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      Chelsea files: Why Maresca’s tactical rethink is bearing fruit and how club’s top priority will be made clear this week

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      IT’S been another eventful season down the King’s Road.Having flirted with the title race, Enzo Maresca’s men are now fighting tooth and nail for Champions League qualification while also competing in Europe.Enzo Maresca’s side are fighting for European qualificationCredit: RexThe Blues thumped Southampton 4-0 last weekCredit: GettyStarting today, only on Sun Club, our team of experts will bring you the inside track on Stamford Bridge goings on every week.TO THE LEFTEXPECT TO see Enzo Maresca dressing more to the left from now on.Chelsea’s astute manager is being tipped to have a tactical rethink as the fashion for inverted full backs grips the Premier League.And once-maligned left-back Marc Cucurella is at the heart of the Italian’s remodelling as he looks to make his team a more potent force at both ends of the pitch.For some time Chelsea would drag whoever was playing right-back into the midfield to add weight to attacks.That would be mainly Malo Gusto or when fit club captain Reece James.  But Maresca has been fine-tuning Cucurella to do it from the opposite flank and senior staff at the training ground are noticing.Cucurella has risen to the manager’s challenge and now has three Premier League goals this season as a result. James has just one and Gusto none in comparison.The added bonus of employing Cucu in this way means the defence shifts left and not right – which seems to suit everyone.In the case of the last game – the 4-0 drubbing of Southampton in which Cucurella scored the final goal – it meant Levi Colwill could move left and allow Tosin to occupy the centre-back role.This made for an entirely more comfortable night all round and the tactical tweak looks set to stay.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists that Cole Palmer is a happy player THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTSCOLE Palmer’s role when Chelsea resume their Conference League campaign on Thursday will be a clear sign of Enzo Maresca’s priorities.The England star was omitted from the 25-man squad for the group phase of the competition before Christmas.That allowed him some rest through the autumn and early winter demands and was rewarded by a series of stellar displays.Chelsea were unbeaten in their eight matches immediately following European games and were second in the Premier League at the conclusion of the initial Conference League stage in December.But Palmer has played all 12 matches since then, scoring just three goals and adding no assists after 11 goals and six assists up to that point.The former Manchester City man was added to the Blues squad for the knock-out stage.But with Chelsea expected to negotiate last 16 opponents Copenhagen, leaving him out of the starting side would be a signal that a top four finish is the bigger goal than Europe’s third competition.However selecting him for Thursday’s game would signal that Maresca buys into the philosophy that Chelsea need to start winning trophies again.Cole Palmer will be hoping to rediscover his very best formCredit: GettyDJORD DROPPINGONE of Enzo Maresca’s biggest headaches this season has been in goal.Neither Robert Sanchez or summer signing Filip Jorgensen have managed to step up and grab the No1 spot for themselves.Meanwhile, at sister club Strasbourg last season’s No1 is making quite the impact.Djordje Petrovic, sent on loan to improve his ability on the ball, has kept four straight clean sheets and boss Liam Rosenior has touted him for a big future.Rosenior said: “Petrovic is getting better by the day. It’s very important in our game system.”He is only 25 years old and will become a great player.”Maresca may find that the Serbian is a cheap solution to a big problem this summer.Djordje Petrovic has impressed for Strasbourg this seasonCredit: AFPEXTENDING AN ARMARMANDO Broja has had a lot of luck during his career – most of it bad.The 23-year-old striker is currently injured on his latest loan at Everton. He moved there last September after an equally disappointing temporary move to Fulham where he barely played.The Albanian also spent nearly a year on the sidelines between December 2022 and September 2023 after tearing knee ligaments.But there is still hope he can make a go of it on Merseyside.Everton boss David Moyes has told staff at the club that he does not want to make any decisions on Broja’s future – short or long term – until he has actually seen him play.Broja may just be back in time to feature at the end of this season and get the chance to seal a permanent move away from Chelsea in the summer.Armando Broja has endured a luckless spell at EvertonCredit: GettySOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUTTODD BOEHLY’S state of the nation address regarding Chelsea last week has been met with a resigned shrug of the shoulders by many fans.In the wake of a pre-match protest taking aim at his near three year involvement in the club, many were hoping for stronger words from the American who jointly led the takeover at Stamford Bridge alongside now estranged business partner Behdad Eghbali.Around 150 diehards took to the streets outside Stamford Bridge last Tuesday to voice their displeasure. At what exactly is just as big a talking point among the fanbase, with some believing their fellow Blues may have become a bit too used to glittery success over the years.Even so, speaking some days after at the suitably thrill-a-minute sounding FT Business of Football Summit, Boehly conceded ‘criticism is par for the course’ and once you get your head around that ‘it brings freedom’. That’s neither fight nor flight.The wet-lettuce words may well have done the trick though. It appears there are no plans yet for further demos. Maybe because Boehly’s inert sermon made up of American-ese business inspired babble has snuffed the life out of the anti-Todd brigade like two damp fingers pinching a small candle flame.One prominent fans figure at The Bridge told SunSport: “There is too much entitlement and revisionment. We haven’t challenged for the title since Antonio Conte was manager.“Chelsea is a business now, not a toy. It’s very different now to life under Roman Abramovich and that change is hard for some to accept.”The knot of fans who gathered outside the gates to Chelsea’s home ground last week chanted for their former owner, now sanctioned by the UK Government over his links to Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin.They also sang for former bosses Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel. Conte’s name was skipped even though he is the last manager to win the Premier League for the club.It’s healthy for fans to hold their club’s owners to account but having spent £1billion plus on players and with Chelsea still sitting inside the top eight on the night of the protest, there is a feeling among more ‘experienced’ followers of the club that the younger, more recent arrivals need to get a grip.Chelsea supporters protested outside Stamford Bridge last weekCredit: EPAHOME AND AWAYBOEHLY is finding out the hard way that developing the Blues’ home is a much harder task than it was with his Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.Despite MLB sides playing 81 home games in the regular season, there are no matches between October and March.That is in stark contrast with a Premier League campaign running from the start of August to the end of May and Boehly conceded: “The thing you learn about football is how little down-time there is.“When we renovated Dodger Stadium, we had a lot more time to affect change than in the football season. There’s a lot less down-time and that makes it a little harder.”Former owner Roman Abramovich pulled the plug on a planned £1bn revamp of the Bridge, Chelsea’s home since 1905, in 2018 after he was refused an extension on his special “investor” visa.That came after proposals to potentially move to sites at Old Oak Common near Wormwood Scrubs, Earls Court and Battersea Power Station were dropped.One extra complication is that the freehold of the Bridge playing surface is owned by the Chelsea Pitch Owners, who can prevent the club using the name “Chelsea” if a move takes place without their consent.But Boehly appears to feel either a move or a major rebuild is both necessary and inevitable – even if it means Chelsea having to play FOUR seasons or more away from SW6. He added: “If you think about what ultimately the drivers are, of building a self-sustaining, very competitive club, figuring how to increase revenues is part and parcel of success.“So you have to be very mindful of how you continue to do that.”Todd Boehly has spoken about Chelsea’s potential stadium renovationCredit: GettyWIN-WIN DEALCOLE PALMER’S move to Stamford Bridge was win-win for both Chelsea and Manchester City – according to the man at the heart of the £40m deal.Palmer has scored 39 games in just 75 games for the Blues since his switch.And long-standing agent Frank Trimboli, who brokered the move, recalled: “When it came to the Palmer deal, Manchester City understood the value of the player but they had a lot of players that they could use and play.“So they also knew his future value would be high and given the amount of football Cole had played for City it was still a high number.“There were people at Chelsea who had previously worked at City, so they knew what they were buying and credit to Chelsea because they were willing to put the money on the table.“And 18 months after the deal, that £40m looks like money well spent.”Cole Palmer has been a smash hit at ChelseaCredit: GettyTOOTH ACHEFRANK LAMPARD still feels the pain from the ‘kick in the teeth’ when Chelsea sacked him.Even though the club’s legendary midfielder and former boss is now flying high with promotion chasing Coventry – it still hurts.Lampard was hired and fired by Cheslea’s former owner Roman Abramovich within 18 months – getting the chop in January 2021 to make way for Thomas Tuchel.  Lampard said: “In this job you understand that you will get some kicks in the teeth.”I went in at Chelsea and was loving doing my job there, at a club that I clearly love.”And when you lose your job – it’s the first time I lost my job – it’s a difficult moment and you have your own feelings about that, which I had and still have. “So, kicks in the teeth, unfortunately feel harsh at the time. “And when you look back, you understand that they’re part of life and they mould your future.”Frank Lampard managerial stats2018-2019 – Derby County P 57 W 24 D 17 L 16 2019-2021 – Chelsea P 84 W 44 D 17 L 232022-2023 – Everton P 44 W 12 D 8 L 242023 – Chelsea (caretaker) P 11 W 1 D 2 L 82024-present – Coventry City P 20 W 12 D 3 L 5Frank Lampard has enjoyed a return to form at CoventryCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian matches Neymar record as he scores stunner for Palmeiras

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Estevao Willian matched an incredible record set by Brazil legend Neymar after scoring a stunner for Palmeiras.Estevao, 17, is rated as one of world football’s top young talents.Estevao Willian has matched a record set 15 years ago by NeymarCredit: GettyThe future Chelsea star hit a wonderstrike for PalmeirasCredit: GettyHe’s scored 20 senior goals for top Samba side Palmeiras since making his debut in 2023.Estevao, nicknamed “Messinho” in his homeland, has already landed a league title and cup with his side.And he even has four Brazil caps to his name after making his debut against Ecuador in September.But now Estevao is set to become the latest exciting talent to join Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe agreed a long-term deal with the Blues last summer for an initial £28million fee, potentially rising to £47m with add-ons.And with Estevao turning 18 years old next month, he will finally link up with Enzo Maresca’s side for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.Chelsea fans are already excited at the prospect of adding Estevao to an attack featuring the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.But they could have an even bigger gem on their hands after the teen shattered a 15-year-old record previously set by Neymar.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe veteran forward, now at Santos after leaving Saudi side Al-Hilal, reached a combined 30 goals and assists before the age of 18 in 2010.And Estevao’s latest goal saw him become the first Brazilian to match that feat after netting a howitzer in Palmeiras’ 3-0 win at Sao Bernardo.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Neymar was the first Brazilian under the age of 18 to bag 30 goal contributionsCredit: GettyThe left-footer picked up the ball from wide before drifting inside the field.As the goal opened up, he unleashed a rocket of a shot that zipped past the opposition goalie in lightning speed.Estevao’s strike sent the crowd wild, as well as the commentators.But his night was not over as the youngster bagged a second goal on the stroke of half-time.Chelsea fans are excited for Estevao to bang in similar strikes at Stamford Bridge.One said: “Shaping up to be the future of the right wing in the Premier League.”Another declared: “He is the next Neymar.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Phenomenon.”Another added: “Chelsea have a gem on their hands.” More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand hits back at Gary Lineker over ‘nonsense’ Sir Alex Ferguson claims

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Gary Lineker over his “nonsense” claims about Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy.The Red Devils icon was in a bullish mood after his old side crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham at the weekend.Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Manchester United legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyGary Lineker has blamed United’s current predicament on Fergie’s legacyCredit: X @BBCMOTDBig-money signings like Rasmus Hojlund struggled to make an impression as the game finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.And United’s exit means they only have the Europa League left to play for, with the club also sitting 14th in the Premier League.After the defeat to Fulham, BBC host Lineker made a bombshell comment claiming that United’s long-standing woes can be traced back to the final days of legendary manager Ferguson.The Scot lifted his 13th title before retiring from the beautiful game in 2013.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was replaced by David Moyes, who lasted less than a year before being sacked.United then went through Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, who didn’t win a single Premier League title between them.Current boss Ruben Amorim has an even bigger puzzle to solve after United hit a new low in the table.And Lineker claimed Ferguson did not leave the Red Devils in a good place when he quit 15 years ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLineker said: “If you look at Liverpool now, they’ve got a new manager in Arne Slot, and it’s testament to how Jurgen Klopp left the club in a really good state.”So the structure is really good. That probably wasn’t the case at the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s [time at Old Trafford].Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missJoshua Zirkzee missed a penalty as United were knocked out of the FA Cup by FulhamCredit: GettyUnited have hit a new low in the table under Ruben AmorimCredit: PA”I know they won the league that season. But it wasn’t their best side, and a lot of their great players were coming to the end of their careers. “I think from there they had problems. The academy wasn’t delivering the players that they were before.”Now, Lineker has come under fire from ex-United star Ferdinand for his comments.The former centre-back spent 11 seasons under Fergie, winning six titles and a Champions League in the process.And Ferdinand, who exited United a year after Sir Alex’s exit in 2014, insists his old boss is not to blame for any current woes.He argued on social media that Ferguson left a squad for successor Moyes boasting an average age of 26.6 years.Ferdinand pointed to the blend of youthful and experienced players in the team, especially among the forward line.And he also made sure to note that of the 25 players in the squad, 19 were fully-seasoned internationals.Ferdinand ended by reminding people that Fergie’s final title win saw United take top spot by a massive 11 points.And he instead believes that recruitment in the post-Sir Alex phase is to blame for United’s downfall.I’ve read over the last few days it’s The Boss’ fault. What a load of nonsenseRio FerdinandFerdinand said: “Average age of the squad Sir Alex left was 26.6 years old. Blend of youth + experience.“Our attacking players were… Rooney (27), RVP (29), Chicharito (25), Welbeck (22), Zaha (20), Nani (26), Ashley Young (27), Lingard (20), Kagawa (24), Valencia (27), Januzaj (18).“19 international players. Ps we won the league by 11 points…“Since then, the recruitment has been poor. But I’ve read over the last few days it’s The Boss’ fault. What a load of nonsense…”Ferdinand backed up his spending claims by revealing the total net spend of European clubs since the 2014/15 season.Five of the top six are English sides, with Tottenham (£502million) and Arsenal (£784m) in the mix.According to Transfermarkt, French giants PSG are fourth with a net spend of £795m.While Chelsea are fourth with a total worth £809m.Second place goes to Man City with £813m.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd unsurprisingly, top spot is taken by Man United.But their net spend is miles higher than even City’s, with the figure totalling a boggling £1.04BILLION. More

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      Brentford striker Yoane Wissa thought he was destined for career in police before shooting to Premier League stardom

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      YOANE Wissa thought he would be a policeman tackling crime rather than Premier League opponents when he was growing up.The 28-year-old has formed a lethal partnership with Bryan Mbeumo, and together they’ve made up for the loss of England forward Ivan Toney.Yoane Wissa thought he was destined to become a policemanCredit: GettyWissa has scored 14 goals this seasonCredit: GettyWissa while on loan at AC Ajaccio from Angers in 2017Credit: GettyWissa has scored 14 goals for Thomas Frank’s side this season, who are 11th in the table and in with a shout of European football next season.Speaking exclusively to Sun Sport, Wissa said he initially thought he’d be “just another guy on the street”.The Brentford star, who was born in northern France to Congolese parents, said: “When I was growing up, I really just expected to be a random guy, maybe a policeman. Why not?“But once I saw the small light that I could be here, I took it. I know it sounds crazy when I say that to people, but the truth is I’m not the most talented guy. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“What keeps me going is that I love to work hard, and I guess I’m not doing too bad.”Wissa started out as a goalkeeper and progressed into midfield before settling as a forward who can play in various positions across the front line.The striker, who came through the ranks at Chateauroux before moves to Angers and Lorient and eventually Brentford for around £8million in 2022, added: “The first time I really thought I could be good at football was when I was 16.”Then I went to the academy, so you see, I went there at 16, which is considered late because most of the others were around 14. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But then I started to feel that there could be something for me here.“Some will say it’s a dream come true, but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t even my dream because I didn’t expect to be a footballer.Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch “So I don’t take that for granted, if you know what I mean. I didn’t expect to be here, and now I’m here with Thomas and the guys.“I just work hard, and that’s why when I speak, I do so with a smile.”Since the departure of Toney to Saudi Arabia, Wissa and Mbeumo have become the face of Brentford. They are the most lethal duo in the Premier League this season, with a combined 28 top-flight goals for the Bees.Asked what makes playing together with Mbeumo so smooth, he said: “He’s a top player, so that is the first thing that makes it very easy. “What I do is try to help him. I make sure to position myself in a way that if he needs me, I’ll be there. It also helps that we’ve played together for a while.”But it’s not just Mbeumo that Wissa gets along with easily. Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have become the face of BrentfordCredit: ReutersAs the interview continues, manager Frank comes by to pat him on the back, and I asked what the Brentford manager is like behind the scenes.His response gives an indication of the strong bonds within the club. He said: “Listen, Thomas is a friend. That’s what he’s good at – he’s a guy who is open to talk, and everyone loves him.”He’s always positive, not just in the good times, and this is why it’s very good for us.“But I have to say this, it’s easier to speak to someone who is always playing, but he also likes to make sure people who feel a bit isolated are taken care of.“That, for me, is also very crucial. So, if I can say something about him, Thomas Frank is just a friend to us.”Back in Congo, fans gather around viewing centres to watch Wissa play, and some say they wish he could move to a bigger club and possibly play in some of the top European competitions. They may get their wish as far as Europe is concerned soon, at least.But, he says, even though he’s aware of the perks of doing well, he’s the kind of person who thinks more about the team, given that he didn’t even think getting this far was possible at the beginning.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Of course, I’m settled in the Premier League, and everyone knows that I can score goals, but also, everyone wants to continue to do better for themselves. “Now I’m in Brentford, and for me, I always think about the team. I’m hoping I can help the team take the next step, and by doing so, I’ll also do well for myself too.”The feeling is good at Brentford at the momentCredit: PA More

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      Tottenham ‘send scouts to watch 19-year-old Fenerbahce star’ – only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench

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      TOTTENHAM reportedly sent scouts to watch Fenerbahce star Yusuf Akcicek in action — only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench.19-year-old wonderkid Akcicek burst onto the scene last season with 15 appearances in all competitions.Tottenham sent scouts to watch Yusuf Akcicek in action for FenerbahceCredit: GettySpurs were left empty-handed as Jose Mourinho benched the youngsterCredit: RexAnd he has added another 14 games to that tally this term after breaking into Mourinho’s Super Lig XI at the start of the year.Akcicek is regarded as one of Turkey’s most promising centre-backs.And he played the full 90 minutes in Fenerbahce’s fiery top-of-the-table derby against Galatasaray, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate and saw Mourinho slapped with a hefty ban and fine for his post-match comments.The ace put in another top performance in his side’s 4-1 Turkish Cup win over Gaziantep last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootboom claims his recent performances caught the attention of several teams, including Tottenham.And the Londoners decided to send a scout to Istanbul for Fener’s weekend league game against Antalyaspor.However, the Spurs man went home with an empty report after Akcicek was surprisingly left out of the side.Former Tottenham boss Mourinho instead opted for Mert Muldur as one of his three centre-backs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd when he replaced the latter during the match, the Special One sent on Alexander Djiku while Akcicek remained on the bench.It now remains to be seen if he returns to Fener’s side on Thursday.Roy Keane gives savage response to James Maddison’s dig as Ian Wright tells Tottenham star ‘you can’t f***ing win’The Turks take on Scottish side Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.The return match takes place a week later, with no league match in between.But Tottenham are likely to continue their interest in Akcicek as Ange Postecoglou looks to combat the defensive injury crisis that has plagued his side all season. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘considers terminating lease on Man Utd’s plush Kensington offices’ in latest cost-cutting plan

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is reportedly considering the possibility of terminating the 10-year lease agreement of Manchester United’s London offices in Kensington.The United co-owner has introduced a series of cost-cutting measures since taking the helm last February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering another cost-cutting method for Man UtdCredit: PAMan Utd could decide to terminate the rental contract on their London officesAround 250 employees have already been made redundant, with hundreds more to follow in the coming weeks.Ratcliffe is also set to scrap free lunches for staff members at Old Trafford and reduce food options for those at Carrington to just soup and sandwiches.Amid the seemingly never-ending chaos at United – on and off the pitch – the British billionaire is already plotting his next money-saving method.The Guardian has reported that Ratcliffe and Co are exploring an early termination from a 10-year lease agreement at their London offices.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMan Utd’s London base is located in Kensington, less than two miles from Kensington Palace.The Red Devils moved into the space less than two years ago following the expiry of their 10-year rental agreement on a separate building in Mayfair.However, Ratcliffe believes that the vast majority of club staff should be based in Manchester and has therefore deemed the 23,000-square-foot space too large and expensive.In the “transformation plan” unveiled last week, Man Utd committed to maintaining a presence in London.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, that will entail looking for a new base.Downsizing at their current premises is also an option, although it is not preferred.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts Man Utd’s current office building in Kensington is located less than a mile from the Ineos headquarters in Knightsbridge.However, that convenience is unlikely to influence Ratcliffe’s thinking.The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with 33 points from 27 games. More

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      Josh Kroenke jets in for Mikel Arteta talks as Arsenal manager looks to salvage season after Premier League title slip

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      JOSH KROENKE has jetted in for talks with Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal boss looks to salvage his season.The Gunners are out of both the Carabao and FA Cups.Josh Kroenke has jetted in for talks with Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe Spaniard and his players are facing a crunch period of the seasonCredit: GettyWhile their title dream has taken another dent after falling 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool.It means that Arsenal realistically just have the Champions League to play for.But they must first get past Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven in a tricky test.Arteta’s squad has also been decimated by injuries this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Martin Odegaard have all spent lengthy periods on the sidelines.And Kroenke, 44, has now arrived in the UK to give Arsenal a pep talk ahead of a tough run of games.The son of owner Stan Kroenke, 77, is co-chairman of the Gunners.He has played a major role in helping Arsenal push their way back up the table after years in the wilderness.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut after the Londoners suffered a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham last month, Kroenke is keen to ensure heads do not drop.Arsenal are heading into a crunch phase of the season and will be eager to get back to winning ways.Striker who Arsenal sold for just £4m last summer bags THIRD hat-trick in seven games while Gunners struggle for goalsThey first travel to third-place Nottingham Forest before taking on PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.Arsenal then have a third successive away game at Manchester United, who are out to prove a point under Ruben Amorim.Things don’t get any easier when the Gunners then face PSV in the return leg of their European battle.And the final game of March sees Arsenal take on Chelsea before the international break begins. More

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      From tough childhood to sick racist abuse, how Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury is latest hurdle for Crystal Palace star

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      A TOUGH childhood, attacks by racist rival fans, goal droughts – Jean-Philippe Mateta has overcome them all on the way to becoming the king of Crystal Palace.So his current battle to return to fitness after being on the receiving end of a horrific head injury is just another hurdle he must conquer on the road to success.French striker Mateta was struck by Liam Roberts’ boot in an awful tackleCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta lays stricken on the floor following a horror injuryCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of Crystal Palace’s star playersCredit: GettyMateta is currently recovering from the injury suffered against Millwall in the FA Cup.He was on the receiving end of a wild head-high tackle from Liam Roberts in the first half of the tasty fifth-round tie.Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the Selhurst Park pitch while distressed team-mates watched on.After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher and received oxygen as he was taken away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was later discharged from hospital after receiving 25 stitches to his ear.Mateta is recovering at home, and will hopefully be soon back playing for Palace. His career is a story of overcoming adversity driven, in part, by the example of his dad Philippe, whose own career was cut cruelly short.Mateta – grew up in Sevran, a district of “the 93” – the area in the north-east suburbs of Paris that is among the poorest parts of France and notorious for crime.Most read in FootballBut from the start the young man saw football as his way out and was determined not to go down the wrong path.Mateta said: “Lots of young people smoke weed, some end up in miserable situations, some even die.“But for you as a resident, that’s everyday life, you don’t see it as particularly threatening.The striker has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances this seasonCredit: AFPMateta forced a move from Chateauroux to Lyon in 2016Credit: Getty“I always knew in my head that I would be a professional footballer one day. And that that would be my ticket out.”Mateta dedicated himself to achieving his dream, even if it meant foregoing the usual excitement of teenage life.He said: “I skipped a lot of parties. Once there was even one right next to me in the high-rise, and I didn’t even go to that one.“My apartment was on the 15th floor, the party on the 11th. All my friends were there, I heard the noise.“I only had to walk a few flights of stairs and I would have been there.“But there was a game the next day, so I stayed home.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star“I didn’t have a plan B. Not even close. In my head it was like this: either I become a professional – or I’ll fail.“In my area, a lot of people are looking for quick money, which is why they sell drugs or commit burglaries.“But I felt, deep down, that football would be my path.”Little did Mateta know, however, that his Congo-born dad did not want him to follow in his footsteps.Mateta explained: “ At first, my mother only told me later, he was completely against it. He didn’t want me to go through anything like him.“He played in Congo and then in Liega, But when he was 24, he seriously injured his leg.“Medicine wasn’t that advanced back then, and several operations went wrong. After that, he had to end his career.“He didn’t want me to go through anything like him. The injury, the end of his career, all of that mentally destroyed him.“He wanted to spare me that.”Mateta started training with and playing for Drancy, a club outside Sevran, when he was 14, and then joined Chateauroux’s youth set-up after bigger clubs passed on the chance to sign him.Mateta’s 13 goals in 26 third-tier games for the first team attracted the attention of Lyon and he boycotted training to force a move to the Ligue 1 giants early in the 2016/17, while other clubs, including Tottenham, hesitated.But after limited opportunities in the Lyon first team, Mateta went on loan to Ligue 2 Le Havre, where his goals fired the team to the play-offs to get into Ligue 1.But the semi final against Ajaccio in Corsica was postponed by a day after fans attacked the Le Havre team bus and hurled abuse.Mateta recalled: “They called me a dirty black, they insulted my family.“After the attack on the bus, we remained calm. Since they had broken the air conditioning, we had to open the doors, and the police hadn’t arrived yet.“So if they had wanted to attack us, they could have done so. But they didn’t.“It was just intimidation, but personally, it didn’t scare me at all.”When the game took place a day late, tempers flared on the pitch and Mateta’s provocative celebration when he made it 2-1 in extra time led to a melee.He and three other players were sent off before Ajaccio equalised and then won a penalty shootout.But Mateta’s 20 goals in 38 games earned him his own move to the top flight, with German side Mainz beating Newcastle and others to the punch.In Germany, too, he had to confront racism, as the club’s squad, which featured a number of players with African ancestry, was the target of snide comments and outright abuse.Mainz’s club record signing, at a fee of £6.5m, had an impressive first season, scoring 14 times in the Bundesliga.But Mateta found the net only 10 times across the next two campaigns.So there were reservations when he arrived at Selhurst Park in 2020, initially on an 18-month loan.The striker moved to Mainz in 2018Credit: GettyHe spent a season on loan at Crystal Palace before completing a permanent move in 2022Credit: GettyMateta joined permanently for £8m in January 2022 but still struggled to hold down a starting place.He ended a run of 28 Premier League appearances without a goal when he scored the winner in the game against Leicester in April 2023, which marked Roy Hodgson’s return as boss.But it was only when Oliver Glasner replaced Hodgson in February last year that Mateta’s Premier League career really took off.Mateta scored 13 goals in 13 games – having managed just 11 in his first 80 PL appearances – as Palace achieved their joint highest finish (10th) and points total (49) of the Premier League era.Glasner’s high-pressing tactics brought more turnovers and the frontman in his 3-4-2-1 formation capitalised.During that amazing run, Mateta became only the second French player to score in seven straight home game in the PL.The other one was Thierry Henry, who promptly picked the Palace star as an over-age player for the Olympic tournament in Paris.Mateta scored the only goal of the quarter final against Argentina, netted twice in the 3-1 semi-final win over Egypt and grabbed a 93rd-minute equaliser to send the final against Spain to extra time.The Spaniards won on penalties so Mateta and his team-mates had to settle for silver medals.But the 27-year-old has taken his golden touch in front of goal into the current season.Mateta’s two goals in the 2-0 win at Manchester United last month took his Premier League tally to 10 for the season.Glasner said: “It is amazing when you have a number nine who scores goals — that is what everyone expects from a striker.“He has the confidence and the feeling at the moment. Both goals were one-touch finishes.“For the set play, he was there; he had the feeling and the confidence to be in the right areas.“The second goal looked easy in the end because it was a one-touch finish, but it was his 20th run in behind.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He runs and runs, and many times, he does not get the ball, but in the end, he gets the rewards.”Which pretty much sums up the life and career of Mateta.Mateta scored twice for Palace against Man Utd last monthCredit: GettyThe Frenchman suffered a serious head injury against Millwall in the FA Cup at the weekendCredit: Getty More