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Today — 13 May 2026Main stream

Manchester United weighing up sensational Federico Valverde transfer after Real Madrid fallout – report

13 May 2026 at 09:00

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a sensational move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde this summer, according to a shocking report from The Mirror.

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The Uruguayan international, long considered a cornerstone of the Madrid midfield, has found himself increasingly isolated in the Spanish capital following a high-profile training ground bust-up with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.

Manchester United monitoring Federico Valverde situation at Real Madrid

The fallout from the confrontation has sent shockwaves through the Bernabéu.

Despite Valverde being a vice-captain and a fan favorite, the report from The Mirror claims that the incident has fractured his relationship with the club’s hierarchy as well as his teammates.

Although the midfielder issued a public statement and an apology, club bosses remain furious over the breach of discipline.

The report further adds that, some senior figures in the Real Madrid dressing room have also sided with Tchouaméni.

Manchester United are said to be keeping close tabs on the situation, ready to pounce on the rare opportunity to sign a world-class operator at the peak of his powers.

Valverde would transform Manchester United’s midfield

If Manchester United were able to pull off a deal for Valverde, it could prove to be one of the statement signings of the summer.

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The 27-year-old is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders thanks to his energy, ball-carrying ability, defensive intensity and versatility across midfield roles.

With Casemiro expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season and uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte’s future, United are expected to prioritise midfield reinforcements.

Valverde’s profile appears tailor-made for the Premier League and could provide the athleticism and drive Manchester United’s midfield has often lacked in recent seasons.

A potential midfield trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Federico Valverde and Bruno Fernandes would undoubtedly excite supporters and could quickly become one of the strongest combinations in the league.

 

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James Maddison risks FA punishment after what he posted on Instagram following Leeds controversy

13 May 2026 at 02:50

James Maddison has risked potential disciplinary action from the FA after calling out the officiating and VAR’s failure to award Tottenham a penalty during their 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

The midfielder, making his long-awaited return from an ACL injury, was at the heart of a controversial stoppage-time incident that could have significantly altered Spurs’ survival prospects.

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James Maddison slams ‘petrified’ referees on Instagram

The incident occurred in the 103rd minute when Maddison went down in the box following a challenge from Leeds striker Lukas Nmecha.

While the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium rose to demand a spot-kick, the referee waved away the appeals, a decision subsequently upheld by VAR on the grounds that Nmecha had played the ball.

Taking to Instagram, Maddison has now posted a screenshot of the incident to provide his own “clarity” on the touch.

Uploading a picture of a zoomed in snapshot of Nmecha fouling him, Maddison posted the following caption:

“For clarity, the small tiny touch on the ball to change direction came from the outside of my right foot not Nmecha and I told the ref that but the check was over in about 20 seconds. Officials are petrified to make decisions on pitch now because of VAR. We keep fighting. COYS.”

Screenshot of James Maddison's story on Instagram
[Screenshot via Instagram/Madders]

FA could take action against Maddison for questioning official integrity

Maddison’s choice of words, specifically labeling officials as ‘petrified’ is likely to land him in hot water with the FA.

The FA’s rules regarding comments are strict, particularly concerning posts that imply bias or attack the integrity of match officials.

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While Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi refrained from direct criticism of the VAR decision, noting only that Gillett was “not calm,” Maddison’s more direct comments presents a different problem for the league.

With only two games remaining in the season, a potential fine or touchline ban for their star playmaker is the last thing Tottenham need as they battle to secure their Premier League status.

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VAR audio released: Referee ignored “Trossard on Pablo” warning in Arsenal’s controversial win over West Ham

13 May 2026 at 02:10

The PGMOL has released the full audio and transcript from the dramatic final moments of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over West Ham, sparking a fresh wave of debate over the consistency of VAR.

The footage reveals a tense exchange between referee Chris Kavanagh, VAR Darren England, and Assistant VAR Akil Howson regarding a disallowed 95th-minute equaliser from Callum Wilson.

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VAR audio reveals disagreement over Arsenal vs West Ham disallowed goal

As the officials scrutinised the goal at the monitor, the audio captures AVAR Akil Howson repeatedly raising concerns about Leandro Trossard’s actions toward West Ham’s Pablo Fornals.

While the VAR team initially focused on Pablo Fornals allegedly holding Raya’s arm, Howson pointed to a possible earlier or simultaneous foul by Trossard.

“You’ve got Declan Rice and you’ve got [Leandro] Trossard,” Howson said during the review (transcript via Daily Mail).

Referee Chris Kavanagh responded: “I don’t know what you’re trying to show me, give me a clue.”

After being asked to assess a potential shove by Trossard on Fornals, Kavanagh dismissed the incident, stating: ‘I don’t think there’s much in that at all, I’m happy with that.’

The officials also reviewed a possible foul by Declan Rice on Konstantinos Mavropanos, but the focus remained on the goalkeeper challenge. Kavanagh ultimately concluded: ‘But the foul happens on the goalkeeper before.’

Howard Webb defends referee decision in Arsenal vs West Ham incident

The officials came under fire after the game, with ‘West Ham boss claiming that even the referees don’t know what’s a foul‘.

But PGMOL chief Howard Webb defended the process on Match Officials Mic’d Up, insisting the clear and obvious error was the hold on Raya’s arm.

He said: “Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically, yes.

“We’ve said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can’t do their job, they’ll be penalised.

“We’re not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, we’re talking about a specific type of contact when the goalkeeper’s arms or hands are being interfered with, stopping them doing their job.

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“A key player in this moment, of course, is the goalkeeper, who has got a unique ability to use his hands. And in what we see in this situation, different to the other situations around the penalty area is that the goalkeeper can’t do that job because of that very clear action by the attacker, preventing him from putting his arm up.

“He is being held as well from behind by [Jean-Clair] Todibo. There are other pieces of contact from other players, from Arsenal players too, but the most significant contact undoubtedly is that on the goalkeeper.

Stops him from doing something pretty routine of catching the ball. The arm’s across the neck, it’s on his arm. He can’t put his arms up, and we’ve said that we’ll penalise that. And we’ve been consistent in that particular aspect.”

While Webb praised the officials for their process, the leaked audio suggests a division within the VAR room, with Howson’s warnings about Trossard’s shove ultimately being dismissed by the man in the middle.

 

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Ben Jacobs drops fresh Ederson to Manchester United transfer update amid ‘agreed deal’ claims

13 May 2026 at 00:46

Manchester United have identified Atalanta’s midfield engine Ederson as a ‘genuine target’ this summer as they look to bolster their midfield.

The Brazilian, who played a key role in the Italian side’s recent European successes, is high on the shortlist at Old Trafford as the club prepares for a significant transition.

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Jacobs downplays “agreed deal” rumors but confirms genuine interest

Despite growing excitement among the United faithful, respected journalist Ben Jacobs has moved to clarify the current state of play.

Taking to X, Jacobs provided an update. While the interest is concrete, the deal is not yet at the finish line.

He said: “Ederson and Manchester United remains one to watch. However, suggestions of Ederson agreeing terms or Manchester United placing a bid are currently premature, as revealed on @talkSPORT last month.

“Ederson one of several genuine targets as Manchester United prepare to sign at least two midfielders. However, Atalanta’s asking price is viewed as high given Ederson only has a year left on his contract.”

Ederson and Manchester United remains one to watch.

However, suggestions of Ederson agreeing terms or Manchester United placing a bid are currently premature, as revealed on @talkSPORT last month.

Ederson one of several genuine targets as Manchester United prepare to sign at… https://t.co/IuEpDvZNMP

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 12, 2026

Jacobs’ update comes after it was reported that United have made a move for the midfielder.

Italian journalist Moretto recently revealed that the Red Devils have made the most significant move, reportedly offering a better financial package than other suitors.

For United, the more difficult task will be to agree a fee with the Italian club.

Despite Ederson entering the final twelve months of his contract, a situation that usually lowers a player’s market value, Atalanta are reportedly holding out for a premium fee.

Midfield reinforcements expected at Old Trafford

The pursuit of Ederson is part of a much larger blueprint. Manchester United are reportedly preparing to sign at least two midfielders during this window, signaling a clear intent to move on from the aging profiles currently in the squad.

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Casemiro is confirmed to be departing upon the expiry of his contract this June, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to be sold as well.

Man United have secured the future of young midfield star Kobbie Mainoo and now the club are in hunt for players to build the midfield around him.

With United securing a place in the Champions League for next season, returning to Europe’s elite competition after a couple of years, they are expected to have a busy summer transfer window centered around midfield reinforcements.

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Moises Caicedo’s latest off-field move may have Chelsea fans worried about his future

12 May 2026 at 23:55

Moises Caicedo has become the latest Chelsea player to switch agency, just months after signing a new long-term contract with the club.

The Ecuadorian international, who joined the Blues for a British record fee, has officially moved to CAA Base, as confirmed by journalist Ben Jacobs.

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While players changing representation is not uncommon in the modern game, the timing of this particular move has raised eyebrows across West London.

Moises Caicedo has switched agents to CAA Base.?? pic.twitter.com/baackjC0Sv

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 12, 2026

Moises Caicedo may have fans worried about his future

For the Chelsea faithful, news of a star player changing agents often serves as a primary indicator of impending transfer drama.

Agency switches are frequently orchestrated to facilitate a move, whether to secure a more lucrative contract elsewhere or to open doors with specific European giants.

Given that Caicedo only recently committed his long-term future to Stamford Bridge, this administrative shift feels premature.

The move to CAA Base, an agency with a massive global footprint and deep connections in the Premier League and La Liga, may indicate that the midfielder’s camp is positioning him for the next phase of his career, even if that phase is years away.

In a period of relative instability and squad transition at Chelsea, fans are understandably wary of anything that might destabilize one of their most expensive assets.

Real Madrid have been long interested in Caicedo

Adding fuel to the fire is the persistent shadow of Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Caicedo.

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Los Blancos are known for their strategic long-term planning in midfield, and with aging legends eventually making way, Caicedo has often been mentioned as a dream profile for the Bernabéu hierarchy.

View: Caicedo unlikely to leave Chelsea in the short term

Despite the inevitable speculation, it is important to maintain perspective. Caicedo is unlikely to leave Chelsea in the short term having just signed a massive eight-year deal.

The contract structure at Chelsea provides the club with immense leverage; any potential suitor would have to offer a fee significantly higher than the £115 million Chelsea paid to even get the board to the table.

While the agency switch may be a strategic play for his future image rights or long-term career management, the ink is still very fresh on his current deal.

For now, Caicedo remains an important piece of the Chelsea project, though the Real Madrid links will have fans watching his every move with a little more anxiety than before.

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Arsenal player may have played his final game for the club as Romano drops update

12 May 2026 at 22:55

Arsenal’s hopes for a historic double have been dealt a significant blow with the news that defender Ben White has been ruled out for the remainder three games and perhaps beyond.

White suffered the injury during Arsenal’s tense 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, a match that ended in controversy after a late Callum Wilson equalizer was chalked off by VAR for a foul on David Raya, allowing the Gunners to escape with all three points.

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Romano provides update on Ben White injury

Renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano shared the news, confirming the severity of the defender’s condition.

Reporting on X, Romano stated:

“Ben White will be OUT of Champions League final and missing upcoming games for Arsenal until end of the season. Knee injury will keep White out and more tests will confirm if he can be in World Cup squad or not. Get well soon!”

??? Ben White will be OUT of Champions League final and missing upcoming games for Arsenal until end of the season.

Knee injury will keep White out and more tests will confirm if he can be in World Cup squad or not.

Get well soon! ????????? pic.twitter.com/1zWojnS2LF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2026

The club later confirmed that White has sustained medial ligament damage. The timing is particularly cruel for the 28-year-old, who has been a pillar of Mikel Arteta’s defence this season.

Beyond missing the climax of the domestic and European season, White now faces a race against time to prove his fitness for England’s upcoming World Cup campaign, with further medical assessments scheduled for later this week.

Arsenal are three wins away from winning historic double

The loss of White comes at the most critical time of the season. Arsenal are currently on the verge of footballing immortality, sitting just three wins away from securing a Premier League and Champions League double.

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With two matches remaining in the league, the Gunners lead the table but have no room for error. If both Arsenal and Man City win their remaining games, Mikel Arteta’s side will be crowned the Premier League champions.

Following the conclusion of the league season, they travel to Budapest on May 30 to face PSG  in the Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna.

White may have played his final game for Arsenal

With White linked with a summer exit, he may have played his final game for the Gunners.

The Gunners are looking to make changes on the right as per reports, with Tino Livramento  seen as an option to replace White.

Everton are showing interest in signing him while Newcastle have also been linked with the 28-year-old.

Given that he is likely to leave this summer, he may have played his final game for the club.

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Yesterday — 12 May 2026Main stream

Jamie Carragher blown away by Tottenham star after Leeds display

12 May 2026 at 02:55

Jamie Carragher has singled out Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for his match-saving heroics against Leeds United.

During a pulsating encounter that ended in a hard-fought draw, it was the Czech shot-stopper who stood between Leeds and all three points, earning rave reviews for a performance that reinforced his status as one of the Premier League’s most promising talents.

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Speaking on Sky Sports following the match, Carragher was effusive in his praise, suggesting that Kinsky’s intervention could prove to be a turning point for Spurs as they look to escape relegation.

Carragher on Antonin Kinsky: “One of the saves of the season”

Reflecting on the match, Carragher labelled Kinsky’s stoppage time save to deny Longstaff as ‘one of the saves of the season’.

The pundit noted that while the draw might have felt frustrating in the heat of the moment, the quality of the goalkeeping ensured the narrative wasn’t much worse for the North London side.

“I think that point will feel a lot better in the morning, when they reflect on the game,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“You think of the save from the keeper Kinsky from Longstaff onto the bar, that is one of the saves of the season.

“The two saves he made, one in the first half and one in the second, has made sure his team have got what could be a vital point.”

“That must be the greatest save he’s probably made in his career.”
"That save could be the save that keeps them in the Premier League."@Carra23 & @IAmJermainDefoe praise Kinsky’s comeback for Spurs after a superb performance against Leeds. pic.twitter.com/7EC8ULzjFz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 11, 2026

Tottenham have Kinsky to thank

Mathys Tel gave Spurs the lead with an incredible curling effort from the edge of the box early in the second half.

But he turned hero to zero after conceding a penalty 20 minutes later, resulting in the equaliser from Calvert-Lewin.

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The goal injected energy into the Leeds side who appeared certain to snatch a victory in stoppage time when a shot from Longstaff looked destined for the top corner.

However, Kinsky produced a breathtaking fingertip save to turn the ball onto the woodwork.

What a save from Kinsky?! ? pic.twitter.com/H2EelIT1L9

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 11, 2026

The 23-year-old has done immensely well to shrug off the nightmare performance against Atletico Madrid earlier in the season to become a key part of this Spurs’ side fighting for survival.

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Pundit backs Premier League boss to become next Liverpool manager after Xabi Alonso blow

12 May 2026 at 02:00

The atmosphere at Anfield has turned toxic as the 2025/26 campaign nears its conclusion.

With Arne Slot struggling on and off the pitch and supporters increasingly voicing their frustration, former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino has tipped Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as the frontrunner to take over the Liverpool hot seat.

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Speaking on talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast, Cascarino noted that the “regular booing” at Anfield is a sign that Slot’s time may be up.

While Slot is expected to see out the season, the hierarchy is reportedly already weighing up its options.

Why Liverpool could go after Andoni Iraola

The driving force behind the Iraola links is his pre-existing relationship with Liverpool’s Sporting Director, Richard Hughes.

It was Hughes who famously brought Iraola to Bournemouth, and Cascarino believes that history will play a decisive role in Liverpool’s next appointment.

“He brought him to Bournemouth and now he’s at Liverpool,” Cascarino explained.

“He did that negotiation. You have connections in football and people you deal with. It’s not that unlikely that a club like Liverpool could look at him. He’s done an incredible job.”

Since a rocky start on the South Coast, Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into a side playing “Champions League form,” showing a tactical flexibility and player development track record that Slot has noticeably lacked this season.

Liverpool set to miss out on Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading contender to take over the job at Stamford Bridge, much for the disappointment of Liverpool fans who wanted a dream return for Alonso at Anfield.

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The Blues have reportedly already made contact with the former Real Madrid boss and want are in a rush to appoint a new manager before the World Cup starts.

While Iraola also remains linked with Chelsea, the departing Bournemouth manager could be available for Liverpool to pursue at the end of the season.

 

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Watch: Mathys Tel goes from hero to zero as Tottenham star gives away costly penalty vs Leeds

12 May 2026 at 00:47

Mathys Tel has gone from hero to zero as he gives a penalty away for a high boot on Ethan Ampadu.

After having scored a spectacular goal early in the second half, Tel had put Spurs one step closer to escaping relegation.

However, 20 minutes, he has put his side on the backfoot after conceding a penalty.

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Mathys Tel turns hero to zero for Tottenham

His attempt to a overhead kick clearance turned into a high boot to Ampadu. Tel didn’t know that the player was coming in, but he did catch him high in the face.

Leeds have a penalty after Tel is deemed to have fouled Ampadu in the box! pic.twitter.com/RizEKPVAFj

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 11, 2026

The acrobatics inside Spurs’ box turned costly for Roberto De Zerbi’s side with the referee pointing to the spot after a VAR review on the pitch side monitor.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin stood over the penalty and smashed one on to the top left corner. Antonin Kinsky went the right way but the strike was too powerful for any keeper to stop it.

Watch below:

Dominic Calvert-Lewin makes no mistake from the penalty spot! ? pic.twitter.com/UepZ7aYAgJ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 11, 2026

Massive moment in relegation battle

That goal conceded means Spurs are now just two points ahead of West Ham, with just two games remaining.

Both Spurs and West Ham can’t afford to lose any more points. As far as Tottenham are concerned, they need to win both their remaining games and they are safe.

Tottenham remaining two games West Ham remaining two games
vs Chelsea (A) vs Newcastle (A)
vs Everton (H) vs Leeds (H)

West Ham need to win both theirs as well and hope that Spurs slip up in the final two games.

That said, Spurs final two fixtures (vs Chelsea and Everton) are more difficult on paper compared to the Hammers, who play Newcastle and Leeds United.

 

 

 

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Watch: Mathys Tel scores stunning curler from edge of the box to give Spurs a crucial lead vs Leeds

12 May 2026 at 00:19

Mathys Tel has given Tottenham the lead against Leeds with a spectacular striker. 

The goal comes from a set piece. A Spurs corner is cleared away but only till Tel who is positioned on the edge of the box.

The young Frenchman controls the ball with a fantastic first touch before curling one straight into the top right corner with his second touch.

The strike was executed perfectly, giving the keeper no chance to save that one. Watch the goal below:

A stunning strike from Mathys Tel! ? pic.twitter.com/gxer0YPxbG

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 11, 2026

Tottenham win here bring them on verge of survival

Tel’s goal is massive for Spurs as they look to record their third consecutive win under Roberto De Zerbi.

Wins against Wolves and then a huge win against Aston Villa last week has built the much needed momentum for Spurs in their final run-in to escape relegation.

With West Ham controversially losing to Arsenal last night, the Nottingham Forest and Leeds are automatically secured.

Which means, a win for Spurs here would put them on the verge of survival and West Ham on the brink of relegation.

Spurs will mathematically still need one more win from their final two matches but De Zerbi’s side will likely stay safe.

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Reliable journalist drops massive Xabi Alonso to Chelsea update as club makes contact

11 May 2026 at 23:49

Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading contender to take over at Chelsea as per the latest from reliable journalist Ben Jacobs. 

Chelsea began the 2025/26 season with Enzo Maresca in charge, but inconsistent performances saw the Blues hierarchy make an early managerial change, replacing him with Liam Rosenior midway through the campaign.

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However, Rosenior’s spell at Stamford Bridge proved even more disappointing.

In typical Chelsea fashion under BlueCo, the club acted brutally swift and dismissed Rosenior, with Callum McFarlane stepping in as interim manager while the search for a permanent appointment continues ahead of the summer.

Chelsea make contact with Xabi Alonso as Ben Jacobs reveals latest

Andoni Iraola, who is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, has been a strongly linked with the job.

However, Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed by Real Madrid early on in the season, has now emerged as a ‘leading contender’ for the role.

According to Ben Jacobs, the Spaniard is open to the Premier League job.

Chelsea want to appoint a new manager before the World Cup starts and have already made contact with Alonso.

There are other managers under consideration as well including Fulham boss Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner.

Taking to X, Jacobs revealed:

“Understand Chelsea hope to appoint a successor to replace Liam Rosenior before the World Cup starts. Xabi Alonso is currently a leading contender and Chelsea have already made contact with the former Real Madrid and Leverkusen boss.

“Alonso is keen on a Premier League job this summer. Fulham’s Marco Silva and outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola both remain on the list. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo coach Filipe Luis are new names under consideration…

“Luis was a name Chelsea discussed before appointing Rosenior with talks eventually centring on a potential switch to Strasbourg prior to Gary O’Neil’s appointment.”

? Understand Chelsea hope to appoint a successor to replace Liam Rosenior before the World Cup starts.

Xabi Alonso is currently a leading contender and Chelsea have already made contact with the former Real Madrid and Leverkusen boss. Alonso is keen on a Premier League job this… pic.twitter.com/LFfG6mUSZy

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 11, 2026

Alonso joining Chelsea will be a blow for Liverpool

Alonso’s potential move to Stamford Bridge could also come as a major setback for Liverpool.

Pressure continues to grow on Arne Slot following a disappointing campaign that has seen Liverpool struggle for consistency while concerns over dressing room harmony continue to intensify.

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Slot has faced criticism for Liverpool’s underwhelming results, his handling of Mohamed Salah, and comments surrounding the club’s Champions League run.

Liverpool supporters have traditionally remained fiercely loyal to their managers, but growing frustration among the Anfield faithful could eventually force the hierarchy to rethink their long-term stance.

Alonso has long been viewed as the dream candidate to eventually succeed at Liverpool, with many supporters hoping to see the former midfielder return to Anfield as manager.

But it appears that the lack of approach from the Liverpool hierarchy has now seen Alonso become a favourite for the Chelsea job which would no doubt come as a big blow for Liverpool if they do decide to sack Slot in the summer.

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Before yesterdayMain stream

Sadio Mane story perfectly highlights what Arne Slot is getting badly wrong at Liverpool – opinion

11 May 2026 at 21:50

Arne Slot’s tenure at Anfield was supposed to be a seamless transition into a new era, but the 2025/26 season has instead been defined by friction and a crumbling dressing room culture.

While Slot has overseen a dramatic dip in form that sees Liverpool sit in 4th place, struggling to book the final Champions League spot after 19 defeats – it is his deteriorating relationship with club legend Mohamed Salah that has drawn the sharpest criticism.

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Arne Slot’s fallout with Mohamed Salah

The fallout between Slot and Salah has become the season’s highlight for the club.

After being benched for a critical run of games in December, Salah publicly claimed the club had “thrown him under the bus.”

Rather than diffusing the situation with the “human touch” that defined the previous regime, Slot doubled down.

He refused to initiate a patch-up, insisting that it is up to the player to bridge the gap. The Egyptian was subsequently left out of the European squad to play Inter and a cold, professional distance was followed that has alienated the club’s greatest modern goalscorer.

Sadio Mane’s story about Jurgen Klopp shows major difference between two managers

The stark contrast in leadership was highlighted recently by Sadio Mane. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s Presents podcast, Mane recalled a heated falling out with Jurgen Klopp after being dropped for a match against Manchester United.

“I missed the ball two times in training and he changed me; I didn’t start the next day. We won 4-0 and I waved off his handshake.

“But the next day, he texted me: ‘Can we be friends again?’ I went to his office and we sorted everything.”

Klopp’s willingness to swallow his pride to protect a player’s ego and squad harmony is a masterclass in man-management, an approach that seems entirely foreign to the current head coach.

Arne Slot’s latest Mohamed Salah swipe raises fresh concerns

Slot recently appeared to aim another subtle dig at Salah during a press conference.

After Salah spoke openly about concerns regarding the club’s culture and direction, Slot responded by insisting that “standards matter on the pitch, not just the gym” – comments widely interpreted as a pointed criticism of the departing forward.

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In the pre-Chelsea press conference, he said: “The standards are not only important in the gym. It’s also on the pitch, OK? You understand me? Without me saying anything?”

Questions around Slot’s management style now extend beyond Salah.

Concerns over Harvey Elliott’s treatment and the perceived lack of opportunities for academy players have further fuelled criticism of a manager increasingly accused of struggling with player relationships.

To conclude: The missing human touch

What Slot is getting terribly wrong is the lack of human touch and the lack of connection between the club, the fans, and the players.

For Klopp, he saw his players as humans above all. He prioritized the individual behind the athlete, making a personal connection with each of them that translated into legendary performances.

Slot’s clinical, distant approach has severed that bond, proving that tactical acumen is worthless if you lose the hearts and minds of the dressing room.

Klopp built a family atmosphere at Liverpool. Right now, Slot appears to be running a department and Liverpool’s performances suggest the dressing room may already feel the difference.

The post Sadio Mane story perfectly highlights what Arne Slot is getting badly wrong at Liverpool – opinion appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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