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      Xabi Alonso breaks silence on links to Premier League jobs as Tottenham eye him to replace Conte

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      TOTTENHAM target Xabi Alonso says he is “100 per cent” focused on managing Bayer Leverkusen next season.The former Liverpool midfielder, 41, is one of the candidates Spurs are considering to be the permanent successor to Antonio Conte.
      Xabi Alonso has impressed since taking over Bayer Leverkusen in OctoberCredit: EPA
      Alonso has been a huge hit since taking over at struggling Leverkusen in October, taking them up to sixth in the Bundesliga and into the Europa League semi-finals.
      And he suggested that he does not yet feel his time is up yet with the German side as he addressed reports of Tottenham’s interest in him.
      The Spaniard, who began his coaching career with Real Sociedad’s B side, said: “I’ve been in football for many years, rumours are normal but we still have a lot to achieve.
      “That’s why my head is 100 per cent here for the last few months.
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      “And my head is also 100 per cent here for next season.”
      Spurs have been searching for a new boss since Conte departed in March.
      But they look set to finish the campaign with an interim head coach.
      That had originally been Cristian Stellini’s – Conte’s No2 – until he was sacked following the 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle and Ryan Mason was put in caretaker charge.
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      Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Feyenoord’s Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany are all among the contenders Daniel Levy is assessing.
      Meanwhile, Spurs could lose whizkid midfielder Romaine Mundle on a free transfer this summer.
      Belgian clubs Anderlecht and Standard Liege are among those keen to sign the 20-year-old, who has been on Spurs’ bench a number of times this season but is yet to make his first-team debut. More

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      Fans say ‘we need this in the Premier League’ after referee gives ‘game-changing’ interview live on TV

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      FOOTBALL fans are calling for post-game referee interviews after a “game-changing” example arrived from France. Officials have been under increasing pressure this season after video assistant referees increasingly fail to appease furious supporters.
      Jeremie Pignard is a well-regarded referee in the French leagueCredit: AFP
      Despite the VAR technology, frequent mistakes have still been made and experienced ref Lee Mason even quit the PGMOL after a high-profile error in February.
      Expert ref Howard Webb returned to England halfway into the season to try and get on top of England’s struggling refereeing body but has had a mixed time of it.
      Fans think they know a way to improve the system and have renewed calls for post-game interviews with refs.
      This was after taking inspiration from Amazon Prime, who managed to interview Ligue 1 official Jeremie Pignard after he took charge of a recent league match.
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      Appearing next to the TV presenter and pundits after the game, the man in the middle eloquently explained why he controversially allowed a Nantes goal to stand despite strong claims for handball.
      Pignard said: “If it’s really the lower biceps, like right here. Depending on what muscle.
      “That may not be the same for everyone. We can see it in the action, and this is why I took my time.
      “These kind of decisions are so important. The VAR reacted very well, sending me the footage so I can watch the action again. Every detail counts in those kind of moments.”
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      The ref’s detailed and compelling explanation of his thought process left fans convinced it should be the next step in England.
      One said: “I’ve been calling for this for years…referees in England get away with so much & have 0 accountability.”
      Another added: “Would be great to see this in all matches. Might not satisfy everyone but at least would help take the heat out of some contentious decisions.”
      While fan lauded the broadcaster for getting the referee on air as they said: “Amazon at it again with the referee interviews, game-changing.”
      And another football follower simply said: “@PGMOL … take note.”
      The Amazon interview follows another first earlier this year as a referee at the Club World Cup explained his VAR decision to fans inside the stadium.
      Fans were also left surprised when one referee in a women’s game brandished a white card as part of a new initiative. More

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      Wolves vs Aston Villa LIVE: Emery’s men continue Europa League hunt against Lopetegui’s lowly side – Prem latest

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      ASTON VILLA make the Premier League trip to the Midlands where Wolves await – and three points could be huge in their push for Europa League football.Unai Emery’s men are in touching distance of bagging a spot in Europe’s second-tier club cup competition despite slipping up at Old Trafford last weekend.
      And they couldn’t have picked a better time to face Wolves who were recently thrashed 6-0 by high-flying Brighton.

      Date: Saturday, May 6
      Kick-off time: 3pm BST
      TV channel: Not televised in the UK

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      Man Utd legend Gary Neville shares incredible prediction for Chelsea next season after withering rant at Todd Boehly

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      GARY NEVILLE has made an incredible prediction about Chelsea next season.That’s despite blasting Todd Boehly in a withering rant on his podcast.
      Gary Neville has made a stunning prediction about Chelsea’s chances next termCredit: Alamy
      The Man Utd legend has blasted Todd Boehly for his disastrous first season at the helmCredit: Reuters
      The Blues owner has overseen a disastrous first season at the helm after a £600million transfer splurge.
      Boehly has already sacked two managers in Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
      And after Bruno Saltor took charge of just one match, the American ended up turning to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.
      But even he has been unable to turn things around, losing all six of his matches so far.
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      Chelsea find themselves 12th in the table after Tuesday’s dismal 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.
      And Neville did not hold back when it came to criticising Boehly’s leadership, likening it to “playing Football Manager”.
      However, the Manchester United legend believes things can turn around very quickly at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea are hoping to make ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino their latest manager.
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      And Neville believes the Londoners could end up in the top three next season.
      He said: “I do think someone will mould them into a decent team and challenge for top four and trophies.
      “I think they are capable of challenging the top three.”
      One of Boehly’s first priorities will be to trim Chelsea’s bloated 33-man squad.
      Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto have already been signed for the summer.
      And Pochettino will likely want a few additions of his own, including a world-class No9.
      But Neville fears whether Boehly is the right man for the task, adding: “It all comes from the top.
      “It’s been chaotic, a mess since day one. Boehly has had a nightmare and misread this league. I’m sure he’ll learn quickly.
      “What has happened this season is purely down to him. He needed to keep the footballing department together.
      “When you start sacking groundsmen, physios, sport scientists, directors, managers, then you are throwing everyone under a bus.

      “Chelsea had a successful way of running the club. This is now what Boehly has created.
      “He created this mess. Like playing Football Manager, it’s been terrible.” More

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      Brighton vs Man Utd LIVE: Red Devils aim to cement Champions League spot against tricky Seagulls – stream, TV, team news

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      WIN and you’re in.                  That’s effectively what’s at stake for Manchester United as the Red Devils travel to Brighton looking to all but confirm a place in the Champions League next season.
      Manchester United beat Brighton less than two weeks ago in the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: GETTY
      Solly March missed the decisive penalty for the Seagulls at WembleyCredit: GETTY
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      Three points at the Amex would take United seven points clear of Liverpool in fifth, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having just four games left to play, one fewer than Erik ten Hag and Co.
      It would also put the Red Devils 14 points clear of the Seagulls, who have games in hand on every other team challenging for Europe.
      Tonight’s clash is a rematch of the FA Cup semi-final from just 11 days ago.
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      And Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton will be out for revenge after the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at Wembley.
      Although De Zerbi himself is a doubt for the game after he was forced to cancel yesterday’s press conference through illness.
      There is added motivation for the hosts as a win would secure a first ever league double over the Red Devils.
      The Seagulls, under Graham Potter, won 2-1 at Old Trafford on the opening day of the Premier League season in what was Ten Hag’s first competitive game as Red Devils boss.
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      United have come a long way since then, but the Amex has not been a happy hunting ground for the club in recent years.
      The Red Devils have lost three out of their last five Premier League games there.
      But the chance to all but confirm a return to the Champions League after a season in the Europa League should provide plenty of motivation for the visitors.
      What is their form like?
      The hosts bounced back from the 3-1 defeat at Forest by crushing Wolves 6-0 last time out.
      United meanwhile have won four out of their last five Premier League games, and are unbeaten in that period.
      Who will be the star men?
      Marcus Rashford remains the main man for the Red Devils, and if he scores tonight it will be his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.
      He has struck 16 times in the Premier League, and will be eyeing the 20 goal mark with six Prem games left to play.
      Marcus Rashford stats for the Premier League this season
      Kaoru Mitoma has taken the Premier League by storm since establishing himself as a starter just before the World Cup.
      He has ten goals and seven assists in all competitions, but has not scored or registered an assist in his last five games.
      Kaoru Mitoma will be looking to rediscover his best form against United
      What have the managers said?
      De Zerbi cancelled his press conference on Wednesday due to illness.
      Ten Hag meanwhile said the Seagulls will have “huge motivation” to exact revenge on the Red Devils for the FA Cup semi-final defeat.
      The United boss said on Wednesday: “I think everyone who is involved in top sport, if you get beaten you want to have revenge, and that is normal.
      “They have a huge motivation to beat us but we have to match that. Not only match that, we have to do more.
      “We have to show more, that we have more hunger than them to win this game. I think willingness, that is the word for tomorrow.”
      SunSport prediction
      There isn’t much between these two sides, especially with Brighton as the home team.
      Forget the nervy affair at Wembley – this one could have goals.
      Prediction – 2-2 draw.
      When is Brighton vs Man United?

      Brighton vs Man United will take place on Thursday, May 4th.
      Kick-off will be at 8pm UK time.
      The Amex Stadium will play host.

      What channel is Brighton vs Man United on and can it be live streamed?

      Brighton vs Man United will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier League.
      Sky Sports subscribers can live stream Brighton vs Man United via the NOW app which is free to download on to your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for all the latest updates from the Amex.

      Team news
      For Brighton Evan Ferguson will be assessed ahead of the game, with the striker having been out of action since April 15.
      Joel Veltman is also unlikely to be fit after coming off in the 6-0 win over Wolves.
      The Seagulls will definitely be without the likes of Adam Lallana (thigh), Tariq Lamptey (knee), Jeremy Sarmiento (ankle) and Jacob Moder (knee).
      For United, Donny van de Beek (knee), Tom Heaton (ankle), Raphael Varane (ankle), Alejandro Garnacho (ankle) Scott McTominay and Lisandro Martinez will be unavailable for the trip to Brighton due to injury.

      Odds

      Brighton – 1/1
      Draw – 27/10
      Man United – 12/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Javi Gracia reveals he was sacked by Leeds over the phone on his BIRTHDAY & compares club to ‘boxers in vicious circle’

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      JAVI GRACIA has compared Leeds’ players to “a boxer unable to get up” after he was sacked by the club on his 53rd birthday.The Spaniard was axed by the Premier League side after just 12 matches and 71 days at the helm.
      Javi Gracia was sacked by Leeds after less than three monthsCredit: EPA
      He departs with a record of three wins, two draws and seven defeats, with Sam Allardyce immediately replacing him for the final four games of the season.
      And he has now revealed he was told of his dismissal by owner Andrea Radrizzani on Monday – his birthday.
      Speaking to The Athletic about learning the news, he said: “It was my birthday, May 1. It was a phone call.”
      After a five-game winless run, Leeds sit above the relegation zone on goal difference.
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      They face a tough run-in with games against Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham.
      And Gracia has given an honest assessment of the state of the squad as they attempt to avoid the drop following his exit.
      He said: “The dynamic had felt really positive and, even recently, we did start some of these games in a very positive and concentrated manner.
      “But maybe we did not have that bit of fortune for a ball to drop our way or a decision to go our way.
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      “In the last game against Bournemouth, we had a call where it looked like a penalty but was right on the edge of the area. I felt we had started the game well and then we conceded two goals quickly.
      “I had the feeling that the players felt a little like a boxer who had been hit, who is down for a few moments and wants to get up but is not able to.
      “It transmitted something negative that did not correspond with what I believe my players really are.
      “There is a psychological aspect. A player can enter subconsciously into a vicious circle from which they cannot escape. And we did not have that moment go our way with the fine margins.
      “In the last minute against Leicester, Patrick had a chance just wide and Marc Roca came close to scoring a winner.”
      Despite being dismissed by Leeds, Gracia insists he will still be supporting the club’s bid to stay in the Premier League.
      And he even confirmed he will watch their trip to the Etihad on Saturday.
      He added: “I will be with my children, who will have their Leeds jerseys on and chanting ‘Up the Whites’.” More

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      Man City vs Leeds: Pep’s men look to spoil big Sam’s return while pulling away from title-chasing Arsenal – stream, TV

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      SAM ALLARDYCE will be hoping for a perfect start to his Leeds tenure – but the Premier League legend has to overcome treble-chasing Manchester City first.Relegation-threatened Leeds found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-1 thrashing in their recent survival scrap with Bournemouth.
      Sam Allardyce will take charge of Leeds as they fight for Premier League survivalCredit: PA
      Erling Haaland received a guard of honour for breaking a 28-year Prem recordCredit: Getty
      And as a result, ex-boss Javi Gracia was axed which paved the way for Allardyce to sit in the hot seat.
      But Allardyce couldn’t have asked for a more stern opening test as his side is set to take on City who are on a 19-match unbeaten run with record-breaking Erling Haaland spearheading their attack.
      Furthermore, Pep’s men have the incentive of knowing that victory would open up a four-point gap on title rivals Arsenal.
      However, Allardyce has an incredible record of guiding teams to safety and he’ll want to build on that starting with the huge trip to the Etihad.
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      When is Man City vs Leeds?

      Manchester City’s mouthwatering Premier League match against Leeds will take place on Saturday, May 6.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm UK time.
      Etihad Stadium in Manchester is the allocated arena for this huge game and it can host approximately 53,400 fans.
      Erling Haaland’s double and Rodri’s first-half strike was enough for City to secure all three points in the reverse fixture.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Manchester City vs Leeds will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 2pm UK time – a whole hour before kick-off on both channels.
      Subscription members of NOW TV can stream the entire action live through their app or website.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole game including build-up and post-match reaction.

      Why is Man City vs Leeds being shown live on TV during the 3pm blackout?
      Saturday’s huge clash was initially scheduled for Sunday, May 7th, but has been pushed forward a day.
      The reason the match was moved is because of the game’s proximity to Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday, May 9.
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      Man City vs Leeds could have taken the early kick-off slot at 12:30pm on Saturday, May 6 but the fixture would clash with King Charles III’s Coronation.
      A later kick-off time on the Saturday has been avoided due to a lack of police resourcing.
      What is the team news?
      Pep Guardiola will be hoping that Kevin de Bruyne is fit enough to make the squad after a knock has kept him out for the past couple of matches.
      However, the City boss could give De Bruyne more rest bite with their huge Champions League match against Real Madrid around the corner.
      Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce is likely to be without the trio of Luis Sinisterra (ankle), Stuart Dallas (broken leg) and Tyler Adams (hamstring strain) for his first game in charge.
      Latest odds

      Man City to win 2/12
      Draw 13/2
      Leeds 18/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Reiss Nelson ‘REJECTS opening contract offer from Arsenal as Premier League rivals prepare free transfer swoop’

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      REISS NELSON has reportedly rejected a contract offer from Arsenal – opening the door for their rivals to swoop. The 23-year-old’s deal ends at the end of the season with his future at the Emirates now uncertain.
      Nelson joined the Arsenal academy when he was just nine years oldCredit: Getty
      Nelson sparked scenes of jubilation in March with his late winning goal against BournemouthCredit: AFP
      Apart from two loan spells, Nelson has spent his entire career at Arsenal but now appears to be weighing up his future.
      Well-connected football journalist Fabrizio Romano reports the star has knocked back Arsenal’s attempts to sign him up to a new deal.
      The transfer guru adds that negotiations are still ongoing as Arsenal look to cling on to the midfielder.
      But clubs from England including Brighton and some sides from abroad are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.
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      Nelson will be available for free for any interested parties and at 23 still has plenty of years ahead of him.
      While he has struggled for first-team football in North London, his loan moves to Hoffenheim in 2018-19 and Feyenoord last season both showed positive signs.
      But he has made only eight Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season as Mikel Arteta opted for a very consistent line-up.
      Within those eight outings he has got an impressive three goals and two assists, including scoring arguably the most dramatic strike of Arsenal’s entire campaign.
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      Reports that Brighton were set to swoop for Nelson yesterday left Arsenal fans distraught.
      Nelson has made 63 appearances for the Gunners in total, scoring seven goals and grabbing seven assists. More