Football

What’d relegation mean to those who go down?

Published

2 years ago

April 29, 2023

It has been one of the closest relegation battles in years.

With only a handful of games left of a unique season, there are still nine sides who will be feeling at least some trepidation about ending the campaign in the bottom three.

For some, a year in the Championship would offer a chance to rebuild, like Burnley have, and bounce back to the top flight in a far stronger position.

For others, losing their Premier League status could be disastrous.

We asked BBC experts across the clubs in the bottom half of the table for their verdict on what relegation might mean for those at risk of the drop.

Three from five? Who faces Premier League relegation?

‘Value would be greatly reduced’ – the clubs almost in the clear

Crystal Palace – Alex Howell, BBC Sport

Since Roy Hodgson has returned, the threat of relegation has pretty much disappeared, with three wins and a draw from five games in charge.

Relegation would have been a disaster for everyone at Selhurst Park, which is why they replaced former boss Patrick Vieira.

Staying up would give Palace a chance to hold on to talisman Wilfried Zaha, who is out of contract this summer – and there is no chance he would stay if the club were in the Championship.

The club has been successful in signing some of the most exciting young players in the country, such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, and recruiting such calibre would be more difficult if they dropped to the second tier.

There have also been long-term plans for redeveloping the stadium, with finances put aside. A stint in the Championship would have pushed this down the list, so Hodgson’s work has helped with future stability too.

Fan views, analysis and latest Crystal Palace news

Wolves – Mike Taylor, BBC Radio WM

If it all goes wrong for Wolves, there would be some upheaval, certainly, but it is hard to imagine the club becoming unstable in the way others might.

The club’s owners, the giant Chinese conglomerate Fosun, have experience of what it takes to move from the Championship to the Premier League, and surely understand the financial implications should their asset drop back out.

They have made much of the importance of the Wolves ‘brand’ to their business. Whether they weigh the value of the club in pure cash terms or as a sort of totem for the wider business, that value would be greatly reduced without Premier League status.

They would surely make reasonable efforts to recover it, rather than allow their investment to wither.

Visit our dedicated Wolves page

Bournemouth – Kris Temple, BBC Radio Solent

Firstly, under Premier League rules it would mean only two years of parachute payments (instead of three), after only one season back in the top division. But, given the takeover in recent months by American businessman Bill Foley, the financial hit for the club would not be as damaging as previously.

It would certainly be a blow to Foley and the club’s ambitious plans for a new stadium, as well as other forward-thinking ideas, all of which are envisaged for the Premier League not the Championship.

And it would likely see the departure of key midfielder Jefferson Lerma, who stayed after relegation last time but is out of contract this summer. With a season of Premier League experience, other younger stars would also attract interest.

The club would also have to decide whether head coach Gary O’Neil – in his first job, with only 12 months on his current deal – was the right man to attempt a promotion challenge.

All the best Bournemouth content

‘The club needs a reset whether they stay up or go down’ – those on the fringes

West Ham – Simon Stone, BBC Sport

Relegation for West Ham would not only be unexpected – the club finished in the top seven under David Moyes in the past two seasons and then spent £160m in the current campaign – it would also be expensive, for both the club and the London taxpayer.

In addition to the massive loss in TV income, West Ham’s current rent of £2.5m per annum to play at London Stadium would be halved.

Then there is a question mark over Daniel Kretinsky’s involvement.

The Czech businessman is the owner of Sparta Prague and bought a 27% stake in West Ham in 2021. It was thought that would be a prelude to a full takeover, once David Sullivan and former co-chairman David Gold were free from a clause that meant part of any sale had to be paid to LLDC, the organisation that runs the Olympic Park.

That initial stake is the subject of a legal case but it is far from certain Kretinsky would want to complete the deal if West Ham were relegated to the Championship.

Supporter opinion, news and expert analysis on West Ham

Leeds – Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

Relegation would be exasperating for supporters and affect the expansion of the club, but it would probably not be as catastrophic as in 2004.

Leeds are not saddled with the same unmanageable debt that saw former chairman Ken Bates eventually plunge them into administration. The latest accounts show an operating loss of £34m on a record turnover of £189m.

As things stand, majority takeover by the San Francisco 49ers is expected should the club stay in the Premier League. Relegation may not prevent that but the decrease in revenues could hamper plans to develop Elland Road to a 60,000 capacity.

It is unlikely head coach Javi Gracia would stay and players would be sold. Wilfried Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison and Tyler Adams would likely chase top-level football, while contributing to a wage bill that stands at £121m.

Leeds’ ability to make an immediate return would depend on who comes in to manage experienced heads such as Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper and develop youngsters such as Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell, along with emerging talents Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi.

Regardless, the club needs a reset whether it goes up or down.

Fan views, analysis and latest Leeds news

Nottingham Forest – Charlie Slater, East Midlands Today

Given Nottingham Forest fans had to wait 23 years for their return to the Premier League, an immediate exit would undoubtedly be devastating – though it would not perhaps crush their spirit indefinitely.

This club is backed by the owner, the fans, the city and Steve Cooper. Should the worst happen there would, again, be a groundswell of support from many fans in favour of their Welsh head coach, who would be a near unanimous choice to remain in post – and the man to rebuild.

Some of the big names would inevitably leave and there would be a turnover of players. But there would also be a quiet confidence Forest would return to the Premier League at the first opportunity, better prepared for the rigours of the top flight and capable of not just surviving but competing on a weekly basis.

Visit our dedicated Forest page

‘An icy chill through the bones’ – those in the bottom three

Leicester – Owynn Palmer-Atkin, BBC Radio Leicester

Relegation for Leicester City would mark an end to a significant era and would undo all the hard work that made them the envy of the rest of English football, outside the top six.

If the Foxes don’t beat the drop, they will likely say goodbye to a number of first-team players who are either out of contract or entering their final year, creating a huge gap in the squad with limited cash to fund a huge rebuild.

That could include James Maddison, Youri Tielemans, Ricardo, Kelechi Iheanacho and more. Losing such talent could even set the club back more than 10 years, to a time before Nigel Pearson built a successful Championship-winning side.

Latest news, fan views and supporter analysis for Leicester

Everton – Mike Hughes, BBC Radio Merseyside

Everton podcaster Ped McPartland tells The Football News Show his club are “facing a crisis”

The prospect of relegation sends an icy chill through the bones of the Everton faithful.

Only Arsenal have had a longer uninterrupted spell in English football’s top flight and it would be a blemish on the body of a club with an illustrious footballing tradition.

If it came about, it would lead to a destabilising period of player turnover and all at a time when their fantastic new stadium at Bramley Moore is rising impressively on the north docks.

For these reasons and a million more, Sean Dyche and the Everton players have to make sure that it simply does not happen. They have five games to salvage their season. Those given the honour of wearing the royal blue jerseys in this vital period of the club’s history must show bravery, determination and resilience to preserve the Blues’ status.

Relegation for Everton would be disastrous – but it’s worth bearing in mind that relegation was disastrous for Manchester City in 1996.

It was also disastrous for Newcastle twice in 2009 and 2016.

It is undoubtedly an unbearable prospect. But it doesn’t mean terminal decline.

Can Everton ever be great again?

Keep up to date with everything Everton

Southampton – Adam Blackmore, BBC Radio Solent

Financially, the impact of relegation for Saints would be largely mitigated by parachute payments, the sale of some senior players and through the financial commitment from owners Sports Republic.

But the biggest impact would be on the club’s model of buying top young talent from around the world, and developing it to make big profits in the future.

Players of similar ability to Romeo Lavia or Armel Bella-Kotchap will not want to come to Saints to play in the Championship, you would suspect.

The only upside to that is the Saints academy players may get more of a chance to push towards the first team, rather than see the club bring in talented 18 and 19-year-olds from other clubs.

Relegation for Saints would also impact the calibre of manager they can attract in the summer.

Follow all the latest Saints news on our dedicated club page

Reports /TrainViral/

Football

Argentina beat Colombia to vin 16th Copa

Published

5 months ago

July 15, 2024

Argentina beat Colombia to win a record 16th Copa America but the game was marred by the kick-off being delayed by 80 minutes because of trouble outside the ground in Miami.

Lautaro Martinez struck in the second half of extra time from Giovani lo Celso’s through ball to secure the win.

Captain Lionel Messi was left in tears when he had to be replaced midway through the second half after injuring himself while chasing for the ball – but was celebrating his country’s third successive major tournament at the final whistle.

Kick-off was delayed because of chaos outside the Hard Rock Stadium.

Organisers said ticketless fans tried to get into the ground, leaving some fans waiting for hours in the Miami heat for the gates to open.

Fans and police officers and security clashed with several arrests made. Several supporters needed treatment from paramedics.

On top of that the half-time break lasted for 25 minutes because of a concert by Colombian popstar Shakira on the pitch, a move that was criticised by Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo beforehand.

It was a game of few clear chances in hot, humid conditions, with Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba hitting the woodwork in the first half.

Argentina thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go but Nicolas Tagliafico’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Martinez would end up as the hero – and win the Golden Boot with five goals.

What now for Messi after Copa America glory?

Messi had never won a senior international tournament until the age of 34 and now he has won three in three years after the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.

The final was played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami – which is just over 20 miles from the city of Fort Lauderdale, where Messi’s Inter Miami club play.

The 37-year-old said before this tournament he had yet to make a decision on whether he will play on for his country until the next World Cup, which is also in the US – as well as Canada and Mexico.

His powers seem to be waning and his only goal of the tournament came in the semi-final win over Canada. He missed a penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Ecuador.

In this game he was hurt by a tackle in the first half and hobbled off in the second period, holding an ice pack on his ankle on the bench.

Is this his final major tournament appearance of a legendary career?

It was certainly the final appearance of Angel di Maria’s international career. The 145-times capped player had already announced he would retire from the international stage after this.

Trouble before the game

The delays before the game were more bad news for organisers – with the Hard Rock Stadium due to host games at the 2026 World Cup.

In the semi-finals in Charlotte, Uruguay players clashed with Colombia fans after the final whistle – because they were worried about the safety of their families.

Players’ families were affected too in Miami.

Roberto Garnacho, brother of Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, wrote on social media: “What a shame CONMEBOL, the families not being able to enter the stadium, unbelievable.

“We were with [Argentina defender Marcos Acuna’s] family outside, getting away from the fights… Argentina’s security had to come get us, children of players crying, people entering without tickets.”

Colombia’s wait goes on

Colombia had been unbeaten in 28 games, a run stretching over two years going back to a World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

But their only Copa America triumph remains the 2001 success in their home country.

They had chances against the Argentines, most notably when Cordoba hit the post early on with a hooked volley.

Writtes /BBC/

Reports /Trainviral/

Football

Nunez & Dijk making difference to Liv’s title

Published

10 months ago

March 11, 2024

I know from my own experiences as a Liverpool player that, when you are losing at Anfield then equalise straight after half-time, it does more than give you momentum – it can change the whole feel of a game.

That is what exactly what happened in Sunday’s draw with Manchester City. As soon as Alexis Mac Allister’s spot-kick made it it 1-1, Liverpool put on a real powerhouse performance and they looked like they would go on to win.

Their work ethic, tenacity and intensity in the second half was incredible and It was Darwin Nunez who helped instigate that, firstly by winning the penalty for their equaliser.

Yes, it was a mistake by Nathan Ake, whose poor backpass let him in, but Nunez was switched on and ready for it – and he did not stop there.

Lots of Liverpool players did well after the break but Nunez was the one who really made the difference when they were on top. Like so many other teams this season, City struggled to cope with his physicality and all-round play.

I really do believe his display was as good as any I’ve seen from him since he joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022, which is a strange thing to say about a striker who didn’t score.

I loved his energy and his willingness to run without the ball, hassling City’s backline and stretching their defence, but he also showed great quality with it too. He slipped Luis Diaz in for one of his big chances and was involved in almost all of them in some way.

Nunez was unselfish with so much of his play but he was also unlucky not to get a goal himself when he got a toe to Andy Robertson’s cross. City keeper Stefan Ortega made a great save and, on another day, that goes in.

‘Van Dijk is the one player Liverpool cannot afford to lose’

You don’t get anything against City without defending well too, and I was also really impressed by that side of Liverpool’s performance.

I expect a lot of Reds fans were nervous when they saw the teamsheet before the game, because out of their first-choice back five – including goalkeeper Alisson – only Virgil van Dijk faced the defending champions.

Graphic showing Liverpool's starting XI v Man City: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez, Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott, Nunez, Diaz

Ibrahima Konate’s injury this week meant the whole right side of Liverpool’s defence was very young, with Jarell Quansah next to Conor Bradley. Jurgen Klopp again showed his faith in the kids by playing them, and they both did really well in what was arguably the biggest game of their careers.

It was another example of the brilliant togetherness and belief that has got Liverpool so far this season, and kept them in this title race, and in with a chance of winning four competitions despite being affected by so many injuries.

By that I mean, when the chips are down and some big players are not around for the big games, they do not falter or feel sorry for themselves.

They also don’t sit back, whoever they are playing. One of the big strengths of this team is they don’t change they way they play even when some star names are missing – and still look to play on the front foot.

At the heart of it all, though, is Van Dijk. Some of his passing against City was phenomenal, as always, but on top of that, his last-ditch defending was outstanding.

There was the one-on-one with Erling Haaland where he stayed calm and in control, a crucial far-post header from a Bernardo Silva cross and an important block to deny Phil Foden.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk tackles Manchester City forward Phil Foden — Van Dijk has started 26 Premier League games for Liverpool this season, more than any other Reds player

It was a monumental performance, exactly when it was needed, by a guy who was surrounded by several players who had not played in an occasion like this before, and one that some people viewed as a title decider.

Van Dijk has been terrific all season, of course, but this particular game showed the importance of his presence.

Konate could miss a couple of games and Liverpool will be fine. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have been out for several weeks already, and the biggest compliment I can pay to Caoimhin Kelleher is that he never looks like a back-up goalkeeper when he replaces Alisson.

Klopp has also got the numbers to rotate in midfield and all the front players have had injuries at some point this season. But, at the moment, Van Dijk is the one player they cannot afford to lose.

That’s how important he is to their title hopes, and where their whole season goes from here.

Why the run-in will be a rollercoaster ride

Snapshot of the top of the Premier League: 1st Arsenal, 2nd Liverpool, 3rd Man City, 4th Aston Villa, 5th Tottenham & 6th Man Utd

Sunday’s game was a brilliant watch, with such quality on show from both sides.

If Diaz had taken one of his chances then, with the Anfield crowd and the momentum Liverpool had at that stage, I feel like they would have probably seen City off.

Credit to City, though, because they hung in there and had a couple of excellent chances in the second half themselves.

Jeremy Doku hit the post after Kelleher had denied Phil Foden at a really crucial time and, for all the opportunities Liverpool created, they could still have been beaten.

When the dust settles, I think they will be content with the result – they have now played and drawn with City twice in the Premier League, and they are still a point ahead of them with 10 games to go.

Liverpool could soon be in an even stronger position, because City play Arsenal in their next league game, on 31 March. At least one of their title rivals will drop points then, but it would be naïve to think that game will decide anything.

We have got three brilliant teams in this title race, who have all got great strength in depth. But I am not convinced any of them will go on from here and win every game in the run-in, which Liverpool and City have both done in previous seasons, because they have all appeared a bit vulnerable at times.

Look at Arsenal – they have been on this amazing goalscoring run but they still needed Aaron Ramsdale to make a couple of great saves in their win over Brentford on Saturday, and had to wait to score a late winner.

There were some nerves involved in their performance, inevitably, and there are plenty more of those to come.

The one team you would not expect to suffer in that way, emotionally, are City because of what they have been doing for so many seasons now. But I still expect it to be a rollercoaster ride for all three teams and it would not surprise me if they are all still involved with a couple of games to go.

It is going to be fascinating to watch it unfold, whoever you support. Even if you have a fondness for one of the teams, every football fan loves watching close competition with jeopardy involved.

— Reports /TrainViral/

Football

ManCity midfielder the best in the P League

Published

10 months ago

March 4, 2024

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after Sunday’s Manchester derby that midfielder Phil Foden was the “best player in the Premier League right now”.

And Foden has a strong case for that accolade, having scored six goals and provided an assist in his past seven league games.

Using the past 10 rounds of Premier League matches, BBC Sport look at who might currently be its ‘best’ player.

Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Foden scored twice in a 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday as City stayed firmly in the hunt for the title.

The 23-year-old has scored 11 Premier League goals this season and assisted seven – putting him joint-eighth in the rankings for those categories.

Guardiola: “What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable.”

BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray: “If England were playing their first match at the Euros later today, I think you would expect to see Bukayo Saka on the right, probably Phil Foden on the left, Harry Kane through the middle and Jude Bellingham in the number 10 position.”

Analysis: How Foden became Guardiola’s ‘go-to man’

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Haaland tops the Premier League goalscoring charts on 18 – two clear of everyone else. That is despite missing five matches so far this season.

Having featured in City’s past seven games since returning from injury, Haaland has scored four league goals and set one up in that time, as well as hitting five goals in an FA Cup fifth-round victory at Luton Town.

Guardiola: “With top scorers or strikers who score a lot of goals, don’t criticise because he will shut your mouth, that’s for sure.”

Former City midfielder Michael Brown: “He’s got that power, he’s got that dedication. That hunger to finish. We’ve seen him mix up his goals. It’s difficult to just not let him do what he does.”

Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri — Manchester City are unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League matches

Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

City midfielder De Bruyne has been in superb form since returning from a hamstring injury which meant he missed the first five months of the season.

He has scored once and claimed four assists in seven league games, despite only starting four of them. He also got four assists in the FA Cup win at Luton.

Guardiola: “He is a special player. He is a legend.”

Former City defender Micah Richards: “We talk about lots of players being world class but Kevin is different. He always seems to gauge exactly what the game needs – and he delivers, all the time.”

Rodri (Manchester City)

Rodri has always been capable of producing big moments when it matters – and the midfielder is on a 59-match unbeaten run in City colours.

Naturally a defensive midfielder, he has added more going forward of late, with three goals and three assists in his past 10 league games.

Guardiola: “He’s the best midfield player in the world currently by far because he is able to do everything.”

Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer: “It’s just a joy to share a football pitch with him. You don’t say that about a lot of players.”

Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Darwin Nunez — Darwin Nunez scored a stoppage-time winner for Liverpool at Nottingham Forest on Saturday

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool captain Van Dijk has been one of the few mainstays in a title-challenging Liverpool side blighted by injuries.

In the Reds’ past 10 league games, Van Dijk has scored once, helped keep three clean sheets and also scored the winning goal in last month’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: “Virgil van Dijk, from the first day since he stepped into Liverpool FC, is absolutely outstanding.”

BBC Sport journalist Luke Reddy: “Van Dijk has been a ‘colossus’ in recent weeks.”

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

Uruguayan striker Nunez has been in fine form for the Reds of late, and scored the last-gasp winner at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In Liverpool’s past 10 league games, Nunez has played nine, scoring six goals and getting an assist.

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Ljinders: “Each game, he can create six chances just by himself.”

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty: “I think Nunez has loads of ability and his stats alone tell you what an impact he has on games. Not one goes by where he does not have influence of some sort.”

Bukayo Saka (left) and Declan Rice (right) both scored in last month’s 6-0 win at West Ham United

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Since a British-record transfer to Arsenal in the summer, England midfielder Rice has been a key part of the Gunners’ title challenge this season.

Despite his defensive responsibilities, he has scored once and provided four assists in the Gunners’ past 10 league games.

Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown: “Declan Rice can do every bit of being an all-round midfielder.”

BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone: “I am a huge Declan Rice fan and he could turn out to be the difference between Arsenal fading away in the title race, as they did last season, and really going for it.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

A strong contender for the Premier League’s most in-form player is England winger Saka.

In his past 10 league outings, Saka has scored eight goals, including two apiece against West Ham and Burnley, and added an assist.

BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone: “[The best player in the league] is between four – Haaland, De Bruyne, Salah and Saka. Whoever wins the title is the best.”

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin: “There were plenty of players who caught the eye in Arsenal’s win at Turf Moor, but Bukayo Saka being back close to his best was as important as anything else.”

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Watkins is a player who can go under the radar but is certainly a contender. He is ranked top for direct goal involvements and joint-top for assists this season.

In Villa’s past 10 league games, he has seven goals, four assists and is the only player to pass into double figures in both categories this season.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery: “His commitment is brilliant and the consequence is this when he works hard every day.”

Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer: “He’s having the season of his life. The form he is in, he is not hoping to score, but expecting to score.”

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

One of the few bright sparks for Chelsea this season has been midfielder Palmer. He has scored four times and provided the same number of assists in the Blues’ past 10 Premier League matches.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino: “He is an important player for us. He is a decisive player. I am so pleased with him.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: “It is not just goals and assists, it is the quality. He is an incredible threat for Chelsea.”

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

West Ham winger Bowen is having his best ever Premier League scoring season. having netted 14 times so far.

In the Hammers’ past 10 league matches, Bowen has scored five goals and provided two assists – including his first career hat-trick against Brentford.

West Ham United manager David Moyes: “Some of his performances recently have gone unnoticed because we haven’t won.”

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes to TNT Sports: “You can see Real Madrid, Man City, Arsenal all wanting him. He is a unit and reminds me a bit of Eric Cantona.”

Alphonse Areola (West Ham)

A left-field shout, but from a numbers perspective it is hard to ignore Areola.

In the past 10 games, he’s kept three clean sheets and averaged 5.8 saves per game. He also has the highest save percentage in the Premier League, has made more than 100 saves, conceded four fewer goals than his expected goals against tally suggests he should have, and is the only goalkeeper to save multiple penalties so far this season.

West Ham manager David Moyes: “Our goalkeeper played brilliantly well. He made several saves today that probably stopped Everton getting a result.”

And the rest…

Among those to narrowly miss out are forwards Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United) – all overlooked because of recent injury issues.

Honourable mentions also go to John Stones (Manchester City), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Ross Barkley (Luton Town), Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool) and Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur).