Thursday, May 7, 2026

^ ^ Amad Diallo reveals problem Manchester United had under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United v West Ham United - Premier League
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United reign did not look like much fun for anyone (Picture: Getty Images)

Amad Diallo has hailed the togetherness of the Manchester United squad under Michael Carrick, painting a bleak picture of life under Ruben Amorim.

The Ivory Coast international was one of the few Red Devils players who seemed to shine at times under Amorim, but ultimately his stint in charge was a very poor spell in the club’s history.

The Portuguese coach was dismissed in January and that has proved to be a good move from the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Carrick has stepped in as interim boss and the results have been vastly improved, with Manchester United returning to the Champions League next season.

Whether the former England midfielder will get the job permanently is yet to be announced, but Amad says the atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic under Carrick and his staff.

Certainly a lot better than it was under the previous regime when he suggests that every mistake from a player caused an issue.

‘I think the biggest change maybe is because the team is now more impactful,’ Amad told Sky Sports. ‘Like in the dressing room, we are really together.

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Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League
Michael Carrick has been a hit with the Manchester United players (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Every mistake is not a problem, your mistake is my mistake, so we are a team that doesn’t care if you do a mistake, you go again, so we go forward, we want to win as a team.

‘That’s something that changed the team, and I think it’s also because of Michael Carrick and his staff — don’t forget also Trav [coach Travis Binnion] and the other staff.

‘They are really important for the team, and they bring that kind of energy to the team, and that is very important.’

Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League
Under-21s coach Travis Binnion has stepped up to first team duties (Picture: Getty Images)

It would be very unlikely for current players to do anything but praise their manager, but it does seem that Carrick has the support of the squad to remain in his role next season.

‘Honestly, it’s not the player who decides who is going to stay here next season, but what I can say [is] everyone is happy to have him as manager,’ said the 23-year-old. ‘Everyone is with him.

‘He’s that manager who has a good relationship with every player, so we are really happy to have him as manager and, yeah, we will be happy if we have him next season as manager.’

Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League
Kobbie Mainoo scored Manchester United’s crucial third against Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images)

After scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, Kobbie Mainoo said the players could not be any more firmly behind the interim manager.

‘He’s [Carrick] played a huge part,’ the midfielder said of the Red Devils’ ressurgence. ‘The confidence in not just me but all the players.

‘You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch. That’s what we showed today.’

Manchester United have little to play for in their remaining three games, but can cement at least third place when they go to Sunderland on Saturday.


^ ^ Jamie Carragher delighted as Women’s Football Awards ‘continues to flourish’

Jamie Carragher is back to host the ceremony alongside Gabby Logan (Picture: Getty)

Jamie Carragher and Toni Duggan have hailed the continued growth of the Women’s Football Awards ahead of the fourth edition in London tonight.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with Metro, it has quickly become a major and influential awards event for women’s football across Britain and Europe

And the flagship event will once again celebrate the game’s brightest stars, trailblazers and game-changers – both on and off the pitch – in a star-studded event featuring many of the biggest names in the sport.

Former Liverpool defender Carragher will return to co-host the night for a fourth successive year, and is delighted to see how rapidly the awards have grown.

‘This night has just continued to flourished, hasn’t it,’ he told Metro ahead this year’s awards.

‘Over the last decade or so, women’s football feels like it’s getting bigger and bigger each year, and it’s been great to play my part with this night.

‘Once I got involved with it, I enjoyed it, and kept doing it. And as with the women’s game, each year the awards are growing and getting bigger and better.’

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FBL-EUR-C1-WOMEN-ARSENAL-LYNONNES
Alessia Russo won Player of the Year at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards (Picture: Getty)

The rapid growth of the WSL in recent years means players from six different countries have been shortlisted for the two main awards.

And Carragher believes that ‘internation flavour’ will only help the league become the standout product in women’s domestic football.

‘It’s similar to the men’s Premier League – you want the best of everything,’ he added. ‘You want the best players in the world, the best managers but also a pathway for young English players and obviously young English girls as well.

‘So it’s always about striking that right balance between the two. I don’t think you can probably ever get that perfect with lots of people’s eyes because we’re all probably want slightly different things.

England v Spain - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024/25 Grp A3 MD2
Former England footballer Toni Duggan is an ambassador for the Women’s Football Awards (Picture: Getty)

‘But I think you do have to have that international favour in a league. We’ve seen the strength of the Premier League and that definitely only helps the WSL.’

Headlining the shortlist for the standout individual honour is Bunny Shaw, who has enjoyed another prolific season in front of goal for Manchester City.

The Jamaica international won Player of the Year back in 2024, and former Lionesses star Duggan, an ambassador for the Women’s Football Awards, would not be surprised to see the 29-year-old claim it again tonight.

‘She’s been absolutely incredible,’ Duggan told Metro. ‘I love Bunny as a player. I met with her recently for an interview, and even off the pitch, I think her enthusiasm and her ability to want to achieve more is so impressive.

Manchester United v Manchester City - Barclays Women's Super League
Bunny Shaw is the favourite to take home the main award (Picture: Getty)

‘She’s had so much success as well due to the players around her, and I think she would say that herself. Her and Viv [Miedema] staying fit has helped Man City so much, and when you add in the likes of Lauren Hemp supplying her to get those goals.

‘I think City as a whole have had a fantastic season but Bunny is just unstoppable when she gets them oportunities If she wins, it wouldn’t be a surprise to me. She’d definitely have my vote.’

Thursday’s event will also look to celebrate the important figures and organisations that work behind the scenes to help drive the sport forward, which reprsents a vital part of the awards for Duggan.

‘I think that’s what makes me the most proud with these awards,’ she added. ‘I came through in a generation where we actually had a lot of success compared to those who came before us when the game wasn’t professional, when there weren’t the opportunities that I have.

‘So it’s kind of to thank those people, to recognise those people, to also recognise the people behind the scenes that people aren’t too familiar with.

‘Because there’s people putting in so much effort behind the scenes in women’s football, whether it be brands, whether it be partnerships, kit men, people in the canteen.

‘There are so many trailblazers that need to deserve to be recognised. So the Women’s Football Awards brings that opportunity to recognise these people, and not just the footballers on the pitch.’

SHEIN Women’s Football Awards shortlist

Player of the Year

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Bunny Shaw (Manchester City)
Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City)
Jess Park (Manchester United)
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Kiko Seike (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)

Young Player of the Year

Tōko Koga (Tottenham Hotspur)
Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City)
Michelle Agyemang (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses)
Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Grace Clinton (Manchester City)
Aoba Fujino (Manchester City)
Nelly Las (Leicester City)
Ruby Mace (Everton)
Lenna Gunning-Williams (Tottenham Hotspur)

International Player of the Year

Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich)
Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)
Alèxia Putellas (Barcelona)
Romée Leuchter (Paris Saint-Germain)
Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
Claudia Pina (Barcelona)
Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)
Tessa Wullaert (Inter Milan)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
Victoria López (Barcelona)

Club of the Year

Manchester City
Wrexham
London City Lionesses
Manchester United
Chelsea
Glasgow City
Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal
Charlton Athletic
Hearts
Brighton & Hove Albion

Media Figure of the Year

Kelly Cates
Karen Carney MBE
Lianne Sanderson
Laura Woods
Reshmin Chowdhury
Alex Scott MBE
Mina Ibrahim
Suzanne Wrack
Katie Whyatt
Faye Carruthers
Mollie and Rosie Kmita

Best Marketing Campaign

Sports Direct & Fresh Base Productions – Legacy Starts Here
AXA – Keep On Kicking
Lidl – Never Stop Growing
Adidas & Intersport – Make Football Their Game
Chelsea & Here We Flo – We Don’t Bleed Blue. We Bleed. Period.
PepsiMAX & Hope&Glory – Thirsty for More
Unilever – Hellmann’s Russo Burger
The FA & Disrupt – Made For This Game
WSL Football & Anomaly – Watch This
Nike & Wieden+Kennedy London – IIOME
Heineken – Cheers to the Superstitious Fans

Best Grassroots Initiative

Liverpool FA – She Inspires
GoCardless – Grassroots Football Partnership
Tottenham Hotspur Foundation – Girls & Women Programme
Flutter UK & Ireland – Cash4Clubs
McDonald’s – Fun Football
Steven Gerrard Academy – Girls Football Programme
Electric Ireland – Game Changers NI
Starling Bank – Kick On With Starling
Octopus Energy – Kits For Kids
Manchester City – City in the Community
SP Energy Networks – Wrexham Partnership

Brand of the Year

Lucozade Sport
Adidas
EA Sports
British Gas
Skoda UK
Rexona
Barclays
Adobe
Three UK
VISA
Nike

Best Social Media

Juventus
The FA – Lionesses
Chelsea
Newcastle United
Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur
Bristol City
Manchester United
Rangers
Manchester City
Adobe – Women’s FA Cup

Global Impact Award

PlayStation
VisitMalta
VISA
Adidas
Iberdrola
PepsiCo
Booking.com
Amazon
Google Pixel
Kynisca
Nike

Best Fan Engagement

Disney+
EA Sports
Chelsea
London City Lionesses
Birmingham City
Panini
Glasgow City
Havas Play
Charlton Athletic
TikTok
YouTube

Legal Team of the Year

Linklaters
RPC
Thackray Williams
Evelyn Partners
Lawrence Stephens Limited
Penningtons Manches Cooper
Tottenham Hotspur Legal Team
Capital Law
Mills & Reeve
Paul Robinson Solicitors
Bird & Bird

Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award

Admiral
Lidl
Adobe
Unilever
Domestic & General
Xero
Apple
RSK
Bute Energy
The Premier League
Deloitte

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Arsenal
EE
Pixel FC Academy
The FA
West Ham United
Mastercard
Utilita
Brighton & Hove Albion
VISA
Three UK
Liverpool

Community Impact Award

Sunderland
Carpenters Group
Bristol City
Crane Worldwide Logistics
Her Game Too
Xero
London City Lionesses
Domis
Brighton & Hove Albion
E.ON
Goals4Girls

Football Business of the Year

ORRECO
Mercury13
We Are Athlete
CAA SPORTS
Gravity Media
LiveScore Group
Foudys
EA Sports
Kynsica
Sportfive
Twenty3

Football Agency of the Year

Wasserman
CAA SPORTS
CMG SPORTS
Gen Z Football
Ignite Talent
Tongue Tied Management
PLG
A&V Sports Group
Gestifute
Livida Sport
Quantum Sport

Football Business Trailblazer

Kay Cossington
Aki Mandhar
Maggie Murphy
Sarah Batters
Zoe Johnson
Jemma White
Sola Kasali
Charlotte O’Neill
Laura Downey
Laura Montgomery
Liz Ellen

Best Breakthrough Business

E.l.f Beauty
Modibodi
Mercedes-Benz UK
Airbnb
British Gas
Guinness
AFTA Studios
PLG
Revolut
Skechers
Crocs EU

Women’s Football Champion

Rose Read
Nadine Kessler
Nikki Doucet
Jemma White
Michele Kang
Ebru Köksal
Debbie Hewitt MBE
Joelle Murray
Rachel Pavlou
Simone Pound MBE
Vic Akers OBE

Game Changer Award

Rachel Yankey OBE
Gillian Coultard MBE
Eartha Pond
Shelley Kerr MBE
Kelly Smith MBE
Nikita Parris
Ellen White MBE
Gilly Flaherty
Fran Kirby
Ini Umotong
Jess Fishlock MBE

Off The Pitch Award

Stephen Lansdown CBE
Michael Williamson
Matt Johnson
Bethan Woolley
Tammy Parlour MBE
Lungi Macebo
Rachel Pavlou
Liz Ellen
Lola Ogunbote
Helen Hardy
Jo Osborne

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^ ^ This is why the Women’s Football Awards mean so much

Arsenal FC v FC Bayern München - UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25 Group Stage MD6
Lianne Sanderson is delighted the Women’s Football Awards have become such an impactful event (Picture: Getty)

There are moments in football that feel long overdue. Moments that make you pause and think: why did this take so long?

The Women’s Football Awards is one of those moments – and as we approach the 2026 ceremony, it feels bigger, bolder and more important than ever.

The event was established in 2023 and it was the first time any awards event took place to celebrate achievements in women’s football. Think about that. Generations of players, pioneers and game-changers and only recently did we finally create a stage dedicated entirely to them.

I know that other awards events have taken place for the men’s game for decades, and so this was so welcome. Not just welcome – necessary.

But what makes these awards so special now is not just about correcting the past, it’s about celebrating the present and shaping the future in real time.

Yes, this event has rightly shone a light on figures who were overlooked for far too long.

Carol Thomas, an England international who earned over 50 caps and was part of the Lionesses’ early rise, representing her country with distinction when the women’s game had far less visibility and support.

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Gabby Logan will help hosts the ceremony alongside Jamie Carragher

Kerry Davis, a history-maker as the first Black woman to score for England, a striker who delivered time and time again while breaking barriers. Their stories matter. Their impact matters. And it’s been powerful to see them honoured on a stage they always deserved.

Meanwhile, this event is packed with the stars of today’s game too. Players like Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Alexia Putellas – all recognised in previous years – show just how far the women’s game has come. These are global names, elite athletes, and role models inspiring the next generation every single day.

And the future is just as exciting. Talents like Maya Le Tissier, Vivianne Miedema, Michelle Agyemang and Bunny Shaw are among this year’s nominees as well.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Hannah Hampton of Chelsea gestures during the Subway Women's League Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Joie Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
Hannah Hampton is in the running to win Player of the Year (Getty Images)

What I love most about the Women’s Football Awards is that it doesn’t just celebrate what happens on the pitch. It shines a light on the people behind the scenes – the ones pushing the game forward every single day. People like Yvonne Harrison from Women in Football, who was recognised in 2024, for her incredible work to elevate the game and create opportunities for others. That kind of impact is priceless.

And this year, the awards will celebrate Manchester Corinthians and their pioneering work as women footballers – a team that refused to let the women’s game fade away, travelling the world and keeping its spirit alive in the face of adversity. That legacy runs through everything we see today.

A room full of talent. A celebration of excellence. A moment where the past, present and future of the women’s game all stand side by side.

And let’s not forget the importance of those who believed in it from day one. This is more than an awards ceremony. It is a statement of intent. It is a celebration of how far we’ve come – and a reminder of how far we’re going.

This is a remarkable celebration of the game. Long may it continue.

SHEIN Women’s Football Awards shortlist

Player of the Year

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Bunny Shaw (Manchester City)
Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City)
Jess Park (Manchester United)
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Kiko Seike (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)

Young Player of the Year

Tōko Koga (Tottenham Hotspur)
Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City)
Michelle Agyemang (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses)
Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Grace Clinton (Manchester City)
Aoba Fujino (Manchester City)
Nelly Las (Leicester City)
Ruby Mace (Everton)
Lenna Gunning-Williams (Tottenham Hotspur)

International Player of the Year

Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich)
Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)
Alèxia Putellas (Barcelona)
Romée Leuchter (Paris Saint-Germain)
Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
Claudia Pina (Barcelona)
Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)
Tessa Wullaert (Inter Milan)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
Victoria López (Barcelona)

Club of the Year

Manchester City
Wrexham
London City Lionesses
Manchester United
Chelsea
Glasgow City
Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal
Charlton Athletic
Hearts
Brighton & Hove Albion

Media Figure of the Year

Kelly Cates
Karen Carney MBE
Lianne Sanderson
Laura Woods
Reshmin Chowdhury
Alex Scott MBE
Mina Ibrahim
Suzanne Wrack
Katie Whyatt
Faye Carruthers
Mollie and Rosie Kmita

Best Marketing Campaign

Sports Direct & Fresh Base Productions – Legacy Starts Here
AXA – Keep On Kicking
Lidl – Never Stop Growing
Adidas & Intersport – Make Football Their Game
Chelsea & Here We Flo – We Don’t Bleed Blue. We Bleed. Period.
PepsiMAX & Hope&Glory – Thirsty for More
Unilever – Hellmann’s Russo Burger
The FA & Disrupt – Made For This Game
WSL Football & Anomaly – Watch This
Nike & Wieden+Kennedy London – IIOME
Heineken – Cheers to the Superstitious Fans

Best Grassroots Initiative

Liverpool FA – She Inspires
GoCardless – Grassroots Football Partnership
Tottenham Hotspur Foundation – Girls & Women Programme
Flutter UK & Ireland – Cash4Clubs
McDonald’s – Fun Football
Steven Gerrard Academy – Girls Football Programme
Electric Ireland – Game Changers NI
Starling Bank – Kick On With Starling
Octopus Energy – Kits For Kids
Manchester City – City in the Community
SP Energy Networks – Wrexham Partnership

Brand of the Year

Lucozade Sport
Adidas
EA Sports
British Gas
Skoda UK
Rexona
Barclays
Adobe
Three UK
VISA
Nike

Best Social Media

Juventus
The FA – Lionesses
Chelsea
Newcastle United
Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur
Bristol City
Manchester United
Rangers
Manchester City
Adobe – Women’s FA Cup

Global Impact Award

PlayStation
VisitMalta
VISA
Adidas
Iberdrola
PepsiCo
Booking.com
Amazon
Google Pixel
Kynisca
Nike

Best Fan Engagement

Disney+
EA Sports
Chelsea
London City Lionesses
Birmingham City
Panini
Glasgow City
Havas Play
Charlton Athletic
TikTok
YouTube

Legal Team of the Year

Linklaters
RPC
Thackray Williams
Evelyn Partners
Lawrence Stephens Limited
Penningtons Manches Cooper
Tottenham Hotspur Legal Team
Capital Law
Mills & Reeve
Paul Robinson Solicitors
Bird & Bird

Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award

Admiral
Lidl
Adobe
Unilever
Domestic & General
Xero
Apple
RSK
Bute Energy
The Premier League
Deloitte

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Arsenal
EE
Pixel FC Academy
The FA
West Ham United
Mastercard
Utilita
Brighton & Hove Albion
VISA
Three UK
Liverpool

Community Impact Award

Sunderland
Carpenters Group
Bristol City
Crane Worldwide Logistics
Her Game Too
Xero
London City Lionesses
Domis
Brighton & Hove Albion
E.ON
Goals4Girls

Football Business of the Year

ORRECO
Mercury13
We Are Athlete
CAA SPORTS
Gravity Media
LiveScore Group
Foudys
EA Sports
Kynsica
Sportfive
Twenty3

Football Agency of the Year

Wasserman
CAA SPORTS
CMG SPORTS
Gen Z Football
Ignite Talent
Tongue Tied Management
PLG
A&V Sports Group
Gestifute
Livida Sport
Quantum Sport

Football Business Trailblazer

Kay Cossington
Aki Mandhar
Maggie Murphy
Sarah Batters
Zoe Johnson
Jemma White
Sola Kasali
Charlotte O’Neill
Laura Downey
Laura Montgomery
Liz Ellen

Best Breakthrough Business

E.l.f Beauty
Modibodi
Mercedes-Benz UK
Airbnb
British Gas
Guinness
AFTA Studios
PLG
Revolut
Skechers
Crocs EU

Women’s Football Champion

Rose Read
Nadine Kessler
Nikki Doucet
Jemma White
Michele Kang
Ebru Köksal
Debbie Hewitt MBE
Joelle Murray
Rachel Pavlou
Simone Pound MBE
Vic Akers OBE

Game Changer Award

Rachel Yankey OBE
Gillian Coultard MBE
Eartha Pond
Shelley Kerr MBE
Kelly Smith MBE
Nikita Parris
Ellen White MBE
Gilly Flaherty
Fran Kirby
Ini Umotong
Jess Fishlock MBE

Off The Pitch Award

Stephen Lansdown CBE
Michael Williamson
Matt Johnson
Bethan Woolley
Tammy Parlour MBE
Lungi Macebo
Rachel Pavlou
Liz Ellen
Lola Ogunbote
Helen Hardy
Jo Osborne


Wednesday, May 6, 2026

^ ^ Wesley Sneijder blasts £50m Arsenal star after reaching Champions League final

Wesley Sneijder claims Ben White is not fit to lace Jurrien Timber’s boots (Ziggo Sport)

Wesley Sneijder took aim at Ben White as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions League final on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in the Champions League final for the first time since 2006 as Bukayo Saka’s goal on the stroke of half-time sealed a 1-0 win against Atletico at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal will meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, who play the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday evening.

Sneijder, meanwhile, highlighted the absence of Jurrien Timber, who has missed Arsenal’s last 11 games due to a groin injury, and claims Arteta will struggle to win the Champions League due to a lack of squad depth.

‘You have Timber in your squad, and you think, ‘that’s a good full-back, he’s going to help me’. Then he drops out for a long time and then you have to fit in White… Timber wouldn’t even let him tie his shoelaces,’ Sneijder told Ziggo Sport.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 5: Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal celebrates with Ben White of Arsenal after their sides victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ben White has deputised at right-back with Jurrien Timber out with a groin injury (MB Media/Getty)

‘Arteta cannot field two squads, other teams can. So I don’t think that is justified.’

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‘For years, you have had Liverpool and City in England that you have to compete against. They have much better players. And in Europe, there are many even better players. He [Arteta] is simply doing an impressive job with his team.’

Speaking at half-time, Sneijder was less than impressed with what he saw in the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates.

‘I said after 35 minutes that UEFA needs to intervene,’ Sneijder said during the break.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates progressing to the final of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 with Noni Madueke and Declan Rice of Arsenal after the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Wesley Sneijder believes Mikel Arteta ‘deserves a statue’ for his impact at Arsenal (Getty)

‘They need to call London, ‘just get off the pitch, both of you, and the final will be played tomorrow’. We knew this was going to happen. Atletico in a block, dropping back, and Arsenal having a lot of possession.’

But following Arsenal’s victory, Sneijder heaped praise on Arteta for guiding Arsenal to the final in Budapest on May 30.

‘I can’t say it often enough, people, but he really deserves a statue already,’ Sneijder said.

‘With this team, it is so impressive to reach the final. Leaving all the other world-class teams behind you. I think that is very impressive.’

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^ ^ Vincent Kompany responds to Mikel Arteta ‘different worlds’ comment

FC Bayern München Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany prepares to take on PSG again (Picture: Getty Images)

Vincent Kompany is sympathetic to Mikel Arteta’s ‘different worlds’ comment on the quality produced by Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, due to the intense schedule in England.

The Arsenal manager said the first leg of PSG vs Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals is ‘probably the best game’ he has ever seen.

The defending champions won the game 5-4, with the second leg to come in Munich on Wednesday night.

It was a thrilling spectacle, not just because of the goals, but because of the incredible quality on show from both teams.

Arsenal have now booked their place in the final to face either PSG or Bayern, with Arteta saying he is not surprised by the standard the teams produced, given the relatively light pressure on their players domestically compared to in England.

‘Bayern v PSG is probably the best game I have ever witnessed on the quality of two teams, and especially the individual quality that the players deliver,’ Arteta said last week.

‘I’ve never seen something like this. But when I look at the amount of minutes and the freshness of those players, then I’m not surprised. To deliver those moments of quality, you have to be very fresh and the difference in the leagues and the way they compete is night and day, and you just have to see a lot of stats that have been recently around it.

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Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg
The first leg of PSG vs Bayern was sensational viewing (Picture: Getty Images)

‘We are competing in two different worlds, so you cannot compare one part of that without giving any context to that. I don’t think it’s fair.’

Bayern boss Kompany had no intention of causing a row, understanding where Arteta was coming from with his point.

The Belgian spent 11 years at Manchester City and knows very well the demands placed on the players in England and the unsympathetic nature of pundits and fans.

‘I don’t want to comment too much, but obviously having been in the Premier League for many years, if I read between the lines, it’s basically a calendar discussion,’ Kompany said.

Arsenal FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg
Mikel Arteta celebrated a first Champions League final as Arsenal boss (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I don’t think it’s a criticism on PSG or Bayern Munich or anything like this. It’s that fact that you have 38 games to play, plus the League Cup, plus the FA Cup, you don’t really have a winter break.

‘Then every time someone has a bad game, you go, “well how come they have a bad game?” I think that’s the conversation these guys are having.

‘It’s not for me to jump in, but it’s legitimate. Obviously Jurgen Klopp, being German, how many times has he spoken about this? At that time I was in the league so I understand it. But it’s not my problem to solve at the moment.’

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Arsenal secured their spot in the Budapest final with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday night, completing a 2-1 aggregate victory.

‘An incredible night,’ said Arteta. ‘We made history again together and I cannot be more proud for everyone. The way that we were welcomed outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us, they made it special and unique, I never felt that in the stadium.

‘We knew how much it meant to everybody. The boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.’


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