Balls to the Super League

SO we now know Chelsea have pulled out of the European Super League.As fans gathered outside to protest the controversial breakaway proposal, and then celebrated as news of its demise filtered through, what must Chelsea’s stars have been thinking?
Chelsea performed dismally on a unique night at Stamford BridgeCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
What did they know? What had they been told before this crucial clash with Brighton as protestors attempted to stop their bus rolling into Stamford Bridge? Probably not a lot.
They then had to go and play a Premier League game not really knowing the future of the club, the future of their Champions League campaign, whether they still needed to finish in the top four, and even whether they will even be allowed to represent their countries again.
Because these were all the rumours flying around that the players would have seen.
How are they supposed to then go and play a match pretending that everything was all dandy?
Well, the answer is, they didn’t. Yes, they played it in spirit, their bodies were there and they were doing something that resembled playing football.
But this Chelsea team looked lacklustre, tired, confused, and absolutely subdued as they tried to string passes together.
There was no intensity, no creativity, and a lack of all the basics.
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But can all that be pinned on the distraction of the European Super League?
Of course, it will have a massive effect on the players, and the board will take extra blame for Chelsea failing to beat Brighton tonight, managing only a goalless draw.
However, when you aren’t even completing the basics of football, further questions must be asked. For that, there isn’t really an excuse.
Chelsea were absolutely awful tonight, and there is no excuse for such a poor performance.
But at the end of the day, we must remember that this is a bunch of confused players going through real turmoil following the rumours and dramas of the last two days, so we cannot blame them for being subdued.
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Wild fan celebrations outside Stamford Bridge as Chelsea pull out of the European Super League More

THE European Super League lies in tatters this evening as Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and City all quit on a dramatic evening.The FA, Uefa and Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined in the chorus of joy as ESL plans crumbled, while United confirmed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is QUITTING “at the end of 2021”.
Manchester City have QUIT the European Super League after a massive backlashCredit: Getty
Chelsea fans protested outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and their club are set to pull outCredit: AFP
The decision by Chelsea and Manchester City is – if confirmed – absolutely the right one and I commend them for it.I hope the other clubs involved in the European Super League will follow their lead.— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 20, 2021

It is also believed that Atletico Madrid have pulled out of the 12-club rebel league, while Barcelona have said they will put the proposal to their fans before deciding.
City were the first club to officially pull the plug, with Chelsea following suit as their stars were preparing to face Brighton.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham then joined United in completing the exodus with coordinated statements at 11pm this evening.
The European Super League itself said it was considering the “most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible”.
Old Trafford legend Gary Neville urged United to boot out all the executives involved in the ESL plotting.
Nev told Sky: “Ed Woodward is the trunk of the tree, now it’s time to get the roots out…the Glazers have no place in Manchester United.
“Every single exec who sits at the table, they need throwing out of that club, he knew his time in football was finished.”
But in a statement on the Red Devils’ official website, Woodward made no mention of the ESL as he said: “I am extremely proud to have served United.
“And it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years.
“The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year.“I will treasure the memories from my time at Old Trafford, during a period when we won the Europa League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. I am proud of the regeneration of the club’s culture and our return to the Manchester United way of playing.”

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Man Utd bigwig Ed Woodward released a goodbye statement on their website but made no mention of the European Super LeagueCredit: EPA

We can confirm that we have formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the group developing proposals for a European Super League (ESL).#THFC ⚪️ #COYS— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021

As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2021

We will not be participating in the European Super League.#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2021

Liverpool Football Club can confirm that our involvement in proposed plans to form a European Super League has been discontinued.— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 20, 2021

United co-chairman Joel Glazer said: “Ed Woodward has served the club with great distinction. On behalf of everyone at United I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his tireless work and dedication.
“His contribution to the club has been massive, and he will always be welcome at Old Trafford as a part of the Manchester United family.”
In what will be a potentially fatal blow to the £4.6billion scheme, Man City chiefs decided they could no longer be party to the plans that have rocked football to its very foundations.
And in a brief statement, the club confirmed: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League.”

Ecstatic Etihad superstar Kevin De Bruyne reacted with an emotional post attaxcking the EFL’s concept of no relegation.
He posted: “This man comes out of a little town out of Belgium dreaming of playing at the highest stage possible.
“I’ve worked and competed against everybody trying to win the ultimate.“But the most important word is COMPETING.

“Let’s keep inspiring the next generation of footballers and keep the fans dreaming.”
And Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed City “back to the European football family”.
Ceferin added:  “They have shown great intelligence in listening to the many voices – most notably their fans – that have spelled out the vital benefits that the current system has for the whole of European football – from the world-beating Champions League final right down to a young player’s first coaching session at a grassroots club. “As I said at the Uefa Congress, it takes courage to admit a mistake but I have never doubted that they had the ability and common sense to make that decision.”
The FA claimed the clubs’ U-turn could now “unify the game – after it “threatened the whole pyramid”.
And their statement added: “We welcome the news that some of the clubs have decided to abandon the plans…
Chelsea legend Petr Cech pleaded with protesting fans outside Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
Fans demonstrated outside Stamford Bridge – and later cheered as Chelsea prepared for a U-turnCredit: Alamy
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“English football has a proud history based on opportunity for all clubs and the game has been unanimous in its disapproval of a closed shop.”
City were the last of the initial six Prem clubs and the 12th in all to sign up to a plan hatched by Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United and funded by US investment giant JP Morgan.
Like Chelsea, who are in the process of preparing their withdrawal documents, the Etihad outfit were understood to feel they had no option other than to join the breakaway.
That was despite both clubs’ hierarchies harbouring doubts over the project.
But the fear of missing out on a huge tranche of the initial £3bn joining pot and minimum £130m per year on offer saw both clubs take a bite out of the carrot.

City and Co were also slammed by their Prem rivals, with the League, FA and Government lining up to vow the clubs would simply not be allowed to walk away and join the elite cartel clubs.
And Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is furious at reportedly being “blind-sided” by the overwhelming backlash.
An extra blow to the crumbling project came from Barcelona, who announced they would not join the Super League unless there was a vote of members to approve the move.
President Joan Laporta said: “Barcelona will NOT join the Super League until our socios (fan members) vote for it. It’s their club, so it’s their decision.”
As the news broke, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “The decision by Chelsea and Manchester City is – if confirmed – absolutely the right one and I commend them for it.
“I hope the other clubs involved in the European Super League will follow their lead.”
The European Super League was announced on Sunday night and met with a furious backlash from fans, players and authorities.

The plans have also been criticised by the likes of Boris Johnson and Prince William.
The Sun reported earlier today how three Prem teams that signed up were considering pulling out.
A massive fan backlash is believed to be one of the major factors behind half of the six Premier League teams involved having second thoughts.
In total, 12 European teams have announced the setting up of a new franchise league in which they will be free of relegation fears.
Bild claimed there could be as many as three Premier League clubs getting cold feet and that if they break ranks it will bring the whole idea crashing down before it even gets going.
The remaining 14 top-flight clubs met today to discuss how to fight back against the proposals and how they will challenge the six rebels.

A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League, alongside The FA, met with clubs today to discuss the immediate implications of the Super League proposal.
“The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition.
“The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those Shareholders involved to account under its rules.
“The League will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.
“The Premier League would like to thank fans and all stakeholders for the support they have shown this week on this significant issue. The reaction proves just how much our open pyramid and football community means to people.”
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Chelsea fan arrested during European Super League protests outside Stamford Bridge More

AND just like that, it matters after all.The dropped points in the race for the top four. The fear and anxiety of not qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
Chelsea’s Champions League hopes took a hit with a 0-0 draw against BrightonCredit: Reuters
Thomas Tuchel’s men looked tired and flustered after a chaotic build-upCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

The drab goalless home draw against a dogged Brighton side not worthy of gracing a ‘Super League’ according to  several disgraced and deluded owners.
Thomas Tuchel will not be happy with Chelsea’s result on the night.
But clubs across the country and the continent will just be glad to see competitive action doing what it does best.
Messing with the emotions. Creating narratives. Providing drama.
All of those things were on offer before a ball was even kicked at Stamford Bridge as news filtered through that Roman Abramovich had caved in and listened to his passionate fanbase.
Blues supporters armed with hand-drawn banners and expletive chants to fill even the loftiest of arenas surrounded the stadium hours before last night’s contest.
It meant Tuchel and his players were sat on their team coach for 45 minutes unable to access the ground with crowds covering every spare inch of road.
Both sets of players only came out on to the pitch 20 minutes before kick-off, which was subsequently delayed by 15 minutes.
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Chelsea fans turned up at Stamford Bridge to protest the European Super League
The protestors blocked the Fulham road and stopped Chelsea’s bus from entering Stamford Bridge
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But what is a quarter of an hour in return for the very fabric of English football? 
Despite the historic nature of the evening, Chelsea boss Tuchel admitted to being frustrated.
Not because the visiting Seagulls warmed up in the controversial “Earn It” T-shirts, rather the unavoidable distractions for his players.
A furious Petr Cech pleaded with the fans to move, resulting in a delayed kick-off
Chelsea fans were rejoicing when news broke that the club was leaving the ESL

His skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was part of the Premier League  captains’ emergency meeting earlier in the day — perhaps why Tuchel decided to leave him on the bench.
In fact, the German coach made six changes with one eye on top-four rivals West Ham and Champions League semi-final opponents Real Madrid in the coming days.
Competitive fixtures. Imagine?
Despite the joy outside, inside the stadium it was another storyCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
Chelsea were short on ideas as they failed to find a breakthrough against BrightonCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

One of the biggest decisions was leaving out Timo Werner, despite his FA Cup semi-final influence, for Kai Havertz in a false nine role.
It appeared to pay off as Havertz found space in behind Brighton’s ambitious high line, but the Chelsea man lacked cutting edge.
 Danny Welbeck went closest after smacking a curling effort off the post late on before Ben White’s second yellow in injury time.
Hakim Ziyech was one of those who put in an uninspiring displayCredit: Getty
Brighton looked closest to winning it with a couple of chances late onCredit: PA
This is arguably the best XI of players who as it stands would play in the European Super League
Wild fan celebrations outside Stamford Bridge as Chelsea pull out of the European Super League More

CONOR McGREGOR has sensationally hinted at BUYING Manchester United following Ed Woodward’s stunning resignation.And share prices in the Red Devils have CRASHED amid Tuesday night’s European Super League chaos.
Conor McGregor has hinted at buying Man United following Ed Woodward’s exitCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
Hey guys, I’m thinking about buying Manchester United! What do you think?— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 20, 2021

Woodward resigned on Tuesday amid chaotic European Super League scenesCredit: PA

Woodward’s 16-year association with Man United came to an end this evening following a severe backlash to Sunday’s ESL announcement.
SunSport understands he quit the club BEFORE Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal pulled out amid chaotic scenes of protest outside Stamford Bridge.
It is believed Woodward may have walked out of his job on a point of principle, making him the most significant footballing figure to take a stand.
There are reports the Glazers, who own United, could follow suit.
And UFC superstar McGregor has taken to Twitter asking fans if he should step in to take over the Red Devils.
The Irish MMA ace wrote: “Hey guys, I’m thinking about buying Manchester United! What do you think?”
McGregor’s cheeky tweet came as Sky Sports reporter Bryan Swanson revealed that United’s share prices have gone done dramatically.
Shares were down 6.60 per cent at 16.12 USD this afternoon.
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United were convinced the initial backlash to the ESL announcement would eventually subside.
And they wanted to work with the Premier League to ensure the domestic game would not be affected.
But the response from fans and the remaining 14 clubs in the Premier league who have been left out of the negotiations has clearly had a massive effect.
And the whole project is now in jeopardy, with reports claiming Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli has also resigned.
Indeed, ESL mastermind Florentino Perez of Real Madrid is also said to be under pressure tonight.
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Arsenal fan protest against owner Stan Kroenke seems to work as they also pull out of the European Super League More