Vesper

we need to yank Badi and especially Gusto NOW

also, Sanchez (dog help me) might have saved that

insanity and now we are in deep trouble

WHY THE FUCK DID MARESCA START BADI, TREVOH AND GUSTO??????????????????????????????????????????

fuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Nicolas Jackson ‘in debt’ to Chelsea team-mates, can make amends in Conference League final – Enzo Maresca https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6385860/2025/05/27/jackson-Chelsea-conference-league-final/ Follow live coverage of today’s Conference League final between Betis and Chelsea Enzo Maresca believes Nicolas Jackson is in the right frame of mind to make amends for Chelsea in the Conference League final after his red card against Newcastle United. Jackson is available for selection again having missed the last two Premier League games of the campaign through suspension. The Senegalese striker was sent off for violent conduct in the first half of Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park when he hit Sven Botman in the face. Chelsea were able to qualify for the Champions League via a fourth-place finish without the 23-year-old, but Maresca believes the cause of Jackson’s absence means he owes something to his team-mates against Real Betis. When asked by The Athletic if Jackson is ready to channel his desire to make up for it in the right way, Maresca said: “I hope so because I think Nico is in debt with his team-mates and the reason why is because in that moment, Newcastle away was for us the most important game. “He left his team-mates with ten players for one hour so for sure he’s in debt. For sure he’s a good guy. For sure he recognised the mistake. He apologised to his team-mates. That is very important. And I’m sure that tomorrow he’s going to do a very good game for us.” What You Should Read Next Nicolas Jackson has maturity to be Chelsea’s No 9, insists Enzo Maresca The 23-year-old was sent off against Newcastle and will miss Chelsea's final two games, leaving Maresca without a recognised striker. Captain Reece James insists all has been forgiven and is backing Jackson to put the incident behind him in Wroclaw Stadium. He added: “He obviously made a mistake. He’s been so key for us this season. Since he arrived, he played a huge part in the way we won. What he’s done, getting sent off, is gone now. We’ve accepted the mistake, put it behind us and all eyes focus on tomorrow.” Maresca felt Chelsea’s Champions League qualification after winning 1-0 at Nottingham Forest on Sunday allowed the club to say ‘F-off’ to their critics. But he has told the squad to play with the same intensity to ensure the season ends on a similar high. He said: “Like I said many times, to build a winner mentality there is only one way. You cannot build a winner mentality if you don’t win games. “The message in the last 48 hours has been, we did something important (on Sunday). But if we want to confirm that we are becoming an important club, we need to show the desire to win the title and to win the game. “Tomorrow is a different game. It’s a final. And it’s a game that we want to win at any cost. We need to show again the desire to win the title and to win the game.” “] Maresca complained last week that Real Betis have had 48 hours extra rest than his players because they got to play their final La Liga match on Friday night. While Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has some sympathy for his counterpart who he enjoys a close bond with, he says Chelsea should not see it as a factor in deciding the game. Pellegrini said: “Of course, they had a difficult game on Sunday. They must qualify for the Champions League and they did it, so I am very happy for him. “But it will not be an excuse because you need to play three days after that game. During the whole season, you always have to play, especially when you play European games, Thursday- Sunday, Wednesday or Saturday. “So I am absolutely sure that Chelsea will be recuperated and will be there. Tomorrow will be a difficult team with one or two days less of rest, but it will be exactly the same difficult team.”

Chelsea Conference League final key questions: How important is it? Who starts? Predictions? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6384082/2025/05/28/Chelsea-conference-league-final-analysis/ Follow live coverage of today’s Conference League final between Betis and Chelsea Chelsea have already secured one significant target this week by qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in the Todd Boehly-Clearlake era. Now the men’s team have the chance to get their hands on the first piece of silverware under the consortium, too. They will be strong favourites against Real Betis in Wednesday’s Conference League final in Wroclaw. Succeed and they will become the only club to have the full set of major UEFA trophies: Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and Cup Winners’ Cup. Fail, and it will be a missed opportunity to make history. Chelsea can become the first club to win all four major UEFA trophies – but who else could complete the set? Sixty-one clubs have won a major UEFA competition. Here's a breakdown and a look at which can still win all four of them The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondents, Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey, had one of their cosy chats to talk about some of the issues surrounding the final. How important is this game? Johnson: Can Chelsea ‘win it all’? Twomey: They certainly have a great chance. I am not sure how much it means to the ownership because they have seemingly wanted a clean break from the past, but for the players and head coach Enzo Maresca it is a chance for them to win something together, which is the most important motivation of all. SJ: I think getting the first trophy of the Boehly-Clearlake era is key, too. While it is not the trophy they set out to win on taking over the club, it will stop the talk that they have yet to win anything, which will continue to be levelled at them until they do. This competition is the easiest opportunity, and they should take it. LT: Yes, you only had to see the criticism after Chelsea lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool last year when Gary Neville called them “the billion-pound bottle jobs”. And let’s not forget that Betis are a top-six club in La Liga… SJ: They are managed by Manuel Pellegrini, who Maresca has a lot of respect for. He played under him at Malaga and was his assistant at West Ham United. Enzo called him his “professional dad” last week and clearly feels Chelsea are in for a tough game. LT: Betis have never won a European trophy. This is the biggest game in their history. SJ: There is a different feel about it for both clubs. Chelsea have been expected to win it from day one, whereas it will be a dream for Betis to do so. It reminds me of when Chelsea lost their first Club World Cup final against Corinthians in 2012, when the Brazilian team wanted it more. In saying that, Chelsea are in a great mindset after Sunday. If they had failed to qualify for the Champions League, they would have been under a lot of pressure and on a bit of a downer. Instead, they are on a high after getting the result they needed at Nottingham Forest. That could balance out the fact that they have had shorter preparation time than their opponents, who played on Friday night. LT: Chelsea have been playing with a chip on their shoulder, that they are sick of being doubted. Well, go do that again. Filip Jorgensen played in the semi-final against Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Who should start? SJ: Regular listeners to Straight Outta Cobham will have heard me saying Robert Sanchez should start in goal. Filip Jorgensen has played most of the games, but Sanchez is the No 1 and has done pretty well in recent weeks. But when I asked Maresca about it last week, he confirmed Jorgensen is going to be in goal. In my opinion, if you are trying to win a cup, you go with your best ‘keeper. No time for sentiment. LT: I agree. I believe it is dangerous nonsense. You could apply the same logic to all the other players who have played a lot of minutes up to the final that are not considered to be the A-team. You should always play your best players in a big game. Besides, Jorgensen has been accustomed to playing with a certain group of defenders, like Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, not the back four you expect to start like Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella and Reece James. Mess around with those familiar connections and you increase the chance of mistakes — particularly when trying to play out from the back under pressure. SJ: Maresca has said he will make changes due to the short turnaround, but the only change I would make to the back four from the one that played at Nottingham Forest is Trevoh Chalobah for Tosin Adarabioyo. The latter was brought in because of Forest’s Chris Wood. He has done well, but Chalobah deserves to play in what could be his final match for Chelsea. LT: James should stay in, too. He has shown he can play more than one game a week at a high level, and Chelsea need the leadership he displayed against Nottingham Forest as well as his quality. SJ: He is also the only member of Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League-winning team who is going to be involved. Yes, Enzo Fernandez has won a World Cup, but none of the others know what it takes to lift a trophy with Chelsea. James’s experience of that is vital. With Romeo Lavia not in the Conference League squad, the midfield takes care of itself, right? LT: Yes, Moises Caicedo and Fernandez. SJ: What about the wingers? All three played on Sunday. There is Tyrique George, too. However, the others are ahead of him in the pecking order. LT: Yes. I would go with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto. George has scored some key goals in recent months and can always be an option off the bench. Then Cole Palmer will be there too. Hopefully, we see some Palmer magic. SJ: Yes, I thought we saw some of the old Palmer in the win over Liverpool. However, overall, he still seems like a guy running out of steam toward the finishing line. It would be important for Chelsea if he can rally himself for this last fixture. He does have the memory of scoring a fine goal in the Super Cup final for Manchester City against Sevilla. Chelsea need that. One player who should not be short of motivation is Nicolas Jackson after missing the final two games through suspension after his red card against Newcastle United. He has a point to prove and he knows Chelsea want to buy a centre-forward this summer. This is an opportunity to show ‘I must stay as the main man’. He just needs to channel that energy in the right way, not by hitting anyone in the face! Nicolas Jackson reacts after being sent off against Newcastle at St James’ Park on May 11 (Stu Forster/Getty Images) LT: I know some within the fanbase were keen to wash their hands of him. But don’t forget, Didier Drogba was sent off in a Champions League final and redeemed himself. That is not to say Jackson is as good, but more a case of saying don’t give up on someone after a low point. No player will have bigger motivation. Plus, Chelsea’s attack does not function as well without him, despite winning against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. He stretches teams with his movement and presses opponents constantly. Any concerns over Betis? SJ: We have not talked about Betis that much. We are not Maresca, who will have watched lots of videos of them to provide expert analysis, but Antony’s revival since going on loan there from Manchester United is clearly a cause for concern for Chelsea. LT: Yes, Chelsea have to be looking at that. He is full of confidence. Cucurella will be up against him. While Cucurella has been really impactful going forward, there is still a question mark over his one-versus-one defending at times. Then the wingers in front — it might be Madueke — are not great tracking back, either. SJ: Perhaps Caicedo can help with keeping him in check, as he does like to cut inside. I would rather he look out for him than Fernandez, who does not have the pace to cope. Betis do concede goals, which Chelsea should see as a positive. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 games. Who will win? LT: Chelsea. They have balance between attack and defence now, especially with Jackson coming back. They will have too much for Betis. SJ: I am not going to jinx them by saying they will. It is an amazing opportunity for them to have a fantastic end to the season and really help them to kick on in 2025-26, too.

JT on Cucurella: “Cucurella; every time I see him, as a Chelsea fan which I am, I would take 11 of him week in week out because the attitude and the way he defends is world class.”

I am so stressed already I am getting 2012 FIFA World Club Cup vibes 😧

Paul Mitchell leaves role as Newcastle United sporting director https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756366/2025/05/27/newcastle-paul-mitchell-leaves/ Paul Mitchell has left his position as Newcastle United’s sporting director after less than 12 months in the role. Mitchell was appointed Newcastle’s new sporting director in July of last year, ending the club’s four-month search for Dan Ashworth’s successor. He will now depart with the club’s CEO Darren Eales, who had previously recruited Mitchell to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, stepping down in the near future due to health reasons. Mitchell leaves with the full respect of the hierarchy, technical team, coaching staff and players. His exit is not expected to impact the summer’s transfer business with the club having already identified clear targets during meetings over a number of months. Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people. “I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales — someone who I have worked so closely with in my career — moving on soon. “The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.” In his early months at the club, Mitchell defended Newcastle’s lack of business during a summer window last year that Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s record goalscorer, described as “embarrassing”. The Tyneside club did not add any additions to Eddie Howe’s first-team squad having failed with bids to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. Mitchell joined Newcastle with a wealth of experience in scouting and recruitment, having worked at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, and Monaco. However, despite being able to keep hold of integral players like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, his first summer with the club was far from a success with Newcastle’s difficulties in the transfer window being highlighted by their failure to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. Following Newcastle’s difficult summer transfer window, Mitchell sat down with reporters at St James’ Park and fronted up and discussed the club’s failure to improve their first XI, his relationship with manager Eddie Howe and those links to the England job, as well as the club’s overall recruitment strategy. There was no one-word response or short reply when it was put to him that the transfer window was a “failure”. “There are things we got wrong in our strategy, for sure,” Mitchell said. “If we could have signed a player that we actively felt could make a really good squad better, would we? Of course, we would have done.” Despite the lack of additions Newcastle went on to qualify for the Champions League, securing their place in next year’s competition despite defeat by Everton on the final day of the Premier League season. ‘Shock for Newcastle before significant summer window’ Analysis from Jacob Whitehead This is a shock for Newcastle United, especially ahead of a significant summer of recruitment as the club look to retool for the Champions League. Mitchell only arrived last summer, with head coach Eddie Howe immediately feeling undermined after being sidelined during the recruitment process. The new hire also clumsily questioned whether the club’s recruitment was “fit for purpose in the modern game” in September — causing tensions to resurface. But despite this poor start, the pair had appeared to develop an operable working relationship, which makes the timing of this departure, by mutual consent, so surprising. Newcastle sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, insist that recruitment will not be affected, with clear targets already identified in meetings, but Mitchell is a key negotiator and decision-maker. Following Dan Ashworth’s departure in February 2024, this will be the fourth consecutive summer window in which a different figure is leading Newcastle’s summer strategy. There is continuity within that department — such as head of recruitment Steve Nickson and his assistant Andy Howe — who will shoulder much of the load until a new appointment is made. Mitchell will support them until the end of June.

Hugo Ekitiké scored 15 league goals this season from an xG of 22.55, the biggest xG underperformance in the Bundesliga (-7.55). - @WhoScored

Mudryk spotted in Poland Sounds like he can collect a medal too Mykhailo Mudryk will be in attendance at the Conference League final after making a big contribution earlier in the Conference League campaign.

Sources: More on new goalkeeper plans Blues consider options https://siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com/p/sources-more-on-new-goalkeeper-plans Chelsea are looking increasingly likely to now look to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer window with the arrival of Champions League football incoming. It is dependent on suitors coming in for current stoppers Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, and Djordje Petrovic. But SPTC sources, as we have been reporting here for months anyway, are insistent that new stoppers are being looked at and are likely to be targeted as part of the big summer window plans. It’s something that we foresee happening in the second transfer window rather than the first. The club have wanted to keep a lid on new goalkeeper plans for obvious reasons, but as we have maintained here, Chelsea have always been looking at new stoppers. The main name we keep hearing is Mike Maignan. We believe that feelers have been put out on this and Chelsea are appealed by the cut-price deal they should be able to get him for. Watch this space for sure… But there are other names of course and we have reported some here even over the weekend. The other two stoppers mentioned by my top source just yesterday is Lucas Chevalier of Lille, and Joan Garcia of Espanyol. But Maignan would be the absolute priority if they feel they can get him. We’ve heard that the current keepers will play at the Club World Cup, and Mike Penders has already confirmed that he is going to be going there. So as I say, I expect this to be something that happens in the second transfer window this summer, and expect Penders to go out on loan. But the likelihood of Chelsea signing a new keeper is increasing the more info that is coming in from sources.

Napoli https://thedailybriefing.io/i/164534672/napoli Napoli president De Laurentiis: “I really think Kevin De Bruyne will now JOIN us. I’m told he’s already bought a beautiful house… I spoke to KDB, his wife, his kid this morning, it’s been beautiful”, told Rai. “Done deal? Until contracts are signed, we must be careful”. Napoli director Manna: “We’ve been working on Kevin De Bruyne deal for months… and we’re now about to see the finish line”.

https://misbhv.com/collections/spring-summer-25-sale

Benfica v Chelsea: 2013 UEFA Europa League final https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4-kCnF7gSU

MOISÉS CAICEDO Picks His Chelsea DREAM TEAM! 🤔

remove Bruno from that Manure side this season and make it a typical EPL season were sub 35-38ish points is likely relegation and Maunure would now be in the Championship, guarenteed, 100 per cent easily Bruno was the most important player this year for any EPL team (not the best player overall in the league, but the most important to his team) Rodri loss for Citeh was 2nd biggest impact

absolutely true a shadow

A new one for the trophy case

Which Sarr? Asking about Sarr in football is like asking about Andersson here in Sweden, or Johnson in the UK, lolol

A day in the life of Brentford manager Thomas Frank 🐝

Chelsea Residences Dubai Provide Soccer-Themed Luxury Living With Rooftop Field & Exclusive Amenities https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/05/26/Chelsea-residences-dubai-provide-soccer-themed-luxury-living-with-rooftop-field-exclusive-amenities/ Unexpected partnerships are reshaping the skyline, but Chelsea Football Club’s collaboration with Damac Properties takes the trend in a bold new direction. This upcoming Dubai development isn’t just another luxury tower—it’s the world’s first soccer-themed residential project, complete with a rooftop pitch for residents to enjoy the game above the city. Planned for Dubai’s Maritime City port area, this project will feature six striking towers, each soaring 130 meters (426 feet) high, according to the developer, though the latest renderings hint at four. Unlike other branded towers, these residences are designed to immerse fans and residents in Chelsea’s iconic blue, blending sports passion with high-end urban living. It’s a fresh fusion of athletic culture and architectural ambition, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Designer: Chelsea Football Club x Damac Properties The development will feature 1,400 apartments, each offering one to three bedrooms and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame impressive sea views. Developers describe the interiors as a blend of London’s refined elegance and Dubai’s lively, modern spirit, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and vibrant. Each apartment is finished to a high standard, with sleek materials and contemporary design details throughout. Residents will also have access to a range of high-end amenities, ensuring comfort and convenience in every aspect of daily life. With its thoughtful design and premium features, this project offers a distinctive take on luxury urban living in Dubai. “Chelsea Residences also offers thoughtfully crafted health and fitness experiences rarely seen in residential developments,” said Damac Properties. “These include a cryotherapy center, forest relaxation pods, a Kneipp parkour therapy path, and a starlit wellness center. The project also features an infinity pool, aerial yoga studio, Chelsea Sports Bar, and even a powerhouse lounge – a resort-style mancave with live football screenings, boxing, darts, and more. Dining takes a wellness-first and experience-rich approach.” Chelsea F.C. branding will be a central feature of the development, with the club’s colors and logo integrated throughout the buildings and common areas. Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to events hosted by Chelsea F.C. “legends”—likely including appearances by former players and managers, which adds a unique, personal touch for fans. This project is an exciting targeted venture, appealing primarily to affluent supporters of Chelsea F.C. who are seeking a luxury lifestyle in Dubai. For those who fit this niche, apartments are set to begin at AED 2.17 million (approximately £445,000 or US$600,000). While a completion date has yet to be announced, the anticipation is already building. The developer Damac Properties is also known for collaborating with top architects, such as their work with Zaha Hadid Architects on Miami’s striking 8777 Collins Avenue. This experience further showcases the ambitious and high-profile nature of the Chelsea-branded Dubai towers.

Maresca targets European history for Chelsea in Conference League final Wroclaw (Poland) (AFP) – Enzo Maresca is a man with a point to prove as he targets football history for Chelsea in Wednesday's UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250527-maresca-targets-european-history-for-Chelsea-in-conference-league-final Victory in the final round of Premier League matches at Nottingham Forest on Sunday secured qualification for next season's Champions League. Now Maresca's thoughts turn to Wroclaw and the chance for Chelsea to become the first team to win all five of UEFA's major men's club competitions. The Blues have twice won the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and the defunct Cup Winners' Cup and can now complete the set if they overcome Betis in the final of Europe's newest competition in Poland. Maresca has had a rollercoaster first season in charge at Stamford Bridge after replacing Mauricio Pochettino. His team were within touching distance of eventual Premier League champions Liverpool in mid-December before stumbling badly, but results picked up again towards the end of the campaign. Maresca, clearly frustrated, rounded on his critics after his youthful side secured fourth spot in the Premier League on Sunday with a 1-0 win at the City Ground. "All the ones that (think) they are the answer, or all the ones that they are the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough," he said. "Unfortunately for them, they'll be all wrong, the ones that (think) they are the truth and they have the answer for everything." Chelsea have qualified for next season's Champions League © Glyn KIRK / AFP/File Maresca, who has also been criticised by fans over perceived cautious tactics, told UEFA.com that winning the Conference League would turn a good season into a "great one" for Chelsea. "It would be a way of saying that we are back and that we are a winning club in Europe, and we hope to achieve just that." The west London club are still waiting to win their first silverware since Todd Boehly's consortium took over from former owner Roman Abramovich in 2022. The 2021 European champions were clear favourites to win the Conference League from the start of the competition and have won 11 of their 12 games. Former Leicester boss Maresca, 45, has rotated his squad during the competition, giving opportunities to youth and fringe players and has again stressed the need to make changes for Wednesday's match. Pellegrini 'father figure' Maresca will pit his wits against 71-year-old Manuel Pellegrini, a man whom he describes as a football "father figure" after playing under him at Malaga and serving as assistant coach at West Ham. "I am where I am today thanks to him," he said. "I worked with Manuel for four years -- two years as a player and two years as part of his staff. So, I owe so much to him in terms of what I’ve achieved. Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini © CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP/File "I am grateful for the relationship we have and the advice he gives me. He told me never to change." Immensely experienced ex-Real Madrid and Manchester City boss Pellegrini said his former protege was destined for a long career in football. "You can often tell which players might go on to be good coaches —- from the impression they have on others, how they absorb concepts in training," he said. "With both Enzo and Willy (Caballero, Chelsea assistant coach), I was sure they'd go on to become influential coaches on a global level." The Chilean, whose side finished sixth in La Liga, can call upon the talents of the rejuvenated Antony, on loan from Manchester United, and Isco, who won five Champions League trophies at Real Madrid. And the Seville-based club, playing in their first European final, can take heart from a remarkable statistic. Since the start of the 2001/02 season, all 23 Champions League, Europa League or Conference League finals that have featured Spanish hopefuls have been won by a Spanish team. Pellegrini wants to put on a "show" in Wroclaw. "We all know that winning is always very important, but I think that how you win makes it even more important," he said. © 2025 AFP