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      How Liverpool and Leicester could finish fourth in Prem and still NOT get Champions League football next season

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      LEICESTER or Liverpool could miss out on Champions League football by finishing fourth – and here is how.The race is on to qualify for next season’s competition with a host of teams scuffling over the few remaining places.
      Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp may find that fourth place is not enoughCredit: Getty
      Manchester City are already in the hat with Manchester United soon to secure their spot, leaving potentially three more spaces in the competition.
      Typically, the top-four of the Premier League all reach the group stage with Leicester and Chelsea well set as things stand.
      The Blues hold a six-point advantage over fifth-placed West Ham and Liverpool are a point further back, with both clubs yet to play this weekend.
      Tottenham and Everton are also in the picture although the Toffees’ defeat to Aston Villa left them nine points behind with only five games to go.
      But, as these clubs fight over fourth place, there is still a possibility that it still will not be enough.
      Uefa rules stipulate that a maximum of five clubs can qualify for the Champions League from a single country.
      This is to allow space for any winners of the previous year’s tournament and/or the Europa League, as a prize for their achievement.
      At the halfway mark of the semi-finals in both competitions, there are still four English clubs who could lift a trophy and claim their place.
      As mentioned, Manchester United and City are already there via the top four but Chelsea could yet drop out and Arsenal are way back in 11th.
      Chelsea hold two potential routes to the 2021-22 Champions LeagueCredit: Guardian
      Arsenal are also still in the picture despite a defeat to VillarrealCredit: Getty
      Should BOTH the capital clubs lift European silverware, fourth place may not qualify for the Champions League.
      If Chelsea finish third then fourth will join them in the competition no matter what.
      But if both are outside the top four and both win their competition, then whoever does finish fourth will find themselves relegated to the Europa League for 2021-22.
      Chelsea are level at 1-1 with Real Madrid in their semi-final tie with Arsenal 2-1 down to Villarreal as both games head to London for the second legs.
      It would be a cruel blow to Leicester, who have sat inside the qualification places for much of the last two years and missed out on the final day of last season.
      While Liverpool are desperate to keep some momentum from their recent European and domestic titles by breaking back into the top four.
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      For Tottenham, it would be a severe case of deja vu as they were dumped into the Europa thanks to Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2012.
      Back then, only four sides were allowed to qualify – a rule that was changed in 2015.
      And there is another factor to consider as sides wrestle over a spot in Europe next season.
      The advent of the Europa Conference League, a third competition in the Uefa setup, means the Prem’s seventh-placed team will venture into that unknown next season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Chelsea ace Kai Havertz pleads with Thomas Tuchel to unleash him on Real Madrid as Ashley Cole hails ‘fantastic’ striker

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      KAI HAVERTZ pleaded with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to let him loose on Real Madrid.The German scored twice to leave Fulham on the brink of relegation and stake his claim to start Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against the Spanish giants.
      Kai Havertz was in scintillating form for Chelsea against FulhamCredit: Getty
      Havertz hit the target in each half and was unlucky not to grab a hat trick in a performance that a delighted Tuchel hailed as ‘perfect’.
      Havertz said: “I scored very early so it gave me a little bit of confidence, it is always good to score and I’m happy to help the team. I hope I can continue like this on Wednesday.
      “I’m always desperate to start games, I play football. But I know we have a lot of quality players in the team and the other players play well as well. I keep going, train hard and give my best.”
      Chelsea emerged with no injuries and a clean sheet from a game which puts them six points clear in the all-important fourth spot.
      Tuchel admits Havertz’s performance gives him a selection headache for next week with Chelsea defending a 1-1 draw from the first leg in Spain.
      Tuchel said: “He took his chance, he showed up and this is what we need. We need guys who are fully committed. If you have a chance to show, show up.
      “If it is five, or maybe even fifteen minutes, be ready and give the manager a headache and that is what he did.
      “Yes, this was the perfect match. That is why the players get full credit from the coach for this. We have no regrets and lots of credit from this game.
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      Ashley Cole hailed Havertz’s display on Saturday as ‘fantastic’Credit: Sky Sports
      “We worked so hard in the last week and now it is important we have a clear mind and nothing to regret for the Wednesday game.
      “We take nothing for granted, keep our heads down, our feet on the ground and try to do the best we can together as a group.”
      Former Chelsea great Ashley Cole added his praise for the German and told Sky Sports: “He was fantastic.
      “He didn’t get too involved in the build-up but his little through balls and deft touches and control around the box, I think he deserved his two goals.”
      Mason Mount set up the opening goal and produced another outstanding display before being subbed with 24 minutes left as a precaution.
      Tuchel said: “He has the full package, mentally-wise, talent-wise and physically. And most importantly character with both feet on the round.
      “It is a pleasure to have him and be at his side and guide and support him.
      “I saw him land hard and thought I wanted to take him off if we had the chance. He was clutching his back a little bit and he didn’t want to take a risk.”

      Fulham are now nine points from safety with only four games to go but boss Scott Parker remains defiant about his team’s chances of staying up.
      He said: “People may laugh and think I am crazy but there is no other option than to go out believing we can win those games. It is what we have to do.
      “There is no other scenario. This performance makes me think we can win games. We just lack in certain areas.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Hayes eyes a Chelsea Champions League double with Tuchel also bidding for glory in Europe

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      EMMA HAYES is dreaming of Chelsea sealing a historic Champions League double by becoming kings and queens of club football in Europe. And the Kingsmeadow chief hailed Thomas Tuchel, 47, for buying into the winning mentality being encouraged by the Blues. 
      Emma Hayes is urging her team to play the game of their lives against Bayern MunichCredit: PA
      Hayes’ WSL stars are bidding to become the first Chelsea team to reach the final of the Women’s Champions League by beating Bayern Munich. 
      And Tuchel’s Prem aces hope to dispatch Real Madrid in the men’s semis with a second leg decider set for Wednesday.  
      Should both sides win their competitions it would see Chelsea become the first English outfit to triumph in the men’s and women’s Champions Leagues in the same season.
      Hayes, 44, said: “I had a lovely encounter with Thomas Tuchel, he’s a fantastic guy, really open-minded and progressive coach. 
      “There’s a reason why the men’s team are performing like they are and to mirror that success, side by side, how fantastic that would be. 
      “I’ve always said this about Chelsea, we always talk about winning in this place, that’s what comes with the territory. 
      “We don’t mind the pressure, the expectations, the tags, the titles, whatever comes with it, we just know we’re a club that wants to be in winning positions.
      “It’s great to think that both the men’s and women’s teams have reached these stages. 
      “But as I’ll always say we’re about winning things, not just getting here.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea are hoping to reach their first ever Women’s Champions League final this seasonCredit: AP
      Tuchel’s side are aiming to defeat Real Madrid in their second leg Champions League semisCredit: PA

      Hayes believes her side has the quality to bounce back from the disappointment of their 2-1 first leg semis away defeat to German league leaders Bayern.  
      Hayes added: “I feel relaxed going into this. Everybody wants to win every game and we have enough quality to do that. 
      “What I think will make a difference is our ability to stay calm in every moment, even when it’s not where we want things to be.
      “We have to stay true to the reason we are in this position and have trust and belief in each other that the right things will happen at the right time.” 
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      Kelly Smith backs Hayes and Chelsea to triumph in Europe just as she did with Arsenal Ladies

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      KELLY SMITH is backing Chelsea to steal Arsenal’s limelight by ending their spell of being the only women’s football club from England to conquer Europe. And the Gunners’ icon believes “energiser” Hayes will have her players “riled up” to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League. 
      Kelly Smith helped Chelsea could triumph in the Women’s Champions League just as Arsenal did in 2007Credit: The FA – Getty Images
      Smith believes Emma Hayes will have Chelsea riled up and ready to defeat Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      It was 14 years ago this week that Arsenal made history by becoming the first women’s team from these shores to triumph in the contest.
      They did so with a gritty 1-0 aggregate win against Swedish outfit Umea with Alex Scott netting the winner and Smith becoming the tournament’s third-highest scorer. 
      Hayes was in the dugout for that victory during her stint as assistant manager to trailblazing Gunners Ladies boss Vic Akers. 
      And Smith, 42, who missed the finals due to a suspension, has fond memories of Hayes’ two-year tenure before her spell as Chicago Redstars boss from 2008 to 2010. 
      Smith told SunSport: “Emma was a young coach and still learning the trade when she was at Arsenal. 
      “But you could see she was hungry, passionate and a real energiser coach who really loved being out on the field. 
      “She got massive amounts of experience coaching in America after leaving the club and really developed Chelsea’s game. They are very lucky to have her.  
      “I hope they can perform, get to the final and try and take away Arsenal’s mantle of being the only team to lift the trophy.
      “And I’m sure Emma’s going to get them riled up and ready. 
      “It’s a huge opportunity for them to get to the final and they’re going to believe that they can do it being at home with that home advantage.” 
      Smith and her Arsenal Ladies team-mates won the Women’s Champions League 14 years ago this weekCredit: Getty

      Chelsea, who take on Bayern at Kingsmeadow, are looking to overturn a 2-1 first leg semi-final deficit by toppling the German league leaders. 
      And Hayes was tight-lipped on whether skipper Madga Eriksson will be available for selection after missing the first leg with a calf problem. 
      However Smith, who netted 144 times in 125 Arsenal appearances, thinks Eriksson’s presence could make a difference to Chelsea chances. 
      Smith added: “I do think, having watched little parts of the first leg that they really missed Eriksson at the back.
      “She’s the stalwart there, the leader and organises that whole backline. Hopefully she can come back into the mix for the game.”
      Smith, who is backing a smart meter campaign with sports stars including Nicola Adams, has been reflecting on the evolution of the WSL which turned ten this year. 
      And the former England forward, who is the Lionesses highest scorer with 46 goals, hopes to see the top flight become more lucrative in the next decade. 
      Smith hopes to see the Women’s Super League attract a bigger fan base in the next ten yearsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Smith said: “When I started playing we were only training two nights a week and trying to be full time athletes while juggling jobs. But now the game is professional.
      “I’d like to see teams playing in bigger stadiums and generating bigger fan bases. 
      “We’ve seen it with the special football weekends with derbies and where you get larger crowds coming to games such as Arsenal vs Spurs. 
      “I also hope the WSL becomes self-funding and for clubs not to lose money. We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve just got to keep pushing.”
      Smith, who won 20 trophies in three spells with Arsenal, is thought to be a strong contender to be an inductee into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame. 
      A panel of experts are due to decide on a shortlist from which the first Hall of Famers will be chosen.
      The former Gunner, who played for Arsenal between 1996 and 2017,  has ideas on who she would like to see inducted.
      And Chelsea’s Ji So-yun is among the names on her list.
      Smith added: “It’s going to be difficult for whoever’s on that panel to come up with the first couple of inductees. 
      Chelsea’s Ji So-yun is among the players Smith would like to see inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of FameCredit: Reuters
      “The names that spring to mind for me are Rachel Yankey Alex Scott. Karen Carney and Faye White. 
      “There’s also Fara Williams who’s just retired, Steph Houghton, Katie Chapman and Jill Scott and Emma Byrne who was Arsenal’s goalie when I was there. She was a top-level player. 
      “Even Ji So-yun at Chelsea. She’s been around for a good number of years and been a high level performer for Chelsea.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Smith is supporting a national campaign encouraging people to learn about smart meters
      Kelly Smith is supporting the ‘Get Britain Energy Fit For The Future’ campaign. 
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      Mateo Kovacic a major doubt for Real Madrid clash as Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirms injury recovery setback

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      MATEO KOVACIC is a major doubt for the Real Madrid second leg after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury.The Chelsea and Croatia star, 26, has missed the last five games with a hamstring problem.
      Mateo Kovacic is an injury doubt to face Real Madrid after suffering a recovery setbackCredit: PA
      Blues boss Thomas Tuchel ruled his beloved midfielder out of the Fulham match tomorrow after a tweak in training.
      And Kovacic faces a race against time to face his former employers in the Champions League semi-finals.
      Antonio Rudiger is also out of the West London derby and therefore doubtful for the visit of Los Blancos.
      The German said: “Unfortunately Kovacic is still injured. 
      “He trained with us, but he’s still not fully confident, he felt something at the end of training. So he’s not available, unfortunately.
      “All the others are available except for Toni Rudiger, who got injured in the last minute of the Madrid game. Everybody else is available.
      “Before training today we thought that Kova had a big chance to join us latest for Madrid, maybe even for today. 
      “So now we have a little setback, not a big one, with him.
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      “I don’t want to be too negative, let’s see how he is tomorrow. For Toni, I’m quite positive for Wednesday.”
      Kovacic made 109 Real Madrid appearances before his Stamford Bridge switch, initially on loan.
      In 137 games in a Chelsea shirt, he has just two goals – including none in 39 this term.
      Tuchel’s side earned a 1-1 draw away in Madrid on Tuesday, with the tie evenly poised ahead of Wednesday’s return leg.
      N’Golo Kante put in a man-of-the-match performance alongside Jorginho.

      And Tuchel was asked if he may rest one or both central midfielders at home to the Cottagers with an eye on the Champions League – with Billy Gilmour an option.
      He added: “N’Golo feels very good, Jorgi looked very good and in training again today the guys are super professional, they know that we miss Kova a lot so I have the feeling Jorgi and N’Golo step up.
      “Gilmour looked very good today in training so I was quite impressed.
      “The last decision is made today so in the evening, the afternoon or maybe tomorrow morning, but Billy is in the squad, he was very close to playing the last games some minutes so he is in good shape.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Billy Gilmour could make a rare start if Thomas Tuchel decides to rest N’Golo Kante or JorginhoCredit: Getty
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      Real Madrid will pay £17k for Marcelo to take private jet on day of Chelsea clash so he can monitor local election

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      REAL MADRID will pay £17,000 to fly Marcelo to London on a private jet next week after his appeal to avoid election duty was denied.The Brazilian has been randomly selected to monitor a polling station on Tuesday as the city’s voters pick their candidates for the assembly of Madrid.
      Marcelo took on Chelsea in Tuesday’s first-legCredit: Getty
      This will prevent him from travelling with his team-mates ahead of Wednesday’s crunch Champions League clash with Chelsea.
      Marcelo, 32, has been selected as a back-up – meaning he will only undertake the full role should anything happen to the other monitor.
      But the flying full-back will still have to report for duty at 8am, and it has been deemed too risky to fly him out straight away – in case he is in fact required.
      According to AS, Marcelo will train on his own at Valdebebas after his duties are wrapped up, before taking a £17,000 private jet to London on either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
      But Madrid are furious with the prospect of their player being put in contact with numerous members of the general public.
      Footballers have been living in specific bubbles this season, to try and avoid Covid-19 outbreaks within their clubs.
      And Madrid tried to use this as a primary reason for Marcelo to be given special dispensation to dodge his election commitment for work reasons.
      But their appeals were denied meaning that, if Marcelo is to have to step in for full monitor duty for any reason, his trip to England could still be in jeopardy.
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      The Brazilian is set to be jetted out to London on the day of the gameCredit: AFP or licensors
      Zinedine Zidane expects to have Marcelo availableCredit: Getty

      A reflective Zinedine Zidane said: “It is what it is, he will fulfil his obligations. On Wednesday he will be with us, nothing changes.”
      Marcelo started Tuesday night’s 1-1 first-leg draw with Chelsea in the Spanish capital.
      But that was just his second Champions League outing of the season, with Ferland Mendy having more often been given the nod this term.
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      PSG star Kylian Mbappe a doubt for Man City Champions League semi-final second leg after suffering calf injury

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO admits Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for the Champions League clash with Manchester City.Mbappe has a calf issue and will not feature against Lens in Ligue 1 tomorrow so is in a race against time to be fit for Tuesday’s second leg.
      Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for the second leg of PSG’s Champions League semi-final with Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      PSG manager Pochettino said: “Kylian is suffering from a bit of pain in his right calf.
      “We hope it won’t be serious and that he can join up with us as soon as possible.
      “It’s obvious that he’s a very important player for us and when you don’t have a player like that it makes an impact.
      “But we have players in the squad who are very important and can play well to help us win against Lens.”
      Pochettino insists Mbappe, who was an injury concern before the first leg, has not been overplayed this season.
      He has featured 41 times for PSG, scoring 35 goals – plus another eight caps for France.
      The former Spurs boss, whose side lost 2-1 at home to City in the first leg, added: “Actually, we were talking with the medical staff and technical staff today about his performances, and at one point Kylian came to join in the meeting.
      “We spoke about how Kylian looked in such good shape against Metz last weekend and that his feet didn’t even touch the ground when he ran.
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      “We rested him in the Cup game against Angers so he could be fresh for Metz.
      “He took a knock at the end of the game against City, but that could have happened in the first minute.
      “When you’re on the pitch you know these things can happen.
      “The blow he took caused some form of compensation effect which led to his calf injury.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      The striker picked up the knock late on in the first leg at the Parc des PrincesCredit: EPA

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      Jose Mourinho claims Bayern loss while Real Madrid boss after Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss was his saddest moment

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      JOSE MOURINHO once revealed the only time he shed tears after a defeat was when Real Madrid lost on penalties to Bayern Munich back in 2012.The Portuguese – who is part of SunSport’s coverage for this summer’s Euros – had already steered Los Blancos to a record-setting year in LaLiga.
      Jose Mourinho admitted he cried after Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League against Bayern MunichCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      But he was denied the chance to make it a Champions League double against the Germans.
      Madrid were the heavy favourites for Europe’s top competition having overhauled Barcelona domestically with the most points, goals and home wins.
      But Mourinho, who had already lifted the Champions League twice with Porto and Inter Milan, missed out on a three-piece at the Bernabeu.
      The Special One saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos miss from the spot as Madrid fell to Bayern on penalties in the 2012 semi-finals.
      He would have met his former side Chelsea in the final, who in turn, bested the Bundesliga side in a shootout to win their first-ever Champions League on penalties.
      That night is the only time in my career as a coach that I’ve cried after a defeat. It was very hard because we were the best that seasonJose Mourinho
      And speaking to Spanish outlet MARCA, Mourinho admitted he found it hard losing the chance to play for La Decima and was reduced to tears.
      He said: “Unfortunately, that’s football. Cristiano, Kaka, Sergio Ramos… three complete monsters of football, there’s no doubt about that, but they’re also human.
      “That night is the only time in my career as a coach that I’ve cried after a defeat. I remember it well… Aitor [Karanka] and I pulled up in front of my house, in the car, crying…
      “It was very hard because we were the best that season.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo was denied from the spot as Los Blancos suffered defeat at the BernabeuCredit: AFP
      Opening up about the incident further in an interview with Portuguese TV channel Sic, Mourinho admitted it was still the saddest moment of his career.
      He said: “If I have to choose the worst moment, it’s that elimination with Real Madrid.
      “We were the best team in Europe, without a doubt, we won LaLiga smashing all the records for points and goals and we would’ve won that final, I don’t have any doubt.
      “What was most cruel for me was that in the shoot-out we chose Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos, they were dead certs from the penalty spot and the guys who missed were those who never miss, it sunk me.”

      SunSport previously revealed that it was the Chelsea dressing room who broke down in tears after Mourinho was sacked in 2007.
      Club captain John Terry said he and his team-mates were so devastated and shocked they approached the Blues board to reverse their decision.
      The former England skipper would be reunited Mourinho in 2013 with the pair winning the Premier League for a third time two years later.
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