Football

Pep Guardiola's illustrious tenure at Manchester City is nearing its end, with the legendary manager expected to depart next season. Since his arrival in 2016, Guardiola has transformed City into a European powerhouse, guiding them to six Premier League titles in the past seven seasons. This remarkable achievement includes an unprecedented four consecutive league triumphs, a feat no other club has accomplished.Guardiola's departure is anticipated as his current contract expires at the end of the 2024-2025 season. Despite City's desire to extend his stay, the report suggests that Guardiola is likely to seek a new challenge. The club is already initiating succession planning following their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Guardiola has hinted at his impending departure, stating that he is "closer to leaving than staying." However, he has assured City fans that he will remain at the helm for the upcoming season. Replacing Guardiola will be a daunting task for City, given his profound impact on the club's legacy. Under his guidance, City secured their maiden UEFA Champions League title last season.Despite clinching their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on the final matchday, City's season ended on a sour note with their FA Cup final loss. Guardiola has vowed that the team will bounce back next season, promising to reclaim the FA Cup.The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has committed to seeing out his contract next season, but his long-term future remains uncertain. Guardiola's departure would mark the end of an era for Manchester City, as they bid farewell to one of the most successful managers in their history.

Xavi Hernandez, the legendary Barcelona midfielder, is reportedly in high demand following his departure from the Catalan club. Despite guiding Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and a second-place finish in La Liga, Xavi's tenure was marked by disagreements with the club's hierarchy.According to journalist Pedro Almeida, Chelsea are set to initiate talks with Xavi to assess his potential as their next manager. The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League.Xavi's departure from Barcelona was a surprise, as he had initially announced his intention to leave at the end of the season but later reversed his decision. However, his recent comments about the club's financial struggles and his belief that Barcelona would struggle against European giants next season reportedly irked club president Joan Laporta and other members.During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Xavi compiled an impressive record of 90 wins, 23 draws, and 29 defeats in 142 games. He also led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season.However, Xavi expressed disappointment at the end of the season, feeling that his work was not sufficiently appreciated. "I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake. I have been targeted many times in many situations," he said."I think that the work has not been sufficiently appreciated. This year we haven't been up to the task because of details. We had four key games in which we couldn't finish the good work we had done," he added.Chelsea are reportedly considering Xavi as one of several potential candidates to replace Pochettino. Other managers linked with the Blues include Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, and Enzo Maresca.

Xavi Hernandez's tenure as Barcelona coach came to an end with a bittersweet 2-1 victory at Sevilla on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the La Liga season. Despite finishing second, the Catalans ended the campaign trophyless, but they managed to secure a triumph in Xavi's final match before his departure.Xavi's departure was announced by club president Joan Laporta on Friday, just weeks after Barcelona had declared that he would remain for the following season. The coach had previously stated in January that he intended to resign in the summer.Appointed in November 2021, Xavi led Barcelona to the Spanish title last season. However, this year, his team finished 10 points behind bitter rivals and champions Real Madrid. German coach Hansi Flick is expected to be named as Xavi's successor next week.Xavi acknowledged the challenges that await his replacement. "They should be aware that they are entering a difficult situation because Barca is a demanding club, and there is also an unfavorable financial situation – it will not be easy at all," he told DAZN."I believe that the work we have done has not been sufficiently valued given the difficult circumstances we inherited. When we arrived, Barca was ninth in the table, and we finished second... (then) we won a double, and this year we fell short due to four crucial games."Barcelona suffered defeats in both matches against Real Madrid in La Liga, as well as against third-place neighbors Girona and Villarreal. They ended on a positive note, however, with a victory at Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona an early lead, but Youssef En-Nesyri equalized for Sevilla, whose coach Quique Sanchez Flores is also leaving at the end of the season.One of Xavi's accomplishments during his tenure has been the promotion of young players, including starlets Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, as well as midfielder Fermin Lopez. The 21-year-old put Barcelona back in front in the second half with a low strike from outside the area. Lopez celebrated his goal by embracing Xavi."As a professional, he has given us so much; he worked tirelessly every day for our success," Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen told DAZN. "We are extremely grateful for his time here. We wish him the best – on a personal level, he has been a friend for many years, and it is never easy to see him go."Before the game, some Sevilla fans protested against the board, wearing black and entering the game 10 minutes late, following another disappointing campaign in which the Andalusians finished 14th.

Southampton's triumphant return to the Premier League was sealed with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium. Adam Armstrong's first-half strike proved decisive, sending the Saints back to the top flight after a one-year absence.The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. The club's immediate return to the elite division is a testament to the transformative work of manager Russell Martin, who has instilled a possession-based style of play that has earned widespread admiration.Southampton's dominance in possession was evident throughout the match, as they controlled the ball for the majority of the game. Leeds, who finished three points ahead of Southampton in the regular season, struggled to create clear-cut chances and were ultimately unable to find an equalizer.Armstrong's goal came in the 24th minute, when he latched onto a pass from Will Smallbone and fired a superb strike into the far corner. The goal was a testament to Armstrong's predatory instincts, as he has now scored 24 goals this season.Leeds pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, but Southampton's defense held firm. Daniel James' blast cannoned off the bar, and Alex McCarthy made a crucial save in stoppage time to deny Leeds a late equalizer.The victory is a huge financial boost for Southampton, who are estimated to receive a windfall of £140 million due to the increased revenue streams available in the Premier League. However, it is the prestige of competing with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal that has fueled Southampton's hunger to regain their Premier League status.Southampton's success is a reminder of the importance of a clear philosophy and a belief in a particular style of play. Martin's unwavering commitment to his principles has paid off handsomely, and Southampton can now look forward to another season among the elite.

Bayer Leverkusen capped off a remarkable season by securing the German Cup, defeating second-division Kaiserslautern 1-0 in a hard-fought final in Berlin. The victory marks the club's second trophy of the campaign, having already clinched the Bundesliga title in April.Granit Xhaka's stunning long-range strike in the 16th minute proved to be the decisive moment. However, Leverkusen's triumph was overshadowed by the dismissal of Odilon Kossounou late in the first half, leaving them to battle with 10 men for the remainder of the match.Despite their numerical disadvantage, Leverkusen displayed resilience and determination, holding on to their slender lead. Kaiserslautern, who were aiming to become the first non-top-flight club to lift the Cup since 1992, pushed hard for an equalizer but lacked the cutting edge to break down Leverkusen's resolute defense.Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised his team's spirit and fighting qualities. "To win like that at the end, we showed our team spirit. We fought hard, we did it for everyone, the fans, the club," he said.Alonso also received plaudits from his opposing coach, Friedhelm Funkel, who was managing his final game before retiring. "To go through the Bundesliga season unbeaten, it's madness. That he could flick that switch in his first year, is incredible. I think he'll win many, many titles."Leverkusen's triumph is a testament to their impressive season, which saw them go unbeaten in the Bundesliga and reach the final of the Europa League. The German Cup victory doubles the club's trophy tally in their history, having previously won the competition in 1993 and the UEFA Cup in 1988.

Kylian Mbappe's illustrious chapter with Paris Saint-Germain came to a triumphant end as he bid farewell to the club with a French Cup triumph. The French superstar, whose contract expires this summer, expressed his pride in leaving with his "head held high" after PSG's 2-1 victory over Lyon in the final.Mbappe's departure has been widely anticipated, with Real Madrid heavily linked as his next destination. However, the 25-year-old remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that he would announce his decision "in good time.""I wanted to end things well with my club, with a trophy," Mbappe said. "I think there is a time for everything, and I will announce my future club in good time."Despite not scoring in the final, Mbappe leaves PSG as the club's all-time leading scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances. His seven-year spell in Paris has been marked by six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, and two League Cups, as well as a Champions League final appearance in 2020.Mbappe admitted to feeling emotional ahead of the match, knowing that it would be his last for PSG. "With the protocol before a Cup final, you have a lot of waiting around and so there is a lot of time to think," he said. "You think and so all the memories start to come back. There is all the nostalgia, and the thought that in 90 minutes it will all be over."Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Mbappe expressed gratitude for his time at PSG. "There are only good memories and now I can go out with my head held high, with a trophy as well, so I will only remember the positives," he said.Mbappe will now join the France squad to prepare for Euro 2024, where he will undoubtedly be one of the key players for Les Bleus.

Olivier Giroud bid farewell to AC Milan with a poignant goal in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Salernitana on Saturday. The match marked the final appearance for both Giroud and coach Stefano Pioli, who guided Milan to the 2022 Serie A title.Giroud, who will join Los Angeles FC after Euro 2024, opened the scoring for Milan in the 27th minute. The veteran striker, who scored 49 goals in three seasons with the Rossoneri, was visibly emotional after netting his 17th goal of the campaign.Milan fans paid tribute to Giroud, chanting his name and holding up banners in his honor. The Frenchman, who played a pivotal role in Milan's Scudetto triumph, was substituted with five minutes remaining, prompting a standing ovation from the San Siro crowd.Pioli, who took over Milan in 2019, was also given a warm send-off by fans and players. The Italian coach, who led Milan to the Champions League semi-finals last season, was hoisted on the shoulders of his players at the end of the match."We won and lost together, shared joy and pain together," said Pioli. "You lit a fire in my heart that will not be extinguished. I won't forget you."Milan announced on Friday that Pioli would be leaving at the end of the season. He is reportedly set to be replaced by Lille coach Paulo Fonseca.In other Serie A action, Juventus secured a 2-0 victory over Monza to finish third in the standings. Goals from Federico Chiesa and Alex Sandro in the first half were enough for Juve to end their season on a positive note.Thiago Motta is expected to be appointed as the next Juventus coach after he decided not to renew his contract at Bologna. The former Italy midfielder guided Bologna to a respectable 12th-place finish in Serie A this season.

Real Madrid's legendary midfielder Toni Kroos bid farewell to the Santiago Bernabeu in his final La Liga appearance for the club on Saturday, as the Spanish champions played out a 0-0 draw against Real Betis.Kroos, 34, announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2024, and his departure from Real Madrid marks the end of an illustrious 10-year spell at the Bernabeu. The German maestro has been an integral part of Real Madrid's success in recent years, winning five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and numerous other trophies."It's not easy, I can only say thanks to Madrid, the club, my team-mates, to the stadium, I've always felt at home here in these 10 years, I can't ask for more, they've been 10 unforgettable years," said an emotional Kroos after the match.The draw against Betis was a fitting end to a triumphant campaign for Real Madrid, who have already secured the La Liga title. Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong side, but with nothing at stake, the players did not push themselves too hard.Madrid finished the season with only one league defeat and were unbeaten at the Bernabeu. Atletico Madrid, fourth, finished their campaign with a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad, while Athletic Bilbao beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0.Relegated Almeria earned only their third win of the season to move off the bottom of the table, thrashing Cadiz 6-1. Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth limped off injured in his team's 1-1 draw against Osasuna, leaving the golden boot in the hands of Girona striker Artem Dovbyk, who scored a hat-trick on Friday to move to 24 goals, one ahead of the Norwegian.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) capped off a remarkable season by securing a domestic treble with a 2-1 victory over Olympique Lyonnais in the French Cup final on Saturday. The Ligue 1 and French Super Cup champions dominated the first half at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy, extending their record-breaking Cup title count to 15.Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for PSG in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a cross from Nuno Mendes to head home from close range. Fabian Ruiz doubled the advantage just minutes later, firing a shot from a tight angle that found the back of the net.Lyon fought back in the second half, with Jake O'Brien reducing the deficit with a towering header from a corner. However, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a superb save to deny Lyon an equalizer.Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who failed to find the net in his final game for the club, PSG held on to secure the victory. The French superstar leaves PSG with an impressive record of 256 goals in 308 appearances over his seven-year spell.PSG's triumph marks their first French Cup title since 2021 and completes a historic treble for the club. They have now won all three major domestic trophies in France this season, adding to their Ligue 1 and French Super Cup victories.