Month: July 2020

Serie A1, weekend 4. Andreoli Latina outclassed Cuneo with a straight-set win and became the second force in the league.

 

 

“I’m not happy with our performance” – said after the match Roberto Piazza, the head coach of Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo. “We have to analyze it well” – he added. The game against Latina was balanced only at the beginning of the first set. The key to the victory of Latina was to make use of the errors committed by the opponents (14 in total) and to keep the concentration until the end. 

An glaring helplessness of the players from Cuneo either in attack (only 35%-efficiency compared to 54% of Latina) and in the serving area (15 errors on 62 serves). A tie in block – both teams made 6 points in this element. Low level of the reception from both sides of the net: Latina – 36% of positive reception, Cuneo – 38%. 

The best performer of Andreoli Latina and the MVP of the match has been chosen Jeroen Rauwerdink. He scored 18 points in total, including 17 points in attack (65%) and 1 block. Good game also for Jakub Jarosz (11 points, including 7 points in attack, 2 blocks and 2 personal aces). From the other side of the net the best was Tsvetan Sokolov, who made 16 points (12 in attack, 2 blocks and 2 points from the 9th meter).

In other matches Casa Modena won over BCC-NEP Castellana Grotte 3-1 with an outstanding performance of young Sam Deroo, nominated the MVP of the match. After a tied game Copra Elior Piacenza lost against Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia 2-3. MVP: Maxwell Philip Holt. In San Giustino the shortest match of the round. Itas Diatec Trentino showed its dominance and won in 3 sets over the hosts. Good performance of Raphael, nominated the MVP. Trento shines in attack (67%) and serve (10 aces). Macerata confirms its good form beating CMC Ravenna 3-0 thanks to an excellent game in reception (39% of perfect rec.) and block (16). MVP: Marko Podrascanin. Perugia wins over Verona 3-1, the best performer: Goran Vujevic. 

Standings:
Cucine Lube Banca Marche Macerata 12
Andreoli Latina 10
Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo 9
Click Here: camiseta river plateTonno Callipo Vibo Valentia 8
Copra Elior Piacenza 7
Casa Modena 6*
Sir Safety Perugia 5*
Marmi Lanza Verona 4
Itas Diatec Trentino 3**
Altotevere San Giustino 1
BCC-NEP Castellana Grotte 1
CMC Ravenna 0.

*one match less**two matches less

Photo: top-volley.net

 

The World Club Champions continue their streak of 17 consecutive wins. This time on their way stood Copra Elior Piacenza with Simon in team. And this time Juantorena and co. were too strong.

 

 

Trentino‘s victory wasn’t as easy as the final result could say. After the win in the first part of the game and leading 22-16 in the second, Trento had a difficult moment. Copra Elior re-opened the match and won the second set. After the moment of weakness, Trento had to gather whole energy and power to beat the opponent.

After the match Radostin Stoytchev said: “I’m happy with the result, even if the win had to come earlier. After our good beginning, the match has become tied because of our errors. Probably, if we had won the second set, the match would have finished much earlier. However, I’m satisfied for this result”.

The best scorer and the MVP of the match was Osmany Juantorena, who made 21 points, including 4 aces, 1 block and 70% in attack. Great performance also for Jan Stokr, who scored 20 points, including 2 aces and 4 blocks (58% on the net), and for Matey Kaziyski, especially in the serving area (4 personal aces).

From the other side the best performer was Alessandro Fei with 17 points: 1 ace and 42% in attack. Played well also Philip Maxwell Holt. He made 15 points, including 3 aces, 3 blocks and 69% on the net.

Overall, the match was full of blocks and aces from the 9th meter. In block Trentino won 10-7, efficiency of attack 57%-54%, positive reception 59%-49% and in the serve 10-9, the absolut record of the 9th round.

Other results

BCC-NEP Castellana Grotte – Andreoli Latina 3-2 (26-24, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, 15-8)
Cucine Lube Banca Marche Macerata – Casa Modena 1-3 (19-25, 25-20, 18-25, 23-25)
Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia – Marmi Lanza Verona 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 26-24)
Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo – Altotevere San Giustino 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-22)
Sir Safety Perugia – CMC Ravenna 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22)

On November, 28th Itas Diatec Trentino played also an overdue match with Casa Modena, which won the World Champions 3-1 (24-26, 25-9, 25-14, 25-18). The MVP has been chosen Matey Kaziyski.

Standings

1. Itas Diatec Trentino 23
2. Cucine Lube Banca Marche Macerata 21
3. Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo 18
4. Andreoli Latina 17
5. Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia 17
6. Copra Elior Piacenza 16
7. Sir Safety Perugia 13
8. Casa Modena 12
9. Altotevere San Giustino 8
10. Marmi Lanza Verona 8
11. BCC-NEP Castellana Grotte 6
12. CMC Ravenna 3

Photo: trentinovolley.it

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Zenit Kazan made yesterday’s semi-final failure against Lokomotiv Novosibirsk up to itself after beating ZAKSA Kedzierzyn-Kozle in four sets battle and claiming the bronze medal of the 2013 CEV Champions League. Evgeny Sivozhelez has played second outstanding game in Omsk and sometimes was unstoppable for Poles. Zaksa Kedzierzyn-Kozle confirmed its poor shape recently and has to be worried before semifinals in Polish PlusLiga because its play is not good at all.

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ZAKSA Kedzierzyn-Kozle 1 – 3 Zenit Kazan (22-25, 25-22, 20-25, 17-25)

ZAKSA: Zagumny 3, Ruciak 11, Wisniewski 4, Rouzier 15, Fonteles 14, Gladyr 2, Gacek (L) and Witczak 5 , Mozdzonek 5, Kapelus 2, Mineiro

Zenit: Vermiglio 3, Anderson 1, Apalikov 2, Mikhaylov 14, Sivozhelez 12, Abrosimov 11, Babichev (L) and Berezhko 10, Lee 13, Kolodinskiy, Obmochaev (L)

Though they had just missed out on a spot for the final act of Europe’s elite competition, the players of both teams looked very determined and Zaksa caught a promising start (8:5) powered by their best spikers, Antonin Rouzier and Luis Felipe Fonteles. Similarly to what had happened the day before in the semis, Zenit found it difficult to play with the right consistency helping their rivals with unforced errors that Alekno was evidently not happy with. As Zenit was trailing 8:12, the speaker invited the local supporters to cheer on Kazan and Maxim Mikhailov promptly paid back with an exquisite crosscourt. Zaksa head coach Daniel Castellani asked for his first time-out as the Tatars had dangerously approached in the score (13:12) at the end of a positive 4:1 series and Fonteles – one of the most valuable players signed by the Polish club for this season – brought the next rally home. Alekno decided to replace US American Matthew Anderson – who had already largely disappointed on Saturday – with the experienced Yury Berezhko and this move proved to be the right one as on his serving turn Zenit moved to the front for the first time (18:16). Zaksa could draw level at 18 on another prodigy by Rouzier but Zenit re-opened the gap (22:19) as the Tatars were growing in confidence as well as in the quality of their play. Kazan eventually got three opportunities to claim the first set – after performing a real comeback from a sloppy start – and the second chance was easily cashed by the Tatars as Rouzier served into the net (25-22).  

Sticking to the saying that you shall never change a winning team, Alekno opted for the inclusion of Berezhko and Apalikov also on the starting six he jotted down for the second set, but similarly to what had happened in the opening section of the match, it was Zaksa that initially set the pace (8:4). Zenit struggled to compensate for that slow start while, on the other side of the net, Zaksa offense was well orchestrated by setter Pawel Zagumny (11:7) and Rouzier scored with impressive consistency from every single angle of the court. Zenit did not show any intention to give in but some more mistakes eased up the task of Zaksa whose margin stood at four points also by the second technical time-out (16:12). Some 50 fans who had travelled to Omsk from the capital city of Tatarstan intensified their support from the stands and Zenit could start its comeback anchored by their superstar Mikhailov. The gap dropped down to only one point more than a couple of times before Zaksa broke away once more (22:19). At 22:20 for Kedzierzyn-Kozle, Alekno brought in Kolodinsky and Lee for Vermiglio and Apalikov, but the Italian-born setter returned to the court only a few moments later as Zaksa could start glancing at the finish line that was ultimately reached as Fonteles spiked from the back row for the final 25-22. 

It looked like Zenit – starting with David Lee for Apalikov – found back their best play in the early phases of the third set (7:1) as the US American middle blocker cemented the quality of the Russian block while Mikhailov was also back on track spiking with full power and his always perfect technique. On the other hand, Zaksa had never been that faulty since the start of the game with Rouzier being the only one who could score from time to time. As Vermiglio was using more often his middle-blockers, Zenit called for the first mandatory stop with the score standing at 8:2, quite a good omen for the remainder of the set. However, Kazan suddenly lost momentum with Zaksa clawing back (11:8) and Alekno trying to break the negative series of his side with a time-out. He got the effects he was searching for as his guys fought bravely to keep that margin (16:12, 18:14, and 21:17) all the way through to the provisional 2:1 that was sealed by a block-out on Mikhailov (25-20).    

Though they had missed on the opportunity to emulate their compatriots of Lokomotiv Belgorod – the sole Russian team able to claim back-to-back wins in the CEV Volleyball Champions League back in 2003 and 2004 – the Tatars were still very determined to round off their campaign with a bronze medal to be added to the showcase of the most decorated Russian team in the past decade. With David Lee – his addition was probably the best move that Alekno came to – almost unstoppable from the middle, Zenit quickly turned into the pace-setter of the game also in the fourth set (8:5); Mikhailov and especially wing-spiker Evgeny Sivozhelez also did a good job cementing the chances of their side (16:11) to edge their Polish opponents. The players of Zaksa looked nervous and started questioning the decisions of the referees as the match seemed to be a little compromised (19:12 for Zenit) and Kazan never looked back to eventually fire up the first Russian party of the day. 

April 30 will be remembered as the day of the abdications. In the Netherland, the Queen Beatrix decided to give up her post after 23-years Dominion while Zenit Kazan was casted down from the throne of Russian Superleague because has been already eliminated in semifinals by Belogorie Belgorod. In the final, Belogorie will face Ural Ufa which beat Gubernia Novgorod in four match competition. 

 

Game number 1 (April 25)

Zenit Kazan – Belogorie Belgorod 2-3 (25-23, 16-25, 27-25, 16-25, 11-15)
Zenit: Vermiglio 1, Anderson 27, Apalikov 4, Mikhaylov 12, Sivozhelez 7, Abrosimov 5,Babichev (L) and Obmochaev (L), Cheremisin 4, Berezhko 2, Kolodinskiy, Demakov

Belogorie: Khtey 15, Duff 13, Tetyukhin 12, Grozer 16, Muserskiy 21, Makarov, Ermakov (L); Kosarev 0, Zhigalov 8, Kobzar 0

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Stats: Points: 95:113, Serve: 1:6, Attacks: 53:62, Blocks: 9:17, Reception: 40%:53%, Errors points: 28:31

Play-off: 0 – 1

Gubernia Nizhny Novgorod – Ural Ufa 3-0 (30-28, 25-19, 27-25)
Gubernia: Esko 5, Nikic 9, Ostapenko 12, Pavlov 24, Choulepov 1, Lyamin 1, Petropavlov (L) and O.Sychev 3, Savin 5, Shulgin 1, Dranishnikov (L)
Ural: Falasca 4, Botin 2, Ashchev 3, Vissotto 13, Spiridonov 15, Kazakov 2, Verbov (L); Zhloba 0, Abramov 1, Stepanov (L), Samoylenko 3, Panteleymonenko 8

Stats: Points: 82:72, Serve: 3:8, Attacks: 46:38, Block:12:5, Reception: 53%:39%, Errors points: 21:21

Play-off: 1 – 0

Game number 2 (April 26)

Zenit Kazan – Belogorie Belgorod 3-2 (27:29, 25:18, 15:25, 25:18, 15:12)
Zenit Kazan: Vermiglio 0, Anderson 24, Apalikov 7, Mikhaylov 16, Sivozhelez 11, Abrosimov 10, Babichev (L); Cheremisin 0, Berezhko 0, Kolodinskiy 0, Demakov 0

Belogorie: Makarov 0,Tetyukhin 8, Duff 7, Grozer 25, Khtey 12 Muserskiy 16, Ermakov (L); Eremin (L), Kosarev 0, Zhigalov 1, Kobzar 1, Ilinykh 4

Stats: Points: 107:102, Serve: 11:8, Attacks: 50:56, Blocks: 7:10, Reception: 46%:44%, Errors points: 26:39

Play-off: 1 – 1

Gubernia Nizhny Novgorod – Ural Ufa 1-3 (20-25, 25-27, 25-22, 19-25)
Gubernia: Esko 0, Nikic 7, Ostapenko 17, Pavlov 20, Choulepov 0, Lyamin 2, Petropavlov (L); O.Sychev 6, Savin 7, Shulgin 0, Dranishnikov (L),Tyurin 0

Ural: Falasca 5, Spiridonov 2, Ashchev 13, Vissotto 28, Panteleymonenko 12, Samoylenko 6, Verbov (L); Zhloba 0, Kazakov 4, Abramov 5, Alekseev 0

Stats: Points: 89:99, Serve: 3:7, Attacks: 51:57, Block: 5:11, Reception: 50%:45%, Errors points: 24:30

Play-off: 1 – 1

Game number 3 (April 29)

Belogorie Belgorod – Zenit Kazan 3-1 (24:26, 25:16, 25:16, 25:18)
Belogorie: Makarov 3, Ilinykh 0, Muserskiy 19, Grozer 15, Khtey 15, Duff 7, Ermakov (L); and Kosarev 1, Tetyukhin 11, Zhigalov 0
Zenit: Vermiglio 1, Berezhko 6, Apalikov 9, Mikhaylov 14, Sivozhelez 8, Abrosimov 5, Babichev (L) and Anderson 1, Demakov 0, Kolodinskiy 0, Cheremisin 6, Obmochaev (L)

Stats: Points: 99:76, Aces: 4:4, Attacks: 54:39 (53%:39%), Blocks: 13:7, Reception: 47%:52%, Errors points: 26:28

Play-off: 2 – 1  

Ural Ufa – Gubernia Nizhny Novgorod 3-1 (28-26, 23-25, 25-13, 25-18) Serie: 2-1.
Ural: Falasca 4, Spiridonov 22, Ashchev 5, Vissotto 24, Abramov 10, Samoylenko 5, Verbov (L) and Zhloba 0, Kazakov 4, Maksimov 2, Panteleymonenko 4                                                                   Gubernia: Esko 1, Nikic 14, Ostapenko 2, Pavlov 19, Savin 10, Sychev 3, Petropavlov (L) and Egorov 1, Dranishnikov (L), Shulgin 1, Tyurin 6

Stats: Points: 101:82, Aces: 3:2, Attacks: 71:54 (55%:45%), Blocks: 6:5, Reception:53%:44%, Errors points: 21:21

Play-off: 2 – 1

Game number 4 (April 30)

Belogorie Belgorod – Zenit Kazan 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-16)

Belogorie Belgorod: Makarov 2, Tetyukhin 14, Muserskiy 11, Grozer 3, Khtey 10, Duff 9, Ermakov (L) and Zhigalov 10, Kobzar 0, Kosarev 0, Kuznetsov 1
Zenit Kazan: Vermiglio 0, Anderson 14, Apalikov 5, Mikhaylov 18, Sivozhelez 8, Abrosimov 5, Babichev (L) and Berezhko 1, Demakov 0, Cheremisin 1, Kolodinskiy 0

Stats: Points: 95:77, Serve: 8:1, Attacks: 39:41, Blocks: 13:10, Reception: 56%:31%, Errors points: 25:35

Play-off: 3 – 1

Belogorie Belgorod has qualified to final of Superleague.

Ural Ufa – Gubernia Nizhny Novgorod 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 26-24)
Ural: Falasca 5, Spiridonov 10, Ashchev 6, Vissotto 17, Abramov 4, Kazakov 7, Verbov (L) and Samoylenko 0, Panteleymonenko 4
Gubernia: Esko 0, Nikic 6, Ostapenko 10, Pavlov 18, Choulepov 2, Lyamin 7, Petropavlov (L) and Shulgin 0, Tyurin 0

Stats: Points 76:62, Serve: 2:2, Attacks: 41:38 (47%:45%), Blocks: 10:5, Reception: 46%:47%, Errors points: 17:23

Play-off: 3 – 1

Ural Ufa has qualified to final of Superleaue.

 

Yuri Marichev, the head coach of the national team of Russia, decided not to include Maria Borodakova in the squad for the European Championship which starts in early September in Germany and Switzerland.

The middle blocker of Dynamo Kazan and two-time world champion, this summer managed to win Yeltsin Cup and the Universiade with the “Zborna”, but during the Preliminary stage of the World Grand Prix, that the Russians finished in seventh place, she almost did not appear on the court.

The head coach of Russian national team, Yuri Marichev, commented on his decision not to include the Maria Borodakova in the squad for EuroVolley:

“Borodakova is an experienced and well deserved player who should not be sitting on the bench. Today, Anastasia Shlyakhovaya and Irina Zaryazhko established themselves in the roles of the two main middle blockers in the team, and they have justified the expectations related with the restructuring of the game and the team.”

Russian media recall that Marichev called in the national team the middle blocker Yulia Morozova, who did not take part in the World Grand Prix and other tournaments at the start of the international season. Also, recovery of Irina Zaryazhko is measured to last 2-3 weeks.

Fourteen players are called for the gathering in Novogorsk, which will be held from August 22 to September 3:

Setters: Anna Matienko, Ekaterina Pankova
Middle blockers: Yulia Morozova, Irina Zaryazhko, Anastasia Shlyakhovaya, Natalia Dianskaya
Receivers: Tatiana Kosheleva, Aleksandra Pasynkova, Victoria Chaplina, Natalia Malykh
Opposites: Natalia Obmochaeva, Daria Isaeva
Liberos: Svetlana Kryuchkova, Anna Malykh

 

Source: sport-express.ru

 

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On a pretty much weird last day of actions the spectators in the Polish city of Gdynia saw the four teams competing there play fair games without considering the next round options too much. Germany was too strong for the feeble Czechs, whereas Russia might’ve broken a championship record with their amazing fourteen aces that caused way too many problems for Placci’s Bulgaria.

Germany – Czech Republic 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-20)

Germany: Kampa 5, Fromm 14, Boehme 10, Grozer 12, Kaliberda 7, Collin 4, Tille – libero, Steuerwald, Broshog 3, Hoehne
Czech Republic: Tichacek, Hudecek 1, Holubec 4, Stokr 15, Baranek 7, Siroky 6, Kopacek – libero, Finger, Boula, Hysky 6, Kral, Juracka

Having already demonstrated abundantly many mistakes on the two previous days, the Czech Republic played their last chords at the 2013 CEV VELUX European Championship against the pleasant surprise in Gdynia Germany. The match was a routine procedure for Vital Heynen and his boys, who only struggled in set two. The Czech side opposed to the Germans till 21-20, but eventually surrendered and lost hope for stealing some consolation points. Jan Stokr was finally awarded with game time on his favourite position due to the injury David Konecny got before yesterday’s clash with Russia. The captain Ondrej Hudecek helped his setter with good reception, but was again clueless in attack. His substitute Tomas Hysky did better, but not enough to support the only real threat for Germany – namely Stokr. Once among the world’s best, Lukas Tichacek is clearly far from his best volleyball and was benched for Ondrej Boula.

On the other half of the court Germany did not need to display its best volleyball to get things done. During the three days in Gdynia, however, the Bundesteam finally managed to play great for several matches in a row and now they are in charge of what might follow in the quarterfinals. This team can certainly make a big step in direction Copenhagen, but will first have to repeat any of their Gdynia evenings once more.

Team stats:

ActionSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeRec. pos.Rec. exc.ErrorsGermany3964%9761%32%17Czech Rep.3349%4256%33%20

Team leaders:

ActionPointsSpike pointsSpike %Spike errorsBlockServeUnforced errorsChristian Fromm141275%0201Jan Stokr151558%1001

 

Bulgaria – Russia 1-3 (19-25, 25-23, 14-25, 19-25)

Bulgaria: G. Bratoev 2, V. Bratoev 6, Yosifov 3, Sokolov 20, Aleksiev 12, Todorov 6, Salparov – libero, Gotsev 3, Penchev 10, Milushev
Russia: Grankin 2, Sivozhelez 17, Apalikov 5, Pavlov 20, Spiridonov 7, Muserskiy 21, Verbov – libero, Makarov, Ilinykh 1, Mikhaylov 3

After both teams lost to group leader Germany, it was made clear that they will not face each other until an eventual final in Copenhagen. Departing to the two different halves of the playoff schedule, Russia and Bulgaria played a very open game without thinking about future opponents. The two teams are in possession of two of probably the best blocking lineups in the championship, but that was not even close to where the game was decided. Andrey Voronkov‘s lads enjoyed a monster evening in terms of serve efficiency, which made the difference for Sbornaya at the end of sets one, three and four. The championship’s general strategic sponsor VELUX promised a money donation to a specifically chosen club for each ace served and Russia did a very good job tonight supplying provision. The overall amount of fourteen aces by Russia might even turn out to be a new record. Voronkov could be happy seeing his team improving significantly in comparison to the opening game, but their physical strength might not be enough to go all the way. The reigning Olympic champions will have a relatively easy task on Tuesday against Slovakia, but then the big test on Wednesday will show whether Russia will vie for another title.

Camilo Placci had some pre-game concerns following yesterday’s injury of key receiver Todor Skrimov. He is said to be ready for the playoffs, but the Bulgarian staff did not risk his health, especially after the team’s secure next round spot. The Bulgarians tried their best to stop Dmitriy Muserskiy, but had huge trouble receiving his monster serves. Valentin Bratoev was substituted early for Nikolay Penchev, who was reliable throughout most of the evening. Overall, the “lions” did not show their best volleyball. With the 3-1 defeat against Russia, Bulgaria will have to pass through the siege of the hosts Poland and then the well-known Germany to achieve the semifinals they claimed they have come for. However, Placci’s analysis needs to be focused on a better transition and defence, plus a very wary usage of the triple block, which was totally futile against Germany and Sbornaya.

Team stats:

ActionSpike pointsSpike %BlockServeRec. pos.Rec. exc.ErrorsBulgaria5047%7553%38%22Russia4951%131471%55%15

Team leaders:

ActionPointsSpike pointsSpike %Spike errorsBlockServeUnforced errorsTsvetan Sokolov201648%3136Dmitriy Muserskiy21969%0663

 

Pictures: CEV

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No surprise so far in the 7th leg of French league: almost all teams in the upper part of ranking claimed straight sets victories. Only Venelles, playing away, on the court of St-Raphaël stumbeled in the second set to win after four acts.

Cannes achieved a clear-cut victory against Istres cementing their first place right after the 7th leg of the regular season. An obvious victory that allowed Yan Fang to introduce the international Dutch receiver, Maret Grotheus, away from the court for ten months, due to an Achilles tendon injury.

It was the night of the leaders, Le Cannet claimed their fifth consecutive victory which keeps them in the fight for the second place, close to Nantes. Final score Le Cannet – Vannes 3-0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-17). Nantes, on their side, could not afford to make a mistake after last week’s wash out. Nantes were definitely superior on all levels, looking like the team that made their homework before. Amazingly lead by Melisa Callo (13 points) and Angie Bland, Nantes scored an easy home win against Paris St-Cloud, only to keep their second position sharing 17 points with following Le Cannet. Paris, on their side, fought back with Nina Coolman (11 points) and an amazing Lisa Menet-Haure in defense. Mulhouse and Béziers, 4th and 5th place respectively, were keeping up the pace imposed by leaders; both teams claimed victories and therefore three more points. While Mulhouse recorded a straight sets win over last placed Le Hainaut, Béziers  managed to pass over Terville in four acts.

The last game of the weekend set face to face two teams fighting for survival: Venelles and St. Raphaël. Without their libero, the charismatic Laura Ong, temporarily replaced by Camille Crousillat, Venelles claimed a 3-1 away win over newly promoted St. Raphaël. Saturday’s victory bounces Venelles back on the 9th place, three points away from following Terville.

Photo: Pascal Mistral

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Former Schalke forward Donis Avdijaj claims he “turned down a mega offer” from Liverpool earlier in his career, something which he “bitterly” regrets.

The Kosovo international joined Schalke when he was 14 in 2011 before making his debut for the first-team in 2014,

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Following loan spells at Sturm Graz and Roda, Avdijaj left Schalke – having only made 12 appearances in the first-team – to join Willem II on a free transfer in 2018.

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GOSSIP: Man United to miss out on winger; Thiago to Liverpool

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Since then, he has moved onto Trabzonspor in Turkey before signing a six-month contract in January 2020 with Scottish side Hearts.

Now, out of contract again, Avdijaj says he regrets not taking up opportunities with Liverpool and Real Madrid earlier in his career.

Avdijaj told Sport1 (via Sport Witness): “My biggest mistake, which I bitterly regret, was that I turned down a mega offer from Liverpool FC before I signed the long-term contract with Schalke, which was a matter close to my heart. I also had one [offer] from Real Madrid.”

On his time at Schalke, Avdijaj added: “It made me happy back then [in 2014], I didn’t really know that. I still believe that at that time I lacked the necessary support from Schalke, otherwise a lot could have gone differently.

“However, there were always moments when I had to fight my way through, and thank God I have managed to this day. But at the time, I wasn’t the player who trained and played with the professionals, just the boy with the €47m clause. That has already burdened me.”

 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer singled out Mason Greenwood for special praise after the Man Utd teenager helped put Brighton to the sword.

The 18-year-old opened the scoring at the Amex Stadium before teeing up Bruno Fernandes for the second of two fine goals as Man Utd ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

The victory means Solskjaer’s side have taken seven points from nine since the Premier League restarted and the boss was pleased with what he saw from Greenwood in particular.

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MAILBOX: It’s Rashford who should be worried about signings…

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“He’s getting better,” said Solskjaer. “You can see clearly that he’s maturing and improving, he’s only 18 still so we will see more from him.

“I’ve said it throughout the year that, as long as we can get him faced up in and around the box, he’ll create chances for us.

“But in this game his hold-up play and his link-up play and general movement was fantastic as well.

“He’s a special talent, a special kid that we are going to look after, try to develop into a top, top player. He’s doing well now, but he is still young and has things to learn.

“He knows that but we have a special talent there we have to nurture.”

 

Greenwood skipped in off the right to break the deadlock with a sharp left-footed finish before Fernandes struck on half-hour and took the game away from Brighton with an emphatic third.

And the win means United are unbeaten in 15 games across all competitions.

Solskjaer, though, wants to see further progression before being satisfied with the current run.

“We’re too far behind to be on the road to something special because special for this club is not where we are,” he added. “But the team is improving, we’re in with a shout for the Champions League next year and we still have the FA Cup and Europa League to play.

“The team is improving, the players are coming back and the style is better.”

 

We could not keep away from the camera for long so we made a Football365 Isolation Show. Watch it, subscribe and share until we get back in the studio/pub and produce something a little slicker…

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Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta insists Mesut Ozil’s club-record wage packet is never taken into consideration when it comes to picking his team.

Ozil has become an increasingly divisive character in recent years, with many Arsenal fans believing he is unworthy of being the highest-paid player in the history of the club.

The former Germany international collects a reported weekly salary of £350,000 – but has yet to play a minute of football for the Gunners since the season resumed.

Arteta stressed a “tactical decision” had kept Ozil out until the FA Cup win at Sheffield United, when it was reported the 31-year-old was injured.

He will be assessed ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League game against Norwich following back soreness, but Arteta has stressed he only ever picks his team on footballing merit.

Asked if Ozil’s wages had any impact when it comes to team selection, Arteta replied: “Never.

“That (Ozil’s contract) is an agreement that the player and club were happy to do, to move ahead and it is never something that I question.

“I think players are paid whatever they deserve because there are two parties here and that should never be something I have to judge.”

Arteta also admitted Ozil is unhappy at being sidelined – but said he would expect nothing less from a player wanting to play their part.

“I believe that he’s not very happy because he’s not playing,” he said.

“But as well he picked up an injury the other day and we have to wait and see how he evolves.

“I’m expecting a player that is not playing to feel hurt and disappointed.

“I want all my players at their best and to have the ability to be able to pick them to help the squad as much as possible and that’s the only intention I have.”

Arteta played alongside Ozil at the Emirates Stadium for three years before hanging up his boots.

The Spaniard therefore is in one of the best positions to judge Ozil’s ability and what he can offer to the current team.

“I know him really well because I played with him,” he added.

“Mesut has unique qualities. He is a very special player for the position he plays, how specific he is in the qualities that he has and what he can bring to the team. I don’t think much has changed.

“Obviously he adapted to the league and he needed some time but he started to perform pretty quickly and he established himself in this league for a long time, something that is not easy to do.”

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