Botafogo: novos uniformes da Reebok ganham previsão de lançamento

MatériaMais Notícias

Os novos uniformes do Botafogo estão em fase final de desenvolvimento e estão previstos para serem lançados em julho. A Reebok é a fornecedora de material esportivo do clube desde novembro do ano passado e está sendo responsável pela produção. A informação foi publicada primeiramente pelo “ge” e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

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A ideia é que as novas camisas tenham homenagens para ídolos do clube e pontos turísticos do Rio de Janeiro. As vendas também devem ser iniciadas no próximo mês. O design na blusa já foi definido. O acordo entre empresa e clube é válido por três anos.

+ Barcelona divulga nova camisa: confira uniformes vazados ou lançados para a próxima temporada europeia

O LANCE! informou no início deste ano que o Botafogo planejava lançar os novos uniformes antes do segundo turno do Brasileirão. Mesmo com alguns contratempos no processo de produção, este prazo deve ser atingido pelo clube.

4 غيابات هامة لـ الزمالك أمام غزل المحلة في الدوري المصري

يفتقد فريق الزمالك 4 لاعبين في مباراته القادمة أمام نظيره غزل المحلة، التي ستجمع الفريقين ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه فريق الزمالك نظيره غزل المحلة، في تمام الساعة الخامسة من مساء غد السبت على ملعب القاهرة الدولي في الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وكان الزمالك قد تلقى الخسارة في الجولة الماضية أمام الأهلي بهدفين مقابل هدف، بينما تعادل غزل المحلة مع إنبي دون أهداف.

طالع.. علاء عبد العال يعلن قائمة غزل المحلة لمباراة الزمالك في الدوري المصري

ويحتل الزمالك المركز الأول في جدول ترتيب الدوري الممتاز برصيد 17 نقطة، بينما يقع غزل المحلة في المركز الرابع عشر برصيد 10 نقاط. غيابات الزمالك أمام غزل المحلة في الدوري 

عبد الله السعيد للإيقاف 3 إنذارات.

عدي الدباغ بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الضامة.

محمد شحاتة بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الخلفية.

ناصر منسي بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الخلفية.

Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade affected by transfer 'turmoil' as Germany legend defends Liverpool & Newcastle signings from criticism

Lothar Matthaus says Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade's underwhelming Germany performances are a result of their recent Premier League transfers.

  • Germany suffered shocking 2-0 defeat to Slovakia
  • Wirtz and Woltemade received criticism
  • Matthaus defends the duo after transfer upheaval
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Germany’s World Cup qualifying campaign kicked off with a disastrous display as Julian Nagelsmann's side couldn't handle a tactically sound Slovakian side, going down 2-0 last week. The disappointing performance drew significant backlash from fans and pundits alike, with many pointing fingers at individual players. The team did not inspire confidence in their fans at the start of the next game against Northern Ireland as they were booed off by fans at half-time as the teams went in level at 1-1.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    While Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann's tactical changes were in for scrutiny, players like Wirtz were singled out for costly individual errors, though the new Liverpool signing scored a crucial free-kick goal and extended Germany's lead against Northern Ireland, making amends for his previous performance. Woltemade, who recently joined Newcastle, was similarly targeted for not meeting the high expectations. Matthaus, though, has defended the two as he believes their new transfer moves may have had a role in their performances.

  • WHAT MATTHAUS SAID

    In his column for Sky Sport, Germany legend Matthaus stepped in to defend the young players from the harsh criticism, saying: "It's a given in football that whistles sometimes target individual players. There's practically only top or bottom. But I'll defend Nick Woltemade and Florian Wirtz . The turmoil and the adjustment to a new environment, these things are affecting the players' minds. They still need time to adjust to the new situation. Wirtz wasn't present at all in the first half, but he scored the free kick to make it 3-1 in world-class fashion."

    Matthaus further added: "The German team has quality when all its players show what they're capable of. It starts at the back and ends at the front. Antonio Rudiger wasted a ball before the corner that led to the 1-1 draw. That's not something you do as a defender. Experienced players have to find other solutions."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR GERMANY?

    The German national team have been able to let off some steam with their 3-1 win against Northern Ireland but the campaign still has a long way to go. For now, they are three points behind leaders Slovakia.

منتخب مصر يصل بوركينا فاسو استعدادًا لموقعة الحسم في تصفيات كأس العالم

وصل منتخب مصر الأول إلى بوركينا فاسو، استعدادًا للمباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وتقام مباراة مصر ضد بوركينا فاسو، يوم 9 سبتمبر الجاري، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثامنة من التصفيات المؤهلة إلى مونديال 2026، على أرضية استاد 4 أغسطس.

ونشرت الصفحة الرسمية لـ منتخب مصر على “فيس بوك”، فيديو وصور من وصول بعثة المنتخب المصري إلي مدينة واجادوجو في بوركينا فاسو.

ومن المقرر أن يخوض منتخب مصر تدريبه الرئيسي غدا الاثنين في السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر- الرابعة بتوقيت بوركينا فاسو.

طالع | محمد الغزاوي: تذاكر مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو نفذت.. وطلبنا حراسة خاصة لـ محمد صلاح

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى برصيد 19 نقطة من 7 مباريات، متفوقًا على بوركينا فاسو صاحب المركز الثاني بـ14 نقطة.

وتضم المجموعة الأولى كلًا من مصر، بوركينا فاسو، سيراليون، جيبوتي، إثيوبيا وغينيا بيساو، ويأمل الفراعنة في تعزيز صدارتهم والتأهل رسميًا إلى نهائيات كأس العالم.

وكان منتخب مصر، حقق الفوز على إثيوبيا، في لقاء الجولة السابعة التي أقيمت على ملعب استاد القاهرة مساء الجمعة الماضي، بهدفين دون رد.

Man City believe "excellent" £50k-p/w ace wants to join, bid being prepared

Manchester City are enjoying themselves on Club World Cup duty, but that doesn’t mean work isn’t going on in the background to secure reinforcements at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City's balancing act with transfers and Club World Cup

Al Hilal await Manchester City in the last 16 of the Club World Cup after Pep Guardiola led his side to three straight victories over Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stages.

Reverting to traditional full-backs to control the middle of the park with tight interchanges in and around the penalty area, the former Barcelona boss has made the Citizens one of the favourites to claim the trophy Stateside, which would be the perfect end to an otherwise disappointing 2024/2025.

Manchester City managerPepGuardiola

Buying into Manchester City’s recent hype, Guardiola praised his side for showing a ruthless edge against Juventus that he believes could be a sign of things to come as his side aim to replicate their success of the last decade.

He stated: “This is just one game but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. It’s the first time we’ve performed the way we can.

“We won the last two but we adjusted a few things. I’m really pleased because the players realise what we have to do to get back to what we were in the last decade. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past.”

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Nevertheless, there is still plenty of transfer activity going on at the Etihad, with Manchester City’s pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo now public knowledge.

After losing out to Liverpool last term, Guardiola appears determined to take the fight to the reigning champions this season and is now pursuing one of England’s brightest talents.

Manchester City preparing bid to sign Tino Livramento

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester City are preparing a bid to sign Newcastle United star Tino Livramento, and Guardiola’s side are reportedly convinced that he wants a move to the Eastlands.

Citing his ability to operate in either full-back position, the Sky Blues are growing in confidence that they could land the England Under-21 international despite Eddie Howe having no desire to lose the Croydon-born man, who is currently out on duty at the European Championships.

Five similar players to Tino Livramento (FBRef)

Denis Appiah

Saint-Ettiene

Joe Scally

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Destiny Udogie

Tottenham Hotspur

Pep Chavarria

Rayo Vallecano

Gideon Mensah

Auxerre

Earning £50,000 per week in the North East, Livramento notched a solitary assist in 45 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle last campaign and helped them claim EFL Cup glory and qualify for the Champions League.

Three other unnamed players are under consideration at Manchester City, but it appears that the “excellent” former Southampton man is their prime target at this point in time.

Arriving potentially with the added carrot of being a homegrown player, helping them navigate squad regulations, completing a deal would make a lot of sense for Guardiola in the cold light of day.

He's like Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd expect to sign £30m star after Cunha

Manchester United are closing in on their first signing of the upcoming summer transfer window, as Matheus Cunha is set to join on a permanent deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazil international is poised to arrive at Old Trafford for a fee of £62.5m to bolster Ruben Amorim’s options at the top end of the pitch.

Cunha is set to arrive as a proven Premier League star after his impressive performances for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign, with a return of 15 goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in the top-flight to steer them clear of relegation trouble.

The former Atletico Madrid star has shown that he can score goals at an impressive rate, whilst also creating high-quality chances for his teammates, and could hit the ground running in Manchester next term.

He also played as one of two number tens behind a central striker for Wolves, which means that he will be a perfect fit for Amorim’s attacking set-up.

United are also in the market for a new centre-forward to play ahead of Cunha, but it does not look like there is going to be a reunion between Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres.

The latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Man Utd

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, a deal for the Sweden international is ‘almost off the table’ for Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The journalist claims that the former Coventry City star is not eyeing up a move to Old Trafford, but it is unclear if that has anything to do with the fact that the Red Devils will not be playing European football next season.

Amorim signed Gyokeres for Sporting in the summer of 2023, from the Sky Blues, and the impressive marksman scored 66 goals in 68 appearances in all competitions under the Portuguese head coach.

The news that the 26-year-old superstar is looking unlikely to return to England to sign for United this summer may come as a blow to supporters who may have been excited by the prospect.

Appearances

33

33

xG

22.71

30.95

Goals

29

39

Minutes per goal

101

72

Conversion rate

25%

29%

Big chances created

11

11

Assists

10

7

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres has been incredibly prolific during his time in Portugal, mostly under Amorim, with 68 goals in 66 league matches for Sporting.

However, the Manchester United head coach could find his next version of the striker if the latest update on their pursuit of a Premier League forward pans out.

Man Utd expected to sign English striker

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United are ‘widely expected’ to win the race to sign Ipswich Town centre-forward Liam Delap in the summer transfer window, and he could arrive as their second signing after Cunha.

The report claims that the Red Devils are likely to sign the England U21 international from the Tractor Boys after they were relegated from the Premier League, one year on from his move to Suffolk from Manchester City.

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It reveals that Nottingham Forest are also interested in signing the former Hull City loanee ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but it is expected that the young marksman will opt for a move to Old Trafford instead.

Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this month that the striker has a release clause in his Ipswich Town contract that will allow clubs to sign him for just £30m this summer, which could make him a bargain addition for United.

Liam Delap

If Delap, as expected, ends up joining Manchester United before the end of the summer transfer window, Amorim could mould him into his new version of Gyokeres.

Why Liam Delap could be the next Viktor Gyokeres

The obvious goalscoring quality aside, one of the Swedish star’s best attributes is his physicality in the number nine position, with his running power and his raw strength to hold off opposition players.

Manager Slaven Bilic once hailed his physical qualities, saying: “He (Gyokeres) is a very strong striker, a player who can not only keep and hold the ball but he can hurt you. He can run into the channels and he’s strong.”

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick

Delap, dubbed a “monster” by teammate Alex Palmer, is cut from the same cloth as Gyokeres as a physical, hard-working, centre-forward who does not give opposition defenders an easy afternoon.

Pundit Paul Robinson praised his physicality earlier this season, saying: “He (Delap) is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.”

The clip above illustrates the kind of raw power and pace Delap can provide in the number nine role for Manchester United, but the next step for him is to prove that he can score enough goals to fire a team to a title.

He has shown promise in that respect after an excellent year with the Tractor Boys, in spite of their relegation back down to the Championship.

Appearances

37

32

xG

9.34

5.24

Goals

12

4

Conversion rate

18%

13%

Big chances created

3

4

Assists

2

0

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international would already come in as a big upgrade on Hojlund as a goalscorer at Premier League level, after an impressive haul of 12 goals in his debut season in the top-flight.

Manchester United are set to sign an incredibly gifted creative talent in Cunha, who could provide Delap with the chances he needs to improve his output from 12 to closer to the likes of Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland, if he can remain consistent as an effective finisher.

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That could, then, complete his transformation into becoming an elite Premier League centre-forward and Amorim’s next Gyokeres, as a clinical and physical centre-forward with plenty of time ahead of him to develop even further.

Man Utd could now be offered £135k-p/w star in exchange for Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United could now be offered the chance to sign a “strong” Juventus star in exchange for selling striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to a recent report.

Amorim determined to keep key man at United

United are all set to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Athletic Bilbao, knowing they are in a very good position to seal their place in the final. Leading up to United’s biggest game of the season, there has been talk about Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal wanting to sign talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes.

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Al-Hilal are said to be prepared to pay a British record transfer fee and also pay the Portugal international more than £1 million a week to get him out of Old Trafford. However, that may not be an easy task for the Saudi team, as Ruben Amorim has once again confirmed that he wants Bruno to stay at the club, as he is “one of the top players in the world”.

Amorim said in his pre-match Bilbao press conference: “Our idea didn’t change. We want to keep the best players – and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world. We want Bruno here.

“It is easy to understand [his importance] – not just because of the numbers but the way he plays and the importance he has during his five years here.

“It’s normal; a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno. He is a leader, and he’s the captain, so he’s really important. He is a top player; we need top players.”

Man Utd could be offered £135k-p/w star in exchange for Hojlund

While Amorim makes it clear he wants Fernandes to stay, he may be open to the idea of letting other players leave, in particular Hojlund, and the Red Devils could now be offered an intriguing player swap. According to Tuttosport, Juventus could be prepared to offer Douglas Luiz to Man United in exchange for Hojlund.

The report states that the Serie A giants are leading the race to sign Hojlund this summer and have taken steps to move towards a deal. There is talk that Dušan Vlahović, who Juventus are open to selling this summer, could be a part of a deal for Hojlund, but it also mentions that Luiz is an ‘important card to play’ in the negotiations for the United striker.

Luiz, who has been dubbed “strong” by Aston Villa sporting director Monchi, only joined Juve in the summer but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, featuring in just 17 Serie A games and mostly from the bench. Despite being under contract until 2029, Juventus may look to use Luiz in a deal for Hojlund to bring United’s price down.

Apps

17

Starts

3

Minutes per game

30

Touches per game

29.4

Passes per game (accuracy)

21.2 (90%)

Key passes per game

0.9

Tackles per game

0.7

Balls recovered per game

1.7

Hojlund, who earns £85,000 a week at Old Trafford, has struggled in front of goal all season for United, and it could be that the Red Devils do move him on, so it allows them to bring in a suitable replacement. However, it is unclear if the Premier League side would be interested in doing a deal which sees them sign a new midfielder in Luiz, who earns a staggering £135,000 a week at Juventus despite barely making an impact. If there is going to be a player swap, United may want a striker for a striker instead of a new midfielder.

Spurs plotting £60m summer deal for "sensational" Van de Ven upgrade

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a season to forget in 2024/25, with their dismal standing in the Premier League reflecting their failure to impress on the pitch.

Ange Postecoglou’s side currently sit in the bottom half of the table, but could still end the campaign with a trophy should they claim the Europa League title.

However, pressure is building on the Aussie in North London, with it unclear if he will even be in charge next season should they end the year trophyless once again.

Regardless, additions are hugely needed to prevent a repeat of this season, with the summer window rapidly approaching and work needing to be done behind the scenes.

One player has already emerged onto the Lilywhites’ shortlist ahead of the opening of the window, offering added quality in a department that has been struggling in recent months.

Spurs plot move for £60m defensive star

According to journalist Christian Falk, Spurs are one of numerous sides interested in making a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie this summer.

Fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen on a move to land the 23-year-old, who’s valued at around £60m by Xabi Alonso’s men.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

The Ecuadorian international has made 39 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, notching five combined goals and assists – having an impact at both ends of the pitch.

The report states that the Bundesliga outfit may have to offload players this summer, with Hincapie one big-money star who could depart the side ahead of 2025/26.

Whilst it would be another huge investment into the first-team squad, it is one that is desperately needed, offering an upgrade on one player currently plying their trade in North London.

Why Hincapie would be an upgrade on Van de Ven

Over the last few months, injuries have massively plagued the Spurs backline, resulting in countless players having to operate at the heart of the defence – albeit in an unnatural position.

Archie Gray is just one player who had to feature in such a role, doing an admirable job despite his tender age and inexperience in such a position throughout the early years of his professional career.

Micky van de Ven walks off injured for Tottenham

The youngster was forced to cover after regular centre-back Micky Van de Ven spent an extended period on the sidelines after a reoccurrence of his hamstring issue.

The Dutchman has been a key member of the side since his move in the summer of 2023, racking up 44 appearances throughout his two years in North London.

However, the injuries he’s suffered in recent times have halted his progress, subsequently being unable to replicate his high levels of performance which caught the eye in his debut year in England’s top flight.

When he has played, he’s been unable to better Hincapie, leading to the recent transfer news which could see the Leverkusen star take the Dutchman’s place in the side should he move this summer.

Games played

26

11

Goals & assists

4

2

Progressive carries

1.8

0.8

Progressive passes

5.3

4.6

Tackles won

1.4

0.6

Interceptions made

1.2

0.9

Aerials won

58%

52%

The Ecuadorian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has managed to complete more progressive carries and more progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his ability to play out from the back in a possession-based system.

He’s also managed to win more tackles and come out on top in more aerial battles, offering that added defensive solidity that Spurs have hugely lacked throughout this season.

Whilst it may be harsh on Van de Ven, from the figures produced in recent times, it’s evident that Hincapie would be an upgrade on the talented youngster.

Unfortunately, football is a cutthroat industry, with success the main priority, something which the 23-year-old could play a huge part in should he complete any move during the upcoming window.

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He's playing like a £50m star: Leeds sold Struijk successor for just £4m

Looking at the promotion-chasing Leeds United side at the moment, it could be argued that the defensive unit will prove vital if the club are to return to the Premier League.

Of course, the only goalscorer during the Whites’ recent 1-0 triumph over Middlesbrough was 56-time Wales international Daniel James, yet the imperious centre-back duo on the night, consisting of both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, helped to keep the 22nd clean sheet of the season.

Whilst Daniel Farke will be glad a shut-out and a victory was secured at the Riverside Stadium courtesy of those named, he will be worried about the injury status of Pascal Struijk all the same, with the Leeds captain out again with another serious knock.

Struijk's importance at Leeds

After all, the 25-year-old centre-back just seems to be cursed with constant setbacks in this department.

Last season, Struijk was only fit enough for 25 clashes in all competitions owing to a recurring groin concern, with a new development now revealing that the reliable number five could miss the rest of this season with a potential foot fracture.

This would be a demoralising blow for Farke and Co, considering Struijk has popped up with five crucial goals this campaign from 35 Championship contests, including bagging a double against Sunderland in February to clinch a late win.

Moreover, the injury-prone defender has been dogged at the back away from these goalscoring heroics by collecting a hefty 14 clean sheets.

Whilst Ampadu is a sterling option in the short-term, Leeds aren’t exactly blessed with numbers in the centre-back spots with Struijk sidelined, making the decision to let this rising defensive star leave last summer for just £4m look more bemusing by the minute.

Leeds may have sold a £50m star in the making

Looking more long-term too, there had been rumours in the not-so-distant past that Struijk could leave Elland Road behind, with Serie A side Torino keen admirers.

Therefore, having more bodies at the back in the here and now would be extremely handy in preparing for this possible outcome, with Charlie Cresswell an ideal face to have around to shore up the promotion candidates even more defensively.

Charlie Cresswell for Leeds United.

The former Whites number five would never quite make the grade at a senior level for his boyhood employers, despite having an “excellent” loan spell at fellow second tier side Millwall during the 2022/23 campaign – as it was labelled by Lions boss at the time Gary Rowell – which bumped up his experience of the testing division.

Much like his 6 foot 3 counterpart, Cresswell showed on loan at the Den that he had an eye for goal with five strikes tallied up from 30 appearances, meaning he could have been the perfect long-term successor to Struijk.

But, regardless of this standout spell in the English capital, the Preston-born titan would never make it at Elland Road, unfortunately, with only 14 senior chances handed to him before a bold £4m move to French outfit Toulouse came to fruition.

This left-field switch to Ligue 1 has worked in Cresswell’s favour, however, when glancing at his impressive FBref numbers below, with direct comparisons to be made between the 22-year-old’s improving game in France and Dean Huijsen’s current breakout season at AFC Bournemouth – the Cherries star noted among the most similar defenders to the Preston native across Europe’s top five leagues.

Attempted passes

54.58

59.81

85.57

Pass completion %

82.5%

84.1%

90.1%

Progressive passes

2.40

4.49

6.15

Progressive carries

0.34

1.45

1.18

Shot-creating actions

0.88

1.64

1.34

Tackles

1.39

1.54

1.05

Interceptions

1.01

2.10

0.89

Blocks

1.64

1.50

0.80

Clearances

6.76

6.78

4.49

Aerials won

3.57

2.71

3.60

Looking at the table above, Cresswell – who was dubbed “amazing” by Jesse Marsch in the past – isn’t a million miles off matching the £50m-rated Huijsen in various aspects of his defensive game, on top of also managing to better Strujjk in some defensive basics.

Therefore, if Leeds had just exercised more patience and didn’t offload the 22-year-old for £4m, they would already have a ready-made Struijk replacement to further boost their depth ahead of the edgy promotion run-in.

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Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill drops 3-word verdict on Rangers title chances

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill talked up Hearts’ title chances hours before agreeing to return to Parkhead, also insisting that Rangers are “no threat whatsoever”.

The 73-year-old will be back in the Celtic Park dugout along with Shaun Maloney for Wednesday’s visit of Falkirk, 20 years after exiting the club, following Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic and acrimonious departure.

O’Neill’s previous arrival kick-started a period of dominance which has seen Celtic win 18 of the past 25 championships, as well as 23 cup competitions.

But the former Republic of Ireland manager returns with Hearts threatening to disrupt the dynamics of Scottish football after going eight points clear with a 3-1 win against Celtic on Sunday.

The result sparked an end to a fractious last few months of Rodgers’ second reign, which saw tension over transfer policy made public before principal shareholder Dermot Desmond accused the former Liverpool manager of being “divisive” and “self-serving”.

Rangers "no threat whatsoever" in title race

When asked by talkSPORT on Monday if this was the season that there could be a “disruptor” in Scottish football, O’Neill said: “Without a doubt, this is it. Celtic are not as physically strong, can actually lose games, whereas before they looked invincible in matches.

“Rangers are no threat whatsoever, although the new manager (Danny Rohl), I think he can maybe do something in time. But they are so far adrift, it’s untrue.”

Rohl had recently commented on his aspirations at Ibrox, revealing he chose Rangers because he “looked for a club to win titles”.

“We are not happy, and it’s the reason why I’m here,” the German said on being appointed in Govan. “I’ve said in the past I was looking for an ambitious club, that’s looking for more.

“I looked for a club to win titles. This club has everything for all these goals and it’s amazing to be coach at this fantastic club. I know what it means and I think I will feel this in the next couple of days and weeks.

“My job is clear and I know what I want to do with this group of players.”

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The Glasgow stranglehold on the Scottish league has been in place since Aberdeen won a third title in six seasons in 1985, but O’Neill admitted “the time is now” at Tynecastle.

“This is the moment, this is the time now for Hearts. They have gone eight points clear, and that is a decent enough lead, really. And their confidence is growing, and it will grow from that victory as well.

“All things are happening for Hearts, it’s great, whereas just at this minute Celtic are in a wee bit of trouble.

“This is the best time for any side outside the Old Firm to go and win. There is a long way to go but there is momentum gathering at Tynecastle.”

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