Enzo Maresca admits key decision he regrets as Chelsea boss amid starlet exit claims

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has recently commented on the contract dilemma surrounding promising young talent Josh Acheampong.

The 18-year-old midfielder has found himself sidelined as negotiations over his future remain unresolved, with Chelsea opting not to feature him in games until a new deal is inked.

According to London World, Maresca expressed regret that he hasn't been able to give Acheampong game time, particularly during the recent match against Panathinaikos, which he viewed as a missed opportunity for the young star.

The club appears to be in a standstill; while Acheampong is seeking assurances regarding his development within the team, Chelsea is focused on preserving its interests, preferring to allocate playing time to those who are committed long-term.

As a result, Acheampong has not seen the pitch in the last month. Maresca has voiced his appreciation for the player, acknowledging the constraints he faces in resolving the situation.

In a press conference held in Athens, he shared, "Honestly, I feel a bit of discomfort for Josh. Matches like these could have provided him valuable experience. I spoke to him around three weeks ago, and our conversation was constructive and positive. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to follow up with him since then, which is disappointing."

The coach highlighted Acheampong's potential, stating, "He possesses the talent to evolve into a top player. At just 18, there's still a lot of time for him to grow. It’s vital for Chelsea that we do not lose him; our main objective is to find a resolution for his future.

Right now, it’s essential that he gets playing time, enjoys the game, and continues to develop. I can’t comment on whether those involved in the negotiations truly have his best interests in mind. I genuinely like Josh, and I would love to see him remain a part of this team, but for now, that’s not feasible."

Chelsea has successfully secured long-term contracts for key players like Reece James and Malo Gusto, which places additional pressure on Acheampong. He is looking for reassurance that he has a viable future within the club’s plans, especially as he aspires to gain regular playing time.

Chelsea sent brutal Mykhailo Mudryk message after £88m transfer disaster

The Blues splashed out big money on the Ukrainian forward in January 2023

Mykhailo Mudryk in action for Chelsea against Gent

Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in England with a big price tag and a big reputation. So far he has failed to live up to either.

The Ukrainian was a January 2023 arrival at Chelsea, with the Blues splashing out a transfer fee that could rise to £88million for the forward. That was after he had looked set to join Arsenal.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the frontman and Mudryk wanted the deal, but late in the day Chelsea came in and blew Arsenal out of the water with their offer and Mudryk signed in west London instead.

In just under two seasons though, he has mustered 2,315 minutes of Premier League action - only 81 of those coming under Enzo Maresca this year - which equates to just under 26 full matches. He has five goals and four assist in that period.

He has not hit the heights that were expected of an £88million signing and Shakhtar Donetsk managing director Sergiy Palkin lays the blame firmly at Chelsea's door.

Mudryk was in the crowd at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat his former club in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Palkin was asked about the transfer ahead of the match in north London.

He said: "We sold Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea for €70million plus €30million in bonuses. That was the biggest deal in Ukrainian history.

"You don't need a Ferrari if you don't know how to drive it. A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should learn how to drive it.

"That's my opinion of Mudryk at Chelsea. I'm sure he will show his qualities if he gets the chance. He is a real difference maker, and you can see that in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in that category."

Gabriel Jesus and Memphis Depay seriously impressed with Arsenal star in 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk

It’s hard to conclude that Arsenal got rid of the disappointment attached to their loss against Bournemouth despite their win against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening.

Ahead of Liverpool’s visit this weekend, there’s still a slightly glum mood around north London, and Arsenal fans are definitely feeling hard done by.

Decisions haven’t been going the way of Mikel Arteta’s side of late, who have now received three red cards in only eight games in the Premier League this season.

Richard Keys tore into Howard Webb for his actions whilst William Saliba was being sent off last weekend, it’s been a messy few weeks or so from an Arsenal perspective.

However, a feel-good win against Liverpool would certainly get everything back on track at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel Martinelli shows signs of returning to his best for Arsenal

That being said, there were still reasons to be positive in N5 on Tuesday evening, and Gabriel Martinelli’s electric performance was one.

Martinelli’s form has largely been indifferent this season, he’s had strong moments but hasn’t produced on a consistent basis.

However, there are now signs that the Brazilian is regaining his confidence and edging back to his best.

Martinelli forced Shakhtar Donetsk’s own goal in the 1-0 win, a lead the Gunners were happy to protect thereafter.

The £6m Arsenal winger deservedly won the Player of the Match award for his performance, something he went on to celebrate on Instagram.

Martinelli uploaded three photos alongside a caption of “3 points in the bag.”

A host of Martinelli’s Brazilian teammates including Gabriel Jesus replied in addition to Memphis Depay, who recognised that the Arsenal man was on fire.

Arsenal suffer Riccardo Calafiori injury blow

Perhaps the prevailing underwhelming feeling from Arsenal’s narrow-win was in part because of the injury to Riccardo Calafiori.

Chris Sutton was seriously concerned about Calafiori’s injury, labelling it a ‘major blow’ for the Gunners.

Arsenal are now faced by the prospect of possibly having to choose between Oleksandr Zinchenko or Myles Lewis-Skelly to face Mohamed Salah on Sunday.

Jurrien Timber is also an injury doubt and Arsenal might even be missing up to seven players when factoring in William Saliba’s suspension too.

A difficult period for Arteta to navigate, and a time in which the club’s improved squad depth will really be tested.

Long-term Utd absentee returns to individual training with hopes of playing first match in 8 months

Erik ten Hag is now facing the challenge of managing his squad with the possibility that Luke Shaw may struggle to play consecutive games, according to Stretty News.

The Manchester United left-back has been absent since February, when he last appeared in a 2-1 victory over Luton Town.

Shaw was substituted at halftime which was the second consecutive match where he was taken off due to fitness issues.

Following that match, the club confirmed that Shaw would be sidelined for an extended period due to a muscle injury, keeping him out for the remainder of the season.

In total, he missed 37 games across all competitions. This situation frustrated fans even further when Shaw was called up for England’s Euro 2024 squad, only to miss the early stages of the tournament.

However, he later featured in the quarterfinals and semifinals before playing the full 90 minutes of England’s final loss to Spain.

Soon after returning to Manchester United for preseason, Shaw suffered another setback, ruling him out for the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.

With the Premier League eight weeks in, Ten Hag has leaned heavily on Diogo Dalot to cover the left-back position.

The versatile Victor Lindelof has also filled in, with Lisandro Martinez providing additional support in the defense during Manchester United’s match against Brentford.

There is some optimism for Shaw's return, as he has recently been seen training individually on the pitch, separate from the main squad.

The England international's progress hints at a possible return in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia, who missed the entire 2023/24 season, remains unavailable, leaving questions about when he will rejoin the squad.

Andrés Iniesta Reveals Key Factors Behind Lionel Messi's Stellar Form at Inter Miami

Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta has shed light on the key factors behind Lionel Messi's incredible form for Inter Miami in MLS.

The World Cup-winning Argentine captain has been in top shape recently, scoring five goals across three October matches for Inter Miami. His standout performance came with a hat-trick in their final MLS regular-season game, helping his team dominate the New England Revolution and claim the Supporters' Shield with a record points tally.

As Messi continues to impress at 37, his former Barcelona teammate Iniesta shared insights into what’s fueling his success in the U.S. Now retired at 40, Iniesta spoke to ESPN, offering a glimpse into Messi's enduring brilliance. "He’s found an environment where he feels comfortable and at ease. What we see on the field reflects the happiness he’s experiencing in this new project, until the day he decides to stop."

Iniesta added: "Leo is football in its purest form. What he represents as a footballer is the essence of the game. He understands it all to perfection."

Inter Miami, with Messi leading the charge, now set their sights on adding the MLS Cup to their trophy haul, as they prepare to face Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs on Friday.

Lionel Messi Makes History as Inter Miami's All-Time Leading Scorer

Lionel Messi etched his name in Inter Miami's record books on Saturday, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer with a stunning hat-trick against New England Revolution. The 37-year-old soccer legend's impressive performance helped Inter Miami secure a 6-2 victory at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Messi's hat-trick, scored within 11 minutes, not only solidified his position as the club's top scorer but also propelled Inter Miami to break the MLS record for most points in a single season. The team finished the regular season with an impressive 74 points from 34 games, boasting a 22-4-8 win-loss-draw record.

The match began with New England Revolution taking a two-goal lead, but Luis Suarez's quick double equalized the score. Messi's entrance onto the pitch marked a turning point in the game. Just one minute after substituting in, he assisted Benjamin Cremaschi's goal, putting Miami ahead for the first time in the 58th minute.

Messi then took center stage, scoring his first hat-trick for Inter Miami and securing his place as the club's all-time leading scorer with 33 goals. This remarkable achievement underscores his enduring talent and influence on the team.

Furthermore, Inter Miami made history by becoming the first MLS team to have multiple players score at least 20 goals in a season. Messi's impressive performance and the team's record-breaking season cement their position as a formidable force in the league.

Chelsea asks about £60m star who previously snubbed Arsenal transfer

According to Caugtoffside, Chelsea has reportedly inquired about the status of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as they continue to explore potential forward signings.

The Blues have shown interest in Vlahovic, who is valued at approximately £60 million by Juventus. However, it appears that the Serbian international is content at his current club and is likely to sign a new contract, according to TBR Football.

Vlahovic has been a vital player for Juventus, despite not always displaying his best form. This inconsistency makes it understandable why a club like Chelsea would consider him. TBR Football's report also indicates that Arsenal has shown interest in Vlahovic, noting that the 24-year-old previously declined an opportunity to join the Gunners.

Currently, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson is in good form, displaying significant improvement after a slow start at Stamford Bridge.

However, Vlahovic might offer a more dependable option for Enzo Maresca’s team, suggesting that it would be a wise move for Chelsea to acquire someone like him to enhance competition for Jackson in the forward position.

BAR vs BAY: Barcelona’s Strongest Lineups That Could Face Bayern Munich In the UCL on Wednesday.

Barcelona will be aiming for a positive result when they face Bayern Munich in their upcoming Champions League match at Estadio de Montjuïc. The Spanish giants, who are considered favorites due to their strong home record against Bayern, are hoping to secure all three points.

A victory for Barcelona would push them up in the Champions League standings, giving them six points from three matches. Coach Hansi Flick is expected to field a strong lineup for this crucial encounter.

There are two possible formations Flick could use for Barcelona. One option is a 3-4-1-2 setup, with Inaki Peña as the goalkeeper, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Andreas Christensen as center backs, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as full-backs, Marc Casado and Pablo Torre in central midfield, Pedri as the playmaker, and Robert Lewandowski paired with Ansu Fati as the forwards.

Alternatively, Flick could opt for a 4-1-2-3 formation, featuring Wojciech Szczęsny in goal, Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi as center backs, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as full-backs, Pablo Gavira as the defensive midfielder, Pedri and Marc Casado in central midfield, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings and Lewandowski as the lone striker.

Manchester United now have to do something club have managed once in 20 years, Sir Alex Ferguson never cracked it

Manchester United take on a familiar face this week when former boss Jose Mourinho leads Fenerbahce into battle against Erik ten Hag’s side.

Jose Mourinho’s sacking at Manchester United in 2018 always serves as a reminder of how quickly the manager’s job at the club can unravel.

After finishing second in the Premier League in 2017/18, Jose Mourinho was fired in December 2018, and has been trying to find his way back ever since.

Mourinho had a spell at Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and this summer was hired by Turkish side Fenerbahce. This week he takes on Manchester United in the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho record at home vs Man United

Jose Mourinho has inherited and added to an experienced Fenerbahce side which includes two former Manchester United players, Fred and Sofyan Amrabat.

Youssef El-Nesyri, Edin Dzeko, Allan Saint-Maximin, Caglar Soyuncu and Dominik Livakovic are among the players Mourinho has at his disposal to try and score a win over Manchester United.

When it comes to taking on Manchester United, the fact this game is on home turf for Jose Mourinho gives him a key advantage.

Jose Mourinho has managed at home against Manchester United on 11 different occasions during a 20-year span.

Remarkably he has only lost one of these matches, the most recently one in 2021, when his current player Fred was among the scorers for Manchester United.

Legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could not quite crack it. He failed to win away against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in seven different attempts; losing three games and drawing four.

United failed to score in five of these seven matches, netting only twice.

David Moyes and Louis van Gaal also failed to win their games in charge of United against Mourinho’s Chelsea.

United’s struggles away against Jose Mourinho

2004: Porto 2-1 Manchester United

*United drew second leg at Old Trafford 1-1 and were eliminated

2004: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

2005: Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United

2006: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United

2007: Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United

*United sent out a second string side with the title already won

2009: Inter Milan 0-0 Manchester United

*United won second leg at Old Trafford 2-0

2013: Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United

*United lost second leg at Old Trafford 2-1

2014: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United

*David Moyes in charge

2015: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

*Louis van Gaal in charge

2020: Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United

*Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in charge

2021: Tottenham 1-3 Manchester United

*First ever win away vs Mourinho

** No fans in attendance

Solskjaer only United boss to win away against Mourinho

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the only Manchester United manager to win away against a Jose Mourinho side.

Solskjaer did so at his second attempt, with Manchester United beating Tottenham 3-1 away from home in 2021.

United came from a goal down, with Mason Greenwood, Fred and Edinson Cavani scoring in a 3-1 win.

Solskjaer was at the wrong end of a 6-1 home loss against Mourinho in 2020, so it was not all good news for the Norwegian in their match-ups.

Mourinho does have one ‘get out’ for his defeat against Manchester United in that game in 2021. There were no home fans in attendance.

It will be very different this coming Thursday, when Fenerbahce’s vociferous home fans will be in full voice, creating an intimidating atmosphere.

The odds are against current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who will be looking to defeat a Jose Mourinho side in front of his home support.

Former Chelsea star names dream signing for January transfer window

According to Metro, Former Chelsea star Glen Johnson has identified his ideal signing for the upcoming January transfer window, urging the club to pursue Lautaro Martinez.

Some analysts believe that Chelsea cannot realistically contend for the Premier League title under Enzo Maresca unless they secure a ‘world-class’ striker.

Chelsea currently boasts a roster of talented forwards, including Nicolas Jackson, who has scored five goals and provided three assists in eight Premier League matches this season. Christopher Nkunku has also been impressive, netting seven goals across 12 games in all competitions so far this term.

However, to narrow the gap with top teams like Manchester City, Chelsea may need to bring in a superstar, and Johnson believes that Inter Milan’s Martinez would be the ideal addition. “I would love to see Chelsea make a move for Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan,” Johnson stated in an interview with Genting Casino. “He’s a proper goalscorer. I’m sure there are loads of clubs that would love to sign him, not just Chelsea.”

He continued, “He’s one of those players who probably doesn’t get the respect that his talent deserves or doesn’t get a fuss made over his talent. I don’t understand why that is because he’s got everything that you would look for in a striker. If I could pick anyone for Chelsea to sign, I’d pick him.”

Martinez has been with Inter Milan since 2018, racking up an impressive 133 goals and 46 assists in 291 appearances for the Italian club. The 27-year-old has earned 68 caps for Argentina, contributing to their World Cup victory in Qatar and securing two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

In addition to his international success, Martinez was named Serie A Most Valuable Player for the 2023-24 season and also took home the top scorer award with 24 goals in the Italian top flight. He has played a crucial role in helping Inter Milan secure two Serie A titles, in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top strikers in Europe.