Bournemouth confirm Senesi to leave this summer
Bournemouth have announced that defender Marcos Senesi will leave the club upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
The centre-back has been with the Cherries for four seasons since his transfer from Feyenoord. His departure is expected to trigger interest from several clubs, with Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly linked to a potential free transfer signing.
Senesi has made 124 appearances for Bournemouth and has been a consistent presence under manager Andoni Iraola.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Argentina international stated:
"AFC Bournemouth will always hold a special place for me and I will look back at my time here with fond memories. For now, there are still two big games left of the season and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together."
Nominees for major Premier League awards
The Premier League revealed the nominees for three key awards yesterday: Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, and Manager of the Season. The Young Player award remains open to players aged 23 and under, a criterion some consider questionable.
Personal picks include Fernandes, O’Reilly, and Andrews. Readers are encouraged to share their selections via email.
Additionally, a Friday quiz is available, challenging readers to beat a score of 10 out of 15.
The Hull City Supporters Club issued a statement concerning the unresolved 'spygate' allegations involving Southampton. Hull City is scheduled to face Southampton in the Championship playoff final on Saturday, 23 May, but the EFL has yet to finalize any disciplinary actions regarding Southampton’s alleged spying on a Middlesbrough training session.
The EFL has cautioned that disciplinary proceedings could potentially affect the playoff final fixture, causing frustration among Hull and their supporters due to the ongoing uncertainty. The Hull City Official Supporters Club expressed their concerns:
"The Hull City Official Supporters Club are currently liaising with other supporters groups to register our concern over the possible moving of the playoff final with the EFL. This is a situation in which we have had no influence but in which we are, both as a football club and supporters, being penalised. Any decision to move the date of the final will result in many of our supporters not only losing out financially but then facing the prospect of being unable to attend the rearranged fixture. Given that this is a situation which has largely resulted from the EFL’s own error in failing to publish the sanctions for a breach of the rule regarding ‘spying’ on opposition teams we feel this is manifestly unfair."
Scottish Premiership title race update
In the Scottish Premiership, the title race remains intense with Celtic and Hearts vying for the championship on the final day. The prospect of Celtic overtaking Hearts is viewed with skepticism by neutrals.
An early morning email from Krishnamoorthy reflected on the challenges faced by supporters of mid-table teams:
"I often feel the supporters of the mid-table teams have a simpler life. Imaging being a Gunner this season. The usual euphoria around Christmas times, fate lurking behind you with a lead pipe in February and March, the insane capacity to self-implode in April and the nerve shredding May where a bald assassin hangs you upside down and inflicts one small cut after another till you drain out completely. Reset and repeat all over again next season. Better be a Leicester fan who can celebrate a random Premier League win and then vanish happily into the Championship and go further down."
It was noted that Leicester City have been competitive in recent years, and some fans may dispute the notion of them being mid-table.
Mbappé denies Arbeloa rift but says he is 'fourth choice' at Madrid
Kylian Mbappé has stated that he is currently the fourth-choice forward at Real Madrid after being omitted from the starting lineup by manager Álvaro Arbeloa in their 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo last night.
The French forward, who missed the recent 2-0 defeat to Barcelona and was booed by fans upon returning from a hamstring injury, entered the match as a substitute in the 68th minute. Arbeloa selected Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia ahead of him in attack.
Mbappé addressed the media regarding his fitness and selection status:
"I’m 100% fine. I haven’t played because for the coach I’ve been the fourth striker in the squad behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo. I was ready to start, it’s his decision and it always has to be respected. I have no problem at all with Arbeloa. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy and I have to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono."
Mbappé has faced criticism for traveling to Sardinia during his injury recovery, though he clarified that the trip was authorized by Real Madrid.
Arbeloa responded to the situation, denying any rift and explaining his decision:
"I had a conversation with him before the game and I don’t know what he could have interpreted. For me it is very clear that a player who four days ago could not be on the bench [against Barcelona], today should not start. Especially because it’s not a final, it’s not a game of life or death."
He added that Mbappé is expected to start in Real Madrid’s next match against Sevilla on Sunday.
Fletcher slams FA Youth Cup final as 'Man City parade'
Manchester United under-18s manager Darren Fletcher criticized the staging of the FA Youth Cup final, describing the post-match trophy ceremony as a "Man City parade."
United were dissatisfied that the final, which City won 2-1 last night, was held at the Joie Stadium, home to Manchester City’s women’s and academy teams. City cited unavailability of the Etihad Stadium due to construction work.
Following a late goal by Reigan Heskey that secured City’s victory, Fletcher was observed expressing his discontent during the trophy presentation, where City’s backroom staff were invited onto the podium before players were individually introduced and awarded medals.
Fletcher commented on the atmosphere and what his players could learn from it:
"Not only to watch a team lift a trophy, but to be a Man City parade when it’s an FA Youth Cup final. I’ve never heard individual coaches be shouted out, every individual player be shouted out. That doesn’t happen in Cup finals. So I’m disappointed in the FA for everything that’s gone around this game, for the location, for everything. And then our players having to deal with that. But as you say, it’s disappointing. You have to stand there. You have to respect the opposition. But not when Man City take over an FA Youth Cup. It’s an FA competition. It should never have been like that."
When asked if the FA should take greater responsibility for the competition, Fletcher said:
"It’s an FA competition and it felt like it was a Man City competition for this whole buildup to the game in terms of how we had to deal with that at the end there."
Upcoming fixtures and football highlights
Attention is turning to the weekend’s fixtures, including the FA Cup final and key Premier League matches. Manchester City have lost the last two cup finals, while Chelsea were runners-up in three consecutive finals from 2020 to 2022, setting the stage for a decisive encounter.
The week has featured significant football action, including the EFL playoffs and a highly competitive Premier League title race.
Last night, Bolton secured their place in the League One playoff final by defeating Bradford 2-0 over two legs. They will face Stockport in an all-Greater Manchester final at Wembley. The Championship playoff final opponent for Hull City remains to be determined.
In the Premier League, Aston Villa will host Liverpool in a match that could influence the fourth-place finish. Newcastle United’s game against West Ham and Arsenal’s match with Burnley on Sunday also carry important implications for league standings.
The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City is scheduled for Saturday, while the Scottish Premiership title race is expected to culminate in a dramatic final day showdown between Celtic and Hearts.
As always on Fridays, comprehensive coverage including team news, press conference updates, and previews will be provided. Readers are invited to engage via email to join the ongoing conversation.
