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      Why Joao Felix’s transfer to Chelsea is not as crazy is it sounds and here are three reasons why it makes sense

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      CHELSEA have added Joao Felix to their already bloated squad for £42.6 million.The former winner of the Golden Boy award is the tenth signing of the summer, joining the likes of international team-mate Pedro Neto who joined from Wolves for £54m, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a £30m recruit from Leicester.Joao Felix signs for Chelsea for £42.6mCredit: GettyThe Portuguese forward was on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2022-23Credit: GettyTo many observers, the arrival of Joao Felix is another example of the muddled thinking of Chelsea’s recruitment team.Chelsea already have Pedro Neto, Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk who can play as wide attackers.With so many options, players are going to have to leave or sit on the bench.That’s without the young options like academy starlet Tyrique George and Brazilian boy wonder Angelo Gabriel.read more on footballThe 24-year-old Portuguese winger scored four goals in 20 games on loan for Chelsea two seasons ago – not exactly world-beating form.However this is not to say though that the signing of Joao Felix is a bad deal in itself. He is an extremely talented and intelligent attacking player who will bring an element of threat to the Chelsea attack whether he is positioned wide or central areas. Here are the key areas where Joao Felix can have an impact for Chelsea under their new coach Enzo Maresca.Most read in FootballHow Chelsea could line up this seasonAn eye for spaceOne of Joao Felix’s biggest strengths is his ability to find pockets of space in the opposition half to receive the ball. He has played in various positions throughout his career having played as a central striker, a No10 or a left-sided winger. But no matter what position he plays, he always seems to find a way to drop into pockets of space between the opposition midfield and defence in order to receive the ball.The issue when considering whether the signing of Joao Felix by Chelsea is a good idea or not is that we don’t know where the club, or Maresca,are planning to play him. We believe that he is most likely to play from the left-side of the attack and in this role under Maresca his movement and positioning may help to unlock teams.Playing for Barcelona last season, Joao Felix comes inside and receives the ball in space before playing in a team mateWhen Marcesca was in charge of Leicester in the Championship last season his side were very structured and careful in the way that they built their attack. Where they could struggle at times, however, was in breaking down opposition sides who sat back in a deeper and more compact defensive block. The addition of a player like Joao Felix could well help Marcesca to find an immediate solution for this.Having a player like Joao Felix who can drop into spaces behind the striker for Chelsea will also make it easier for the midfielders, especially the likes of Enzo Fernandez, to play more progressively with more forward passes into the final third and into areas from which Chelsea can beat the opposition. If Chelsea are too rigid and structured in the way that they attack then it becomes harder for them to break teams down and create chances.Having a player with the intelligent movement that Joao Felix shows could be key for Chelsea going forward this season.Joao Felix scored four times on loan two seasons ago for ChelseaCredit: AFPJoao Felix finds a pocket of space between defence and midfield and provides the angle to receive a pass in a dangerous areaCreative passesWhen Joao Felix first came through at first-team level at Benfica, and even when he initially moved to Atletico Madrid, he was seen as an attacking talent who thrived on his ability to drive in possession and beat opposition players in 1v1 situations. But now he has more strings to his bow.As his career has progressed he has developed his creative side and his ability to break lines and create opportunities for teammates in the final third with his passing profile.We have already touched upon the fact that Joao Felix will add value for Chelsea with his movement and ability to receive and take positions between the lines. While this, in itself, will help Chelsea to progress the ball and play forward, what will be even more important is Joao Felix’s ablity with the ball after he has received it.Joao Felix has the ball wide for Barcelona but he does not try to overplay and instead he plays a first-time pass to play a teammate through on goalThe Portuguese international’s ability on the ball in terms of passing, breaking lines and creating chances for teammates is actually very underrated. As his career has progressed he has developed his ability to find these passes as opposed to just taking possession of the ball and looking to outplay defenders in 1v1 situations very quickly.Almost all of the other options that Chelsea currently have around their first-team squad for wide attackers are better suited as either wide attackers who thrive in 1v1 situations.Players like Mudryk, Madueke or Pedro Neto or players who are better as second forwards from the wide position, like Nkunku. Having a wide player with the creative ability of Joao Felix when he receives the ball in these positions will bring value to this Chelsea team. His ability to play the last pass through when combined with his ability to dribble and carry the ball make him a versatile attacking threat in the final third.This time Joao Felix utilises his passing ability to free up a team-mateAs a more creative option in the final third you can clearly see the value for Chelsea in signing a player like Joao Felix to add to their attack.Goalscoring threatJoao Felix also brings threat with his ability to finish chances. While he is not a player who is ever going to score 30 goals in a season for you he can finish with 10-15 goals across a league campaign. His movement from wide into space and then into the opposition area makes him difficult to pick up properly for opposition defences.When he does break into the area and when he does get a chance in front of goal he has always been a strong finisher with good ball striking technique to beat the goalkeeper from a wide variety of positions. Chelsea will be hoping that he can bring this ability in front of goal to their attacking group from wide areas – in a similar way to Cole Palmer on the opposite side.Joao Felix makes an intelligent run and finishes with composure past the opposition goalkeeperChelsea want Joao Felix to have a similar style to Cole PalmerThe Portuguese star shows good movement when the ball is elsewhere, centrally or on the opposite side, and he will typically find good angles to attack space in the opposition area and create situations from which he can score.This time he cuts the opposition apart with a slick one-two before finishing from the edge of the areaChelsea’s upcoming fixturesLast season we saw Chelsea largely struggle for goals from their forward players. This meant that their wide attacking players had to step up to contribute in this way. Joao Felix is the kind of attacking winger who can add goals and assists from out on the left-side or even if he is positioned behind the striker.ConclusionWhile it often does not work when a club brings a player back for a second spell there is value in this deal for Chelsea. READ MORE SUN STORIESCritics will be hammering Chelsea once again, saying they don’t need Felix – but, they will be adding a proven player who has a slightly different profile from their other wide attackers. This will be especially helpful for Maresca and his tactical system at the club. 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      Raheem Sterling granted LEAVE from Chelsea training after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca as winger seeks Blues exit

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      RAHEEM STERLING is training at home after being frozen out at Chelsea by Enzo Maresca.The winger is set to leave the Blues this summer and after reportedly ruling out a move to Saudi Arabia is now seeking a new club with the help of the Blues.Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea’s training ground ahead of a potential transfer exitCredit: GettySterling has been frozen out by new Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: AlamyThe winger has ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia but is attracting interestCredit: GettySterling was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.He has since been left out of first-team training at the club’s Cobham training ground.The 29-year-old is now training at home after a mutual agreement for him to leave Chelsea’s base this week.Sterling is said to be keen to revive his international career by leaving Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has had clear the air talks with Chelsea and both sides are now working together to find him a new club before the window shuts next Friday, the Daily Mail reports.He has 20 goals in 82 caps for England but has not appeared for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup.Juventus have previously shown interest in signing Sterling, who has also been offered to Aston Villa.However, the BBC also report he has ruled out a move to the Saudi Pro League as it stands.Most read in FootballNew boss Maresca bluntly admitted this week that Sterling is not part of his plans after axing him against City.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe forward’s team revealed he was “seeking clarity” after the snub and he has also been left out of the squad for Thursday’s Conference League clash with Servette.Maresca addressed the situation as well as that of Ben Chilwell during his pre-match press conference, explaining: “They are training apart. As I said, the situation is quite clear and there is not any update on the situation.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementRaheem Sterling’s statementAfter he was left out of the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City, Raheem Sterling’s team released a statement.The statement read: “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.””They are Chelsea players until they are not Chelsea players. But it’s impossible to give them all minutes.”Those who want minutes, they are better off to leave.”He also added: “I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I said he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason.”Sterling has lost his shirt number as his Chelsea exit edges closer, with Pedro Neto taking the number seven from him.He joined the club on a five-year deal from City in 2022 after seven years at the Etihad Stadium.In the two seasons since, Sterling has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah also appear on their way out of Chelsea.Chalobah has lost his squad number to new signing Joao Felix, whilst Chilwell has reportedly been offered to Manchester United.Sterling’s Chelsea statsAppearances – 81Goals – 19Assists – 12Minutes played – 5,339 More

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      Conor Gallagher joins Atletico Madrid in £34million transfer after England star brutally forced out of Chelsea

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      ATLETICO MADRID have announced the arrival of Conor Gallagher.The midfielder has finally completed a £34million switch from Chelsea after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.Conor Gallagher has completed a £34million move to Atletico MadridCredit: Atletico MadridAnd the Spanish giants announced the capture with a cartoon drawing of an animal, captioning the post: “Beware of the pitbull.”Gallagher, 24, has already started training where he has been re-united with former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has helped translate instructions.Gallagher was subject to a bid from Atletico earlier this month amid interest from Aston Villa.He even flew to Madrid to finalise the transfer, only for it to collapse as Samu Omorodion turned down the proposed swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat left Gallagher in limbo and the midfielder was forced to return to London while the clubs thrashed out a deal.Gallagher had met Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium before flying back.Chelsea rescued the deal by offering £40m to sign Joao Felix.Felix arrived in London on Tuesday and underwent a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a six-year deal, with the option of a further year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallagher was a key player for Chelsea last seasonGallagher’s open letter to fans“To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true. It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt, and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions.“I loved every moment. These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans. Hearing the chant of my name at the Bridge is a special feeling, and the banner you displayed [against Spurs] meant the world to me.“Thank you for everything. I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge.”The Blues paid tribute to Gallagher and thanked him for his service following his departure after 18 years at the club.The club said in a statement: “We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementThe player himself released an open letter to Chelsea fans.Prior to his move Gallagher was placed in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ – a group of players frozen out as the club tried to find ways to move them on.The England star was banished from the first-team squad, meaning he was not allowed to train with manager Enzo Maresca or even enter the first-team building.Gallagher will be one of many more leaving Stamford Bridge in the next few days as the club desperately try to trim their squad.Where will they get changed? Jamie Carragher’s huge Chelsea rantPREMIER LEAGUE legend Jamie Carragher let rip at Chelsea’s transfer market activity, going on an epic rant about the west Londoners…He told Sky Sports: “Chelsea have just got to stop buying players and players have got to stop signing for Chelsea.”If I was a player and look at Chelsea, why would you sign?”The only reason you’d sign is because someone might say – your agent might say – ‘We’re getting a seven-year deal’.”You know what I’d say? ‘Back yourself as a player, sign a four-year deal at a proper club and back yourself to do well’.”And then when you’re due for renewal your money goes up anyway.”I don’t understand why you’d sign a seven-year deal. Back yourself.”He continued: “All players need competition. But every team I played in there were seven or eight players who knew they were playing every week.”Then you’ve got six or seven players who are fighting for three positions, and then you’ve got another six players who know they are squad players.”And of the Blues’ swollen array of talent, Carragher asked: “Where are they going to fit in the changing room?”How are you going to put on a training session.” More

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      Conor Gallagher beams as he lands in Spain ahead of Atletico Madrid transfer and prepares to end Chelsea nightmare

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      CONOR GALLAGHER looked thrilled to land in Spain ahead of his move to Atletico Madrid.The England midfielder has been sent back and forth on a private jet after agreeing personal terms with the LaLiga club weeks ago.Conor Gallagher was beaming and posed with airport staff after arriving in SpainCredit: X @estoesatletiThe England ace was asked to sign autographs after landing in MadridGallagher was waiting in Madrid for his move to be finalised before returning to the UK as the deal was initially called off.The 24-year-old had met Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium before being shipped back to West London.But the deal fell into limbo when Chelsea ended their pursuit of Atletico forward Samu Omorodion, after he failed his medical.With Diego Simeone’s side needing to raise funds in order to complete the deal, Gallagher was sent to train with the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut now his Atletico deal is back on after Chelsea signed their winger Joao Felix for an undisclosed fee on Monday.Gallagher was ordered to return to Madrid on Tuesday evening to finally complete a move away from his boyhood club.He was filmed signing autographs and taking pictures with airport staff upon his arrival at the airport.The England international is set to sign a five-year deal worth £35.8m at the Stadio Metropolitano, including an undisclosed sell-on fee.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith an agreement already in place the move is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days.Chelsea finalised terms to make Portuguese forward Felix their ninth senior signing of the summer on Monday.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementIn doing so, funds were freed up for Gallagher to head the other way.Gallagher will become the second England international ever to play for Atletico, following his Three Lions team-mate Kieran Trippier.He has made 95 appearances in all competitions for the Blues after joining the club at the age of eight.With Reece James ruled out through injury, the midfielder regularly deputised as captain last term as they recovered from a dismal start under Mauricio Pochettino to secure European football.Under new boss Enzo Maresca however, Gallagher’s long-term future at the club appeared much less certain.His Chelsea deal is set to expire in June 2025 and he turned down two contract extensions, opening up the move to Atletico. More

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      Raheem Sterling axed AGAIN by Chelsea after missing Premier League opener and asking for ‘clarity’ over his future

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      RAHEEM STERLING has been axed from Chelsea’s squad for a SECOND successive game.Just two days after being dumped from Sunday’s Prem opener against Manchester City, the England winger, 29, has been excluded for Thursday’s Conference League play-off with Servette.Sterling has been hit with another blowCredit: GettyThe forward was AXED from Chelsea’s Conference League play-off squadCredit: AFPThe Blues welcome the Swiss side to Stamford Bridge for the opening of a two-legged tie that will determine if they will play European football this season.And Sterling – who has three years left to run on his current Chelsea contract – will play no part.Defenders Ben Chilwell, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to Uefa.But four wingers have been named ahead of Sterling — Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSterling’s camp said in a statement before Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by City they wanted “clarity” over his future.Chelsea have spent £185m on 11 signings this summer and their 43-man bloated squad sparked a series of hilarious memes on social media yesterday.However, striker Armando Broja has agreed a move to Ipswich.The Albania international will go on loan until the end of the season with a £30m option to buy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea’s initial ‘A’ list squad to face ServetteGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus BettinelliDefenders: AxelDisasi, Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Renato VeigaMidfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Romeo LaviaForwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Christopher NkunkuChilwell dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after a series of injuries over the last two campaigns.Boss Maresca said: “The reason he did not play in our pre-season game against Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement”We had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible.”I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens.”Chelsea currently have 43 first team players available for selection.Maresca admitted the squad has to be trimmed before the transfer window closes.Meanwhile, Reece James – who recently suffered a new hamstring injury – has been included in the list of available players to face Servette on Thursday night.Elsewhere, star-boy Palmer returned to Manchester to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.Sterling’s camp statement in fullA statement released before kick-off read: “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’s stats from last season More

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      Enzo Maresca wasting Cole Palmer by playing him in the WRONG POSITION, according to Premier League legend

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      MICHAEL OWEN has insisted Enzo Maresca is playing Cole Palmer out of position.Chelsea fell to an abject 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – and Palmer barely got a look in.Palmer started from the right wing on SundayCredit: RexMichael Owen believes Palmer needs to play through the middleCredit: AlamyThe England forward, 22, looked a shadow of himself from last season, where he often single-handedly guided Chelsea’s output.Neither Palmer or Christopher Nkunku could get a look in from the wings and were limited to passenger roles for much of the afternoon.While Palmer started on the right-wing, he excelled in a No.10 role last season, scoring 27 goals and bagging 15 assists for the Blues.And former Liverpool striker Owen believes Palmer needs to be given a freedom role to create and dictate from the middle.Most read in FootballHe told Premier League Productions: “Chelsea have bought so many players that can play on the right-wing, haven’t they?”You’ve got players who aren’t even in the squad who can play in that position too like Raheem Sterling.”I’m sure the manager watched how good Palmer was last season and the position he played in and everything else.”And you would just think that when you’re picking a team, your best players play in their best positions and you fit around them.”Most read in FootballPalmer was limited to a few forward passes in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to CityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Palmer can play wide and even as an 8 from deeper, it is widely agreed that he is at his best when driving through the centre of the pitch.But he did play wide for England at the Euros, providing an assist and scoring in the final after arriving from the bench on both occasions.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementOwen added: “I would prefer him to be at his best and getting more of the ball in a more central area.”If I was the manager, he’d be first on the team sheet in his favoured position and then I’d work around it.”But it seems like they’ve bought so many players that they’re trying to shuffle the pack.”We heard the manager before the game say Palmer can play in any of those positions around the front and I’m sure he can.”Palmer last season and Maresca’s dilemmaPalmer joined Chelsea from Man City for £40m plus add-ons and enjoyed a sensational debut campaign.The attacking midfielder would go on to pick up the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award last season after returning 22 goals across 34 Prem matches for Chelsea.He is contracted to Stamford Bridge for the next nine years, after extending his stay for another two seasons this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca, though, has a conundrum on his hands in terms of squad selection, as club chiefs keep adding to their near £1.2billion spent on transfers since Todd Boehly arrived in 2022.Chelsea have several wingers on their 43-man roster waiting on the side-lines for minutes, and have just added Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid to the mix.His Premier League stats last season More

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      Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement

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      GARY NEVILLE has suggested Raheem Sterling’s statement calling for “clarity” on his Chelsea future may have been done with two team-mates in mind.Sterling, 29, was left out of the Blues matchday squad by new boss Enzo Maresca as they lost 2-0 to Manchester City.Raheem Sterling’s camp released a statement after he was not included in Chelsea’s squad to face Man CityCredit: ReutersGary Neville said he could be ‘punching back’ on behalf of axed team-matesBoth Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah were axed from the Chelsea first-teamCredit: ReutersHowever, shortly before the match, Sterling’s camp released a statement slamming his omission and calling for “clarity on the situation”.A number of senior stars have been ruthlessly axed from the playing squad this summer, including Cobham graduate duo Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah.The pair were both banished to the club’s development squad during pre-season, with Gallagher’s axe coming ahead of a transfer to Atletico Madrid which is finally on the verge of completion.Meanwhile, Chalobah’s exit appears to remain some way off despite being told he is surplus to requirements, and he has reportedly been BANNED from using the first-team training facilities.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut while appearing on Sky Sports on Monday, Neville claimed Sterling may be “punching back” on their behalf as well.The Manchester United legend said: “What I would say is, for Raheem, who I think is a really good lad, I love him to bits like [Jamie] Carragher said. I’ve worked with him for a long time and he’s experienced now.”I think if he’s looking at everything that’s happening behind the scenes there for him to do what he did yesterday, he must be seeing stuff that he doesn’t like and feels like he needs to punch back. “He might be punching back on behalf of himself, but he may be punching back on behalf of [Conor] Gallagher. He may be punching back on behalf of [Trevoh] Chalobah, who’s with the development squad. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He might be thinking, ‘I’ve got to alert people to what’s going on here and the only way I can do that is through my own situation now’. “Because it is unusual to put a statement now that I wouldn’t expect Raheem Sterling to have done that.” Jamie Carragher says ‘players should stop joining Chelsea’ and ‘sign a four-year deal at a proper club’ in stunning rantSterling, joined the west London outfit for £47million from City in 2022, making 81 appearances and scoring 19 goals with 12 assists.Maresca said the decision to leave Sterling out was a “technical” one, but reports suggest that he is welcome to listen to offers.Ex-Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand called the situation “wild”.On Ferdinand Presents, he said: “I see all the young players, especially in that squad, talk about Raheem. “It’s like Uncle Raheem. [Cole] Palmer, the likes of Reece James, it’s Uncle Raheem.”And he’s looked after a lot of these boys, they come to him, so when you kick that guy in the changing room. Sterling’s camp statement in fullA statement released before kick-off read: “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.””All of them are going to limp at some point and they aren’t going to take it well and you create a problem in your own dressing room. “There’s nobody delivering that message with any clarity, and from what I’m hearing Sterling has got no understanding of where his situation lies.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He hasn’t had anyone in the hierarchy come to him and say: ‘Listen, you’re surplus to requirements, we want to get rid of you’.”Chelsea’s next game is a Europa Conference League qualifier against Swiss side Servette this Thursday, while their next league game sees them pay a visit to Wolves on Sunday.Chelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

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      Sky Sports legend blasts Man City’s style as ‘no way to play football’ after bizarre Haaland stats at Chelsea

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S style is “no way to play to football”, claims Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler.The respected broadcaster pointed to Erling Haaland’s THREE completed passes against Chelsea on Sunday as an example of the negative effects of “over-coaching”.Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler has blasted Man City’s styleCredit: GettyAs Erling Haaland stats are laid bareCredit: RexHaaland’s completed just three passes against Chelsea, despite scoring the first goalTyler told The Football Authorities podcast: “The most prolific goal scorer in the Premier League at the moment– 91 goals in 100 appearances now – played a game on Sunday.”He had one touch of the ball between the 18th and the 52nd minute, completed three passes throughout the game, one dribble, one goal.”Former ITV broadcaster Clive Tyldesley replied: “Is the new centre forward somebody who doesn’t see a great deal of the ball?”Before Tyler, 78, responded: “Haaland, he’s such a good player and he gets so few touches because of the way Manchester City play.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I don’t know how he manages on this. The goals and the medals and the money all make it work – but it’s no way to play football.”Man City play a possession-based style, emphasising quick, short passes to control the ball out from the back.Much was often made of Haaland’s lack of touches last season, with games against Bournemouth, Liverpool and the defeat to Aston Villa particularly highlighted.And the Norweigan ace was barely involved in City’s play in their 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend.Most read in FootballHaaland was limited to a few touches at ChelseaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaaland completed just three passes, which is the fewest amount a player has managed in 90 minutes for a Pep Guardiola-coached team.He acknowledged he needs to improve despite notching his 91st goal for City in 100 games for the club.Chelsea vs Manchester City: Player Ratings BreakdownHaaland said: “When you see today, all the defenders and how good they play to the midfielders. Pep will not like me saying this, but they don’t need me in this team, so I can just stand there and watch!”I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants.”But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question.”I want to get more assists and become a better player.”The 24-year-old has proven he doesn’t need to be involved in the game to get goals, winning the Golden Boot in his first two campaigns.He opened the scoring from close range on Sunday before former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic finished the home side off in the 84th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyler later added: “I think the game is a bit overcoached. We put too much emphasis on the managers as broadcasters, the constant cutting to bench shots.”In terms of playing out of the back in the lower league, the pitches aren’t good enough, the players aren’t good enough and the risk and reward; there’s very little reward.”What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More