Football news LIVE: Race to Wembley takes centre-stage with FA Cup quarter-finals, Rodri back in training, Newcastle Carabao Cup parade

Saturday, March 29

Sunday, March 30

Ratcliffe rapped

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has caused some anger at his other club - Nice.

The Monaco-based British billionaire took over neighbouring Nice ahead of buying his stake at United.

However, with Premier League football to watch, he isn't so interested in Ligue 1, recently saying in an interview: “I don't particularly like going to see Nice, the level isn't high enough.”

Those comments haven't gone down brilliantly with supporters, while one former player and local product Lloyd Palun has now commented: “It's a load of bulls***. He may have been angry when he made his comments.

"I think he's making a comparison with Manchester United, and football is completely different in England. He was clumsy in his comments.

"It's hard to understand given Nice's good results. If they qualify for the Champions League, that will calm him down a bit.”

Not everyone is against Ratcliffe, though, with legendary Nice captain Jose Cobos defending him.

“I don’t believe it. He’s a self-interested man in what he invests. He has an eye on Nice and I think Nice gives him a lot of satisfaction," he said.

"I don’t really believe the sentences taken out of context, I’ve already found myself in this kind of situation. He loves the club. He’s invested more than 200 or 300 million, so you can’t say he doesn’t love this club.

"It’s very nice to see Nice play. They’re a team that plays forward. It’s a pleasure, we don’t get bored and that’s important. The coach is doing an extraordinary job.”

Rangnick rumblings

Ralf Rangnick is getting in trouble for his links to Borussia Dortmund.

The former Manchester United interim coach is currently in charge of the Austrian national side, but is being linked with a BVB team in disarray.

Since those rumours emerged, reports claim that Bayern Munich also see him as a potential sporting director.

That news has upset the Austrian FA, with vice-president Johann Gartner saying: "If you look at it objectively, we're no further ahead with Rangnick than we were under [Franco] Foda.

"His style of play is predictable. I'm missing the goals and the results. I expect new ideas from the team manager.

"The sporting success has masked a lot. But the mood has changed."

Brazilian bombshell

Dorival Junior has been sacked as Brazil coach, the football federation have confirmed.

"From now on, we will look for a replacement," president Ednaldo Rodrigues told UOL after a meeting.

The outlet adds that Jorge Jesus [Al Hilal], Carlo Ancelotti [Real Madrid], Pep Guardiola [Manchester City] and Abel Ferreira [Palmeiras] are the federation's top targets.

Dorival left Sao Paulo to take the country's top job in January last year, but has led a poor World Cup qualifying campaign that culminated in a 4-1 hammering by arch rivals Argentina on Tuesday night.

Rodri return?

Rodri has returned to individual training at Manchester City as his long recovery from an ACL injury continues.

However, Pep Guardiola isn't going to rush the reigning Ballon d'Or winner back into action to avoid any setbacks.

Man City are set to be playing in the Club World Cup in June and Rodri will be hopeful of featuring.

Guardiola won't be taking any risks on his return though...

“I don’t know, I hope and wish,” the City boss said about whether Rodri will be fully fit for the Club World Cup.

“It will be nice if he could play tomorrow but we don’t want to do a wrong decision right now and take a step back.

“The doctor says he’s injured for six, seven months. He’s behaving really well on the pitch already.

“Competitive is completely different. We will see. I rely on what the physios and the doctor say.

“We don’t want to use him for two weeks and then not have him for a long time afterwards. We have to make sure that he’s fine.”

Masked Mateta

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is going to be wearing a special head protection against Fulham tomorrow.

Mateta is returning from an injury suffered against Millwall on March 1, after a horrible collision with goalkeeper Liam Roberts sent him to hospital for 25 stitches.

He will be wearing a helmet during games and manager Oliver Glasner spoke about his situation in his press conference.

Glasner said: “It’s like a water polo helmet, but with one ear.

“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet and he said, ‘Yeah but the ear was free (uncovered), so we need the full helmet’.

"One of them was like you would use to ride a motorbike, but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy. Then we found the right one."

The Palace boss continued: "He's been lucky that nothing was fractured, no concussion.

"It was just the ear. I know it was a terrible injury. Some players say that the ear looks better than before now."

'We don't deserve it'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola doesn't think his side would deserve a bonus at the end of the season.

And that's even if they win the Club World Cup and claim a whopping £97million in prize money.

City have had a dismal campaign and Guardiola has been very open in speaking about how poor his team have been throughout.

He was honest again in his pre-FA Cup quarter-final press conference today, discussing the potential of bonuses due to what could be a huge added income this summer.

"We don't deserve a bonus this season," he said. "The bonus, if you win, I don't know how much, it's for the club.

"The managers, the backroom staff, the players - we don't deserve [anything], not even a watch."

Bourne Ultimatum

Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert recently dropped a bombshell on teammate Dean Huijsen's future - but Andoni Iraola kept tight-lipped on the defender's situation.

The 19-year-old arrived on the south coast last summer from Juventus for a fee just shy of £13million.

However, his assured displays at the back and a recent maiden call-up for Spain have seen his value skyrocket.

The Cherries need no reminding they face a serious battle to keep Huijsen in the summer, especially given he has a £50m release clause in his contract.

Over the break, Kluivert said of his teammate: "I know that next year he won't be with us".

Speaking at his press conference this afternoon, Bournemouth manager Iraola on the progress of Huijsen, said: "It is not that we are surprised, he has been playing consistently and has performed very well. He has improved a lot even during the season. He has faced very difficult forwards, we knew we had a very good player."

On whether Huijsen, who has been linked with Real Madrid, will stay at Bournemouth: "You will have to ask him."

Paul over

Marseille rejected the opportunity to sign Paul Pogba on a free transfer, according to the club's president.

France World Cup winner Pogba has been without a club since November when his contract with Juventus was terminated.

The midfielder saw his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months on appeal, meaning he has been free to return to the pitch this month.

However, Marseille have listed the issues they had with the 32-year-old, who hasn't played a minute since September 2023.

"We had conversations and we had this opportunity because the player had come onto the market," Marseille president Pablo Longoria told Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

"However, we decided not to do it this season because we thought that his recovery time could upset the balance of the squad. And that would raise expectations.

"We felt that it would be counterproductive."

Iraola on links to Spurs

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley exclusively told talkSPORT earlier this month that the club are working to persuade sought-after manager Andoni Iraola to commit his future to the Cherries.

talkSPORT understands Iraola is Tottenham’s top target to replace Ange Postecoglou if they decide to part company with the Australian, while he has also been linked to Real Madrid.

Speaking for the first time on those links today, Iraola said: "I want to do my job the best I can, I don't know where we will finish.

"If I don't do it well, they will find someone else. I am happy here.

"We have a great opportunity to reach the semi finals for the first time, it would be amazing for me personally and for the club.

"We will try to give the best level we have."

'Enough is Enough'

Senior officials at Blackburn Rovers have been asked to stay away from the club’s final eight games of the season.

A group of Blackburn supporters groups led by BRFC Action Group have urged Chief Executive Steve Waggott, COO Suhail Pasha and Head of Football Rudy Gestede to not attend until the season has ended, under the tagline ‘enough is enough’.

Rovers fans are disgruntled at what they perceive to be a lack of leadership and communication from the board and owners, Venky’s.

Off-field issues have also raised concerns among fans leading to the launching of the campaign for change at the club.

Blackburn have now released a statement in response, while you can read more context on the situation on talkSPORT.com below...

Farcelona

Barcelona could be forced to forfeit their 3-0 win over Osasuna after breaking a little-known FIFA rule.

Inigo Martinez was called up for Spain over the international break before withdrawing from the squad due to injury.

Despite this, the veteran defender started Barca's 3-0 win in their rescheduled match against Osasuna on Thursday.

Osasuna believe that Martinez should not have been eligible and have released a statement to confirm they have filed an appeal.

As per FIFA rules, players who withdraw from duty for their country cannot play for their clubs until at least five days after the end of the break - unless the participation had been officially cleared by the federation, in this case, the RFEF.

It read: "On March 17, the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced on its communication channels that footballer Iñigo Martínez had been removed from the squad for medical reasons, specifically due to "internal parameniscitis in his right knee, as reported in the report received from FC Barcelona." Similarly, that same day, the withdrawal of footballers Marc Casadó and Bryan Zaragoza from the Spanish national team was also announced for medical reasons. Zaragoza was the only one who joined the Spanish national team training camp to be evaluated by their medical services. It is evident that, in compliance with the aforementioned FIFA Regulations, neither of these players were eligible to participate in yesterday's matchday 27 of LaLiga EA Sports, as the deadlines established by the regulations were not met.

"Since a medical leave is the justification for the withdrawal, as communicated by the RFEF itself, Club Atlético Osasuna believes that this case cannot be considered an exceptional situation that would render FIFA regulations inapplicable.

"The Navarrese club does consider the release of players Gerard Martín, Pablo Torre, and Fermín López from their second match with the Spanish Under-21 national team as a separate matter, as their withdrawal was not justified by a medical reason.

"However, Club Atlético Osasuna believes that Iñigo Martínez, whose absence from the Spanish national team was due to a medical leave, was not eligible to play in yesterday's match in accordance with FIFA regulations.

"In light of this, the Navarrese club has decided to file an appeal for improper fielding in defense of his rights, the fairness of the competition, and the equality of all participants."

We need to talk about Kevin

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped over the long-term future of talisman Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian's contract is set to expire in June, nearly ten years exactly after his arrival at the club from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2015.

Among the best Premier League players of this era, De Bruyne became an integral cog in Guardiola’s system, winning six titles.

In recent times, the midfielder has struggled with injuries, missing double-digit matches so far this season and 26 last campaign.

Following links to the MLS and Saudi Arabia, Guardiola said: "It's between the club and Kevin and his agent… It's a question for the club and Kevin…

"Listen, you have to understand, in the position that we are, I am concerned about the team and what is going to happen to finish the season as best as possible. The individual situations, every manager, staff and backroom staff, players - not even one second!

"We have to, everybody, think about what is the best for the club, for the team, to achieve the targets that are still ahead of us with the FA Cup, Premier League, and World Cup…"

Double boost

Chelsea have received a major boost today as Cole Palmer has returned to training following injury.

Palmer missed the Blues' loss to Arsenal almost two weeks ago and then withdrew from the England squad.

He's not been in training throughout the international break, but now the superstar has returned.

Winger Noni Madueke, who hasn't played a game since mid-February, was also back for Enzo Maresca's side.

It leaves Chelsea with two of their best attackers closing in on full fitness again ahead of a clash against Spurs.

That game at Stamford Bridge takes place next Thursday, so Palmer and Madueke will have six more days to prepare.

Luk whose back?

Manchester United defensive trio Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro have all returned to training.

England star Shaw has made only three substitute appearances in over 13 months after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The left-back's only start for club or country since February 2024 was in the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Maguire has been sidelined with a calf problem since the FA Cup defeat penalty shootout defeat to Fulham on March 2.

Yoro, meanwhile, had to be replaced at half-time in the Premier League draw with Arsenal a week later.

Wild claim

Chris Wilder has thrown his praise behind Frank Lampard by backing the Coventry City boss to manage England one day.

Lampard's Sky Blues have been flying under his tutelage and they currently sit inside the Championship play-off places in fifth.

Coventry were 17th in the Championship, 10 points from the play-off spots and only two points above the relegation zone when the ex-Chelsea and Everton gaffer took charge.

However, a run of 13 wins in 23 games has propelled last season's FA Cup semi-finalists into the promotion shake-up.

Ahead of tonight's game against fellow top-six rivals Sheffield United, live on talkSPORT 2, Blades boss Wilder paid tribute to Lampard.

He said: “I've got an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard. His playing career is there for everybody to see but I just love the fact that he just loves football.

“It just shines through that he does whatever job he takes. He took a tough job at Derby and got them through to the play-off final.

“We had a couple of great games with them in that season and they had an outstanding run at it. Tough gig at Chelsea when they didn't sign any players, and he had to play a lot of the young players. Tough gig at Everton.

“I don't think he gets the credit which he deserves. The job he is doing at Coventry, he didn't have to do it, but he wanted to get his hands dirty.

“He loves football, he loves the changing room, everything about football so I am a big fan.”

One game from Wembley

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom is relishing the chance to cause a major FA Cup upset this weekend.

The Championship outfit, who are the only non-Premier League club in the quarter-finals, host Aston Villa live on talkSPORT this Sunday.

“Everyone is really on board with this. We had Fulham in the League Cup and Arsenal, and now we’re welcoming Aston Villa,” Heckingbottom told talkSPORT. “These cup games are for us to enjoy.

“Obviously, we have to go all out to try and win the game. They’re here for us to relish amid the slog of the Championship season.

“Our recent history hasn’t been at the top end of English football, but in the past, the club very much was.

“We are one game away from Wembley. If we win away against Derby on Wednesday night, we get three points, but if we manage to overturn Villa, it’s a totally different story.

“A trip to Wembley and an FA Cup semi-final doesn’t come around often. This week has taken care of itself — everyone is looking forward to it and excited for it.”

For Pieters sake

Former Premier League defender Erik Pieters has completed a move to Derby County two months after the transfer window shut.

The ex-Stoke City, Burnley, and West Brom star has signed a deal with the Championship strugglers until the end of the season.

The 36-year-old free agent has been training with Head Coach John Eustace’s squad in recent weeks.

Slam Dunk

Fabian Hurzeler gave updates on the fitness of his Brighton players before the FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest.

He said: "Lewis Dunk will be back, Matt O'Riley will be back, hopefully, they both will be options for the game. Let's wait until the session today.

"Tariq [Lamptey] will be out for a longer time.

"Solly March should be an option. I think they both [Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma] will be fine and can start the game."

On the occasion, with Brighton never having won a major trophy, Hurzeler continued: "Of course we feel it but for me, it's important we don't make it artificially big.

"Of course, it's an important game but it's like all the other games as well because in all the games we can improve ourselves, in all the games we have to go to the limit.

"I am not trying to make it artificially big, we all know it's a big opportunity, a big chance but it's like all the other games as well."

"I won't discuss it," Hurzeler added on the Seagulls' 7-0 defeat to this weekend's opponents Forest less than two months ago.

"The players took a lot of ownership and a lot of responsibility and they said we have to go back to the things that made us strong and things that make us strong are working together, showing intensity and this belief that we can beat every team in the league."

Cherry picking

Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez has provided an update on his future amid continued transfer links to Liverpool.

Hungarian Kerkez has made a huge impact at the Cherries since signing from AZ Alkmaar for an undisclosed fee in July 2023.

The left-back is close friends with Reds midfielder and his national team captain Dominik Szoboszlai.

He was also signed for the South Coast club by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes before the latter headed to Anfield.

Kerkez on his future to the Athletic, said: “As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams”.

“In the summer transfer window, we will see what happens.”

Antonio posts touching message

Michail Antonio has posted an emotional message on his first birthday since his near-death car crash.

The West Ham striker survived a near fatal accident, having crashed his Ferrari into a tree back in December.

Among his severe injuries, the 34-year-old suffered a broken leg and spent three weeks in hospital before beginning his road to recovery.

Sharing a picture of himself this morning on Instagram, Antonio wrote: "Since my 30th birthday I’ve woke up on my birthdays not really fussed about the day and I did the same thing this morning until the realisation hit me I actually almost didn’t make it to this birthday.

"So I just want to thank god for saving me and allowing me to make it to another birthday.

"I also want to say happy birthday to everyone whose birthday it is today. Let’s live it up."

His former West Ham teammates Jesse Lingard and Pablo Fornals were among the people reacting to the post in the comments.

Can't go Ron

Ashley Cole was Cristiano Ronaldo's most difficult opponent - the pair treated fans to epic battles.

That's the view of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes the Manchester United icon developed a fixation on his ex-teammate.

Ronaldo and Cole first met during the infamous Battle of Old Trafford in September 2003, where in the fifth minute, the forward left the defender with egg on his face.

Keown, who played in that 0-0 draw in 2003/04 season, told talkSPORT.com: "I think they were epic battles.

"I think if there was a nemesis for him or his most difficult opponent, it would have to be Ash.

"It was unbelievable the way that Ashley would always… it was almost a double determination from him whenever he played against Ronaldo."

"And it was almost like Ronaldo got fixated with trying to beat him instead of actually switching out and maybe going to the other [side].

"But maybe he felt as if he wouldn't get anything from [right-back] Lauren either!

"But it was a great battle, something to behold, a game within a game almost."

Tonali's dream

Sandro Tonali dreams of a return to AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.

The Italian midfielder has been attracting interest from his former club as well as their Serie A rivals Juventus.

However, Newcastle are said to have no interest in selling Tonali for any less than the £52million they paid for him two years ago.

As a result, any potential deal is expected to be difficult for both Milan or Juventus.

Tonali spent two years at the San Siro after making his loan move permanent in 2021.

During that time, he made 130 appearances and won a league title with the club.

The 24-year-old has now also lifted silverware at St. James' Park after helping Newcastle clinch the Carabao Cup.

Tonali also still has three years remaining on the five-year deal he signed after joining the Magpies.

Forest 'make contact'

Nottingham Forest have reportedly identified a summer transfer target ahead of the window reopening.

According to Calciomercato, Nuno Espirito Santo's side have made initial contact over a potential move for Alexis Saelemaekers.

The Belgian winger is currently on loan at Roma from fellow Serie A side AC Milan.

However, the Italian outfit do not have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Their need to negotiate a completely new deal for the 25-year-old has opened the door for Forest.

Milan are understood to value Saelemaekers at no more than £25million with two years remaining on his contract.

West Ham and Leicester both previously failed with approaches of their own back in January.

The former Anderlecht star has six goals and five assists during his loan spell at Roma this term.

Striker's form 'disappointing for Arsenal'

Ian Wright has admitted it is 'disappointing' Mika Biereth never got a chance at Arsenal.

The Danish striker has been in stunning form since joining Monaco in January.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have been left without a recognised striker since Gabriel Jesus' season-ending injury.

Wright and Biereth became friends during the latter's time at the Emirates Stadium.

In three years on Arsenal's books, Biereth was loaned out three times without making a first-team appearance for his parent club.

The 22-year-old was sold to Sturm Graz last summer before a mid-season move to Monaco two months ago.

He has since scored 11 goals in just 12 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, including three hat-tricks.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has been forced to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward.

Wright believes his friend would be starring in North London if was still at the club, telling The Guardian: "Mika should’ve been in and around it at the moment.

"It’s disappointing for Arsenal but, on a human level, I’m delighted for him."

Chelsea's Estevao plan

Chelsea have made a decision on Estevao Willian's Club World Cup commitments.

The Brazilian wonderkid will join the Blues from Palmeiras this summer.

However, both sides have qualified for the expanded tournament in the USA, which is scheduled for June 14 to July 13.

After agreeing to sign Estevao last summer, the teenager will finally arrive at Stamford Bridge ahead of next season after turning 18.

According to Fabrizio Romano, he will be allowed to feature for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup.

Estevao had been set to become a Chelsea player on July 1.

The winger will instead now link-up with Enzo Maresca's side after the tournament.

Palmeiras will face Porto, Al Ahly and Inter Miami in the group stage, whilst Chelsea's pool includes Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis.