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      ‘If I could pause the game’ – Mikel Arteta identifies moment in Arsenal’s season he wishes he could go back and change

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      MIKEL ARTETA wishes he could have “paused” time to prevent Gabriel Jesus getting injured in January and regrets not protecting him.Arsenal have been forced to play the past three months without a recognised striker, using midfielder Mikel Merino and winger Leandro Trossard as makeshift No9s.Gabriel Jesus’ season was ended after a knee injury against Man UtdCredit: PATrossard was given his marching orders against Man CityCredit: ReutersIt has had a huge impact on their season and saw them crash out of the FA Cup in the third round and Carabao Cup semi-finals, as well as surrendering their Prem title charge to Liverpool.Kai Havertz underwent hamstring surgery following a freak training accident in February during their mid-season warm-weather camp in Dubai.But it was Jesus’ lay-off that still plays on Arteta’s mind – the Brazilian rupturing his ACL during an FA Cup tie against Manchester United on January 12. He is now pushing to return to action before the end of the year.Jesus has spent large periods in the medical room since arriving at the Emirates from Manchester City for £45m in the summer of 2022 – missing over 50 games through injury.Read more FootballBefore the United cup clash, Jesus had started just 12 games in all competitions this season as he struggled for fitness and consistency, scoring seven goals in the process.Despite the setbacks, Arsenal have still managed to reach the Champions League semi-finals, facing Paris Saint-Germain tomorrow night in the second leg, needing to overcome a 1-0 deficit.But speaking to the Men In Blazers show, when asked if there was anything he would do differently this season, Arteta explained: “Possibly. Yeah.“It’s very difficult now to understand that, if I could pause the game and say, Gabriel Jesus, we brought you back to life. You know, you are doing incredibly well.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“You’re going to now get injured, so stop. I would stop him, bring another player in and continue to play the game. Unfortunately, we cannot do this in football.”Arteta is also still frustrated over ill discipline, with his side picking up FIVE red cards in the Prem this term, with three of them coming inside the first ten games of the season.Mikel Arteta forced to pull back fuming Arsenal set piece coach after Declan Rice corner routine goes wrongDeclan Rice picked up two yellows in controversial fashion in a 1-1 draw with Brighton in August, as did Leandro Trossard in the dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September.William Saliba was given a VAR-reviewed straight red in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in October.Myles Lewis-Skelly has picked up TWO reds since making his senior debut in that draw at the Etihad, the first in a 1-0 victory at Wolves that was later rescinded in January.But the teenager picked up another in a damaging 1-0 home loss to West Ham a month later.Myles Lewis-Skelly was dismissed for a foul on Matt DohertyCredit: PAArteta continued: “I am probably prouder than I was back in August.“While we have to deliver, we’ve been through a lot this season with a lot of very difficult situations that in any other circumstances would have put the club and the team in a very, very difficult position.“I see the team where we are and how we are competing and it is an absolute joy because in ten, 15, 20 years I analysed what happened when these things happened to other clubs and it’s very different.“In the period that we play with the amount of injuries, you have zero chance to win the league and you have very few chances even to play in the Champions League.“That’s history, what we’ve done in the Champions League with that, with those conditions in my opinion is extraordinary.”’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but endOne thing that has brought Arteta joy is the club’s dog “Win”, who was brought in at the end of the 2022/23 season and is a regular face around their London Colney training ground.Arteta was recently seen walking Win outside Colney in the background of a Sky Sports broadcast, and the players often take it in turns to take the pet home with them.Read More on The SunArteta said: “It brings me joy and peace. When we are all with Win, you change your energy. It is all love, all hugs. He wants to be touched. She wants to go on the floor and given massages and pleasure.“That dog is the most loyal and unbelievable animal that exists. I feel very attached to her.”Labrador Win is considered the ‘club dogCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Tried to be a hero’ – John Terry CHANGED penalty order before infamous Champions League slip, claims Chelsea team-mate

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      JOHN TERRY tried to be a hero with his infamous Champions League final penalty shoot-out miss, claims former team-mate Claude Makelele.The ex-Chelsea captain hit the post after slipping as he took his spot-kick, handing Manchester United the 2008 Champions League trophy.John Terry tried to be a hero in the 2008 Champions League final, claims Claude MakeleleCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe captain’s miss handed Man Utd the trophyCredit: GettyMakelele believes Terry made a mistakeCredit: GettyTerry later revealed the moment ‘broke’ himCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut it has now been claimed Terry was never meant to take the penalty in the first place.Makelele, 52, revealed Solomon Kalou was in line to step up instead.And he believes a mistake was made as Terry took on the job instead, as he wanted to be a “hero”.Speaking on The LineUp, brought to you by BetMGM and talkSPORT, he said: “The dressing room after the game was like fire. There was no happiness whatsoever – it was a sad place to be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We made a big mistake ahead of the penalties. We had an order which was agreed with the players and the manager, but it changed at the last minute.“It was supposed to be Salomon Kalou taking the last penalty but John [Terry] took the opportunity off him. I think we lost this competition because football is very harsh sometimes and, if you don’t do things the right way, you get punished.“I was very angry when he missed the penalty because it was a chance that I knew a lot of the young players wouldn’t get. I’d won the Champions League before but, in this moment, John had to be the leader and do what was best for the team.“He didn’t make sure we won the trophy, he tried to be a hero. If he knew this, he would have been a hero because he would have lifted the trophy.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeIf Terry scored his penalty Chelsea would have won the Champions League – instead he missed and Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka in sudden death to decide the title.Terry, 44 has spoken about how that pivotal moment “broke” him.Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains how 100 versions of himself would beat one gorillaHe said: “I just remember standing looking over Moscow in my hotel, I was on about the 25th floor, just looking out.”Just asking, ‘Why? Why then? Why did it start raining? Why did I slip?’ All of these things that go over [in your head].”Probably the hardest thing was that three days later we met up with England. We had a friendly at Wembley against the USA.”I ended up scoring a header from outside the box and that was probably the hardest moment.”Because if I could swap any goal in my career it would be that. I scored a header from 18 yards and after the game it f***ing broke me.” More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from Currys and Popworld’ after quitting Liverpool for Real Madrid in free transfer

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has been “banned” from two major venues in Liverpool.It comes after he announced he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.Trent Alexander Arnold announced he is leaving LiverpoolCredit: X @TrentAAPopworld in Liverpool announced he had been ‘barred’ from enteringCredit: GoogleCurrys jumped on the bandwagon to announce he was banned from all Liverpool storesCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is ending a 20-year association with the Reds after breaking through the academy and helping the club win a host of major honours, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.The 26-year-old called it “easily the hardest decision of my life”, with widespread reports suggesting he will be joining Real Madrid to link up with pal Jude Bellingham.However, in their own announcement, Liverpool FC issued a blunt statement about his exit and clearly indicated that the defender leaving was his own decision rather than one backed by the club.And the controversial decision prompted some disgruntled venues in the city to take extreme measures… with cheeky posts on social media declaring he was banned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first of these was entertainment venue, Popworld Liverpool, who simply posted on social media: “Barred @TrentAA.”The official Currys X account then weighed in by sharing a video of a staff member walking up to the window, where a poster with a photo of Alexander-Arnold was visible with the caption: “Banned. Please do not enter.”The electrical goods retailer added the caption: “Banned from all Currys stores in Liverpool.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Companies of culture.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA second said: “I rate this.”A third added: “Hahahaha! I’m here for the pettiness!”Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolAnother said: “Love this.”Reports have indicated Alexander-Arnold told the club and manager Arne Slot he would be leaving in March.Alexander-Arnold’s emotional statement saw him say: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.”This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.”But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.”From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.”I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.”My love for this club will never die.”Read More on The SunShould his expected transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid happen, he will be only the seventh Englishman to star for the Bernabeu outfit.This includes ex-Liverpool players Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, who like Alexander-Arnold, quit Anfield for Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

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      World’s most unlucky footballer is relegated from LaLiga for the FOURTH year in a row

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      A FOOTBALLER has been dubbed the “world’s most unlucky player” after a horror run of relegations.Darwin Machis set an unwanted LaLiga record as Real Valladolid’s demotion to the second tier was confirmed.Darwin Machis has been relegated four times in a rowCredit: GettyMachis has gone down with Granada, Cadiz and Valladolid twiceCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old winger has now suffered relegation an unfortunate four seasons in a row.Machis’ disastrous spell began when he was part of the Granada side that went down by one point in 2022.The Venezuelan did not hang around in the Segunda Division and earned a transfer back to the top-flight with Valladolid.But the Pucela, who are owned by Brazil icon Ronaldo, also went down by a single point in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a worrying theme developing, another LaLiga side in Cadiz picked him up on loan.And you guessed it, they were relegated in 18th place with Machis’ four goals not enough to save them.Meanwhile, his parent club Valldolid immediately bounced back to LaLiga by winning promotion.And they chose to ignore the “curse” and keep Machis in their squad for this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Valldolid have had a woeful campaign and are going straight back to the Segunda Division.They have conceded a whopping 83 goals and have picked up a poor 16 points from 34 games.’This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLigaMachis has featured 17 times, with zero goals and one assist to his name.Fans could not believe how unlucky the 52-time capped international is, with one saying: “He is cursed.”Another joked: “He should just go to United and finish them completely.”More commented: “Where is he headed this summer then?”Two of Machis’ relegations came via a single pointCredit: Getty More

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      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

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      Cardiff stars snub final game of miserable season to watch other teams after relegation sparking fan fury

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      CARDIFF CITY fans have been left fuming after star players snubbed the chance to watch the final game of the season.The Bluebirds have suffered a dreadful season, which resulted in relegation to League One.Yakou Meite was one of three players to miss Cardiff’s final game of the seasonCredit: GettyDimitrios Goutas was also an absenteeCredit: GettyAnwar El Ghazi was also elsewhere for the match against Norwich CityCredit: AlamyThe club were beaten by Norwich City in the final game of the Championship campaign at Carrow Road.The whole squad did not travel for the matchday as Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas and Anwar El Ghazi were all missing, according to the BBC.The trio were left out of the matchday squad ahead of their contracts expiring.It is normal for players to take the day for themselves if they are not selected for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also a regular occurrence that they still watch the match regardless if it is home or away.However, Cardiff supporters have been left fuming after Meite was pictured watching his former side Reading instead,The BBC have also claimed that injured striker Callum Robinson opted to watch Aston Villa over his contracted club.It has not been suggested that the players have broken any rules by going to the other matches.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut this has not stopped fans from coming to their own judgments following a miserable season.The club finished bottom of England’s second division and will now be playing in the third tier for the first time in 22 years.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeCallum Robinson also skipped the match to watch another gameCredit: GettyAs many as 1,242 supporters made the long journey across the UK to watch the match at Carrow Road.The match started awfully as Cardiff fell 3-0 down inside the first 23 minutes.Callum Chambers was also sent off for the Welsh side in the 16th minute.The travelling support were treated to a brace from Yousef Salech on either side of Shane Duffy grabbing Norwich’s fourth.Interim manager Aaron Ramsay thanked the fans after the game.He said: “They’ve been unbelievable and I think they’ve really bought into the boys over the last few weeks and the performances that they’ve produced. Read More on The Sun”I can’t thank them enough for that. It’s a lot of effort for them to come up here today and support us. We appreciate every single one of them doing that and making that journey. “Thank you again to them and they’re going to be a huge part of us bouncing back as a club.” More

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      Newcastle set to join Man Utd in transfer race for one of world’s most sought-after defenders and Marc Guehi alternative

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      NEWCASTLE are set to join the race to sign Jonathan Tah.Tah, 29, is available on a free transfer this summer and a host of clubs are fighting to land the sought-after German.Jonathan Tah is wanted by Newcastle as he prepares to leave Bayer LeverkusenNewcastle remain interested in Marc GuehiCredit: AlamyManchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all reportedly keen on the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back.And SunSport understands that the Toon are also monitoring the player. Eddie Howe is desperate to beef up his defence ahead of next season as he attempts to build a team that can make a genuine title challenge.His top target remains Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, who is set to leave Selhurst Park with Chelsea also interested. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England and Eagles star was the subject of a £70million bid from Newcastle a year ago.But Tah is another option and he is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League, according to reports in Germany.Real Madrid’s chances could also be boosted if current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.Bayern would offer Tah the chance to remain in the Bundesliga, while Barcelona’s pursuit is thought to be complicated by ongoing financial constraints affecting player registration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 35-time German international has already confirmed that he is leaving Leverkusen after ten years at the club.He has played a whopping 400 times for them, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal last season.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’ More

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      Chelsea files: Blues face having to rip up transfer strategy after Strasbourg success as co-owner issues stadium update

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      CHELSEA are facing a major rethink in their transfer strategy for next season – due to the unexpected success of French sister club Strasbourg.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Serbian keeper Djordje Petrovic have starred on loan at the Ligue 1 surprise package, while another hot teenage prospect, Ecuadorian Kendry Paes, is training under the tutelage of boss Liam Rosenior.Andrey Santos has excelled on loan at StrasbourgCredit: GettyStrasbourg could leap into second spot behind runaway champions PSG with just a game to go if they win at struggling Angers on Saturday.Uefa regulations mean Chelsea owners BlueCo had to park their shares in the French side in a blind trust last week.But if the two teams qualify for the same competition, Chelsea will not be allowed to do ANY transfer deals with Strasbourg this summer, meaning they cannot use the French side as a hot house nursery for their emerging talents next summer.This means that neither Santos or Petrovic would be able to extend their loan stays.CLUBBING TOGETHERCHELSEA are set to finally discover their opening Club World Cup opponents.The Blues were due to kick off their campaign against Mexican side Leon in Atlanta on June 16.But Fifa booted the Central American team out because they are part of the same multi club ownership group as fellow countrymen Pachuca, who have also qualified.Leon appealed to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, but have been unsuccessful.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa decided Leon’s place should be taken by the winners of a play off between Mexico’s Club America and former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s MLS team LAFC, part-owned by the comedian Will Ferrell.But CAS judges will also hear an appeal against Fifa by Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who claim they should be handed Leon’s place by virtue of their coefficient ranking.”WILL POWERENZO MARESCA and Levi Colwill are fully paid up members of the Mutual Appreciation Society.Boss Maresca loves Levi and Levi loves Enzo in return, recently describing his manager as ‘light years ahead’ of his peers.The discussion around the England centre back one day becoming Chelsea captain is gathering momentum and the player is desperate for the responsibility.Colwill is 22 but has been associated with his club since under-nine level.Speaking to a source at Stamford Bridge this week, we were told: “Levi has been at Chelsea for years. He has the DNA of Chelsea in his blood. And he has that winner’s mentality.”“He would LOVE to be captain. His natural character is to lead. He tries his best to push his mentality.”The only problem facing Colwill is the backlog of captains already at the club and the youth-first policy being followed by the powers-that-be.Current captain Reece James is only 25, his vice-captain Enzo Fernandez is 24. Unless Chelsea sell the pair of them, that armband isn’t going anywhere soon.But good luck to Colwill in his mission.Levi Colwill is keen to show off his leadership skillsCredit: RexA TOUCHING TRIBUTEBIG PREMIER League clubs like Chelsea enjoy a pack of ‘regular’ journalists who follow the club around the circuit.Those hacks become like a mini-family over time and everyone was so sad to hear of the sudden death of Paul Lagan last week.Paul was a passionate Chelsea supporter which made for that love-hate relationship all fans have with their favourite team.He also ran a successful agency and was always keen to give young reporters a start. He was only 66 and it was a touching gesture by the club to ‘retire’ Paul’s seat for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool and place a wreath upon it.Words were said in the press room before the game and Paul’s face, alongside his hero the late Gianluca Vialli, was displayed on the big screen at Stamford Bridge at half time.The pair of them may now be ‘up there’ reuniting and talking Chelsea for eternity.HOLDING COURTCHELSEA co-owner Hansjorg Wyss says leaving Stamford Bridge for Earl’s Court is “the best option” for the club’s future.But the Swiss billionaire pointed to boardroom divisions that have currently left all long-term calls in limbo.Wyss, 89, who joined forces with Todd Boehly to buy out the shares Roman Abramovich was forced to sell in 2022, was collared by a Chelsea Fan YouTube channel after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, when he gave a ringing endorsement of the dressing room “spirit” under Enzo Maresca.Asked about the prospect of leaving the Bridge, Wyss revealed: “Earl’s Court will be the best option we can think of.“But if it’s going to  happen, I don’t know.“There’s a lot of obstacles and right now we don’t have one person who drives the project.“That’s what we need, in the meetings, the directors’ meetings.“Until we have one project, where someone says ‘I’m going to make it happen’, it’s not going to happen.”Hansjorg Wyss joined forces with Todd Boehly in 2022Credit: AlamyROMEO CONCERNSROMEO LAVIA’S long-term injuries have been pin-pointed by Enzo Maresca as a major factor in Chelsea’s wobbles.The Belgian midfielder was outstanding in the win over Liverpool, after another fine display against Everton the previous week,But in both games, fitness worries were clear.Maresca told Reece James to warm up intensively before half-time against the Toffees when it looked as though the £45m recruit from Southampton was struggling.And even in the Liverpool game, Lavia signalled to the bench that he felt his race was run in the second half.Maresca said: “We are a better team with Romeo. He showed again how important he is for the team and how good he is. Unfortunately he has been injured for most of the season.”Finding a way to keep Lavia on the pitch for more than three games in a row might prove the key for next term.Romeo Lavia’s fitness is a key issue for the BluesCredit: GettyMEANS TO AN ENZENZO MARESCA believes his experience of a nail-biting promotion battle with Leicester last season could help him get Chelsea over the Champions League line.Maresca’s Foxes were in danger of blowing a 12 point lead at the top of the Championship as they lurched into a run of just three wins and six defeats in 10 games.But a vital victory over West Brom turned the tide.Chelsea face Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final three matches as they sit bang in the middle of a mini-table with only four points separating third placed Manchester City and Villa in seventh.Maresca, though, feels that going through the wringer 12 months ago will be a factor in his favour now.He said: “For sure the experience I had last year has been great in the sense that I learned from that.“When you don’t win games and struggle with results, you always have to analyse the matches.“We didn’t win some games where we weren’t good enough. But we also didn’t win some where we deserved to win.“So it’s about going game by game, analysing each game and seeing how we can improve.”Enzo Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester last yearCredit: GettyChelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamVIP TREATMENTENGLISH journalists were pleasantly surprised to find themselves being ‘high-fived’ by home supporters after last Thursday’s 4-1 trouncing of Djurgarden by Chelsea.A ‘sterile’ corridor complete with VIP barriers was erected on the touchline to help working reporters reach the Mixed Zone at the 3Arena.So some Swedish fans clearly confused the passing press pack with people of genuine importance. Either that or not much happens in the Stockholm suburbs. Think I know the answer.Chelsea travelled to Sweden last weekCredit: RexVIVID DESCRIPTIONANOTHER clarion call in the past week proudly announcing Chelsea are going digital with their ticketing from next season.The club claims on the all rounder email to members that it is part of their proactive policy to fend off the ticket touts who snap up seats then flog them on at inflated prices.Although it’s eerily quiet on what they are doing to combat unauthorised websites such as ‘Vivid Seats’ which boasts Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly as a shareholder. Funny that.Todd Boehly is an investor in Vivid SeatsCredit: Reuters More