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      ‘We’re going to have a situation…’ – Ian Wright fears THREE Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka

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      IAN WRIGHT has serious fears over the futures of three Arsenal stars – who he reckons could RUN DOWN their contracts with the club.The North Londoners’ slim hopes of winning their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 season went up in smoke last weekend as they fell 11 points behind table-toppers Liverpool thanks to a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.Arsenal’s slim title hopes went up in smoke against West HamCredit: GettyThe contract of crocked winger Bukayo Saka expires in the summer of 2027Credit: ReutersAs do the current deals Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are onCredit: GettyThe ending of the Gunners’ title hopes comes just weeks after manager Mikel Arteta failed to land a new striker to alleviate his attacking woes.The decision prompted many of the Emirates faithful, including Wright, to question the club’s ambitions in the transfer market.And Wright believes a continued lack of ambition could prompt stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to hold off signing new deals.During the latest episode of Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “When you’re talking about renewals with certain players, Saka, Gabriel [Magalhaes], Saliba, the way they’re moving now, I bet those renewals are all going to be slow.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We’re going to have a situation maybe like Liverpool with Trent, Salah and Virgil.”If I’m one of these players, and their teams are going to be saying, ‘Let’s wait and see, we’ve got two years left so let’s wait and see who they get in the summer.”‘I know the manager has signed again but let’s wait and see.'”If they’re not going to get the kind of players that take us to the next step, look at Saliba. Real Madrid would take him tomorrow.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Why not wait and see what’s going on in the summer to see the kind of players and calibre of player we’re signing. This is what the people upstairs need to be careful of.”Wright, the Gunners’ former all-time leading goalscorer, believes his fears are also shared by Arteta.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidHe continued: “I’m sure Mikel will have told them that because he’s probably got the same kind of ambition.”‘If you’re not going to give me the kind of players I need, I’m not going to be able to keep the players I’ve got here that are our best players, who are now running down their contracts.”We haven’t even got into that conversation yet about these players.”This summer and who comes is f***ing vitally important to these players.”‘There’s a lot going on right now that needs to be unpacked by these people upstairs and they better get it right. They better get it right.”Magalhaes, Saka and Saliba’s respective multi-million-pound contracts at the Emirates all expire in the summer of 2027.Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday night, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.Ian Wright fears Arsenal’s current crop of stars could run down their contracts if things don’t changeCredit: PA More

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      Mystery Reading buyer revealed as owner of two other football clubs as EFL side finally set to be saved from extinction

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      READING’S latest potential buyer is American businessman Robert Platek, owner of Italian club La Spezia and Portuguese side Casa Pia.The League One club yesterday announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser” and were hopeful of “a quick completion,” although declined to name them.Dai Yongge put Reading up for sale in 2023Credit: JASONPIXRobert Platek is Reading’s mystery buyerCredit: GettySunSport has learned that the buying group are led by Platek with support from long-time associate Nishant Tella, a former investment banker who is now a partner at Clean Slate Capital.Platek is a serial investor in football and already owns Serie B club La Spezia and Lisbon club Casa Pia, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese top-flight.The 60-year-old previously owned Danish club Soenderjysky, but sold them after just two years shortly after completing the £21million purchase of La Spezia in 2021.La Spezia are currently third in Serie B pushing strongly for a return to the top flight after being relegated in a relegation play-off two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlatek is the fifth potential buyer to enter exclusive talks with Reading in the last 12 months following offers from former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee and two proposals involving property magnate Paul Taylor.Significantly however, the proposed deal involves Platek buying the controlling stake of owner Dai Yongge, along with Reading’s stadium and training ground, keeping all of the club’s assets in one company.Platek’s plans for Reading are unclear, but he has extensive experience in football, including in England. In addition to his personal investments in European football he is a partner at MSD Capital, the investment vehicle of technology billionaire Michael Dell.MSD become significant players in English football and have lent tens of millions to several clubs including Southampton, Burnley, Derby and Sunderland over the last decade.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlatek’s proposed purchase of Reading would be a personal venture with no links to MSD however, removing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.Reading were put up for sale by Yongge in October 2023, but despite considerable interest have been unable to complete a sale. The club have informed the EFL about the potential buyers and are hopeful a sale can be completed quickly.Football fan records hilarious video of Reading stadium step ‘everyone’ falls over as it’s ‘3mm higher than the rest'”Reading can confirm it has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of the club,” they said. “The parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to complete final due diligence and legally complete the transaction.“Whilst timelines cannot be guaranteed, the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion, which would be for the benefit of all concerned.The club can confirm the agreed sale includes the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility.”Fans’ group Sell Before We Dai have fought a long-running campaign pressuring Yongge to sell following frustration at the club’s financial problems, numerous transfer embargoes and late-payment of players leading to them being docked a total of 18 points by the EFL.In a statement released on Monday however, the supporters sounded cautiously optimistic that Yongge’s eight-year ownership could be drawing to a close.“The optimist in us may see today’s announcement as positive and welcome news,” a statement read.”The tone of the [Reading] statement seems different to before and we all hope that a deal can be done soon. We’ve been here before with the Dais though. Until a sale is done our campaign continues.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReading are ninth in League One, three points off the play-off places, with new manager Noel Hunt doing an excellent job since replacing Ruben Selles, who left for Hull in December.Reading and the EFL declined to comment.Platek also owns Italian side SpeziaCredit: Getty More

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      Arne Slot makes embarrassing blunder in Liverpool press conference as he ‘forgets Cristiano Ronaldo played for Man Utd’

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      LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot has FORGOTTEN that Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Manchester United.The Dutch coach was asked to compare 30-goal striker Mo Salah with world superstars Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.Liverpool manager Arne Slot forgot that Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Manchester UnitedRonaldo played more than 300 games for United, winning the Ballon d’Or with the club in 2008Mo Salah is enjoying one of the greatest individual Premier League seasons everAnd it had slipped the mind of Slot that the Portuguese international – now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia – spent a total of seven seasons in two spells at United.Slot said: “It’s so difficult to compare players with each other, and it’s not fair to anyone. I think Mo has his own career and Mo has been outstanding.“Messi and Ronaldo both didn’t play in the Premier League, but I don’t want to bring them down because these two players are incredible, but that makes the comparison maybe even more difficult.“So Mo has had some outstanding seasons here at Liverpool, and we hope he can continue this for a longer period of time, but to do that he first has to extend his contract, of course.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSalah, who faces Newcastle tomorrow for the Premier League leaders, has been outstanding for the Reds this season.And Slot believes Salah could win the Ballon d’Or without winning the Champions League.Manchester City midfielder Rodri achieved that last season even though him winning the award infuriated Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior.Slot added: “It’s mostly about the attackers, isn’t it? Although the last winner was a midfielder.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But yes, it’s a good thing that Mo is in the discussion, because it means he does well and it means we are doing well.“I think in general, someone that wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well, so it’s a great challenge that is in front of us, but also in front of him. Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss “And what I liked a lot is that he takes this challenge not only by scoring a big goal and a great assist against City, but he also wanted the team to win.“Because his defensive work rate, especially in the second half, was outstanding, and that is what it takes for us to have a chance of winning something. “And if we as a team can win something, he will have a far better chance to win an individual prize like the Ballon d’Or.”Ronaldo played in 346 games across two spells for Man Utd and won his first of five Ballon d’Or’s when playing for the club in 2008.The Portuguese superstar won eight trophies during his first five year stint, including three consecutive Prem titles and the Champions League in 2008.Salah has now racked up an incredible 51 combined goals and assists this season across all competitions.He has now reached 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League alone – with 11 top-flight games still to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah has now scored AND assisted in 11 different Premier League games this season.That’s the most since a certain Messi achieved the same feat for Barcelona in 2014/15.The Liverpool superstar notched another goal and assist as the Reds beat Man City More

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      Dominik Szoboszlai six times less popular than Luis Diaz in Dream Team despite superior form for champions elect

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      LIVERPOOL have become Premier League champions elect after victory over Manchester City on Sunday.The Reds’ 2-0 win at the Etihad, coupled with Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham, has made them overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy come May.One hand on the trophyCredit: GETTYMohamed Salah (£8.3m) was once again the star of the show against Pep Guardiola’s side as he scored one goal and assisted another for a 16-point return – only Alexander Isak (£6m) earned more points over the weekend among all Dream Team assets.But Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m) deserves his time in the spotlight too having also scored and assisted in Manchester.The Hungary international banked 13 points for his efforts to continue his fine form of late.He has notched 59 points in his last seven outings via three goals and two assists.What’s interesting is that Szoboszlai features in just 6.2% of teams at the time of writing, a relatively low ownership for an in-form starter for the best team in the land.Salah and Szoboszlai combined twice against Man CityCredit: GettyFor comparison, Luis Diaz (£3.5m) appears in 38.8% of teams, making him the fourth-most popular player in the game, despite his dwindling returns since the turn of the year.The Colombian winger has mustered just 26 points from his last seven appearances, 33 fewer than Szoboszlai.Widening the lens, Diaz has produced 44 points in 13 games this calendar year, which works out at an average of 3.4 per fixture.Most read in FootballThese stats are not befitting a player who features in well over a third of all teams.Dream Team bosses who want a Liverpool midfielder, an understandable inclination, should certainly consider pivoting from Diaz to Szoboszlai.Diaz’s points-per-game average has dropped since the turn of the yearCredit: GettyArne Slot’s side are due to host Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday night and the outlook would change again if the Reds’ No8 picked up an injury or Diaz produced a decisive performance – both feasible possibilities.Either way, any transfers made this week wouldn’t come into effect until Gameweek 26, when Liverpool’s only fixture is a trip to PSG in the Champions League round of 16.The Ligue 1 leaders have won 13 of their 14 games in all competitions and made a statement in their European play-off with a 10-0 aggregate triumph over Brest.Gameweek 26 represents a tough test for Salah and company but, looking further ahead, Gameweek 27 could yield lorry-loads of points.Szoboszlai and friends are due to play PSG in the last 16 of the Champions LeagueCredit: GETTYLiverpool will be one of just six teams to pull double duty in Gameweek 27 and they have the luxury of back-to-back home games against relegation-bound Southampton and PSG.Previous comments about the Parisians’ form remain pertinent but that match-up becomes more appealing when the venue shifts to Merseyside.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarring a disaster in the French capital, Dream Team managers should aim to be well stocked with Liverpool players come Gameweek 27.It wouldn’t be overkill to have five, six or even seven of Slot’s favourites in the ranks for that double header and Szoboszlai’s recent returns suggest he’s worthy of selection. More

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      Inside football’s greatest cup competition where upsets are encouraged with minnows set to take on £3.5bn giants

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      EVERY year debates rage over whether the FA Cup can ever regain its “magic”.But over in France, their domestic competition is going from strength-to-strength.Stade Briochin produced a sensational upset in the last roundCredit: AFPThe lower-league side are set to take on PSGCredit: AFPUpon first inspection, you might wonder what the big deal is: after all, Paris Saint-Germain have won it 15 times, Marseille on 10 occasions.But look a little closer, and you’ll see a competition that consistently delivers drama, upsets and “magic”, every single season.This season’s quarter-finals feature just four teams from Ligue 1, with some of the top-flight’s biggest clubs having been humbled along the way.And with fourth-tier Cannes hosting Ligue 2 Guingamp, at least one team from outside the top flight is guaranteed to reach the semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLyon were astonishingly beaten on penalties by fifth-tier Bourgoin-Jallieu, who hail from a town of just 28,000 people barely 20 miles away.And the minnows very nearly backed up their incredible win, only falling to top-flight Reims on penalties in the last round.Lille, who have defeated Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus on the way to the Champions League round of 16, were also defeated via spot kicks by second-tier Dunkerque – despite stars such as Jonathan David being in action.Montpellier, Ligue 1 champions in 2012, finished their Coupe de France campaign in disgrace this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlready bottom of the table, they received no respite in the Coupe as they were astonishingly trounced 4-0 by fourth-tier Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne.During the match, experienced captain Teji Savanier was asked “Last in Ligue 1 – does that hurt?” – to which he brashly replied: “When you’re being paid €210,000 (£175k) a month, no.”Inside PSG’s £250m lavish new training complex with luxury pools as fans joke ‘players will spend half the time lost’Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Nice, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by fourth-tier Stade Briochin courtesy of Hugo Boudin’s late double.Their reward? The opportunity to face Ligue 1 champions PSG in the quarter-finals.Such has been the interest in the fixture, set to take place tomorrow, that the match has been moved from Stade Briochin’s charming Stade Fred-Aubert home to Rennes’ Roazhon Park.Luis Enrique’s star-studded side will of course be huge favourites, but their lowly opponents will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s most in-form teams.Part of what sets the Coupe de France apart is its format.Ditching two-legged ties in 1999, the competition now automatically makes the underdog in each game the home side, provided that they are two divisions or more below their opponents.Third-tier US Quevilly subsequently reached the final in 2012, while Les Herbiers from the same level finished as runners-up in 2018.Coupe de France fixturesQuarter-FinalsAngers vs ReimsCannes vs GuingampBrest vs DunkerqueStade Briochin vs Paris Saint-GermainIn 2020, the Coupe de France also scrapped extra time, meaning underdogs just have to last 90 minutes before reaching the lottery of penalties.With the Coupe de la Ligue having also been axed that year, the competition also has maximum prestige as France’s only domestic tournament.Another fun wrinkle of the competition is that it allows clubs from semi-autonomous French regions around the world to participate.Earlier this season, AS Venus made the 30-hour trip from Tahiti to face fourth-tier ASM Belfort in round seven.While last season, Golden Lion made the 8,000 mile round trip from Martinique to face the stars of Lille, although the ruthless Ligue 1 side played their full-strength side and won 12-0.It may well be that PSG go on to beat Stade Briochin before marching to a 16th Coupe de France triumph.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that wouldn’t change the fact that this season’s competition has been full of shocks, upsets and incredible stories.And perhaps it still has another fairytale or two left to tell.The stars of PSG will be in action against Stade-BriochinCredit: GettyLille took on Golden Lion last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd staff ‘served pie, chips and water in plastic cups’ at emotional Old Trafford meeting over latest job cuts

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      MANCHESTER UNITED staff piled into a suite at Old Trafford with pie and chips on Monday to be told that they could lose their jobs in the coming months.United announced this week that as many as 200 staff members will lose their jobs in a second wave of cost-cutting since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Man Utd announced a new round of cuts at the clubCredit: PAChief Omar Berrada broke the news of up to 200 staff cuts in the near futureCredit: GettyEmployees at the Theatre of Dreams were reportedly left emotional after being informed of the incoming staff culling to save cash for the underachieving club.According to The Mail, United’s chief executive Omar Berrada apologised to staff at the meeting as he informed them of their anxious wait to learn their fate in April.It’s said that pies, chips and jugs of water with plastic cups were laid out by the 20-time English champions for the grim meeting.It was already revealed in the past week that United will be stopping free lunches for staff at Old Trafford, instead offering them fruit.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile those working at Carrington will lose access to the same menu as the players for their lunches from next season, instead being offered soup and sandwiches.It’s reported that the meeting saw Berrada hammer home the importance of making Man Utd profitable once again, following five years of losses.While he also discussed United’s ‘Project 150′ – a plan to make the club Premier League champions again by 2028.The Red Devils, who are currently 15th in the league, published financial results last week that showed the club owe £391m in transfer fees and have seen interest costs since the Glazer family took over in 2005 top £1billion.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was also revealed that United had spent a combined £14.5m to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff and let go of sporting director Dan Ashworth. The new wave of cost-cutting comes after penny pinching measures have been taken up and down the club since the arrival of Ratcliffe and Ineos.Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsThe incredible measures have seen the scrapping of stewards’ bonuses, 250 job cuts last summer, cancelled Christmas parties, cuts to funding donation for former player’s charity and the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role with the club.The club is enduring its worst season on the pitch since they were relegated in the 1970s and every position lower they go costs them £4m in prize money.Despite cuts all over the club, first team players are still earning unfathomable amounts.Both Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are understood to be pocketing in excess of £300,000-per-week, while the squad’s average salary is almost £115,000-per-week.A damning statement from the Man Utd Supporters Trust (MUST) following the publication of the second quarter financial results said: “Today’s financial results lay bare the scale of the financial mismanagement we have seen at Manchester United…”Fans should not pay the price for a problem that starts with our crippling debt interest payments and is exacerbated by a decade or more of mismanagement.”It’s time to freeze ticket prices and allow everyone – players, management, owners and fans – to get behind United and restore this club to where it belongs.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      ‘He won’t be there’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on brink of SACK and has two games to save his job, claims Paul Merson

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      CHELSEA head coach Enzo Maresca has two games to save his job, according to Paul Merson.The Blues have endured a mixed season under their new boss.Enzo Maresca is at risk of being sacked, Paul Merson has claimedCredit: GettyMerson insists Chelsea need to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: Sky SportsHaving been widely considered title contenders before Christmas, Maresca and Co began dropping down the Premier League table at the turn of the year.They now sit down in seventh and face competition from Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Manchester City for a Champions League spot.With the top-four competition so tight, Merson believes Chelsea cannot afford to drop any more points in the coming weeks.The ex-Arsenal man has even suggested that Maresca could find himself out of the job if they don’t win the next two games.Read More in FootballOn Monday, Merson said: “If they don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there.”They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester.”So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job.”Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They will have to finish in the top five, otherwise I dread to think what’s going to happen. I just don’t see what the plan is.”All the seven-year contracts and these players are not getting any better. How many of them have been a major success?”Enzo Maresca criticises Chelsea after 3-0 defeat by Brighton Merson also put forward a theory to explain why Cole Palmer has experienced a drop-off in form.He continued: “Even Palmer has struggled now, Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson, and Jackson needs Palmer.”Without Jackson’s movement, Palmer gets suffocated out of the game. He hasn’t got any movement in front of him.”People give Jackson stick, but you can see how good he is now he’s not in the team.”Now, all of a sudden, they’ve got nothing up front, so no one’s making the runs and Palmer’s got no space. So he’s getting deeper and deeper. Jackson’s a massive miss.”Chelsea next host Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening before travelling to Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League next Thursday.They then return to Premier League action to face Leicester City.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku. More

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      Bournemouth star, 21, switches international allegiance to play under ex-Premier League boss after representing England

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      BOURNEMOUTH star Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from England.The 21-year-old striker has agreed to represent Canada, according to reports.Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from EnglandJebbison was born in Oakville, Ontario, but is eligible to represent England and Jamaica through his parents.He has been capped 13 times across three different age groups in England’s youth set up.The Prem star was part of the Three Lions side that won the 2022 Under-19 Euros, where he scored against Serbia in the group stage.But he has swapped his allegiance as Canada Soccer has landed one of the most sought-after dual-nationals in the programme’shistory. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJebbison has started the process of his Fifa one-time change of association.An official announcement from Canada Soccer is expected soon, reports The Athletic.Should that be completed in time, he would likely attend his first Canada training camp in March as part of the Concacaf Nations League finals.Canada will face Mexico in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to meet either the U.S. or Panama.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEx-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024.Marsch attended Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to Wolves at the Vitality Stadium to see Jebbison come on in the 89th minute.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month Marsch had several conversations with the striker and stressed the importance of Canada being one of three host nations for the 2026 World Cup.Jebbison has been a regular substitute for Bournemouth in the second half of this season, since returning from a loan to Championship side Watford.He has two goals in two FA Cup appearances this term and previously starred for Sheffield United in 2019.Jebbison last played for England’s Under-20 side in May 2023 at the Fifa U-20 World Cup.He was also partly convinced of how he could thrive with Canada thanks to a video Marsch and his staff created.Canada turned to three top stars in Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Alistair Johnston, to record video messages expressing their interest in having Jebbison join.Marsch also put a personal touch in his recruitment plan by creating a one-off Canada-themed pair of Air Jordans to gift to Jebbison.Ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024 More