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The caravan returns to India against the backdrop of surging Covid-19 cases and a looming T20 World Cup

Nagraj Gollapudi and Gaurav Sundararaman08-Apr-20213:26

Can Mumbai Indians make it three in a row?

India is on the brink of overtaking Brazil to climb to second place on the global list of countries with the highest number of Covid-19 cases. Currently India is inching swiftly towards the 13-million mark. Is India safe then to host IPL 2021, which the ICC is viewing as a dry run for the men’s T20 World Cup, which the country is scheduled to host later this year? There is no definitive answer.The IPL bubble has already proved vulnerable, with a growing number of positive and asymptomatic cases. Uncertainty is the byword for the IPL, which will be played behind closed doors for the second time. The 2020 edition in the UAE was one of the most-watched sporting events globally in the absence of other live content. This time there is much more at stake.Following are the key points and questions that the tournament organisers, the BCCI, and the eight teams will confront when the 52-day event, set to be played across six venues, begins on April 9 in Chennai.Related

• Sunrisers' solidity and depth vs Knight Riders' versatility and flair in slow, turning Chennai

• The vulnerable IPL 2021 bubble

• The IPL is back in India – can the buzz keep the Covid cloud at bay?

• Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face off in superstar-laden IPL 2021 opener

• Kagiso Rabada, Adam Zampa and other players who are set to miss their teams' first IPL game

T20 World Cup – target or distraction?
The IPL is a long-established selection platform especially for the Indian players. With the 2021 World Cup taking place in India, expect not just the India selectors but also those from other international teams to take learnings from this IPL into their plans for the marquee tournament.For the eight franchises, though, the T20 World Cup could potentially be a distraction they could do without. There is every reason for the franchises to fear that their best players might have one eye on their workloads in order to avoid injuries ahead of the World Cup. This could hold true especially for players who have been injury-prone or are recovering from major injuries: David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (both Sunrisers Hyderabad), Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya (both Mumbai Indians), to name a few.At the same time the IPL can catapult uncapped, unknown talent into international contention, which was the case after the last edition of the tournament when T Natarajan (Sunrisers), Varun Chakravarthy (Kolkata Knight Riders), Rahul Tewatia (Rajasthan Royals), Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan (both Mumbai Indians) earned call-ups to India’s white-ball squads for the tour of Australia and the home series against England.Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant will captain the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals respectively•BCCITwo new captains; two bold, fearless voices
Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant have played some of the most turbocharged innings in the IPL including their record partnership for the Delhi Daredevils against the Gujarat Lions in 2017. This time Samson and Pant will captain the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals respectively.It will be a test of their character. Will captaincy suppress their natural aggression, which remains their biggest strength? Or will it usher in a new wave of leadership filled with brio and energy? The focus will especially be on Pant who many, including the former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, believe is on his way to becoming a future India captain after his phenomenal success in international cricket over the past six months.Pant has already said his ambition in this IPL is to take the Capitals “past the (finish) line”, which they’ve come close to achieving in the past two seasons, including finishing runners-up in 2020. For Samson, the challenge is to help the Royals, who possess some of the most impactful players in the IPL in Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and (if he recovers from a finger injury) Jofra Archer, progress into the playoffs. If both succeed, it will open up the tournament nicely.Spin is in again?
The return of the IPL to India will make one group of players especially happy: the spinners. Last year, when the IPL was shifted to the UAE, spinners averaged a collective 34.03, their second-worst return for any IPL season behind 2016. While their overall economy rate was a middling 7.54 (they were most expensive in 2008, going at 8.19, and most frugal in 2009, at 6.76), they took only 198 wickets over the tournament, the third-worst return over a season.This time, spinners can expect more help from the pitches, which might not only assist turn but also break up and offer variable bounce over the course of a season set to be played in peak summer temperatures. Teams that have been dependent on pace to win may need to adapt quickly and tweak their strategies a little.Has the bubble popped?
The 2020 IPL was the first time the eight teams had experienced life in a biosecure bubble. Since it was the first time most of them were playing cricket since the World Health Organistaion declared Covid-19 as a pandemic in March 2020, players began the IPL with gusto. Most teams had booked luxury hotels in the UAE and some had even hired private beaches where teams could relax and switch off to recharge. While their movement was restricted, team-bonding sessions helped players and coaches spend more time together and gain a more intimate understanding of each other.Nonetheless, some bubble fatigue did set in, and it may even have affected the performance of several teams in the second half of the tournament. Even the Capitals, despite making the final, struggled to sustain the winning rhythm they had set during the first half. Barring the Mumbai Indians, no other team was consistent. The monotony of the bubble life eventually took a toll on all teams.Will IPL 2021 bring more joy to spinners?•BCCIThe fatigue will be more pronounced this time around. Three Australian players have pulled out, and numerous players from around the world are coming into the IPL having spent months in different bubbles and served hard quarantines in different hotels across different continents. It will not be easy.As the IPL itinerant Glenn Maxwell says, players miss “normal conversations” while living the “sheltered” life of a bubble, which he describes as a “never-ending nightmare”. It’s not an isolated view. Towards the end of their 2020-21 Australia tour, there was certainly some restlessness among India’s players around the restrictions of the bubble.The size of the bubble will also be smaller for most teams this year. Barring Mumbai, who have booked a beachfront property in Chennai, the other teams will have to make do with luxury hotels, some without terraces, most with swimming pools but only for recovery sessions.All these challenges, needless to say, will be exacerbated by the ongoing surge in Covid-19 cases across India.Caravan schedule creates a level-playing field
For the first time the IPL will follow a caravan schedule. Each team will play a set of matches at one venue before moving to the next one. The fact that teams will play in the same venue consecutively could help them prepare better and get used to the conditions. There could be more continuity in team selection too, with teams possibly looking to change their style of play only when they move to new venues.Each team will play nine matches across two main venues, and five across two other venues. This could prove more beneficial to franchises than moving constantly from one venue to another. It could also create a more level playing field with no team enjoying a distinct home advantage. The curators at all six venues will, moreover, be supervised by the members of the BCCI’s grounds and pitches committee.

As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to repeat as World Series champions, they are in a similar place to where they were one year ago heading into the final days before the trade deadline. Once again, the Dodgers are in need of help in the bullpen and outfield, and potentially another starter.

Adding pieces ahead of the deadline proved critical for the Dodgers last season on their World Series run. They traded for Tommy Edman, who became the National League Championship Series MVP. They also acquired Jack Flaherty, who by the time the playoffs rolled around, was one of only three starters the team used in the postseason due to all their pitching injuries. And reliever Michael Kopech went 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA across seven innings during the postseason.

The Dodgers tried to avoid having any major needs at the deadline this year by addressing them during the offseason with their signings of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott, but injuries have riddled both the rotation and bullpen. Snell, Sasaki, and relievers Scott, Kopech, Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol are expected to come back from injury before the postseason, but last season the Dodgers had several pitchers return only to suffer another injury. Given the Dodgers' drastic pitching injury history, depth is crucial heading into the final stretch.

Outfield isn't necessarily a dire need, but with Michael Conforto's inconsistent fielding and several Dodgers' bats slumping this season, it certainly wouldn't hurt to add another outfielder and bat to the lineup.

Before the trade deadline hits, here are four ideal fits the Dodgers could target.

Ryan Helsley – RP, St. Louis Cardinals

The harsh winter months have proven to be Manchester United’s recent undoing in the Premier League.

Since the 1st of November hit, the Red Devils have reverted back to their inconsistent selves under Ruben Amorim, with three wins on the trot in October then followed up by two unwanted draws on the spin, before a ten-man Everton got the better of Amorim and Co on their own patch 1-0.

They did respond to that home humiliation at the hands of the Toffees with a much-needed 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but an unsatisfactory 1-1 draw last time out against West Ham United only saw the misery pile up once more.

How will the up-and-down outfit fare across their remaining five fixtures to come across a jam-packed December? Only time will tell.

Whatever does take place, United will be able to take some solace in the January transfer window reopening, as several bumper deals are alleged to be in the works…

Man United's list of transfer targets

Indeed, it does appear as if the red half of Manchester will be very busy during January, as Amorim’s men hunt down some improvements all across the pitch.

A clear priority, when looking at the rampant rumours coming to the surface, is United’s desire for a new central midfield talent, with both Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson incessantly linked to the Theatre of Dreams.

Away from bolstering their personnel in the middle of the park, United also look to be on the prowl for some fresh winger additions, with a spectacular swap deal perhaps in the offing.

As per Football Insider, Paris Saint-Germain are keen on picking up Marcus Rashford in the summer as his Old Trafford future hangs in the balance. To smooth out a potential deal, the French giants could offer Bradley Barcola to the Red Devils who has shone in spurts at the Parc des Princes as a promising attacking talent.

The faltering Premier League side could have to wait it out until the summer for this swap deal to come into play, but it might well be a deal still worth persisting with, as Amorim potentially wins himself his next Amad Diallo in the blistering Frenchman.

How Barcola can be Amorim's next Amad

Amad hasn’t always found his stay at Old Trafford to be smooth sailing.

Under Erik ten Hag, the tricky Ivorian only managed to muster up a paltry three goals and two assists from a limited 24 appearances.

Amad’s record at United by manager

Manager

Games

Goals

Assists

Amorim

41

9

11

Ten Hag

24

3

2

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

8

1

1

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

4

2

1

Ralf Rangnick

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Transition to the here and now, however, and the 23-year-old is very much a consistent first-team presence under his hot-and-cold Portuguese manager, with an impressive haul of nine goals and 11 assists next to his name under Amorim’s reign, seeing him be described as an “explosive” threat by analyst Statman Dave.

Barcola would aim to reach these same heights under Amorim’s guidance if he were to swap Paris for Manchester shortly, having also been noted as being an eye-catching winger at the peak of his powers, with “devastating pace” to burn, as per U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Thankfully, the 18-time France international also has some lethal end product to back up all his entertaining tricks and flicks, much like Amad, with Barcola up to 31 goals and 33 assists in total now for his current employers.

Last season saw the 23-year-old put away a stunning 40-goal contributions in all competitions, with United praying that Barcola’s possible entry on the scene can take them to that next level, away from folding at the hands of Everton, as the left winger’s stunning exploits have even seen Luis Enrique’s men lift the Champions League trophy.

Off the back of helping his team clinch this unbelievable honour in Europe’s elite competition, Barcola had certainly lived up to his hype as “one of the best left wingers in Europe” which was handed to him by Como scout Ben Mattinson. The Premier League would be the next big test, though, for the slick number 29.

Looking at what Amad has managed to achieve under Amorim on the flanks, Barcola should be able to enter into a new daunting division and succeed.

It certainly won’t be a cheap deal to pull off, with a whopping £87m price tag previously touted, when Barcola was on Arsenal’s reported shopping list.

But if United want to make their attack even more of a mouth-watering prospect – away from already possessing Amad and the likes of Bryan Mbeumo – sealing a statement move for Barcola could be a phenomenal next step.

Related He’s "better than PL players": Man Utd have bigger academy star than Mainoo

This academy ace is a player Man Utd fans will see in the first team before long

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Dec 6, 2025

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom made a career first on Monday during his outing against the Toronto Blue Jays—just probably not one he wanted to make. In the 12th year and 229th game of his MLB career, deGrom didn't strike out a batter in a game for the first time.

"I actually didn't know that. I heard it when I walked inside, but they were aggressive early," deGrom said postgame Monday via the Associated Press.

The two-time Cy Young award winner threw 5 1/3 innings Monday, giving up five hits, two earned runs and two walks. The earned runs came on a two-run homer to Toronto outfielder Daulton Varsho in the first inning. Varsho's long ball resulted in the only runs of the day for the Blue Jays—still good enough for a 2–1 win over deGrom and the Rangers.

"They were putting a lot of balls in play early. So I was like, oh man, I might be able to go deep in this game … let's see how deep I can go in this and try to keep them off the board," deGrom continued. "Fighting myself, started yanking the ball, walked a couple guys, just wasn't very efficient."

The loss Monday dropped deGrom's 2025 record to 4–2 over 11 starts with a 2.42 ERA. He's had a solid year thus far, especially after starting just nine games over the past two seasons following Tommy John surgery in 2023. According to Elias Sports Bureau research via ESPN and the AP, deGrom's 228 career games with a strikeout to start his career marked the 10th-longest streak by any pitcher since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893.

The 36-year-old ace went 12 seasons without a performance where he didn't sit a batter down on strikes. And we may not see another performance where he doesn't for the rest of his career.

Liverpool made some eye-catching signings during the summer window and could now be set to enact a surprise double deal involving Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni.

After a frustrating period of matches, Arne Slot led his side to only their second win in their last eight fixtures against Aston Villa last weekend, offering something to build on ahead of the festive period.

Mohamed Salah’s 250th Premier League goal came as a landmark milestone, and his teammates stepped up after a dip in form, leaving them seven points off Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they gun for more silverware.

Admittedly, the visitors still produced moments of panic within the Liverpool backline. By no means were the Reds perfect last weekend, but three points are the only thing that matters after a dismal run of results that have caused them to drift from top spot.

Club legend Steven Gerrard spoke out in defence of Slot amid recent criticism involving the Dutchman, telling TNT Sports that ‘keyboard warriors’ won’t detract from the fine job he has done at Anfield.

He said: “It’s a great win; he deserves a lot of credit for that. But they come thick and fast, in two days’ time, the pressure will build again as he’ll be expected to beat Real Madrid.

“Compared to when we played there are a lot more people with microphones and cameras in front of their face, there are a lot more keyboard warriors and a lot of unnecessary noise. But it is football in the modern age, you have to take the rough with the smooth, that is life.”

Reds supporters will be fully behind their manager after the return he produced last term, and he could now be set to conclude a couple of lucrative deals to vastly improve his side.

Liverpool willing to bid for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are plotting an ambitious double swoop for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni that could cost within the region of £122 million to complete.

Real Madrid won’t make it easy for Camavinga to leave the building, albeit the Reds’ desire to acquire him is there and they hope that their project could be enough to entice him to England.

In the case of Bastoni, he is viewed as a natural successor to Virgil Van Dijk, something that supporters could get on board with due to his left-sided nature, tenacity and willingness to contribute in all thirds.

The Italy star has registered a goal and three assists in 12 matches this season. On the other hand, Camavinga has notched a solitary strike in nine appearances, featuring either as a central midfielder, in a holding role, and even on the right flank.

Liverpool could earn £132 million to fund Camavinga and Bastoni deals

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is also named as a target, though his situation is not as advanced. Either way, expect some notable future transfer dealings at Anfield.

This marks an increase of almost four times the money awarded in the 2022 World Cup, which had an overall pool of USD 3.5 million

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Sep-2025

The upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup will have a prize pool of USD 13.88 million. This marks almost a fourfold rise from the previous ODI World Cup, held in New Zealand in 2022, which had an overall pool of USD 3.5 million, and also marks a significant increase from the USD 10 million pool for the Men’s ODI World Cup in India two years ago.This World Cup, the 13th edition, will have the highest prize money for the winners of a women’s global tournament: USD 4.48 million, a 239 percent increase from the USD 1.32 million awarded to Australia in 2022. The runners-up will receive USD 2.24 million – an increase of 273 percent in comparison to the USD 600,000 England won three years ago. The losing semi-finalists will receive USD 1.12 million each – up from USD 300,000 in 2022 – while the group-stage participants are guaranteed to earn USD 250,000.For each group-stage win, teams will earn a further USD 34,314. At the end of the group stage, the teams that finish fifth and sixth will be awarded USD 700,000 each, while those who finish seventh and eighth will earn USD 280,000.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“Our message is simple, women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally,” Jay Shah, the ICC chair, said in a statement. “The uplift [in prize money] underscores our ambition to deliver a world-class ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and to inspire the next generation of players and fans. Women’s cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory, and with this step we are confident the momentum will accelerate.”This edition of the World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka from September 30. Though the opening match of the tournament, between India and Sri Lanka, is less than a month away, tickets are yet to go on sale. However, the ICC has said that tickets are expected to go on sale online this week.The tickets for the 2022 World Cup were available six months ahead of the tournament.

يعتقد الكثيرون أن باريس سان جيرمان يمر بأزمة خلال الوقت الحالي على الرغم من أن الفريق الفرنسي يتصدر جدول ترتيب الدوري الفرنسي هذا الموسم.

وقد نفى لويس إنريكي حقيقة هذه التكهنات، وسلط المدرب الإسباني الضوء على نتائج فريقه رغم الصعوبات والعثرات منذ بداية الموسم الجديد.

ويظهر تصدر باريس سان جيرمان لجدول ترتيب الدوري الفرنسي رغم التعادل في ثلاث مباريات وتعرضه لهزيمة واحدة، أن الفريق لا يزال قوياً وضمن أفضل خمس فرق في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ألفاريز يكسر صمته بشأن اهتمام باريس سان جيرمان وبرشلونة بضمه

وقال لويس إنريكي في تصريحات نقلتها شبكة “TRIBUNA”: “نحن في صدارة الدوري ونحتل مركز جيد جداً في دوري أبطال أوروبا”.

وأضاف: “كانت هناك بعض الأمور المعقدة في بداية الموسم لكننا تجاوزناها، لا توجد أي مخاوف بالنسبة لي ولفريقي، أنا متفائل جداً”.

وتحدث إنريكي عن إصابة أشرف حكيمي ونونو مينديز: “متحمس للغاية، لأنني أعشق التحديات وبصفتي مدرباً، إنها لحظة مميزة لكنها إيجابية للغاية”.

واختتم عن القيام بتعزيزات جديدة بعد إصابة هذا الثنائي بجانب عثمان ديمبلي وديزري دوي: “نحن دائماً منفتحون على تعاقدات جديدة ولكن لا داعي للاستعجال أو القلق، ننظر للإيجابيات والسلبيات، لا مشكلة حالياً، هناك إصابات وهذا حال كل نادي ولدينا ثقة في لاعبي الفريق”.

ويستعد باريس سان جيرمان لمواجهة ليون غداً في قمة الدوري الفرنسي في الجولة 12، ويحتل الفريق المركز الأول بـ25 نقطة.

Inter are prepared to spend heavily to sign Nico Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine sensation lighting up Serie A with Como. The Nerazzurri are reportedly ready to table a €58 million bid for the Real Madrid academy graduate, but Los Blancos’ €9m buy-back clause and 50% sell-on stake could derail the deal before it begins.

Inter’s €58m move for Como star Nico Paz

Inter are ready to make a statement in the upcoming transfer window by launching a €58m (£49m/$63m) bid for Nico Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine midfielder who has become one of Serie A’s brightest stars. Paz has impressed under Cesc Fabregas at Como, registering four goals and four assists in just seven matches, form that has attracted major European attention.

The Nerazzurri see Paz as an ideal long-term partner for Lautaro Martinez and are eager to bring him to the San Siro. According to report from , Inter have already opened talks with the player’s entourage and are confident he would be open to a move. However, the situation is far from simple, as Real Madrid retain significant leverage in any future deal.

AdvertisementReal Madrid’s buy-back clause complicates Inter pursuit

Los Blancos still hold both a €9m buy-back clause, valid until June 2026, and a 50% sell-on clause for Paz, making them central to any negotiations. The midfielder left Madrid in 2024 after finding limited first-team opportunities, but his rapid rise in Italy has not gone unnoticed in Spain.

Madrid's rights to his transfer could block the deal, as Los Blancos could either re-sign him or negotiate from a position of strength. Real’s management, reportedly are monitoring the situation closely and have not ruled out bringing Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, depending on the squad’s evolution.

Real Madrid’s strategic dilemma over Paz

For Madrid, Paz’s success presents a pleasant but complex dilemma as Los Blancos could easily trigger their buy-back clause for a fraction of his current market value, yet doing so would add another midfielder to a squad already stacked with talent, including Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde. But having so many options available already could make Madrid hesitant to bring Paz back immediately, although they would still benefit financially from any transfer thanks to their 50% sell-on clause. 

Under Fabregas, Como have become one of Serie A’s most tactically ambitious sides, and Paz has flourished in a system that allows him to express his creativity and composure on the ball. Fabregas’ mentorship has been key to Paz’s transformation from a promising academy product to a complete playmaker with vision, tempo control, and attacking precision.

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Nico Paz and Inter?

While Inter remain determined, the balance of power lies firmly with Real Madrid and the player himself. Unless the Nerazzurri can convince Paz to commit to Milan before Madrid act, their €58m pursuit may never materialise. 

Meanwhile, Como continue their impressive Serie A campaign, as they sit sixth, just one point behind Bologna in the table after a stunning 2-0 win over Juventus, led by another masterful display from Paz. As Inter weigh their next move and Real Madrid watch from afar, one thing is certain, Paz’s future is fast becoming one of European football’s most fascinating transfer sagas.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي البنك الأهلي من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام الزمالك، في اللقاء الجاري بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويواجه الزمالك نظيره البنك الأهلي، على استاد القاهرة الدولي في الجولة الثانية عشر لمسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. خاص | السبب الحقيقي لاستبعاد محمد السيد من مباراة الزمالك والبنك الأهلي

وسجل أسامة فيصل، مهاجم البنك الأهلي، الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 30 من عمر المباراة عن طريق ركلة جزاء تحصل عليها بنفسه بعد عرقلة من محمد إسماعيل.

ويتواجد الزمالك في المركز الخامس بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ولديه 18 نقطة جمعها من خوض 10 مباريات، استطاع الفوز بـ 5 مواجهات وتعادل 3 مرات وتلقى هزيمتين.

ويحتل البنك الأهلي المركز الـ13 في جدول ترتيب الدوري من الفوز بـ3 لقاءات والتعادل في 5 مباريات وسقط في فخ الهزيمة مرتين. هدف البنك الأهلي الأول أمام الزمالك

Nottingham Forest have reportedly decided to stick with Ange Postecoglou — at least for now — despite growing calls for his dismissal following a winless start at the City Ground. After fans chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the 3-2 loss to Midtjylland, owner Evangelos Marinakis is using the international break to assess the situation.

• Postecoglou endures horror start with Nottingham Forest

  Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure has started disastrously, with the club enduring a run of seven winless matches across all competitions. The 3-2 home defeat to FC Midtjylland on October 2 was particularly bruising, as supporters vented their frustration by chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning.” Despite the poor form and growing unrest, Forest owner Marinakis has decided not to dismiss Postecoglou this month, believing that a managerial change so soon would only deepen instability, as per the Daily Mail.

  Forest have collected just one point in the Premier League under the Australian, leaving them a single point clear of the relegation zone. The team has looked disjointed at both ends of the pitch, especially when defending set-pieces — a far cry from the organised structure seen under former boss Nuno Espírito Santo. Yet, for all the criticism, Marinakis wants to see whether Postecoglou can spark a turnaround after the international break, beginning with the upcoming trip to Chelsea.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Silva's Fulham contract playing part in decision?

  Nottingham Forest’s decision to hold off on a sacking is influenced by several factors — one of the most significant being the cost and complexity of appointing Marco Silva mid-season. The Fulham manager, who remains a strong long-term target for Marinakis due to their past connection at Olympiacos, is under contract until the end of the season, meaning a mid-campaign move would involve a hefty compensation fee. Marinakis, who typically prefers hiring out-of-work coaches, is therefore inclined to wait until Silva becomes a free agent.

  Beyond that, Forest’s leadership is wary of appearing reactionary after already parting ways with Nuno weeks into the season. Replacing Postecoglou so quickly could further damage the Tricky Trees’ reputation for stability and make it harder to attract future high-profile coaches. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Postecoglou facing second sacking in four months

  Postecoglou’s struggles at Forest come just months after his dramatic exit from Tottenham Hotspur, where he experienced a similarly turbulent campaign. Despite guiding Spurs to Europa League glory — their first major trophy in 17 years — the club dismissed him only 16 days later, citing an abysmal Premier League season that saw them finish 17th. His dismissal, following what should have been a career-defining European triumph, underscored how quickly goodwill can evaporate when domestic form falters.

  The Australian admitted he was aware his position at Spurs was under threat long before the season ended, revealing he “knew three or four months before” that a sacking was coming. The board, led by Daniel Levy, insisted they could not ignore the Premier League collapse despite the Europa League success, claiming they needed a manager capable of competing “on multiple fronts.” That experience appears to have shaped Postecoglou’s approach at Forest — resilient, philosophical, and adamant that patience is required to build something sustainable. The Australian has repeatedly stated his belief that his system will work once players fully adapt, but time is no longer on his side. His ability to learn from his Tottenham experience and steady the ship at the City Ground will likely define whether he survives beyond the autumn.

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• Postecoglou's Forest job safe — for now

  Nottingham Forest return from the international break with a daunting Premier League fixture against Chelsea on October 18. Just days later, Forest will welcome Porto to the City Ground in the Europa League, followed by a league trip to Bournemouth. Positive results could buy Postecoglou valuable breathing space and restore some confidence in the dressing room. However, another defeat — especially one that exposes the team’s defensive flaws — would reignite calls for change.

  Behind the scenes, Marinakis and his board will continue monitoring performances closely. Should the Tricky Trees’ struggles persist through October and November, the club may begin exploring replacements ahead of the winter window.