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The Angels are in need of a new manager after former skipper Ron Washington and interim manager Ray Montgomery's departures following the season. Los Angeles may look to a franchise legend to fill the opening.

According to a new report from 's Sam Blum and Katie Woo, Angels general manager Perry Minasian met with Albert Pujols in St. Louis to discuss L.A.'s managerial opening. Blum and Woo noted that nothing is official at this time, but the meeting went well and a contract is being discussed, although an announcement is not expected to be imminent.

Washington stepped away from the team in June due to health reasons and Montgomery took over for the rest of the season as the Angels went 72-90, missing the MLB playoffs for the 11th straight season. Pujols, the 11-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Cardinals, was with the Angels from 2012 to '21 before he spent a year with the Dodgers and returned to St. Louis for his final season.

He was with the Angels in '23 as a special assistant after his playing career ended. Last year, he was named manager of Leones del Escogido in his native Dominican Republic, where he led the team to a league title and a win in the '25 Caribbean Series. He's also set to manage the Dominican Republic team in the '26 World Baseball Classic. Although a deal with the Angels isn't done, it seems like a perfect fit for the former slugger with 3,384 hits and 703 career home runs.

noted that one of the most important parts of their discussions is Pujols's 10-year, $10 million post-retirement contract he signed with the Angels as part of his 10-year, $240 deal to join the team in '12. We'll see if the all-time great returns to the big leagues with his first MLB managerial job.

The fast bowler hurt himself when he dived full-length in an attempt to prevent a boundary

Sreshth Shah10-Dec-2025New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner, their standout performer on the opening day of the second Test in Wellington, suffered a suspected dislocation of his left shoulder and was taken off the field on a stretcher.Tickner had earlier torn through West Indies’ batting with a four-wicket haul, but injured himself in the 67th over while attempting to prevent a boundary at fine leg. Chasing a flick from Tevin Imlach, he dived full-length near the rope and stayed down immediately, prompting concern from his team-mates. The medical staff from the New Zealand camp and the venue attended to him on the boundary edge before he was stretchered off – sitting upright – to warm applause from the Basin Reserve crowd.”He [Tickner] left the field with a left shoulder injury and was transported to hospital shortly afterwards,” NZC said in a release. “Once the medical team and local doctors have done their work with him an update will be fed back.”Related

Henry, Santner, Nathan Smith ruled out of rest of WI Test series

Playing his first Test since early 2023, Tickner had been drafted into the XI for this match after injuries to Matt Henry and Nathan Smith in Christchurch. His 4 for 32 from 16 overs made him comfortably New Zealand’s best bowler on the day. His injury, however, adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable fast bowlers this series, which includes Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Matt Fisher.New Zealand are now facing the prospect of losing a third fast bowler mid-Test this series. They were similarly reduced in Christchurch, which had a knock-on effect and allowed West Indies to bat out for a draw. The setback also dampened the mood at the Basin Reserve among the fans and the New Zealand players, following what had been an upbeat second and third sessions for the hosts.Before being forced off, Tickner trapped Brandon King (33) and Kavem Hodge (0) lbw, used a sharp bouncer to dismiss Shai Hope for 48, and uprooted Roston Chase’s leg stump to put New Zealand firmly in control.Should Tickner be ruled out of the remainder of the match, it would be a major blow to an already inexperienced seam attack of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and debutant Michael Rae. Remarkably, New Zealand’s top two wicket-takers in the Test so far are part-timers Glenn Phillips (31 Test wickets) and Kane Williamson (30).This Test is also New Zealand’s first in 13 years where they have fielded a seam-bowling unit with fewer than 50 career Test wickets between them – the last instance coming in Kingston in 2012, the match in which Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner first played together.

The difficult decision to bench Liverpool talisman Mo Salah has left Reds boss Arne Slot with a major decision to make ahead of their clash with Leeds United. The Egyptian star’s performances have certainly been below his usual high standards, and he has come in for substantial criticism from TV pundits, but Slot has hinted he could reinstate him for the crunch trip to Elland Road.

Salah's struggles in title defence

Salah is enduring a challenging season on Merseyside, a stark contrast to his stellar previous campaign where he secured the Premier League title and bagged the Golden Boot, too. His form has seen a significant drop so far this season, he’s scored four goals and laid on two assists in his 13 Premier League appearances so far this season. The arrival of new players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, has altered the team's attacking dynamics, and the departure of long-time right-back partner Trent Alexander-Arnold has severely impacted on him. 

Club legend Jamie Carragher has been a vocal critic of Salah's form and perceived lack of leadership. Carragher has suggested that Salah's declining pace and reluctance to track back defensively are leaving the team exposed, especially in away games. He has also called for the Egyptian to speak publicly more often during the team's struggles. 

And while Salah has started on the bench for the Reds’ last two fixtures, missing out entirely in the win against West Ham and coming on as second-half substitute in the draw with Sunderland, his Dutch boss has hinted he could be re-introduced against Leeds.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot: 'It is completely normal for people to talk'

Speaking to the press on Friday, Slot said: "I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench). The chatter, yes (I understand it) because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me for six or seven years. It's completely normal for people to talk about it when he isn't (playing)." 

Another player who is has struggled this season is Wirtz, but Slot has backed his marquee summer signing to take the positives from recent performances, saying: "You can see his confidence from how often he wants the ball and how often they give him it. So he has a lot of confidence but it's also clear he came back with an injury from Germany, so I am happy he can play so many minutes. He has done well. Not surprised he was involved in the goal against Sunderland, he was one of the ones who kept constantly trying and was creative."

Redknapp suggests Salah could leave

 Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp weighed into the argument, claiming a player of Salah’s calibre wouldn’t be willing to sit on the bench and hinted he could leave. Redknapp said: "There is no way Salah is going to be content being a bit-part player in this team. Whether it's in January or in the summer, if he finds the right clubs, I think he deserves the right to move on if things aren't going to go his way. I can only see that outcome. Now that trust is broken, especially with someone like Salah, he needs that confidence and love from a manager."

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Getty Images SportLeeds test awaits at Elland Road

Liverpool travel to Elland Road off the back of another poor performance in the one-all draw with Sunderland as defensive frailties continued to plague them, which Leeds boss Daniel Farke’s side will look to exploit. And Slot is aware just how intense and physical the match will be, he said: "I watched Leeds versus Chelsea and I saw a Liverpool game: Chelsea conceding a set piece and then a big, big error. Leeds went very aggressive in one-v-one and then a low block to stop chances. It is difficult for us that style, and many other teams. We saw them coming back from two down to Manchester City, Phil Foden made the difference with a moment of magic there and against Chelsea Leeds were very strong. What to expect is what we have faced in many other games."

Arne Slot eased the pressure when he led his Liverpool side to victory over West Ham United at the weekend, but in a matter of days, the Reds will have hosted Sunderland and travelled to Elland Road to face Leeds United, and that will make a more accurate barometer of this squad’s level.

The pressure has cranked up in recent weeks, and who of a red persuasion could contest the scrutiny? The Premier League champions had lost nine of 12 matches in all competitions before arresting the slump, and after the November international break, Anfield has been left reeling after successive drubbings dished out by Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

It’s clear that Liverpool have lost their way, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get back on track. A summer of record-breaking spending has packaged the Reds team with so much quality, but it’s true that Liverpool are an imbalanced outfit.

Sporting director Richard Hughes may need to dig back into the transfer market, which will be upon us in less than a month.

Liverpool's January transfer plans

It’s incredible that after spending more than £400m this summer, Liverpool still need to address a number of areas across Slot’s squad. Namely, Liverpool need a centre-back, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a leading contender to strengthen the frontline this January.

But with Marc Guehi out of contract at the end of the season and Manchester City also holding talks for Semenyo’s services, FSG may be tempted to look elsewhere.

And according to Caught Offside, Juventus’ rising star Kenan Yildiz has been shortlisted as a Semenyo alternative, having enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the campaign in Italy.

The 20-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Viewed as one of Serie A’s brightest young stars, Juventus do not want to sell the attacking midfielder, but a concerted approach from FSG could help shift some weight.

With Chelsea also interested, the Old Lady are looking to bank a €100m cheque (translating to £88m) for their prized player.

Why Liverpool want Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz might be young, but he is “already one of the best left wingers in the world”, according to one Serie A scout, and has a far higher ceiling than the 25-year-old Semenyo besides.

Semenyo is the talk of the town in the Premier League, but he’s gone five matches without a goal involvement after such a prolific start to the campaign.

Yildiz, by contrast, is spreading out his output, notching both strikes in Juve’s recent 2-1 league win over Cagliari.

He is a ferocious runner and he is sharp with his playmaking. As per data-driven site FBref, Yildiz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

In this he has what it takes to match Semenyo’s athleticism and dynamism. In this he can become one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, Yildiz has only missed one big chance in the Italian top flight, scoring four times.

Matches (starts)

12 (11)

12 (12)

Goals

4

6

Assists

3

3

Touches*

52.4

49.6

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (1.1)

2.2 (1.2)

Accurate passes*

27.1 (85%)

19.9 (77%)

Chances created*

2.3

1.3

Dribbles*

1.5

1.8

Recoveries*

3.7

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.9

1.8

Duels won*

4.2

6.3

From a statistical standpoint, Semenyo has probably enjoyed the better season so far, but data only tells so much of a story in football, and Yildiz is clearly making startling progress at such a young age, close now to establishing himself as one of the best in the business.

He is “100% a superstar”, in the eyes of analyst Ben Mattinson, so dynamic and electric down the left flank. His duelling success doesn’t yet match Semenyo, who is one of the Premier League’s most combative wide forwards, and in just a few years, he could be far outstripping the Ghana international.

Whether Liverpool opt to fork out close to £100m for an up-and-coming talent remains to be seen, but Yildiz has already proven that he belongs on the world stage.

Semenyo would be a terrific signing, but the Turkish winger has that special something that suggests he could become one of the very best in the business.

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Liverpool and FSG are considering a host of positions ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2025

Seamer shines as late replacement for Jofra Archer and could still force his way into World Cup contention

Vithushan Ehantharajah11-Sep-2025Not all England caps are equal, and Luke Wood would have been under no illusions that his 10th across formats on Wednesday evening was, essentially, as a fall guy. And yet, with 2 for 22 from his two overs, he left the first T20I against South Africa with something worthwhile.After enough Cardiff deluges for three rainbows and a start delayed by two hours and 20 minutes, England called an audible on the XI they had announced on Tuesday. The outfield was deemed too saturated for Jofra Archer; a four-year journey back to all formats has been physically, emotionally and financially taxing enough to not be worth what became a forgettable defeat across 12.5 overs at a slip-and-slide Sophia Gardens.”I wouldn’t run my horse around here in this type of weather, let alone my premium fast bowlers,” former England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan joked. The current one, Harry Brook agreed: “It would have been stupid to play him.” And thus, as uncouth as it may sound, wiser to risk Wood.Related

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South Africa beat England and the rain to leave Cardiff 1-0 up

Brook, aligned with head coach Brendon McCullum, made the decision to park Archer as soon as the match was set to be reduced. It meant Wood had under two hours to prepare. Such was the regularity of showers throughout the day, it would have only been when the left-arm seamer had the ball in his hand at 8.50pm, ready to kick things off from the River Taff End, that he would have known there was actual work to be done.He removed Ryan Rickleton with his second ball, a late away-swinger drawing an edge through to Jos Buttler. Lhuan-dre Pretorius was pocketed with his penultimate one, rushing the batter into an ungainly hack that required an acrobatic effort from Brook at mid-off. He should have had Aiden Markram on 24, when Phil Salt spilled a far simpler catch at cow corner; Wood then held on to dismiss Markram off Adil Rashid an over later.Brook, clearly exhausted at the end of a long night of an already long summer, lauded Wood’s efforts: “He didn’t have much time to prepare, but he went out and did a good job with the new ball, as he always does.”It was a sincere appraisal from Brook, more so than his intimation at the toss that Wood’s inclusion was on tactical grounds for what initially began as a nine-over affair. The 30-year-old may have been collateral, but he was the only England player to inflict any real damage on their opponents.This is a fascinating period in Wood’s career, one which the man himself had assumed would be without any international requirements. His participation in the West Indies T20Is at the start of this season could hardly be termed a recall given his previous seven appearances in 2022 and 2023 came, much like Wednesday, as a seat filler for the A-listers. Even his inclusion for May and June’s ODIs against West Indies was the result of Archer-related caution.There is a lot to like about Wood; quick enough, always finding movement through the air, and doing so immediately. Rickleton was the 11th batter he has removed in the first over of a T20 in 2025 alone – only fellow English leftie David Willey has more (14).Wood is also not shy of a bit of confrontation. These traits were brought to the fore in Brook’s second match as T20I captain in June, with a player-of-the-match display of 2 for 25. It was reminiscent of Wood’s T20I debut in Pakistan back in 2022, another award-winning turn of 3 for 24.Such was the impression Wood made that there were unofficial, idle thoughts that he could come into contention for the India Test series had England encountered a handful more injuries to their already depleted fast bowling stocks. His last first-class match came in September 2023, one of two County Championship appearances for Lancashire that season. But as was the case with Jamie Overton this summer, a lack of red-ball experience might not have precluded Wood from selection.Overton has since made himself unavailable for Test cricket ahead of the Ashes to prolong his career in the shorter formats. Though Wood need not make any official statements, having never earned a Test call-up, his winter has already been hitched to the franchise circuit with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, which runs from December 2 to January 4. It is worth noting that since the 2023 home summer, Wood’s 72 matches since have been exclusively in the T20 formatNevertheless, the remaining two matches against South Africa, next week’s jaunt to Ireland and October’s tour of New Zealand will present Wood further opportunities to press his case for 2026’s T20 World Cup squad. Having been on the periphery for England’s success in 2022, as a late replacement on the reserve shortlist, he may finally be considered first-string.On an otherwise treacherous night that Brook regarded as “a bit of a shambles”, Wood was able to emerge unscathed and better for it.