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Shay Given Criticizes Xabi Alonso’s Use of Boniface in Leverkusen’s 0-4 Loss to Liverpool

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Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has raised concerns over Xabi Alonso’s tactical decisions during Bayer Leverkusen’s heavy 4-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League. Given, who also represented the Republic of Ireland, questioned Alonso’s use of striker Victor Boniface, who had been the team’s main forward.

Despite Boniface being a regular starter for Leverkusen, Given expressed confusion over his deployment in the match, particularly his role on the left wing. Given pointed out that Boniface, traditionally more effective as a target man, struggled to impact the game. Leverkusen looked toothless in attack, managing just five shots on target, none of which came from Boniface, who was substituted in the 81st minute after completing only 13 passes.

“The team played from the back and tried to progress through the thirds, but Boniface was at times playing on the left wing. You want him to be a target man, someone to inject energy into the attack,” Given said during his punditry for Premier League Sports Ireland.

The match ended with Luis Diaz scoring a hat-trick and Cody Gakpo adding a fourth for Liverpool, as Leverkusen failed to capitalize on their slight possession advantage. This result left Given questioning Alonso’s tactics in the final third, contributing to their disappointing performance.

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Transfer: Gabriel Jesus Could Leave Arsenal as Napoli Show Interest

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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could leave the club this summer, with Italian side Napoli reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian forward.

According to Sky Italia, Napoli’s new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, is a long-term admirer of Jesus and is keen to explore the possibility of bringing him to Serie A.

Jesus and Allegri share the same agent, Giovanni Branchini, who was reportedly spotted at Napoli’s pre-season training camp in Castel di Sangro on Friday.

A meeting could reportedly take place to discuss a potential move for the Arsenal forward.

Napoli’s interest could depend on their ability to offload one of their existing strikers. The club would reportedly need to find new destinations for Lorenzo Lucca, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, or Romelu Lukaku before making a move for Jesus.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to consider offers of around £18 million for the 29-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract with the Gunners.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and could now be heading for a new challenge in Italy if Napoli’s interest develops into a formal transfer.

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Transfer: Liverpool Agree Loan Deal for Barcelona Defender Araujo

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Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign Uruguay international Ronald Araujo on loan.

According to Sky Sports, the deal could be completed this weekend, with the 27-year-old defender set to move to Anfield on a straight loan arrangement.

Araujo renewed his Barcelona contract last year, extending his stay at the Catalan club until 2031.

However, the defender endured a difficult campaign last season and was subsequently granted an extended leave of absence from the team.

The proposed move to Liverpool would give Araujo an opportunity to revive his career in a new league and country.

The Uruguay international joined Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018 before making his first-team breakthrough a year later.

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LaLiga: Mourinho Introduces Four New Rules at Real Madrid

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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly introduced a series of new rules at the club after identifying what he considered bad habits within the dressing room.

Mourinho returned to the Spanish giants for a second spell this summer and has already begun implementing changes to improve discipline and professionalism within the squad, according to AS.

One of the new measures concerns players’ diets. The Portuguese manager has reportedly ended the freedom for players to eat whatever they choose, with the club’s nutritionist now responsible for overseeing their meals.

Under the new system, menus will be carefully structured and determined according to the nutritional needs of the players.

Mourinho has also introduced a disciplinary measure for players who arrive late to training. Such players will reportedly be required to undergo individual gym sessions.

Another rule concerns injury rehabilitation. Players recovering from injuries will now be expected to complete their rehabilitation at the club’s training ground under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical and fitness staff rather than working independently with external personnel.

The changes are part of Mourinho’s reported efforts to establish greater discipline and control within the Real Madrid squad following his return to the club.

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