On that Ronaldo news, I’ll say cheers and thanks for keeping me company. Some tasty European ties, especially in the lopsided Champions League where Napoli have a clear run to the final.
Vincent Kompany returns to the Etihad and of course Patrick Vieira got the sack at Crystal Palace.
I’m back again tomorrow on some MBM duties, so I’ll catch you then.
You never thought it was over, did you?
38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is part of Roberto Martinez's first Portugal squad.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 17, 2023
He's not done yet 💪 pic.twitter.com/CkpBff89po
Eric ten Hag has brought back that winning feeling to Old Trafford. Oh sure, scoff all you want at the League Cup, but there is no denying that something resembling the old times is washing over the club. Yes, they’re not the finished product (7-0 anyone?). No matter. This sort of talk will have United fans smiling ahead of their FA Cup quarterfinal against Fulham this weekend:
We have to set a winning culture. We are Manchester United. We have to win all the games. We have to win all the leagues. That doesn’t mean you will win all the leagues. But that is the mentality.
We all enjoyed winning a trophy. But it has to be fuel for the next one. That has to bring extra energy.
In case you missed it, it’s well worth have a read of this important piece by Anna Bawden on the increased risk footballers face when it comes to the development of dementia. We’re learning more, but there’s still so much work that needs to be done.
Southampton’s manager Ruben Selles, says that his team’s Premier League survival will hinge on their mental fortitude. A win this weekend over Tottenham could see them escape the relegation zone.
It’s all about focus and mentality. We have our example. One month ago everyone thought we were relegated and had no chance. Now it’s a different picture. It’s not going to be over until the very end. It’s all about the mind.
“I cannot understand how the press avoid discussing the fact that Kyle Walker is not suspended from club and country play until investigation over!!!! The Public need to see that high profile players are dealt with severely,” says Jeff Sax.
Let’s talk about it then. I won’t, because I’m not entirely sure I can say too much about an ongoing investigation and I’m sure there’s protocol that clubs have to follow.
But, for what it’s worth, we have discussed it. Here’s our report on the incident:
Vincent Kompany is back at the club where he became a legend. This time he swaggers in at the helm of a Burnley side that is arguably the most watchable team in England (well, the most watchable team other than City on song).
Pep Guardiola has said that the former City captain will one day be a City manager.
No question the game of the weekend, both for the narrative and for the possibility of a classic. City should steamroll them. Burnley are, after all, a Championship team. But maybe, just maye this delivers something special.
Raheem Sterling, who wasn’t named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, has tweaked his hamstring so won’t play for Chelsea against Everton tomorrow. Mason Mount has been “struggling with his pubic bone,” according to Graham Potter, and also misses out.
Some good news though. N’Golo Kanté is in contention and could return to the team.
Sky and others are making a big deal of this so we might as well mention it. And you know what, as much as I’d rather not get into celebrity gos, it was genuinely uplifting to see Kim Kardashian’s kids wearing Arsenal shirts last night with the names of some Arsenal Women’s players on their backs.
Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s manager, was also delighted by the sight:
“Our game is getting recognised for the right reasons, the product. Whether they are Miedema or McCabe fans.”
The Kardashian-West clan are big Arsenal Women fans pic.twitter.com/3ZAgWG0ArT
— COPA90 (@Copa90) March 17, 2023
Nottingham Forest’s manager, Steve Cooper, was philosophical earlier ahead of his team’s game tonight against Newcastle. They haven’t won a game since January but did snatch a draw against Manchester City back in February.
The situation hasn’t changed for us. It just gets a bit more interesting now because there aren’t a lot of games left. There’s more scrutiny. Whether it’s been a poor result or a good result, we’re just trying to learn along the way
“Hi Daniel” Hi Peter Oh, thanks for getting in touch.
“Re: the Palace vacancy. How does this sound? The Second Coming of Frank de Boer.”
I mean, it’d be hilarious. And that’s got to count for something.
“For Vieira, who was sacked by Nice in December 2020, after losing five successive matches, there can only be frustration that he was not shown more faith.”
Ed Aaarons tells the tale of Patrick Vieria, a Premier League titan who was cut adrift by Crystal Palace. But was it premature?
Good news for Fulham fans:
Willian and Joao Palhinha will be available for Fulham for their FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford this weekend #FFC #FulhamFC
— Sonia Twigg (@twiggsonia) March 17, 2023
Top work Will, thanks mate. Hi everyone. Me again. Let’s see this out to the close. What’s on your mind?
Right, that’s yer lot from me. Daniel Gallan is taking back the helm and will steer you through the rest of the afternoon.
Brian Cruickshank also has some thoughts on Vieira. “Just read that Parish called Viera at 7am to sack him. Who’d wanna work for anyone like that, anyway?” Is there an optimal time of day to be sacked? Having once been made redundant on a Friday afternoon, I can say from experience that I’d rather have had the full day in the pub.
We’ve got some correspondence via email from Peter Oh. “Hi Will. Did Palace really need to fire Vieira on St Patrick’s Day?!” It does seem an unfortunate coincidence but, given that Palace’s caretaker manager is also called Patrick, the whole thing is also quite fitting.
Updated
Asked about Ollie Watkins missing out on the latest England squad, Emery was philosophical. “He is very competitive,” he said. “He has in his mind a little bit the possibility to be in the squad for the national team. He could be disappointed, but tomorrow is a very good opportunity for him and for us to show everybody he’s keeping his good performance, trying to help us to win and be competitive.
“The team can help him to score and play a good match for him and for us. That is his challenge now. Disappointment we can feel sometimes, but the reaction is very important as we try to be consistent as a team and individually. For him, tomorrow is a very good match to show everyone that his performance is going up and he’s getting closer to the national team.”
Unai Emery has also been ruminating on life, the universe and everything before Aston Villa host Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. “My idea is always to win, and to win trying to transmit something to our supporters: energy, good movements on the pitch and trying to fight in each action,” he said.
“We try to play in the way we are working. When we were conceding a lot of goals – eight in two matches at home – it changed the focus a little bit. To achieve a clean sheet in the last match at home was very, very important. Tomorrow is the same. We are confident now after three matches where we have been strong defensively. We need to be the protagonists on the pitch more than our opponents while being strong defensively … that is the challenge tomorrow: a clean sheet, to win, [to] try to impose our idea. We have to share with our supporters a good match in 90 minutes.”
Updated
Potter has also given an injury update ahead of Chelsea’s meeting with Everton. “Raheem [Sterling’s] problem with his hamstring is not too serious but he’ll miss the game at the weekend and he’ll miss the international trip,” he said.
“Same as Mason [Mount], he has been struggling a bit with his pubic bone. He wasn’t 100% the last game, [he’s] still not quite there so he’ll miss the England camp as well. Thiago [Silva] is still away, Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] is still away. [N’Golo] Kanté has a chance of being in the squad. It’s the first time, so it’s fantastic.”
Hello, you lot. Let’s start with a bit more Potter, who has been asked for his thoughts on Patrick Vieira’s sacking.
“It’s never nice to hear when a colleague loses his job, clearly,” he said. “I have huge respect for Patrick, he’s a gentleman firstly and the way he’s conducted himself all the time has been exemplary, but it’s football, it’s the business and we are all at the mercy of that. It’s not for me to say what football clubs should and shouldn’t do, we accept that it’s part of the job. Obviously I wish him well, he’s a top person and a top manager.”
I’m taking a short breather but will leave you in the capable hands of Will Magee. Catch you in an hour.
Jodie Taylor joins Arsenal
England striker Jodie Taylor, who has bagged 19 goals in 51 games for her country, returns to Arsenal having signed from the San Diego Wave in the US.
She’s back for her second spell in north London, having scored 10 goals in 17 appearances for the Gunners between 2016 and 2017.
“It feels amazing to be back – like I never left,” said Jodie, who will wear the No 27 shirt. “It’s incredible to have this opportunity to come back to the club that I love so much. A lot of progression has happened here in the last five years since I was last here and to see how much the club has grown and progressed is incredible. I’m very happy to be here,” she said.
Taylor is won the Champions League with Lyon in 2020 and was the top scorer at the 2017 European Women’s Championship.
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall added: “We’re really pleased to have brought in Jodie to help us from now until the end of the season. She has a proven track record for scoring goals and we know her experience will be a great asset to the whole dressing room. We have so much to fight for this season and Jodie will help us on that journey.”
Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Jodie is a really experienced and talented player and will give us added competition at this crucial stage of the season. We’re delighted to bring her back to the club and all have great memories of working with her in her previous spell here.”
Updated
Anthony Martial is training with the first team today. Just 14 appearances this season. He hasn’t played since the League Cup semi-final.
Ten Hag wants him back.
Does he walk straight back in the team and replace Wout Weghorst?
Steve Parish, co-owner of Crystal Palace, says that his club is in a “dog fight” to avoid relegation and that this is a “results business” which is why he made the call to axe Patrick Vieria.
“Everyone loved Patrick. He never lost the players at all. Things just weren’t happening. We’re hoping that there’s fresh impetus, some new ideas. Hopefully we surprise the opposition. They’re good lads and will do the best for the football club. Everybody is positive and wants to do their best. Patrick is a great guy and everyone loved him. But that’s football.”
Parish wouldn’t talk about a successor, saying that all the focus is on Sunday in a difficult game against Arsenal.
Chelsea’s boss, Graham Potter, is “excited” by the prospect of facing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. He was in a good mood:
Three wins helps. And that brings happiness. That’s why we’re here, we’re here to win. It was difficult moment for us all and I had to take responsibility. Whatever criticism comes your way you have to deal with and deal with the tough moments.
Updated
Worth taking a gander at this piece from David Hytner and a concern that Gareth Southgate has concerning the future of English football:
Vincent Kompany, Burnley’s manager, is back at the Etihad, a place where he won four FA Cups:
It’s a club with a special place in my heart. But on the day I can move forward. I can appreciate what it means to coach and bring a team there. It’s an event for the club.
In terms of my mindset, it’s no different. My mindset is to do my job and be prepared. Our core message for us is to go out there and work hard.”
Wouldn’t it be magic if they do it? [With respect to City and their fans].
Marco Silva is speaking ahead of Fulham’s FA Cup game against Manchester United:
I respect everyone that makes comments and speaks [about Fulham’s impressive season and Silva’s links with Spurs]. It’s just rumours. We have to keep growing and its a project I’m happy to be [at]. That’s my job. It’s always my ambition, my players know our ambition. If I win a game I’m thinking about the next one.
“Hi Daniel, Hope you’re well!”
I certainly am, thanks Oliver.
“Nice to see the ECL draw get a spot on the live blog. You point out that it’s been derided over the last couple of seasons, but as a Hammer it’s been a great competition to be in this season and seen some interesting ties and destinations come up.
“Bit fearful of Gent in the quarters - winning 4-1 away in Istanbul certainly isn’t an easy thing to do. On that basis and from what else I’ve seen, this is probably the hardest game we’ll have had in the competition so far this season.
“Trying not to get too carried away and look past the quarters at the moment, but the draw doesn’t look too bad for the road to Prague...”
Loved this, thanks pal. Yeah, Gent won’t be pushovers, and I’ve got a hunch that some of the teams from the ‘smaller’ leagues might want this more. But West Ham will surely be out to win some silverware. It’s been a while.
Grimsby’s mayor, Steve Beasant, is on Sky wearing a truly remarkable outfit (I don’t know how to describe it, it’s a red gown with a quanit black hat and some gold chains around his shoulders. Can anyone help explain what that’s about?)
Anyway, he won’t be watching the town’s football club play Brighton in the FA Cup quarterfinal as it’s his wedding anniversary (46th, I think I heard him say). But he promises he’ll be thinking of the footy “throughout the meal” with his wife.
What a character. I hope they win. For what it’s worth, they’re only the fifth team from the fourth tier or lower to have reached the last eight of the competition. If they win this weekend they’ll be the lowest ranked team to reach the last four.
Picture attached in the tweet shows the outfit in question.
Mayor of Grimsby Steve Beasant kindly donated £250 to help our Green Influencers with their school gardening project. Thank you, Mr Mayor! pic.twitter.com/aEvYoJt7M7
— Littlecoates Academy (@LPAcademy16) March 16, 2023
Europa Conference League draw in full
This competition was derided by many fans and pundits when it was launched a few years back but look at those teams. Whoever wins will gift their fans a continental title and in this era of football, where the gulf between the wealthy and rest has never been greater, that is worth celebrating.
The quarter-finals are set 😍
— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) March 17, 2023
🇵🇱 Lech vs Fiorentina 🇮🇹
🇧🇪 Gent vs West Ham 🏴
🇧🇪 Anderlecht vs AZ Alkmaar 🇳🇱
🇨🇭 Basel vs Nice 🇫🇷
*RSC Anderlecht's match has been reversed in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. #UECLdraw pic.twitter.com/KSsoUaI3bz
Pep Guardiola praises Vincent Kompany ahead of the FA Cup meeting tomorrow.
“One of the biggest legends I’ve had. Was a pity he was injured a lot when we were together. He helped me in the bad moments, stepping forward to help the team.He was an exceptional captain, a top human being.”
Pep also said that Kompany will one day manage City.
“It’s going to happen”.
SF 2: Winner of QF 2 v Winner of QF 3
Gent/West Ham v AZ Alkmaar/Anderlecht
SF 1: Winner of QF 1 v Winner of QF 4
Lech Poznan/Fiorentina v Basel/Nice
QF 4: Basel v Nice
QF 3: AZ Alkmaar v Anderlecht
QF 2: Gent v West Ham
QF 1: Lech Poznan v Fiorentina
Speaking of Italians…
Never rule out the Rossoneri its the Champions League....Forza Milan
— Kevin Day (@kjdrocker) March 17, 2023
“Is it weird that Italy have so many teams in the last 8 of European competitions while Serie A seems to be particularly weak this year (other than Napoli)?”
It’s a good question, Luke Jones. I don’t have a good answer. Maybe the league isn’t as weak as we think it is?
Up next is the Europa Conference League draw. These are the teams left in the competition:
West Ham
Gent
Basel
Lech Poznan
Fiorentina
AZ Alkmaar
Anderlecht
Nice
Another nice blend of nations. The Hammers are the sole English representatives. They’re joined by a team from Switzerland, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, France and two from Belgium.
Updated
Was interesting listening to Vincent Kompany, the Burnley manager who is eying up a quarterfinal clash with his old club, Manchester City, in the FA Cup tomorrow.
He was sharing his views on Patrick Vieria’s sacking at Crystal Palace.
The former City skipper was surprised to at events at Selhurst Park. Worth a reminder that Palace are 12th. Sure, they’re only three points above safety, but 12th is hardly a disaster, is it?
Here’s who they’ve got left:
Arsenal (A) – 19 March
Leicester (H) – 1 April
Leeds (A) – 8 April
Southampton (A) – 15 April
Everton (H) – 22 April
Wolves (A) – 25 April
West Ham (H) – 29 April
Tottenham (A) – 6 May
Bournemouth (H) – 13 May
Fulham (A) – 20 May
Nottingham Forest (H) – 28 May
It’s not exactly the most difficult run. A tricky patch of three games in seven days but only the two North London clubs (and perhaps Fulham) are major obstacles. Wonder if the powers that be were a little hasty.
It’s a good point. If City don’t win anything, would that constitute a failure? I guess so. Any title they don’t win, with that squad, but be viewed as a shock.
Bayern, then Madrid, then Napoli. While trying to make up 5 points on Arsenal to win the league.
— Jordan Elgott (@JElgott) March 17, 2023
And the narrative will be that not winning either competition will be a failure. That’s life at Manchester City nowadays
Erik ten Hag has just given a press conference addressing a few key issues and has said that he’s met with Sir Jim Ratcliff.
“I just met them and shook hands but I am focused on the game. We play a big game on Sunday and all our focus is on that. Others in the club are dealing with potential investors. My job is focus on the game so let’s talk about the game Fulham, it is a big tie so let’s get ready for that.”
And what about Marcus Rashford? He’s been pretty good, eh?
“He progressed during the season. He was not in the best shape when he started the season but the way of playing gives him a base and he brings his skills in and his attitude and mentality and that is bringing in a lot of progress and gives the team a lot of joy and gives him a lot of goals and us a lot of wins.
“I think the most important of course the way of play that gives him base and structure and the way of play is in his favour. I knew his skills. You also bring staff around who can make him better and make him progress and he can get motivated from. I thought we needed one of the staff who was specific for strikers and Benni [McCarthy] is doing a good job.
“But don’t forget others in the staff because it is about teamwork. The staff is about balance. It is not only about Benni McCarthy. All have specific jobs in out squad, we work together, it’s good vibe and they challenge each other and it is the total package and it is not about one person.”
Updated
Some chat on the Europa League:
“There are still four games to go, but considering how low Mourinho’s reputation was following his turgid reign at White Hart Lane, that his Roma have a good shot at their second European final in two years is quite something. I mean, it’s bound to end in tears, but he’s made a mark in the eternal city.” – that’s from Kári Tulinius and I fully agree. I know not everyone loves the Special One but I do. He’s still blockbuster and wouldn’t it be fun if he reaches the final?
“Sevilla are two points out of the relegation zone, so they have a slim
chance of being relegated and also qualifying for next season’s Champions League. I imagine that would be a first.” – I wonder if Wigan and Sevilla are sister cities, Steven Molnar.
“Pedantry, I know,” begins Roger Kay. “You could argue Roma are Italy’s 6th best team, taking account of Juve’s points deduction. Out of interest, would there be any rules about Saint-Gilloise and Brighton being in the same tournament next season in theory?” I certainly hope so. Would make a couple of fun away days.
Speaking of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at Old Trafford on Friday to attend a presentation held by senior Manchester United management staff, according to a PA report.
INEOS founder Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani have made offers to buy United to American merchant bankers Raine, which was brought in to assist the club in assessing bids.
The club’s owners, the Glazer family, announced last November they were conducting a strategic review, with the sale of United one option being considered.
United will be holding a press conference to preview their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham at Carrington on Friday lunchtime while the INEOS visit is taking place.
Europa League draw in full
Just as it was for Champions League quarterfinal draw, the Europa League looks lopsided. Manchester United, Sevilla, Juventus and Sporting will all battle it out for just one place in the final. On the other side you’ve got the tournament debutants from Belgium as well as the fifth best team in Italy and the ninth best team in Germany. To be fair to Feyenoord, they are top of the Dutch league and will therefore fancy themselves. Still, good luck predicting this one.
Budapest awaits – who makes it? 🙌 #UEL pic.twitter.com/v5O0cAx0Wi
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2023
Updated
SF 2: Winner of QF 4 v Winner of QF 3
Feyenoord/Roma v Bayer Leverkusen v Union Saint-Gilloise.
No easy games, of course, but you’d much rather be on this side.
SF 1: Winner of QF 2 v Winner of QF 1
Juventus/Sporting CP v Manchester United/Sevilla.
That is a tough side of the draw!
QF 4: Feyenoord v Roma
QF 3: Bayer Leverkusen v Union Saint-Gilloise
QF 2: Juventus v Sporting CP
QF 1: Manchester United v Sevilla
Sporting’s manager Rúben Amorim said before the Arsenal game that this competition is “tougher” than the Champions League. I think what he meant was more competitive and there’s a good argument to be made that it is. More teams have a realistic shot at lifting the trophy than the Champions League.
The remaining teams:
Manchester United
Juventus
Bayer Leverkusen
Sporting CP
Roma
Sevilla
Union Saint-Gilloise
Feyenoord
A nice split. Two Italian clubs, and then one each from England, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Portugal.
Updated
A reminder of United’s comfortable win over Real Betis:
Arsenal won’t be included in the pot after they lost on penalties to Sporting:
Alrighty, we’re all set for the Europa League draw with eyes on Manchester United.
Jez Collins has spotted a glaring error on my part:
“Hate to be a pedant Tom [Dan here, I’d love to blame Tom but he’d be too sharp for to make this howler] but surely the first time Chelsea played Real Madrid would have been the first game of that UEFA European Cup Winners Cup Final and not the replay?”
You’re spot on, of course. That first game ended 1-1 with Osgood scoring before Ignacio Zoco bagged a 90th minute equaliser at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus.
Updated
And some more:
@danielgallan Napoli must be chuffed with draw. They've been one of the top teams in the CL & with respect to the other 3, are in the weakest side of the draw by far. It would be a surprise if they didn't make the final now. The other side of the draw is impossible to call.
— Brendan Large (@brendanlarge) March 17, 2023
Some correspondence from the Twitterverse:
@danielgallan Had this feeling before today's draw...Napoli Chelsea UCL final!?! Chelsea might look a long shot considering the heavyweights in that section, but they've finally found their rhythm under Potter. As for Napoli...what a great team!
— Martin Gaudiano (@martingaudi) March 17, 2023
Bayern Munich and Manchester City don’t do draws, which is good for the neutrals as they cast an eye to what is surely the tie of the quarterfinals. Three wins apiece with the standout fixture coming in 2013 when a Bayern led by Pep Guardiola was beaten at home 3-2 after leading 2-0.
Hey Charles Antaki. Thanks for dropping by.
“The last time a Premier League club changed manager was just before Arsenal were due to meet them, rubbing their hands at the prospect; then they met Dyche-ball and the new manager belts [bounce?]. Here we go again, with the only comfort being that Dyche isn’t likely to pop up again, Neil Warnock is happily set at Huddersfield and Sam Allardyce is probably enjoying retirement somewhere. But there’s an outside chance of Jürgen Klopp deciding to try for a new challenge, I suppose.”
That’s the typical cynical Arsenal spirit!
Chelsea and Real Madrid have met seven times (according the research I’ve done). Their first clash was back in 1971 when John Dempsey and Peter Osgood scored in a UEFA European Cup Winners Cup Final replay to lift the title. Hey, it’s something to cling to, right?
Krishna Moorthy has been in touch again with an interesting point: “The person who must be enjoying this draw the most right now must be Arteta”
I’m guessing because a few of his rivals in the league must now focus on tricky ties? Because City face Bayern Munich? Thing is, City can rotate enough players and probably still breeze past most teams in England. They’re capable of fighting on multiple fronts. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
So, who do you think should replace Vieira as Palace manager?
There are some potential candidates already being touted. Here’s a bit on a handful of them from PA:
Roy Hodgson
Former England boss Roy Hodgson spent four seasons in charge of Palace before retiring at the end of the 2020-21 season. Vieira’s predecessor did not stay away from football for long, and in January 2022 took the reins at Watford.
Hodgson once again insisted he was finished with the Premier League following that spell, but the 75-year-old might be coaxed into the idea of serving as a temporary solution to see the Eagles through the relegation battle before a more permanent appointment is made this summer.
Jesse Marsch
Jesse Marsch has been out of a job since he was let go by Leeds early last month. Like Vieira, has experience managing in both the Premier League and MLS, and also guided RB Salzburg to an Austrian Bundesliga title in 2020.
That international background could appeal to compatriot and American co-owner John Textor, whose multi-club Eagle Football Holdings also includes stakes in Lyon, Botafogo and Molenbeek.
Lucien Favre
Swissman Lucien Favre’s second spell at Nice came to an abrupt end in January after less than seven months.
Still, his two years at the helm of Borussia Dortmund, an outfit known for nurturing young talents like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, could also appeal to decision makers at Palace, a club increasingly relying on youthful talent like 21-year-old Michael Olise, 24-year-old Eberechi Eze and 19-year-old goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.
Favre was the first coach in BVB history to go unbeaten in his first 15 league games in charge – he would have just 11 to turn things around at Palace.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is among the favourites on a number of bookmakers’ lists to replace Vieira.
Though the Austrian was sacked by following an abysmal start to Southampton’s campaign this term, he is no stranger to a relegation battle, having guided Saints out of danger following his December 2018 appointment before he ensured their survival in every subsequent season.
He also has a background in nurturing young talent, something that could become even more important if 30-year-old talisman Wilfried Zaha signs elsewhere this summer.
Paddy McCarthy
Someone will at the very least need to sit in the manager’s chair when Palace travel to Vieira’s former club Arsenal on Sunday, and as it stands that man looks set to be under-21s manager Paddy McCarthy.
The former Eagles captain has guided the under-21s to fourth place in Premier League 2 Division 1, and would be a welcome familiar face – potentially even to see out the season while the club, unlikely to want to make a rash decision, determine their next steps.
Updated
We’ve got some emails on the Champions League tie. Please do send ‘em in.
“Everything is set for Cancelo to dump Man City out. Atleast Wilson will be happy there would be a new narrative behind Pep’s latest exit from Big Cup.” says Yash Gupta. So many narrative threads.
“So, we get a Guardiola Derby and an Ancelotti Derby, eh?” adds Krishna Moorthy.
“Chelsea have no chance against Madrid. Pep cannot win Champions [League]”, muses Jeff Sax
Not sure Jeff. Maybe that gigantic Viking up front gives them something they’ve lacked in recent years. Could be their time.
The Patrick Vieira news is still dominating the discourse this morning. Clinton Morrison, the former Eagle, says it was a “mistake” sacking the manager and says “you’ll see Patrick Viera back in football”.
Must say I agree. Not sure which manager will walk in and make an immediate impact. Some major problems at Palace.
Updated
Thanks Tom. Hi everyone. That’s a tasty quarterfinal draw. City, Real and Bayern all on the same side. And yes, Chelsea are there too. But with the three leading teams on one half it’s surely a golden opportunity for a less fancied outfit to reach the final. Napoli anyone?
And on those bombshells, I’ll hand you over to Daniel Gallan who’ll talk you through the afternoon’s developments.
Champions League draw in full
So, what do we make of that? Both Chelsea and Manchester City face heavyweight opposition in Real Madrid and Bayern (a reunion for Pep there). There appears to be a path open for Napoli’s wonderfully entertaining side – Milan look beatable in the all-Serie A clash and they’ll face Inter or Benfica in the semis.
Here it is again:
Your quarter-final draw for the #UCL pic.twitter.com/TW5qtyuuz2
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2023
Updated
And, for fixture-order nerds, they now draw out who will be named first in the final. And it’s Real Madrid/Chelsea/Man City/Bayern v Milan/Napoli/Inter/Benfica
Real Madrid or Chelsea v Man City or Bayern Munich
And now for the semis …
QF 4 Milan or Napoli v QF 2 Inter or Benfica
Because Inter and Milan have both been drawn at home, Inter will play their first leg away, rather than at home as drawn
Milan v Napoli
Manchester City v Bayern Munich
Internazionale v Benfica
Real Madrid v Chelsea. Again. There’s a start
Anyway, after the usual platitudes from Uefa suits, we’re ready for the draw, being conducted by the Turkey legend Hamit Altintop and the former Netherlands star Patrick Kluivert. It’s a completely open draw, with no seedings.
Updated
Jim Ratcliffe has entered the building at Old Trafford for takeover talks
The Champions League draw is imminent:
The stage is set 🤗#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/9MOxStnjnw
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 17, 2023
Leeds need points too at the bottom of the Premier League, and Javi Gracia has been talking ahead of their game at Wolves tomorrow. This courtesy of PA Media:
Leeds head coach Javi Gracia has admitted he will “suffer a lot” during the club’s Premier League relegation battle …
The 52-year-old Spaniard said: “I feel the stress inside and it’s the best way, the best thing I can do.
“The best way I can try and help my players is to try to give them confidence and give them the calm they need to play the best way.
“I won’t help them if I’m stressed or shouting a lot. I think it’s not my way.
“For sure, inside I suffer a lot, but I try to give my players what they need.
“In this moment, they need confidence and support because they are showing me every day their quality and commitment.”
Leeds dug deep in last week’s 2-2 home draw against Brighton, twice hitting back to salvage a valuable point, and play at relegation rivals Wolves on Saturday.
Gracia, who has collected four points from his first three league games in charge, currently lives in a hotel and is fully immersed in the survival battle.
“I don’t relax,” he said. “I live stressed! I don’t have time out of football.
“I live in the training ground, 12 hours here and the rest is for having dinner, to rest at the hotel. There’s no time for other things.
“I watch the games, the Premier League for example, both (Wednesday night’s) games and at night, I sleep. I speak with my family on the phone, that’s all.”
Leeds will be without USA midfielder Tyler Adams (hamstring) at Molineux, but skipper Liam Cooper is in contention after knee and muscle injuries.
Some Palace fan reaction to Vieira’s dismissal: “Gutted season ticket holder here,” huffs Pengedragon by email. “I’m not quite sure what the board expected given the lack of investment in the last two windows and the way the fixtures have fallen
“Think we’ve played one team below us in the table since the World Cup, we won that game.
“Some good draws against some good sides and I’m sure some wins after the international break when we suddenly play everyone below us again was on the cards
“Really not so sure now, think we may have just increased our chances of relegation. The next appointment is obviously crucial and if it’s one of those recently sacked from a club below us it looks an even worse decision.”
Next Palace manager odds
Oddschecker is throwing up these prices about the successor to Patrick Vieira at Selhurst
Ralph Hasenhüttl 5-1
Rafa Benitez 6-1
Carlos Coberan 9-1
Nuno Espírito Santo 10-1
Marcelo Biesla 10-1
Bielsa would be tasty, but a big risk imposing his style at such a delicate stage of the season
The first international break since the World Cup is upon us after this weekend’s fixtures and Gareth Southgate named his squad for the Euro qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine yesterday. Talking points included the selections of the under-a-cloud Ivan Toney and Kyle Walker and the omissions of Ben White and Trent Alexander-Arnold, though the latter’s patchy form makes that less of a surprise. Southgate also had some words of warning about the under-representation of English players in the Premier League:
Some Spurs chat now, courtesy of PA Media, and Antonio Conte’s been talking about the club’s desire to keep Harry Kane, as the transfer background noise gets louder. “For sure, the club wants to involve Harry Kane for the rest of his career in my opinion,” Conte said.
“Because when you have this type of player, a world-class striker like him, for sure you want him to stay here for the rest of his career.
“But then you know football, you know football. Sometimes it’s unpredictable but I think it’s not in my task to make a decision. This is a decision for the club and for Harry.”
Pep Guardiola speaks, and he has more praise for Burnley and their manager, Vincent Kompany: “I’m not really surprised at all at them being so close to being a Premier League team already – having seen more carefully what they do. They will be a tough opponent. All managers need time [to impose their style] but his success with the team comes from knowing what you believe is best to win games and they apply it. The way they play is exceptional.”
The Manchester City manager reiterates his belief that Kompany is a future boss at his club. “After seeing his team I’m more than convinced he’s going to come back [here], it’s going to happen. He was an incredible fgure here, one of the biggest legends I’ve had. He always said what he believed was best for the team – he’s an exceptional captain, a top human being.”
Guardiola adds that his players have had a couple of days off since their mauling of RB Leipzig but, after the Champions League draw, they will sit down and make plans for Burnley: “They deserves us to pay attention to them.” Though he was keeping his cards close to his chest about team news for tomorrow evening.
Preamble
Morning everyone. And we’ve got a proper weekend coming up, with the FA Cup back in its rightful weekend slot (albeit with three of the ties shunted to Sunday) and some pivotal league action, as well as the European draws later this morning. That starts tonight with Nottingham Forest hosting Newcastle still in need of points for survival, while the visitors must fancy their chances of overhauling a stuttering Spurs in fourth place. Antonio Conte’s side are at bottom club Southampton tomorrow.
But the big Premier League story this morning is Crystal Palace parting company with Patrick Vieira ‘with regret’. Palace looked to be progressing nicely last season, and early on in this one, but they’ve hit one of those horribly impotent runs of late. Thoughts, Palace fans?
There’s a pleasing blend of big and small in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with the admirably run Grimsby Town the first fourth-tier side to reach the last eight since John Beck’s Cambridge hoofed and muscled their way to the last eight in 1990. They and thousands of inflatable haddocks make their way to Brighton on Sunday. You’d make Manchester City favourites to win the whole thing, mind, though opponents Burnley are unstoppable in the Championship and Vincent Kompany could spring a shock when he takes his team back to his former stomping ground tomorrow.
We’ve got the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League draws coming up from 11am GMT and we’ll have all the team news and comment from today’s media conferences, which include Pep Guardiola shortly, Erik ten Hag around midday and Graham Potter at 1.30. And feel free to drop us a line or comment BTL.
