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      Enzo Fernandez set to be controversially handed key leadership role at Chelsea weeks after racism storm

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ is set to be named one of Chelsea’s vice-captains.It opens up the possibility that Fernandez could captain Chelsea for their first game of the season with Reece James suspended, although another vice-captain could take the armband.Enzo Maresca wants Enzo Fernandez in his leadership groupCredit: GettyThe playmaker has apologised to his team-matesCredit: GettyThe move comes weeks after Fernandez filmed himself and some of his Argentina team-mates singing a racist song following their Copa America victory.Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana described the clip, which references some French players’ African heritage, as being “uninhibited racism.”Fernandez apologised to his Blues team-mates when he returned to the squad and Fofana later said the incident was “finished.”The Argentine playmaker was handed the armband by James during Wednesday’s defeat to Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “He’s one of the important players.”To be honest, I think when we [substituted] Reece, he gave the armband to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it’s quite clear.”James is suspended for the first three games of the season, which means Fernandez could lead the Blues out when they take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on August 18.Chelsea have concluded their investigation, resulting in Fernandez donating to an anti-discrimination charity which the club will match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoss Maresca said: “We all feel very comfortable, very good, as Enzo is back. He had a chat with all of us just to clarify there were no bad intentions and the lads all accepted that.“Since yesterday’s session, everything was like before in terms of they were all together, all speaking, all laughing. Normal situation.”Enzo Maresca’s tactical overhaul at ChelseaAsked about the meeting, Maresca added: “It was between me, Enzo, and a few players to just clarify the situation.“There is nothing more to add. There is not any mystery behind it. We all make mistakes. We have to be good to apologise as sometimes we struggle even to apologise. Enzo apologised already four or five times.“They all accepted it. Everyone is speaking with each other, everyone is laughing.“This is exactly what I expected because I knew there was never any bad intentions and they are all good people. But all of us, sometimes we make mistakes.Meet 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.“The meeting was between Enzo, some team-mates, Wes Fofana was there.“They spoke with each other. It is normal sometimes that the first reaction is not always good when they argue, the first interaction is not good.“But thinking about it a little bit, day after day, you can understand there was not any bad intention.” More

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      Fans convinced Chelsea are ‘playing Football Manager’ after spotting their bloated squad list on Wikipedia going viral

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      FANS are convinced Chelsea are playing real-life Football Manager after the club’s bloated squad list went viral.Owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbali have pursued an aggressive strategy of signing young players with high potential since taking the club over in May 2022.Chelsea are currently on tour in the US with a trimmed version of their squadCredit: GettyTheir full squad now stands at 45 playersCredit: WikipediaThat’s seen them spend over £1billion in transfer fees in a two year period.And while there have been some gems such as Cole Palmer signed along the way, it has left them with a very bloated squad going into this season.Fans on social media were stunned to see the amount of players in the squad when it was simply written out – with the tally now standing at 45 PLAYERS.The club are desperately trying to trim the squad ahead of the new season, with some players listed in the squad seemingly on the chopping block or on their way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong those is Conor Gallagher, who looks set to complete a £34million move to Atletico Madrid soon.Fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah also appears on the list, but he has been frozen out of the squad under Enzo Maresca as the Blues look to find a transfer for him.And the perpetually loaned Romelu Lukaku appears in the list, despite not playing a part in Chelsea’s pre-season and looking set to join up with Antonio Conte again at Napoli.Reacting to the brimming squad on social media, one fan said: “I heard they’re adding a second story to the dressing room.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Quick glance at this and I thought this was just the players in the big 5 leagues on fbref, do they know it’s football not American football?😂😂”A third replied: “List keeps growing. Feel bad for some of these players who won’t even have much playing time.”Chelsea 3 Club America 0: Enzo Maresca’s marquee signing shines as new Blues boss’ plan starts to take shapeWhile a fourth said: “They are signing Omorodion, I’m sure they are playing Football manager for sure!!!”On signing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, Chelsea have had their latest offer knocked back but a deal looks likely to happen once Gallagher joins Atletico.Chelsea lost 2-1 to Real Madrid last night in their latest pre-season friendly with Enzo Maresca criticising his team’s defending – so their business might not be done yet in that area.Real Madrid 2 Chelsea 1: Maresca lays into shaky Blues defence as pre-season struggles continue but Lavia shines againBy Jack Rosser in CharlotteENZO MARESCA keeps reminding Chelsea fans that they are trying a lot of different things on this pre-season tour.Defending does not appear to be one of them.The new Blues boss knows this is very much a work in progress, but his players are going to have to do a lot of learning on the job – and fast.Real Madrid ripped through them time and again on the break across a chaotic first half in Charlotte as Chelsea’s pre-season tour came to an end.Five games, five cities and a whole lot of questions.They have been taken apart by Celtic and Manchester City too while Stateside.Maresca said: “Any team wants to do something, they want to win games and compete.“They have to work in the right way defensively. It’s difficult when you concede one goal or two, always starting behind.”Today, again, for the first five minutes, we had two clear chances. When you concede and you are 1-0 behind, 2-0 behind, it becomes difficult.“But overall, in terms of the things we are doing, we are improving and I’m quite happy.”There have been positives, of course. Romeo Lavia looks fantastic, Noni Madueke has been confident and effective while a host of players who spent last season injured have a bank of minutes in the tank.The Chelsea ownership know this is going to take time, they are completely overhauling the playing style at Stamford Bridge. But on this evidence the early weeks of the season could be hard to watch.Players still look confused and unsure of their roles when defending while chances hardly flowed against the Champions League winners – who were without a host of their big names.Vinicius Jr was there, however, and tormented the Chelsea defenders – especially in the first half.Maresca has already moaned about how his players defend with a high line and they were all over the place again in North Carolina.Dani Ceballos grabbed the first, bundled in at the far post after a break was messily defended by Chelsea.Vinicius opened the Blues up again with a fine ball in behind to setup the second. His pass was collected by Brahim Diaz who rounded new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and finished from an impressively tight angle.Chelsea were much improved defensively after the break, though there was a slight feeling that Madrid were easing their way to the end of their tour.Lessons are being slowly learned by Maresca’s new men – their second half improvement is an example of that – but the defending especially is something ingrained which the new boss is desperate to cut out.The fact his side did not collapse to fall four down, as they did against Celtic and Manchester City, will have pleased Maresca, though that is fairly slim pickings with the opening game against the champions less than two weeks away. More

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      Real Madrid 2 Chelsea 1: Maresca lays into shaky Blues defence as pre-season struggles continue but Lavia shines again

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      ENZO MARESCA keeps reminding Chelsea fans that they are trying a lot of different things on this pre-season tour.Defending does not appear to be one of them.Maresca has said that his team must defend better with the new season fast approachingCredit: GettyBlues found themselves two goals down early into the first-halfCredit: GettyBut Romeo Lavia offered a bright spark for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe new Blues boss knows this is very much a work in progress, but his players are going to have to do a lot of learning on the job – and fast.Real Madrid ripped through them time and again on the break across a chaotic first half in Charlotte as Chelsea’s pre-season tour came to an end.Five games, five cities and a whole lot of questions.They have been taken apart by Celtic and Manchester City too while Stateside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMaresca said: “Any team wants to do something, they want to win games and compete.“They have to work in the right way defensively. It’s difficult when you concede one goal or two, always starting behind.”Today, again, for the first five minutes, we had two clear chances. When you concede and you are 1-0 behind, 2-0 behind, it becomes difficult.“But overall, in terms of the things we are doing, we are improving and I’m quite happy.”Most read in FootballVinicius Jr tormented Chelsea early onCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere have been positives, of course. Romeo Lavia looks fantastic, Noni Madueke has been confident and effective while a host of players who spent last season injured have a bank of minutes in the tank.The Chelsea ownership know this is going to take time, they are completely overhauling the playing style at Stamford Bridge. But on this evidence the early weeks of the season could be hard to watch.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Meet 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.Players still look confused and unsure of their roles when defending while chances hardly flowed against the Champions League winners – who were without a host of their big names.Vinicius Jr was there, however, and tormented the Chelsea defenders – especially in the first half.Maresca has already moaned about how his players defend with a high line and they were all over the place again in North Carolina.Dani Ceballos grabbed the first, bundled in at the far post after a break was messily defended by Chelsea.Vinicius opened the Blues up again with a fine ball in behind to setup the second. His pass was collected by Brahim Diaz who rounded new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and finished from an impressively tight angle.Chelsea were much improved defensively after the break, though there was a slight feeling that Madrid were easing their way to the end of their tour.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea improved defensively in the second halfCredit: GettyNoni Madueke continues to look on-form in pre-seasonCredit: GettyLessons are being slowly learned by Maresca’s new men – their second half improvement is an example of that – but the defending especially is something ingrained which the new boss is desperate to cut out.The fact his side did not collapse to fall four down, as they did against Celtic and Manchester City, will have pleased Maresca, though that is fairly slim pickings with the opening game against the champions less than two weeks away. More

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      Chelsea ‘in pole position’ for Atletico Madrid striker transfer and could sign Victor Osimhen in stunning double deal

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      CHELSEA are in pole position to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid after Conor Gallagher agreed to move to the Spanish club.The Blues have also not ruled out signing Napoli star Victor Osimhen to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer.Chelsea are in pole position to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico MadridCredit: GettyConor Gallagher has agreed to move to the Spanish clubCredit: GettyThe Blues have also not ruled out signing Napoli star Victor OsimhenCredit: AlamyAtletico could let Omorodion leave for a deal of around £40million if they can sign Julian Alvarez this summer.If the transfer is made then Chelsea are the frontrunner to sign the Spaniard.The Blues have already had a £27.4m offer rejected for the 20-year-old but are still keen on the star.He spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves scoring nine goals and providing one assist to help them to a 10th-place finish in LaLiga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ongoing pursuit of Omorodion has not turned Chelsea’s heads away from Osimhen as the Blues aim to sign both stars – should Napoli allow the striker to join them on an initial loan.Napoli want to sign Romelu Lukaku if they lose Osimhen in the opposite direction.And signing both Omorodion and Osimhen could solve Chelsea’s issue of not having a right-footed winger.Meanwhile, on Monday the Blues were closing in on Conor Gallagher’s £33.7 million switch to Atletico.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallagher had verbally agreed to fly to Madrid to complete the move with Chelsea including matching rights in the deal should Atletico agree to sell Gallagher in the future.That means Chelsea could match any bid Atletico accepted on Gallagher before the Spanish club could sell him.SunSport’s Latest Transfer Headlines More

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      Chelsea ‘reach agreement’ with Gremio to sign Gabriel Mec – but Brazilian wonderkid can’t join for TWO YEARS

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      CHELSEA have reached an agreement to sign Gabriel Mec, according to reports.The Blues sent chiefs to Brazil for talks with the Gremio youngster last week.Gabriel Mec is ready to join ChelseaCredit: Instagram @gabriel_mec__And they have been able to strike a deal for a rumoured fee of £20.5million.Mec, 16, is set to undergo a medical in his homeland in the next few days, claim outlet Globo.And he will then put pen to paper on a five-year deal.However, the wonderkid will have to stay at Gremio until April 2026 as youngsters are banned from securing a transfer away from Brazil until they turn 18-years-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMec, who is an attacking midfielder, is yet to make an appearance in senior football.But he has been highly-rated for a number of years, with Gremio wanting to add a £136.8m release clause to his contract.However, they were unable to do so and the club were reportedly worried about losing him for free.Instead, he did agree to an image licensing and exploitation deal – similar to one that Neymar was given at Santos as a youngster.Most read in FootballMec is one of several South American wonderkids to commit their future to Chelsea.The club have already confirmed the £50m signing of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsAnd last summer, Chelsea signed Kendry Paez for £17m from Independiente del Valle.Both 17-year-olds will move to Stamford Bridge next year. More

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      Conor Gallagher AGREES record £34m Atletico Madrid transfer after he is banished from Chelsea

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      CONOR GALLAGHER has agreed a transfer to Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The midfielder’s future has been up in the air this summer as he has just one year remaining on his Chelsea contract.Conor Gallagher has agreed a move to Atletico MadridCredit: EPAHe rejected new terms last week amid interest from Atletico, with Gallagher unhappy at the length of the deal he was offered.Atletico had a £34million bid accepted by Chelsea and gave Gallagher a Sunday deadline to decide his future.And according to Fabrizio Romano the midfielder has now agreed personal terms with the La Liga giants.Gallagher, 24, is set to fly to Spain today to hold further talks and finalise his transfer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is a blow for the likes of Tottenham and West Ham, who were linked with a move for the England star this summer.But for Chelsea selling Gallagher will help balance the books and his fee will be pure profit for the club as he is an academy product.However fans will likely oppose the move after criticising the club’s decision to ban Gallagher from the first-team.Last week Gallagher was told he will not be allowed in the first-team building when he returned to the club from his summer break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat meant he would have been unable to train with Enzo Maresca’s squad this week – because he rejected a new deal.Gallagher could have left earlier this summer after Chelsea accepted a bid from Aston Villa but he turned down the move.England hero Cole Palmer relaxes with mystery woman in IbizaFans have been furious with Chelsea’s handling of the situation.One said: “Whether you rate him or not the reports of him being exiled are embarrassing. Our academy products should be treated with more respect.”Another added: “What a disgrace.”A third reacted: “Absolutely insane, what a joke of a club.” More

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      Chelsea join £20m transfer hunt for Celtic star Matt O’Riley but midfield ace has reservations over Blues move

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      CHELSEA have joined the race to Celtic star Matt O’Riley.The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors with his impressive performances for the Hoops.Chelsea have joined the race to sign Matt O’RileyCredit: GettySeveral Premier League outfits are lining up a move for the Dane, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.The Blues offered Gallagher a new contract but he turned it down amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Gallagher could leave for around £34million and the funds could be used to sign O’Riley.Celtic have already snubbed offers for their talisman including a £14million bid from recently promoted Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace and Brighton are also long-term admirers of the midfielder.O’Riley has also been chased by Italian side Atalanta all summer, but Premier League football may appeal more.The Danish international is understood to be unlikely to settle for being a squad man at any new club and will want guarantees of first-team appearances.Chelsea may have to offer more than £20m plus extras to persuade Celtic to sell with boss Brendan Rodgers adamant he will be going nowhere until his asking price is met.Most read in FootballThe West London side have had a busy transfer window and finalised the £20.7m signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal this week.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile Ben Chilwell could leave the club with Manchester United targeting the left-back.There are concerns the left-back may not fit into Enzo Maresca’s set-up, as the Italian likes to use inverted full-backs who drop into midfield. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Romeo Lavia impresses in midfield but Tosin Adarabioyo struggles in Man City mauling

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      MANCHESTER CITY handed Enzo Maresca and Chelsea a worrying pre-season lesson in Ohio.Maresca has warned already that the Blues will ship goals when playing out from the back, and they managed to concede two in the opening five minutes.Reece James looks on with Romeo LaviaCredit: GettyCity’s penalty, after just two minutes, came after Tosin Adarabioyo hit a pass straight at Jack Grealish. The ball fell to Erling Haaland, who was tripped by Levi Colwill and converted the penalty – having had to retake after scoring the first attempt.Within a minute of the restart, Haaland scored again. This time the Norwegian benefited from Moises Caicedo looking to pass back but finding the feet of the City striker.He rounded Adarabioyo and finished comfortably.City managed another quick double after the break too, Oscar Bobb scoring a wonderful goal with a cute finish at the near post before Haaland grabbed his hat-trick – both goals coming after Chelsea had gifted possession.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSub Raheem Sterling grabbed one back for Chelsea, smashing home a fine left-footed volley before, in the 89th minute, Noni Madueke scored his second goal in as many games on the break.Here is how Jack Rosser rated Chelsea…Robert Sanchez – 6Nothing he could really have done about any of the gaols. Looked a little more comfortable on the ball.Reece James – 6Struggled with Jack Grealish and City’s youngsters at times but was assured on the ball – unlike most of his teammates.Most read in FootballReece James battles with Jack GrealishCredit: APTosin Adarabioyo – 4Handed City the ball in the Chelsea box which resulted in Colwill fouling Haaland to concede an early penalty. Struggled to deal with City’s forwards for most of the game.Levi Colwill – 5Can consider himself unfortunate to concede the early penalty but could have done more to stop Bobb’s goal.Malo Gusto caught out of position at timesCredit: RexCeltic wrap up pre-season tour of USA with 4-1 win over ChelseaMalo Gusto – 5Gave up the ball for Haaland’s third goal in the middle of Chelsea’s half and was caught out of position down the left a few times.Romeo Lavia – 6Continues to impress in midfield during this pre-season tour. Always brave on the ball and has the ability to get out of tight spots.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Moved out onto the left on his second start of the tour and was far less effective than when playing centrally against Club America.Kieran Dewsbury-Hall starred in midfieldCredit: RexMoises Caicedo – 5His first start of pre-season and added to Chelsea’s problems playing out from the back, gifting the ball to Haaland for his second goal after just five minutes.Enzo Fernandez – 6The Argentine made his first start of pre-season, but wasted a huge first half chance after Ortega played the ball straight to his feet.Fernandez tried to dink the ball over the City keeper but managed to drag it wide.Enzo Fernandez made his Chelsea returnCredit: RexMykhailo Mudryk – 5Worked hard defensively but offered nothing going forwards. The winger has not had the best pre-season so far.Christopher Nkunku – 6Started the game leading the line and did not have much of an impact, improved after being dropped back behind Mar Guiu.Christopher Nkunku led the line for ChelseaCredit: RexSubstitutesNoni Madueke – 7Added some threat down the right and delivered a fine cross for Sterling’s goal and grabbed one of his own with two minutes to go.Raheem Sterling – 6Sloppy on the ball in the build up to Bobb’s goal but made up for it with a fine finish at the other end.Marc Guiu – 6The young striker put himself about and made some impressive runs in behind but did not have the time to make a real impact.Benoit Badiashile – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESSomehow managed to come off the bench despite not being listed in the squad. Stepped into midfield well at times.Wesley Fofana – n/a More