Ruud Gullit reveals he never sought management roles and reflects on the harsh realities of being sacked and the lack of control managers face.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Gullit reflects on managerial careerDutchman was sacked by Chelsea in 1998Admits being dismissed is 'not a nice feeling'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ruud Gullit has admitted he never aspired to be a football manager but was thrust into the role at Chelsea. The Dutchman was named player-manager at Stamford Bridge in 1996 and went on to win the FA Cup a year later, but a dispute with the hierarchy over compensation led to his dismissal in 1998.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Gullit's comments shed light on the pressures and uncertainties of modern football management, highlighting the demanding nature of the role and the brutal decisions that can override on-field performance. Chelsea notoriously ran through managers during the Roman Abramovich era and have already been led by Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca since BlueCo completed their takeover in 2022.

WHAT GULLIT SAID

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Gullit said: "I didn't want to be a manager anyway. I never wanted it. I just got dragged into it.

"The one certainty you have is that you get sacked, that is what you know for sure, and it's not a nice feeling when you get sacked.

"There's a lot going on behind your back, a lot of things happening around you that you have no influence on. And that's what I hate about the job."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GULLIT AND CHELSEA?

Many managers are now scrutinised more than ever and a shorter tenure is commonplace, with Pochettino only getting a season at Chelsea before current boss Maresca was brought in as his successor. Gullit, meanwhile, remains retired from management and focuses on punditry.

Sydney Sixers will be favourites in Saturday’s final after a huge bounce-back season

AAP23-Nov-2022Despite a career spanning three decades, Alyssa Healy still struggles with handling defeat.”I can confirm I don’t like losing,” she said. “I’m a bit of a sore loser.”Fresh off her announcement as Australia’s T20 captain to tour India in December, Healy said Sydney Sixers are refreshed and ready for a return to WBBL glory after last season’s bottom-of-the-table finish.”After a disappointing couple of years, we’re back where we feel like we should be and playing some really good cricket,” she said.Sixers will enter this week’s finals as firm favourites to win their third crown, earning hosting rights to Saturday’s decider after topping the table.”Sunday was amazing to see all the people on the hill [at North Sydney Oval],” Healy said. “So that’s really buoyed us and the fact that we can play at home I think is a huge advantage as well.”Long-regarded as the competition’s marquee club, Sixers missed the past three finals series and struggled under last season’s Covid-19 restrictions.”It was challenging at times,” Healy reflected. “Especially when players were struggling off the field as well. Covid probably took its toll and being away in hubs and bubbles and not being able to come home was definitely a big factor.”But their bounce back under new coach and England superstar Charlotte Edwards has been immense.Their 11 wins this summer is the most of any club in a home-and-away season and they were barely challenged outside of a last-ball loss to Adelaide and a Beth Mooney masterclass in Perth.”You look at things from last year and I don’t think anyone would have disputed that we would potentially be in contention for finals,” allrounder Erin Burns said.  “But things didn’t click. I don’t think there is any one thing you can put it down to.”Burns feels the big point of difference has been Edwards. She took over from long-time mentor Ben Sawyer earlier this year after the New Zealand head coach led the Sixers to their first two titles in 2016-17 and 2017-18.”Everyone is just playing with more freedom [this year],” Burns said. “Charlotte definitely tries to instil that in the team. She really backs our skills.”

أقيمت منذ قليل، قرعة بطولة كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا والتي أسفرت عن وفوع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من البطولة.

نجح منتخب مصر للشباب في حجز مقعده في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا، بعد أن احتل المركز الرابع في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب، التي استضافتها مصر مؤخرًا. وجاء تأهل “الفراعنة الصغار” عقب خسارتهم أمام منتخب نيجيريا بركلات الترجيح في مباراة تحديد المركزين الثالث والرابع.

طالع.. خاص | تحديد موقف منتخب مصر للشباب من المشاركة في بطولة خوفو الدولية ويمثل القارة الإفريقية في كأس العالم أربعة منتخبات هي: مصر، المغرب، نيجيريا، وجنوب إفريقيا، وهي المنتخبات التي بلغت الدور نصف النهائي من البطولة القارية.

ويتولى قيادة منتخب مصر للشباب جهاز فني بقيادة أسامة نبيه مديرًا فنيًا، ويعاونه كل من علاء عبده مدربًا عامًا، ومحمد عمر النور مدربًا مساعدًا، إلى جانب أيمن طاهر مدربًا لحراس المرمى.

وسحبت قرعة البطولة في العاصمة التشيلية سانتياجو، حيث جاء منتخب مصر ضمن التصنيف الرابع للمنتخبات المشاركة. مجموعة منتخب مصر للشباب

-تشيلي 

– ونيوزيليندا

– واليابان

-مصر

The perennial runners-up of the Lanka Premier League, Galle Gladiators, have had an indifferent start to this season’s LPL, but under new leadership they look to be steadily building up a head of steam that they hope will take them over the final hurdle this time around.They have two wins and three losses this season. Aside from a one-sided five-wicket loss to Kandy Falcons, the Gladiators gave Jaffna Kings an early tournament scare and then were pipped at the post in a high-scoring encounter against Colombo Stars.In the first, it was the batting that let them down and in the second their bowlers failed to defend a target of 194. But one consistent feature across each of their games has been their high intensity in the field. For captain Kusal Mendis, it is this which has been a non-negotiable under his captaincy.”Aside from batting and bowling, one thing I emphasise is ensuring 100% is given in the field,” he said during an online media briefing. “Because with the former two it’s hard to ensure things go your way, but with fielding it’s something you’re completely in control of. Fielding well means you’re about 70% of the way towards winning a game.”In other aspects however, Mendis takes a more laidback attitude to leadership, choosing to trust in his team-mates to deliver on their roles. A role he seems to have adopted from Gladiators’ head coach and former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan.”As a coach he doesn’t get too involved during the games; when it comes to bowling or fielding changes, he doesn’t get very involved. It’s only during a timeout that he’ll give his input. As a captain I’m happy to work with him as he tends to be positive in his feedback, while any suggestions are merely suggestions as opposed to outright demands. I’m very happy with him and how he handles the team.”Both Mendis’ and Khan’s approach seemed to reap rich dividends in Gladiators’ last match against Stars, when Mendis batted through the innings, stitching together partnerships with potential future Sri Lankan stars Thanuka Dabare and Lahiru Udara, as they piled up 193 runs.”I just told them to play their normal game, to not let it get into their heads, and just play like it’s a club game. For me it takes a lot of the pressure off when you have batters who play like that. In the last two games, it’s just been a matter of supporting them. Yesterday I was only able to get to 50 because Dabare took on the scoring burden early on. My goal is usually to bat out as many overs as possible and play the anchor.”Gladiators would ultimately lose that game, but Mendis isn’t reading too much into it, putting much of his side’s inability to keep things tight down the heavy dew which had descended on Pallekele. Jaffna captain Thisara Perera had earlier commented on how the dew had been akin to hosing down the ball with water, a sentiment Mendis concurred with.”We were looking at winning the toss and bowling first, but we couldn’t do that. Fortunately I and the rest of the batters were able to put a good total – 193 is a very good score in T20s. With the dew it’s not easy to bowl with the slower bowlers. There was considerably more dew than you would expect usually. I think we even changed the ball it was so bad. That was probably the reason why our bowlers missed their lengths some time.”Dew however will likely be less of a concern going forward, as from Saturday onwards the action moves to Colombo, where Mendis and Co. will be hoping to iron out the kinks and finally get their hands on a trophy that has narrowly eluded them so far.

Setting their sights on summer reinforcements, Aston Villa are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who recently kept Morgan Rogers quiet in the Champions League.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have been among the toughest sides to predict in the Premier League this season. Whilst at times they’ve looked untouchable, recent defeats against the likes of Crystal Palace exposed a side to Unai Emery’s team which has reared its head far too often in recent months. And as they battle for Champions League qualification for the second season on the bounce, it’s the type of consistency that those in the Midlands can’t afford.

That said, the Villans did at least return to winning ways last time out by comfortably seeing off Cardiff City courtesy of Marco Asensio’s second brace of strikes since completing a January loan move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Following the success of Asensio on loan from Ligue 1, it looks as though the Villans could be about to make a return to France’s top flight in search of another reinforcement.

According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Lamine Camara, who recently stifled Rogers in a 1-0 victory for AS Monaco against the Midlands club in the Premier League.

As good as Asensio: Aston Villa ace proved he's a £39m star in the making

Aston Villa defeated Cardiff to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in a decade.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 1, 2025

Limiting the Manchester City graduate to just 0.25 expected goals, 0.13 expected assists and just two successful dribbles, Camara certainly passed what could have been his Aston Villa audition.

Completing eight recoveries on that night, the Monaco star is exactly the type of tireless midfielder Aston Villa arguably lacked up against the likes of Adam Wharton in their 4-1 defeat at Selhurst Park, making him one to watch this summer.

"Agile" Camara is a rising star

As part of a Monaco side which defeated both Barcelona and Aston Villa in the Champions League this season, Camara is undeniably a rising star and could soon find himself pushing John McGinn all the way for a place in Emery’s strongest side, should the Villans come callng this summer.

Dubbed “agile” and “tireless” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old could be an ideal partner for the more technical Youri Tielemans.

Crucially, Camara would also add further midfield depth at Villa Park. With the added responsibilty of Champions League football this season, Emery’s side have gradually seen their top four ambitions fizzle out, which injuries to the likes of Amadou Onana have far from helped.

Having learned a harsh lesson over the importance of squad depth, Aston Villa should add Camara to their summer wishlist in the coming months.

Amid all of their success on the transfer front in the January window, Aston Villa did miss out on one particular midfield target who they’ve already reportedly set their sights on ahead of the summer.

Aston Villa transfer news

In pursuit of the Premier League’s top four, Aston Villa were in no mood to waste any time during the winter window. Showing the door to Diego Carlos and selling Jhon Duran for a much-needed hefty fee, the Midlands club instantly turned their attention towards welcoming Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Crucially, there is still plenty left to spend in the summer from that Duran deal which should ease Villa’s profit and sustainability concerns and allow them to reinforce Unai Emery’s squad on a permanent basis.

As for right now, Rashford, Disasi and Asensio don’t exactly represent poor business – particularly on loan. Rashford, especially, is one to watch.

After being cast aside by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, the forward desperately needed a move and got just that in the dying embers. Now, it’s Villa who could benefit from getting him back to his best to hand themselves one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League.

Aston Villa also face battle to keep hold of "terrific" talent with Watkins

Arsenal are involved again…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 7, 2025

Looking ahead to the summer, meanwhile, those in the Midlands could look to spend their Duran money. According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa are now plotting a summer move to sign Alex Baena from Villarreal, having already spoken to the midfielder in the January transfer window before failing to reach an agreement with his club.

The 23-year-old would undoubtedly provide Emery with the long-term solution that a loan move for Rashford won’t provide at this stage. Given that Villa have already spoken to the Spaniard once, they will hope that it’s second time the charm when the summer arrives.

"Revelation" Baena is better than ever

Aston Villa’s reported interest is certainly arriving at the perfect time for Baena, who has been in better form than ever in the current campaign. At just 23 years old, this may just be the start too, meaning that the Villans should act sooner rather than later to secure his signature and welcome a permanent solution on Emery’s left-hand side.

Dubbed a “revelation” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2022, the Spaniard has only improved even further since then – scoring five goals and assisting another five in 20 La Liga games so far this season.

As Baena has thrived, Emery has experimented with a number of players on the left-hand side of his sytem with all failing to hit the same heights whether it’s been Jacob Ramsey or the likes of John McGinn. And although Rashford may momentarily solve that issue, Baena should be Villa’s long-term target.

South Africa captain feels his attack managed to open up “old scars” by roughing up Australia’s top order despite a tiny target to work with

Firdose Moonda18-Dec-2022

Despite losing the Gabba Test in two days, Dean Elgar is confident South Africa still managed to fire a warning shot against Australia with their strong pace pack.South Africa’s four quicks took 14 Australian wickets in the match, including four in the successful second-innings chase of 34. Had South Africa scored “another 60 runs”, Elgar said, they might have been able to claim the unlikeliest of victories. Still, Elgar believes they’ve shown the Australian line-up what they are made of.”It was to try and open some old scars, to bring in our intensity and maybe get them three or four down so those batters go to Melbourne with maybe less confidence,” Elgar said. “It worked out nicely. The result aside, it was one of the game plans that worked out for us over the last two days. I can’t say there were many.”Related

Stats – Second-shortest Test since World War II

Cummins, Head, Starc lead Australia to victory inside two days

'Ticking along nicely' – Hazlewood positive about Boxing Day return

Starc claims No. 300 with a trademark inswinger

South Africa put their best and their worst on show at Gabba

In particular, the short-ball strategy worked for Kagiso Rabada, who has snapped out of his T20 funk (he was South Africa’s least successful bowler at the T20 World Cup) and got into his role as Test spearhead. He finished the Brisbane Test with eight wickets and is now the leading bowler in Test cricket in 2022, with 45 wickets at 20.04, two ahead of Nathan Lyon.”It gives us confidence,” Elgar said. “He is a massive figure for us, not just in our bowling group but in our 16-man squad. When he puts his hand up like that it’s difficult not to follow.”Among Rabada’s victims was David Warner, whom he removed for a golden duck in the first innings and for 3 in the second. Warner is the only batter Rabada dismissed twice in the match and he has now got rid of him six times in seven Tests. Rabada targeting Warner appeared to be a well-planned tactic to take advantage of a player in a slump. Since his last Test fifty against Pakistan in Lahore, Warner has scored 169 runs in 10 Test innings, and his average in 2022 of 20.61 is the lowest for a calendar year in his Test career.But Elgar said South Africa were not specifically going after him alone. “It’s not just him. It’s all of them. We are always trying to find another way to have an edge over your opposition. If this was a way of getting into their minds further, brilliant. I know a guy like KG is the most feared bowler we have here, purely because of his reputation and record. If he has got that confidence running into the next Test, it’s brilliant for us.”Elgar noted how the rest of the attack respond when Rabada is at his best. “What you find is that really got [Anrich] Nortje fired up as well and he was starting to crank it up even more,” he said. “Hopefully that can inspire our batting unit to get their heads right and to knuckle down and get some performance under their belt for us.”Well documented as South Africa’s weaker suit, their line-up slumped to a new low in Brisbane. They were dismissed for under 200 in both innings to make 2022 the year in which they’ve racked up their most sub-200 scores: eight times. They’ve had a lean World Test Championship run, with only two centuries in the campaign, the least among the competing teams, and they appear to lack both confidence and the ability to apply themselves. Still, Elgar defended their latest blowouts.”The guys in the change-room have played enough cricket to know this was one of those instances where we need to be honest and real about what’s just happened,” he said. “It’s not like our guys were throwing wickets away. We were getting absolutely jaffered out and they bowled properly,” he said. “That’s the way I will be approaching that. Coming into this game, our batters were confident. We prepared well and we played the warm-up game. It’s not like the confidence was low.”With a week between games, Elgar won’t be demanding any extra nets or time with the analyst. “I can’t see us hitting more balls and becoming better cricketers. We have played enough cricket in our personal careers and guys know their games really well, so hitting another 100 or 200 balls is not going to make you a better cricketer,” he said. “I speak from a personal point of view. It’s just one of those games where you failed. I am still confident going into the next one. We will definitely break it down and have chats. I would rather see the guys not do anything until we get to Melbourne. That’s just me.”He also hopes they don’t get too wrapped up in their own heads and enjoy the occasion of being in Australia over the festive season, which no South African team has done since 2008. “Guys need to tap into their mental spaces, which can be the biggest enemy, because you can really withdraw yourself instead of dealing with what’s happened and facing it,” he said.Asked if South Africa would consider changes to their XI, including an extra batter, Elgar said “all options are on the table” but repeated his preference for a six-five split, to accommodate the specialist spinner. “The option of seven-four was a talking point but I like having a specialist spinner. We didn’t even get to day three let alone four or five where the wickets are going to spin so Kesh’s [Keshav Maharaj] role was nullified by the game being over in two days,” he said. “I am still very much a captain who wants a spinner because he gives us a lot of control and allows our seamers to have a break where we can rotate them from one end but all options are open going into the next one.”Elgar confirmed that if South Africa were to include an extra batter, “Theunis de Bruyn is the next batter in”.

Liverpool are planning to make Real Madrid wait for Trent Alexander-Arnold signing as the Reds treat departing defender to Dubai leaving do.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Liverpool set to make Madrid wait for Trent Madrid want the defender before Club World CupThe Reds face Brighton on May 19 Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

earlier reported that Real Madrid will request Liverpool to release Alexander-Arnold before the expiry of his current contract on June 30, as the Spanish champions want the defender to travel with the team to the US next month to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup. The report also claimed that the Reds are expected to demand a €1 million (£850,344/$1.1m) compensation fee to let the player leave before the expiration of his deal.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

now reports that the bosses at the Merseyside club are likely to play hardball in the case of Alexander-Arnold's transfer, as they are clearly not happy with the way the English defender's move to Madrid transpired. They are unhappy that information about Madrid's pursuit of the full-back got leaked in January, which affected the focus of the player, who performed miserably in their 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

DID YOU KNOW?

The report added that the Three Lions star is currently in Dubai with the rest of the Reds squad, where the Premier League champions are treating him to a leaving do.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Arne Slot's men will be back in action on May 19 as they take on Brighton in their penultimate Premier League match of the 2024-25 campaign.