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      ‘If we got a two-year ban, is it worth it?’ – Why Chelsea may be better off PULLING OUT of the Conference League

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      CHELSEA might be better off pulling out of the Conference League next season.And one journalist has suggested the board may have a discussion on the subject after Man Utd’s shock FA Cup final win saw them downgraded from the Europa League.Chelsea were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League at the weekendCredit: GettyBlues chief Todd Boehly has the option of withdrawing from the competitionCredit: GettyThe Blues were demoted to the Conference League following the Wembley clash.A decision will now have to be made on whether or not they decide to accept a spot in the competition.Should they choose to take the opportunity, Chelsea will have to comply with stricter Financial Fair Play rules.And football writer Matt Law stated back in April that he felt the Blues hierarchy may hold talks on the matter.Read More on ChelseaHe told the London is Blue podcast: “The Conference League, they have a decision to make over whether they’d enter it.“Because of the European FFP being different to the English PSR, the chances of breaching European FFP may not be worth taking for the very very miniscule amount of money you can make on playing in the Conference League for a year.“AC Milan. I think, did it one year [the Italians pulled out of the Europa League in the 2019/20 season]. “Chelsea will have a decision to make on that because European Financial Fair Play is harder to meet than PSR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You have to weigh up the risk and reward of ‘if we got a two-year ban, is it worth it to play in the Conference League or is it actually worth giving ourselves an extra year to get into a situation where we can get back into Europe, into a better competition, and not be at risk of getting a European ban?’“I don’t think there’s a question on the Europa League or Champions League. I think the Conference League would spark a discussion.”Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesChelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.If found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      The Blues are currently on the verge of appointing a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.Poch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last week despite having a positive end to the season.Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is understood to be the frontrunner. More

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      How Chelsea face epic 331-DAY season with whopping 74 games after Man Utd dropped them into Conference League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S shock FA Cup final win has handed Chelsea an incredibly busy calendar.The sixth-place Blues dropped into the Europa Conference League as the Red Devils joined Tottenham in the Europa League despite finishing eighth thanks to their Wembley victory.Chelsea’s players are set for a busy seasonCredit: ReutersThe Blues could be in action for most of the yearCredit: GettyAnd that means Chelsea could rack up an incredible 74 games in a mammoth season.The incredible figure does not even include five pre-season fixtures, with the Blues potentially in action for 331 days.Chelsea are on a tour of the USA from July 24 to August 6 and return 11 days before the Premier League season, which finishes on May 25 next year.The Blues’ Conference League campaign kicks off on August 22 and, if they make the final, that takes place three days after the top-flight finale.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAnd just when the end is in sight, the Club World Cup is slated to kick off on June 15, with the final on July 13.To make matters worse, many Blues stars will be in action at this summer’s European Championship.Chelsea are keen to get their business done early this window and their first priority is bringing in a manager.Mauricio Pochettino waved goodbye despite winning his final five games and reaching the Carabao Cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea have held talks with Leicester boss Enzo Maresca.Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also in the frame.Watch Argentina World Cup winner and £107m Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez play hurling on holiday in Ireland Blues chiefs are keen to have the new man through the door by the end of next week so they can focus on players.Having a deep squad will be even more important next season due to the return of European football to Stamford Bridge and a jam-packed calendar.Chelsea are ready to launch a £20million bid for Burnley keeper James Trafford as they seek a long-term answer in goal.Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
      HERE we go again.
      Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
      Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
      But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
      There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
      Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
      One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
      Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full…

      Pochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74 More

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      David Moyes DENIED emotional goodbye to West Ham fans after Man City pitch invasion chaos

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      DAVID MOYES was denied an emotional goodbye to West Ham fans as he took charge of his final game for the club.It was announced earlier this month that Moyes would be leaving the London Stadium at the end of the season.David Moyes was unable to say an emotional goodbye to the West Ham faithfulCredit: GettyManchester City supporters invaded the pitch at full-time against West HamCredit: Sky SportsMoyes, 61, is closing the curtain on his time at the club on the expiration of his contract this summer after taking charge of over 250 games.And the Hammers’ clash with Manchester City this afternoon was his final game before that deal comes to an end.His side were beaten 3-1 as City clinched the Premier League title, with Mohammed Kudus on the scoresheet for West Ham.However, the travelling West Ham support were unable to thank the gaffer who has spent six years with the club over two separate spells in the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity fans invaded the pitch before the full-time whistle before storming onto the turf at the end of the match.As a result, Moyes and his players headed straight down the tunnel instead of having a moment with their fans.Home supporters already said their goodbyes to the former Everton and Man Utd boss last weekend when West Ham beat Luton 3-1 in his final game at the London Stadium.Moyes will go down in history in East London as the manager who brought major European success to the Irons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMoyes’ record and honours at West HamA look at Moyes’ time with West Ham…

      261 games in charge
      112 wins
      53 draws
      96 losses
      403 goals for
      368 goals against
      1.34 Premier League points per game
      Three top half finishes
      1 x Europa Conference League champion
      Biggest win: 5-0 vs Freiburg (Europa League Last 16)
      Biggest defeat: 6-0 vs Arsenal (2023/24 Premier League)

      The tactician guided West Ham to Europa Conference League glory last season when the club lifted the trophy in Prague thanks to a dramatic late winner from Jarrod Bowen.But he has failed to impress this season with a number of heavy defeats scattered around – including a 5-0 loss to Chelsea and a 6-0 hammering by Arsenal.Luton fans ‘FIGHT stewards in shocking scenes at West Ham’ as Hatters see Premier League status all but endedAnd execs at the club are said to have already agreed terms with former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui to come in as his replacement.Moyes will be remembered fondly by most West Ham fans for his work during his second spell in charge of the club – having been fired after 31 games during his first crack at the job between 2017 and 2018.His efforts since his re-hiring in December 2019 have seen him navigate his way to three top half finishes in four seasons.Speaking after his final home game last week. Moyes said he was “touched” by the reception he received.He then went on to tell the West Ham website how much he has enjoyed working with the players at the club.He explained: “I have to say, they’ve been great to work with and overall they’ve been great lads.”At Rush Green, I’ve said many times that it’s been tough love with them, and some are OK to take it and some are not, but overall it’s been a great time.”Moyes led West Ham to Europa Conference League glory last seasonCredit: GettyInside David Moyes’ West Ham exit as Hammers boss rowed with technical director and had contract offer withdrawBy Jack Rosser

      REGARDLESS of how it has ended, David Moyes leaves West Ham a club great and a history-maker.
      The Scot, 61, did not want to go like this, his departure confirmed before the end of the season with his squad in a spiral and rows with the technical director.
      Moyes has insisted all year long that he would wait until the summer to make a decision on his future on his own terms – but that option has been taken away from him.
      These final months and weeks have clouded a tenure at the London Stadium which no one saw coming – and could be quickly missed if the next steps are not carefully taken.
      Having been overlooked after keeping West Ham in the Premier League during his first spell in East London, Moyes returned in December 2019 to keep them afloat once more.
      The ex-Manchester United manager did just that and then took the Hammers to heights they could not have imagined.
      Click HERE to read the full column. More

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      How Tottenham could go from Champions League contention to Conference League in days after Postecoglou’s ‘fragile’ blast

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      TOTTENHAM’S disappointing end to the season could still culminate in a Europa Conference League place.Spurs suffered a fifth defeat in six games on Tuesday night, losing 2-0 to Manchester City as their hopes of Champions League qualification were ended.Tottenham could still end up with a Europa Conference League spotCredit: GettyThey sit fifth heading into the final day of the Premier League campaign, with a trip to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United rounding off their campaign.A point would be good enough to guarantee Europa League football next season as Tottenham head into Sunday’s games three points clear of Chelsea.However, a defeat to Sheffield United and a win for Chelsea at home to Bournemouth would see Mauricio Pochettino’s men leapfrog them.If that happens, Tottenham’s European fate would then be determined by the outcome of the FA Cup final on May 25.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA win for Manchester City would ensure Tottenham go into the Europa League as Pep Guardiola’s men have already sealed Champions League football through their league position.But if Manchester United pull off a shock and lift the trophy at Wembley then Ange Postecoglou’s men will spend the 2024/25 season in the Conference League.That is something the Aussie will be keen to avoid by winning at Sheffield United on the weekend.Yet it may not be as easy as the table suggests, with Spurs claiming just one win from five Premier League games at Bramall Lane.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnge Postecoglou’s shock commentsANGE POSTECOGLOU dropped a bombshell by claiming Spurs’ “foundations are fairly fragile” after the 2-0 loss to Manchester City.
      The Tottenham manager was clearly unhappy with many fans wanting the team to lose to City and so hurting Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.
      CHARLIE WYETT looks at the overall situation at Spurs.
      WHAT DID HE MEAN WITH “FRAGILE” COMMENT?
      It was a remarkable post-match press conference and Postecoglou’s anger was not solely directed at fans wanting Spurs to lose to City.
      Postecoglou clearly believed Tottenham fans were too concerned about Arsenal’s fortunes and should have only focused on their own team.
      Some would argue this is small-club syndrome.
      In fairness to the Spurs faithful, though, many other clubs’ fans in a similar situation would have felt the same.
      Asked where the fragility lies, Postecoglou said: “Outside, inside — everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise.”
      Some felt Postecoglou’s comments were directed at chairman Daniel Levy but this is unlikely.
      He was possibly frustrated by the overall attitude of some members of staff at the club going into the City game.
      Equally, he was not impressed by Rodrigo Bentancur, who kicked his seat three times after being substituted.
      SPURS HAVE BLOWN FOURTH AND FACE THE EUROPA LEAGUE NEXT SEASON. WHAT DO THE PLAYERS THINK?
      Micky van de Ven said: “Of course, we are disappointed. Of course, we want to play in the Champions League.
      “Hopefully we can do some good stuff in the Europa League next year and we can reach the Champions League.
      “We are still positive. We are still trusting in what the gaffer wants.
      “We want to end the season strong. We have one game to go, and we want to win at Sheffield United and hopefully next year we can do some good things.”
      WHAT WILL ANGE DO THIS SUMMER IN THE TRANSFER MARKET?
      He will get backing from Levy even though the club will need to move on a few players as well.
      Spurs have done well to all-but clinch European football and improve on last season despite losing Harry Kane — but they need a new No 9 as it seems Richarlison cannot stay fit.
      They also need to strengthen in midfield, ideally a box-to-box player and also two full-backs for added depth.
      What Postecoglou most wants, and this takes us back to his comment about fragility, are some players who have been winners. Of the current squad, not many have won much and Postecoglou is very aware of this issue.
      WHAT DO THE FANS THINK?
      Postecoglou did not endear himself to supporters with comments both before and after the City match. PR-wise, it was a disaster.
      He cannot understand why many fans wanted a City win to stop Arsenal from winning the title.
      It was a superb start as boss but it has been a rollercoaster season.
      After accusations that he did not have a Plan B, Postecoglou made a few tactical tweaks for the City game.
      But a run of five losses in the last six has raised doubts among some fans.
      He still has support but, if Spurs struggle next term, it could get rocky at Christmas.

      That came the last time they travelled to the stadium in the league three years ago.In March 2023, Spurs were beaten by the Blades in the FA Cup.’Come on mate, want me to write you a dossier’ – Postecoglou fumes in live TV interview when asked about Tottenham lossAnd Tottenham come into the match following some worrying comments from manager Postecoglou – who was enraged that some of the Spurs faithful wanted them to lose to Man City to avoid helping Arsenal’s title bid.The Lilywhites boss, who also exploded at a Tottenham fan during the loss to Man City, said: “The last 48 hours have revealed that the foundations are fairly fragile.”That’s what I feel. The last 48 hours has revealed a fair bit to me.”But it just means I’ve got to go back to the drawing board with some things.”It’s outside, inside, everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise.” More

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      Watch furious Aston Villa fan HEADBUTT barrier as Olympiacos supporters taunt him before Europa Conference League defeat

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      AN angry Aston Villa fan headbutted a barrier separating the travelling supporters from Olympiacos fans.Fans from both teams gathered in the Karaiskakis Stadium way ahead of kick-off to soak up the atmosphere ahead of the Europa Conference League semi-final.Aston Villa and Olympiacos fans confronted each other before kick-offOne Villa fan headbutted the wall as he tried to intimidate the home supportersBut some got a little carried away as they tried to goad and intimidate one another before kick-off.Last week in the first leg, Olympiacos taunted Villa fans by holding up signs of Birmingham’s crest – the club’s fierce city rivals.They did the same again on Thursday, with some Villa fans responding in jest by holding up the Panathinaikos badge.But tensions soon began to boil over and playful teasing became more aggressive as fans confronted each other near the dividing wall.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters went head-to-head either side of the plexiglass – quite literally in the case of one Villa fan.The individual in question began hitting the wall with his fists before bizarrely deciding to headbutt the plexiglass.Fans on social media found the behaviour strange with one reacting saying: “Not the brightest of moves.”Another added: “Headbutting a screen though🤣, and why in so early…”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Weird behaviour.”And another commented: “Strange bunch.”Wild scenes as Olympiacos celebrate reaching the Conference League final -The night got worse for Villa fans as they were beaten 2-0, losing the tie 6-2 on aggregate.Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored FIVE goals for the Olympiacos across the two legs. More

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      Olympiacos 2 Aston Villa 0 (6-2 on aggregate): Emery’s men crash out of Europa Conference League after Greek humbling

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      ASTON VILLA’S great European adventure was left in ruins here in Athens as England’s last remaining hope finally bowed out.The Premier League may be the greatest show on earth but there will be no English representation at any of Uefa’s three showpiece finals.Aston Villa’s European adventure is over after defeat in GreeceCredit: RexOlympiacos are celebrating after reaching their first European finalCredit: PAAyoub El Kaabi was the two-goal hero after last week’s hat-trickCredit: ReutersAston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was unable to stop his side bowing outCredit: PAOnce again Moroccan hitman Ayoub El Kaabi did the damage with a deadly double, seven days after his hat-trick at Villa Park left Villa with a Mount Olympus sized mountain to scale.Even four-times Europa League winner Unai Emery couldn’t prevent this Greek tragedy from playing out.Despite enjoying the vast bulk of possession this was one match too many for the Spaniard’s weary squad.While Olympiakos were given the weekend off, Villa lost at Brighton and looked leggy here.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd so, just a stone’s throw from the ancient ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon Villa’s Euro dream turned to rubble.On Monday night it’s Liverpool when they will hope to summon up the energy to seal fourth place and Champions’ League football.But they will need to get off their knees to do so after this gut-wrenching disappointment.All credit to Olympiakos, who have waited 53 years to finally end their fierce city rivals Panathinaikos’ boast of being the only Greek club to reach a major European final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFerenc Puskas’s Pana lost 2-0 to Johan Cruyff’s Ajax at Wembley in 1970-71 and Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men were determined to eclipse that – especially with this month’s final taking place in Athens.Olympiakos’ Under-19’s showed the seniors the way by beating AC to win the UEFA Youth League – the first Greek club side to win any UEFA tournament.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAll the stars now appear to be aligning for the hosts who will face Fiorentina in the final.Villa had hoped the Greeks two-goal first-leg lead might make them over-cautious – or better still, complacent.Sadly, that wasn’t the case as Olympiakos, roared on by their frenzied fans, seized control of the tie by grabbing the early goal they craved.The sight of Emi Martinez taking his usual place between the sticks was a welcome one for the 1,600 travelling army of Villa fans, as was the return of Pau Torres and Diego Carlos in defence.But there was an early scare for the visitors when the ball glanced off Diego Carlos’s head from an Olympiacos throw and landed at Chiquinho who slashed his shot into the side netting.Villa responded by pressing Olympiakos back and they forced a hat-trick of corners which all fizzled out.Then came the moment Emery must have dreaded as Olympiakos picked his side off on the counter-attack – just as they had at Villa Park.Once again Villa’s high backline imploded as one long ball out of defence picked out Daniel Podence on the left.His initial cross was blocked by John McGinn but the ball flew back to the former Wolves man who fed overlapping left back Quini.He drilled in a low cross and Pau Torres failed to cut out the threat.Unfortunately the ball landed at the feet of the last man Villa wanted it to.Deadly hitman Ayoub El Kaabi had stunned Villa with a hat-trick in Birmingham and there was no way he was going to miss the open goal gaping in front of him.He calmly slotted home his 31st goal of the season to break Villa’s hearts again.Emery’s team now needed three goals just to force extra-time!Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey both had shots blocked by a red and white wall of defenders.Douglas Luiz’s long ranger lacked the power to trouble Kostas Tzolakis in the Greek goal and Bailey headed over at full stretch.Unai Emery’s side must now concentrate on securing a top four finishCredit: PAVilla were having plenty of possession – 75 per cent in a dominant first period – but Olympiakos were digging in, encouraged by their fanatical fans and ultras.Rodinei crashed into Bailey at the edge of the box but Douglas Luiz curled his free kick well over.Martinez held Fortouni’s 25-yarder before a moment which summed up Villa’s first 45 minutes.Watkins fed Bailey who played in a tempting low delivery but Matty Cash stumbled in front of a gaping goal.When your luck’s out, it really is out!Bailey then crashed in a ferocious effort which Tzolakis pushed over and a frustrating half ended with a booking for Douglas Luiz for hauling down Fortounis.The locals have a tradition of smashing crockery and Emery must have been tempted to hurl a few tea cups at the break.His side certainly continued to fight.Watkins headed over before Emery sent on striker Jhon Duran for Diaby.The Colombian kid fired in a shot which Tzolakis spilled before Konsa headed over from a Bailey corner.However Villa’s night of misery was complete when El Kaabi raced clear onto a long clearance from Tzolakis to beat Martinez.At first glance the Moroccan looked well offside but after a lengthy VAR check the Stadio Karaiskakis erupted as Konsa was judged to have marginally played him onside and the goal was awarded.In truth Villa simply couldn’t turn silver into gold at the birthplace of the Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins did his best to salvage some pride with a stoppage time header from 18 yards which appeared to be dipping in.But Tzolakis wouldn’t even give Villa that crumb of consolation and leaped to turn the striker’s attempt over. More

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      Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa (AGG 6-2) LIVE RESULT – Europa Conference League: Reaction as Villans crash out of Europe

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      ASTON VILLA have crashed out of the Europa Conference League following defeat to Olympiacos.The hosts extended their lead to 5-2 on arrogate after Ayoub El Kaabi’s tap in early on.With 12 minutes to go, the inform striker bagged his second to end Villa’s dreams of reaching a European final.Olympiacos will face Fiorentina in the huge Athens finale on May 29.
      Match result: Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa (AGG 6-2)
      Olympiacos team: Tzolakis; Quini, Rodinei, Carmo, Restos; Iborra, Hezze; Fortounis, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi
      Aston Villa team: Martinez; Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Digne; Cash, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Diaby; Watkins
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from Piraeus
      Aston Villa have crashed out of the Europe Conference League after a 2-0 loss to Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
      Villa leave Europe after a 6-2 loss on aggregate following a stunning performance from Jose Luis Mendilibar’s underdogs.
      Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring after 10 minutes and completed the triumph in the 78th minute.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
      Copy linkCopiedMarinakis celebrates with players
      Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis celebrated with players after the full-time whistle.
      Marinakis has been dreaming of a moment like this since taking over the Greek giants in 2010 in a time of uncertainty after his predecessor Sokratis Kokkalis left.
      Under the Greek businessman the Piraeus outfit have made it out of the group stages of a major European competition in 11 out of all their 13 attempts.
      And now the Forest supremo gets to watch the team he grew up adoring challenging for a European honour.
      Copy linkCopiedJohn McGinn impresses
      Aston Villa didn’t make it through to the final but their captain John McGinn stood out against Olympiacos.
      A true skipper’s performance in midfield against the Greek giants.
      As the heat maps shows below the midfielder was everywhere and offered pace as well as threat for the Villans.
      Check it out:

      Copy linkCopiedWhat’s next?
      Well, Olympiacos are heading to the Europa Conference League Final to face Fiorentina on May 29 at OPAP Arena in Athens.
      Villa now have to focus on the Premier League amid a heated top-four race.
      The Villans are facing Liverpool at Villa Park on Monday and then visit Crystal Palace on May 19 in the final day.
      Tottenham are in fifth place with a game in hand and seven points separating them from Unai Emery’s men.
      Spurs are taking on Manchester City, Burnley and Sheffield United next.
      Copy linkCopiedOlympiacos vs Aston Villa stats
      Aston Villa dominated a whopping 74 per cent of possession but couldn’t do anything with it.
      Villa registered 15 shots but only four of them were on target.
      Olympiacos, on the other hand, only managed nine shots but four of them were on target.
      More below:

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Aston Villa are out of the Europa Conference League after another heartbreaking loss to Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
      The Greek giants are set for their first European final in their near 100-year history and it will take place at Opap Arena in Nea Filadelfia – only a short drive away.
      Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring after just 10 minutes after meeting a pinpoint low cross from Quini and beating Emi Martinez with a weak shot.
      Aston Villa put together a rather toothless performance and it showed in the 78th minute when the defenders forgot El Kaabi who picked up a long free-kick by Kostas Tzolakis and beat Martinez from close range.
      The referee claimed the striker was offside but VAR showed there was nothing and the goal stood.
      History has been made in Greece.
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Peep!
      That’s full-time in Piraeus!!!
      Copy linkCopied90+3 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Chance!
      Aston Villa almost get a late goal with Watkins receiving a stunning cross and connecting with the header.
      Tzolakis was out of position but managed to get a fingertip and deny the England international.
      Copy linkCopied90 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Four more minutes of added time to go.
      The speakers are begging Olympiacos fans not to invade the pitch after full-time!
      Copy linkCopied90 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Chance
      Olympiacos ace Masouras tries a shot from the right but he is desperately off target…
      Copy linkCopied88 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Substitution
      Aston Villa boss Emery takes out Cash, Bailey and Digne who are replaces by youngsters Kesler Hayden, Munroe and Kellyman.
      Copy linkCopied85 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Aston Villa continue to play their game and dominate the possession.
      Villa are showing absolute dignity even thoug – let’s face it – they are out of the Europa Conference League…
      Copy linkCopied84 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      That’s 10 goals in eight matches for Olympiacos star El Kaabi who also just made history.
      The striker is the first player to score over 31 goals in a single season for Olympiacos since the 2000-2001 campaign when Alekos Alexandris worked his magic.

      Copy linkCopied79 Olympiacos 2-0 Aston Villa
      Goal!
      It’s a goal!!!!
      El Kaabi ran from a correct position and there is no offside.
      Shocking defending by Villa…

      Copy linkCopied79 Olympiacos 1-0 Aston Villa
      No goal
      Olympiacos star El Kaabi picks up Tzolakis’ free-kick with Aston Villa forgeting him completely.
      The striker then beats martinez one on one but is caught offside.
      Or is he? There is a VAR check!
      Copy linkCopied77 Olympiacos 1-0 Aston Villa
      Substitution
      Georgios Karaiskakis comes alive as Olympiacos manager Mendilibar brings on 21-year-old Apostolopoulos to replace Quini.
      An actual left-back this time.
      Copy linkCopied75 Olympiacos 1-0 Aston Villa
      A dangerous attack by Villa takes place as Cash breaks inside the area from the right.
      The full-back tries to make the final pass to Watkins but Olympiacos’ defence clear it.
      Copy linkCopied74 Olympiacos 1-0 Aston Villa
      Substitution
      As said earlier, Iborra can’t continue and Olympiacos boss Mendilibar replaces him with Horta.
      Copy linkCopied73 Olympiacos 1-0 Aston Villa
      Yellow card
      Aston Villa sub Iroegbunam gets on the book just a few minutes after his introduction for a tacticial foul on Chiquinho who was on the counter-attack.
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      Olympiacos ace Iborra has picked up an injury it seems and can’t continue.
      The midfielder will be replaced by Horta.
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      Tensions are flaring up between the players, which is how Quuini was booked earlier.
      That fires the lively crowd even more!
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      The crowd is raging again after Martinez comes off his line and clashes with Masouras who was on a dangerous counter.
      However, the Olympiacos star was caught offside.
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      The Georgios Karaiskakis crowd is incensed after El Kaabi went down during a dangerous counter-attack while under pressure from Konsa.
      No foul from the referee although there did seem to be contact.
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      Substitution
      Aston Villa boss Emery brings on Iroegbunam who replaces Carlos.
      Villa are slowly becoming more attacking.
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      Substitution
      Olympiacos boss Mendiliba makes his first change as Masouras replaces Podence.
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      in Soccer

      Forgotten Premier League star on Olympiakos loan deal says it’s ‘crazy’ he could be in European final after injury hell

      by

      OMAR RICHARDS has told his cock-a-hoop Olympiakos teammates to beware the British bulldog spirit against Aston Villa tonight.Or it could cost them their place in their first ever European final.Omar Richards is hoping to lead Olympiakos to European glory at the expense of Aston VillaCredit: GettyRichards, one of two Englishmen in the Greek camp, warned: “Villa have that British mentality – even though they are two goals behind, they will NEVER accept it’s over.”The Greeks celebrated their 4-2 first-leg win with their fans at full-time at Villa Park as if they had already booked their place in the final.But Lewisham-born Richards, currently on loan from Nottingham Forest, has told his teammates they would be crazy to write Villa off – even with a two goal advantage.He said: “We’ve only played the first-half of the tie.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I know they’re going to come out even stronger in the return-leg and I’ve warned our lads we have to be ready for any backlash.”Making sure we left Villa Park with a two-goal lead was very important – it will help us a lot in Piraeus – but Villa will believe they can still turn it around.”Olympiakos had never reached a European semi-final until this season – now they have their sights set on their first ever final in their hometown city of Athens.Richards said: “We made history last week, taking the first step. But there’s still a big job to be done in the second-leg.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Everyone is obviously excited and it’s a great achievement to win the first part.”We played with no fear at Villa Park. We came out with a good plan, we stuck to it and we had early success.Prince William cheers for Aston Villa “We grew in confidence, made it difficult for them and, when we had our chances we took them.”Our striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored a hat-trick and showed what a good player he is. He doesn’t stop running, he takes his chances and he’s a beast!”We can’t just say Villa underestimated us, we played very well. When they came back and scored twice to make it 2-2 we stayed composed and that will be important again at our place.”There were a lot of attacks coming my way and I just tried to stay in the game – don’t do anything silly.“We stuck to the plan and it worked for us. We bounced back with two goals and we fixed everything.”For left-back Richards, a place in a European final, would cap a remarkable comeback following 18 months of injury hell.Richards played for Reading and Bayern Munich before joining Nottingham ForestCredit: AFPOmar Richards’ career statsThose numbers in full:

      Reading, 2017-2021: 104 games, 3 goals

      Bayern Munich, 2021-2023: 17 games, 0 goals

      Nottingham Forest, 2022-203: 0 games, 0 goals

      Olympiakos (loan), 2023-2024: 13 games, 0 goals

      Trophies: Bundesliga, German Super Cup (Bayern Munich)

      The 26-year-old Londoner was hoping to make an impact in the Premier League when Nottingham Forest paid Bayern Munich £8.5million to land him in the summer of 2022.But a fractured shin, suffered during Forest’s pre-season training camp in Valencia, was followed by a hernia operation which ruled him out for the entire season.Last August Forest loaned him to their sister-club Olympiakos and Richards finally made his comeback in December.He said: “It’s crazy to think I’m 90 minutes away from a European final because I’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years.”As for my Forest future I don’t know about that. It’s something we’ll sit down and sort out at the end of the season.”But it’s not about me this week, it’s about the team, and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our incredible fans in the Karaiskakis Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There were 2,500 of them at Villa Park and when we arrived at the ground they were already in their corner, long before any Villa fans arrived.”We could see their dedication – they are like a 12th man on the pitch for us and every opponent who comes here discovers this.” More