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      Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon

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      CHELSEA’S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week.But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles.Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaokeChelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumphMikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League.He told SunSport: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”Most of Enzo Maresca’s squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month.A singalong is not Mikel’s idea of fun to toast victory.He said: “Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn’t have been that. It would have gone full on.”New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems.DEL OF A BUYLIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side and here’s why…When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched Manchester City’s EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca.Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so.From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left.Nicolas Jackson has – all things considered – been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box.Liam Delap is set to sign for the BluesDelap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace – which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle.However, it’s likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca’s style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market.Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too.It wasn’t always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap’s movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season.OL’ TIMERIT’S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th.The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris.The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist.They join Chelsea’s group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca’s men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24.Chelsea fans wonder ‘What if?’LUIS ENRIQUE’S Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, “What if?”When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues’ head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job.Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead.Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who “made several demands” during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place.Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined ChelseaFast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build – an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best.In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite.The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals.It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons.BLUE RINSESECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season.A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge.The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent.The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a “premier membership” which can be purchased for priority access to tickets.In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least.Fans online reacted, and weren’t happy at all, with one fan claiming, “Premium membership LOL like I’m not ripped off enough as it is.” While another fumed: “A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don’t.”JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph.The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits.Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham’s Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel.But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again.JT was back at a Chelsea European final – and again not on the pitch!The club’s legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands.Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 – only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for UEFA.com covering the game for Europe’s governing body.Surely that’s more than a coincidence? 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      Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor desperately trying to SELL stake to stop Eagles being booted out of Europa League

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      CRYSTAL PALACE co-owner John Textor is trying to SELL his stake in the club to prevent the Eagles being booted out of the Europa League, reports suggest.Despite winning the FA Cup, the Eagles face being unable to compete in the Europa League for the first time ever next season due to Uefa multi-club ownership rules.Crystal Palace face not being able to compete in the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rulesCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe issue comes from co-owner John Textor, who also owns LyonCredit: GettyHe is now trying to sell his stake in the Eagles less than a month after their FA Cup gloryCredit: APAmerican businessman Textor owns a 43 per cent share in the Selhurst Park outfit.However, his ownership of Ligue 1 side Lyon has placed Palace’s place in the competition in jeopardy without a ball even being kicked.That is because the French outfit also qualified for next season’s Europa League, but due to their superior league position have preference for a spot.Palace chiefs flew out to Switzerland for a meeting on the shores of Lake Geneva earlier this week for crunch talks with Uefa about the problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to the Daily Mail, those talks lasted for around two hours and ended in Textor putting the club up for sale to avoid a potential disaster.He has previously declared his intention to sell when trying to buy Everton, alongside the fact he has access to just 25 per cent of voting rights at the club.Speaking to the Mail about the meeting, he said: “Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting. “They listened and we’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t be trying to sell (his stake) if I did.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 59-year-old added: “We are trying to help separate it and sell. “We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityThe report adds Uefa lawyers will now consider the argument before making a decision in the “near future” ahead of the draw for the qualifying stages of the Conference League.However, Palace being booted out of the Europa League is not the worst-case scenario due to the unprecedented nature of a third club being involved.The Eagles could even be booted out of the Conference League if they were forced to suffer a “relegation” to avoid two competing interests, due to the ownership of shareholder David Blitzer.Blitzer is said to own around 18 per cent of the shares in the club, but also owns Danish outfit Brondby.They appear to be in line to take a spot in the Conference League which would bring Palace into conflict with ownership rules again.Brondby finished third in Denmark’s league, but Palace would argue that qualifying for a higher-ranked competition by winning the FA Cup entitles them to the spot.That being said, if Palace end up being thrown out of European football entirely, bitter rivals Brighton would inherit a spot in the Conference League, while Nottingham Forest move up to the Europa League.Manchester United faced a similar issue last year when they won the FA Cup and were placed below French club Nice in the priority list due to their higher finish in Ligue 1.Both were ultimately allowed to compete, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos agreeing to a transfer embargo between the two clubs and major changes at board level for Nice in a so-called “blind-trust” deal.Read More on The SunManchester City had to do the same when Spanish side Girona, owned by the UAE’s City Football Group, surprisingly qualified for the Champions League last season.As a precaution, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made similar changes when it appeared both the English side and Greek outfit Olympiakos were on course to qualify for the Champions League.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

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      Simone Inzaghi LEAVES Inter Milan just three days after Champions League final heartache and set for lucrative new job

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      INTER MILAN have announced the exit of manager Simone Inzaghi, just days after losing the Champions League final.Inzaghi, 49, leaves Inter having led the club to two Champions League finals, one Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and three Italian Super Cups.Simone Inzaghi has left Inter MilanCredit: GettyInzaghi Inter Milan were beaten 5-0 by PSG in the Champions League final on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe Italian manager spearheaded a new era for Inter since his arrival in 2021, but saw his team swept aside in a 5-0 thrashing to PSG in Saturday’s Champions League final.Now the retired striker looks set for a lucrative roll managing in Saudi Arabia after coming to a mutual agreement with Inter execs to call time on his spell as boss.A club statement read: “The Club and Simone Inzaghi’s paths separate. This is the decision taken by mutual agreement after the meeting that took place a few minutes ago.”Inzaghi’s management at Inter will be remembered by fans, players, managers and employees as being characterised by great passion, accompanied by professionalism and dedication.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile club president Guiseppe Marotta added: “On behalf of our shareholder Oaktree and the entire Club, I would like to thank Simone Inzaghi for the work done, for the passion shown and also for the sincerity in today’s discussion, which led to the common decision to separate our paths. “Only when we have fought together to achieve success day by day can we have a frank dialogue like the one that occurred today.”MORE TO FOLLOW…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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      Nottingham Forest plummet, shock team in top five and Man Utd boost – how Premier League table would look without errors

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      MANCHESTER UNITED surge up the table and Nottingham Forest fall in the error-free Premier League.Goalkeepers and defenders wish their mistakes leading to goals could be forgotten about.Manchester United would be better off if individual errors did not countCredit: GettyManchester City would also rise up the tableCredit: GettyAnd number crunchers at AceOdds.com have made that possible by wiping all strikes from existence that came from individual direct errors.A total of 186 howlers have been erased and it changed the results of 65 matches across the season.Brighton are the biggest climbers and rise up the league to fifth to earn a Champions League spot.The Seagulls would have five points more as their No1 Bart Verbruggen made more blunders (five) leading to goals than anyone else.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United and Southampton are the other big movers up the table.Ruben Amorim’s side shot themselves in the foot far too often and it cost them eight points.United would have finished in 13th place without mistakes.And it is a similar story for Southampton, who threw away 11 points due to individual errors.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe boost would have even been enough to see them come 19th and Ipswich bottom instead.Nottingham Forest were in the hunt for Champions League qualification until the final day before eventually settling for a Conference League spot.Tottenham’s subtle reference to lasagne scandal in new kit launch hailed by fansThey punished opponents’ mistakes better than any other side in the division.Taking away those goals would have seen Forest plummet four places to 11th and record 13 points less.Similarly, Arsenal picked up eight extra points from rivals’ defensive errors.Without them, Mikel Arteta’s side would have come behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.Bart Verbruggen made more errors leading to goals than any other keeperCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      PSG hero’s home ransacked in shocking burglary attempt just hours after he celebrated Champions League final win

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero Fabian Ruiz’s home was ransacked by burglars just hours after he celebrated winning the trophy.The midfielder helped Paris Saint-Germain to an epic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Saturday’s Munich final.Fabian Ruiz had his home ransacked after the Champions League winCredit: AFPThere were clashes with police during the team’s trophy paradeCredit: AFPFan turned up in their numbers to celebrate the iconic winCredit: APRuiz, 29, then enjoyed the victory parade through the French capital on Sunday.But the Spain international’s mood was shattered the following day when two teenage robbers broke into his upmarket property in Paris’ western suburbs.Luckily alarm systems alerted police to the brazen daylight raid just before midday.They raced to the scene, and arrested the two suspects in the act.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA police source told Le Parisien newspaper: “We found the player’s home in total disorder.”The two minors had rummaged through every room before we caught them red-handed.”Ruiz joined PSG from Napoli in 2022, and has since helped them lift three Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups as well as their first-ever Champions League.Capped 37 times, he previously played for Spanish clubs Real Betis and Elche.Most read in FootballPSG hold Victory Parade following Champions League win against Inter MilanHis PSG teammate Willian Pacho had his home burgled in March while on international duty with Ecuador.Ex-Manchester United winger Angel di Maria suffered a burglary during his PSG stay in 2021.Widespread disorder broke out in Paris and across France as soon as Luis Enrique’s side had wrapped up their record-breaking win on Saturday.Two people died, and hundreds were arrested.But the direct attack on midfield ace Ruiz’s home – even though unsuccessful – will particularly sicken the vast majority of PSG’s fans. More

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      Chelsea outcast Armando Broja in talks with four clubs including Champions League giants after injury nightmare

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      ARMANDO BROJA could FINALLY be set to end his Chelsea nightmare this summer.The Albanian hitman, 23, is in talks over a move away from Stamford Bridge with four potential suitors.Armando Broja came through Chelsea’s academyCredit: GettyHe was out for long spells last season due to injuryCredit: GettyBroja featured in just 10 league games at Everton last season after being hit with injuries.He suffered an Achilles tendon problem that kept him out for 95 days.Then when he returned, he had an ankle injury that sidelined him for another 58 days.By the time he was fit to play again the season was almost over and other players had already established themselves in the team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Before that, he spent the second half of the 2023/2024 season out on loan at Fulham without being able to properly make a statement.Sources have told SunSport that AC Milan and Ajax have both been in touch ahead of what will be a busy summer at Chelsea.Talks with Dutch side PSV and German’s RB Leipzig have already taken place.Broja burst onto the scene during a stellar loan spell at Southampton in 2021/22, scoring six league goals with his blend of pace, power, and clever movement.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut injuries and competition for places at Chelsea saw him slide down the pecking order.And with the Blues targeting a new No9 again this summer, his days at Stamford Bridge look numbered.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionThe London-born Albanian striker’s contract at Chelsea runs until 2028 with a club extension option inserted but SunSport understands the player desires a permanent move.Chelsea are willing to do business and a fee in the region of £20million could see them agree to a total sale for a player who came through the Chelsea academy.With the World Cup qualifiers coming up and Albania needing their talisman firing, Broja is determined to make the right move and get back to his best.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBroja wants to get back to form for both club and countryCredit: GETTY More

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      Football lawmakers make major rule change after Julian Alvarez’s controversial Champions League penalty vs Real Madrid

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      THE International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made a significant change to penalty rules following a controversial shootout in the Champions League this term.Atletico Madrid were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition by Real Madrid in the last-16 after a penalty from Julian Alvarez was ruled out following a VAR check.The IFAB have made a rule change to penalties after Julian Alvarez controversially had a goal ruled out against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThe striker was deemed to have touched the ball twiceCredit: GettyThe striker had slipped when running up to shoot and subsequently double-touched the ball with both feet.Although it was barely noticeable at first, VAR deemed the kick to be illegal and it was not registered as a goal.Atletico went on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties, sparking a furious reaction from Diego Simeone and fans.The manager said: “I just saw the image of the penalty. The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”The outrage has prompted the IFAB to alter Law 14 which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty.Because Alvarez did not intentionally shoot twice during the shootout, the regulation has been amended to account for similar situations.It now states: “The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: “An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Atletico Madrid boss Simeone loses his cool with reporter over Alvarez penalty controversy More

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      Newcastle ‘make five players untouchable’ in summer transfer window after securing Champions League football

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      NEWCASTLE have drawn up their transfer plans – and made five stars ‘untouchable’.Eddie Howe is planning for another assault on the Champions League as well as bridging the gap to the top of the Premier League.Eddie Howe won the Carabao Cup last season and wants moreCredit: GettyWith Financial Fair Play breathing down their necks, fans may have been fretting that some top stars could be flogged.But according to The Athletic, the club’s top brass have put their foot down on key talent leaving, which will bring a huge sigh of relief for their passionate fans.Here, SunSport checks out the five players who will be sticking around St James’ Park for a while longer…Bruno GuimaraesThe Brazilian midfield maestro has suitors across Europe, but Toon won’t budge. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Manchester City were reportedly interested but Newcastle have privately insisted he’s not going anywhere no matter how much money is offered.Bruno Guimaraes embodies the passion of NewcastleCredit: GettySandro TonaliThe Italian has been a colossus this season. There have been games where his class has made the difference.Howe knows they’ve got a much better chance of achieving big things with him in the side.Sandro Tonali has become on of the first names on the team-sheetCredit: GettyAnthony GordonWhat a rise, from Goodison fringe man to Newcastle’s flying winger, and now an England star. Most read in FootballThe club want to keep Gordon for as long as they can and he’s probably not reached his full potential yet.Gordon just keeps getting better and better since arriving from EvertonCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTino LivramentoA modern-day full-back who didn’t get a proper look-in at Chelsea but he has been a breath of fresh air every time he’s played for Newcastle. Manchester City have reportedly targeted him as a natural replacement for Kyle Walker but Newcastle are having none of it.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childAlexander IsakOne of the best strikers in Europe, consistently making the difference in big games. Unreal when fully fit and he just keeps getting better.There’s top-level interest as expected but the club have made it clear he’s going nowhere.Alexander Isak is a man in demand but Newcastle want to keep himThe Magpies are braced for aggressive approaches this summer and will let some players go but they’ve already started work on the building blocks for next season.They’ve also been linked again to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, after failing to get a deal over the line last summer.Howe knows how brutal the Champions League can be after finishing bottom of their group last time around.This year the target is to get out of the group and make a real statement in Europe. More