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      Enzo Maresca’s doing the unthinkable at Chelsea by dumping Todd Boehly’s showpiece signings and introducing common sense

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      AS MESSAGES go, it was pretty clear.None of those subtle mind games journalists must turn to when they have failed to shoehorn a line out of some dullard manager who has said nothing in a press conference.Enzo Maresca could finally be the tough manager Chelsea needCredit: AlamyCo-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali had chopped and changedCredit: RexBut then Enzo Maresca doesn’t do dodging and weaving in the public eye. He says it how it is in a calm, clipped manner.And it’s straight to the point.Like his curt and curious response to one innocent questioner asking whether Chelsea is his chance to forge a reputation for himself as a Premier League manager.Neither Maresca’s tone nor his expression wavered as he replied: “I have a wife, four kids and a  mum and dad. I have a reputation already.”READ MORE TOP STORIESBlunt if a little weird, right?So when Chelsea’s fifth manager in 2½ years declared his steadily rejuvenating team are nowhere near as good as Manchester City or Arsenal because they have stuck by their respective managers, he was simply talking sense.He was also telling his bosses at Stamford Bridge in no uncertain terms the sackings must stop if they want to get the club back to where they enjoyed so many trophy-laden seasons.Some of his predecessors said the same and everyone else in the room rolled their eyes.Most read in FootballMykhailo Mudryk has had little Prem action under Maresca and even saw Jadon Sancho arrive in effect as a like-for-like replacementCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen Maresca declared just a couple of weeks into the job that “I call the shots”, we yawned.Yet there is a growing sense Maresca might be the man to finally tame Chelsea’s Wild West owners — the American-led posse of investment specialists and financiers who think they know everything but know very little about actual football.Chelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in low-cut top for stunning holiday snaps as fans call her ‘radiant’He is spot on that his team is a long way back from City and Arsenal.Sunday’s scrambled 1-1 draw at home to ten-man Nottingham Forest confirms that.Chelsea occupy fourth place in the Premier League mainly by default because Tottenham, Newcastle and particularly Manchester United, are so unpredictable. Yet it doesn’t take 20-20 vision to catch a glimpse of Maresca’s hand at work as he backs up his strong words with deeds.Nowhere is that more noticeable than in Mykhailo Mudryk’s plight.The winger is expected to start Ukraine’s Nations League game with Georgia tonight.Yet he has started only one Premier League game for Chelsea since the back end of August and is slowly but surely sliding down the ladder of importance under Maresca.It happens to most players at some point.Only Mudryk, 23, was a symbol of the new Chelsea — an expensive showpiece signing snared after a protracted chase at the behest of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, when they were feeling their way in the transfer market.The cynical view is that the main attraction was purely that Arsenal wanted Mudryk too.Thus starry-eyed Chelsea swooped simply to beat a rival, because that’s how they perceived business should be done.Whatever the truth, it cost an upfront £62million, plus add-ons.A new manager ditching a chairman’s marquee signing so unceremoniously takes balls.But now Mudryk can’t get anywhere near the first team for ­Premier League games.Ironically, he has played more minutes under Maresca than any other Chelsea boss . . . just not in the games that matter.Instead it has been the Conference League and a starring role against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.For a new manager to ditch a chairman’s marquee signing so unceremoniously takes balls.Not only that, he brought in Jadon Sancho to play in Mudryk’s position.A one-two combo Sugar Ray Robinson would have been proud of.No subtle psychology either. Mudryk’s out and my man’s in — so Behdad and Boehly must suck it up.And they seem to be.Maresca has since gone on to surgically dissect his entire squad — one for the Premier League and one for everything else.It’s up to those in the cup squad to impress their way on to Maresca’s A-list and for those in it to do enough to stay there. Simple and effective.Common sense at Chelsea? It will never catch on.It’s a win-winWE have finally reached a point in football where both sides claim to have won.The hubris-driven reactions of Manchester City and the Premier League to their latest courtroom battle over dodgy dealings added to the confusion for many.Pep Guardiola’s Man City and the Prem both claimed victoryCredit: GettyYet it may well have inadvertently opened up a whole new approach to the beautiful game in  a world where winning means big-time wonga.Imagine a sport where nobody loses? Where the result doesn’t matter because you can simply say ‘I won’ and everybody else is so bloody confused that they can’t be a***d to argue.Sounds ludicrous. But a few years ago we’d have said that about VAR, a Champions League where you don’t have to be a champion to play in it, the 39th game, kick-offs at 8pm on a Saturday, £100 a ticket, cup competitions loaded to favour the big teams, players on £500k a week and half- and-half scarves.Oh, and £25 for a bobble hat in some club shops, which I saw a few weeks back. Still only one winner there.Judges out in a blazer gloryWIMBLEDON dole office will be busier than usual in July when queues of redundant line judges start signing on.The All England Club’s switch over to automated, eagle-eyed, infallible technology to spot whether a ball is in or out means it’s curtains for around 300 of them.Wimbledon line judges might be queuing up elsewhere next summerCredit: APWimbledon say they are behind the times when it comes to moving over to AI instead of actual humans to make the big calls and stress they will do their best to find the officials alternative employment.Even so, look out next summer for a Centre Court full of second-hand £900 Ralph Lauren official Wimbo blazers being offered for sale on Vinted.Pore decisionI’M all for revolting fans — but the daftest demo  must go to the Spanish couple who got themselves in bother in Singapore for having a pop at Valencia owner Peter Lim by holding up a ‘Lim Go Home’ banner outside his house. Er . . .   No-one else up to scratchIT’S farewell to Rafa Nadal, the man who made wedgie-wiggling a sport in its own right.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard retires next month after 22 Slam wins.When we’re no longer able to focus on his bizarre habit of sticking his fingers into his backside and his nose-pulling and ear-scratching routine, we’ll just have to watch the tennis. Grim.Rafa Nadal is bowing out at the top of tennisCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea legend reveals boozy Christmas party tactic that stopped him ‘being in a coma for seven days’

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      CHELSEA legend Gus Poyet has recalled the sneaky Christmas party tractic he used to avoid drinking too much booze.The former Blues star jokingly explained how he cleverly avoided “being placed in a coma for seven days” during Chelsea nights out.Gus Poyet recalled his brilliant party trick to avoid getting too drunk at ChelseaPoyet reckons he mastered the practice of safe drinking during his five years in West London between 1997 and 2001.In fact, the Uruguayan finally held his hands up to admit that he would turn up hours late to avoid a deadly hangover.Poyet told The Times:”For Christmas nights out in London the players would get together at two o’clock, so I would get there at seven. “If I start at two — I’m not going to name names but the way some could drink was unbelievable. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”And the next day, they train — no problem. Me, I would be in a coma for seven days.”When asked about his social life at Chelsea, he said: “Top. But the drinking culture — I was shocked. I remember being injured, my first night out.”They gave me a beer and I’m holding it, I don’t know if I’m going to drink. And then they bring me another one and put it in my other hand.”I adapted. I knew you have to give something of yourself and even if I wasn’t a big drinker I needed to be present. Part of the team.Most read in FootballPoyet won the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup during his stint at Chelsea – with Dennis Wise and Roberto Di MatteoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So I never missed a night out, but did it my way.” When asked about the football, Poyet said: “It was physical. I liked it. Away from home, north, it was always tough. Leeds!Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror show”A typical question they ask me everywhere in the world is: ‘who was the toughest player you play against?’ “Well, every time you were facing Roy Keane you needed to be prepared. Because you knew he was coming.”Poyet scored 49 goals in 145 Chelsea midfield appearances after joining as a free agent.He joined Tottenham in May 2021 for around £2.2m and scored 14 goals in his debut season, helping Spurs reach the League Cup final where they lost 2-1 to Blackburn.His time at Spurs was blighted by injuries after he sustained cruciate ligament damage for the second time in his career in August 2002.After hanging up his boots in 2004, Poyet began his coaching career as assistant coach of Swindon Town.He later managed Brighton, Sunderland, AEK Athens and the Greece national team until his contract ended in March this year. More

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      Chelsea set to get second shot at Osimhen transfer in January for £40m discount with advantage due to special clause

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      CHELSEA could be set for a second chance at signing Victor Osimhen in January, according to reports.The Blues were strongly linked with a move for the striker throughout the summer.Victor Osimhen is reportedly interested in finally joining Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, they ultimately missed out on a deal after Al-Ahli agreed a fee with Napoli on Deadline Day.The Saudi Pro League side then opted to sign Ivan Toney instead, leaving Osimhen in limbo.He later joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with his £109million release clause expiring in the process.According to Corrierre dello Sport, Osimhen remains interested in joining Chelsea when the window re-opens in January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is even considering the possibility of moving to West London if given the chance.The report adds that Galatasaray are also keen to make his loan permanent, with a £68million release clause becoming active in the New Year.That clause will then drop to £63million next summer once he returns to Napoli.In a further boost to the Blues, the January release clause is not valid to clubs in Serie A.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOsimhen has already scored two goals and provided four assists in four appearances since moving to Turkey.Meanwhile, he has less than two years remaining on his deal with Napoli, which expires in the summer of 2026.Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferChelsea would add to their already impressive attacking options at Stamford Bridge by signing Osimhen.Enzo Maresca can currently call upon Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and youngster Marc Guiu to lead the line.Nkunku and Jackson alone have scored 11 goals between them so far this season.The Blues sit fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool and unbeaten in their last six league matches.Osimhen has scored twice in four appearances since joining Galatasaray on loanCredit: Getty More

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      I earn £100k a week at Chelsea… but I’ve turned my back on exclusive London pad to move home with mum and dad

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      LEVI COLWILL turned his back on one of England’s most exclusive neighbourhoods to move back with his family.The Three Lions defender had been living next to Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey — a magnet for stars at London’s Premier League clubs.Colwill is ready for the Nations League clashesCredit: GettyColwill has become a regular starter for Chelsea and been called up by EnglandCredit: AlamyWhile some of the nation’s richest people who work in the capital also have multi-million-pound pads in the area.Yet for Chelsea centre-back Colwill, there is no place like home.Hoping to earn his fourth England cap against Greece at Wembley on Thursday, the 21-year-old has moved back down the M3 to Eastleigh to be near his family as well as his close pals, who all have normal jobs.Colwill, who played for Southampton’s City Central Youth while also featuring throughout the age groups at Chelsea, has played every minute in the Premier League this season.Read More on FootballHe said: “I’ve moved back into my family home and I travel every day. “No matter how long a day I’ve had, when I get back and see my dog, my mum, dad and little brother, it means the world.“Being connected with them again is what life is about. Growing up as a player at Southampton City Central, with my mates, was the best time of my life.“I’m happy I’ve gone back, seeing my friends and family so much more. That’s been reflected with my performances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Being in the bubble when you’re at your club is great — but when you come home it’s more of a peaceful, normal life.“I’m with people who work 9-5 every day. To be around them shows you their side of life and makes you appreciate yours so much more.”Chelsea’s player ratings against GentAsked about his pals, Colwill said: “All my mates do different things. They do different trades which helps me a lot with the house!”Colwill featured in both of Lee Carsley’s opening wins as interim boss against Ireland and Finland last month.And he enjoys a close relationship with Carsley as he led the Blues defender to Under-21s Euros glory last year.Colwill said: “He’s a calm person and he brings that to the team. He’s an amazing person and a strong-minded manager.“He has a bit of arrogance about the team and himself, he says ‘We’ve got the best players in the world’ and we all believe that we can take that next step to win a huge competition.“I’ve not got a bad word to say about him because he’s won me an U21 Euros. The lads really like him.”Lee Carsley praiseColwill has played for Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and now Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge and he believes Carsley has the same outlook.He added: “They all like to think more about how their teams are going to play.“Cars is exactly the same, focusing on how we are going to hurt teams.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When you’ve got amazing players, you can believe you are going to have most of the possession and you’re going to create most of the chances.“We are a huge nation, with amazing players so it’s good to have that mindset.” More

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      Nicolas Jackson learns fate after shock footage appeared to show Chelsea star SLAPPING rival in mass brawl vs Forest

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      CHELSEA and Nottingham Forest have been charged over the mass bust-up which overshadowed the climax to their feisty draw.But Blues’ striker Nicolas Jackson is off the hook after he appeared to slap defender Morato during the brawl.Chelsea frontman Nicolas Jackson had been subbed several minutes earlier when he was captured seemingly slapping Forest’s MoratoJackson was at the centre of a major talking pointCredit: SunSportStriker Jackson had been substituted already but joined in the 88th minute fracas as tempers boiled over with each team searching for a late winner.The incident was sparked by Neco Williams shoving Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella as they tussled for the ball near the touchline – with the Spaniard sent clattering into Blues boss Enzo Maresca.It prompted a huge shoving match involving the backroom staff of both clubs.Jackson, wearing a training coat, is then spotted joining in from the bench and appears to lash out with his arm in the direction of Morato.READ MORE TOP STORIESVAR Jarred Gillett saw the flashpoint but did not suggest to take the matter further and the FA are following suit after reading match referee Chris Kavanagh’s report.An FA statement read: “Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have been charged after the mass confrontation at their Premier League fixture on Sunday, 6 October. “It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 88th minute. Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have until Thursday, 10 October, to provide their responses.”Forest’s Williams and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill were booked for their part in the melee. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea had six or more players booked for the second time this season and will cop an additional £50,000 fine.They will also be without Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for the next match – a trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool – after the pair reached five yellow cards for the season so far.Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a wordBut Maresca insists he has no problems with his side’s disciplinary record.He said: “I like the team, the way they’re fighting. I like the way they are becoming a team. I don’t see any problems with that.“Do I prefer it when something like that happens? I like the team spirit. I don’t see any problem.”“I was in my area, so I was where I had to be.“In terms of emotion, the team is fighting together. Someone tried to kick me, I fell down.“But if you ask me about the team spirit, the way they are fighting together, I’m very happy.”Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea to be dragged into Man City vs Premier League legal battle as landmark case leads to bitter war

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S legal brawl with the Prem is set to drag rivals, including Arsenal and Chelsea, into the fight.In what was hailed a landmark ruling, the Prem champs claimed victory as an element of the rules on commercial deals involving companies linked to clubs’ owners was judged “unlawful”.Manchester City claimed victory in a dispute with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMan City’s legal battle with the Prem is set to drag Arsenal and Chelsea inCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea are believed to have ploughed hundreds of millions into the club in loansCredit: AlamyIt related to shareholder loans not being included in the “Associated Party Transaction” calculation.Arsenal owners the Kroenkes are believed to have ploughed nearly £260million into the club in loans. Chelsea received £146m in the first year of their new ownership model.Brighton’s Tony Bloom has put £373m into the Seagulls, while Everton, who are subject to a takeover from The Friedkin Group, have the highest shareholder loans at £451m.That has been loaned at low or even zero interest and will almost certainly now need recalculating.Read More on FootballFormer Master of the Rolls — the country’s second most senior lawyer — Lord Dyson and two fellow judges agreed the rule preventing City from responding to the Prem over “Fair Market Value” of two proposed deals was “procedurally unfair”.But a number of City’s other claims against Prem rules “failed”, including that the League wrongly applied its regulations.Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Brentford, West Ham, Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth gave evidence on behalf of the Prem.It has all left battle lines drawn even deeper — with the case into City’s alleged 115 financial breaches still being heard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCity launched the case after tighter rules were voted in by Prem clubs at a meeting in February.The club said yesterday: “The Tribunal found both the original APT rules and the current (amended) APT Rules violate UK competition law and procedural fairness . . . ”Man City vs Fulham: Player Ratings Breakdown“The Premier League was specifically unfair in how it applied those rules to the Club in practice.“They deliberately excluded shareholder loans while the Premier League reached decisions in a procedurally unfair manner.”City’s case centred on two sponsorship proposals, with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Etihad Aviation Group.But while the Arbitration Tribunal — which heard evidence in June — did side with City on some matters, League bosses claimed THEY had won.A Prem spokesman said: “Manchester City brought a wholesale challenge to the APT Rules.“The club was unsuccessful in the majority of its challenge.“Significantly, the Tribunal determined the APT Rules are necessary.“It rejected Manchester City’s argument that APT Rules were to discriminate against clubs with ownership from the ‘Gulf region’.“Except in two respects, it found that Manchester City’s arguments were unfounded.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut League chiefs believe they need only make minor changes — and new rules will be tabled for club chiefs to vote on as soon as next week.The spokesman added: “In the meantime, the Premier League will operate the existing APT system, taking into account the findings made by the Tribunal.”Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Chelsea boss ‘disappointed’ by postponement of Blues’ Women Super League duel with Manchester United

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR says Chelsea were “disappointed” to have their top-flight clash with Manchester United postponed.The Blues boss also reckons the move to put their Women’s Super League duel on hold, was not good.Sonia Bompastor hopes authorities in charge of the WSL will help English clubs competing in the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea will face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in their opening group stage game in this term’s tournamentCredit: AlamyBompastor, whose team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, was reflecting on the decision that resulted in Chelsea missing out on WSL action at the weekend.Their duel with the Red Devils was scheduled to take place on Sunday – just two days before their group stage opener against Madrid at Stamford Bridge.  The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “Of course, we were disappointed, players and staff. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.Read More Football Stories “We were in a very, very good team dynamic, and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game against Real Madrid.”When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, and with this decision being made and postponing the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days, which is completely different.”If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. “It’s not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”Most read in FootballChelsea’s title win last term saw them automatically reach the tournament’s group stages this season. And last month Arsenal and Manchester City joined them after battling through competition’s qualifiers.On September 29 the Women’s Professional League Limited, who this term took over the running of the WSL, announced the postponement of the Blues’ clash with United.They cited player welfare as the reason given the tight turnaround between domestic and European games for the WSL title-holders.The organisation has come in for criticism concerning its decision, with Uefa having published its Champions League match calendar more than a year ago.And Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described the handling of the situation as “amateurish”.On if better communication is needed between Uefa and federations and authorities like the WPLL, Bompastor added: “The league is a professional league. “They need to know about the rules. I just said to the league my thoughts on the situation, I think that’s good enough for me. “I don’t want to share more here in a press conference.”For them, it’s good to have our feedback and as I always said to the league, we should be proud to have three English clubs in the Champions League this year.”All the decisions in this league through the season have to be made in order to help the English clubs to compete in the Champions League.”Tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea will begin their quest to win a Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.Their game against Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top-flight and currently level on points with leaders Barcelona, will be Bompastor’s first in Europe as the Blues’ gaffer.The last time Bompastor oversaw side competing in contest at the stadium was when her old club Lyon faced Chelsea in a second-leg semi-final game In March last year they were beaten by the Blues, then managed Emma Hayes, via a dramatic penalty shootout. Bompastor, who has won the tournament as a player and coach, also played for a Lyon team that reached the contest final at Stamford Bridge in 2013. Back then they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to German giants Wolfsburg.The last time Bompastor managed a team in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge was when Lyon played Chelsea in the 2023 semisCredit: GettyThe Blues manager adds: “I played in a Champions League final at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and I’ve been here as a manager of Lyon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m really excited because now I’m in the dugout for Chelsea and I’m the Chelsea manager.”I can’t wait to be in that position, enjoy the game and enjoy to be out there with the players and the fans.” More

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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele breaks silence on why he walked out of management job after just THREE games in charge

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      CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele walked out as manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after just three games in charge.Makelele, 51, claims his decision came after initial promises were not upheld and club chiefs began to interfere in team selection.Claude Makelele resigned as Asteras Tripolis manager after just three games in chargeCredit: AFPMakelele claims promises weren’t kept and Asteras club chiefs interfered in team selectionCredit: GettyThe French tactician crossed over to management after ending his 20-year career in 2011 and worked as a coach at the Blues, Swansea and Paris Saint-Germain as well as manager at Bastia and Eupen.The legendary midfielder had been a free agent since September 2023 when he left the West Londoners’ coaching staff but returned to the dugout for Asteras in the Greek Superleague.However, the Real Madrid great’s stint in Greece lasted barely two weeks and he left after just three games, in which he was undefeated.The former France international claimed club chiefs didn’t keep their word.Read More on FootballMakele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team. “It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”The final straw took place on Sunday when Asteras visited Kallithea at Leoforos.Most read in FootballMakelele picked up his first victory in charge of the Greek minnows, winning 3-1 thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Darnell Bile, who registered two assists.The Chelsea icon claims club chiefs ordered him to bench a “key player” before the match because of his contract situation, but he disobeyed.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentMakelele added: “In the last game [at Kallithea], they insisted a key player should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team. “I brought him on for just 20 minutes – he got two assists, and we won the game. But they didn’t want him [to play]. “They thought they could control whether he plays because he hadn’t signed a [new] contract [with the club]. I used him because of his quality.”Makelele has left Asteras undefeated having won one and drawing his other two games in charge.However, the ex-Premier League star insists the conditions didn’t allow him to focus on his duties.Makelele added: “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football.”I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. “I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know the name, but they don’t know the human being. You cannot lie with your principles. I built my career on honesty with players and the club. Always honest.“Football is about human beings, about connection, understanding movement, tactical awareness, technical skill – individually and collectively. We use data, sure, but football is more than that.” More