s bowlers also played their part in the series win. In the absence of Bumrah and Shami, Yuzvendra Chahaland Shardul Thakur emerged as the top wicket-takers of the series with seven wickets each, while Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj played supporting roles.”Mohammed Siraj is a quality bowler. After playing for so many years, his self-belief has also increased,” Dhawan said. “Even when I give him a field, he would say, ‘No, I want this field.’ So that pleases me because that shows his self-belief. So when he backs himself, as a captain, it becomes very easy for me. When you see boys know what to do, they know their responsibilities, it feels great as a captain.”Dhawan’s series win was India’s fourth consecutive overseas victory in limited-overs cricket since the tour of South Africa in January this year. He will now hand back the captaincy to Rohit, who returns for the five-match T20I series against West Indies beginning in Tarouba on Friday.

It would be fair to say that the last couple of weeks haven’t been particularly enjoyable for the Arsenal faithful.

They’ve seen their team drop more points in the Premier League, crash out of the FA Cup and given themselves an extraordinarily large hill to climb in the League Cup, and then, to top it all off, Gabriel Jesus is now out with an ACL injury.

Altogether, this has made the need for a new attacking signing this month all the more pressing, and one of the names that keeps popping up is Dušan Vlahović.

The Serbian international is an incredibly talented forward and someone who’d certainly improve Mikel Arteta’s squad, but based on recent reports, the club could end up signing another striker who’d be an even better addition.

Arsenal plot striker swoop

According to a recent report from journalist and transfers expert Ben Jacobs, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Interestingly, Jacobs has revealed that the Slovenian international was “sold” on the North Londoners project in the summer but opted to remain in Germany as he believed it was “best for his short-term development.”

However, Jacobs does pour some cold water on the news by claiming it’s “unclear if Sesko could be persuaded to move mid-season.”

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the journalist’s report, but stories from last month claimed that Leipzig would demand at least €70m for their star attacker, which comes to about £59m.

In all, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given how well Sesko is playing this season, his age and his potential, it could prove to be value for money down the line and a better investment than signing Vlahovic.

How Šeško compares to Vlahović

So, if Arsenal are currently looking at both Vlahović and Šeško as potential additions to the squad, either for this month or in the summer, which one should they go for?

Well, when we compare their pure output from this season, which is, of course, what matters most for a centre-forward, it’s a close-run thing, but it’s the Leipzig star who comes out on top.

In his 24 appearances so far, totalling 1683 minutes, the unreal “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 12 goals and provided three assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.60 games, or every 112.20 minutes.

In contrast, the Juventus star has found the back of the net 12 times and provided two assists in 23 appearances totalling 1873 minutes, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 133.78 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Serbian international, he comes out an even more distant second-best when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers from this season.

Progressive Passes

1.95

0.88

Progressive Carries

2.11

0.95

Shots

2.36

3.48

Goals per Shot

0.24

0.06

Shots on Target

1.22

1.02

Passing Accuracy

69.2%

67.6%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.87

1.91

Goal-Creating Actions

0.33

0.07

Successful Take-Ons

1.46

0.27

For example, the Leipzig star, whose “ball striking is a joke” according to Mattinson, comes out ahead in almost all relevant metrics, including but not limited to actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots on target, successful take-ons, goal-creating actions, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Finally, while there isn’t a massive difference in their ages, the fact that the Slovenian is three years younger at 21 and already outperforming his former Fiorentina star further cements the idea that he is the forward with a higher ceiling.

Ultimately, while both players are incredibly talented and would surely improve Arsenal’s frontline, it is quite clear that Šeško is the better option and therefore, the Gunners must do what they can to sign him as soon as possible.

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Thomas Tuchel's former assistant manager has been appointed RB Leipzig head coach after the German side sacked Marco Rose on Sunday.

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• Low replaces Rose as Leipzig boss
• Worked under Tuchel at three clubs
• Returns to Bundesliga side after 10 years

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leipzig announced Rose's departure in the wake of their 1-0 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach. The loss saw Gladbach overtake the Red Bull club into fifth place, with Rose's team having won just one of their last six Bundesliga matches.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

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  Leipzig have turned to Zsolt Low to turn the situation around as the former Hungary international signed a contract until the end of the season. He initially joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg as an assistant coach in 2015, but left following Ralf Rangnick's exit. Low became Tuchel's assistant at Paris Saint-Germain in 2018 and followed him to Chelsea and Bayern Munich. He did not follow him to the England job, however.

• WHAT RB LEIPZIG SAID

  "Zsolt Low has got everything we need to turn things around quickly and give performances a boost: an incredible amount of experience, a lot of success at top European clubs, and the right approach," said Leipzig's managing director, Marcel Schafer. "It’s now up to the team to turn the tide together with Zsolt. At the same time, we’re working on finding a permanent head coach for the start of the 2025-26 season."

  Low added: "We’re fully focused on the maximum nine remaining games of the season. We’ve still got the chance to achieve our goals in two competitions. We’ll do everything we can to reach the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin and get the most out of the remaining Bundesliga matches."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LEIPZIG?

  Low does not have much time to work with his players before their next crucial game. They come up against Stuttgart in a DFB-Pokal semi-final on Wednesday.