[as] Real Madrid are preparing Toni Kroos’ return for next season. He will have a role in the club’s sporting structure. The decision is firm, and those in charge believe his day-to-day influence can drive the club’s growth beyond any specific title.
Arsenal fans furious with the Bournemouth analysts, after they celebrated their side’s winner in the press box. The members of staff were told to remain in their seats after the full-time whistle for their safety
[BILD] Schlotterbeck's new BVB contract contains a €50-60m RC, valid from this summer, and only applies to a select few clubs (Bayern and Real Madrid). He waited for concrete offers from top clubs but there were none (Real Madrid withdrew), that's why he extended. Barca and Liverpool only observed.
[Gazzetta] Juventus, Alisson's first yes: he's open to the Bianconeri, it's a three-year deal. They've moved from words to action for Alisson Becker, the 33-year-old Brazilian Liverpool GK and a former pupil of Spalletti's at Roma.
[Independent] Rivals are baffled by Reds’ spending. Some at PSG, for example, were surprised at the move for Hugo Ekitike, who is a fine player no doubt but had questions to answer on his temperament. To spend the best part of £450m felt like “kids in a sweet shop” according to one rival PL exec.
Slot: “I feel a lot of support from the owners, Hughes and Edwards as well, and as weird as it might sound I also feel the support of the fans......Not all of our players are capable of playing another intense game in a few days so let's see what the line-up brings.”
[COPE] The referee from Wednesday (FCB vs ATM) will no longer officiate in European competitions this season as UEFA will consider it a serious error not to have given Pau Cubarsi the red card live, and to have needed VAR intervention.
Melero López, the VAR referee who influenced Ferrer’s decision to overturn Gerard Martín’s red card vs Atletico, is set to receive a huge punishment from the CTA. Ferrer will also be punished, but Melero’s sanction will be harsher. VAR should not have intervened, as it was not clear + obvious.
Andoni Iraola was in attendance at St. Mary’s as Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton, ahead of Bournemouth’s trip to the Gunners next weekend
Mikel Arteta: “We have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us and now is the moment. So stand up, make yourself accountable, and deliver like we've been doing all season."
[Hughes, The Guardian] Everton exploring legal options over lack of sporting sanctions against Chelsea, with club preparing to write to the Premier League demanding a formal explanation. Chelsea docked no points for rule breaches, unlike Everton and Forest.