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      Three big-name Chelsea stars including Conor Gallagher and Romelu Lukaku LEFT OFF matchday programme squad list

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      CONOR GALLAGHER and Romelu Lukaku have been left off of Chelsea’s matchday programme for their game against Manchester City.The Blues host the champions in today’s 4.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca taking charge of his first competitive game at the club.Three major stars were missing from Chelsea’s matchday programme squad listConor Gallagher was one of the major names excludedCredit: APRomelu Lukaku is also expected to leave the club and was left off the programme back pageCredit: GettyDespite having a new manager, it’s been the same old story regarding transfer business with ten new stars arriving.However, Chelsea are still expecting several players to be sold before the window slams shut, namely Gallagher and Lukaku.Gallagher is expected to join Atletico Madrid once a deal is also agreed for Chelsea to land Joao Felix – following the breakdown in talks for Samu Omorodion.Meanwhile, Lukaku is also expected to join Napoli before the close of the window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd ahead of their expected departures, they were both omitted from the squad list on the back cover of Chelsea’s official matchday programme.Another star expected to leave the club this summer, Armando Broja, was also afforded the same treatment by not featuring on the list.Meanwhile, in terms of the playing squad, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling – whose Chelsea future now looks in doubt – were all not selected for the playing squad despite being named in the list.Lesley Ugochukwu was also named on the Blues’ list despite sealing a loan transfer to Southampton on Friday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBroadcaster Ben Jacobs explained this was due to the programmes being printed well in advance.In his line-up, Maresca named Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana after they returned from long-term injuries.Fans in stitches at Chelsea training video and say it ‘looks like going to the gym on January 1’Enzo Fernandez was also named as captain following the racism storm that clouded his return to the club following the Copa America.Ex-Leicester boss Maresca named five new buys – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga and Filip Jörgensen – on the bench. More

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      Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future in doubt with star ‘seeking clarity’ after being AXED from squad for Man City game

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      RAHEEM STERLING’S Chelsea future is in doubt after he was axed from the squad against Manchester City.The winger was part of Enzo Maresca’s plans in pre-season and his representatives have stated he remains committed to the club despite being omitted from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s season opener.Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future is in doubtCredit: GettyChelsea stars were welcomed by fans ahead of their season openerCredit: GettyNew signing Pedro Neto was selected ahead of Raheem SterlingCredit: GettyBut his future is now up in the air after he was axed, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto selected in the squad ahead of him.Sterling and his team are now seeking reassurances from the club with regard to his future and want clarity about his role in the squad.A statement: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with. “He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity. “As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. “Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Sterling, 29, is reportedly a transfer target for Juventus and if he leaves Chelsea could sign Joao Felix, who previously had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023.But Sterling could return to Chelsea’s matchday squad after featuring in pre-season for the Blues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling dipped in form last seasonChelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously labelled Sterling an “important player”, revealed his axing was just a “technical decision”.He said: “It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say.Harry Redknapp runs rule over new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ahead of new Premier League season“Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it.” More

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      Enzo Fernandez named Chelsea CAPTAIN for Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge just weeks after racism storm

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has been named Chelsea captain for their Premier League opener against Manchester City.It comes after the midfielder filmed himself singing a racist chant aimed at French players following Argentina’s Copa America victory this summer.Fernandez has been named captain for today’s matchCredit: ReutersFernandez sung a racist song aimed at French players on his Instagram liveCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezHe has been made the club’s cover starCredit: XEnzo Maresca backed the player in an interview with Sky Sports, saying: “He’s one of the captains. He’s not the only captain. But he is the captain today. “I can see the team-mates, they like him as a player and as a man. All of us sometimes do some mistakes. The important thing is to recognise and it’s finished.”In another massive show of support for Fernandez from the club, the Argentine midfielder was made the club’s cover star on their match day programme.The midfielder’s Chelsea future had appeared to be in doubt, with several of his team-mates publicly criticising him following the video.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLResponding to Fernandez singing the vile chant, Chelsea and France centre-back Wesly Fofana quoted the video on X and said: “Football in 2024, uninhibited racism.”Chelsea striker David Datro-Fofana also took to Instagram to say: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic. Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else.”This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport.”Most read in FootballSeveral Chelsea stars also unfollowed Fernandez on social media.The incident was said to have caused serious disruption to Chelsea’s pre-season.But after a meeting between manager Enzo Maresca, Fernandez, Fofana, Reece James and Axel Disasi, the player was forgiven for his actions.Fernandez has captained Chelsea for games during pre-seasonCredit: GettyFofana declared the incident over when he said: “It’s simple.”He arrived on Monday and we talked with the manager. We talked together.Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”I explained why I didn’t like the video. He explained, he said sorry because he did not want to hurt French fans or anyone.”He did not understand when singing it. He did not understand. And I trust him.”Because I know him. I know he is not racist. The act, I felt a little bit upset. But now, it is done. It is finished.”We play for the same club and badge and train together. Now I understand him. He understands me. Everybody is happy.”Fernandez later took to Instagram to to apologise for his actions and said: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Fernandez also made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity.As such, Chelsea considered the matter resolved and took no action against the player.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca has now gone a step further by making Fernandez the club’s on-field captain for today’s match.He has been appointed the club’s vice-captain, and will take over Reece James’ role as captain when he is not available through suspension or injury. More

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      Chelsea and Arsenal blow as Victor Osimhen ‘chooses next team’ and will wait until end of transfer window for dream move

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN is tipped to reject Chelsea and Arsenal – so he can wait up to two weeks for his dream move.The Napoli striker has a £100million-plus release clause in a contract expiring in June 2026.Napoli main man Victor Osimhen could be off and running at the end of the season, but maybe not to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexAnd Premier League giants have shown the strongest interest in the Nigerian over the past two seasons.Manchester United were linked with the 25-year-old at one stage.But Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their hunt over the summer.And it’s claimed the battle for his signature is now between just three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and the French giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes PSG would have to offload a big-name attacker before they could lure Osimhen.Portugal star Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani are the two main players on that list.And Plettenberg reckons Osimhen has not only set his heart on joining PSG, he is also prepared to hold on until the eleventh hour of the transfer window to seal a deal.Chelsea’s faltering hopes to sign the goal-getter have been matched by their frustration at failing to permanently move out 31-year-old frontman Romelu Lukaku.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd whatever happens, Osimhen is said to be determined to leave Napoli.The ex-Lille ace might fancy the idea of succeeding Kylian Mbappe as PSG’s main man.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMbappe netted emphatically on his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday as the Spaniards won the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.Osimhen notched 41 goals in 57 matches over the last two seasons in Serie A.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      England star Mason Mount turning supercar garage at £4m mansion into a hi-tech golf simulator – despite course NEXT DOOR

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      MAN Utd star Mason Mount has kicked off plans to turn a garage into a golf simulator room at his £4million mansion – next door to a golf course.The midfielder has splashed out on a luxury six-bed new build property in Cheshire.Mason Mount is looking to transform part of his homeCredit: GettyThe football star is known to be a fan of golf and wants to perfect his swinging techniqueCredit: GettySo he has decided to transform a car garage to a high-tech golf simulatorCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount/Mount also applied to his local council for planning permission to build a new gym extensionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount/His new abode comes with an array of luxury features, which include a pool room, gym and two cinemas.The sprawling house backs on to a prestigious golf resort, providing the home with picturesque views.But, seemingly not happy with just his skills on the football pitch, Mason, 25, is also determined to perfect his golf swing.Now, it seems that the footballer intends to convert an existing garage into a home golf simulator room, despite the close proximity to the course. READ MORE ON MASON MOUNTIt comes after the sports star was seen driving around a golf course last year in a garish bright red Ferrari golf buggy.The midfielder took time out to relax and practice his swing ahead of his first competitive debut following his £60million move from Chelsea.Mount has also applied to his local council for planning permission to build a new gym extension with a sauna, steam room and study.But he needs planning permission because the proposed works are around trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), in a green belt area.Most read in FootballHis plush double-fronted pad was built just two years ago and boasts full-length windows, five bathrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining area, orangery and office.It also has a number of reception rooms, a first floor glazed balcony with decking and a second cinema in the loft.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal Officials at the local council gave the go-ahead for the new build despite an objection from a neighbour.In a letter to the council, they wrote: “I don’t believe another property on [the lane] has three full floors and, looking at the proposal, I don’t believe would be in keeping with the area.”Planners are expected to make a decision on the proposed garage conversion and gym extension in October.Other famous footballers who live nearby include Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane, and Man Utd goalkeeper Tom Heaton.Close neighbours include Everton’s Jordan PickfordCredit: GettyHis abode features a pool room, gym and two cinemasCredit: GettyIt also has a number of reception rooms and a first floor glazed balcony with deckingCredit: @masonmount More

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      Maresca says he’s ‘not the guy’ to fix Chelsea’s squad unless they ‘pay me double’ with FIFTEEN outcasts in bloated team

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      ENZO MARESCA says he’s “not the guy” to fix Chelsea’s bloated squad on the eve of the new Premier League season.The Blues have already brought in nine new players in the summer transfer window, spending around £160million.Enzo Maresca insists he is not in charge of trimming down Chelsea’s squadCredit: GettyConor Gallagher is one of a host of Chelsea players linked with a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThey are also still being linked with additional stars such as Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.Astonishingly, the size of their squad two days before their Premier League opener with Manchester City stands at 47 players.SunSport has listed nine potential departures before the window shuts on August 30 – including Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja.But offloading players has proven tough for Chelsea, with Conor Gallagher forced to fly back from Spain after his Atletico Madrid move stalled.READ MORE ON CHELSEANow manager Maresca, 44, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino in June, has categorically stated it is the job of co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart to get rid of players – NOT his.He said “This question is for Paul and Laurence, who are there to try and find solutions [to trim the squad].”I am not the guy in charge to find solutions for loan players. If not, they have to pay me double!”He also added: “At the moment if I start to think I have 43 players it is not a good thing, I have 28 training with me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRomelu Lukaku is expected to leave before the end of the windowCredit: GettyTrevor Chalobah is another the Blues are trying to offloadCredit: GettyChelsea squadChelsea’s 47-man squad:KepaRobert SanchezFilip JorgensenMarcus BettinelliDjordje PetrovicLucas BergstromAxel DisasiMarc CucurellaTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillTrevoh ChalobahBen ChilwellReece JamesMalo GustoWesley FofanaBashir HumphreysJosh AcheampongEnzo FernandezMykhailo MudrykLesley UgochukwuCarney ChukwuemekaCole PalmerKiernan Dewsbury-HallConor GallagherMoises CaicedoTino AnjorinCesare CasadeiRenato VeigaRomeo LaviaOmari KellymanDavid Datro FofanaRomelu LukakuPedro NetoRaheem SterlingArmando BrojaMason BurstowNoni MaduekeNicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuAlex MatosDeivid WashingtonMarc GuiuAngeloDiego MoreiraRonnie StutterTyrique GeorgeChelsea are the top selling club of the 21st Century having raked in a remarkle £1.6BILLION across the last 24 years.But the money pumped into transfers since owner Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022 has been on a seismic scale.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedChelsea had spent more than £1bn in the four transfer windows before this summer.But that has not transferred into on-pitch success.They finished the end of Boehly’s first Premier League season in 12th place, down from third 12 months earlier.Last season there was marginal improvement under Pochettino, but they could still only place sixth. More

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      Chelsea fans warned they face ‘prison food’ as opponents for Europa Conference League confirmed

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      CHELSEA fans face being served grub ‘worse than prison food’ when they play their Europa Conference League play-off at the end of August.Enzo Maresca’s men must win the two-legged tie against Swiss side Servette if they are to enjoy group stage European football this season.Chelsea fans have been warned they face ‘prison food’Credit: Instagram @footyscranAs Cole Palmer and co. head to Switzerland on August 29Credit: GettyBut the Chelsea faithful should brace themselves for an unappealing bland hotdog when they play in Switzerland.A picture resurfaced of the paltry portion offered up at Servette after it was shared on popular football food account “Footy Scran” last year.The photo shows a sausage on its own with no bun and nothing else but a single small piece of bread – no sauce or toppings.And they’ll have to pay at least £7.20 for the privilege.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt the time of posting, 89.1 per cent of a 18,000 strong poll said they would refuse to eat it.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “I’ve seen prisons with better food.”A second said: “Pretty sure that violates the Geneva Convention😭.”A third added: “For £7.20 you’d expect a bun or two slices of bread at least FFS.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite a sixth-place finish Chelsea dropped into the Europa Conference League after Manchester United claimed the FA Cup against Manchester City in May and took their Europa League place.Supporters also blasted the prices charged for a matchday snack at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe masala potatoes available have been slapped with a £7.50 price tag as their team continues to splash the cash on players.Chelsea have signed nine new faces for Maresca so far this window, with former Wolves winger Pedro Neto’s £54million arrival their latest bit of business.The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday at home to champions Manchester City.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      ‘I’m the one who puts more pressure on me’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor as she targets Blues glory in Europe

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR sees becoming Chelsea boss as coming out of her comfort zone with the Blues embarking on a new era under her.Guiding the team to the Champions League prize that eluded them during Emma Hayes’ trophy-laden reign is the ex-Lyon gaffer’s a top priority. Sonia Bompastor intends to instil her football vision and philosophy at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former Lyon head coach is aiming to win every trophy the Blues will vying for in her first season at the WSL title-holders’ helmCredit: GettyThe France-born Chelsea boss has set her sights on turning Chelsea into Champions League winnersThe France-born mother-of-four is the first woman to win contest both as a player and a manager.And next season will be the Blues’ first of the post-Hayes era following their former boss becoming USA Women’s head coach at the end of last term after 12 years at the helm.In her first Chelsea press conference yesterday, Bompastor talked of her admiration of Hayes’ legacy.Aside from attempting to add an eighth top-flight trophy to the seven the Blues lifted under her predecessor, she is determined to see them claim Europe’s top club football prize.Read More Football StoriesAnd while she respects the foundations Hayes put in place, she intends to build Chelsea in her own vision as she attempts to achieve this goal.Bompastor, who was appointed as Blues boss in May on a four-year deal, said: “I am a completely different person from Emma.”I have a different vision and philosophy. I’m just trying to build on that legacy. “For me what is really important is to come to this club, respect everything that was built before and build my own vision.Most read in Football”From my background and experience, I can support the players and the club to achieve their goals.”I will use everyone to make sure we bring what we need to bring to make sure this team keeps performing at a high level.”Next week Chelsea embark on their first pre-season tour in the USA a month before Bompastor’s first WSL game at their helm on September 22 when her team host Aston Villa. An August 20 clash with Gotham City will be followed by a duel with Arsenal five days later, a warm-up to them battling for next season’s title along with their domestic rivals. The games will also provide an insight into the approach and mindset of the new Blues chief who hates losing.Her ultra-competitive edge has been highlighted by players managed by her in the past. They include Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali who was coached by Bompastor in Lyon’s academy at the age of 16.Dali, describes as someone who knows exactly what it takes to win.An individual whose fierce competitive edge helped her triumph in the Champions League twice as a player in 2011 and 2012, and once as a manager in 2022.Bompastor, adds: “As a manager I am really competitive and I don’t like losing. I’m a really bad loser and I never want it to happen.“I will work really hard to make sure we are not in that position but sometimes it can happen.“I am a manager who really likes to take care of people as well.“When you are a player you always take care of yourself and sometimes you are selfish.“As a manager, you never think about you, you always think about everyone else.”Since retiring 11 years ago after a 13-year senior playing career, including two Lyon spells, Bompastor helped her the club maintain their dominance in France’s top tier.Three successive titles were won during her three seasons coaching Lyon’s senior side from 2021, after seven years managing their women’s academy.The team also lifted a Champions League trophy in May 2022 beating Barcelona 3-1 in the final.Winning this tournament with Chelsea is high on Bompastor’s agenda aside from a capturing every major domestic prize in England.And the challenge of doing so at a club who have sacked three men’s team managers since May 2022, is not a concern for her.The Chelsea chief said: “Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on me.“I’ve signed for four years and four years is a good time for me to come and put (forward) my own philosophy and vision. “Sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and have this new challenge. For me the goal is really clear.“I had the opportunity to win the Champions League in France, but I wanted to come to a club who has the ambitions to win the Champions League and in a new country.”In the past Bompastor’s predecessor Hayes did not shy away from criticising match scheduling amid concerns fixture congestion could impact players’ welfare.Last November the Blues played three games in seven daysThese included a Saturday lunchtime duel with Liverpool preceded a Wednesday night Champions League clash away at Real Madrid.The team have a Champions League group game (on October 8 or 9) sandwiched between two of their biggest fixtures these coming season. These are a home game against Man United on October 6 and a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on October 13.And Bompastor has no qualms about making her “voice heard” on fixture scheduling concerns. The Chelsea chief said: “Something what will be really difficult is when you have to play a Champions League game midweek, and then have to play a very big game on weekends against Arsenal, Manchester City, or Man United.”This is something really hard, because you need to perform during one week with three competitive games.”It’s really difficult sometimes for the players to be able to perform with not a lot of recovery between the games.”This is really different from France. Five-time Champions League winner Lucy Bronze is among the four new players signed by Chelsea following Bompastor’s arrivalCredit: Getty “In France, the French (football) federation was helping the French clubs a lot, especially the ones who are playing the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were the ones making sure Lyon were not playing a big team in the league to help us to perform in the Champions League.”This is maybe something we will need to work on with the FA. I will try to use my voice.” More