Culture City: In the wake of Liverpool’s run to the Champions League semi-finals this season, Merseyside rivals Everton’s season has descended into chaos. Defeats in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, a string of defensive gaffes and a decision to axe boss Ronald Koeman, have seen the Toffees slip to ninth in the Premier League standings. But that was before the president’s surprise announcement that he is to step down in 2018, which the club hinted could lead to the dismissal of Koeman. Could a cup run involving Liverpool fire the Toffees back into contention? Check out our feature on the club with ph top reporter Josh Starkey, plus interviews with Koeman and first-team coach Mikel Arteta.
Heroes of the Week: The Washington Post’s Chris Fedor ranked the top 10 goals of the week.
Here’s your top 10 goal for the week in our #WashingtonPostSoccer roundup. 👀👌 pic.twitter.com/NlHVDYWjMm — Washington Post (@washingtonpost) April 10, 2017
Coach of the Week: Ralph Hasenhuttl has broken the habit of mediocrity at Southampton, masterminding a remarkable turnaround with the Saints. In his first season in charge, the first-year coach has overseen a five-game winning streak to bolster his side’s chances of making the Europa League. Hasenhuttl’s positive result and positive demeanor has brought more excitement to St. Mary’s than in recent seasons.
Fear Factor: Uncertainty over European soccer politics will loom large over this weekend’s action. Ahead of this weekend’s Champions League quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone and Florentino Perez talked to AS about the culture and tradition of the game. Simeone was asked about his relationship with Perez, who has had his share of personal troubles since succeeding the legendary Adolfo Isidro Bianchi as Madrid president.
Simeone: “I’m very happy to be at the club. I believe in the presidency. I consider Real Madrid is the main club in the world.” — AS (@Atleti_AS) April 9, 2017
Fans of FSG: According to British media report, Liverpool could look to ban Chelsea from next season’s Champions League if the Reds cannot win the competition. Liverpool lost 3-1 to the Blues in the quarters on Saturday but still advanced to the last four of the Champions League. Chelsea’s former flamboyant manager Jose Mourinho has served the English team with enfranchisement.
Social Games: Fans of various soccer clubs across the country have created alter egos for their teams on Twitter. Today, we’re looking at Farsi-speaking Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: