Mieses Timing: Was Dortmunds Sieg für die Premier-League-Klubs bedeutet

Der Dortmunder Sieg gegen PSG hat auch Auswirkungen auf die Premier-League-Tabelle. Für England ist vor allem der Blick in die letzten Jahre bitter.

Unai Emerys und Heung-Min Sons Team balgen sich um den vierten CL-Platz der Premier League, Alejandro Garnacho (Mi.) hat mit ManUnited endgültig keine Chance mehr.

Unai Emerys und Heung-Min Sons Team balgen sich um den vierten CL-Platz der Premier League, Alejandro Garnacho (Mi.) hat mit ManUnited endgültig keine Chance mehr.

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Die Bundesliga wird mit mindestens fünf Mannschaften in der neuen Champions League dabei sein, die Serie A ebenfalls, und sogar die Ligue 1 hat womöglich mehr Starter als sonst. Nur die Premier League, die vermeintlich sportlich, ganz sicher aber finanziell stärkste Liga der Welt, profitiert nicht davon, dass die Königsklasse 2024/25 um vier Teilnehmer aufgestockt wird.

Weil Borussia Dortmund am Mittwochabend Paris Saint-Germain im Hinspiel des Champions-League-Halbfinals mit 1:0 bezwang, steht fest, dass die Bundesliga nach der Serie A den zweiten Extra-Platz in der reformierten Königklasse erhält, weil sie die laufende Europapokal-Saison als einer der zwei stärksten Verbände abschließen wird.

In sechs der letzten sieben Jahre hätte England profitiert

Dass die Premier League leer ausgeht, ist vor allem mit einem Blick zurück bitter: In sechs der vergangenen sieben Jahren waren die englischen Klubs auf europäischer Bühne mindestens am zweitbesten, in den letzten drei sogar jeweils die Nummer eins. Nur jetzt, wenn es dafür einen zusätzlichen Startplatz gibt, schaffte es überraschend nur Aston Villa in ein Halbfinale und das auch “nur” in der Europa Conference League – ein mieses Timing.

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Das heißt: Lediglich die ersten vier der Tabelle werden sich für die Champions League qualifizieren. Zwei Tickets sind dabei bereits fix an Spitzenreiter Arsenal und Titelverteidiger Manchester City vergeben, ein drittes hat der FC Liverpool praktisch sicher.

Dahinter kommt es nun zum Zweikampf: Aston Villa um Trainer Unai Emery ist bärenstarker Vierter und hat drei Spieltage vor Schluss sieben Zähler mehr als der Fünfte Tottenham – der allerdings noch zwei Nachholspiele in der Hinterhand hat, das erste an diesem Donnerstagabend (20.30 Uhr, LIVE! bei kicker) beim FC Chelsea.

Manchester United und Newcastle haben dagegen seit Mittwochabend Gewissheit, dass sie 2024/25 – anders als in dieser Saison – maximal in der Europa League spielen werden, wozu sie mit ihren vierten Plätzen in der Gruppenphase selbst beitrugen, zumal in der Bayern- respektive BVB-Gruppe.

Stockt Marseille Frankreichs Kontingent auf?

In der Ligue 1, die ebenfalls vergeblich davon träumte, die Bundesliga noch abzufangen und damit einen vierten Startplatz zu erhalten, würden sich nach jetzigem Stand neben Meister PSG die AS Monaco als Zweiter und Überraschungsklub Stade Brest als Dritter für die Königsklasse qualifizieren, wobei auch Lille OSC und OGC Nizza drei Spieltage vor dem Saisonende noch lauern.

Weil Olympique Marseille nur Siebter ist, aber im Halbfinale der Europa League steht, könnte es 2024/25 trotzdem vier französische Champions-League-Teilnehmer geben – wenn OM den Wettbewerb gewinnt. Wird PSG Champions-League-Sieger, hätte das dagegen keine Auswirkungen auf die Ligue 1, weil Luis Enriques Elf bereits über die Liga einen Champions-League-Platz sicher hat.

‘Making people dance’ – Ferdinand loving Sancho ‘arrogance’ and ‘swagger’

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‘Really don’t know’ – Dortmund winger Sancho unclear on United future

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VfB, Leipzig und BVB für die Champions League qualifiziert

Weil der BVB gegen PSG gewonnen hat, erhält die Bundesliga einen zusätzlichen Champions-League-Platz. Und es könnte noch ein sechster Klub hinzukommen.

2024/25 in der Champions League dabei: der VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig und Borussia Dortmund.

2024/25 in der Champions League dabei: der VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig und Borussia Dortmund.

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Borussia Dortmund hat sich durch den 1:0-Sieg gegen Paris Saint-Germain nicht nur eine gute Ausgangslage für das Rückspiel im Champions-League-Halbfinale erarbeitet, sondern sich gleichzeitig einen millionenschweren Geldregen gesichert: Der BVB spielt 2024/25 definitiv wieder in der Königsklasse.

Seit Mittwochabend steht fest, dass die Bundesliga ein zusätzliches Champions-League-Ticket für die neue Saison erhält. Mit einem solchen belohnt die UEFA die beiden Verbände mit der besten Bilanz in der laufenden Europapokal-Spielzeit. Unabhängig vom weiteren Abschneiden der Halbfinalisten Bayern, Dortmund und Leverkusen können England und Frankreich Deutschland nicht mehr von einem dieser sogenannten “European Performance Spots” verdrängen. Italien hatte sich das erste Extra-Ticket bereits gesichert.

VfB-Comeback nach 15 Jahren Absenz

Das bedeutet auch: Nach Meister Leverkusen und dem FC Bayern haben nun auch der VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig und der BVB Gewissheit, dass sie 2024/25 in der Champions League dabei sind. Das Trio kann nicht mehr von einem der ersten fünf Bundesliga-Plätze verdrängt werden.

Der Tabellensechste, derzeit Eintracht Frankfurt, darf jedoch ebenfalls noch auf ein Champions-League-Ticket hoffen. Dazu müssten die Dortmunder den Henkelpott gewinnen und Fünfter werden. Holen sie die fünf Punkte Rückstand auf Leipzig auf und werden noch Vierter, bliebe es auch bei einem schwarz-gelben Triumph in Wembley bei fünf deutschen Champions-League-Startern. Pikant: Die Eintracht empfängt Leipzig am 34. Spieltag und könnte womöglich von einer eigenen Niederlage profitieren.

Während der BVB zum neunten und Leipzig zum sechsten Mal in Serie in der Königsklasse dabei ist, die zur neuen Saison finanziell noch lukrativer wird als ohnehin schon, feiert der VfB 2024/25 nach 15 Jahren Absenz sein Comeback. In der Premier League dagegen ist auch die letzte Hoffnung von Rekordmeister Manchester United geplatzt, sich noch zu qualifizieren.

United plan clearout to fund Guehi and Kilman bids – Paper Round

United plan defensive swoops

Manchester United reportedly hope to sign two defenders, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Wolves’ Max Kilman, and a forward in the summer.

To fund their targets, the Mirror reports that almost every player at Old Trafford is up for sale if the right offer comes in.

The paper states: “Manchester United will struggle to overhaul their underperforming squad in the summer transfer window due to financial restrictions.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping to make sweeping changes at United in the off-season after completing his takeover in February. Alongside INEOS’ head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, he has begun to implement his vision to get the club back on track.

“As such, United are likely to focus on offloading unwanted players in the upcoming transfer window.

“They have to sell in order to buy new players and it is open season, with United considering everyone apart from young talents Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Hojlund to be up for sale this summer.

“If they can buy players then a centre-back and a centre-forward are the priorities for United this summer. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Wolves’ Max Kilman are targets, while a replacement for Martial will be sought.”

Ajax want Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is wanted by his former side Ajax, it has been claimed.

However the Dutch side may only be able to secure his signature if he is sacked by his current club.

The Sun writes: “Erik ten Hag could be set for a sensational return to Ajax after the Dutch giants made him their top boss target.

‘The Manchester United boss, 54, is coming under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after a dismal second season at the helm.

“But Ten Hag’s stock remains high in his homeland – with Ajax waiting in the wings to bring him back.

“Ten Hag enjoyed a superb four-and-a-half-year spell with the Eredivisie giants between 2017 and 2022.

“But Ajax are aware Ten Hag would be reluctant to walk away from Man Utd, so they are reliant on him being sacked.”

Chelsea set to lose Gallagher

A lack of progress to extend Conor Gallagher’s contract at Chelsea could see the player leave this summer.

A host of clubs are queuing up to sign the England international, though Mauricio Pochettino wants him to stay.

The Daily Mail claims: “Chelsea are nearing a summer in which they might not only lose a leader in Thiago Silva but also Conor Gallagher, with interested clubs buoyed by the lack of a breakthrough over a new deal.

“Gallagher, 24, is set to enter his final year of his contract with the club he joined at the age of eight. Talks over extending his stay have been ongoing for several months, yet Chelsea insiders say the situation remains the same with five games of the Premier League season to go.

“Mauricio Pochettino wants his relentless runner to stay, though the manager himself is not sure how much input he will be allowed into the club’s transfer business this summer. Previous windows were largely handled by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

“Chelsea insist their relationship with Gallagher is strong but they have shown a willingness towards selling him in the past and rivals are poised to swoop this summer.

“That includes Tottenham, Chelsea’s opponents this Thursday whose style of play under Ange Postecoglou would suit Gallagher’s box-to-box qualities. Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Everton, Brighton and Fulham have also been linked with the England international previously.”

Brentford chase former Arsenal forward

Amani Richards, once of Chelsea and Arsenal at youth level, is being chased by another London side, Brentford.

The Leicester academy forward is a target for the Bees and QPR as he looks for first-team action.

“The 19-year-old is out of contract at the King Power Stadium this summer and will be available on a free transfer.

“London-born Richards, who can play either as a striker or on the right wing, could return to the capital after emerging from Chelsea’s academy before joining Arsenal and then Leicester.

‘Sunderland and clubs in Germany, Belgium and Denmark are also interested in his services.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Only three Man Utd players not for sale this summer – Paper Round

The big Man Utd cull

Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are the only Manchester United players “off limits” this summer, with the club prepared to listen to offers for the majority of their squad this summer, the Telegraph reports.

The United rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team will likely see Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial leave as free agents at the end of the season, while the future of Marcus Rashford is also in doubt.

The Telegraph adds: “Ratcliffe, incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and new technical director Jason Wilcox are thought to be keeping such an open mind on potential outgoings. Sources have indicated that they are conscious of United’s need to be nimble and flexible in the market in their efforts to reshape the squad in a challenging financial climate.

“Although the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – around whom United hope to build a highly successful team in the years to come – will be strictly off limits to would-be suitors, the club are believed to be reluctant to narrow their options elsewhere within the squad.

“It means United could be willing to have conversations with interested parties, for example, over Rashford should any offers arrive that warrant serious discussion.”

Rashford to PSG unlikely

Following reports of the potential exodus at Manchester United, the i reports that Paris Saint-Germain will pursue other targets ahead of Rashford.

With Kylian Mbappe set to join Real Madrid in the summer, PSG will be looking to replace the France captain, although Rashford is not on their shortlist.

The i adds: “Having previously been expected to come in with a big-money offer in the coming months, i understands the struggling striker is not part of a shortlist of “three or four” forwards PSG are looking at, a list headed by Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen.

“United insiders have insisted Rashford is part of next season’s plans regardless, as they look to help him rekindle the kind of form that saw him plunder 30 goals in all competitions last term.

“However, given the need to raise funds for Ineos’ on-field transformation, it is believed a substantial offer for Rashford would be considered as part of a wider squad fire sale, something that has been planned from the moment Sir Jim Ratcliffe got his feet under the table at Old Trafford. Money raised from any Rashford exit would be classed as 100 per cent profit in the eyes of financial fair play regulators, making any departure even more appealing.”

Ajax want Ten Hag back

Ajax will look to reappoint Erik ten Hag this summer, according to the Daily Mail. Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is unclear beyond the end of the season, but should he be sacked then a return to the Netherlands could be forthcoming.

Ten Hag would not leave United for the Ajax role, and so the Dutch club will wait to find out his fate before considering other options.

The Mail adds: “There is a willingness from the Ajax board to see how Ten Hag’s future develops before deciding on their next move, with former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter and Nice boss Francesco Farioli also among the other preferred candidates.

“Having transformed Ajax into one of the most exciting teams in European football ahead of his departure in 2022, the iconic Dutch club have struggled during the post-Ten Hag era.

“They are currently fifth in the Eredivisie, 35 points adrift of leaders PSV. They finished third last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, 13 points behind champions Feyenoord.

“And the fact Ajax are in the midst of a transitional period is unlikely to appeal to Ten Hag.”

Salah and Liverpool set for showdown talks

Liverpool will hold talks with Mohamad Salah at the end of the season amid multiple reports claiming the club expect the player to stay beyond the summer. Salah was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last year, and it was thought the Egyptian may leave this summer while Liverpool can still get a fee for the winger.

All will be resolved in the summer, when incoming sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group president Michael Edwards speak to several key players.

The Telegraph adds: “A similar situation applies to skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract situation is identical.

“The club’s immediate priority was replacing Jurgen Klopp. Now that has effectively been done with an agreement in place for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, attention will shift to the senior players.

“Liverpool and Salah will have plenty to ponder. For the club, there must be a consideration as to whether a player who turns 32 in June should be offered an extended deal on the same lucrative terms.”

Premier League plant Ausgabenobergrenze – Manchester-Klubs dagegen

Die Premier League plant die Einführung einer Ausgabenobergrenze, die zur Saison 2025/26 kommen würde. Eine Mehrheit ist bereits gefunden – doch komplette Einigkeit besteht bei diesem Thema nicht. Speziell aus Manchester soll es Gegenwind geben.

Blick in die Zukunft: ManUnited-Abräumer Casemiro.

Blick in die Zukunft: ManUnited-Abräumer Casemiro.

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Fortlaufend wird in der Premier League an der Liga-Struktur gearbeitet. Bei einer Aktionärsversammlung in London am Montag wurde erneut über eine Ausgabenobergrenze diskutiert. Diese soll nun auf der Jahreshauptversammlung der Liga im Juni zur Abstimmung gestellt werden.

Besagte Grenze soll die Ausgaben der Vereine an einen bestimmten Prozentsatz ihrer Einnahmen koppeln. Wäre das Gesetz beispielsweise in der vergangenen Saison in Kraft gewesen, hätte die Obergrenze 518 Millionen Pfund betragen – das Fünffache der 103,6 Millionen Pfund, die Schlusslicht Southampton aus zentralisierten TV-Einnahmen erzielte.

Nach übereinstimmenden englischen Medienberichten ist in der Premier League bereits eine Mehrheit gefunden. Hauptsächlich stimmen freilich Klubs dafür, die sich in der unteren Tabellenhälfte befinden und die das ohnehin schon fragile Wettbewerbsgleichgewicht der Liga in Frage stellen.

Das Besondere am angestrebten Modell: Es wäre das erste, das die Ausgaben eines Klubs an die Einnahmen eines anderen Vereins bindet, während etwa das Financial Fairplay auf den eigenen Einnahmen eines Klubs basiert. Die Ausgabenobergrenze würde indes die bisher geltenden Profitabilitäts- und Nachhaltigkeitsregeln ersetzen, die für die jüngsten Punktabzüge des FC Everton und bei Nottingham Forest verantwortlich waren.

Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Premier League “in Gefahr”?

Laut BBC sollen lediglich Manchester United, Manchester City und Aston Villa am Montag gegen die mögliche Einführung besagter Ausgabenobergrenze gestimmt haben. Der FC Chelsea habe sich zudem enthalten. ManUnited, so berichtet es The Athletic, wehre sich vor allem gegen den Vorschlag, weil sich dieser möglicherweise negativ auf die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Premier League auswirken könnte.

Auch die Spielergewerkschaft PFA beäugt den Vorstoß kritisch. Ein PFA-Sprecher erklärte bereits: “Wir werden natürlich weitere Details zu diesen spezifischen Vorschlägen abwarten, aber wir haben immer klar gesagt, dass wir jede Maßnahme ablehnen würden, die eine harte Obergrenze für Spielergehälter vorsehen würde.”

Man Utd could secure Branthwaite in cut-price deal – Paper Round

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Man Utd could secure Branthwaite in cut-price deal – Paper Round

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

WSL round-up: City six points clear at the top, Arsenal suffer title blow

Manchester City kept up the heat on their rivals in the Women’s Super League title race with a crushing victory over Bristol City, who were relegated as a result.

And they duly delivered an emphatic 4-0 win, although they were made to work hard for it given the game was all-square at half time.

Indeed, it was not until after the hour mark when Mary Fowler finally broke the deadlock, brilliantly finding the top corner with a fierce strike.

That opened the floodgates and the 21-year-old grabbed her second of the night shortly afterwards, this time converting from Lauren Hemp’s pass.

And to rub salt into the wound, Bristol City’s Amy Rogers inadvertently added a third two minutes later when she put through her own net, while captain Alex Greenwood completed the rout with a towering header that proved to be the last touch of the game.

The Robins needed to win the game to have any chance of remaining in the WSL next season, but having accumulated just six points from their previous 19 outings, survival always looked unlikely.

As such, they have now been relegated back to the Championship, the division from which they were promoted last season.

City, on the other hand, remain on course to finish in top spot, as they open up a six-point gap on second-placed Chelsea, who have an inferior goal difference.

It also sets up a blockbuster clash against Arsenal next weekend, where Taylor’s side will be attempting to earn a WSL-record 15th successive victory.

The Manchester club have only lifted one previous WSL title, back in 2016, but confidence is now growing that they can double that tally.

16-year-old Hobson makes WSL history for Everton

Elsewhere, struggling Everton picked up a surprise point at home to third-placed Arsenal, who suffered another blow in their title ambitions.

The Gunners could have drawn level on points with Chelsea in second with a win, and were heading to victory when Alessia Russo opened the scoring in the 80th minute.

Their hosts were determined not to go down without a fight though and they duly grabbed an equaliser with just seconds of added time remaining.

Issy Hobson, just 16, was the Toffees hero, coming off the bench to head home to make it 1-1, becoming the WSL’s youngest ever goalscorer in the process.

There was also a super-sub on show for Manchester United, with Ella Toone’s goal seven minutes from time earning a 1-0 victory over Leicester City.

As such, the Red Devils moved three points clear of Liverpool in fourth place.

West Ham United, meanwhile, came from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 against Aston Villa, as Shannon Cooke scored deep into added time to earn a crucial point in their relegation fight.

Alisha Lehmann had earlier put the hosts ahead but their winless run extended to four matches.

Brighton and Spurs also played out a 1-1 draw, with Bethany England’s late goal salvaging a point following Elisabeth Terland’s opener.

Palace promoted to WSL – “I don’t think anyone expected this”

With the relegation spot in the WSL now sewn up, Bristol City’s replacement in the top flight was also confirmed as Crystal Palace booked their ticket to the WSL.

A 0-0 draw against Sunderland was enough for the Eagles to secure the Championship title.

A club-record crowd of 6,796 were in attendance at Selhurst Park to see history being made.

It is the first time the club have reached the WSL and comes on the back of finishing fifth last season.

But after accumulating 46 points from their 22 matches, Laura Kaminski’s side clinched the title, finishing narrowly ahead of Charlton Athletic.

Speaking to BBC Sport, captain Aimee Everett said: “At the start of the season there were a lot of changes.

“Honestly, I don’t think anyone expected this would have been the outcome, but this is what everyone wanted to achieve.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.