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Borussia Dortmund lifted the Emirates Cup after an impressive victory over Premier League champions Arsenal, drawing praise from Niko Kovac. The post ‘We played beautifully’ – Kovac sees Arsenal win as a sign of progress for Dortmund appeared first on SoccerNews.
Niko Kovac masterminded Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win over Arsenal (Credits: Sportimage) Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac offered one struggling Arsenal star a surprising vote of confidence following Sunday’s 3-2 win. Mikel Arteta’s side slumped to a second consecutive pre-season defeat, this time in front of their own fans at Emirates Stadium. Although he got on the scoresheet with a second half penalty, it was another disappointing afternoon for Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden international looked well off the pace against Real Betis last week in his first outing since his World Cup exploits against Sweden and was again the focus of much criticism in the aftermath of yesterday’s reversal. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Despite another poor showing, Kovac singled out the former Sporting Lisbon star for surprise praise when asked if any Arsenal players caught his eye. He said: ‘There are a lot of top players when you see Gyokeres he is strong, he is quick, he is fast he is very direct. ‘We know him very well but I can mention all the players.’ Viktor Gyokeres struggled in Arsenal’s defeat against Borussia Dortmund (Credits: Alamy Live News.) Arteta, meanwhile, has backed ‘warrior’ Bruno Guimaraes to ‘ignite something different’ in the Premier League champions. Brazil midfielder Guimaraes was introduced to Gunners fans ahead of Sunday’s 3-2 defeat after completing his £75million move from Newcastle. The 28-year-old, who has signed a four-year deal, bolsters a star-studded midfield which already boasts the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze. Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled ahead of the game against Dortmund (Credits: Alamy Live News.) ‘You can see the immediate reaction,” Arteta told the club website after Guimaraes was given a warm reception by supporters. ‘I think he describes himself as a warrior. I think he’s a warrior with a tremendous quality as well and intuition and leadership and charisma that is going to help us, that is going to really ignite something different in the team. ‘I think he’s going to push everybody inside the team as well and that’s the type of player that we need.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Vinicius has signed a contract extension at Real Madrid until 2032 to end Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Brazilian alongside Bruno Guimaraes, who is undergoing a medical with the Premier League champions
Despite failing to shine at the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has been reaffirmed as Brazil’s head coach. Ahead of the 2030 edition, he has announced the beginning of a new era, making it clear that he will strongly bet on young players. Brazil are coming off a major disappointment at the 2026 World Cup, being eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. Despite this, they have decided to maintain their strong commitment to Carlo Ancelotti as their coach for the future. Ahead of the 2030 edition, he has already made an important change clear: A new era is beginning. With this, several veterans will end their time with the national team. “We will begin putting together a new team, looking at young players, but without ruling out some of the soccer players who were at the World Cup and who still have a lot to contribute to the national team,” Ancelotti revealed in a CBF statement. With this in mind, not only will Neymar Jr. leave Brazil, but also some other veterans, betting on young stars as his new project. Carlo Ancelotti could give prominence to Endrick and Rayan as the new future leaders of the attack, alongside Vinicius Jr. In addition, Ederson could have more importance as a defensive midfielder, as Casemiro could leave the project by moving to Inter Miami. However, the biggest changes could come in the full-back positions, as Brazil could bet on talent from the Brazilian league, since Danilo and Douglas Santos are already veterans. Amid the transformation of the project, Ancelotti could keep certain veterans such as Marquinhos, Alisson Becker, and Raphinha. Playing in top European leagues, they remain among the best players in their positions ahead of the 2028 Copa América. However, their presence at the 2030 World Cup would depend on their physical continuity and the level they demonstrate. Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, chats with his assistant coach Davide Ancelotti. Brazil’s scoring issues become Ancelotti’s biggest challenge Since Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil have notably improved their game, solidifying their defense and midfield. With this, they have recovered their impact in CONMEBOL, becoming difficult to score against. However, the Canarinha still have a major problem to solve: The lack of attacking power. With this in mind, there are very few key pieces to redirect the project. Ahead of the 2030 World Cup, Brazil’s biggest hope would become Endrick. Despite still not managing to become a starter, he returns to Real Madrid looking to become a key figure in the future. If he becomes consistent, he could be the starting striker, as he has already shown he can be differential in the collective game and in his goalscoring ability. However, this scenario depends on his evolution throughout his professional career. Matheus Cunha is the favorite option in attack, as he was Ancelotti’s choice at the 2026 World Cup. However, he is not the most prolific goalscorer, so his differential role would be more as an attacking midfielder. Therefore, Igor Thiago seems to have a new opportunity to shine. After disappointing, he can fight in friendly matches to earn his starting spot. For this, he needs to maintain the great level he demonstrated in the Premier League.
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck and former Magpies defender John Anderson have been discussing the speculation around the future of Bruno Guimaraes after he told Newcastle United he wishes to explore a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal. And I think there will be a big difference between Newcastle's high, but quite rightly high, valuation of Bruno financially, and what Arsenal may or may not be prepared to pay.
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