Slot explains stay at Feyenoord this afternoon – PSV coach Rutten also speaks
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In this liveblog, we look ahead to the national and international soccer weekend.
Worries for Valencia not over yet
Valencia may still be in 13th place with 40 points from 36 games, but the difference with number 18 Real Valladolid is only two points.
The three teams at the bottom after 38 duels are relegated. Valencia still plays at home against RCD Espanyol and away against Real Betis.
What now for Van Nistelrooij?
Now that Van Nistelrooij has left PSV, his future may lie in England. NOS soccer commentator Arno Vermeulen saw that 46-year-old coach is now named at Tottenham Hotspur, the club that grabbed alongside Feyenoord coach Arne Slot.
Slot staying in Rotterdam is a blessing for Feyenoord, according to Vermeulen. “All English media report that Spurs dropped out because Feyenoord demanded 15 million euros as a ransom. They thought that was too much. Feyenoord is now the number one candidate to prolong the title next year.”
Salah in sack and ashes after missing out on Champions League ticket
Now that Manchester United is certain of a Champions League ticket, it is also clear that Liverpool are condemned to the Europa League next season. Much to the disappointment of Liverpool striker Mo Salah.
“We are Liverpool and so qualification for the Champions League is the minimum. We have disappointed the fans and ourselves,” the Egyptian sighed on Twitter.
Ten Hag makes it to Champions League: ‘That’s where we belong’
Coach Erik ten Hag secured Champions League placement with Manchester United last night. With a 4-1 win over Chelsea, it is now certain that United will finish in the top four.
“I always have high expectations of myself,” Ten Hag said afterwards. “So I also think this club belongs in the Champions League.”
Antony gets injured
By the way, Ten Hag fears a “serious” injury to Antony. The Brazilian striker fell out in the match against Chelsea after half an hour and had to be carried off the field by stretcher.
“We have to wait at least 24 hours and then hopefully we will know more about how serious the injury is,” Ten Hag concluded.
Ten Hag after achieving Champions League soccer: ‘High expectations of myself’
Should Fortuna also look for new trainer?
Not only PSV, but also Fortuna Sittard seems to have to look for a new trainer. Julio Velázquez has announced his departure from Sittard, according to various media.
Velázquez joined Fortuna in September, succeeding the sacked Sjors Ultee. Under the leadership of the flamboyant Spaniard, the Limburgers, now ranked thirteenth, secured another year in the premier league.
Fortuna has not yet confirmed the coach’s departure.
Departure of Van Nistelrooij echoes in Eindhoven
Just a few days before the crucial encounter with AZ, PSV lost coach Ruud van Nistelrooij. He stepped down because he did not feel sufficiently supported.
Assistant coach Fred Rutten will lead the group in Alkmaar on Sunday afternoon, where PSV will visit AZ. He will give a press conference this afternoon at noon.
Watch the commentary by technical director Earnest Stewart, who did not see Van Nistelrooij’s departure coming, below.
Disbelief at PSV: ‘Van Nistelrooij surprised with announcement that he would quit’
Slot did not speak about possible transfer
“There are and have been no transfer talks and yesterday’s discussion was solely about a possible extension,” said Slot, whose agent Rafaela Pimenta was in Rotterdam on Wednesday. “All talks with Feyenoord are only focused on that. I am looking forward to the new season at Feyenoord.”
More explanation about his decision to stay in Rotterdam will be given by Slot in his press conference this afternoon. Updates on that can of course be read in this liveblog.
The state of play in the premier league
Feyenoord have been champions for a long time and the clubs relegated are also known. Still, there is plenty to play for in the premier league this weekend.
PSV needs a draw at AZ to secure their ticket to the Champions League qualifiers. If the Eindhoven players lose, Ajax still has a chance for second place. That team would have to beat FC Twente. With a win over PSV and a defeat by Ajax, AZ climbs to third place.
Heerenveen and Go Ahead play each other and compete with RKC Waalwijk for eighth place, which entitles them to participate in the playoffs for European soccer.
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The program of the final round of play -
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The standings in the premier league
Welcome to this liveblog. You can read the latest news and other developments leading up to the soccer weekend here.
In the premier league, the final round of play is on the cards. PSV, Ajax and AZ will determine who will finish second, third and fourth behind Feyenoord. Even the eighth place is not yet conceded.
Press conferences in Rotterdam and Eindhoven
Today we are at the press conferences of Feyenoord and PSV, clubs where a lot happened this week in terms of trainers.
