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    Steven Gerrard ‘waived £10million payment’ to avoid ‘crisis’ in England and Liverpool legend’s management career

    STEVEN GERRARD waived £10million in order to avoid getting a relegation on his CV at Al-Ettifaq, claims the Saudi club’s head of football.The Liverpool legend, 44, left the Middle Eastern side by mutual consent in January.Steven Gerrard departed Al-Ettifaq in JanuaryCredit: GettyHaving joined Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, Gerrard departed with his side five points above the relegation zone, having won five of 17 matches this season.Appearing on Saudi programme Our Club, Al-Ettifaq head of football Hatim Al-Mashaal lifted the lid on Gerrard’s exit.Al-Mashaal said: “Gerrard waived half of his contract with Al-Ettifaq, and the other part has been scheduled.”He waived £10million because if the club had been relegated with him, it would have caused a crisis in his coaching career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So the agreement to leave was a mutual one between the club and the coach.”Upon leaving his role, Gerrard was philosophical over his exit.The former England captain said at the time: “Football is unpredictable and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.”However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”From the first day I was warmly welcomed and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.”Overall I have learnt a lot and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well.”Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Gerrard has been linked with a remarkable return to Rangers this summer.The Ibrox side have been without a permanent manager since sacking Philippe Clement in February, with Barry Ferguson having acted as interim boss.Rangers ended their title drought in 2021 under Gerrard’s guidance.Later that year he quit to join Aston Villa.Gerrard, 44, won a league title with RangersCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I just worry’ – Paul Scholes reveals concern over Man Utd signing Matheus Cunha for two reasons

    PAUL SCHOLES has admitted he has two concerns over Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha.Reports suggest that the Red Devils are close to an agreement with the Wolves star ahead of triggering his £62.5million release clause.Matheus Cunha is closing in on a move to Man UtdCredit: AlamyBut Paul Scholes is unsure where he fits into the Man Utd teamCredit: GettyCunha, 25, has impressed this term, scoring 15 goals and registering six assists in the Premier League.But Man Utd legend Scholes has doubts over where the versatile attacker will fit in and whether it is even a wise move for the player himself.He wrote in his TNT Sports column: “He looks like he’s got the attributes that Ruben Amorim wants. He knows that physically, his team are just not strong or quick enough.”I just worry for any signing coming to Manchester United at the minute.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It just feels like it’s such a bad place to go. The quality of play right now is so poor.”And with Cunha, is he a centre-forward or is he a wide player?”There’s no doubt that he has quality and of course, it would be nice to sign him, but I worry about where he fits in. “You can sign the best three players in the world, and I think they’ll struggle coming into this team at the minute, but they’ve got to start somewhere.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmorim addressed concerns over top players not wanting to move to Old Trafford last week, saying: “What I feel is there are a lot of players who want to play for our club.”I know that if you look at our club in the moment, with all the problems with the staff and people going, changing coach and the results, it looks like a little bit of a problem.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is broken”But we have a clear idea. That is the easiest part to explain to a player.”Then it is Manchester United. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United.” More

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    Chelsea ‘want to sign Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, 22,’ amid fears PSR will force clubs into ‘transfer churn’

    CHELSEA reportedly want to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa amid PSR fears.The 22-year-old forward has been one of Unai Emery’s key players since joining in an initial £8million deal from Middlesbrough last year.Chelsea are lining up a move for Aston Villa star Morgan RogersCredit: AlamyRogers has helped himself to 14 goals and 13 assists in 50 outings this term.And his brilliant form helped Villa almost overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarters earlier this month.However, The Independent claims Rogers could now be set to leave the Midlands in a shock transfer.It’s said that Villa are among several clubs who could be forced into a “transfer churn” by profit and sustainability (PSR) rules.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir wage bill is also running at more than 90 per cent of their revenue.And it means Villa could be forced to sell an “untouchable” player, with Rogers now in the sights of Premier League rivals Chelsea.The Blues are big fans of the forward, who can play in multiple positions across the attack.Stamford Bridge chiefs are eager to see more goals scored next season, with a new No9 also being eyed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Rogers could be tempted by a move to the capital, which would see him link up with England teammate and former academy pal Cole Palmer.The pair famously both perform the same “ice cold” celebration, with many attributing it originally to the Chelsea man.Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’Rogers claims to have invented the ‘ice cold’ celebrationCredit: RexChelsea star Cole Palmer has made it his ownCredit: GettyHowever, it was Rogers who first performed it during his time in Manchester City’s academy, inspiring Palmer to follow suit.Rogers said: “It’s the opposite, I did it first, he copied me.”Palmer responded: “Rogers knows that I did it and that it went viral. He [Rogers] may have done it, but everyone knows it’s my celebration.” More

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    Steven Gerrard tipped to ‘take inspiration from Frank Lampard’ and return to English management with Championship side

    STEVEN GERRARD has been advised to follow in fellow England legend Frank Lampard’s footsteps in the Championship.Gerrard, 44, has been out of a job these past three months after his departure from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq, where he spent two years.Steven Gerrard has been advised to join West BromGerrard could follow in Frank Lampard’s footsteps at Coventry where he turned his career aroundDavid Prutton believes Gerrard can have the same success as Lampard in the ChampionshipThe Liverpool legend has seen his stock decrease after his hapless stint in Saudi Arabia, where he lost 20 out of 55 matches, of which he won 19. However, Sky Sports EFL presenter David Prutton insists there is a way back for Stevie G, and it starts in the English second division.Prutton, 43, named Lampard, 46, as the perfect example to follow as he has turned his career around after joining Coventry in November.The Chelsea legend found himself in a tough spot after a disappointing stint at Everton and a failed return at Stamford Bridge during the 2022-23 season.Read More on FootballHowever, the legendary midfielder has regained some of the magic he showed at Derby as he transformed Coventry from relegation strugglers to Premier League promotion challengers.Prutton advised Gerrard to do the same by joining West Brom, who have been without a manager since Tony Mowbray’s dismissal earlier this month.The Nottingham Forest hero believes the legendary midfielder could regain the old prowess he enjoyed at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021, and Aston Villa, where he shone during the 2021-22 season.Prutton told Football League World: “Another stellar player that I would say, if you want to be a manager for 25, 30 years then he’s still kind of working his way to that rhythm, having worked all over the world.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Maybe he’d have taken heed or inspiration from what Frank Lampard’s experienced at Coventry City, and obviously Derby before that.”The Championship is a very smart way to get a decent body of work in to show people what you can do.Steven Gerrard spotted at major sporting event as he gives personal update after Al-Ettifaq exit”And West Brom, yes there might be a bit of turnover of players, take a look at what the ownership are expecting going into next season, but yes the profile works.”It is just whether that works then with regards to the players involved.”But, again, what I’ve seen is a man and a manager that is very humble, very empathetic to his players, understands that not everyone is Steven Gerrard so would ask different things of his team.”And I think [he’s] been unfairly struck off in certain areas, quick to dismiss a manager’s career when it hits a little bump in the road.”But, given how ambitious he is, his standards as a player and his ability to infuse and inspire a side, I think West Brom would be quite right looking at Steven Gerrard as a potential candidate.” More

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    ITV break silence on Ian Wright’s row with Eni Aluko as broadcaster back star ‘beyond question’

    ITV have broken their silence on Ian Wright’s row with Eni Aluko.And the broadcaster threw their support behind the Arsenal legend. ITV released a statement backing Ian Wright amid the row with Eni AlukoCredit: AlamyAluko apologised for her comments – but Wright did not accept itCredit: GettyAluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry.The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it. And now ITV – for whom both Wright and Aluko have worked as pundits – have issued a statement to stand by the ex-Match of the Day analyst. ITV said in a statement: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question. “As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”The statement will put into doubt Aluko’s future in punditry, especially with ITV with Wright a popular figure. The broadcaster hold exclusive live rights to England men’s World Cup qualifiers in June.They also share the rights with the BBC for the European Women’s Championship in Switzerland, where England will hope to retain their crown. Most read in FootballAluko sparked the row last week when she spoke about importance of making sure men were aware of the “finite amount of opportunities” for female pundits.She told BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Aluko, 38, did say sorry with a public apology to Wright amid a backlash and said she has “nothing but love and respect” for her colleague.But the former Gunners hero – who worked alongside Aluko at the 2022 World Cup – struggled to accept it.Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.He said: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”Wright added: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football.”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. Read More on The Sun”I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you. “It’s something I do not take for granted.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Arsenal handed good omen for crunch Champions League semi-final clash with PSG

    ARSENAL have a positive omen going into this evening’s huge match against Paris Saint-Germain.The Gunners host PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium.Arsenal have received a boost for their Champions League clash with PSGCredit: GettySlavko Vincic, who officiated their 2-0 win over PSG in October, will referee the matchCredit: GettyThey previously hosted the Ligue 1 champions in the group stage six months ago.Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka saw Arsenal win 2-0 at home.Mikel Arteta will now be hoping for a similar result tonight.And the Spaniard has received what many superstitious fans may consider a good omen in the build-up.READ MORE ON ARSENALSlavko Vincic – the man who officiated the last match between Arsenal and PSG back in October – will be the referee tonight.The Slovenian did not have much to do last time out at the Emirates, only handing out yellow cards to Riccardo Calafiori and Fabian Ruiz.PSG have massively improved since then, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all on top form.However, the Gunners have reason to be confident following their 5-1 aggregate win over reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesArteta has urged Arsenal fans to create a “special” atmosphere for the match.He said: “I tell them [the supporters], and I’m not exaggerating here: ‘Guys, bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your T-shirts and let’s play every ball together.’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but end”We want to do something special. The place has to be something special, something that we haven’t seen.”I really hope that everybody that comes to the Emirates and is watching and following us, brings that energy with them.” More

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    Arsenal vs PSG LIVE SCORE: Champions League semi-final updates as Gunners host French giants in first leg – stream FREE

    ARSENAL play their biggest game of the season TONIGHT as they host PSG in the first leg of a scintillating Champions League semi-final tie!Any chance of the Gunners securing silverware this campaign rests on the one trophy that eludes them after seeing Liverpool secure the Premier League title on Sunday.And Mikel Arteta’s men will be confident they can do it after convincingly seeing off 15-time winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.However, they face a sensational PSG side who have already been crowned French champions, beat Aston Villa in the final eight, and have a devastating trio up top, which now includes January super signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTFREE live stream: Amazon Prime VideoArsenal starting XI: To followPSG starting XI: To followBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from The Emirates with our live blog below…Gunners’ good omenArsenal have a positive omen going into this evening’s huge match against Paris Saint-Germain.The Gunners host PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium.They previously hosted the Ligue 1 champions in the group stage six months ago.Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka saw Arsenal win 2-0 at home.Mikel Arteta will now be hoping for a similar result tonight.And the Spaniard has received what many superstitious fans may consider a good omen in the build-up.Slavko Vincic – the man who officiated the last match between Arsenal and PSG back in October – will be the referee tonight.Copy linkCopiedReminderAll players who were previously on a suspension tightrope during the quarter-finals are now not after all existing yellow cards are wiped after the last-8 stage.Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Martinelli all survived suspension by avoiding a booking during the second leg of their tie with Real Madrid.Thomas Partey did receive his third booking of the Champions League campaign against Los Blancos, meaning he will miss tonight’s first leg against PSG.Copy linkCopiedArteta: ‘One of the biggest games the Emirates has seen’The Arsenal boss spoke about the excitement around North London ahead of tonight’s blockbuster first leg, he said: “=”You sense the energy, the enthusiasm, that it’s something unique. “It’s probably one of the biggest games that the Emirates has seen since we built it. We are making history. It’s a beautiful story right now, but we want much more. “We have to have the feeling that we have to hold [the players] back tomorrow to go on that pitch and express themselves. It’s a moment now to say: ‘OK, this is who we are, this is who we are as a team, this is who I am as an individual and I’m going to put my very best in there to make it happen’. “Play with that mindset and let yourself go. Live the now, the present. This is where we are. We are so fortunate.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTonight’s officialsReferee: Slavko VincicAssistants: Tomaz Klancnik, Andraz KovacicFourth official: Matej JugVAR: Alen BorosakAssistant VAR: Dennis HiglerCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedWhen Arsenal last faced PSGArsenal’s 2-0 twin against PSG was their first Champions League win of the season.Kai Havertz put the Gunners in front on 20 minutes, getting on the end of a superb cross from Leandro Trossard.Before Bukayo Saka doubled Arsenal’s lead after his wide free-kick avoided everyone in the box and flew straight past Gianluigi Donnarumma.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDonn their homeworkItalian star Gianluigi Donnarumma is seen as one of the best keepers in the world — but Arsenal will target him writes SunSport’s Charlie WyettCharlie wrote: “The Paris Saint-Germain No 1, 26, broke England’s hearts at Euro 2020.He helped dump Liverpool out of the last 16 of this year’s Champions League and then frustrated Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.Donnarumma has now played over 400 senior games but there is concern over his inability to deal with corners and crosses.He can also be suspect with the ball at his feet.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is certain to tell his players to fire crosses into the box and they will look to make the most of their set-pieces.Donnarumma’s shortcomings were exposed in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal in the group stages in October.The Gunners’ first goal saw a hesitant Donnarumma beaten as Kai Havertz anticipated a cross from Leandro Trossard and nodded in.Donnarumma was beaten again when Bukayo Saka’s low free-kick from the right went straight under him.The Italian’s view of the ball may have been obscured, but there seemed to be no talking between Donnarumma and his defenders.”Copy linkCopiedLast time out for the GunnersArsenal secured their spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win over Real MadridIn the first half, Thibaut Courtois denied Bukayo Saka from the penalty spot after a lengthy VAR check handed the Gunners a spot kick on 13 minutes.Real were given a penalty of their own minutes later for a Declan Rice foul on Kylian Mbappe, but the referee decided against his initial decision after going to the monitor, and Arsenal survived.Just after the hour mark, Saka opened the scoring on the night with a superb dinked finish, but the Gunners’ four-goal aggregate lead didn’t last long.A William Saliba howler gave Vinicius Jr an open goal – and the Brazilian made no mistake.In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli put the gloss on his side’s spectacular display with a stunning finish to give the North London giants a 2-1 win (agg 5-1) at the Bernabeu.Arsenal are now in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedGunner flySpeaking of Leandro Trossard, jet-setting snooker star Luca Brecel has thanked the Belgian for giving him advice on the top continental private plane firm to book.Brecel,30, is close pals with the Arsenal winger, also 30, and will be rooting for him tonight in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.On Saturday afternoon, the maverick potter took a private jet from Belgium to the UK on the day of his last 16 Crucible match with Ding Junhui.The 2023 world snooker champion set off from Maastricht in Holland and landed at East Midlands Airport at 3.17pm.From there he jumped in a car for the hour-long journey up to Sheffield but he was cutting it fine with the flying, especially if there had been an issue with weather or a no-land order by airport control officials.Brecel rented the aircraft for the 68-minute flight because he wanted to spend Friday night in his own bed in Maasmechelen.His arrival on English soil was only three-and-a-half hours before he faced Ding in the first session but it did not affect his display – he led 7-1 by the close of play.Copy linkCopiedHow Arsenal could lineup without ParteyWith Partey’s like-for-like replacement Jorginho also being injured, Mikel Arteta will more than likely drop Declan Rice in the six role and bring Mikel Merino back into the eight role.This would mean a start for Leandro Trossard up top who has been in hot goal-scoring form.Predicted starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Martinelli, Saka, TrossardCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedArteta’s selection headacheThomas Partey is OUT of the Champions League semi-final first leg tonight.The Arsenal star picked up a needless yellow card during the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.Partey, 31, was cautioned for his role in a clash with defender Antonio Rudiger.And he midfielder was berated for his stupidity by team-mate Declan Rice.The former West Ham captain was visibly angry with the Ghanaian as he could be seen lambasting him for his error.Now Arsenal boss Arteta will have to decide who will replace Partey in such a huge first leg.Copy linkCopiedAr you serious?PSG fans unfurled a banner aimed at Arsenal before losing their first Ligue 1 game of the season.The French giants were on course to match the Gunners’ invincible achievement this campaign.PSG have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with a massive 23-point advantage over second-placed Marseille.Ahead of Friday night’s clash against Nice at the Parc de Princes the club’s supporters had other things on their mind.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to SunSport’s coverage of Arsenal vs PSGIt’s sink or swim for Arsenal as they play the biggest game of their season TONIGHT in a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG – and SunSport will be ALL over it.Any chance of the Gunners securing silverware this campaign rests on the one trophy that eludes them after seeing Liverpool secure the Premier League title on Sunday.And having suffered early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, it means that Arsenal’s only chance of securing silverware this season rests on the one trophy that eludes them – the Champions League.However, confidence is brewing around North London that they can do the unthinkable, especially after dumping 15-time winners and current holders Real Madrid out of the competition.Two Declan Rice stunning free-kicks in the first leg and a Bukayo Saka chipped effort fired Mikel Arteta’s men to a 5-1 aggregate win over Los Blancos in the quarter-finals.Another confidence booster to help Mikel Arteta’s men overcome this high French semi-final hurdle is that they have beaten PSG earlier on in the campaign.But that was a PSG side without in-form striker Ousmane Dembele, and January super signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.This has all the ingredients to be a super Champions League tie, so you don;t want to miss a thing.Copy linkCopied More

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    Chelsea files: Blues caught in furious ‘s***ty pitch’ row as Maresca’s seven-goalkeeper dilemma sees him target Trafford

    CHELSEA head to Sweden this week and straight into a bizarre ‘s****y’ pitch battle involving European opponents Djurgarden.Their hosts for the Conference League semi-final first leg are furious with the state of their OWN surface as they prepare for their biggest game in years. Chelsea take on Swedish side Djurgardens in the Conference League semi-finalCredit: EPADjurgardens striker August Priske admitted their pitch is ‘s****y’Credit: GettyThe pitch is an artificial one and the Djurgardens players and coaches are not happy with it. Usually it is the visiting opposition that kick up a fuss when they arrive and find it uncomfortable on an alien surface. Djurgardens overcame Austrians Rapid Vienna in the previous round but they lost the home leg and then came back in the away game to secure a dream date with Chelsea on Thursday. Striker August Priske said: “I don’t want to blame the pitch of course, but it’s a s****y pitch.”Djurgardens play at the multi-use 3Arena in Stockholm and share the multi-use stadium with rivals Hammerby.The Rolling Stones, Harry Styles and Celine Dion have all played there.Djurgardens’ coach Jani Honkavaara says: “Our training pitch is so different to the one at the stadium, it’s like night and day. The stadium pitches feel different from day to day.“It’s really tough for both us and our opponents. We get nothing extra from it.“The pitch is horrible. I have thought of letting us train more on the stadium pitch to get used to it.”Modern pitches often contain part man-made materials combined with grass. But there are fears that certain artificial surfaces can raise the risk of injuries to players.The stadium is owned by the authorities in the Swedish capital and it’s believed cost issues prevent the surface being changed.Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with HankookChelsea are fifth in the Premier League as they prepare for Thursday’s game and boss Enzo Maresca needs everyone fit for the run to have their best shot at qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Winger Tokmak Nguen said: “The ball just slides away from your foot all the time. In deciding situations when you have decided what to do suddenly the ball has moved for no reason. We have told the club that something has to be done.”Better late than neverLATE KICK-OFFS have always been part of football – but never like this.Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Djurgardens is the first meeting between the two sides and has finally arrived 70 years late.In 1955 The Blues were celebrating winning the old First Division and as such were invited to compete in the newly formed European Champions’ Clubs Cup.They were drawn against Djurgardens and then Chelsea manager Ted Drake was hugely interested.However, in order to play, competing teams needed the permission of their respective national associations and at the time, Football League assistant secretary Alan Hardaker allegedly asked Chelsea to ‘reconsider’ because of the crowded domestic season.How times have changed – European football now rules the roost and the domestic calendar is taking a battering to make way for it.Chelsea are playing in the semi-finals of a competition in only its fourth year of existence as Uefa’s third-tier competition behind the 36-team Champions League and Europa League.KEEPING UP APPEARANCESCHELSEA’S goalkeeper dilemma shows no sign of slowing.The Blues have asked about Burnley keeper James Trafford, who is expected to leave Turf Moor this summer – despite their promotion back to the Premier League.Newcastle look likely to beat the west Londoners to his signing, having failed in a move for the England Under-21 international last summer.But Chelsea have asked the question in the hope they may be able to pull something off.Maresca is in a bind over what to do between the posts, with EIGHT stoppers on the club’s books.Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel is also being eyed.Swiss star Kobel, 27, has established himself as first choice over his four years since arriving from Stuttgart in a £13m move.But Kobel, who has just one year left on his Dortmund contract, is ready for a change of scenery.Dortmund are steeling themselves for his departure, having already signed Diant Ramaj, currently on loan at Copenhagen from Ajax, on a four-year deal that starts this summer.That indicates Dortmund, who took midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan from Chelsea in January, will be willing to do a £15m-plus deal.Robert Sanchez has spent most of this season as first choice at the Bridge and pulled off two vital stops in the weekend win over Everton.The former Brighton man has still to convince the Blues faithful, who are equally uncertain about Filip Jorgensen, who has made six Prem starts.Former Spain keeper Kepa is due to return from his loan spell at Bournemouth, Marcus Bettinelli has been the unused third choice this term.Another loanee due back is Djordje Petrovic, who has impressed at Strasbourg, while the Blues also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach and have signed Genk teenager Mike Penders for next season.Chelsea want to sign Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordRobert Sanchez is still yet to win over the Blues faithfulTHE U-turn over Trevoh Chalobah has been completed – without even a flush of embarrassment.Central defender Chalobah was told he was surplus to requirements in August after being put in the Blues’ “bomb squad”.The home-grown 25-year-old had his preferred No 14 shirt stripped and handed to Portuguese flop Joao Felix before he was snapped up on loan by Crystal Palace.An injury crisis at the Bridge saw Maresca exercise a break clause in the deal to bring the defender back to SW6 in January, handing him the No 23 shirt.But Chalobah has now made himself first choice alongside Levi Colwill, despite the return to fitness of Benoit Badiashile.Maresca said: “Since Trev came back to us in January he’s done very, very well.“He’s playing games and helping us, defending when he needs to defend and also building from the back when we need him.“We’re very happy with Trev. Honestly, he hasn’t played a bigger role than I expected.“I knew he could help us. We never had any doubts about that.”Trevoh Chalobah has impressed Enzo Maresca since returning from loanCredit: GettyTROPHY HUNTERChelsea face the toughest run-in of the top five contenders, with clashes against champions Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.Maresca, whose decision to field a strong side for the home second leg of the Conference League quarter-final with Legia Warsaw backfired with a dreadful display in the 2-1 defeat, put Reece James on the bench against Everton.But some feel the Blues boss, aware of Mauricio Pochettino’s fate last summer, may value winning a trophy over qualifying for Europe’s main competition to secure his own managerial reputation.That could see him prioritising the two semi-final games against Djurgarden and then the potential final against Fiorentina or Real Betis in Wroclaw three days after the Prem finale.Moving the goalpostsChelsea fans may have to steel themselves for a FIVE-YEAR absence from Stamford Bridge if the club’s alternative stadium options fall through.Their neighbours in nearby Twickenham are on the front foot trying to lure the Premier League club to the newly renamed Allianz Stadium HQ of England’s rugby union team.RFU boss Bill Sweeney declared: “If Chelsea came, it would be a big financial number.”The 82,000 capacity is almost double that of Stamford Bridge currently and geographically is a much better fit than Wembley.The national stadium in North West London is regarded as an atmospheric graveyard for club games – as Tottenham found to their cost when they occupied the place for almost three years on a part-time and permanent basis while their new ground was built.There has been no update on the potential move to Earls Court with local Hammersmith and Fulham Council chiefs due to rule soon on a stadium-free mixed use plan by developers that could effectively determine the site’s future.If so, then a rebuild of Chelsea’s home since 1905 – which would likely be the fans’ preferred choice – might be left as the only option to expand the current 44,000 capacity.But complications caused by the Tube line running beside the ground and the nearby Brompton Cemetery mean club insiders fear a stand-by-stand rebuild is unlikely to be feasible.That would leave the Blues looking for a short-term let for between four and five seasons while the club’s new home was constructed.Twickenham’s restrictive Covenant agreement on staging events suggests the home of English rugby would be a non-runner even though the RFU seem interested in an arrangement, while Craven Cottage, Loftus Road and Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium would all be too small.That appears to leave Wembley as the best, if probably unpopular option, as the gate attendances would help make up a financial shortfall from the limits on other stadium income.Chelsea could play at Twickenham if Stamford Bridge is rebuiltCredit: AlamyO Romeo O RomeoCHELSEA fans were delighted to see Romeo Lavia back in action at the weekend.But the Belgian midfielder’s return left Maresca pondering what might have been.Lavia, 21, has made just NINE Prem starts, all this season, since his £58m move from Southampton in 2023, after a seemingly endless series of ankle, thigh and hamstring problems.When Lavia looked to be limping towards the end of the first half of the win over Everton, there were fears of another issue, although he was able to play until mid-way through the second period before being rested.Maresca said: “You could see the difference he made, particularly playing through the lines.“I spent one entire season with Romeo at City, actually, so I know him very well.“Like with James, he is a top player. The only shame for us is that unfortunately we need to manage and protect them.“There’s no doubt that with Reece and Romeo, Chelsea are a better team. He is a unique player.“When he is fit he’s one of the best midfielders around because he can defend very well and attack as well and his passes between the lines are unbelievable.”Injury-hit Romeo Lavia returned against EvertonCredit: Getty More