Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim

Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim
Pep Guardiola. (AFP/File)
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Updated 14 December 2024
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Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim

Manchester derby brings sleepless nights for Guardiola and problems for Amorim

LONDON: Riddled with anxiety about Manchester City’s shocking decline, Pep Guardiola will endure another sleepless night as he tries to pose more problems for Ruben Amorim in the Manchester United manager’s first taste of the Premier League’s most explosive rivalry.
For the first time in years, City go into the Manchester derby mired in even more turmoil than United after a dismal run of one win in 10 games in all competitions.
Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus was City’s seventh loss in that period, an astonishing collapse for a club that has won six of the last seven Premier League titles, including their current streak of four in a row.
United are hardly in peak form themselves, having won just three of Amorim’s six games in charge since he replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag.
But Amorim has already inflicted one painful blow to Guardiola this season when his Sporting side crushed City 4-1 in the Champions League in Lisbon on November 5.
City squandered an early lead on that occasion, blown away by Viktor Gyokeres’ hat-trick as Amorim ruthlessly exposed the gaping holes in Guardiola’s ramshackle defense.
That chastening loss came just days before Amorim officially took charge at Old Trafford and Guardiola would love to exact avenge at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Whether Guardiola’s injury-plagued team, whose confidence appears to be in tatters, are in any shape to deliver a sixth win in their last seven league meetings with United is another matter.
The strain of the worst run of his glittering managerial career is taking a toll on Guardiola as well.
In an interview before the Juventus game, Guardiola said his state of mind was “ugly,” his sleep was “worse” and he was eating lighter as his digestion has suffered during City’s collapse.
On Friday, Guardiola, who recently signed a new two-year contract, insisted he was “fine” despite the stress.
“In our jobs we always want to do our best. When that doesn’t happen you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well,” said Guardiola, who could have just three fit defenders available on Sunday.
“In good moments I am happier but when I get to the next game I am still concerned about what I have to do.
“There is no human being that makes an activity and it doesn’t matter how they do.”
There is no question another loss to Amorim would be a huge blow for Guardiola, whose fourth-placed side are eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Yet Amorim has plenty of issues of his own to resolve after a rocky first month in Manchester featuring only one league victory in four matches.
United are languishing in 13th place after successive league losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest underlined the extent of the rebuilding job faced by Amorim.
They struggled to find any fluency in a nervy 2-1 victory at minnows Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.
Given United’s mediocrity before and since his arrival, Amorim is in no position to cast aspersions about City’s woes.
“I never think about these things. We will face a great opponent and I’m more focused on our problems, so we have a lot of issues here,” he said.
“I’m more focused on what we should do on Sunday to win the game, so I’m really focused on my team.”
And the 39-year-old believes City are capable of hitting back if United allow them to rediscover their rhythm amid the sound and fury of the derby.
“The great teams can respond in any moment. I think they are in a better place than us in the type of understanding the game,” he said.
“The way they play, the confidence they have. Even in these kind of moments.”


Djokovic suggests ‘nice dancers’ should come on court between sets

Djokovic suggests ‘nice dancers’ should come on court between sets
Updated 22 sec ago
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Djokovic suggests ‘nice dancers’ should come on court between sets

Djokovic suggests ‘nice dancers’ should come on court between sets
Some light mid-match entertainment might also help fans and players relax, he said.
“I think that we should try to look to connect more with the younger people“

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic said on Friday that tennis needs to be “more fun” and suggested dancers should be brought on court during breaks.
The Serbian veteran said while the sport had a proud history and tradition, it had been slow in keeping pace with a new generation that does not have “a great attention span.”
He was commenting after admitting he got “hot-headed” with elements of the crowd during his Australian Open third-round win against 26th seed Tomas Machac.
Some light mid-match entertainment might also help fans and players relax, he said.
“I think that we should try to look to connect more with the younger people,” he said. “I want to see a little bit more entertainment.
“For example, why wouldn’t we consider doing something between the sets like the Super Bowl or, I don’t know, the NBA?
“When there is a timeout, they have, you know, dancers come in and this and that. I wouldn’t have a problem with that.
“Nice dancers, there for a few minutes more break so I can relax my nerves and think about something else.
“I feel like it would bring more fun elements and entertainment to tennis, that we know has been quite traditional and maybe conservative in some things.”
Djokovic, who is bidding for a record 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, said he respected the traditions of Wimbledon too much to suggest it should occur at the All England Club.
But he was open to new concepts being introduced elsewhere.
“With Wimbledon I wouldn’t change much. I would keep it as it is because it’s so unique, all white and strawberries and cream and everything about it is just so elegant and classy,” he said.
“But all the others, US Open, I mean, in USA, you guys know very well what entertainment is about.
“So I’m up for it, just like maybe gradual changes.
“Dancers first.”

Haaland signs new Manchester City deal until 2034

Haaland signs new Manchester City deal until 2034
Updated 17 January 2025
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Haaland signs new Manchester City deal until 2034

Haaland signs new Manchester City deal until 2034
  • The Norwegian joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has scored 111 goals in 126 games for the club

LONDON: Erling Haaland has signed a new 9.5-year deal at Manchester City that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034, the Premier League champions announced on Friday.
The 24-year-old striker’s existing deal was due to expire in June 2027 but he has now committed his future to the club for the next decade.
The Norwegian joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has scored 111 goals in 126 games for the club.
“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” said Haaland.
“Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters, and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.
City’s outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Everyone at the club is absolutely delighted that Erling has signed his new contract.
“The fact he is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player, and his love of this club.
“He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves.”


Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi records historic Dakar Rally triumph

Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi records historic Dakar Rally triumph
Updated 17 January 2025
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Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi records historic Dakar Rally triumph

Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi records historic Dakar Rally triumph
  • Saudi Arabia have hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.

SHUBAYTAH: Yazeed Al-Rajhi made history on Friday becoming the first driver from host nation Saudi Arabia to win the Dakar Rally.
The Overdrive pilot held onto his overnight lead to beat South Africa’s Henk Lategan in a Toyota by 3min 57sec with Mattias Ekstrom of Sweden third in his Ford, 20min 21sec adrift.
Saudi Arabia have hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.
 

There was also a first win in the world’s most famous endurance rally for Australia’s KTM rider Daniel Sanders in the motorbike category.
Sanders, 30, dominated from the moment he won the prologue and finished a comfortable 8min 50sec faster than Spanish runner-up Tosha Schareina on his Honda.
Sanders is the second Australian to prevail in the motorbike category, Toby Price emerging victorious in 2016 and 2019.
“It was a tough race,” said Sanders.
“The last three days couldn’t come quick enough. It was really, really exciting to see the finish line when we came over one dune.
“You see the whole bivouac, I just smiled and had chills go through my whole body. Super special, won’t forget that moment.”


Emirati racing trio to compete at 6H of Abu Dhabi

Emirati racing trio to compete at 6H of Abu Dhabi
Updated 17 January 2025
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Emirati racing trio to compete at 6H of Abu Dhabi

Emirati racing trio to compete at 6H of Abu Dhabi
  • Saif Al-Ameri, Fahad Al-Zaabi, and Salem Al-Ketbi will fly the national flag in the second round of Yas Racing Series
  • Yas Heat Racing begins the season with Rashid Al-Dhaheri competing in Formula Regional Middle East Championship

ABU DHABI: Three Emirati racers are set to represent the UAE in the 6H of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend.

Saif Al-Ameri, Fahad Al-Zaabi and Salem Al-Ketbi of Rabdan Motorsport are among more than 50 entrants who have been confirmed for the endurance race.

At the first round of the Middle East Trophy series, the 24H of Dubai, Rabdan Motorsport finished third and secured a podium finish in an impressive start to their 2025 campaign.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Al-Ameri said: “It’s an amazing feeling to race for the UAE in such a major international event. Competing against world class teams right here at Yas Marina Circuit is a proud moment for all of us. Our podium finish in Dubai was a strong start, and we’re aiming for another standout performance.”

Competing in the Porsche 992 category in the Amateur class, Rabdan Motorsport will be the only team on the grid to feature three UAE nationals. Joining forces with them will be Austrian semi-pro racer Christopher Zochling.

This weekend will also host the second round of Yas Racing Series, with Rashid Al-Dhaheri competing in Formula Regional Middle East and Adam Al-Azhari and August Raber debuting in Formula 4 Middle East.


Desert Vipers seal 5-wicket victory against the MI Emirates in Dubai

Desert Vipers seal 5-wicket victory against the MI Emirates in Dubai
Updated 17 January 2025
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Desert Vipers seal 5-wicket victory against the MI Emirates in Dubai

Desert Vipers seal 5-wicket victory against the MI Emirates in Dubai
  • Player of the Match Fakhar Zaman dazzles with 67 from 52 balls to give Vipers third straight DP World ILT20 win

DUBAI: Fakhar Zaman lit up the Dubai International Stadium with a stellar knock of 67 runs in 52 deliveries to secure a five-wicket victory for the Desert Vipers against defending champions the MI Emirates on Thursday.

This was the Vipers’ third-consecutive win in season three of the DP World ILT20.

Zaman and Alex Hales’ knock of 34 runs gave the Vipers a strong start in the run chase. Zaman and Sam Curran then erected a 65-run stand through the middle overs while Sherfane Rutherford powered his way to 21 runs in eight balls to chase the target of 160 in 19.1 overs.

Electing to bat first, the MI Emirates had a promising start but could not extend it into the middle overs. However, the MI Emirates scored 34 runs in the last two overs, with Kieron Pollard and Romario Shepherd hitting two sixes apiece to finish at 159/6.

In response, the Desert Vipers’ opening combination of Hales and Zaman coasted through the powerplay to post 51 runs. Hales had made his way to 34 runs in 22 balls when he was cleaned up by a ripper from Waqar Salamkheil in the eighth over.

Dan Lawrence was dismissed soon after, caught and bowled by Dan Mousley in the ninth over. Mousley scalped Azam Khan in the same manner in his next over to bring the score to 71/3 in 10.1 overs.

With wickets falling on one end, Zaman limited his risks until he unleashed two sixes off Salamkheil in the 14th over. Zaman brought up a 44-ball half century studded with four sixes and three fours.

Zaman creamed two more boundaries in the next over, while Curran joined in with a huge six to complete a second consecutive 16-run over. The pair’s 50-run stand in 31 balls shifted the momentum toward the Desert Vipers.

Zaman was finally dismissed by Zahoor Khan in the 17th over, with the Vipers chasing 24 runs in 18 balls.

The next batter, Rutherford, hit two boundaries while Zahoor Khan picked up his second wicket through Curran (28 runs) in the penultimate over. The Vipers needed six runs in six balls and Rutherford smoked AM Ghazanfar over deep square leg to seal the win in 19.1 overs.

In the first innings, the MI Emirates started well with Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera striking seven fours and a six to finish the powerplay at 48/0.

The runs dried up in the next phase of the innings as Wanindu Hasaranga picked up the first wicket of the night, trapping Waseem leg-before-wicket for 18 runs. Kusal Perera also failed to convert a good start of 33 runs in 29 balls, falling to Lawrence in the 10th over.

Nicholas Pooran and Tom Banton combined for a brief 22-run partnership but both batters fell in the 13th over. Skipper Lockie Ferguson dismissed Pooran while Banton was run out, leaving the MI Emirates at 86/4.

Pollard and Mousley took the innings further with a 37-run stand. Mousley was dismissed by David Payne after a near run-a-ball knock of 15 runs.

Pollard gave the run rate an injection with two fours and three sixes including two maximums off Ferguson in the 19th over. Ferguson had the final say though, dismissing Pollard in the same over after the West Indian had put on 36 runs in 23 balls.

The final over saw Shepherd come out with all guns blazing. He scored an unbeaten 16 runs, smashing two sixes off David Payne as the MI Emirates finished at 159/6 in 20 overs.

Player of the Match, Zaman, said: “I think the fast bowlers were easy, but we were struggling against spinners. We just planned to play out their overs and take the game deep.

“It was because of the way the bowlers were bowling and the leg-side boundary was big, so I was looking for runs on the shorter boundary.”

The MI Emirates’ skipper, Pooran, added: “I felt we were in the game; we were happy with 160, the way the pitch was playing, it seemed to be very tricky.

“It’s still young in the tournament, Mousley got us two wickets, we went searching for another, but we didn’t get it. Credit to Fakhar Zaman and Sam Curran, they played really well.”