Horizons change, for players and clubs

The Independent’s football newsletter [The Independent]( October 11, 2022 [View in browser](   [The Independent]( [The Independent]( Horizons change, for players and clubs Southgate moving on not as certain as thought There is widespread expectation that [Gareth Southgate]( will step down after [the World Cup](regardless of performance, because it represents a “natural” end, but many within the Football Association don’t feel it’s so straightforward. Some are actually cautioning against the idea of Southgate leaving at all. That’s because it might not be so natural an ending it all. There’s first of all the fact England have that first Euro 2024 qualifier just three months after Qatar. That is a very quick turnaround, that limits any managerial options, but also means Southgate is obviously preparing now. The nature of his job means he has to work that way. There’s also the fact there isn’t an obvious role for him to walk into right now. Ronaldo's future dictated by present concerns Cristiano Ronaldo is starting to get the offers to leave Manchester United that he didn’t in the summer - but none are all that appealing. He is reluctant to go to Galatasaray and doesn’t consider Inter Miami a realistic option as of now. His ambition still burns too much. He still wants to be involved at the top. [He also can’t let Erling Haaland go scoring so many goals without some response](. The Norwegian doing what he is doing is having the effect on Ronaldo you would imagine. He thinks it should be him getting those plaudits, from scoring such goals. This is after all a man who once texted a pundit saying “it’s not over yet” when they were discussing whether a new era has dawned with Haaland Kylian Mbappe. Strong momentum a fragile thing - and dependent on World Cup With the World Cup now so close it’s in clear sight, many Premier League figures are registering the actual reality of it - especially as it might affect results. There is particular irritation within Arsenal, even as Mikel Arteta insists on a mentality that the team just concentrate on what’s ahead. The frustration is that the team could be enjoying a unique momentum, only for the World Cup to completely disrupt that. It’s also possible, however, the World Cup could work in the opposite way. Given the immense [resource gap between Manchester City]( and Arsenal, and how squads like Arteta’s and Napoli’s don’t generally have the depth to sustain such consistency, the turn of the year is usually the period when that momentum starts to splutter. In this case, though, the World Cup might serve as the psychological break the players require. It just feeds into how this tournament is such an unknown. Arsenal not too bothered by Aubameyang There were scoffs within Arsenal at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s comments, and his exact interpretation of a “big player”. Arteta doesn’t even consider them worth thinking about. Others would defend the manager, and say “big characters” do much more on the pitch and offer far better leadership. The lines were the following. "Big characters and big players...he can't deal with it. He needs some young players who don't say anything.” While Aubameyang comes across badly here, and could ask himself a few questions, his words do speak to something of a shift in the game. They also echo Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comments about one of Arteta’s great mentors, in Pep Guardiola, that he only wanted obedient schoolboys. The truth is the modern game is now so driven by tactical sophistication that such coaches can’t really afford these figures who don’t follow instruction. They need investment in the ideal rather than outright individualism. It also reflects a wider change that is influenced by society, where modern players aren’t really the outsized “characters” or warriors that so many of their predecessors. They’ve grown up with positive reinforcement rather than the school of hard knocks. That isn’t to say they don’t have character, though. It’s just different. As a sign of the shift, take Aubameyang’s successor as Arsenal captain. Martin Odegaard was partly chosen because he is so good at immediately interpreting Arteta’s instructions on the sideline and imparting them for the players. He’s also someone perfectly willing to stand up in big games. Bellingham with more than suitors to consider [Jude Bellingham is rapidly emerging into the most sought-after player]( in the world, let alone one of the most promising midfielder. Whoever gets him knows they will have their midfield sorted for more than a decade. It’s just that his ability is so outsized that the pursuit of him is going to involve a lot of ins and outs. Those interested now may not be the club who end up with him. Hence everyone involved is saying that Liverpool and Manchester United are currently the two clubs making the most contact, but there is caution they will get him. Manchester City are monitoring. Chelsea are assessing. Much depends on who is in the best shape for the next few years by the time Bellingham makes his decision. There’s also another angle to this. Borussia Dortmund would rather do a deal cleanly - especially with [the World Cup effect](, and how the 19-year-old’s value could explode. A bonus newsletter? But hang on, it’s Tuesday, why are you receiving this extra newsletter, you might be asking. Well, there is very good reason. We are bringing you this special edition newsletter to celebrate Amazon Prime Day, which is happening today and tomorrow, and is a bonus event this year in addition to the event Amazon had back in July. The sales event is known for offering some of the best deals around and my colleagues on the IndyBest desk are keen I let you know about some of the best offers around. They will be keeping you up to date throughout both days with all the latest in their [live blog coverage](, and also with details around specific offers to keep you ahead of the curve in some of these articles: [TV deals]( [Laptop deals]( [Tech deals]( [Amazon devices]( [Apple deals](   Top stories [FA investigating ‘incident’ between Arsenal and Liverpool players during Premier League match]( [Luis Diaz ruled out until after World Cup with knee issue](   Miguel's Dispatches A bit of a first for me this evening as I am watching one of the Milan clubs, in this case AC Milan, at their own stadium. I have been to the San Siro twice before - including for England’s defeat to Italy last month - but watching one of the proper home teams is obviously different. There’s also something that remains so distinctive about the stadium itself. It is one of those rare places where the mere sight of as you walk up actually transports you to all sorts of other scenes and moments. The red girders and circular pillars don’t just reinforce a stadium but conjure images of so many stars and so much glory. It is football history. It is also such a pity that it will soon pass into history, even if you can understand why one you step into the scene. Elements of it are dilapidated. The wonder is whether that storied exterior can be kept, as was done with the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.     QUOTE OF THE WEEK "What you build with your hands, you knock down with your backside." Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool’s frustrating start to the season   Reading the game quiz Reading the game quiz Nine players have appeared on the pitch for AC Milan during a European Cup or Champions League final, and also played in the Premier League. Name them. ([You can find out the answers here](. The answer page will be updated weekly and contains answers from previous newsletters, too)   INDYBEST /BEST SPORTS BUY]( England has debuted its World Cup away kit – here’s how to buy it The new 2022-23 shirt will be worn in Qatar this November [Click here for how to buy it](   Essential reading [Cristiano Ronaldo out of time but Man United superstar continues to defy logic](   [Liverpool’s inconsistency a product of painful yet predictable transition](   OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Sports Brief] Sports Brief Every Monday, 6pm (UK time) Written by Ben Burrows [Join now]( [Fantasy Football] Fantasy Football Every Thursday, 6pm (UK time) Written by Mark Critchley [Join now]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's football newsletter. 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