Marcos Braz confirma proposta do West Ham por Lázaro, do Flamengo: 'Eles sabem o valor que a gente quer'

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Mais uma joia do Flamengo é cobiçado pelo futebol do Velho Continente. OWest Ham, da Inglaterra, segue de olho no jovem Lázaro e ofereceram uma proposta de 5 milhões de libras (R$ 30,57 milhões na cotação atual) pelo atleta. O vice-presidente de futebol, Marcos Braz, confirmou que as conversas existem, mas que os ingleses precisam apresentar uma proposta melhor.

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– De fato, teve a proposta, e o Flamengo entende que ela tem que ser melhorada. Se vai ser melhorada ou não, não depende da gente. Estamos aguardando. O Lázaro é um jogador muito importante, a gente conta com ele. Depende muito mais de quem quer comprar, porque a gente não quer vender. Eles já sabem o valor que a gente quer – disse Marcos Braz, em conversa com a equipe do De Primeira.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Cabe salientar que além do West Ham, outros dois times europeus (da Bélgica) também monitoram o jogador. O Rubro-Negro aguarda as ofertas para iniciar as conversas de uma possível negociação de sua joia.

Desde a base, Lázaro tem um currículo vitorioso com títulos tanto pelo Flamengo, quanto pela Seleção Brasileira pela categoria Sub-17. Ele tem a multa rescisória de 80 milhões de euros (R$ 410 milhões de reais, na cotação atual) e contrato até o fim de 2025.

+Flamengo vê principais rivais descansarem e vai completar 100 dias em maratona de jogos

Entre os profissionais, o jogador, de 20 anos, fez 42 partidas e balançou as redes em oito oportunidades. Além disso, ele também anotou sete assistências.

Liverpool in contact for right-back who's far better defensively than Trent

Following the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a free move to Real Madrid, Liverpool have reportedly made contact with a defender who could replace their academy graduate.

Liverpool make first move to replace Trent

It’s seemed inevitable since the rumours first emerged and Alexander-Arnold didn’t instantly put pen to paper on a new Liverpool deal. Now, however, the right-back’s move to Real Madrid is slowly but surely becoming a frustrating reality for all those at Anfield, who could be seeing another academy graduate choose the Spanish giants.

It’s undoubtedly a major blow for the Reds, but one they must get over quickly and turn their attention towards avoiding the same fate with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s current deals. Losing Alexander-Arnold is a blow. Losing Salah and Van Dijk on top of that would be an undeniable disaster.

With that said, the champions-elect have at least already reportedly made their first move to replace their Madrid-bound star. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have now made contact to sign Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo this summer.

Slot intensifies £20m Liverpool move as Trent now close to Real Madrid deal

The Liverpool star looks destined to leave…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 25, 2025

The Spaniard, who spent over a decade in Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, reportedly has a release clause worth just €20m (£17m) and would quickly become a bargain for those at Anfield if he went on and replicated Alexander-Arnold’s quality.

Replacing one of the Premier League’s best right-backs of all time will be a near-impossible task, but if Arne Slot adapts his system in a way that no longer makes that role a creative outlet then the job of Mingueza or another option will become that much easier this summer.

"Great" Mingueza is more reliable than Trent

Whilst there’s no denying that the good has always outweighed the bad in the case of Alexander-Arnold, he has proven to be a defensive liability throughout his Liverpool career. And that’s an area in which Mingueza would offer instant reliability over the Anfield star, offering Slot a far safer option down his right-hand side.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Oscar Mingueza

Alexander-Arnold

Starts

23

26

Errors leading to a shot

3

4

Aerial Duels Won

9

3

Dispossessed

9

15

That safety in possession compared to the more extravagant Alexander-Arnold could become a blessing in disguise for Liverpool, as Slot looks to create a side capable of passing sides into submission. Praised for a “great” season at Barcelona in 2021 by football scout/writer Jacek Kulig, Mingueza could now get the opportunity to take his biggest step yet back to the top of European football.

Oscar Mingueza for Celta Vigo.

At 25 years old, the Celta Vigo star should be at the peak of his powers and ready to take Anfield by storm. Available for a reported £17m, the Spaniard is certainly one to watch when the transfer window swings open this summer.

'We go separate ways again' – Carlo Ancelotti pens emotional letter to Real Madrid fans after exit from Los Blancos is confirmed

Carlo Ancelotti has penned an emotional letter to Real Madrid fans before his final game in charge of Los Blancos.

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  • Ancelotti bids goodbye to Real Madrid
  • Has had an eventful stint in the Bernabeu dugout
  • Will fly to Brazil for his next assignment
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Just hours after the club confirmed his upcoming departure, the revered Italian coach took to social media to share a heartfelt letter addressed to the Real Madrid faithful. The 64-year-old departs after completing a second spell with the Spanish giants, a period that has seen him rise to legendary status throughout his time at the Spanish capital.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    During his two stints in charge, Ancelotti transformed success into a routine, guiding the team to an astonishing haul of silverware. Under his stewardship, Real Madrid won three Champions League titles, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two La Liga crowns, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two Spanish Super Cups. His statistical record is just as remarkable—352 games managed, with 249 victories, 50 draws, and only 53 losses.

  • WHAT ANCELOTTI WROTE

    In his open letter, Ancelotti—fondly nicknamed “Carletto”—poured his emotions into a touching farewell, writing: “Today we go separate ways again. Today again I take in my heart every moment I’ve lived in this wonderful second stage as Real Madrid coach. It’s been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, titles and, above all, pride of representing this shield”.

    “Thanks to the president Florentino Perez, to the club, to my players, to my staff and, above all, to this unique fan that has always made me feel like one of them. What we have achieved together will remain forever in the memory of Madridisimo… not only for the triumphs, but for the way we achieved them. The magic nights of the Bernabéu are already football history.

    “Now a new adventure begins, but my bond with Real Madrid is eternal. See you soon, Madridistas! Hala Madrid Y Nada Más!”.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

    Ancelotti’s farewell game will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 24, with Real Madrid facing Real Sociedad in their final La Liga clash of the season. While the match will mark the end of an era for Real Madrid, it is also the beginning of a new chapter for Ancelotti. The veteran coach will soon head to South America, where he is set to begin his role as the head coach of the Brazil national team. The move to Brazil reunites Ancelotti with two of his Real Madrid stars, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, now key figures in the Seleção.

Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York mayor, officially named to lead White House's FIFA World Cup task force

U.S. President Donald Trump says Giuliani will serve as executive director of the 2026 FIFA World Cup task force

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  • Andrew Giuliani named to lead World Cup task force
  • Son of former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani
  • 2026 World Cup kicks off in June 2026
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Andrew Giuliani as executive director of the 2026 World Cup task force, with the goal of ensuring fans traveling to North America to watch the competition will have a seamless and safe experience.

    "Together this group will help plan the biggest, safest, and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history," Trump said Tuesday at a task force meeting that included FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

    Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, previously served in Trump’s first administration as a special assistant to the president.

    Trump, who will chair the task force, also named FIFA senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro as a task force senior advisor. The appointments – and statements from both Trump and Infantino – are intended to underscore confidence in the 2026 tournament, to be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Preparations for both the 2025 Club World Cup and the World Cup in 2026 continue to be at forefront for host cities and both local and federal officials. Infantino said the two events would bring nearly $50 billion in economic output to the U.S., and 300,000 jobs.

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    WHAT JD VANCE SAID

    Vice President JD Vance, who is vice chair for the Task Force, emphasized that fans traveling to the World Cup will have an enjoyable experience, but also issued a cautionary statement to those who want to extend their stay after it.

    "Of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event, I know we'll have visitors from close to 100 countries," he said. "We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game, but when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise, they'll have to talk to [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR FIFA?

    The Club World Cup opens next month, as Inter Miami are set to host Al-Ahly FC on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium.

Aston Villa have already signed a more exciting talent than Rashford

Aston Villa advanced through to the next round of the FA Cup on Sunday evening to put their poor form in the Premier League firmly to one side.

Villa would ultimately get the better of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur by a single goal in a 2-1 win, with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers sharing out the strikes in the slim Cup victory.

Whilst there would have been many pleasing elements from the performance for Unai Emery to latch onto when it comes to those who started the game, the main excitement from the clash came from the many star-studded substitutes the Spaniard made, which included Marcus Rashford making his hotly anticipated debut.

Marcus Rashford's Aston Villa debut in numbers

Although his time at Manchester United has turned sour – leading to this last-ditch loan switch taking place – there’s no doubt that Rashford is a top Premier League performer when at the very peak of his powers.

Indeed, the Manchester-born attacker hasn’t just amassed 201 goal contributions at Old Trafford by chance, with the 27-year-old keen to hit the ground running when substituted late on versus Spurs.

Minutes played

24

Touches

22

Accurate passes

13/14 (93%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

1/2

Ground duels won

3/5

Aerial duels won

1/1

Tackles

2

Rashford was only gifted 24 minutes of action by Emery in this clash, but he still showed off his class in flashes with one successful dribble proving to be too tricky for Pedro Porro to thwart, on top of the fact the new Villa number nine also won four ground duels to show off his commitment to his loan employers.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Aston Villa have a more exciting signing than Rashford

Emery will no doubt continue to use Rashford here and there as a top-quality option to boost his already entertaining attack.

However, it was another of his fresh faces in Marco Asensio who really stole the show against the visitors from North London to solidify the fact he might well be an even better capture than the Red Devils outcast.

Villa supporters wouldn’t have believed their luck come the end of the transfer window when both Asensio and Rashford arrived through the door on short-term deals, with the loan move for the ex-Real Madrid man a real coup based on first impressions.

Position

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

RW

148

30

15

LW

132

22

22

AM

90

19

22

CF

18

5

5

CM

4

0

0

SS

1

0

1

LM

1

0

0

Across his far more memorable spell on the pitch, the versatile midfielder amazingly completed all 15 of his passes, alongside also bamboozling many a Spurs defender with his repertoire of skills.

One of those stylish bits of play nearly resulted in a debut assist coming the well-travelled 29-year-old’s way, with a sublime flick moments after his introduction seeing Rogers then fire over a subsequent effort.

Whilst Rashford does know the English game inside and out, it’s safe to say his damaging experiences at Old Trafford as of late might well have left some lasting bruises that will have dented his confidence, whilst Asensio already looks confident and assured mere minutes into his first taster of his new surroundings.

Minutes played

24

Touches

20

Accurate passes

15/15

Key passes

1

Dribbles

1

Crosses

2

Duels won

2/3

Possession lost

2

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Alongside that, Emery will also feel comfortable chucking Asensio into his starting lineups moving forward in a whole plethora of different positions, with the 38-time senior Spain international capable of playing all across the attack, notably featuring on either flank on over 100 occasions.

His efforts as an adaptable presence playing at the Santiago Bernabeu resulted in three illustrious Champions League titles heading Madrid’s way, on top of three La Liga title successes also being achieved, meaning Asensio won’t be fazed whatsoever playing on Europe’s biggest stage for Emery’s men either.

Paris St Germain's MarcoAsensioduring the warm up before the match

The 29-year-old has even been labelled as “world-class” in the past by one of his former Spain managers in Vicente del Bosque, with this signing one that might take Villa to the next level on its own, away from the other statement deal of Rashford.

Cost £0, now worth 2x more than Malen: Aston Villa hit gold with magic ace

The Villa star has been impressive under Emery.

ByJoe Nuttall Feb 8, 2025

Inaugural SA20 league to begin on January 10

Tournament will run into February and will comprise 33 matches

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2022

Faf du Plessis and David Miller will captain the Johannesburg and Paarl teams in the SA20•AFP

There are only 100 days to go for the start of a new franchise T20 league, with Cricket South Africa’s SA20 scheduled to begin on January 10 next year.The league has six teams – MI Cape Town, Durban Super Giants, Johannesburg Super Kings, Paarl Royals, Pretoria Capitals and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, which represents the city of Gqeberha – in the fray. All of them are owned by groups that also own teams in the IPL.Related

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SA20 squads: a look at how they stack up

Temba Bavuma not picked for SA20

Each squad comprises 17 players – with a maximum of seven internationals – and they filled their rosters at the player auction on September 19, where batter Tristan Stubbs was the most expensive player after being bought for approximately US$ 520,000 by the Sunrisers franchise.Johannesburg Super Kings will be led by former Chennai Super Kings stalwart Faf du Plessis, and their assistant coach Albie Morkel – another former CSK player – was bullish about the opening season of the league.”The player auction was a huge success for us as Jo’burg Super Kings and for the league itself,” he said. “There were a lot of quality local and international cricketers picked up and that will certainly produce competitive cricket from the teams …We have already started doing work behind the scenes and can’t wait for the action to start come January 10th.”Robin Peterson, the former South African spinner and MI Cape Town general manager said the league would be extremely valuable for the development of cricket in South Africa.”The SA20 is going to have a massive impact on South African cricket,” he said. “It is going to revolutionise the game in our country and if used correctly and to its full potential, it will be an exciting competition. Being on the ground working at domestic level, there is a certain level of excitement from cricketers that there is a league within our own country. There’s knowing that if they showcase their skills, who knows where it may lead to, be it playing for the Proteas or getting deals around the world.”The SA20 will comprise 33 matches, to be played from January 10 into February. All teams will play each other twice – on a home-and-away basis – during the league followed by two semi-finals and the final.

Better move than Disasi: Spurs submit last-gasp bid for "quality" defender

It’s no secret that Tottenham Hotspur have been in the transfer market for numerous defenders in recent days as the hierarchy looks to provide Ange Postecoglou with the tools he needs to succeed.

Injuries have decimated his squad, with Radu Dragusin the latest player to suffer a long-term issue, after it was confirmed that the Romanian tore his ACL – subsequently ruling him out for around nine months.

Marc Guehi was on their radar first thing this morning after it emerged that Spurs had a £70m bid for the Crystal Palace ace rejected, which has seen them since move on to different targets.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi celebrates

Axel Disasi is another name who’s been mentioned as of late, but it remains unclear whether the Frenchman would be interested in a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

As a result, they’ve shifted their focus onto another potential target, submitting a late offer for one player who could move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming hours.

Spurs submit late £20m bid for French talent

According to journalist Loic Tanzi, Spurs have submitted a late £20m bid to sign Burnley star Maxime Esteve before the 11pm transfer deadline.

The Frenchman joined the Clarets 12 months ago from Ligue 1 side Montpellier but was unable to stop them from suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season.

However, he’s since starred in England’s second tier, being part of a backline that has conceded just nine times in 30 matches – currently enjoying an eight-game streak without conceding a goal.

Tanzi confirmed that the bid had been made for the 22-year-old who’s started every league game this campaign, but that Scott Parker’s side are demanding £30m to part ways with the youngster before the end of the window.

Any deal could allow Postecoglou’s side to forget about a move for Disasi, with Esteve undoubtedly the better option out of the pair for the current Spurs first-team squad.

Why Esteve would be a better option than Disasi for Spurs

Both aforementioned options would provide the cover needed in North London, especially after Dragusin’s latest injury setback, but if they are to progress as a club, the right addition needs to be made.

Kevin Danso arrived over the last couple of days, with the club finally landing the reinforcement they’d been craving, but he was yet another right-footed option, with Micky van de Ven the only left-footed centre-back in the ranks.

However, a move for Disasi would see yet another right-footed player join, with Esteve having the chance to offer a more balanced option for Postecoglou, especially in the absence of the Netherlands international.

When comparing the Burnley star’s stats with the Chelsea ace from the ongoing campaign, Esteve has massively outperformed him, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

Esteve, who’s previously been dubbed a “quality left-footed CB” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning more aerials – making him the better defensive option out of the pair.

Games played

30

6

Minutes played

2615

364

Pass accuracy

90%

90%

Tackles won

56%

54%

Blocks made

1.2

1

Interceptions made

1.1

0.5

Clearances made

4.2

2.8

Aerials won

1.8

1.3

He’s also made more blocks and interceptions per 90, having the all-round skill set to be a key member of the squad, even upon the regular starters return to action.

Whilst £30m may seem like an expensive addition for a player in the second tier, Esteve has the ability to make the jump and star at the heart of the defence, having the chance to improve further in the years ahead.

Given his impressive stats compared to Disasi, it would be a no-brainer, with the Burnley star able to slot in and make an immediate impact given the huge difference in minutes played – offering a consistent figure, something which has greatly been lacking of late.

Perfect Guehi alternative: Spurs lead race to sign another star after Tel

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land the centre-back they have been craving in recent days.

1 ByEthan Lamb Feb 3, 2025

ILT20: Rovman Powell, Fabian Allen, Sikandar Raza, Mujeeb Ur Rahman sign up for Dubai Capitals

Dushmantha Chameera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella and Hazratullah Zazai are the other big names in the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Aug-2022Rovman Powell, Fabian Allen, Dasun Shanaka and Sikandar Raza are among the 14 overseas players signed by Dubai Capitals, the team owned by the GMR Group in the UAE’s International League T20.Dushmantha Chameera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella, Hazratullah Zazai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are the other big names, while Scotland’s George Munsey and Netherlands’ Fred Klaassen are the two Associate players. Four domestic (UAE) players will be drafted at a later date.Among the current signees, Powell is the only one who is part of Delhi Capitals, the franchise partly owned by the GMR Group in the IPL.”Being a part of T20 cricket’s most extravagant set-up, the Indian Premier League, for 15 years now – we felt that it was the right time to expand our wings on to the global popularity charts of this format of the sport,” Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the managing director of the GMR group and chairman of Dubai Capitals said.”The International League T20, which is scheduled to be launched in the United Arab Emirates in January 2023, is a perfect stepping-stone for GMR Sports towards building the Capitals universe comprising of a galaxy of cricketing stars from all corners of the world. We are looking forward to making a world-class city like Dubai, our home as Dubai Capitals.”Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are the other teams who have announced their overseas roster for the ILT20. The six-team league has been sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board and will take place between January 6 and February 12.Dubai Capitals squad so far: Rovman Powell, Dushmantha Chameera, Hazratullah Zazai, Fabian Allen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sikandar Raza, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dan Lawrence, Blessing Muzarabani, Isuru Udana, George Munsey, Fred Klaassen

£150k-per-week Arsenal player now in concrete January talks to leave

Arsenal need every man available as they attempt to make up ground on Liverpool in the Premier League title race, yet a credible media source has now shared news of a very possible high-profile exit.

Arsenal without host of key players for North London Derby

The Gunners are preparing for an all-important North London Derby clash against Tottenham on Wednesday, which stands out as one of their most vital games of the campaign to date.

"Special" Arsenal striker target with 14 G/A now rejects January transfer

It comes as Arsenal desperately search for attacking reinforcements.

ByBen Browning Jan 14, 2025

They seriously trail Arne Slot’s side at the top of the table, and nothing but a win will do against their fierce rivals as manager Mikel Arteta is also forced to cope without many key first-team players for the encounter.

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 1

Arsenal are set to be minus Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus against Tottenham, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt as he faces a late fitness test (Premier Injuries).

Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are actively scouring the market for January transfer opportunities, and they are reportedly set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as first reported by The Mail today, but he won’t be joining until the summer.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi

“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, and that’s been the same since day one,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s January plans.

“It would be naive not to do that because it is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad, especially with the circumstances. So yes, we are looking, and we are trying and let’s see what we are able to do.”

They must also take into account potential exits, with Jorginho prepared to leave Arsenal before deadline day (ESPN) and Kieran Tierney attracting interest from former club Celtic.

Oleksandr Zinchenko in "concrete talks" to leave Arsenal

Now, as per Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, a departure for £150,000-per-week defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is very much on the cards.

The Ukraine international is wanted by Borussia Dortmund, who are exploring a deal to bring him to the Bundesliga pre-February 3. Plettenberg, writing via X, states that Zinchenko’s camp are in “concrete talks” with Dortmund as the 28-year-old sets his sights on leaving Arsenal.

Arteta’s side, meanwhile, are open to the possibility of a loan including an obligation to buy set at £17 million.

The former Man City left-back has been a bit-part player for them this season and Zinchenko’s also had his fair share of fitness problems in that time, but he has attracted praise for his quality since joining Arsenal.

“Zinchenko has been absolutely unbelievable,” said Armand Traore to talkSPORT in 2023. “Every time I see him play, you see his passion and you saw him scream after the game [against United] and it’s absolutely amazing.

“I’m thinking [back to] the game against Man United, a few times when Arsenal were maybe not finding a way, he goes and makes things happen. He moves out of his position and gets into little pockets to try and make things happen and this is quite incredible. You can tell that he’s played under Pep Guardiola because he plays in a similar way.”

Forget the heat, Pooran wants West Indies to focus on catching well and batting long

The intense Multan heat has been a major talking point ahead of the Pakistan vs West Indies ODI series. The games are set to start at 4pm local time to counter the weather conditions, but with West Indies desperate to win more World Cup Super League games, Nicholas Pooran doesn’t want to focus on uncontrollables, like the weather, at all.But, keeping in mind the heat, the in-form Keemo Paul has been flown in to bolster the squad. While lead selector Desmond Haynes said in a CWI press statement that the injury-prone Paul had earned his spot after his successful run in the regional four-day championships for Guyana, where he displayed high fitness levels while taking 20 wickets in five games, Pooran indicated that the heat meant an extra squad member would be useful.Related

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“Coming from Netherlands, from the cold to heat [is not ideal],” Pooran told the media on Tuesday. “Today we had our first training session and it went really good. We trained at 4pm, and it was windy. For now, it’s okay. Hopefully it doesn’t affect us. Coming from the Caribbean, it is quite similar, so I think we’ll be alright.”The guys are coping well, the medical team is doing everything to keep us protected. You can’t see the future, but I don’t think the heat will be too much of a problem after what I saw this afternoon.”Pooran wasn’t too concerned about his own form coming into the series. He had a high score of 10 in three innings in the Netherlands, even though there were four centuries and four fifties from his team-mates. He was out all three times to offspinner Aryan Dutt in that series, but despite that, Pooran felt batting against spin remained one of his strongest suits.”No, I’m fine, this is not the first time I haven’t scored runs,” he said. “Have to check my stats, but I am always scoring runs. Obviously, I’m disappointed by my personal performance in the Netherlands. Some people may say that I should’ve scored runs in the Netherlands. But I believe I am a good player of spin and don’t think I have to overthink it too much.”It’s just a matter of time, I need to get a start and then capitalise on it.”Pooran acknowledged that for West Indies, beating Pakistan in Pakistan was a challenge from the outset, but wanted his team to accept it instead of fearing it. As for tangible goals for the Pakistan series, Pooran revealed two such plans: hold on to catches and bat long as a team, consistently.”Some world-class bowlers and batsmen here [for Pakistan], but I want the players to embrace the challenge,” he said. “If we can take our catches, get some runs, you never know what can happen, the game can turn in a couple of balls. We want to use our momentum [from the Netherlands] and continue to be consistent as a team.”Cricket is played on its day. We had three guys getting centuries [in Netherlands]. We saw Brandon King being consistent with the bat. This is obviously really good for us. As a batting group, we want to bat 50 overs. In the Ireland series, in the India series, we haven’t batted all 50 overs.”Yes we are coming to Pakistan, yes they have good bowlers as well, but I believe we have the ability and confidence to bat the 50 overs. We appreciate the small goals and as a team we want to achieve it. One step at a time, and we’ll take it from there.”

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