A chaotic few days at Paris Saint-Germain has seen Lionel Messi suspended, and fans are now showing their anger towards the club’s biggest superstars.Supporters gathered outside the Parc Des Princes to chant against Messi, but in an even more bizarre turn of events, some gathered outside Neymar’s house and called for him to leave.The former Barcelona pair both arrived in the French capital as world-class talents, but having been unable to help PSG progress further in the Champions League, patience has run out towards them, and now Neymar has fallen victim to abuse from fans who once adored him.
The club have condemned the behaviour of their fans, and Neymar has already dropped hints on social media about his feeling towards PSG, with it clear that both he and Messi were far happier during their spell together at Barcelona.
Twitter has already exploded in reaction, with some quick to condemn the actions of the PSG supporters. The best can be seen below…
Some called out the Parisian club’s fanbase…
Whilst others questioned why superstars would want to join in the future…
A failure to leave the ball decisively paved the road to an ’embarrassing’ and ‘humiliating’ innings-defeat at Headingley, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said
Andrew Fidel Fernando21-May-2016A failure to leave the ball decisively paved the road to an “embarrassing” and “humiliating” innings-defeat at Headingley, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said. Chasing England’s 298 in the first innings, Sri Lanka collapsed to 91, then 119 following on. They batted for less than 73 overs in the match. Thirteen Sri Lanka dismissals were catches behind the wicket on the off side.”We were not decisive in leaving the ball,” Mathews said. “They bowled in good areas and we just kept putting our bats out of line of the stumps, and it kept nicking our bats all the time. We have to be decisive and play the correct one.””It was quite an embarrassing defeat. It was pure poor batting and the execution. You have to be really skillful to bat against these guys, especially in these conditions. Anderson once again showed his class. Stuart Broad was brilliant as well. One or two of our guys needed to raise our hands and put up a good score, particularly in the first innings. We failed to do that in the first innings, and once again in the second innings, so that’s a pretty obvious reason for our defeat.”Sri Lanka had appeared to be in control of the game when their bowlers reduced England to 83 for 5 in the second session of the opening day. However, Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales put on a partnership of 141 in which at least three catches were spilt. Later, Bairstow also combined with No. 10 batsman Steven Finn for a further 55 runs.”We got five wickets for 80 runs, and we let them off the hook,” Mathews said. “We dropped at couple of catches. Jonny Bairstow batted brilliantly – credit should go to him and Alex Hales. They got them to a decent score on this wicket and it was up to us as batters to get to a decent score as well. But once you get 90-odd runs, it is very a difficult road going into the second and third days. It was very tough. We have good enough batting to pass 300, but we made it very tough for ourselves.”Having lost inside three days at Headingley, Sri Lanka now have five full days in which to prepare for the second Test at Chester-le-Street. Sri Lanka have come back to square a series following a heavy loss in the past year. They recovered from a ten-wicket hiding against Pakistanat Galle last June, before winning the next Test. Mathews said his men would look to such series for inspiration.”We have done it in the past. We have a couple of days to regroup, think about our strategy, train really hard and come back hard. All we’ve got to do is change our mindset. If you believe you can do it. Yes, it was a humiliating defeat. It was embarrassing. But if you stick to our plans in the second game we could turn the tables around.”Sri Lanka had been through extended preparation for this tour, having gone to a training camp in Kandy, before also playing two tour matches against Leicestershire and Essex. Mathews said the conditions at Headingley were much tougher.”Nothing really went close to this game. It was swinging and seaming right from the word go. If you have top-quality fast bowling like Broad and Anderson in your team, the opposition batsmen have to work really hard. It was swinging and seaming right throughout the first day and second day, because there was no sun on the wicket to dry it out.”
Everton's proposed investment deal with 777 Partners is 'not expected' to happen at the moment, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news surrounding potential investment in Everton?
Everton find themselves in a tricky situation both on and off the field and fans have been out in force to protest against the Goodison Park hierarchy at many of their home matches this season.
As per Sky Sports, Everton majority owner Farhad Moshiri is said to be seeking investment into the club to help fund the development of the new Everton Stadium currently being built.
The Liverpool Echo report that Miami-based American investment fund 777 Partners and New York-based sports investors MSP Sports Capital are both keen on supplying Everton with financial support.
Forbes detail that Everton have also recently been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League due to breaching the league's profit and sustainability rules during 2021/22, meaning that news of fresh investment will likely be a relief to supporters.
Away from matters at boardroom level, The Toffees also have a fight on their hands to retain their Premier League status and face a real danger of being relegated to the Sky Bet Championship.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown has said that rumours of a deal between 777 Partners and Everton were 'massively overstated' by some reports.
Brown said: "There were reports in Italy that 777 were interested or close to a takeover of the club. I think that's massively overstated. I know Everton have spoken to this group several times. I don't believe a full takeover was ever on the table with them.
"They are not significant investors in sport in the way that you would expect from people who want to take over and run a club completely in the Premier League.
"I understand they value the club far below what Moshiri does and that the chances of them investing in Everton are quite slim at the moment.
"It's not expected from within Everton that a deal is going to be done there at the moment."
What now for Everton?
Regardless of matters elsewhere, Everton boss Sean Dyche will be fully concerned with trying to keep Everton in the Premier League.
The Toffees have endured another difficult season in 2022/23 and have so far failed to learn the lessons of their near scrape with relegation last season under Frank Lampard.
Following a damaging 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United at Goodison Park in midweek, Everton have it all to do, starting with a relegation six-pointer away to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium next Monday evening.
Nevertheless, Dyche and his players can only influence the challenges that lie ahead and will be keen to ensure that they do enough to survive come the close of play.
Manchester United continued their bid for further silverware after edging past Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday afternoon, with Erik ten Hag’s men booking their place in the showpiece following a narrow, shootout triumph at Wembley.
Just days on from their humbling 3-0 loss away to Sevilla to crash out of the Europa League, the Red Devils issued a solid response to contain a lively Seagulls outfit, in what was a rather even contest on the day.
It ultimately took a skewed penalty from an unfortunate Solly March to decide the hard-fought encounter, with United’s Victor Lindelof stepping up following that blazed effort to ensure that it will be the Old Trafford outfit who take on rivals Manchester City in the final.
The ‘Ice Man’ – as he is affectionately known – calmly curled home that decisive spot-kick to cap what was a fine all-round performance from the Sweden international, with the 28-year-old having been truly “exceptional”, as per writer Casey Evans.
How did Lindelof perform against Brighton?
In an attacking sense, the Carabao Cup winners appeared rather blunt, in truth, with the major source of inspiration having come from Bruno Fernandes prior to the Portuguese’s late withdrawal, with the 28-year-old having racked up three key passes from 46 in total during his 101-minute outing.
The former Sporting CP ace notably saw his first-half effort flash just wide of the post in what was one of few potential openings for Ten Hag’s men, while he also ‘worked hard defensively’ – as per GOAL’s Richard Martin – after winning seven of his nine ground duels.
United’s shortcomings in the final third ensured that the rather makeshift backline was well and truly tested, although Lindelof, in particular, stood firm to help contain Roberto De Zerbi’s men, having produced an “aggressive” display alongside usual left-back, Luke Shaw, in the words of Evans.
Man United's Victor Lindelof
With the Manchester outfit currently without both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez due to injury – and with captain Harry Maguire suspended – the onus had fallen on the former Benfica ace to step up to the mark, with the experienced ace having done far more than just lash home the winning penalty.
Hailed as the game’s “MOM” – Man of the Match – by club legend Gary Neville, the £120k-per-week rock repeatedly bailed his side out of trouble having registered five clearances and won four of his seven ground duels, while also proving adept at carrying the ball out from the back after completing both of his attempted dribbles.
Although there may be doubts regarding the Swede’s long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams, the 66-touch ace produced ‘one of his finest United performances’, according to The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson, showcasing that he could well be a useful asset for Ten Hag and co for the remainder of the campaign, at least.
When the former Ajax boss needed someone to step up, the ‘Iceman’ cometh…
Chelsea are set for further talks with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino alongside Julian Nagelsmann, according to journalist Matt Law.
What's the latest Chelsea manager news?
The west Londoners are now officially out of the Champions League, putting an end to their Premier League season and now ruling out the chance of any silverware.
Chelsea and co-owner Todd Boehly's focus is now surely on finding their successor to Graham Potter, with the Englishman sacked over a fortnight ago after a lacklustre campaign.
The search for his replacement is well and truly on with their being links to a variety of elite coaches – varying from Nagelsmann and Pochettino to Jose Mourinho or Luciano Spalletti.
Mauricio Pochettino.
Boehly's first full season overseeing the west London side has been disappointing to say the least, and whoever the American tycoon appoints next will be pivotal in taking Chelsea forward as a football club.
Now, as per a report by reliable reporter Law in The Telegraph, there has been an update on the matter. According to his sources, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is now an outside contender for the role despite being interviewed and holding talks.
As Chelsea begin the next phase in their manager search, a new round of talks is set to take place with both Nagelsmann and Pochettino. The Argentine has already 'impressed' Boehly and Behdad Eghbali before they even appointed Potter, and Pochettino is still well in contention alongside Nagelsmann.
This comes after initial contact has already been made with the South American with Stamford Bridge sources insisting Nagelsmann is not the firm favourite.
Should Chelsea hire Pochettino?
The ex-Tottenham and Southampton manager has key experience working on a shoe-string Premier League budget – being praised for his work in doing so.
Spurs pundit Jamie O'Hara branded the tactician 'world class' for operating within financial limits but still managing to guide his former club to a Champions League final in 2019.
Having won trophies in Ligue 1 with PSG before leaving last year, Pochettino's credentials for the Chelsea post have only strengthened since his time at Spurs.
Indeed, the ex-Espanyol boss should certainly be considered a viable candidate to replace Potter at Chelsea, not least because of his brand of entertaining, attack-minded football.
The 4-3-3 attacking man could bring back a level of excitement on the pitch and most certainly has an abundance of quality players to work with.
It is no real secret that Liverpool will be in need of midfield reinforcements this summer, particularly with the likes of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all coming toward the end of their respective deals.
One man that has seemingly been identified by the Anfield hierarchy as a possible target to strengthen in the centre of the park is Chelsea playmaker, Mason Mount, with the England international facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with just over a year left to run on his existing deal.
As per The Athletic, the Merseysiders are said to be among the frontrunners within the Premier League for the 24-year-old's signature, with the report suggesting that 'significant conversations' have already taken place regarding a potential swoop.
The piece adds that the Blues would look to sell this summer if there looks to be no chance of the player agreeing to an extension, albeit with the west Londoners still set to demand around £70m for the 36-cap dynamo, despite that expiring contract.
Would Mount be a good signing for Liverpool?
Although Mount has endured a frustrating campaign amid the ongoing turbulence at his current side – having provided just three goals and six assists in all competitions this season – the one-time Derby County loanee remains arguably a "generational" talent, as per journalist Benjamin Lynch, with it set to be a notable coup if the Reds can pull off a deal this summer.
Dubbed a "huge player for Chelsea" by interim boss Frank Lampard, the versatile playmaker – who can feature in a central midfield berth or on the flanks – would certainly represent something of a loss to the Blues were he to depart at the end of the season, having racked up 70 goal involvements in 195 games for the club to date, including a vital assist in the Champions League final triumph over Manchester City in 2021.
There would likely be real glee among those at Anfield to be able to pluck such a key figure from their top-flight rivals, having previously seen their own star men be tempted by moves to the capital.
Chelsea's Mason Mount
As the club legend has himself admitted, Steven Gerrard was believed to be considering a switch to Stamford Bridge during Jose Mourinho's first spell in charge, while perhaps more notably, the Merseysiders saw striking sensation Fernando Torres snapped up by the west Londoners on a £50m deal in January 2011.
The loss of a player who had scored 81 goals in just 142 games for the club undoubtedly stung as far as Liverpool supporters were concerned, particularly when having to see the Spaniard line up for a top-flight foe.
While Torres' subsequent woes following that switch may have eased the frustration surrounding his departure – as the former Atletico Madrid ace scored just 45 goals in 172 games in his new home – it will have still irked the Anfield crowd to see one of their leading men seek out pastures new at a Premier League rival.
As such, current boss Jurgen Klopp could well avenge that previous sale by snapping up Mount from Todd Boehly's grasp in the near future, helping to give Chelsea a taste of their own medicine for a change.
Everton had their four-game unbeaten run destroyed on their visit to Old Trafford in their Premier League clash with Manchester United, and Sean Dyche will be disappointed with the result as the pressure mounts on avoiding relegation.
The Toffees could fall back into the drop zone later this afternoon as a number of their rivals are in action this weekend, so it will be out of their hands as to whether they will keep their head above water or fall into deeper trouble before their next game.
Dyche opted for a change in formation against the Red Devils, deploying a 4-4-2 system instead of the successful 4-1-4-1 used in the draw against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, and it massively back-fired with the Everton defence completely smothered by their hosts' attacking threat.
Everton failed to dominate any area of the pitch with just 36% possession, fewer shots on target (1 v 11) and fewer big chances created (1 v 8). Meanwhile, they completed 300 fewer accurate passes (233 v 533) and lost possession on more occasions (130 v 129), suggesting that the 2-0 defeat could have been much worse if United had been more clinical in front of goal (stats via Sofascore).
In the first half, the Toffees had only Jordan Pickford to thank for staying in the game as long as they did, as Erik ten Hag's side ran riot in the channels, which led to a whopping 21 shots against them as Scott McTominay eventually broke the stalemate with a goal in the 36th minute.
Dyche made a crucial change at half-time with Vitaliy Mykolenko replacing Ben Godfrey on the left flank after he struggled to keep up with Antony throughout the opening 45 minutes.
However, it wasn't the left side that the Everton boss had to worry about in the second half, as Seamus Coleman had an absolute howler which led to Anthony Martial's 71st-minute strike to kill the game.
How did Seamus Coleman get on vs Manchester United?
The Everton club captain has been a consistent feature in the team since Nathan Patterson suffered an injury earlier in the season and has become a trusted player since Dyche's arrival at Goodison Park in January.
However, today's display will be one the experienced £55k-per-week Irishman will want to forget about in a hurry, as his lack of concentration was severely punished and ultimately cost Everton the opportunity to get back into the game in the dying minutes of the clash.
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton analysis, Everton update, Everton team news, Manchester United vs Everton, Everton performance, EFC news, EFC latest news, EFC update, EFC team news, EFC analysis, Seamus Coleman, Sean Dyche
Over his 87-minute performance, Coleman lost possession of the ball 17 times, failed to win any of his aerial duels and completed just 24 accurate passes, with 33% of his pass attempts misplaced – and made the horrendous error that led to Martial's goal.
Manchester Evening News' chief correspondent for Manchester United, Samuel Luckhurst, took to Twitter to make a scathing statement about Coleman's mistake:
"Not the first time Seamus Coleman has crumbled with Anthony Martial near him. Easy goal that should kill the contest."
Indeed, it was a costly mistake, but we think there will is little doubt that Dyche will continue to put his trust in the right-back over the remainder of the season, as his experience at the club will continue to be a valuable asset to Everton in their fight for survival.
Leeds United have long had a problem at left-back, with Junior Firpo failing to live up to expectations following his arrival from Barcelona in 2021.
However, Javi Gracia may already have a replacement for the struggling Spaniard in 19-year-old talent, Leo Hjelde, who has established himself as a regular at Rotherham on loan in the Championship.
Who is Leo Hjelde?
Leeds would sign the promising defender from Celtic in the summer of 2021 just a day after his 18th birthday, despite him never making a first-team appearance during his time with the Hoops.
He did impress in a loan spell at Ross County, however, contributing one goal in 12 appearances for the Scottish side, with manager John Hughes dubbing him a "massive talent" and suggesting that he has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Virgil van Dijk, who made a name for himself at Celtic before becoming "the best centre-half of all time" – in the words of Michael Owen – at Liverpool.
Having become a mainstay in Leeds' U21 side, the versatile defender earned his first senior appearances in the FA Cup and Premier League last season and featured twice in the EFL Cup in this campaign before heading out on loan in January, joining Rotherham United.
There, he has featured nine times this season, averaging a solid if unspectacular 6.61 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Matt Taylor's side, as they aim to avoid relegation from the second tier.
Despite it being his first real taste of senior football in England, that is a better rating than 26-year-old Firpo has managed (6.52) in the Premier League this season, while the youngster has also contributed more at both ends of the pitch.
Indeed, he has made more interceptions (1.9 vs 1.3), clearances (2.1 vs one) and shots (0.6 vs 0.1) per league fixture.
Junior Firpo celebrates Leeds United's victory in the Premier League away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The former Barcelona man has achieved above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored just once so far this season when he scored the only goal in the 1-0 win against Southampton, which suggests that he is nowhere near consistent enough to be a regular.
The January arrival of Max Wober, combined with the recent return of Pascal Struijk, will hopefully see Firpo's game time limited for the remainder of the season, as he is clearly a defensive "liability" – as per journalist David Anderson – with no player at Elland Road dribbled past more so far this campaign.
Therefore, if he does become a bit-part player in Gracia's squad, it would surely be worth promoting Hjelde in his place, as he looks to have far more potential and defensive ability than Firpo.
Tottenham Hotspur may have seen a new potential managerial candidate emerge over the last hours in Julian Nagelsmann following his sacking from Bayern Munich.
Could Nagelsmann replace Conte?
The future of Antonio Conte at Spurs is still seemingly hanging in the balance with some reports suggesting there were discussions taking place over a compensation package to see him leave.
And a new twist in the Spurs managerial debacle may have emerged on Thursday night when it was reported that the 35-year-old had been relieved of his duties by the Bundesliga giants.
Speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed this is a name that we should keep an eye on with Spurs potentially looking for a new coach:
"'It's a situation to watch. As you mentioned with Tottenham, we have to see what happens, because as of today [Thursday] they didn't have any kind of conversation with Nagelsmann and they are still trying to understand how to proceed. But [Thomas] Tuchel was one of the possibilities in their list.
"I think we have to keep an eye on him. If not in the next weeks, for sure at the end of the season. And for the new season, the 23/24 season, he's going to be one of the big names around, so one to watch for sure."
Should Spurs appoint Nagelsmann?
The young manager could certainly offer someone with one eye on the future given his experience despite still only being 35 years old.
Nagelsmann has already managed two of Germany's biggest sides in Bayern and RB Leipzig, winning multiple trophies along the way.
However, it seems the reigning Bundesliga champions were keen to bring in a manager who had even more experience at the top end of the game in Thomas Tuchel, with Bayern currently sitting in second spot.
Julian Nagelsmann stands on the sidelines at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Tottenham Hotspur host RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
In comparison to Tottenham's current manager, Nagelsmann has shown versatility in his willingness to change the formation of his side throughout the season.
Despite Spurs struggling in large part of the 2022/23 campaign, Conte has stuck with his three-at-the-back system, which has seen Tottenham fail to win any of their last five away games.
Yet with Nagelsmann, the £134k-per-week German has been willing to change between a three and four-man defence, which is something that could potentially benefit the north London side (via Transfermarkt).
High intensity is something which this Spurs side has not really seen under Conte and is something which could prove a big boost for both the players and the fans if Nagelsmann was able to implement his style before the end of the season.
However, it will be interesting to see whether the 35-year-old is willing to immediately hop into another job on the back of losing an important role at one of the world's biggest clubs.
With 10 games of the Premier League season remaining, he could be tempted to wait until the summer to make a decision on his future.
That being said, there has been no indication at all whether the job in north London would even appeal to him.
While the international break is still in full swing, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will already have one eye on the return to club action this weekend, with the Red Devils set to take on top-four rivals Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The major selection headache at present for the Dutchman, ahead of the trip to St James' Park, will be the enforced absence of influential midfielder, Casemiro, with the Brazilian still having three games left to serve of his four-game ban after being dismissed in the most recent league meeting against Southampton.
The loss of the 31-year-old will come as a notable blow for United such has been the £70m man's impact in recent times, having been hailed as the "glue" in the side by club legend Rio Ferdinand due to his undoubted importance.
Although there is an argument that the former Ajax boss could look to fill that void by pushing usual centre-back Lisandro Martinez further forward, there are other members of the squad who could also be pushing for a role.
Academy graduate Scott McTominay will likely be hoping he has staked a claim for selection after netting twice off the bench in Scotland's 3-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday, with that clinical double proving vital in getting Steve Clarke's men off to a perfect start in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
That being said, however, the fact that the 26-year-old wasn't even selected from the start for his country should be something of a warning sign to Ten Hag, with the 6 foot 4 man – who has been linked with a move to Newcastle this summer – having also been hooked early in the second half during the FA Cup triumph over Fulham last time out.
Instead of looking to the Lancaster-born colossus as the answer to the Casemiro problem, United could be wise to hand a chance to January arrival Marcel Sabitzer in that deep-lying role, with the Austria international having also thrived for his country in recent days.
Should Sabitzer start for Man United?
The on-loan maestro scored twice and registered an assist for Ralf Rangnick's men in what was a thumping win over Azerbaijan on Friday evening, with the 29-year-old recording a monstrous 10/10 match rating, as per Sofascore, after also laying on three key passes and creating two big chances on the day.
Although that creative prowess may ensure that Sabitzer is better suited to a more advanced role, the Bayern Munich man could replicate the forward-thinking and progressive approach that Casemiro has taken on in his defensive-minded berth this season, with the latter man having created five big chances in the league this term.
Equally, while the former Real Madrid ace has been an effective screen in front of the back four this season as he ranks in the top 6% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for tackles made, Sabitzer also possesses the credentials to mirror that destructive style, as the 5 foot 10 gem actually ranks in the top 5% for that same metric.
A player who can seemingly make an impact at both ends of the pitch, the recent, temporary addition notably bagged his first goal for the club against the Cottagers just over a week ago, with that hopefully the first of many in a United shirt.
Sabitzer-Man-United-Ten-Hag-Premier-League
With recent reports claiming that the £13m-rated ace would be "happy" to stay in Manchester beyond the end of the season, the upcoming top-flight fixtures should allow him the chance to prove why he would warrant a permanent deal.
The exciting playmaker does appear to have been carrying something of a knee problem of late, although the aforementioned Rangnick does appear to be "optimistic" regarding the extent of the injury, ensuring that Sabitzer could still be in line to feature against the Magpies.
If the one-time RB Leipzig star – who has been branded a "monster" by Statman Dave this season – can showcase his ability to ease the loss of Casemiro, then such flexibility and versatility may well only enhance his chances of being snapped up for the long term by Ten Hag and co.