Europa League
Man Utd Given Huge Europa League Advantage As Bilbao Miss Top Scorers
Manchester United have been handed a major boost ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, with the Basque outfit’s three leading goalscorers this season not a part of their travelling squad.
Oihan Sancet missed the first leg through injury, and the 25-year-old, who has 17 goals and three assists in 32 appearances this term, has not recovered from the issue in time to make the trip to Manchester.
Nico Williams has been struggling with a groin issue in recent weeks, and the forward, who has 11 goals and seven assists in 44 appearances this term, missed out against Real Sociedad in La Liga last time out.
The Spain international has been left out of the squad for the Europa League semi-final second leg, while the same can also be said for Inaki Williams, who has 11 goals and nine assists in 48 matches this term.
Inaki Williams was replaced just past the hour against Real Sociedad at the weekend, and according to reports in Spain, he has been diagnosed with a muscular problem which has ruled him out of the second leg with Man United.
Sanchet, Nico Williams, Inaki Williams will be missing against Man United
Dani Vivian is also out of the match, with the centre-back being sent off in the first leg of the last-four clash.
The Spain international was handed a red card, following advice from VAR, for pulling Rasmus Hojlund to the ground inside the penalty box in the incident that allowed Man United to take a two-goal lead at San Mames.
Man United ultimately recorded a 3-0 victory, placing the 20-time English champions in an incredible position to reach the final, more so now due to the news that Athletic will be missing their three leading goalscorers this season on Thursday night.
Is there any chance for Athletic at Old Trafford?
The beautiful thing about football is that it produces the unexpected.
This tie is not over, and that will be the message from Man United head coach Ruben Amorim ahead of kickoff, as the 20-time English champions simply cannot afford to take their eye off the ball in this encounter.
That said, with a three-goal advantage from the first leg, and Athletic missing three players who have scored 39 times between them this season, it is an incredibly difficult ask for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Man United will be looking to score early at Old Trafford which would take the tie away from their La Liga opponents, and then the Red Devils can look forward to a final against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt.
Sportsmole.co.uk
Europa League
David Moyes Hints Everton Could Be His Final Managerial Stop
Everton manager David Moyes has revealed that his current spell with the Toffees might be the final chapter of his long managerial journey.
In a candid chat with PLZ Soccer, Moyes reflected on his return to the dugout after parting ways with West Ham in 2024. Surprisingly, he confessed that he didn’t expect to manage again — but the thrill of football proved too strong to resist.
“I would probably say yes (Everton is my last job), but you never know how football goes. I actually thought West Ham was my last job, and also because I won a trophy, but I tell you what, I got a bug for maybe doing it again,” said Moyes.
The veteran manager, who famously led West Ham to their Europa Conference League triumph, spoke fondly about his motivation to keep going — his family.
“The thought that I could maybe put another medal around my dad’s neck would be something special, so I’ve got to keep believing that’s a chance and hopefully somewhere down the line that will come around,” he added.
Moyes’ West Ham triumph was a defining moment, marking his first major title as a manager — and one that earned him immense respect across the football world.
Now back at Goodison Park, the Scotsman seems determined to channel that same winning spirit into his Everton side. And while he hinted that this might be his final managerial stop, Moyes’ passion for the game suggests he’s not done surprising fans just yet.
At Sports Market International, we bring you the latest stories, insights, and exclusive takes from the world of football and beyond. Stay tuned — because when it comes to sports news, we’re your number one destination for the best sports blog and market analysis.
Europa League
Anthony Taylor Opens Up On Referee Abuse, VAR Pressure And The “Expectation Of Perfection”
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has spoken candidly about the pressures of modern refereeing, admitting that the abuse he and his family have faced has made him question whether the job is worth it.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Taylor – who has been officiating in the English top flight for almost 15 years – criticised the “expectation of perfection” culture that referees now face, fueled in part by the introduction of VAR and a win-at-all-costs mentality across football.
“Worst Situation I’ve Dealt With” – Abuse After Europa League Final
Taylor described the 2023 Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma as the most difficult moment of his career. After showing 13 yellow cards in a heated contest, he was publicly branded a “disgrace” by Roma boss José Mourinho.
Later, as he passed through Budapest Airport with his family, Taylor was verbally attacked by angry fans.
“That’s the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse,” he admitted. “Not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it highlights the impact of people’s behaviour on others. They haven’t been to one match since.”
Referees Under Mental Health Strain
Taylor believes the win-at-all-costs culture in football creates an unhealthy environment for referees at all levels, from grassroots to the Premier League.
“Every weekend, across parks in the UK, young referees are verbally abused by parents on the sideline. That’s not an environment conducive to people getting better,” he said.
He warned that repeated criticism from pundits, fans, and even ex-referees can damage officials’ mental health.
VAR And Unrealistic Expectations
Since the introduction of VAR in 2019, referees have faced unprecedented scrutiny. Taylor says the technology has created a false idea that mistakes should no longer happen.
“Perfection doesn’t exist. But now referees are expected to get every decision right. One week people say VAR is too forensic, the next week they ask why VAR didn’t intervene. People really need to decide what they want.”
Taylor insists that while scrutiny is necessary, the conversation must be more balanced, acknowledging the positives of refereeing performances as well.
“Best Job In The World” – But At A Cost
Despite the challenges, Taylor insists refereeing still holds unique rewards.
“When it comes down to it, it’s one of the best jobs in the world. You’re right in the centre of the action in the most exciting league in the world.”
At 47, Taylor admits he’s nearing the twilight of his career but hopes to continue at the highest level, with the aim of representing England at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Follow Sports Market International for more insights, interviews, and coverage on the global football landscape.
Europa League
Alessandro Del Piero Tips Kenan Yildiz To Become The Next Juventus Icon
When a legend like Alessandro Del Piero speaks, the football world listens—and this time, his praise is directed at Juventus’ rising star Kenan Yildiz. The young playmaker has been making waves in Turin, and according to Del Piero, he has everything it takes to become a true Bianconeri icon.
The Del Piero Comparison
Yildiz has often been compared to Del Piero for his playing style and characteristics. It’s not every day a Juventus youngster draws parallels with one of the greatest figures in the club’s history, but in Yildiz’s case, the resemblance is striking. Smooth ball control, creativity, and the confidence to take on defenders—it’s almost like fans are catching glimpses of the past in the present.
Del Piero’s Words Of Encouragement
Speaking with TribalFootball, Del Piero was full of admiration for Yildiz.
“From what I’ve seen so far, both on and off the pitch, he doesn’t need advice,” Del Piero said. “He’s a serious guy, who loves to work hard, who wants to become a symbol of this club and be successful, and rightly so. In my opinion, he’s doing it in the right way.”
That’s high praise from a man who spent nearly two decades carving his name into Juventus’ history books.
The Road Ahead For Yildiz
Of course, Del Piero reminded fans and the player himself that challenges are inevitable. “Obviously, there will be difficult moments, more or less positive ones, and in those moments he will have to rely on the right people,” he explained. “I hope he always has the right people around him who can tell him what he needs to hear at that moment.”
For a young player in a pressure-cooker environment like Juventus, staying grounded and surrounded by positive influences might be just as important as his technical skills.
Why Yildiz Could Be Juventus’ Next Symbol
In modern football, finding a player who not only shines on the pitch but also embraces the identity of a club is rare. Juventus fans crave heroes who embody their values, and Yildiz seems determined to be that figure. His work ethic, humility, and hunger for success line up perfectly with what the Bianconeri faithful expect.
Final Whistle
Sports Market International believes stories like Yildiz’s are what make football the most beautiful game in the world. From the praise of legends like Del Piero to the hunger of rising stars, the cycle of football greatness never stops turning. If Kenan Yildiz stays on this path, Juventus might just have their next icon-in-the-making.
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