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Man City have trolled neighbours Man Utd by producing a video compilation of their players' knee-slide celebrations at Old Trafford this season.

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City mock United with videoFour players did knee-slide celebrationsCity win twice at Old Trafford in one monthWHAT HAPPENED?

Pep Guardiola's side hammered United 3-0 in their own backyard last month, before City's women's team eased to a 3-1 win against their local WSL rivals less than a month later. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were among the goals for the men, while Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw hit the target for Gareth Taylor's side. All four players celebrated their goals with knee slides on the Old Trafford turf, and City's social media team couldn't resist making a compilation.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Guardiola's side have become accustomed to winning at Old Trafford in recent years, but the women's team made history by winning the first-ever WSL Manchester derby played at the famous stadium. Not content with only mocking United online, City and England winger Chloe Kelly shushed the home crowd after Jill Roord scored City's equaliser on Sunday.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CITY?

City's men's or women's sides will have to wait until 2024-25 for their next chance to embarrass United at Old Trafford. Both are above the Red Devils in their respective leagues with United struggling to keep pace with the leading packs.

Which of the continent’s past and present stars have thrived at the global showpiece?

GettyRoger Milla at 70

The three-time African Footballer of the Year, who turned 70 on Friday, starred at two World Cup finals, with his greatest impact coming in 1990, where four goals helped Cameroon progress to the quarter-final.

This was the best showing by an African nation until Senegal and Ghana matched the feat in 2002 and 2010 respectively.

At 42, in 1994, Milla became the oldest player to ever feature at the showpiece, although two players have since supplanted the icon – Colombia’s then 43-year-old Faryd Mondragon in 2014 and Egypt’s Essam El Hadary who played in Russia 2018 at 45.

Another goal at the finals in ’94 saw him break his own record, set four years earlier, of being the oldest scorer at the showpiece.

His tally of five World Cup strikes was Africa’s highest return for two decades until Asamoah Gyan matched and overtook the legendary Cameroonian in 2014.

AdvertisementAFPAsamoah Gyan

Unlike Milla, Ghana’s top marksman thrived at three finals – 2006, 2010 and 2014 – and was instrumental in the Black Stars’ progress to the last eight in South Africa.

He netted the Black Stars’ first World Cup goal only 68 seconds into their 2-0 win over Czech Republic, which was the fastest strike at the competition.

While his last-gasp extra-time miss against Uruguay in 2010 saw him miss out on even more history by making his nation the outright best performing African side at the finals, he did break a 20-year record in Brazil four years later.

Gyan netted twice in 2014 – against eventual winners Germany and Portugal – to overtake Milla’s five-goal haul, a truly commendable return for the West African.

Getty ImagesEl Hadji Diouf

Despite not scoring for Senegal at the 2002 finals, Diouf was largely seen as the Teranga Lions’ best player in their hugely impressive debut.

The West African nation stunned the competition by recording a shock 1-0 win over defending champions France who endured a forgettable defence of their crown to finish bottom of Group A.

Bruno Metsu’s troops ended second behind Denmark and were to equal the great Cameroon side by making it to the quarters.

Diouf was honoured with a place on the All-star team alongside greats like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Miroslav Klose.

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Getty ImagesMoussa Wague

Having included the oldest player to score at the finals, we've also included Africa’s youngest ever World Cup scorer.

While Wague may not have had the influence of other players in this list, the right-back’s goal against Japan in 2018 saw him become the continent’s youngest to find the back of the net.

At 19 years and 263 days old, the Barcelona defender supplanted Ghana’s Draman Haminu, who scored against the United States in 2006 at 20 years and 82 days old.

Despite Aliou Cisse’s side's failure to progress beyond the group stage, Wague’s moment saw his name written in the competition’s history books.

Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde scored two goals apiece to lead Real Madrid to a 5-3 win over Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup final on Saturday.

The celebrations weren't over-the-top after the final whistle blew. Real Madrid, having put away Al-Hilal in a high-scoring Club World Cup final, didn't storm the pitch. Instead, it was the standard slew of high-fives and hugs, a reaction more associated with a win over Elche on a rainy midweek in February than the European crown they captured last May.

Still, there was reason for some smiles. Madrid turned in one of their best attacking performances of the season, putting five past Al-Hilal to win their fifth Club World Cup.

Champions of the world have a nice ring to it.

Vinicius Junior opened the scoring early, capping off some neat interplay with a side footed finish to give Madrid a 1-0 lead. Fede Valverde added a second five minutes later, with Abdullah Al-Mayouf fumbling his relatively tame strike.

Al-Hilal pulled one back after Moussa Marega coasted through the Madrid defence and slipped the ball past Andriy Lunin. There were suggestions that another might come, but Real did just enough to retain a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Karim Benzema quelled any comeback fears with a tap-in 15 minutes after the break. Valverde made it four shortly after, latching on Dani Carvajal's through ball and chipping the keeper to put Madrid out of reach. Al-Hilal stuck around, though, trading goals in a high scoring affair that somehow ended 5-3, with just enough jeopardy to make things interesting.

Much like Chelsea at this tournament a year ago, this was a chance for Real Madrid to hold silverware during a season in which achievements might be in short supply.

Even if the Club World Cup can feel like a dressed-up friendly, grabbing the 100th official trophy in club history was an accomplishment worth savouring.

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Federico Valverde:

His first goal might have been fortunate – the product of a horrible blunder by the keeper – but Valverde badly needed to see the ball hit the net. The midfielder was evolving into a reliable goalscorer before the World Cup, but dropped off immensely after his time in Qatar. But there were echoes of his old self on Saturday evening. Valverde was elegant on the ball and immensely effective in the final third, bagging a brace while being heavily involved in Madrid's suddenly fluid build up play. Yes, the opposition wasn't of the highest quality, but it might be exactly what Valverde needed.

Vinicius Junior:

There was a kind of joy to Vinicius' game on Saturday that hasn't been seen for some time. The winger has been battered with on field mistreatment and rancid racial abuse over the last six weeks. And, not unreasonably, it appeared to be getting to him. But in Morocco, away from the controversy of La Liga, the Brazilian has thrived. He bagged a brace in the final, his third goal of the Club World Cup. There was a real ease to his finishing too, the comfort of a player entirely relaxed and confident in his abilities. He was a delight to watch.

The Club World Cup:

Yes, major clubs in the middle of their league campaigns really don't need to jet off to play a far inferior team. But what a game this was. Madrid probably should have scored five, and really shouldn't have conceded three. But, more than anything, that added to the fun. Madrid never really looked in danger of losing the contest; each goal was a product of individual errors rather than Al-Hilal brilliance. Still, Los Blancos were just careless enough to make it all a bit fun. As far as needless games go, this was a fantastic one to watch.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Antonio Rudiger:

He wasn't the only Real Madrid player to turn in a poor defensive performance, but Rudiger's wayward play directly contributed to two of Al-Hilal's goals. He was caught out of position on the first, and gave the ball away in the run-up to another. With Militao out and David Alaba working his way back to full fitness, Rudiger is the only fit first-choice centre-back. And his poor spell is something of a concern as Madrid enters a period of must-win contests.

Luka Modric:

Was this Modric's last final in a Madrid shirt? The Croatian hasn't looked the same player since the World Cup, with his 37-year-old legs finally showing signs of slowing down. He was, predictably, handed the start against Al-Hilal, as Ancelotti fielded his strongest XI. But he was the weakest of three Madrid midfielders, and with Dani Ceballos lifting the level after he came on, it's easy to wonder how much longer Modric might be a surefire starter.

Getty ImagesReal Madrid Ratings: Defence

Andriy Lunin (5/10):

Conceded three without doing loads wrong. Probably has more grievances with his back four than individual showing. A wayward pass or two didn't help, though.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Seems to have benefitted from some time off, and turned in a lively performance.

Antonio Rudiger (5/10):

Shaky, which isn't very good. Will need to improve in the coming weeks.

David Alaba (6/10):

Given problems by the strength of Marega, and should have done better on the forward's goal. Looked more comfortable at left-back.

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Good at left-back, even better in central-midfield. A delightful player to watch who will surely only get better. Bellingham who?

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Getty ImagesMidfield

Luka Modric (6/10):

Uncharacteristically leggy from the Croatian, who is really starting to show his age. This could be his last final in a Madrid shirt.

Aurelien Tchoaumeni (6/10):

Fantastic at winning the ball, not as good once he'd actually won it. Seemed to get himself banged up – Ancelotti will hope it's not serious.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Classy, measured, technically sound. A signature Kroos performance, who loves these slower-paced games these days.

After an embarrassing exit from the 2023 tournament, soon attention will turn towards the next four-year cycle – but who will be in the team in 2027?

We'll get this out of the way: picking how the United States women's national team should line up at the 2027 World Cup is an almost impossible exercise. So much can change in four years, especially for a team that looks set to usher in a new era. A new coach is surely coming in, as are new players, and projecting what all of that can combine to look like is a fool's errand.

But we'll play the fool and try and project what the USWNT will look like four years from now. The 2023 World Cup is over, but what will the U.S. look like by the time the 2027 tournament rolls around?

We know some key figures will be gone, with Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz having confirmed their retirements. Others like Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn may not be around in four years time as they play into their mid-to-late 30s.

There's also an Olympic tournament just one summer away, which could slow the USWNT's true rebuild. Does the new coach use that tournament to blood young stars or lean on the likes of Morgan, Naeher and Dunn one last time in pursuit of Olympic gold?

Either way, there will be big changes by 2027, but what are they? GOAL breaks down how the U.S. should line up at the next World Cup…

GettyGK: Casey Murphy

Casey Murphy has been with the team for three years now, earning 14 caps, and it seems like it may be her time to fully step up. Naeher will be 39 by the time the next World Cup rolls around and, while she could very well be playing at the goalkeeper position, it seems unlikely.

Murphy, meanwhile, will be 31 and in the prime of her career, giving her a chance to start going forward.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLB: Emily Fox

Emily Fox started as an inverted right-back at this past World Cup to accommodate Dunn, but she will probably switch back to the left at some point soon. Fox, 25, wasn't bad on the right, but she's clearly better on her preferred side.

She'll have this World Cup experience to build on, which will be helpful as she looks to have an even better cycle this time around.

GettyCB: Naomi Girma

Based on this World Cup, write Naomi Girma's name on the teamsheet in Sharpie. The 23-year-old central defender was the USWNT's best player Down Under, putting in several starring performances as the U.S. conceded just one goal. It's frightening to thing that she's still a relative newcomer for club and country, isn't it?

Girma will only get more comfortable as she earns more experience. Look for her to be one of the best in the world by the time 2027 rolls around, if she isn't already.

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GettyCB: Alana Cook

Bizarrely, Alana Cook didn't play a minute at this World Cup, but don't sell your stocks in her just yet. Vlatko Andonovski earned plenty of criticism for his unwillingness to trust Cook, as he instead went with Ertz in central defense. Cook was one of two USWNT outfield players not to see the field, which seemed impossible at the start of the tournament due to the lack of depth in her position.

Cook, though, is only 26 and will be right in her prime in four years' time. She isn't going anywhere and, even if she isn't a starter by 2027, she'll certainly be in the mix.

Kent all-rounder Matt Coles has been suspended for two Championship matches by an ECB disciplinary commission

ESPNcricinfo staff06-May-2016Matt Coles has received an automatic suspension from the ECB’s cricket discipline commission and will miss Kent’s next two Championship games. Kent’s cricket chairman, Graham Johnson, has condemned the decision as “disproportionate”.Coles’ absence is a big blow to Kent who escaped a weather-affected start to the season by beating Glamorgan at Canterbury to move into the top half of Division Two of the Specsavers Championship but who remain relatively light on seam bowling resources.He was reported by umpires Nick Cook and Rob Bailey during Kent’s match against Glamorgan for a Level Two breach of the code – throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.He had previously received a reprimand following three penalty points following a Level 1 breach in August 2014 and six penalty points following a Level 2 breach in September 2014. The penalty for a subsequent breach at Level 2 within 24 months is six penalty points.The ECB statement read: “Coles has therefore received a total of twelve penalty points, triggering an automatic suspension. He is suspended from all cricket under the jurisdiction of the ECB until and including Wednesday 18th May 2016 – a period which covers Kent’s next two First XI fixtures.”Coles took 67 wickets at 23.49 for Kent last summer after returning to his home county following a brief spel at Hampshire where he never settled.Johnson expressed frustration at the decision. “In the light of the steps taken by the ECB cricket discipline commission I feel it only right to defend the position of Matt Coles,” he said. “Since his return to Kent, at the start of last season, Matt has demonstrated that he has learnt from things in the past. He has applied himself to his role on the field and represented Kent Cricket, to good effect, in off field activities.”Players carry points over a 24 month period and the two previously reported incidents are from August 2014 whilst Matt was at Hampshire. Kent made representations to the CDC regarding the breach. However, the CDC Chairman’s nominee, Mr Chris Tickle, did not consider that the consequences of this penalty might produce a result that was manifestly unfair. Under the process relating to cricket discipline there is no opportunity to appeal the outcome or the CDC’s decision.”The outcome in this set of circumstances I believe is disproportionate, it does not reflect the seriousness of the recent incident and does nothing to help a cricketer who has made such big strides since returning to Kent.”Glamorgan’s Chris Cooke was reported by the umpires during the same match for a Level One breach of the code (abuse of cricket ground, equipment and/or fixtures and fittings). He was reprimanded.Stuart Broad also picked up a reprimand after he was reported by umpires Richard Kettleborough, Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth during Nottinghamshire’s Championship match against Yorkshire for a Level One breach of the code – showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action).ic suspension.

GOAL takes a look at how the U.S. could line up against Canada in the Nations League final.

The U.S. men's national team heads into the Nations League final riding high after their best performance against their fiercest rival in quite some time. To put it lightly, the U.S. took Mexico apart, dominating them all over the field in a straightforward, yet still overly chaotic, win.

In an ideal world, the U.S. would simply run it back in Sunday's final against Canada, deploying the same team to keep the momentum moving. This isn't an ideal world, though, due to that aforementioned chaos.

Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest will both miss the finale after earning straight red cards in the win over Mexico. Neither dismissal has been overly criticized, as both were sent off for matching the passion of the game, but the fact is that the U.S. is now somewhat shorthanded for a big game against a solid Canada team.

Because of that, B.J. Callaghan has some massive decisions to make in his second game in charge. How does he replace two key players, both of whom were spectacular against El Tri? Does he make any other changes in the XI, potentially at striker or centerback? And how does he balance a midfield that is now without both McKennie and Tyler Adams?

GOAL takes a look at what lineup Callaghan should go with for Sunday night's final!

GettyGK: Matt Turner

No wasting time here; Turner is starting.

He was rarely tested against Mexico, as the USMNT bossed the game, but one would expect Canada to provide a bit more pressure due to their elite-level attackers.

AdvertisementImago ImagesLB: Antonee Robinson

After another solid performance against Mexico, Robinson will almost certainly remain in the XI.

Any slight chance that he'd be benched went out the window when Dest was sent off, as the USMNT's lack of depth at fullback means he'll be in the XI again.

Getty ImagesCB: Miles Robinson

Thursday night's win was exactly the type of performance that showed why, given all he's been through, many remain so convinced by Robinson.

He's all the way back from his horrible Achilles injury, as evidenced by his fantastic effort against Mexico. The Atlanta United star had an answer for everything Mexico threw at him, which is why he should remain in the XI.

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GettyCB: Chris Richards

Why ruin a good thing?

This centerback spot is one that will be up for grabs, with it likely coming down to Richards or Walker Zimmerman. The latter, of course, has the experience edge and will also be well-rested, having only come on for a cameo against Mexico.

But the Richards-Robinson partnership worked really, really well against El Tri, who never really bothered that duo. It's a tough call, for sure, but it seems like a good idea to keep that pairing together as a reward for their solid performance.

Quite how England respond to their Lord’s thrashing remains to be seen, but for Michael Clarke there was no screaming and shouting after Australia’s opening defeat in Cardiff as he instead trusted his players to answer their own questions

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jul-2015Quite how England respond to their Lord’s thrashing remains to be seen, but for Michael Clarke there was no screaming and shouting after Australia’s opening defeat in Cardiff as he instead trusted his players to answer their own questions: he could not have hoped for a more emphatic outcome.When Josh Hazlewood bowled James Anderson well before the Lord’s clock had struck 5pm on Sunday afternoon, Australia completed an overwhelming 405-run victory to level the Investec Ashes at 1-1. Given the way Australia themselves were out-performed in Cardiff it was a remarkable turnaround – not just a victory but an evisceration.”We didn’t talk too much about Cardiff, once we left that changing room our focus was turning up here and making sure we played some of our best cricket,” Clarke told . “We knew we didn’t play our best, but today the boys up there can look themselves in the mirror and know they played some pretty good cricket”Couldn’t have asked for a better performance from every single player, the way the boys batted – Smith, Rogers, Davey Warner – and the intent through the second innings was outstanding then the execution from the bowlers.”Australia made two changes for this Test. They were forced to hand Peter Nevill a debut after Brad Haddin withdrew for personal reasons and the gloveman responded with seven catches and a jaunty maiden innings. The selectors also decided to ditch Shane Watson for Mitchell Marsh and the allrounder claimed three top-order wickets to help the frontline bowlers dismantle England.”Marshy played really well, his intent shows how much of a team player he is,” Clarke said. “He got two crucial wickets in the first innings, didn’t get a long bowl in the second dig but did a great job as well. Credit to the selectors for going with their gut, it was hard on Watto who has been a fantastic player for us but that’s the advantage we’ve got with the squad.”The eye-catching bowling on the fourth day came from Mitchell Johnson who rattled England with his pace – reviving memories of what happened in Australia – but Clarke devolved questions about any reopening of scars.”That’s probably a question for Mitchell Johnson or the England batsmen. He’s such a great athlete that he can bowl long spells or I can ask him to bowl short spells – it’s about assessing the wicket and the game. Credit to the rest of the attack, too, because the way they operated allowed Mitch to do that.”

City and United account for six of the spots after both teams notched impressive victories against Chelsea and Fulham respectively

Getty Images1Anthony Martial | Manchester UnitedMartial was directly involved in two of Man Utd's three goals against Fulham, scoring one and assisting another.AdvertisementLaurence Griffiths2Sergio Aguero | Manchester CityThe Argentine striker scored with all three of his shots on target against Chelsea, netting his 11th hat-trick in the Premier League.Laurence Griffiths3Raheem Sterling | Manchester CitySterling netted a brace and created two goal-scoring chances in Man City's 6-0 win over Chelsea.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty4Paul Pogba | Manchester UnitedPogba scored with both of his shots on target against Fulham, netting two of Man Utd's three goals at Craven Cottage.

Sunday's defeat in El Clasico all-but sealed the Blancos' fate in the title race, so how should they go about regaining their crown in 2023-24?

Franck Kessie's 92nd-minute winner for Barcelona against Real Madrid on Sunday did more than just presumptively wrap up the Spanish title for the Blaugrana. The jubilation of the Barca players in the aftermath of the midfielder's strike signified the start of something new, the first act for what could become the new dominant side in La Liga.

And that leaves Real Madrid playing catch up. It is no longer a job for Madrid to get back to their old ways. They now need to get better.

Los Blancos seem to be caught between two eras. The likes of Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos don't have long left at the top of the game. Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga, meanwhile, still need to develop. In the dugout, there have been signs that manager Carlo Ancelotti's magic is running out – at least domestically.

🏆 TOP STORY: NXGN 2023 & the 50 best wonderkids📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Who is your favourite wonderkid?🚨 MUST READ: Furious Griezmann considers retiring!

A summer of change seems likely, with new faces likely to enter and some old names cleared out. But what specifically do they need to do?

GOAL takes a look at how Madrid could catch Barcelona next year…

Getty ImagesSack Carlo Ancelotti

It is unfair to fire a manager after just one trophyless season. Coaches deserve time and opportunities to revamp their system.

At Madrid, though, managers do not get time. They must get results. And given that clear criteria, it feels like Ancelotti's time at the Bernabeu is up.

The Italian is a decorated manager, with an immaculate pedigree. He is the only manager to win all of Europe's 'Big Five' leagues. He has revived a number of struggling sides, while his charisma and influence have outlasted the trendy tactical changes that have come to dominate European football.

But now, the party is over. Madrid can still be an excellent cup side under Ancelotti, but it simply cannot be sustained over a 38-game season anymore. The truth is, Madrid have stagnated as a team.

They are on pace for the same exact points total as last campaign, while Barca have improved immeasurably. Consistency is no longer good enough, Madrid need excellence. And perhaps a familiar face can bring that…

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesHire Zinedine Zidane (again)

Really? Zizou again?

Zidane has been out of a job since he left Santiago Bernabeu two years ago, and most assumed that he was waiting around for the France job. But now, Didier Deschamps has penned a new deal, and seems likely to be overseeing the national team until 2026.

Zidane is a patient man. Still, four years is a long time.

Twice, he has taken the helm at Madrid when the club needed a boost. The club legend has developed a penchant for lifting Los Blancos from relative mediocrity into title-winning form. He should be given the opportunity to do so again.

There are other coaches out there. Thomas Tuchel will inevitably be linked if Ancelotti is let go; Antonio Conte will certainly be looked at, too (especially if he actually has money to spend!); and Mauricio Pochettino might even be in contention.

But Madrid is a results-driven proposition. For the short term, the Spanish giants need to bring in someone who knows how to get the club back to the top. Zidane is that man.

GettyClear out veterans like Toni Kroos & Dani Carvajal

Real Madrid do not need a rebuild – all the pieces of a competitive team are there. Instead, they need to refresh.

The Blancos have been good at it recently, letting the likes of Sergio Ramos and Casemiro walk in order to bring new faces into the fold. Kroos and Carvajal should be next.

Kroos seems more likely to go at this point. He admitted a few months ago that he wanted to stay at the club on merit, and his performances haven't exactly been up to par for a Real regular. One only has to look at the way he was played off the park by Sergi Roberto in the Clasico to see that his days in Madrid are numbered.

Carvajal is in a similar situation. The right-back is immensely experienced, and can still contribute, but his defensive numbers are concerning, especially with his burst of pace fading with old age.

He could stick around, especially considering Madrid lack of senior depth at the position, but he certainly shouldn't be a regular anymore.

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GettySign a midfielder

There is allegedly an English midfielder on the market who might be quite good…

It's hard to remember a transfer saga more open than Jude Bellingham's. One week, he is Liverpool bound, the next, the Reds can't afford him. Manchester United have been in and out of the race, while Manchester City's immense funds will always keep them in the conversation.

Madrid, though, have been a constant. They have reportedly already met with Bellingham's father on at least one occasion, and seem the only real club in continental Europe that could lure the midfielder away from Borussia Dortmund.

It makes sense, too. With Modric's star slowly waning and Kroos on the way out, Madrid need a box-to-box No.8 to work with Tchouameni and Camavinga. Bellingham appears to balance the midfield trio almost perfectly.

There are other, albeit less intriguing, names on the market, such as Ruben Neves, Gabri Veiga, Kouadio Kone and Moises Caicedo. But if Madrid want to go straight back to the top, Bellingham is the guy to bring in.

PSV boss Peter Bosz said Ricardo Pepi could have scored with a 'bit of luck' against Heracles on Friday, but that he shouldn't worry bout it.

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Bosz implemented Pepi as winger vs HeraclesAmerican had eight shots, only two on targetBoss says he won't play same role vs BVBWHAT HAPPENED?

After earning his first Eredivisie start for PSV against Heracles on Friday, Pepi followed it with a rather underwhelming performance. However, the 21-year-old was implemented as a left winger by Bosz, who admitted the experiment did not turn out to be all that he thought it would.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT PETER BOSZ SAID

He said: "You are there with [Sergino] Dest behind, so you miss someone who can throw the ball in. The creativity became less and less. Considering the number of chances we created, it was possible. With a bit of luck, Pepi would have scored. But you shouldn't close your eyes, we only played 11 against 11 for 15 minutes. Then we would have had to see how that would turn out. If you have to do it at the end of a match because we are behind and you also have to think about an emergency scenario; then it might be possible. But this would not be my preference against Dortmund either."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pepi has five goals and one assist in 2023-24 for the Dutch side in the Eredivisie, learning from prolific goalscorer Luuk de Jong at the same time. The American has become used to his bench cameo role with the Dutch club, but has stated he is content knowing he is learning and playing with such a talented attacker like De Jong. Looking ahead to their Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund this coming week, though, Pepi surely will have an itch to play.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PSV AND PEPI?

PSV take on Dortmund in the European competition on Tuesday evening as the Dutch side and their American trio look to gain an advantage in the first leg of the tie. Pepi, meanwhile, will likely be used off the bench in a striker role if needed.