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Glenn Hoddle warns Chelsea not to write one team off in top five race

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Glenn Hoddle has urged Chelsea not to take anything for granted in the fight for a top-five Premier League finish, despite their narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United.

The Blues secured a crucial three points at Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella scoring a decisive second-half header. The result offered a timely response to the disappointment of their recent defeat at Newcastle.

Chelsea, now with just one fixture remaining in the campaign, will likely need a win against Nottingham Forest on the final day to lock in their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

While Forest’s own European ambitions have dimmed due to a poor run of form—just one win in their last six—they still present a potential hurdle. The East Midlands side, led by Nuno Espirito Santo, sits seventh in the table and faces West Ham next.

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle believes the race is far from settled. Speaking to Premier League Productions, Hoddle highlighted that Forest could still influence the outcome significantly.

He noted that West Ham is unpredictable, and if Forest can get a result there, it could make their home clash against Chelsea even more intense.

He also pointed out Chelsea’s vulnerability in away matches this season, suggesting that the Blues have been far more comfortable at Stamford Bridge than on the road. He emphasized that goal difference could play a critical role in determining final positions, indicating how fine the margins are at this stage.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, praised Cucurella’s intelligent play following his match-winning contribution. Maresca remarked on the full-back’s connection to Barcelona’s La Masia academy, which has shaped his tactical awareness and style of play.

Cucurella has now scored similar goals against both Brentford and Wolves, showing his knack for timing and positioning. Maresca described the defender as a key part of Chelsea’s system, noting that it’s not about physical size but understanding the game and being in the right place at the right time.

The Spanish defender, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for £56 million, has emerged as one of the club’s most improved players this season.

Initially criticized for inconsistency and defensive errors, Cucurella has grown in confidence and performance under Maresca’s guidance.

His goal against Manchester United could prove pivotal in helping Chelsea secure a Champions League berth and justify the investment made in him.

Cucurella’s development is a testament to Maresca’s coaching philosophy and the tactical structure he has implemented.

The defender’s background with Barcelona has made him a natural fit in Chelsea’s current system, which values intelligence, movement, and technical quality over brute strength. Maresca stressed that the club’s style complements Cucurella’s strengths, and the results are now becoming visible.

As the Premier League season reaches its conclusion, Chelsea’s fate remains in their own hands. A win over Nottingham Forest will all but seal their return to Europe’s elite competition. However, as Hoddle warns, the drama is far from over.

Every point and every goal could be the difference in a fiercely competitive race involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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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.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

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.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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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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