Football
Alan Shearer backs five teams to challenge Liverpool for the title next season
Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, admitting he would be “amazed” if they managed to win the title so comfortably again next season. Liverpool were crowned champions on Sunday with games to spare, wrapping up their record-equalling 20th English league title.
Arne Slot’s side have been dominant, sitting 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and a full 21 points ahead of last season’s champions, Manchester City.
Manchester City, who were aiming for a record-breaking fifth straight league title, fell well short of expectations this season, opening the door for others to mount a serious challenge. Arsenal looked promising for much of the campaign, and Chelsea showed flashes of potential, but Liverpool’s march to the title has felt inevitable for several weeks.
With just two league defeats this season, Liverpool are on track to surpass 90 points, a mark of their consistency and strength under new manager Arne Slot. Despite their clear superiority this year, Alan Shearer believes next season will not be as straightforward.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer explained that he expects a much tighter title race with several teams ready to close the gap. He pointed to Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Chelsea as clubs likely to improve and make life much harder for Liverpool.

Shearer expressed his view that while Liverpool are well-positioned to challenge for the title again, it would be unrealistic to expect the same level of dominance. He anticipates that Arsenal and Manchester City, in particular, will recover from the injuries that hampered their seasons and push Liverpool much closer in the coming campaign.
Gary Lineker, another former England striker, echoed Shearer’s sentiments, suggesting that next year’s Premier League title race would be significantly tighter. Lineker believes that Manchester City will return stronger, and Pep Guardiola’s side will be desperate to reclaim their crown after a rare underwhelming season.
He also highlighted that Guardiola’s hunger for success remains intact and that a competitive season would benefit the league overall, creating excitement at both the top and bottom of the table.
While Liverpool’s dominance has been clear, it is worth remembering that there were doubts about their prospects at the start of the season. The departure of Jurgen Klopp after a transformative nine-year spell at Anfield left many wondering if the club could maintain their high standards.
However, Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord, has done an impressive job in his debut season, leading Liverpool to the title in commanding fashion.
Slot expressed his joy after securing the title, taking a moment to thank Klopp for the foundation he left behind. Slot mentioned that he expects to hear from Klopp soon, reflecting on the respect and relationship they share.
He emphasized that the squad Klopp built was key to this season’s success, allowing Liverpool to continue competing at the highest level without missing a beat.
As the dust settles on a memorable season, all eyes are already turning to next year, where a reinvigorated Manchester City, an improving Arsenal, and a hungry chasing pack will be eager to ensure that Liverpool’s reign at the top will be far from easy.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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