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    Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor desperately trying to SELL stake to stop Eagles being booted out of Europa League

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

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    Chelsea fan claims he’s only just found out they won Conference League after being thrown in Polish jail for five days

    A CHELSEA fan claims to have only just found out they won the Conference League final after allegedly being thrown in a Polish jail for FIVE days.The befuddled Blues supporter posted a video to social media claiming he had been banged up in Wroclaw after a scrap with Real Betis fans.A Chelsea fan claims to have only just found out they won the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyThe supporter alleges to have spent the last five days in a Polish prisonCredit: https://x.com/footbalIfightsThe two sets of supporters were embroiled in a series of unsavoury clashes leading up to Wednesday’s match, which Chelsea won 4-1.Riot police were even deployed to the streets as hooligans from both clubs caused chaos in Poland.And the fan in question claims that after being caught up in one of the fights, he was immediately thrown into a jail cell.In the video, the Chelsea supporter alleged he had been locked up for five days and was only released on Sunday morning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs a result, he only just found out that his beloved Blues had actually gone on to secure victory in Wednesday’s final.But the fan also claimed that he has been left with no money after his encounter with Polish police and must now figure out a way to return home.He said: “I have just been released from Polish jail. Just found out that Chelsea won the Conference League.“Polish police have sucked me for all my money. I’ve been in there for four days, five days, over a petty little fight with these Betis fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’m in Wroclaw, no money, just my backpack and the stuff that I bought with me apart from the money that I had.“I don’t really know how I’m getting home to be honest. At least Chelsea won the f*****g Conference League, as I’ve just found out.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeChelsea and Real Betis fans clashed before Wednesday’s finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPolice were forced to get involved in unsavoury scenesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial“7 o’clock in the morning, five days later, just released me, today’s Sunday, the game was on Wednesday.“They kept me in there for a fight. So let’s see how I get home. I don’t know.”Fans were quick to react online.One said” “At least they won.”Another declared: “Don’t break the law then.”One noted: “Fair play to him.”Another added: “Poland don’t play around.” More

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    From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League final

    COLE PALMER was the star of the show on the pitch as Chelsea were crowned Conference League champions.After a slow start, which saw Real Betis take a first-half 1-0 lead, Palmer inspired a huge comeback in the second half to see Chelsea win 4-1.Cole Palmer had a box office display on and off the pitch in Wroclaw as Chelsea won the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyHe managed to embarrass team-mate Tosin AdarabioyoCredit: X @SkyFootballHe had a unique way of holding his Man of the Match awardCredit: CBS SportsPalmer picked up two assists for the equaliser and the goal, which put them ahead in Wroclaw, Poland, as Chelsea made history by completing the Uefa trophy collection.However, the 23-year-old was also box office after the final whistle.From funny answers in interviews to a stunning gesture with the trophy.SunSport has looked at five ways in which Palmer was the star of the show even after the final:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSideways passing commentEver Chelsea’s talisman and creative guru, Palmer’s two assists typified the sort of player he is, a maverick on the ball.Speaking to reporters after the match, Palmer admitted he was “sick” of playing the ball safe before he popped up with his two assists.He said: “Yeah I was sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways.”So I thought when I next get the ball I’m just going to go. And it worked.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKParty ‘no comment’This time, Palmer was speaking to American broadcaster CBS Sports. CBS is known for its more relaxed style of questioning players compared to British broadcasters TNT Sports.’Like father, like son’ – Fans stunned by how similar Cole Palmer’s dad is to Chelsea star in viral interviewAnd that came across as the panel asked Palmer how he planned to celebrate the win, with the Chelsea star giving a typically hilarious response.Palmer wasn’t giving anything away, as he quickly said: “No comment.” Cue a burst of laughter from the studio team, and a cheeky smirk from Palmer.Interview with dadPalmer appeared in an interview with his dad, Scott, after winning the Conference League.We have already touched on Palmer’s nonchalant style of answering questions after the final.Unfortunately for the beIN SPORTS interviewer, Scott was not much better either.Scott was asked his thoughts on Palmer’s performance after he was named man of the match.Palmer’s nonchalant style comes from his dad after his father was interviewed alongside himCredit: X @beINSPORTS_ENHe replied saying: “Yeah he did well. Turned the match, got us the win.”Palmer then joked it was his dad’s fault he always gave short answers in interviews, with Scott adding: “Short and sweet.”Fans found the interaction amusing as they realised the apple does not fall far from the tree in the Palmer family.One supporter reacted saying: “Like father like son.”Talking up TosinBack in the press conference room, Palmer also voiced his opinion on the Player of the Tournament award.Just as the presser was winding down, Palmer interjected to ask who gives out the Player of the Tournament award for the competition.He was told it was the Uefa technical observer panel.Palmer then sniggered to himself before saying: “Can someone tell him that Tosin [Adarabioyo] wants it.”The comment sparked laughter from the room.’Got no pockets’Palmer left fans stunned with the peculiar way he decided to hold his Man of the Match award from the final.CBS reporter Anita Jones noticed that Palmer has stuffed his personal trophy in his waistband to come over to chat to her.She commented: “Cole, interesting way to carry your trophy there.”And Palmer simply replied: “I’ve got no pockets, so I put it there.”Fans were loving his response, with Palmer regularly going viral for his cool responses and hilarious demeanor in interviews.Read More on The SunOn social media, one fan wrote: “Effortlessly funny.”While another added: “I hope this man never changes.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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    Will Chelsea have a trophy parade after winning the Conference League?

    CHELSEA made history on Wednesday night after beating Real Betis 4-1 to win the Conference League.The Blues became the first side to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.Chelsea added the Conference League title to their stacked trophy cabinet on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyChelsea had to come from behind in the final after Abde Ezzalzouli’s stunning strike gave Betis a shock lead in Poland.Enzo Maresca made three subs before the Blues found the back of the net through skipper Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine’s goal was the catalyst to a superb turnaround as the West Londoners took the lead just five minutes later after Nicolas Jackson’s close-range header.Jadon Sancho gave Chelsea breathing room before Moises Caicedo capped off a 4-1 triumph in injury time as Maresca secured silverware in his first season at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWill Chelsea have a trophy parade after winning the Conference League?Chelsea have no plans for a trophy parade after winning the Conference League.Many of the Blues squad will be preparing for international duty in June, with five stars selected by Thomas Tuchel for England’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.Players who haven’t been called up by their countries will get 10 days off.Following the international break, the Club World Cup rolls around, with Chelsea’s first game coming against Club Leon on June 16.Most read in FootballWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.The Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet with a 4-1 win over Real Betis on Wednesday night.Chelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.They also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13. More

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    Inside Chelsea’s Conference League celebrations as Caicedo sings karaoke until early hours and Mudryk poses with medal

    CHELSEA stars partied into the early hours and showed off their karaoke skills after getting their hands on the Uefa Conference League trophy.The West Londoners completed the set of European club trophies on Wednesday night thanks to a 4-1 win over Real Betis in Poland.Chelsea got their hands on the Uefa Conference League trophy on Wednesday nightCredit: GETTYThe Blues beat Real Betis 4-1 to complete the set of European club trophiesCredit: GETTYPedro Neto was joined on the pitch by his other half, Claudia Silva after getting his winners’ medalMarc Cucurella was joined by his wife, Claudia RodriguezGoals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo sealed a famous victory in Wroclaw for the Blues.There were joyful scenes on the pitch after the final whistle.And skipper Reece James sent the travelling Stamford Bridge faithful into a state of ecstasy when he raised the trophy high into the sky.But the celebrations didn’t stop on the pitch, with Enzo Maresca’s troops keeping the party going in the dressing room.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe players, understandably, were in the mood for busting a move – particularly Marc Cucurella.The Spaniard did his best two-step as Caicedo broadcast the celebrations on Instagram Live.Goalscorers Fernandez and Jackson also cut a rug as several of the Spanish-speaking players belted out Daddy Yankee’s 2004 hit ‘Gasolina’.Marc Guiu was seen in the background enjoying one of the beers brought through for the players to enjoy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThere were joyful scenes in the dressing room, with Marc Cucurella dancing along to some Central CeeThe West Londoners celebrated long into the night back at the team hotelCredit: INSTAGRAM@ENZOJFERNANDEZThey were joined scores of staff members who travelled to WroclawCredit: INSTAGRAM@LEVICOLWILLMoises Caicedo serenaded his team-mates with a rendition of a reggaeton songCredit: INSTAGRAM@YUNGCHALOBAHThe Blues continued their celebrations back at the team hotel, where they had a private room to dance the night away.Pedro Neto and Filip Jorgensen were well and truly in the mood for dancing, getting downtown to Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’.CBS Sports reporter asks Cole Palmer why he’s carrying trophy in his shorts and Chelsea star’s answer doesn’t disappointThere was also some late-night karaoke, with Caicedo treating his team-mates to a rendition of a reggaeton song.Trevor Chalobah posted footage of Caicedo’s sing-song to his Instagram story, with his accompanying caption reading: “Ladies and gentlemen, my CDM.”Noni Madueke also got on the mic, rapping to Meek Mill’s ‘Dreams and Nightmares’.It was a late night for Ecuador international Caicedo, who was still going strong at 4am.The 23-year-old returned to Instagram Live in the early hours of the morning, prompting team-mate Romeo Lavia to tell him to “go to bed”.Several players shared snaps of themselves proudly showing off their winners’ medals, including the BANNED Mykhailo Mudryk.The Ukrainian, who is serving a provisional drugs ban, wore a medal for a snap with Fernandez despite not having played in the competition since last November.Levi Cowill gave a glimpse at just how many people were in attendance at the celebrations with a photo shouting out the club staff.Noni Madueke also got on the mic, rapping Meek Mill’s ‘Dreams and Nightmares’The midfielder was on Instagram Live at 4am and was told to go to bed by team-mate Romeo LaviaCredit: instagramMykhailo Mudryk joined in on the celebrations – despite serving a provisional drug banCredit: INSTAGRAM@ENZOJFERNANDEZKiernan Dewsbury-Hall was happy as Larry during the celebrationsCredit: INSTAGRAM@KDH_8Maresca, 45, was nowhere to be seen during the late-night celebrations, which may have resulted in a sore head or two.The Italian is hoping the Conference League triumph will be the first of many trophies during his reign, saying: “I’m very proud, and very happy.”I know the fans deserve it, they’ve waited for a few years for good moments.”The club has invested a lot of money so they’ve been waiting too.”Hopefully, this can be a starting point and we can begin to create something important.Read More on The Sun”The target for next season? We’re going to try again. “We’ll enjoy it for a week or so, and then start looking ahead.” More

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    Painful moment cheeky Chelsea star grabs team-mate’s privates in X-rated celebration after Conference League triumph

    CHELSEA star Pedro Neto got carried away during the Blues’ Conference League celebrations as he got his hands on more than the trophy.The Portuguese winger bizarrely appeared to grab the crotch of team-mate Marc Guiu amid the elation of the trophy lift.Pedro Neto appeared to grab Marc Guiu’s crotch during Chelsea’s trophy celebrationsGuiu looked like he was calling out in painChelsea won the Conference League with a victory over Real BetisCredit: GettyChelsea pulled off an incredible second-half comeback victory as they overturned a one-goal deficit to beat Real Betis 4-1 in Poland and earn another European title.The Blues were inspired by a Cole Palmer masterclass as the midfielder provided two crucial assists and pulled the strings to put his side back in the game.Chelsea players enjoyed celebrating their European success after an impressive domestic campaign that also saw them qualify for the Champions League next season.But Pedro Neto, 25, took things further than most would expect when he got a handful of pal Guiu’s privates.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe unusual moment had Spaniard Guiu, 19, calling out in pain before turning around to remonstrate with the winger, who could be seen laughing at his handsy prank.All seemed to be fine between the pair as they both joined in with the raucous celebrations that included changing room beers and late-night karaoke.Chelsea became the first team in history to have won the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League thanks to their heroics in Wroclaw.Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jason Sancho and Moises Caicedo made the difference for the billion pound squad.Most read in FootballChelsea are the first team to win the Conference League, Europa League and Champions LeagueCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeDespite not scoring it was Palmer who was the difference maker for Chelsea, running the show in the second half.The 23-year-old midfielder earned the Player of the Match award for his efforts, while he was lauded by fans and pundits.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the nightFormer Chelsea star Joe Cole told TNT Sports: “Cole Palmer is an absolute genius.”He took the game by the scruff of the neck and there are not many players in world football that can do what he does.”Despite being Chelsea’s standout star, Palmer joked in his post-match press conference that teammate Tosin Adarabioyo was after the individual accolade for Player of the Tournament.Prompting a chorus of laughter in the press room, Palmer said: “Can I ask a question, who gives Player of the Tournament out for the competition?”Can someone tell him Tosin wants it”.Cole Palmer was named Player of the Match for the finalCredit: AlamyThe midfielder ran the show and inspired Chelsea’s second-half comebackCredit: Getty More

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    CBS Sports reporter asks Cole Palmer why he’s carrying trophy in his shorts and Chelsea star’s answer doesn’t disappoint

    COLE PALMER gave a typically deadpan answer when quizzed about why he was storing his Conference League Player of the Match trophy down his shorts last night.Palmer earned the individual award after a second-half masterclass that saw him inspire the Blues to a comeback 4-1 victory over Real Betis to win the Conference League in Poland. Palmer was keeping his Player of the Match award inside his shorts for his post-match interview on CBSCredit: CBSPalmer inspired Chelsea to Conference League gloryCredit: GettyPalmer assisted two goals to turn around a one-goal deficit and make Chelsea the first team in history to have won the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League.And the 23-year-old midfielder was his usual nonchalant self when he stopped for a post-match chat with CBS after his super showing.CBS reporter Anita Jones noticed that Palmer has stuffed his POTM award in his waistband to come over to chat to her, prompting her to question why he had done so.She said: “Cole, interesting way to carry your trophy there.”READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd Palmer simply replied: “I’ve got no pockets, so I put it there”.Fans were loving his response, with Palmer regularly going viral for his cool responses and hilarious demeanor in interviews.On social media, one fan wrote: “Effortlessly funny”. While another added: “I hope this man never changes”.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAnd a third joked: “Greatest football quote ever”.Palmer has been criticised for his performances at times this season, failing to recreate the sky-high standards he set for himself last term.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalBut the England international stepped up when he was needed most to help Chelsea lift the trophy.His performance saw him hailed as a “genius” by former Blue Joe Cole, who told TNT Sports: “Cole Palmer is an absolute genius.”He took the game by the scruff of the neck and there are not many players in world football that can do what he does.”Despite being Chelsea’s standout star, Palmer joked in his post-match press conference that teammate Tosin Adarabioyo was after the individual accolade for Player of the Tournament.Prompting a chorus of laughter in the press room, Palmer said: “Can I ask a question, who gives Player of the Tournament out for the competition?”Can someone tell him Tosin wants it”.Palmer joked that Tosin Adarabioyo wanted the Player of the Tournament award in his post-match press conferenceCredit: GettyPalmer was the standout star in the 4-1 victory over Real BetisCredit: GettyChelsea won the Conference League in PolandCredit: Getty More

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    Joe Cole says ‘I ain’t paying’ as TNT Sports pundit causes £3000 of damage in unfortunate mishap after Chelsea goal

    JOE COLE feared he might be left with a £3,000 bill after a mishap celebrating Chelsea becoming Conference League champions.His former club came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw, Poland, and become the first club to complete the full set of Uefa competitions.Joe Cole suffered a wardrobe malfunction as he split some tea while celebrating a Chelsea goalHe was appearing on the TNT Sports show with Steve Sidwell, left, and Michail Antonio, middleCredit: GettyChelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 in Poland to be crowned Conference League championsCredit: GettyHowever, Cole’s enthusiasm to celebrate as Chelsea scored came back to bite him.Watching the game from the TNT Sports studio in the 40,000 Wroclaw Stadium, Cole looked sharp as he wore a brown suit and white shirt for his TV duties.He was appearing alongside West Ham star Michail Antonio and ex-Chelsea team-mate Steve Sidwell, as well as presenter Emma Dodds.And a clip shared to the broadcasters social media pages showed how the 43-year-old celebrated one of the Blues’ goals, before he had an unfortunate incident.READ MORE IN CHELSEACole was seen jumping up and down with his arms in the air when Chelsea grabbed a goal.The beaming former midfielder then went to Sidwell to hug him over the table.But his animated response to the goal prompted Dodds to try and intervene to stop him knocking over some drinks on the table.She was seen grabbing a microphone, but not before the contents of a cup of tea had been knocked over on the table in the chaos.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCole turned around and noticed the mess which saw his face go from jubilation to horror before he is heard saying: “Oh no my tea.”He then picked it up and took a swig before looking for some napkins to clean up the table which was drenched in liquid.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalAfter returning into camera shot, Cole then picked up a microphone and showed it to the camera.Cole then joked: “[That’s] About three grands worth. “I ain’t paying.”Chelsea won the match thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo.But Cole heaped praise on “genius” Cole Palmer, who had notched two assists to turn the game around following Abde Ezzalzouli’s first half strike for Betis.Cole said on TNT Sports: “Cole Palmer, absolute genius. We don’t produce these players.”They don’t fall off trees. He took the game by the scruff of the neck tonight and made it happen.”There aren’t many players in world football who can do what he does.”Cole, who was a Champions League runner-up with the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2008 – the last major Uefa final the team were defeated in – added: “Chelsea is a huge club at this level.”And what I would say, for these young players and this team to win a trophy, it’s going to take them to the next level.”But it’s not about that tonight. It’s about a group of young footballers, young coaches, coming together and achieving something.”Don’t be looking down your noses at this.”Cole also gave his transfer verdict on loan star Sancho, who Chelsea have the option to sign from Manchester United for £25million or face a £5m penalty to not sign him.He said: “I think Jadon is a really great player and I think he’s done well.”He’s been rotated in and out a bit but I want to see Jadon playing. You want a player like that in your squad. It will come down to a financial decision I imagine but I really like him.”Asked specifically whether the winger had done enough to justify a permanent move, Cole said: “Yes I do.”This is a kid who went to Dortmund and was a superstar as a kid. It wasn’t working at Man United but he’s done well, he’s got his career back on track at Chelsea.Read More on The Sun”I think there’s more to come from him as well.”Manager Enzo Maresca said discussions about Sancho’s future would be held in the coming days.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More