Football Articles | Mail Online

• 'I told Pep - you do the tactics, I'll take care of the players': FERNANDINHO on being Guardiola's perfect captain, left out of the 2021 Champions League final, his impact on Rodri and Bernardo Silva... and why he could return to Man City17 April 2026, 1:00 am
  Fernandinho was a City captain far earlier than when the armband was eventually given to him. His was a selflessness, a dedication to the cause and an insistence others around him would flourish.
  
• 'The virus spreads through the team, you can't escape it': As Arsenal wobble, those who've bottled title races relive the horror of the wheels coming off - and reveal what you should and definitely SHOULDN'T do to get over the line17 April 2026, 1:00 am
  Kevin Keegan described it as a virus sweeping through his Newcastle dressing room. At Manchester City, Roberto Mancini likened it to a snowball gathering pace down a mountain side.
  
• Nottingham Forest 1-0 Porto (2-1 agg): Hosts set up Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa but injuries to three key men deal Premier League survival hopes a huge blow16 April 2026, 10:19 pm
  TOM COLLOMOSSE: Nottingham Forest moved a step closer to reviving their glorious European history as they prepare to meet Aston Villa.
  
• The making of Rayan Cherki: The 'little a**hole' who has become the Premier League's biggest wind-up merchant16 April 2026, 10:08 pm
  While Arsenal look like a team shackled by the weight of the world on their shoulders, Manchester City are leaning into the pressure of the title race. Nobody reflects that more clearly than Rayan Cherki.
  
• Aston Villa 4-0 Bologna (7-1 agg): Unai Emery's side dominate Italians to book place in Europa League last four as Ollie Watkins brings up his century16 April 2026, 10:05 pm
  JAMES SHARPE AT VILLA PARK: But right when it matters, with Villa in search of Champions League football via either European glory or domestic success, Watkins has found it again.
  
• Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace (2-4 agg): Eagles go into their FIRST-ever European semi-final but suffer key injuries - and here's why they should savour Oliver Glasner's final weeks despite recent fall-out16 April 2026, 9:53 pm
  You wonder, when the floodlights switch off on Oliver Glasner's reign this summer, how much he and Crystal Palace will regret their divorce.
  
• How tiny Gretna went from obscurity to the Scottish Cup final and European football... and why no love lingers for their footballing fairytale in the town that once lived the dream16 April 2026, 7:43 pm
  Scottish football doesn't normally need an excuse to kick back and reminisce.
  
• Real Madrid eye Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino as potential next managers - if they sack Alvaro Arbeloa after Champions League exit to Bayern Munich16 April 2026, 6:33 pm
  TOM COLLOMOSSE: Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday and are nine points adrift of Barcelona in La Liga.
  
• Elliot Anderson ruled out of Nottingham Forest's Europa League clash with Porto after tragic death of his mother16 April 2026, 6:11 pm
  Elliot Anderson is unavailable for Nottingham Forest's Europa League meeting with FC Porto following the death of his mother, the club have announced.
  
• Revealed: Tottenham owners' stance on relegation made clear with North London club fighting to hold onto Premier League status16 April 2026, 5:59 pm
  Spurs are in the relegation zone with six league games remaining. They are still without a league win this year and last month appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their third head coach of the season.
  
• How Leeds United are winning the battle to beat relegation: Insiders reveal Ethan Ampadu's vital role, the surprise player-bonus plan, The Flying Pizza visits, the new best-in-class training facilities and the 'no d***heads' policy16 April 2026, 5:20 pm
  In recent years, April in Leeds has been a time of tension and impending doom. But the emotion now is excitement. So what's changed?
  
• Revealed: How Sunday's crunch clash between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Etihad could lead to a Premier League title play-off16 April 2026, 4:53 pm
  Mikel Arteta's leaders are six points clear of City, who have a game in hand, and know that avoiding defeat will put them within touching distance of winning the top flight for the first time in 22 years.
  
• Lionel Messi BUYS Spanish fifth-tier side based five miles from Barcelona that produced Arsenal star - weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo also took first steps into football ownership16 April 2026, 4:52 pm
  Messi will have full control of the club, based just five miles from Camp Nou, as he looks to life after football.
  
• Why Man City title decider is the right time for Mikel Arteta to hand Max Dowman a start - and bring some flair, confidence and creativity to Arsenal's uninspiring attack, writes ISAAN KHAN16 April 2026, 4:33 pm
  If Arsenal play with such little attacking threat against Manchester City as they did against Sporting then Pep Guardiola will relish the chance to pick their title rivals apart.
  
• Chelsea star set to sign new deal in boost for under-pressure boss Liam Rosenior... in a move owners hope may pacify sceptical fans16 April 2026, 4:25 pm
  Liam Rosenior previously hinted that Chelsea's frustrated fans would see senior players committing their futures to Chelsea and this deal is an example of that.