Most of Europe’s major leagues are now on course to be completed after being paused for the coronavirus pandemic. Only Ligue 1, which curtailed its season on April 30 after the French government banned games behind closed doors, does not plan to finish the campaign of the top five leagues. UEFA requested that all European
UEFA Europa League
Welcome to ESPN’s Insider Notebook, featuring contributions from our reporters across the continent. In this edition, Inter Milan face a problem with Mauro Icardi, there’s a top forward available for a knockdown price, and a new league attempts to shake up Mexico‘s established order. PLUS: No more VAR (in the Europa League group stages, at least…)
Gab Marcotti explains why Premier League clubs are hesitant to resume the season. Mark Ogden and Gab Marcotti react to reports of Premier League players not wanting to play during a pandemic. Montreal Impact manager Thierry Henry speaks about MLS returning and the struggles of living in lockdown. The coronavirus pandemic could affect football’s international
Could places in the Champions League and Europa League for 2020-21 be decided by a series of playoffs? UEFA announced on Thursday that it would prefer matters to be settled using “a different format” if the coronavirus does not allow this season to play out in full, while also ruling out UEFA coefficient as an
Sid Lowe dives into the proposed protocols for team training and the potential timetable for La Liga’s return. Former Coventry City MD Chris Anderson explains the financial crisis currently faced by lower league clubs. Gab Marcotti believes the Premier League should not continue if a deal with broadcasters can be arranged. UEFA have effectively ruled
Barcelona’s players and supporters come together to show their support in the fight against coronavirus. Portuguese football stars encourage their fan base to stay strong amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Gab Marcotti says players need to be completely transparent with donations made to aid the coronavirus fight. Former MLS player and current doctor Marshall Leonard sheds
Frank Leboeuf explains what made legend Franz Beckenbauer so special and why he was his idol. The Exploding Heads return to settle the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate by saddling both with 10 goalkeepers as teammates. Football today is flooded with world-class stars. If not for the incomprehensible brilliance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the
FifPro General Secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffman explains covid-19’s financial impact on even the biggest clubs. Gab Marcotti explains why UEFA needs to make a ruling on player contracts if the season is extended. Gab Marcotti reacts to the news that UEFA has suspended all European competitions “until further notice.” Julien Laurens and Craig Burley break down
Jon Champion spells out reasons why clubs and the Premier League want to complete the season. Jon Champion delves into Juventus’ wishes to not accept the title should the Serie A season be cancelled. European football, currently at a standstill because of the coronavirus, is focusing on a restart in July and August with clubs
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens ask whether UEFA were right to suggest the season could already be over. Julien Laurens joins Dan Thomas to discuss the big UEFA meeting on Wednesday and its possible implications. Jon Champion says there are $900 million reasons why the Premier League wants to finish the season. UEFA indefinitely suspended
Craig Burley says he has “no idea” how the Premier League will resolve the Champions League race. Julien Laurens thinks because of Liverpool’s 25-point lead, they should be anointed Premier League winners. ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti explains the financial impact behind postponing UEFA competitions. Julien Laurens explains why UEFA has set a hard deadline of
ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti explains the financial impact behind postponing UEFA competitions. The 2019-20 UEFA Champions League final has been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus outbreak, UEFA announced on Monday. The final of Europe’s elite club competition had been scheduled for May 30 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. – Coronavirus cancellations and
Shaka Hislop says the approach to limit the spread of coronavirus from leagues across Europe is commendable. Alexis Nunes goes through the latest updates on the coronavirus’ impact on football. Pep Guardiola says matches should be suspended rather than playing with no fans amid coronavirus concerns. UEFA will discuss the postponement of Euro 2020 and
Gab Marcotti outlines the complexities of postponing Euro 2020 until next year due to coronavirus. Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop feel the correct decision has been made to suspend all major leagues in Europe. Brendan Rodgers confirms Leicester have self-isolated three players over coronavirus concerns. The Premier League will hold a meeting with clubs on
3:48 PM ET Odion Ighalo‘s remarkable form continued with a goal and an assist in Manchester United’s 5-0 win over LASK Linz in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 matchup. Daniel James, Juan Mata, Mason Greenwood, and Andreas Pereira also scored for United in front of an empty Linzer Stadion as concerns over
Shaka Hislop says the approach to limit the spread of coronavirus from leagues across Europe is commendable. Steve Nicol says Barcelona are ordinary outside of Lionel Messi and lack connections this season. The players’ unions in both Italy and Spain want the upcoming Champions and Europa League matches scheduled in their respective countries postponed amid
Eric Bailly won the Europa League with Manchester United in 2017. Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has told ESPN about his “rage” at spending the first half of the season on the sidelines but now he is back, he is determined to help “uncle” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finish the campaign on a high. A knee
Steve Nicol says David Luiz bears the most blame for Arsenal’s loss vs. Olympiakos. Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was at a loss for words after his missed opportunity against Olympiakos in Europa League round-of-32 action on Thursday. The Gabon striker scuffed on a close-range shot in the last seconds of added extra time in Arsenal’s
12:58 AM ET Feb 27 (Reuters) – Manchester United cannot bank on winning the Europa League to ensure their place in next season’s Champions League, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. The Old Trafford side are fifth in the Premier League, three points behind Chelsea, who occupy the fourth and final berth for Europe’s elite
The FC guys discuss Lazio’s chances of winning the Scudetto as they trail Juventus by just one point. The Italian government is moving toward having football matches played behind closed doors in affected areas as authorities try to contain a spreading virus that has made northern Italy the focal point of the outbreak in Europe.