My power hour on the blog is coming to an end, with John Brewin the next man in the hot-seat.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s got some red-hot chat from Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane to slice into this afternoon.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n What about League One this weekend?<\/p>\n Well, Pep Guardiola\u2019s favourite team Stockport County need a point at Barnsley to confirm a playoff place; as do Bradford, who are away at Exeter \u2013 who themselves need to win and hope Leyton Orient lose to stay up. Stevenage occupy the final playoff spot, but Luton and Plymouth are lurking. Those two will have to win and hope other results go in their favour.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the table as it stands ahead of the final day.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Mikel Arteta dubbed Marco Silva \u201cone of the best managers in the league\u201d, so what does the Fulham coach have to say for himself? His team have the opportunity to further disrupt Arsenal\u2019s title bid when they visit the Emirates on Saturday evening.<\/p>\n Silva said: \u201cArsenal are a top side, a side that are title contenders, that play to win all of their games, but are also the most solid team in the league. They are a team, that even if they are not playing at their best level, they have other ways to punish the opposition.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just have to look at ourselves and be competitive to fight for the three points. Three points to fight for \u2013 and we will fight.\u201d<\/p>\n On playing at a potentially tense and nervy Emirates, Silva said: \u201cLet\u2019s hope we can use that. That depends on many things.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether the environment is tense or not depends on how we play and whether we are good enough to make it happen. Simple as that.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Mourinho says he’s had no contact from Real Madrid<\/p>\n Benfica\u2019s Jos\u00e9 Mourinho said there has been no contact between him and Real Madrid, despite speculation the Spanish giants could turn to the Portuguese this summer.<\/p>\n The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss, who led Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013 in a heated rivalry with Pep Guardiola\u2019s Barca, is reported to be on Madrid\u2019s shortlist for a new coach.<\/p>\n Current Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa seems set to be replaced with the team heading for a second consecutive season without a major trophy.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that,\u201d Mourinho told reporters. \u201cI\u2019ve been in football for so many years and I\u2019m used to these things… but there\u2019s nothing from Real Madrid,\u201d added Mourinho, who guided Real to the 2012 La Liga title.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a year to go on my Benfica contract, and that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n Back to Los Blancos? Perhaps not, suggested Jos\u00e9 Mourinho. Photograph: Patr\u00edcia de Melo Moreira\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.33 EDT<\/p>\n Some more from De Zerbi, who has really come out fighting at this presser \u2026<\/p>\n double quotation markWe go to play one of the best teams in the Premier League at the moment but if Tottenham win at Villa Park it\u2019s not a miracle. Maybe we [will] lose but we have the quality to win this game. We have to be positive because we are lucky to work in a big club.<\/p>\n If Xavi and Solanke are injured we can play with Kolo Muani, Tel, Richarlison. These are not bad players. We have [available] Porro, Van de Ven, Udogie \u2026<\/p>\n All these things I don\u2019t have too much time to hear these things.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>De Zerbi: No ‘crying’ or excuses for Tottenham<\/p>\n Roberto De Zerbi is not allowing himself or his Tottenham squad any room to make excuses ahead of their vital game against Aston Villa this weekend.<\/p>\n Spurs once again have a huge injury list but may have to beat Villa on Sunday to stand any chance of lifting themselves out of the bottom three. De Zerbi got his first win as Tottenham coach last week against Wolves but his team remain two points adrift of safety \u2013 with the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons unavailable this weekend.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cListen, I want to be clear one time. The most important challenge now is to silence the voice inside of us, inside of the players, the staff, the fans. This voice produce negative thoughts and the voice says we are unlucky, we have too many injuries. We lost Xavi Simons and he was one of the most important players for us in the past two games. Our medical staff is not good enough, our stadium pitch is not good enough, our training pitch is not good enough. It\u2019s all negative things and it\u2019s rubbish.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to keep the focus on myself and the quality of my players. It\u2019s like we\u2019re all crying and relegated. No, not yet. It\u2019s not the best moment, it\u2019s a tough moment, but the losers cry. They think negatively. I don\u2019t want people close to me crying and thinking in a different way to me.We are good enough to win the games and we good enough to stay up.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Before we get back on the presser trail, how about a moment for the scrap for EFL survival at the bottom of League Two?<\/p>\n Basement boys Barrow, who are three points adrift, should be relegated to the National League barring a mathematical miracle. But above them Crawley and Harrogate are locked on 39 points, then there\u2019s Newport and Tranmere both on 40. The final day (tomorrow) sees Crawley host Salford, Harrogate welcome Barnet, while Tranmere are at home to Grimsby and Newport are away to Barrow. Here\u2019s how it all stands.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Thanks Luke, here I am.<\/p>\n Good grief there is quite the flurry of manager press conferences going on right now. Let\u2019s get stuck in.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Dominic Booth is here for the next bit. De Zerbi is soon to face the music, I hear, and there are other managers up shortly too.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.02 EDT<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see how everyone is tomorrow,\u201d Mikel Arteta says of their injury woes before facing Fulham tomorrow.<\/p>\n Kai Havertz and and J\u00fcrrien Timber will be sidelined this weekend, Arteta confirms, but he is more confident on Martin \u00d8degaard\u2019s prospects.<\/p>\n You said you were fuming after Atl\u00e9tico<\/a>, how about now?<\/p>\n \u201cFocus on Fulham. Hunger to play, compete, win, to be closer to achieve our dream.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t spoken to Uefa [about the penalty that wasn\u2019t against Atl\u00e9tico]. We will deal with that on Monday. Now it\u2019s Fulham.\u201d<\/p>\n Can a sense of injustice be fuel for the run-in?<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. I think we have enough fuel in the tank. It\u2019s exactly where we wanted to be, four games to go.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a siege mentality. We need to face any context, any situation. What happened the other night was extremely disappointing.\u201d<\/p>\n What does he see from his players?<\/p>\n \u201cHunger. Hunger to win. That\u2019s it. To achieve the goal we set at the start of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n A message for fans?<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s give them what we did all season. Energy, passion … and together we\u2019re going to make it happen.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of factors, emotionally for sure we have to manage in the right way. That desire, hunger, will that we\u2019ve shown all season. We only have four games left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMarco [Silva] is one of the best managers in the league. We know how tough it is going to be tomorrow.<\/p>\n \u201c[Injured] Havertz has been a huge miss. One of the most important attacking payers we have. He was out for seven, eight months. And he\u2019s not the only one. But the team has shown it can overcome these scenarios. Kai is desperate to be on the pitch as soon as possible. He cannot do this game, but hopes to be back for Atl\u00e9tico.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Pereira: Forest may need 43 points to stay up V\u00edtor Pereira has predicted Nottingham Forest may need a record 43 points to avoid relegation from the Premier League<\/a> and joked that tuning into their rivals\u2019 matches is enough to put him off his food. The Forest head coach has told his revitalised squad they must be ready to fight until the final minute of the season, despite establishing a five-point buffer to 18th-placed Tottenham with four games remaining.<\/p>\n Pereira\u2019s side are unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions after victory over Aston Villa in their Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday but the Portuguese believes Forest may need to eclipse West Ham\u2019s 42 points in 2003, the highest tally to culminate in top-flight relegation. Asked if Forest may require 43 points to avoid the drop, Pereira replied: \u201cI believe [so]. That\u2019s why we need to be mentally ready to compete until the last minute of the last game. I don\u2019t know how many points [we will need] because I think this season, it will be a special season in terms of points to avoid relegation. It is better to try to win every game, not wait for other results.\u201d<\/p>\n Forest face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday hoping to maintain momentum and stretch their unbeaten streak to 10 matches. West Ham visit Brentford on Saturday and Tottenham travel to Aston Villa on Sunday but Pereira has said he will not be consumed by rivals\u2019 results. \u201cDo they play [at] lunch time or dinner time?\u201d Pereira said of the weekend fixtures. \u201cBecause if they play at lunchtime, and I watch the game, maybe I won\u2019t have a good lunch. [I will have] indigestion. I cannot suffer the results of the other teams. I prefer to have a good lunch. I prefer to have a good dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n V\u00edtor Pereira Photograph: MI News\/NurPhoto\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.45 EDT<\/p>\n Much more to come from Mainoo, says Carrick<\/p>\n Michael Carrick of Manchester United is asked about Kobbie Mainoo.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been hugely impressed with Kobbie. I\u2019ve known him some time in different capacities. He epitomises this club. Young players coming through the academy, living and breathing the club, coming through with real talent. The last couple of games he\u2019s been fantastic. Everyone\u2019s over the moon, including me, that he\u2019s signed a new contract. He deserves it.<\/p>\n \u201cLike all the players [when I came in, it was about] trying to get that connection, building relationships … understanding his last couple of years, the big highs, the challenging times… letting him thrive, to let him go and be himself … he\u2019s improved, he keeps adding to his game – that opportunity for him to go and be the best version. There\u2019s a lot more to come, I\u2019ve said that. He\u2019s in a great spot at the moment.<\/p>\n Kobbie Mainoo: Pen to paper on a new contract. Photograph: Ash Donelon\/Manchester United\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Is Liverpool still the biggest game for Manchester United?<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly one of my favourite games, yeah, without doubt. It\u2019s a standout game. Therre are big games, big rivalries with other teams but this one is right up there … the excitement, the entertainment, the emotion, it makes it a really special game. That edge, that competition, irrespective of league positions over the years, it\u2019s never changed the feeling of the game, the emotions of the supporters … it\u2019s just a special game to be part of. To come out on top is one of the best feelings you\u2019ll get.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all it\u2019s a real privilege for us all to be involved in it. I think that\u2019s the beauty of football. We all get wound up at different times about what\u2019s going on week to week \u2026 to sustain a level of performance over time for each football club. It\u2019s what you stand for as a club and it\u2019s two incredible clubs, to be so close together in so many ways, in terms of titles and geographically. It\u2019s quite special and I think we all appreciate that.\u201d<\/p>\n Does he need to give Casemiro any advice?<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s interesting in how much you give certain players. It\u2019s knowing when to come off and let them thrive, let them develop [with younger players] \u2026 then there\u2019s the stage when there is a lot of experience \u2026 trusting them to know themselves, speaking to them on a level when there\u2019s understanding there. That\u2019s been the case with Casemiro, real trust in his experience. I was personally proud I sustained my career for a period of time. To do what he\u2019s done takes a lot of work, and he should take a lot of credit for doing what he has.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.04 EDT<\/p>\n Michael Carrick is having a chat before Manchester United v Liverpool (Sunday 3.30pm).<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.33 EDT<\/p>\n Eddie Howe has emerged from a meeting with Newcastle\u2019s Saudi Arabian owners<\/a> confident he retains their support but also acutely aware that such backing is finite, with the manager admitting \u201ca lot is riding\u201d on Saturday\u2019s visit of Brighton.<\/p>\n Howe will aim to end a run of five straight defeats against Fabian H\u00fcrzeler\u2019s side at St James\u2019 Park and is under no illusion of the significance of the task ahead. \u201cWe need a win,\u201d admitted Newcastle\u2019s manager. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot riding on this weekend for us. You can talk as much as you want but the proof is in how the team performs. I\u2019m under no illusion that needs to be positive.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Andoni Iraola speaks. Can Bournemouth get to Europe?<\/p>\n \u201cThe opportunity is there. but we still need a lot of points. The situation is tight. A lot of teams are within two-three points. If we want to get to Europe we need to win games, starting on Sunday against Palace. We don\u2019t have an easy game. We have to earn everything. We want to take this opportunity, and I think we arrive at this decisive moment in a good place.\u201d<\/p>\n Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth. Photograph: Robin Jones\/AFC Bournemouth\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Will nine points get the job done for Europe?<\/p>\n \u201cWe really don\u2019t know … everyone is fighting for everything … I think everyone has difficult games. I think we need to win … at least two games, maybe three.<\/p>\n \u201cI would love it [European qualification as a parting gift to the club] … we have to take the opportunity. I think we are in a good place, we are playing well … we lost two points [in the 2-2 draw against Leeds] I liked what I saw. We created plenty of chances. We are playing well.\u201d<\/p>\n Justin Kluivert back in training after five months out \u2013 a boost?<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very positive news. A very important player in our team. He has been training at a good level this week, but not fully … he will help us in the last games of the season … his knee is responding well, no swelling, no issues, but for this game it will be too much.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only one out injured is Lewis Cook.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.31 EDT<\/p>\n Leicester are down to League One, but they will always have 2015-16. Ben Fisher reminisces with some of the key players in their Premier League<\/a> triumph:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWow! Millwall vs Oxford? I\u2019m so excited for you, I guess,\u201d emails Michael Lafua from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might just be administered another dose of the PSG v Bayern goal rush. But I guess not. What would I be doing this weekend? Hmm .. I\u2019ll probably read a novel, sneak a peek as Arsenal bottles it against Fulham, cheer on Man Utd as we return to the European summit.\u201d<\/p>\n And here\u2019s an email from Bede:<\/p>\n \u201cThe last time Pep shrugged off the fixture pileup a few months back his team went on to perform badly. He needs to be very careful about that because I\u2019m quite invested in Arsenal\u2019s collapse and will be utterly disappointed if City were to lose this race.\u201d<\/p>\n No further Arsenal-baiting will be tolerated.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.20 EDT<\/p>\n There was an impressive casualness to the way Guardiola inquired what time Arsenal are kicking off against Fulham tomorrow, having been asked if he will watch the Gunners\u2019 game this weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, it\u2019s after training, maybe I will watch,\u201d he said after being informed it\u2019s 5.30pm.<\/p>\n Mindgames, isn\u2019t it? Wasn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n Pep Guardiola alongside Stockport owner Mark Stott. Photograph: Phil Oldham\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.18 EDT<\/p>\n Rob Edwards, boss of relegated Wolves, is having a chat now.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was nothing in it,\u201d he says of last weekend\u2019s 1-0 defeat by Spurs<\/a>. \u201cEither team could have won it and we came out the wrong side of it.\u201d<\/p>\n How is he managing the situation after relegation?<\/p>\n \u201cYou guys will be thinking it\u2019s worse than what it is. It\u2019s a difficult situation but I feel we are getting the most out of the group.<\/p>\n \u201cThe training levels are through the roof, the lads are giving everything \u2026 We\u2019ll always make mistakes, we\u2019re not perfect \u2026 but the lads are giving everything, they really are, and I need to stress that.\u201d<\/p>\n Players are going to leave in the summer. How much of a blow would it be to lose Jo\u00e3o Gomes?<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got some really good players and there will be interest \u2026 Jo\u00e3o is a really good player.\u201d<\/p>\n How can the team rebuild the bond with fans?<\/p>\n \u201cIn the end we\u2019ve got to win games \u2026 we\u2019ve got to find a winning team. I left a good job where a team was winning \u2026 I have to stay strong, take a lot on my shoulders, take some stick \u2013 which I don\u2019t look at, but I know it\u2019ll be there \u2026 Results are the one thing we can\u2019t guarantee but we\u2019re doing everything we can.<\/p>\n And what of the challenge against Sunderland at Molineux tomorrow?<\/p>\n \u201cSunderland have done incredibly well, they\u2019ve had a great couple of years \u2026 they\u2019ve got talented individuals, real power and athleticism, and a good way of playing. It\u2019ll be a tough game, as they all are. Look where we are in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.10 EDT<\/p>\n Mikel Arteta of Arsenal will be among those speaking soon.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Another line from Guardiola, on what is in store for City at Everton on Monday:<\/p>\n \u201cIn recent weeks, Everton have had very good results and are fighting for a place in Europe,\u201d Guardiola said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t have any result but win, win, win.\u201d<\/p>\n The lads, pictured in 2020. Photograph: Richard Pelham\/Richard Pelham NMCPoolShare<\/a><\/p>\n A cumulative total of 1,377 days have been missed by Tottenham players across the season due to injury, we are informed by a well-known sports news channel. Sounds like a lot.<\/p>\n Xavi Simons was injured at Wolves last weekend. Dominic Solanke was too. Photograph: MI News\/NurPhoto\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Impress your friends with your in-depth knowledge of the race for promotion in the Championship, simply by studying the table. And maybe making some notes.<\/p>\n Derby v Sheffield Utd \u2026 and Preston v Southampton are the fixtures to be keeping an eye on. All kick off tomorrow at 12.30.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.47 EDT<\/p>\n Chelsea host Nottingham Forest on Monday, and the Blues interim manager Liam McFarlane will be speaking soon.<\/p>\n Chelsea are winless in five \u2026 but here\u2019s an even more revealing stat:<\/p>\n Spurs have had three managers since Chelsea last kept a clean sheet in the Premier League<\/a>, reveals Gary Cotterill, of His Majesty\u2019s Sky Sports News.<\/p>\n Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Brighton last time out in the Premier League, a result that led to Liam Rosenior\u2019s departure as head coach. Photograph: Javier Garc\u00eda\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.40 EDT<\/p>\n Three teams, two automatic promotion spots and only one point between them. Add the fact that two are facing each other and Saturday\u2019s final day of the Women\u2019s Super League 2 season is set perfectly for an afternoon of high drama, twists and emotions.<\/p>\n Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City and Crystal Palace are dreaming of a WSL place. For this season only, there are two automatic promotion spots rather than the usual one, as the top tier expands from 12 to 14 teams, offering a precious opportunity that adds to the tension for the 3pm kick-offs, the most tantalising of which comes at the Valley, where the top two, Charlton and Birmingham, go head-to-head.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n A psychologist charged in the trial over Diego Maradona\u2019s death told an Argentinian court on Thursday that the football great had bipolar disorder and was a narcissist, and required a zero-alcohol treatment plan, Argentinian media reported.<\/p>\n Carlos D\u00edaz, 34, is facing the charge of manslaughter with reckless intent for prescribing the wrong medication. He is one of seven defendants accused of criminal responsibility in the death of the former Argentine captain and national coach.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was bipolar disorder and narcissism,\u201d newspaper El Clar\u00edn cited Diaz as saying at the trial in Buenos Aires. \u201cHe could bring a country to its knees, but one glass of alcohol could bring him to his knees.\u201c<\/p>\n Diaz said he met Maradona on October 26, 2020, 29 days before he died, and that Maradona was drinking wine on a couch at the time, La Nacion Argentina reported.<\/p>\n Maradona remains a legend in Naples. Photograph: Cesare Abbate\/EPA<\/p>\n \u201cThe first image shocked me because he was just like my father, an alcoholic, who had died a few months earlier,\u201d Diaz was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n Diaz told the court he believed Maradona wanted to change his lifestyle and tailored the star\u2019s treatment based on abstinence from alcohol, El Clarin reported. He also said the toxicology report showed Maradona\u2019s life ended after 23 days without drug use.<\/p>\n The legendary attacker won trophies with teams including Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli, and captained Argentina to the 1986 World Cup. He died on 25 November 2020, aged 60, after surgery on a subdural hematoma.<\/p>\n The trial is examining whether members of his medical and care team bear criminal responsibility for his death.<\/p>\n The neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, another defendant, also testified on Thursday, saying Maradona\u2019s home hospitalisation was appropriate and was not intended to function as an intensive-care unit, El Clarin reported. Reuters<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.40 EDT<\/p>\n There will soon be the usual lunchtime rush of Premier League<\/a> managers banging on about football and that.<\/p>\n In the meantime, why not have a bash at our sports quiz of the week:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Impress your friends with knowledge of Mauricio Pochettino\u2019s World Cup selection options for the USMNT, by reading this piece by Jeff Rueter:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.23 EDT<\/p>\n Feels like it\u2019s been a bad week for the VAR. Granted, it\u2019s not easy to remember a good week for the VAR.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> Unai Emery raged at the video assistant referee for failing to flag Elliot Anderson\u2019s dangerous first-half tackle on Ollie Watkins in defeat at Nottingham Forest<\/a> and claimed the England striker was fortunate to avoid a broken ankle. Villa\u2019s manager said the Portuguese VAR, Tiago Martins, made a \u201chuge mistake\u201d by not alerting the referee, Jo\u00e3o Pinheiro, to the incident.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n I\u2019ll be attending Millwall v Oxford tomorrow lunchtime, which is nice. Well, it might be.<\/p>\n Mail<\/a> me and tell me what you\u2019re up to this weekend.<\/p>\n The Den, London. Photograph: Tom Major\/Action Plus\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.09 EDT<\/p>\n Oliver Glasner was asked if he could end up reversing his decision to leave Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s the wrong moment to discuss my future. We are discussing what we\u2019re doing on Sunday at Bournemouth, it\u2019s more important. My future is not important right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s our story from January on the announcement that he\u2019ll be off at the end of the season:<\/p>\n Oliver Glasner. Photograph: Jakub Porzycki\/NurPhoto\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.00 EDT<\/p>\n Guardiola shrugs off City fixture pileup<\/p>\n There was plenty in Pep Guardiola\u2019s media session just then, before their Premier League<\/a> match at Everton on Monday. \u201cIt is what it is,\u201d was the common theme.<\/p>\n On Everton\u2019s David Moyes: \u201cTo still have the passion at his age is really nice\u201d<\/p>\n Is it an advantage for Arsenal to play before City?<\/p>\n \u201c[Guardiola laughs]. You always ask me the same questions. Sometimes you play first, sometimes behind … it\u2019s the calendar, it is what it is. Nothing changes, you know exactly what you have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Thoughts on John Stones, who will be leaving in the summer<\/a>? \u201cOne of the first times, I remember travelling to London to meet him \u2026 then he was young. He\u2019s one of those players who can understand what happened here [at City]. He\u2019s one of them. He was the best player, by far, in the final in Istanbul<\/a> [City\u2019s Champions League win against Inter in 2023].<\/p>\n \u201cNow he feels fit. Hopefully he will find the rhythm physically. His contribution has been massive, he\u2019s an incredible person on and off the pitch. Yeah really pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n Pep Guardiola and John Stones in 2016. Photograph: Martin Rickett\/PA<\/p>\n Now a question on City\u2019s fixture pileup:<\/p>\n \u201cIt is what it is. I would prefer to play in a Champions League semi-final [than not]. It is what it is … of course, it could be better. We will adapt, go to play game by game.<\/p>\n \u201cListen – it is what it is. The calender, the broadcaster or the Premier League, whatever, they decide when the games are, and we\u2019ll be there with 11 players and people on the bench.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn other countries it [scheduling] might be different. Here, it is what it is. If you don\u2019t like it, go to France or Portugal. I never expected, from a long time ago [anything different].<\/p>\n \u201cI like to be here [in the Premier League]. I\u2019ve said many times, when I was in Barcelona, and I saw all the managers here complaining about the schedule, I said – \u2018I will not be that\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is what it is. I never, never expect differently. Whenever they decide to play, we will play.\u201d<\/p>\n How is Rodri\u2019s fitness?<\/p>\n \u201cRodri is getting better. He still didn\u2019t train with us. We\u2019ll see in the next days. I\u2019m always confident …<\/p>\n \u201cRuben D\u00edaz is not yet with the team. Him and Josko [Gvardiol], are getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n Why did he watch Stockport 1-2 Port Vale on Tuesday?<\/p>\n \u201cBecause the day before, I saw the calendar, [I thought] the PSG game with Bayern \u2013 what a disaster game, the managers are not good, Luis [Enrique], Vini [Vincent Kompany], really, really shit players … so … I am in love with English football so I went to see Stockport.\u201d<\/p>\n Did he watch the PSG v Bayern highlights?<\/p>\n \u201cNo: I watched the game right after when I arrived home from Stockport.\u201d<\/p>\n What about the defending?<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s nice. Football is all about styles. You and me are not the same. I\u2019m more handsome than you. It was a good game, There are different styles … There are different ways, that\u2019s why football has to be accepted in everything.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end the difference is interesting. Both teams were man marking, high pressing. And when that happens one player can dribble past another, and go alone.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was extraordinary to watch. Some teams prefer more control, more zonal … It\u2019s all nice.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.11 EDT<\/p>\n Arne Slot expects the improving form of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to drive Liverpool forward in future.<\/p>\n The club\u2019s two most expensive signings \u2013 costing a combined \u00a3241m \u2013 have had underwhelming first seasons due to Isak\u2019s injuries and Wirtz\u2019s struggles adapt to the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n But they both scored in last weekend\u2019s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and may start their fourth successive match together at Manchester United on Sunday, their longest run of the campaign.<\/p>\n Slot accepts the new arrivals have had difficulties, but in the last month has seen glimpses that both are starting to find their feet.<\/p>\n \u201cConverting chances into goals is something we haven\u2019t done very well throughout this whole season but one of the players (Isak) we always thought could score goals for us was hardly available,\u201d said Slot.<\/p>\n Florian Wirtz (left) and Alexander Isak. Photograph: Allstar Picture Library Ltd\/Richard Sellers\/Apl\/Sportsphoto<\/p>\n \u201cLast week you could see it was a chance but it wasn\u2019t the biggest chance we\u2019ve had this season and he finished that one off really well by scoring the 1-0 and scoring a goal which is vital in football as it sets you in the right direction.<\/p>\n \u201cHappy to have Alex back. I think there are some other players that haven\u2019t scored the amount of goals that I think they are able to, or they have shown in the past they are able to, and that will go back to normal in a certain moment and the sooner the better.\u201d<\/p>\n Wirtz would come into that category with seven goals and 10 assists \u2013 none of which have come against Premier League opposition currently occupying European places \u2013 representing a lower-than-expected return for a \u00a3116m player hailed as a generational talent when he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me the development Florian has made throughout his Liverpool career, which has only been 10 months, is so clear and obvious,\u201d added Slot.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the 93rd minute against Crystal Palace making a duel on the sideline, winning a throw-in and then making a sprint from 40 yards and hitting the ball in the top corner \u2013 that is something I am not completely convinced he could do the same eight months ago.<\/p>\n \u201cThat improvement will only continue as he is only 22. Almost every player in the world is at his best when he is 25, 26 but he is already an elite player now and he can only become better.\u201d PA Media<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.01 EDT<\/p>\n Manchester City go to Everton in the Premier League<\/a> on Monday night, and my sources tell me Pep Guardiola is about to hold court.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Brighton’s H\u00fcrzeler backs Welbeck for England<\/p>\n The Brighton gaffer Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian H\u00fcrzeler says he \u201ccan only hope\u201d Danny Welbeck\u2019s form is recognised with a place in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s World Cup squad.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I can say is he\u2019s a great human being, great personality, a great goalscorer, he can help every team in the world. On the pitch he makes the players around him better, and off the pitch he recognises the dynamics quite well … a player like him is difficult to find, a player to create a really good culture … I can only give praise to Danny Welbeck, because I appreciate what he is doing for this club, and I can only hope he gets the chance [for England at the World Cup].\u201d<\/p>\n Danny Welbeck of Brighton is on fine form. Photograph: Daniel Weir\/Sports Press Photo\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.26 EDT<\/p>\n If you have any thoughts on these current affairs in association football, you can email<\/a> me.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Some fans have been let loose on Sky Sports News to talk about the Premier League<\/a> title race, and other matters.<\/p>\n It seems the Arsenal fan has surrendered to their fate, at this point:<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had four years of this and I can\u2019t take another let-down,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had my cry. I\u2019ve broken down. If we win it now, I\u2019ll be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n The Arsenal have ceded control of the title race to Manchester City. Photograph: Catherine Ivill\/AMA\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Although he closes on a slightly more upbeat note:<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter about anyone else … we\u2019ve got to get ourselves right, get our heads right. I\u2019m not letting myself get my hopes up at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.15 EDT<\/p>\n Thanks Tom, hi everyone.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a line off Reuters about a former Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and England legend:<\/p>\n Raheem Sterling was meant to be a marquee signing for Feyenoord as they battled for supremacy in the Netherlands, but with three games left in the season, the Dutch club are still waiting for the 31-year-old to make an impact.<\/p>\n Feyenoord continue their quest for second place in the league, and qualification for the Champions League, with a trip to 12th-placed Fortuna Sittard on Sunday, but it is not certain Sterling will be in the team.<\/p>\n The former England international, signed on a short-term contract in February<\/a>, has started four league games and made three substitute appearances, and is yet to score.<\/p>\n He seemed a frustrated figure when left on the bench for the key clash against third-placed NEC Nijmegen last month, and came on for the final 15 minutes in last weekend\u2019s win against Groningen.<\/p>\n Feyenoord cannot win the league, sitting 19 points behind the champions PSV Eindhoven, but still have much to play for, with a tenuous three-point lead over third-placed NEC Nijmegen in the battle for second place.<\/p>\n Raheem Sterling of Feyenoord on the run against Groningen. Photograph: ANP\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n Coach Robin van Persie called Sterling\u2019s signing \u201cone of the biggest transfers in the history of the club\u201d but his form has not lived up to the hype.<\/p>\n Van Persie, however, backed him despite criticism in the Dutch media and some scorn from disappointed supporters.<\/p>\n The coach said last week he had a positive conversation with Sterling, who he felt was getting better and fitter, but said any decision on whether the former Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City attacker would stay next season would come later.<\/p>\n Sterling\u2019s move to Feyenoord was something of a surprise but was seen as a genuine effort to resurrect his career after being sidelined at Chelsea.<\/p>\n Sterling had not played for nine months before his first appearance for Feyenoord, where fans gave him a rapturous reception, but he has since been jeered by supporters. Reuters<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.11 EDT<\/p>\n And with that, I\u2019m handing over to Luke McLaughlin, who\u2019ll take you through to lunchtime. Laters.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n One of the biggest games of the bank holiday weekend doesn\u2019t come until Monday night, when Hearts host Rangers knowing they could practically end the visitors\u2019 title hopes \u2013 and massively boost theirs \u2013 with a win, turning the title race into a two-way fight with Celtic (IF the Hoops beat Hibs on Sunday). The Jambos\u2019 manager, Derek McInnes, is trying not to think about it: \u201cEvery team in with a chance of the title will see themselves as right in it, which makes it even more exciting. We\u2019ve got a good enough record in this fixture but we need to concentrate on ourselves and not focus too much about what the opposition are thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n All sorts of rivalry-distortions are in play too \u2013 Hearts fans willing their Edinburgh foes Hibs against Celtic? Celtic fans preferring a draw for Rangers at Hearts rather than a defeat?<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n In case you missed it yesterday, a spot of early-summer transfer whispering with Manchester United chasing West Ham\u2019s El Hadji Malick Diouf as possible left-back competition for Luke Shaw.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Just perusing the weekend\u2019s Premier League<\/a> and EFL fixtures, a huge number of matches have something at stake for at least one of the teams playing in them, and here\u2019s a list:<\/p>\n Premier League Championship League One League Two Share<\/a><\/p>\n Gianni Infantino\u2019s \u201cfootball heals the world\u201d schtick came off worse in an encounter with reality when his attempt to orchestrate a handshake between the Palestinian and Israeli delegates at Fifa\u2019s congress backfired.<\/p>\n The Palestinian Football Association\u2019s president, Jibril Rajoub, refused to stand alongside the Israel<\/a> FA\u2019s vice-president, Basim Sheikh Suliman, towards the end of the congress after both men had been called to the stage in Vancouver by Infantino.<\/p>\n Asked what Rajoub said when he refused, the Palestinian FA\u2019s vice-president, Susan Shalabi, told Reuters: \u201cI cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n Matt Hughes has the story here:<\/a><\/p>\n Given the horror-show of a season Leicester fans have endured, the 10th anniversary of their sensational Premier League<\/a> title triumph might feel a tad bittersweet, but what a season 2015-16 was, and what a team they were. Ben Fisher has been talking to some of the key participants, including Claudio Ranieri \u2026<\/p>\n double quotation markIt changed the lives of everybody. For my players, who can say: \u201cI won the Premier League.\u201d I\u2019m a very shy man, I don\u2019t say: \u201cI won the title!\u201d But I\u2019m very proud, very happy. In Leicester there is a big Indian community and some Indian people told me: \u201cThank you, Claudio, because now we link more with the Leicester people, the English people. When we go to the stadium, we push together.\u201d And that is very, very special for me. It\u2019s bigger than football.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s a big weekend in the Women\u2019s Super League too and Manchester City can move closer to the title with a home win over Liverpool tomorrow, though they have been wobbling lately. Their main challengers, Arsenal, are otherwise engaged \u2013 in WCL semi-final action against OL Lyonnes.<\/p>\n But as the season draws to an end, fixture scheduling remains a sore point in the women\u2019s game, as Tom Garry reports:<\/p>\n double quotation markWaiting for men\u2019s broadcast picks, dodging local fun runs and even having to avoid clashing with nearby comedy gigs: welcome to the quagmire of trying to arrange the Women\u2019s Super League and WSL 2 schedule.<\/p>\n The fixture list is often a bone of contention for supporters, and organisers face a painstaking task in trying to organise games in venues where other teams get first dibs.<\/p>\n \u201cStadium availability is led by the men\u2019s game and then broadcast is led by the men\u2019s game, so it can be really hard,\u201d Zarah Al-Kudcy, chief revenue officer at WSL Football, says. \u201cSome of the reasons we are given as to why fixtures have to change, you just have to laugh or you\u2019d cry.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Howe: Newcastle owners remain ‘supportive’<\/p>\n Eddie Howe says Newcastle\u2019s Saudi Arabian owners remain supportive after meetings with PIF representatives on their trip over to the north-east this week. \u201cI saw the owners and their representatives; it was constructive\u201d said the manager before tomorrow\u2019s home game against in-form Brighton. \u201cIt\u2019s always constructive because they clearly care so much about the football club.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are exciting times ahead regardless of what happens in the short term. There\u2019s no change in the level of support I\u2019m receiving and the infrastructure but there is still an understanding of how football works and we need results.\u201d<\/p>\n Howe was fairly non-commital about Anthony Gordon\u2019s prospects of being fit to face Brighton. \u201cHe did a session on Wednesday, it was great to see him back on the pitch we\u2019ll make an assessment closer to the game.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a005.06 EDT<\/p>\n Slot: Salah not fit enough to face Manchester United<\/p>\n Arne Slot has been up early for the press conference to preview Liverpool\u2019s game at Manchester United and Mohamed Salah, who has scored 16 goals for the Reds against their biggest rivals, is not fit enough to make a final appearance at Old Trafford in a Liverpool shirt as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n double quotation markMo is always working incredibly hard during the season when he is fit and when he is injured to get back as soon as possible. Usually he is back earlier fit than other players. He has a minor injury and we expect and need him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday. It is a big relief that his injury is minor and he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If a player deserves a big send off then it is Mo.\u201d<\/p>\n Slot also said that Alisson is close to a return.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.25 EDT<\/p>\n Preamble<\/p>\n Morning everyone and welcome. We\u2019re at that stage of the season where clubs are either on the beach or deep in a world of stress\/pain\/excitement, each casting envious glances at the other. A hugely consequential weekend looms, starting tonight with Leeds having another opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation rabble when they host managerless and relegated Burnley. By around 3pm tomorrow we\u2019ll know the identity of one more of the clubs replacing the Clarets, with Ipswich, Millwall and Middlesbrough duking it out for second place in the Championship, while ups, downs and playoff places in the rest of the EFL will be sorted by teatime, when everyone can chill out watching Arsenal\u2019s bid to keep their creaking title bid on the road when they face Fulham.<\/p>\n There was plenty to chew on last night too. Nottingham Forest just about edged their all-English Europa League semi-final first leg<\/a> against Aston Villa, but not without the inevitable VAR blow-up, Unai Emery fuming at the failure to punish Elliott Anderson for a dangerous tackle on Ollie Watkins. In the Conference League, Oliver Glasner\u2019s chances of bowing out at Crystal Palace with a second trophy in two years were substantially enhanced in a 3-1 semi-final first leg win<\/a> against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Europa League place denied them last year is now in sight.<\/p>\n Anyway, we\u2019ll be across all the buildup and news going into the weekend, with pressers due at Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City this morning and pre-match chat from Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester United and Chelsea around lunchtime. And to get you in the mood, here\u2019s 10 Premier League<\/a> things to look out for, in time-honoured fashion.<\/p>\n![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ben_Fisher.png\")
Ben Fisher<\/p>\n![\"Louise](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Louise-Taylor,-L.png\")
Louise Taylor<\/p>\n
Hull v Norwich
Ipswich v QPR
Millwall v Oxford
Wrexham v Middlesbrough \u2026<\/p>\n![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Tom_Garry.png\")
Tom Garry<\/p>\nBen Fisher<\/p>\n
Leeds v Burnley
Brentford v West Ham
Arsenal v Fulham
Bournemouth v Palace
Man Utd v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Spurs
Chelsea v Forest
Everton v Man City<\/p>\n
Derby v Sheffield Utd
Hull v Norwich
Ipswich v QPR
Millwall v Oxford
Wrexham v Middlesbrough<\/p>\n
Barnsley v Stockport
Bolton v Luton
Exeter v Bradford
Leyton Orient v Burton
Northampton v Plymouth
Stevenage v Wigan<\/p>\n
Barrow v Newport
Bromley v Walsall
Crawley v Salford
Crewe v Cambridge
Fleetwood v MK Dons
Harrogate v Barnet
Notts County v Bristol Rovers
Swindon v Chesterfield
Tranmere v Grimsby<\/p>\n![\"Palestinian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5817.jpg\")
Palestinian football federation president refuses handshake with Israeli FA vice-president \u2013\u00a0videoShare<\/a><\/p>\n