Football
‘Serial winner’ installed as new favourite to replace Mikel Arteta as next Arsenal manager
Mikel Arteta’s role as Arsenal manager is facing renewed examination following the club’s latest Champions League setback.
Despite a spirited attempt to overcome a one-goal deficit from the first leg, the Gunners were unable to break down a resilient Paris Saint-Germain side whose ambition to claim their first European title grows stronger with every round.
The quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid, while impressive, now feels like a distant memory in light of Arsenal’s continued failure to secure silverware under Arteta’s guidance.
Though the Spaniard has undoubtedly elevated the club’s status, bringing Champions League football back to the Emirates and reshaping the squad with a long-term vision, the lack of trophies after five years is becoming a serious concern.
Arteta signed a contract extension last September, and with Arsenal all but certain to qualify for next season’s Champions League, a managerial change this summer is improbable. However, that stability cannot mask the urgency for tangible results.
The pressure is mounting as expectations rise and fans grow weary of near misses. Andrea Berta, the newly appointed sporting director, is gearing up for his first transfer window and likely prefers continuity in the coaching staff.
Still, the margin for error is shrinking, and speculation surrounding a potential replacement is intensifying.
Among the names gaining traction is Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, who has emerged as the frontrunner to take over should Arsenal decide to make a change.
Inzaghi is currently the 5/1 favorite with bookmakers following his team’s remarkable win over Barcelona, which secured Inter’s place in this season’s Champions League final.
His track record is catching attention—not just for the attractive style of play that mirrors Arteta’s philosophy but for his consistent ability to deliver trophies.
Inzaghi has already secured Serie A glory with Inter in the 2023–24 season and guided the team to consecutive Coppa Italia titles in 2021–22 and 2022–23, along with three Supercoppa Italiana victories.
He also led Inter to the Champions League final in 2023, finishing as runners-up. His past success at Lazio includes winning the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa titles. This pedigree of silverware places him in a strong position as Arsenal contemplate their next steps.
Max Allegri and Antonio Conte also feature prominently in the odds, while Diego Simeone, with ties to Berta from their time at Atletico Madrid, remains a long-shot candidate.
Inter president Beppe Marotta recently emphasized Inzaghi’s trajectory toward managerial greatness, comparing his potential legacy to that of Conte.
As Arsenal navigate another disappointing end to a campaign that once promised much, the focus now shifts to whether Arteta can rally once more—or if the time is coming for a new chapter at the Emirates led by a manager with a proven winning mentality.
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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