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Unai Emery has downplayed potential personal drama ahead of Villarreal's Europa League semi-final date with Arsenal, the club that sacked him two years ago.

He said his past with the Gunners was less important than the task of leading his current team to a shock trophy in the competition and earning the corresponding bid to next season's Champions League.

Villarreal have yet to lose in the Europa League this season, and they finished off a 3-1 aggregate quarter-final win over Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, as Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno each found the net in the space of seven minutes in the first half to effectively put the tie to bed.

What has been said?

"We are happy. It was a challenge, but the trajectory in the Europa League is being very serious and we are responding at a higher level every time," Emery said via Marca. "We have taken the game where we feel more comfortable. We have [managed] it both here and in Zagreb.

"It is a challenge, something that Villarreal has already done. Breaking the barrier of the semi-finals is the great challenge. The idea of ​​reaching the Champions League through the Europa League is very important.

"When I signed here this was [part of the process]. You have to live each moment. We are receiving people's dream. The dream increases. My past at Arsenal is less important."

When is the semi-final?

Villarreal will host Arsenal on April 29 before heading to London for the second leg on May 6.

The Europa League final, should they get that far, is scheduled for May 26.

Further reading

Mikel Arteta has called Villarreal head coach Unai Emery "the most successful manager" left in the Europa League in a show of respect for Arsenal's semi-final opponent and the man who came before him.

The Gunners, who were led by Emery before Freddie Ljungberg's interim reign and Arteta's arrival, advanced past the quarter-final with a 4-0 second-leg romp over Slavia Prague that clinched a 5-1 win on aggregate. Villarreal, meanwhile, dispatched Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 on aggregate.

Just like his predecessor, Arteta has often felt the heat from critics for his squad's performance level, as Arsenal have slumped to ninth in the Premier League this year. His domestic struggles will make the clash with Emery's Villarreal all the more important, with the Europa League representing the only feasible path to the 2021-22 Champions League left for the Gunners.

What has been said?

"It will be really tough and Unai Emery is probably the most successful manager in this competition," Arteta told BT Sport.

"There is still a lot to do and things we can improve on, but we have a real desire to improve and be better every day.

"We started really well in a convincing way, aggressive in our high press. We looked a threat all the time. I really like the reaction of the team to the goal being disallowed. We scored some great goals, The clean sheet is important as well, the second one in two games.

"It helped the way we played against Sheffield United. The players were in high confidence, when performances are so high the collective improves. The boys were really at it from the start.

"It is a really important win in a crucial moment. We won in a convincing way, so credit to the players."

Emery vs Arteta

Emery won 25 of his 51 Premier League matches in charge of Arsenal with a goal differential of +21. Arteta has managed the exact same number of domestic games, winning 22 of them with a goal differential of +19.

Emery was unable to deliver a single piece of silverware during his 18-month tenure at Emirates Stadium, but the current Gunners boss, working in his first-ever job as a top-flight manager, has already delivered FA Cup and Community Shield successes since replacing a fellow Spaniard in December 2019.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained his decision to substitute Paul Pogba at half-time during Manchester United's win over Granada.

United booked their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League after beating Granada 2-0 on Thursday night, thanks to an Edinson Cavani effort and a Jesus Vallejo own goal.

Pogba set up Cavani's opener at Old Trafford, but he was replaced by Donny van de Beek at the interval, which Solskjaer admits was a decision borne out of fear that the midfielder might pick up a red card.

What's been said?

The United boss said to BT Sport after the game: "Sometimes, Paul wants to win so much... he went into a couple of tackles after his yellow card but I thought I don't want to risk that [him being sent off] even though he played so well.

"We missed three today [through suspension]. The season has been hard enough as it is."

What did Pogba say?

Pogba had no ill-feeling towards his manager after being taken out of the firing line, with it his belief that the Granada players identified him as a target after he received a yellow card.

"Some tackles, a yellow card. I had to come off obviously." the Frenchman told BT Sport. "The yellow card was unfortunate. It wasn't a yellow card for me but you have to accept it. We won the game, that's the most important thing.

"I know the foul just after it, I saw all the players trying to get me out. [The manager thought] It's better I come off before red card."

Pogba added on his assist for Cavani's goal: "I made the run and I knew he was behind me. The way the ball went to him was perfect. A beautiful goal."

United make light work of Granada

The Red Devils won the first leg of the tie 2-0 in Spain last week, and didn't take long to increase their aggregate advantage on home soil.

Pogba neatly flicked a header onto Cavani in the box with just six minutes on the clock at Old Trafford, and the Uruguayan produced a fierce first-time effort that flew past the Granada goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood squandered good chances thereafter, but the hosts finally got their second goal when Vallejo turned a beautifully flighted cross from Alex Telles into his own net in stoppage time.

Solskjaer added on his side's latest European performance: "Granada do give you a game. It's a physical game, they throw people forward. You have to defend in these kinds of games.

"2-0, clean sheet, some good individual performances. We're full of confidence going into Sunday [against Burnley]."

Who will United play in the last four?

Solskjaer's men set up a semi-final showdown against Roma after seeing off Granada, as the Italian giants came through their last eight encounter with Ajax 3-2 on aggregate.

"We are looking forward to it. We're in the semis. It feels like a proper European tie because Roma is a club with lots of history," the Norwegian tactician said of United's next opponents. "We've done well against Italian sides before.

"We're going into it hoping to get to the final. If we can finish the season with a trophy that'd be great."

Further reading

Arsenal have earned fans’ praises after they hammered Slavia Prague 4-0 on Thursday to progress to the Uefa Europa League semi-finals.

Alexandre Lacazette's double and lone strikes from Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka helped Mikel Arteta's men cruise into the next round with a 5-1 aggregate win.

The Gunners put in a commanding display from start to finish unlike last week when they suffered a late blow after Tomas Holes’ stoppage-time header made Slavia Prague hold their hosts  to 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

They are scheduled to face former manager Unai Emery and Villarreal in the semi-final, but many football enthusiasts lauded Arsenal for making them happy with Thursday's result and their performance.

Arsenal are on their most prolific run of away form in almost 89 years after their Europa League success against Slavia Prague.

The Gunners sealed their place in the Europa League semi-finals with a 4-0 away win on Thursday thanks to an Alexandre Lacazette double and goals from Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka. 

The victory saw Mikel Arteta's team win the tie 5-1 on aggregate to set up a clash against Villarreal in the final four.

Arsenal on fire away from home

The win in Czech Republic is the fourth away game in a row in which the north London side have scored three or more goals.

Arteta's men netted three times in matches at Olympiacos, West Ham and Sheffield United in the lead up to Thursday's success.

The last time Arsenal went on a stream of scoring three or more goals away from home was in December 1932, which was a run of five.

Lacazette nets another double

Lacazette has now scored a double twice in a row, having also netted twice in the 3-0 win at Sheffield United on Sunday.

The last time he scored two or more in consecutive games was at the end of his time at Lyon in 2017. The France international scored two goals in three games in a row for the Ligue 1 side.

He has now scored 17 times in the knockout stages of the Europa League since the 2010 and only Radamel Falcao and Kevin Gameiro have netted more.

Saka impressing in Europa League

Meanwhile, Saka's goal took his tally in the Europa League up to four.

No teenager has scored more in Europe for Arsenal, with only Charlie George and Ray Kennedy matching his figure.

Further reading

Bukayo Saka says Arsenal have a real chance of winning the Europa League after their rout of Slavia Prague, and claims their latest performance "shows everyone how exciting we can be".

Arsenal bounced back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Slavia in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at Emirates Stadium by picking up a comprehensive 4-0 victory in the Czech Republic on Thursday night.

Saka was among the scorers as the Gunners booked a last-four clash with Villarreal, and he is confident they can now go all the way in the competition after flexing their attacking muscles at the Sinobo Stadium.

What's been said?

"It was fantastic from start to finish. We did it for all the fans, they all deserve it for all the support they give us. We are really happy to progress," the Arsenal winger told BT Sport.

"We showed real character. The first one was disallowed, Emile deserved a goal, we kept going and got the first one again. We pretty much killed the game in the first half.

"In the first leg we played well but weren't clinical, credit to the manager and coaching staff, the way we set up, pressed, they couldn't get out.

"It shows everyone how exciting we can be, when we play like this it is so amazing to be involved in. We have a chance of going to the final and winning this competition, it is up to us. We look forward to the next opponent."

Arsenal put Slavia to the sword

The Gunners went at their Czech opponents right from the first whistle in the second leg clash, and found themselves in front after just 18 minutes when Nicolas Pepe dinked the ball into the net after being teed up by Emile Smith Rowe.

Alexandre Lacazette then doubled the visitors' account from the penalty spot after Saka was fouled in the box, and the teenager got his goal moments later when he cut in from the right-wing before firing the ball low past the goalkeeper at his near post.

Lacazette added extra gloss to the final scoreline with a trademark finish 13 minutes from time as Arsenal progressed to the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate.

What's next?

Arsenal will now turn their attention back to the Premier League, with a home fixture against Fulham scheduled to take place on Sunday.

Further reading

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker disclosed that Sadio Mane has not been in his best form for Liverpool this season while Mohamed Salah has been the best forward in Jurgen Klopp’s set-up.

Parker suggested the Reds’ inability to convert chances remains their biggest problem after they were held to a goalless draw by Real Madrid on Wednesday, which saw them crash out of the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate loss.

This season, Mane has 12 goals to his name across all competitions while Salah has scored 28 goals so far.

Despite the duo's contributions, Parker has urged Jurgen Klopp to boost his attacking options ahead of next season with the reigning Premier League champions set to end 2020-21 campaign without a trophy.

“While people talk about them missing their centre halves this season, I think their biggest issue has been missing golden opportunities, and that, for me, has been their biggest problem,” Parker wrote in his column for Euro Sport.

“Mohamed Salah has been their best forward, but Sadio Mane has had an ‘off’ season. Not just failing to score the goals but in terms of his performances too. Roberto Firmino has been so in and out.

“Long term, I think if they're going to do anything next season, they have to freshen up the front line. Maybe have a better player to bring off the bench rather than Divock Origi. If they sort their front line out and start scoring goals again then you will definitely see Liverpool challenging next season.”

With 19 goals in the Premier League this term, Salah is the joint-leading top scorer in the English top-flight with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane but Liverpool are sixth in the table – three points adrift of the Champions League qualification spot.

Following Wednesday's disappointment, the Reds will shift their attention to Monday's league fixture at Leeds United with the aim of boosting their chances of European football season.

Samuel Chukwueze provided an assist as Villarreal secured a 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the second leg quarter-finals of the Europa League game on Thursday night. 

The victory ensured Unai Emery’s men advanced into the semifinals of the competition on a 3-1 aggregate.

The 21-year-old was handed a starting role in the encounter, forming a three-man attack for the Yellow Submarine along with Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno.

The Nigeria international made a key contribution in the encounter to help his side return to winning ways after losing against Osasuna in their last league game.

Villarreal dominated the first half of the game and came close to opening the scoring a number of times before eventually breaking the deadlock in the 36th minutes.

 Chukwueze found Alcacer with a fine pass and the forward controlled the ball before firing his effort into the back of the net beyond the reach of goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Moments before the half-time break, Moreno doubled the lead for the Yellow Submarine with a well-taken effort after pouncing on a loose ball.

Dinamo Zagreb made several attempts to try and reduce the deficit after the restart of the second half. Damir Krznar’s men pulled one back in the 74th minute through Mislav Orsic after he was set up by Bruno Petkovic.

Villarreal, however, managed to hold on to their lead to secure the victory which ensured they advance into the semi-finals.

Chukwueze featured for 90 minutes, struck six shots, with two on target, made two key passes, completed six dribbles- the most from any player in the game - before making ways for Ruben Pena.

The Super Eagles winger has now made 33 appearances across all competitions for the Yellow Submarine this season, scoring two goals and providing six assists.

He will hope to continue his impressive performances for Villarreal in their next league game against Levante on Sunday.

Chukwueze broke into the Yellow Submarine’s first team in 2018 and has continued to deliver impressive showings for the club.

The winger is also a significant member of the Nigeria national team and has 19 caps for the West African side.

He was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that recently qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Manchester United have "got to keep" Edinson Cavani beyond the end of the season, according to Owen Hargreaves, who says the Red Devils don't need to spend £100 million ($138m) on Harry Kane or Erling Haaland.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been tipped to bring in a new No.9 when the transfer market reopens, with Tottenham captain Kane and Borussia Dortmund talisman Haaland reportedly at the top of his list of targets.

Cavani's future at Old Trafford remains up in the air as he heads towards the final two months of his contract, but Hargreaves has advised United to retain the 34-year-old's services and invest their money in more pressing areas of the pitch.

What's been said?

The former Red Devils midfielder told BT Sport of his admiration for Cavani: "You’ve got to keep him, he’s fabulous. I think, first of all, he’s a great goal scorer and his minutes per goal show that. He’s the best player at United for that.

“I think everyone would love to have Harry Kane and Haaland, but with Cavani there, you don’t have to go and spend £100 million on a player because if you spend it there, then there are other positions needed.

“They need a right-winger, they need a central midfielder, they need a centre-back. With Cavani there, he’s almost an insurance policy and you can go and spend it on three other players in important positions.

“I think if Cavani played the whole of next season, then he could easily get you 25 goals, with the other boys. Just as a mentor for Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and [Anthony] Martial – he’s perfect. I would 100% keep him and invest the money in other positions.”

What has Solskjaer said about Cavani's future?

Cavani's father stirred up fresh transfer rumours last month when he claimed that his son is unhappy in England and wants to return to South America at the earliest possible opportunity.

Solskjaer addressed the ongoing speculation before United's 3-1 win at Tottenham at the weekend, admitting that the Uruguay international is mulling over his options ahead of the summer window.

“I’ve kept in touch with Edi of course. We keep an open dialogue and he’s still unsure what he wants to do next season, which I find fine,” said the United boss.

“It's not been easy year either for him or the rest of the world, this season, so he still wants time to make his mind up.”

Cavani's record at United

Cavani arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer last October after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, where he became the club's all-time record goalscorer before injuries saw him fall down the squad pecking order.

Fitness issues have continued to plague the Uruguayan in Manchester, but he has still managed to score nine goals in his first 16 starts for United, including one during their Europa League quarter-final second clash with Granada on Thursday.

Cavani has made 30 appearances across all competitions in total and also has two assists to his name, and the Red Devils do still have the option to extend his contract by an extra year.

Further reading

Nantes and Nigeria winger Moses Simon has funded the construction of a drainage system and a main road in Obagaji Agatu community in Benue State.

Simon’s latest charitable gesture is the second development he has taken up in the middle belt region of Nigeria after he drilled boreholes to provide potable for the people last September.

The Super Eagles star was born and raised in Kaduna, but he has not neglected his father’s hometown in Benue.

Although his recent developments have been in Benue which made the community leaders name a street after him in Obagaji Agatu, Simon has also embarked on some projects in Southern Kaduna.

The 25-year-old who has contributed five goals and an assist in 27 Ligue 1 matches this season, bemoaned the government’s negligence for not providing basic amenities to the people.

"It's important to step in where the politicians have decided not to help," Simon told BBC Sport Africa.

"Imagine in 2021 we are talking of people without potable water and desperately praying for protection ahead of the rains and floods.

"These people deserve more from the government because they put all their trust in them only to be disappointed.

"As sports people we can all do more to make our people happy, some are already doing and very supportive of their community but we can't stop."

Simon joins the growing list of Nigeria internationals who have impacted communities with their philanthropic moves. The list includes former Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Wilfried Ndidi.

The Nantes forward was not available for Nigeria’s final Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games against Benin and Lesotho last month, due to initial travel restrictions imposed by the French Ligue 1 authorities but he could return to Gernot Rohr's team when they host Liberia for their 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture in June.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer admitted that Mamelodi Sundowns were the better side following their Nedbank Cup quarter-final match on Thursday evening. 

Masandawana proved too strong for the Buccaneers as they claimed a 4-1 win over their Gauteng rivals in an entertaining match which was played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Zinnbauer was left to rue his side's missed chances in the first-half which saw Frank Mhango miss three good chances and ultimately, Pirates were eliminated from the tournament. 

"Yeah, disappointed, it's clear the result looks not 100 percent the game but it was not enough today you can win this game," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.

"In the first-half, ten, 20 minutes were completely out of the game, we were not in, then we get the goal, then maybe it was a wake up call, we came closer to our goals, then we scored.

"Then we had two chances to score [but] we had unluck, second-half the same, we come out, we were not in [the game], then we concede and then you play all or nothing."

The German tactician, who is in his first full season as Pirates coach, lauded the reigning PSL and Nedbank Cup champions Sundowns as a team with top players.

"You have to manage the game more in offence and you step out of the defence line and you have to try to score, we did but we did not the 100 percent responsibility that we can score," he said.

"We had a little bit of unluck, but then you get the counter-attack, Sundowns too good, honestly they have top players on the field, they play very well in the [Caf] Champions League, they play very well in the league.

"So finally you play for all or nothing and then in the last ten minutes we make more forward and then you get the goals, it's a problem."

Zinnbauer also pointed that his charges were not good enough on the night which saw Pirates concede four goals for the first time this season. 

"But I say again, the performance was not enough, Sundowns were better but the result looks a little bit too high or we have more goals on our side," he continued.

"It's not the team alone from us, it was Sundowns, they make this very good they come with high pressure and we find not the solution, we were too long on the ball, we don't play quick enough to get the solution.

"This is the reason, maybe they had too much respect I don't know but after the game you don't have the right answer, you have to watch again," he added. 

"I'll watch my game again and then we find the points where we have to improve the next game. We know focus on the other side, I say it again Sundowns were better today."

Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer has called for clarity from coach Hansi Flick regarding his future.

Speculation surrounding Flick has intensified in the wake of his side's elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain this week.

The 56-year-old has been touted as a top candidate to take over as German national team coach and he gave a vague response when asked on Thursday if he will stay at Bayern or replace Joachim Low after Euro 2020.

What has been said?

Bayern legend Beckenbauer has urged Flick to be clear about whether or not he will stay at the Bundesliga champions beyond this season.

"Of course he has to commit himself to something. He says that he will stay and that he will have a valid contract until 2023," he told Sport 1. 

"Then there is no need to ask anyway, because then everything is said. But if he doesn't, the speculation is of course open. Then he has to live with them. Then he cannot say 'next question', but has to respond to it."

Why might Flick leave Bayern?

Bayern's early exit from the Champions League this season has seen an increase in pressure on the German coach.

Meanwhile, the prospect of taking over at the helm of the national team could prove difficult for Flick to turn down.

But the former Germany assistant has endured a difficult relationship with Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

The club's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told The Athletic recently that the pair have "cleared the air" after talks and believes the situation is "all sorted now".

Who could replace Flick at Bayern?

RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has been tipped to take over at Bayern if Flick leaves in the near future.

But the 33-year-old this week dismissed claims that he has been in talks with the German champions.

Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is also on Bayern's list of candidates, according to reports in Italy.

Further reading

After suffering a shocking elimination from the Olympic qualifying play-off round at the hands of Chile, Ajara Nchout has assured Cameroon 'will come back stronger'.

Nchout led her team in this month’s final intercontinental play-off as the African side saw their dream of a return to the Games snapped following a 2-1 aggregate defeat over a two-legged encounter.

The Atletico Madrid star netted the consolation goal in the Lionesses 2-1 first-leg loss to La Roja in Antalya on Saturday before they were forced to a drab 0-0 draw in the second leg on Tuesday. 

The 28-year-old is 'unhappy' about their back-to-back absences from the Games but hopes they will come bouncing back in Paris 2024.

"Thank you for your support," Nchout wrote on her official Instagram page following their elimination. 

"In football, there has to be a winner and a loser. This time, the relentless law of sport has been against us. I am the first to be sad.

"But, let's not see the glass as half empty. Our Indomitable Lionesses have shown great promise for the next round. Let us be proud of them.

"We will not go to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but we will come back stronger. And with a wonderful audience like you, we are not afraid of anyone. Thank you for your support, I love you too."

The Spanish based star will switch their focus to club duty on returning from the international break as Atletico Madrid prepare to take on Sevilla on April 18.

Having scored twice in 10 games, Nchout will be hoping to inspire her side to return to winning ways, ending a four-match winless run.

Ini Umotong has been nominated for the FA Women's Championship's Player of the Month award for March following her fine performances.

The forward delivered impressive displays, scoring twice to help the Rookettes secure four points in the month under review.

Simon Parker's side started the month with a 1-1 defeat against Reims, where Umotong scored to rescue her side in the encounter.

The Super Falcons star again shone against Blackburn Rovers, helping Parker's side, scoring the opening goal from the spot to stun the hosts 3-0 at Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

The 26-year-old also featured prominently as Lewes claimed a 2-1 victory over London Bees in their final encounter of the month.

The Nigeria international has now been shortlisted for the best player award of the month and will compete with Hayley Crackle, Natasha Flint and Niamh Fahey for a chance to scoop the trophy.

Umotong has now scored four goals seven appearances for the club across all competitions this season, will be counting in the votes of the fans to nick the price.

Despite her efforts, however, Lewes are fifth in the FA Women's Championship encounter after gathering 25 points from 18 games.

The forward has been with the Rookettes in January 2020 from Swedish Damallsvenskan Vaxjo, on a permanent 18-month deal.

The former Brighton, Portsmouth and Oxford United striker has since been a key member of Parker's side and she is hoping to inspire the team to the Women's Super League promotion.

Umotong will be expected to continue his fine form for Lewes when they take on Southampton at home after the international break on April 18.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has affirmed Jean-Philippe Gbamin will be on the sidelines for at least eight weeks, although he will not undergo surgery.

The 25-year-old suffered a knee injury before the Toffees' encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion in Monday’s Premier League game.

The midfielder subsequently missed the encounter, where Everton played out a draw to extend their unbeaten run.

The Ivory Coast international only recently returned from two career-threatening injuries which saw him sidelined for about two years.

Ancelotti has confirmed the midfielder’s season has ended and hopes to have him back before the beginning of next season.

“In the next week we are going to have Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph and Bernard,” Ancelotti told the club website. 

“It will be longer for Gbamin and Doucoure. Gbamin doesn’t need surgery but he will be out for at least eight weeks. The plan for him is to be back for the start of the new season.”

Without the midfielder, Everton are currently eighth on the Premier League table after gathering 48 points from 30 games and will hope to return to winning ways when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Friday.

Gbamin’s Everton career has been hampered by injury problems since he teamed up with the club from German side Mainz 05 in the summer of 2019.

He suffered a thigh injury after only two games with the Toffees and was expected to be ruled of action for eight weeks.

The midfielder, however, damaged his Achilles tendon in training just as he was recovering from thigh problems.

During his time with Mainz 05, he was a consistent performer for the Bundesliga side, featuring in more than 86 games across all competitions.

Gbamin started his professional career with US Saint-Quentin Blessy and then Aire-sur-la-Lys before teaming up with Lens, where he had a breakthrough career before moving to Germany to join Mainz 05 in 2016.

Gbamin previously played for France at U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels before switching his allegiance to Ivory Coast and now has 11 caps for the West Africans.