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      Jack Grealish jets off to Dubai on holiday to get over heartbreak of England Euro 2024 axe

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      JACK GREALISH will get over the heartbreak of his England Euros axe with a well-earned trip to Dubai.The Manchester City midfielder was a surprise exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s final squad.Jack Grealish missed out on Gareth Southgate’s final England squadCredit: GettyGrealish’s brother shared where he and Jack will be based for the EurosCredit: InstagramThe massive apartment looked luxuriousCredit: InstagramEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTHis lack of game-time for the Premier League champions is believed to be the main reason he missed out.But Grealish – who is a notorious party-lover – has made plans to enjoy the unexpected time off.He has jetted to Dubai where his brother Kevan and a group of pals have booked a massive apartment.Kevan shared pictures on social media of the location – which is where Grealish will cheer on England from.READ MORE ON EUROSHe is also planning a holiday with his long-term partner Sasha Attwood, who had been expecting to join Wags in Germany.Sasha has not joined Jack and his brother in Dubai and has remained in Cheshire.A source said: “Jack intends to enjoy the unexpected time off.”Grealish led Manchester City’s celebrations into the early hours after his side secured a historic fourth successive Premier League title.Most read in FootballGrealish is planning a separate holiday with girlfriend Sasha AttwoodCredit: GettyAttwood has supported Grealish at his previous tournamentsCredit: InstagramEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhat Southgate said about axed England stars
      WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
      Harry Maguire
      “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
      “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
      “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
      “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
      Jack Grealish
      “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
      “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
      “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
      “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
      James Maddison
      “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
      “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
      “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
      “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
      Jarrad Branthwaite
      “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
      “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
      Jarell Quansah
      “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
      “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

      The star was seen sporting a £2,000 outfit and posted a video of himself singing Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten as the party at a Greek restaurant went on until 5am.Players including Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne were seen looking worse for wear as they stumbled out with minders following the celebratory meal at Fenix in Manchester.Inside Man City’s wild title celebrations as Jack Grealish gets back on the beer and loses fight with confetti cannonIt followed a 3-1 win over West Ham United to complete City’s sixth league success in seven seasons under their manager Pep Guardiola.Grealish wore a striking Gucci suit – a brand for which he is an ambassador – to a celebratory dinner.He later posted a clip on his Instagram Stories of him singing the lyric ‘the rest is still unwritten’, while holding a drink and showing off his winner’s medal.Inside German castle England Wags plan to stay at for Euro 2024England’s Wags plan to stay in a luxury German castle during the Euros this summer.
      A source revealed they are keen to let their hair down after abiding by strict rules at the World Cup in Qatar, and are planning a stay in a private, secluded area.
      The Wags have scouted the five-star Schlosshotel resort in Kronberg, where rooms cost up to £1,750 a night, and the Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel in Lohmar.
      The hotel also offers a limousine service for guests, comes with on-call masseuses and butlers and boasts a Porsche rental service.
      The group are also looking at Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel in Lohmar.
      It offers cocktail bars, Michelin star chefs and a team of personal assistants to assist with any requests.
      The group could include Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, Kyle Walker’s wife Annie and Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos.
      Read more on the Wags’ plans for the summer. More

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      Man City to sell homegrown star who’s the son of Premier League cult hero to help with their PSR issues

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      MANCHESTER CITY will sell striker Liam Delap to a Premier League club to help their PSR issues.Delap, 21, is back from a loan at Hull and because he is home-grown, that helps the calculations before City spends again.Manchester City are set to sell Liam Delap to help with PSR issues at the clubCredit: GettyDelap has just returned from a season on loan at HullCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side will need to get rid of the England U21 forward to avoid breaking Profit and Sustainability Regulations.City want around £10million for the Delap and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.While the star has attracted interest from Hull, newly promoted Southampton are also keen to sign the youngster.The forward is the son of former Premier League star Rory Delap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis dad, now 47, starred for Stoke City among others – and became renowned in the Potteries for his incredible long throw.Liam joined the Prem champions’ academy from Derby in 2019.He has played six times for City’s first team, scoring once – during a League Cup victory over Bournemouth in September 2020.Delap followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for Stoke during the 2022-23 season – scoring three goals in 23 appearances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn January 2023 he was recalled by City and sent to Preston, where he netted once in 15 games.His best loan spell has come at Hull this season, where he helped Liam Rosenior’s side to a seventh-placed finish.Home Wins – Alex FergusonThe Tigers missed out on a play-off place on the final day, losing 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle.He scored eight goals in 31 Championship appearances in total for Hull.Liam is the son of Premier League hero Rory Delap who was well-known for his incredible long throwsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Man City ace Jack Grealish tells of his pride after sister Hollie bags first job as a waitress

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      JACK Grealish has spoken of his pride after his sister Hollie bagged her first job as a waitress.The Manchester City star, 28, posted a picture of the 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, working in a restaurant.Man City ace Jack Grealish has spoken of his pride after his sister Hollie bagged her first job as a waitressCredit: @jackgrealishJack posted a picture of Hollie, 20, who has cerebral palsy, working in a restaurant – accompanied by a sweet message telling her how proud he wasCredit: InstagramHe wrote, alongside heart emojis: “Go on Hols. First job . . . Birmingham’s best waitress. “Proud of you.”He has previously spoken of their close relationship and described her as his “best friend”.Hollie joined Jack last month to celebrate City’s Premier League title win.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHWith his winners’ medal around his neck, Jack hugged and kissed her on the cheek.She put a picture of them together at the Etihad Stadium on Instagram and captioned it: “The Best.”Jack has previously talked about how Hollie was born three months premature, adding: “They said that she wouldn’t be able to talk, she wouldn’t be able to walk, and do a lot of stuff but here we are and she can do everything.”I’m so close with my little sister. I love her so much.” He has called Hollie his “inspiration” and his “hero”.Most read in FootballIt comes as Jack was yesterday told that he would not be part of the England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.Southgate said: “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.” ‘You know what he’s done for me’ – Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals why he left Harry Maguire out of England squadWhat Southgate said about axed England stars

      WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
      Harry Maguire
      “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
      “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
      “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
      “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
      Jack Grealish
      “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
      “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
      “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
      “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
      James Maddison
      “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
      “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
      “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
      “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
      Jarrad Branthwaite
      “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
      “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
      Jarell Quansah
      “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
      “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.” More

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      Jack Grealish offered ‘four-week loan transfer’ to Wayne Lineker’s Ibiza bar after missing out on England’s Euros squad

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      WAYNE LINEKER has reached out to party animal Jack Grealish and offered him a “four-week loan transfer” to his Ibiza nightclub after he failed to make the England squad.Wayne, the brother of Three Lions icon Gary, is the owner of Ocean Beach and has opened his doors for England & Man City legend Grealish to get over his Euros disappointment.Southgate said Grealish was ‘devastated’ after missing out on the Euros squadCredit: GettyWayne Lineker has offered fun-loving Grealish a lifeline this summerCredit: InstagramPopular party animal Grealish leaves Man City’s title-winning party at 5amCredit: SplashGrealish has enjoyed his summer breaks at the O Bar beforeCredit: BackgridThe devastated star could be back there this year after his shock England snubCredit: BackgridThe offer came after a popular sports page posted on Instagram saying: “BREAKING NEWS. Jack Grealish agrees 4-week loan deal to Ocean Beach – HERE WE GO.”  – with the post racking up 25,000 likes.After The Mirror approached Lineker for comment on the proposed “transfer”, the Ibiza supremo and former Celebs Go Dating star said: “Gareth’s loss is our gain. We love hosting Jack at O Beach Ibiza, he’s a great lad!”Grealish frequented Ocean Beach last year, as he revelled in Manchester City’s historic treble season – with the City winger and Wayne sharing snaps together on social media.Gareth Southgate opened up yesterday on the difficult conversation he had with a “devastated” Grealish – who went on an epic month-long bender after Man City won the treble last year – after cutting him from his initial 33-man squad.READ MORE ON GREALISHThe England boss said: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.”England’s players were said to have reacted with surprise at Grealish’s exclusion, with one senior player said to have approached Southgate to ask for an explanation about the decision.Grealish was determined to make the final cut for the squad after a season that saw him in and out of the City team.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhat Southgate said about axed England stars
      WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
      Harry Maguire
      “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
      “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
      “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
      “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
      Jack Grealish
      “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
      “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
      “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
      “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
      James Maddison
      “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
      “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
      “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
      “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
      Jarrad Branthwaite
      “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
      “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
      Jarell Quansah
      “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
      “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

      Last month he even cut short his post-season summer holiday with girlfriend Sasha Atwood as he tried to get to fully fit for England’s tournament in Germany.He has earned 36 caps for England, and appeared at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2020 for the Three Lions.England make their official Euros 2024 squad announcement His most recent appearance for England came on Monday as a substitute against Bosnia.Grealish’s surprise exclusion was revealed yesterday ahead of Southgate’s official squad announcement, which also saw Harry Maguire miss out with a calf injury.The two stars are joined by James Maddison, Curtis Jones, James Trafford, Jarrel Quansah and Jarrad Branthwaite in missing out.Grealish went on a month-long bender after winning the treble with CityCredit: Instagram
      The popular forward knows how to let his hair down – after getting a soaking by team-mate Erling Haaland on the Man City bus parade last yearCredit: TwitterPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Man City identify Ederson transfer replacement that could send Jordan Pickford to Champions League side

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      MANCHESTER CITY will move for AC Milan’s super keeper Mike Maignan if Ederson leaves.City chief Pep Guardiola’s transfer team are covering themselves in case the Saudi Arabian cash comes for their Brazilian No 1.Ederson could be on his way out of Manchester CityCredit: REUTERSPep Guardiola already has a replacement in mind should Ederson leaveCredit: GETTYCity will weigh up a move for Mike Maignan if Ederson leaves EastlandsCredit: RexAnd Maignan, 28, is their top target to fill that potential king-sized hole in their side for next season and beyond.France stopper Maignan is in top form for club and country and will feature in the Euros for Les Bleus this summer where other clubs will have eyes on him.Milan are aware that they may lose a prized asset and that could mean a Premier League raid of their own.Everton and England keeper Jordan Pickford, 30, is in their sights and could be available as the Toffees deal with their financial issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe would cost around £30million.And Milan have also looked into a surprise move for Arsenal reserve Aaron Ramsdale, 26, who could also be available.Ramsdale, understudy to Pickford in a Three Lions jersey, is also being considered by Prem clubs but the Gunners will not let him go cheaply.SunSport reported last month that Ederson is open to a Saudi Arabia move this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

      Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
      Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
      Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
      Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
      Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners.

      The 30-year-old keeper helped Guardiola’s champions to a fourth Premier League title in a row — and his sixth overall.But the Brazilian stopper, who has been at the club for seven seasons since joining from Benfica in a £35m deal, could be a high-profile departure — with several Saudi sides interested.Watch the bonkers moment Ederson gets SHAVED on live TV and trims reporters beard too after Man City’s treble win City are not looking to sell and Ederson has two years left on his contract.But if a huge offer above his value comes in then the Etihad club would certainly look at it. More

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      Barcelona ‘unable to register Hansi Flick as new boss’ as four players risk being unable to play for a whole year

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      DESPITE being named as Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick has yet to be officially registered as the club’s new boss.The 59-year-old was publicly announced on May 29 as Xavi Hernandez’s successor, where he became only the third German to take charge of the Catalonian outfit.Hansi Flick was named as Barcelona’s new manager on May 29Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA WireHe replaced Xavi Hernandez who was sacked despite his intention to stayCredit: EPAFlick’s last role was with the German national team, where became the first manager in the country’s history to be fired from the positionCredit: ReutersHowever, according to MARCA, the Nou Camp side’s ongoing financial issues mean they have yet to submit the necessary paperwork to formally confirm Flick’s contract.This is to do with the club’s current salary limit.As it stands, it’s been reported ‘there is no space’ to register Flick, and in addition to this, four players are not yet registered for the 2024/25 season.Among them are two of the club’s rising superstars, midfielder Gavi and left-back Alejandro Balde.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe duo, who collectively have 34 caps for Spain despite both being under 21-years-old, are set to be registered before the start of the upcoming season.In order to resolve the problem, Barcelona must let players go who are on high wages.Some names that could depart North Spain this summer are Eric Garcia, as the ex-Manchester City man spent last season on loan at LaLiga’s surprise package in Girona, whilst the futures of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo remain unclear.The duo signed on loan from Atletico Madrid and Man City respectively, where they collectively played 62 games in the league, scoring nine goals.Most read in FootballVictor Roque, who only joined this January on a seven-year contract could potentially head towards the exit as Barcelona aim to free up space on the wage bill.The 19-year-old has scored two goals in 16 matches since his move from Athletico Paranaense.Barcelona star Joao Cancelo shows off his skills on the training pitch Centre back Inigo Martinez could also leave the Camp Nou this summer after just one year in northern Spain. The former Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao man played just 25 times in all competitions last season.Despite the need to sell players, that hasn’t stopped potential arrivals being linked with a move to the Nou Camp.Among them is Man City’s unwanted midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite his disastrous loan at West Ham. More

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      How Chelsea could line up under Enzo Maresca with manager raiding Man City, Leicester and Napoli to create new team

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      CHELSEA could shape up very differently under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.The Italian, 44, who won the Championship with Leicester this season, is closing in on becoming Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.Enzo Maresca is poised to leave Leicester for ChelseaCredit: GettyChelsea could look like a totally different side under MarescaVictor Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: RexAnd his arrival could spell a new era at Stamford Bridge through a host more fresh faces.Chelsea have already spent more than £1billion in the two years since Todd Boehly took over the club from Roman Abramovich.But a third change of head coach is likely to spark some ins and outs among the squad.And Chelsea have already been linked with a number of names ahead of the summer transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport exclusively revealed last week that Chelsea are ready to make a surprise £20m bid for Burnley and England keeper James Trafford – who was under contract at Manchester City until last summer.Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is another main target for the Blues as he continues to be linked with a Premier League switch.Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo is also receiving interest from Chelsea.But Maresca could make his mark on transfers outside of those the club have already set their sights on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTosin Adarabioyo is another name mooted as being of interest to ChelseaCredit: PARico Lewis worked with Maresca before the Leicester boss left the EtihadCredit: GettyLeicester fans won’t miss MarescaBy Graeme Bryce
      It’s fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
      OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
      But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
      The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
      Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
      Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
      So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
      It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
      During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
      Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
      But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
      And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

      Manchester City and England man Rico Lewis could well be an acquisition he looks at following the success of Cole Palmer.Maresca coached Lewis during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesAnd Lewis could look at the rise of ex-Man City man Palmer at Stamford Bridge – 27 goals in 48 games in his first season – as a template for what he could also go on to achieve at the club.Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another Maresca may look to bring with him to Chelsea after a superb campaign at the King Power Stadium.But the talented playmaker, who was linked with Brighton in the January window, is set to cost at least £35m.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been sensational for Leicester under MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Enzo Maresca, from forgotten EFL youngster and working under Pep Guardiola to Chelsea’s top boss target

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      ENZO MARESCA has gone from forgotten Football League youngster to working under Pep Guardiola and now Chelsea’s top managerial target.The Blues have asked Leicester for permission to speak to their Championship-winning boss as they look for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. Enzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: RexMaresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: EPAMaresca started his career at West BromCredit: GettyIt could bring Chelsea’s search for a new manager to a close with Maresca the latest in the ever-changing Stamford Bridge hotseat. But who is the 44-year-old Italian? Well, Maresca actually started his professional playing career at 18 with West Brom after coming through Cagliari’s youth system.That was despite not speaking any English when he first arrived in the West Midlands. READ MORE IN football In an interview with Manchester City, Maresca recalled: “When you move from, in my case Italy to England directly to Birmingham, you can adapt immediately to the language and to the country.“My English was not so good and also I learned a lot when I was there, though I struggled a bit at the beginning but after it worked quite well.” Maresca had two seasons with the Baggies before moving to Juventus in 2000 for what was a West Brom record £4.5million deal.He played under two of football’s managerial greats in Turin, in Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.

      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaresca told SunSport in September: “Ancelotti was just starting his career as a manager but you could see clearly how he wanted to coach. “He was so straight, honest and humble — and unbelievable in terms of relations with his players.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses“Lippi was much stronger but fantastic in terms of motivation.”Maresca bounced around Europe playing for Bologna, Piacenza, Fiorentina, Sevilla, Olympiacos, Málaga, Sampdoria and Palermo.He then ended his playing career in 2017 with Hellas Verona in Italy’s second division. Maresca had three years away before returning to football with City’s Elite Development Squad, winning the Premier League 2 in 2021. He also coached current Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his time at the Etihad. The tactician had a short spell in charge of Parma before going back to City in 2022 as Guardiola’s assistant. It gave Maresca the chance to learn from the Spanish legend up close and personal, as Mikel Arteta once did before taking the Arsenal job. Maresca joined Juventus from West BromCredit: GettyHe bounced around European clubs, including SevillaCredit: EPAMaresca had a spell with PalermoCredit: GettySo before long it was Maresca’s turn to take the leap of faith when Leicester – who had just been relegated from the Premier League – came knocking. He said at the time: “Coming to Leicester was an easy decision because our ideas are perfectly aligned. “They wanted to change the way they play and refresh things. And the most important thing is that they’re patient.“The club knows sometimes it’s not so quick to change things, they’re aware of that.“When the club is aware and patient, the only target is to realise what you want to realise. “The problem is when people start to get nervous, this can be a big problem.”City recruited assistant managers Carlos Vicens and Juanma Lillo after Guardiola gave his blessing for Maresca to leave.Maresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: GettyJack Grealish speaking to Maresca in 2023Credit: GettyMaresca left City to become Leicester bossCredit: Getty“From the very first moment Pep knew that I really wanted to go on to be a manager,” Maresca told The Telegraph. “He knew that I think he is the best coach in the world and that I went there to help and work with him. “But he always encouraged me to keep progressing.”Maresca turned the Foxes into a possession-based side who regularly lined up with 4-3-3 or the occasional 4-2-3-1 while being known to play with inverted full-backs. His side went from strength to strength and ultimately pipped Ipswich to the title by just a point.But Maresca’s revolutionary football at the King Power came at the cost of top clubs suddenly taking notice. And for Chelsea, Maresca fits their criteria. Maresca speaking to SunSportCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyMaresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: GettyIt was his first piece of silverware in EnglandCredit: GettyExperienced former Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino left the club after just one season and a clear falling out with the board. So for the third time under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, they were seeking a permanent replacement. But the board were not out for a serial winner who would demand a say in the running of the club. Instead, they turned their attention to a young boss with fresh ideas who would do their part to turn things around of the field and leave the rest to the hierarchy. Kieran McKenna – whose Ipswich were just pipped by Maresca’s Leicester – was an early favourite. But Chelsea informed McKenna – a former United coach who is linked with replacing Erik ten Hag – that he was no longer being considered.Maresca became Chelsea’s No1 managerial targetCredit: RexBrentford’s Thomas Frank was another appreciated by the Blues board. But none made as bigger impact than Maresca, who is now closing in on a deal to take over at Chelsea. It will cost the West Londoners around £10million in compensation but the board will feel it is money well spent. They have been encouraged by how Guardiola’s protege Arteta turned Arsenal into title contenders. And Maresca faces an equally challenging task following Chelsea’s underwhelming sixth-placed finish. Pochettino lasted a season, Graham Potter just over half a year and Thomas Tuchel just four months working under Boehly and Eghbali. Now it is just a matter of time until Maresca becomes the latest to try and take Chelsea back to their trophy-laden glory days. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is to be offered a three-year deal – a mark of the Blues’ commitment to make the appointment part of a long-term plan. And Chelsea hope to wrap the deal up in just a matter of days. More