Most of Europe’s major leagues are now on course to be completed after being paused for the coronavirus pandemic. Only Ligue 1, which curtailed its season on April 30 after the French government banned games behind closed doors, does not plan to finish the campaign of the top five leagues. UEFA requested that all European
UEFA Europa League
Welcome to ESPN’s Insider Notebook, featuring contributions from our reporters across the continent. In this edition, Inter Milan face a problem with Mauro Icardi, there’s a top forward available for a knockdown price, and a new league attempts to shake up Mexico‘s established order. PLUS: No more VAR (in the Europa League group stages, at least…)
Gab Marcotti explains why Premier League clubs are hesitant to resume the season. Mark Ogden and Gab Marcotti react to reports of Premier League players not wanting to play during a pandemic. Montreal Impact manager Thierry Henry speaks about MLS returning and the struggles of living in lockdown. The coronavirus pandemic could affect football’s international
Could places in the Champions League and Europa League for 2020-21 be decided by a series of playoffs? UEFA announced on Thursday that it would prefer matters to be settled using “a different format” if the coronavirus does not allow this season to play out in full, while also ruling out UEFA coefficient as an
Sid Lowe dives into the proposed protocols for team training and the potential timetable for La Liga’s return. Former Coventry City MD Chris Anderson explains the financial crisis currently faced by lower league clubs. Gab Marcotti believes the Premier League should not continue if a deal with broadcasters can be arranged. UEFA have effectively ruled
Barcelona’s players and supporters come together to show their support in the fight against coronavirus. Portuguese football stars encourage their fan base to stay strong amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Gab Marcotti says players need to be completely transparent with donations made to aid the coronavirus fight. Former MLS player and current doctor Marshall Leonard sheds
Frank Leboeuf explains what made legend Franz Beckenbauer so special and why he was his idol. The Exploding Heads return to settle the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate by saddling both with 10 goalkeepers as teammates. Football today is flooded with world-class stars. If not for the incomprehensible brilliance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the
FifPro General Secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffman explains covid-19’s financial impact on even the biggest clubs. Gab Marcotti explains why UEFA needs to make a ruling on player contracts if the season is extended. Gab Marcotti reacts to the news that UEFA has suspended all European competitions “until further notice.” Julien Laurens and Craig Burley break down
Gab Marcotti examines Carlo Ancelotti’s chances of returning to the Premier League after being sacked by Napoli. Alejandro Moreno says Marcelino to Arsenal rumours won’t happen as he has seemingly already ruled himself out. Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney faces a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his right shoulder in Monday’s Premier League win at
Alexis Nunes speaks with Marcus Rashford about his charity campaign and all things Manchester United. Sheffield United shared the spoils with Manchester United in a thrilling encounter at Bramall Lane. Julien Laurens and Craig Burley think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is safe at Old Trafford for at least this season. Manchester United have included 19-year-old defender
Paul Mariner feels Marcus Rashford needs consistency from the Man United squad in order to be successful. Steve Nicol says Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have not performed consistently despite being talented. Julien Laurens looks at whether Manchester United could let Paul Pogba go back to Serie A in January. Manchester United players have been
Anthony Martial scored a goal in Manchester United’s victory over Partizan on Thursday. MANCHESTER — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United fans saw the “template” for how he wants his team to play following the win over Partizan Belgrade. United booked their place in the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a 3-0 win
Shaka Hislop questions whether or not Man United are in a position to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer right now. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that Manchester United held a meeting to discuss how they will react in the event of potential racist behaviour during Thursday’s Europa League clash with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia. The team used the
Shaka Hislop questions whether or not Man United are in a position to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer right now. Craig Burley questions whether or not Manchester United should go all in on Harry Kane. Adrian Healey and Mark Ogden weigh up if Manchester United are on course to find consistency. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said
Lazio will face a partial stadium ban against Celtic on Nov. 7. Lazio have been ordered to close four sections of their stadium for their next Europa League home game due to racist behaviour by the Italian club’s fans during a group stage match against Rennes earlier this month. European football’s governing body UEFA said
Craig Burley and Stevie Nicol say Nicolas Pepe looks like “a flash in the pan” after failing to live up to the hype so far at Arsenal. Arsenal romped to their second win of the Europa League group stage with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Standard Liege at the Emirates. Gabriel Martinelli scored twice inside
DEN HAAG, Netherlands — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described himself as “very pleased” despite watching Manchester United stretch their winless run away from home to 10 games against AZ Alkmaar. United were held to a 0-0 draw in their Europa League clash leaving Solskjaer still waiting for a first away win as permanent manager. – Dawson:
Craig Burley doesn’t hold back his criticism of just how poor Manchester United and Arsenal have been this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has branded the pitch for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar “one of the worst” he has seen. United will face the Dutch side on an artificial pitch at the Kyocera
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half equaliser earned Arsenal a share of the points at Old Trafford against a lacklustre Manchester United side. Steve Nicol and Craig Burley slam Man United and Arsenal after their draw at Old Trafford, calling both teams shadows of their former selves. Gab Marcotti and Alexis Nunes discuss possible targets who could help
Bukayo Saka scored one and set up another in Arsenal’s win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Arsenal survived an uncomfortable first half to emerge comfortable 3-0 victors against a wasteful Eintracht Frankfurt side in their Europa League group-stage opener on Thursday. Positives Two of Arsenal’s youngsters combined for the opener, and the performances of Joe Willock and