West Ham United have made an offer and held talks with an “incredible” European manager this week as they scour the market for a potential Julen Lopetegui replacement, with the Spaniard’s job hanging by a thread.
Julen Lopetegui battles against West Ham sack with Wolves game crucial
Lopetegui has now been handed the Wolves game on Monday as one last chance to save himself from the Hammers axe, according to multiple reports in the media, and their clash against Gary O’Neil’s side is seen as crucial in determining his immediate future.
Graham Potter alternative keen on West Ham job and making trips to London
Lopetegui has one last chance against Wolves this weekend.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 6, 2024
The Telegraph claims the Wolves game is seen as a “cup final” to decide Lopetegui’s fate, while it is believed former Chelsea and Brighton head coach Graham Potter is in pole position for the West Ham job if they do decide to part company with the 58-year-old.
In any case, Lopetegui is clinging to his position by a thread, as West Ham reportedly shortlist a number of candidates for their vacant managerial position.
West Ham’s most recent results
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#16
03/12/2024
Leicester City (A)
Premier League
3-1
#15
30/11/2024
Arsenal (H)
Premier League
5-2
#14
26/11/2024
Newcastle United (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#13
09/11/2024
Everton (H)
Premier League
0-0 draw
#12
02/11/2024
Nottingham Forest (A)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#11
27/10/2024
Man United (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
There were reports that Potter was poised to be appointed by West Ham, with Lopetegui “set to be sacked”, but this turned out to be premature. GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, taking to X, shared the familiar faces on their radar, whilst also lifting the lid on a very young, progressive new name.
Former West Ham backroom coach Edin Terzic is a particularly interesting name, not least because he worked under Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium in an assistant capacity.
The German guided Borussia Dortmund to an unlikely Champions League final against Real Madrid last season, and is out of work, but Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared that Terzic won’t be West Ham’s new manager after all.
Edin Terzic rejects West Ham offer in talks to replace Julen Lopetegui
German newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, have now shared exactly why the 42-year-old won’t be enjoying a homecoming to Rush Green.
It is believed West Ham have made an offer to Terzic, during talks on Wednesday, but he flatly turned down their approach with the Hammers’ proposal not to his liking.
Technical director Tim Steidten and co were apparently refuted because Terzic has his sights set on coaching a team higher than 14th in the table, with the tactician apparently making it clear that he wasn’t interested in succeeding Lopetegui.
The coach is very young and has already made some noteworthy accomplishments in the early stages of his managerial career, including two major trophies at Dortmund, so this could be seen as a real disappointment by supporters.
Noted for his “incredible” work at Dortmund, it appears West Ham won’t be able to turn to their ex-employee in search of a resurgence.
Allrounder prepared to play through pain again but will wait to see how side strain responds to treatment
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jan-2022
Ben Stokes holds his side and grimaces while batting at the SCG•Getty Images
Ben Stokes has said he wants to play in the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart but admitted his availability to feature as a specialist batter would depend on how his side strain responded to treatment, with the potential to do further damage ahead of England’s Test tour to the West Indies in March.Stokes suffered a “low grade tear” while bowling in Australia’s first innings in Sydney, but played on through the pain, scoring half-centuries in each innings as England fought their way to a draw – thus ending any prospect of being whitewashed 5-0 for the third time in 15 years.England saw a number of players sustain injuries over the course of five days at the SCG, the most serious being a finger fracture that has ruled Jos Buttler out of the final Test. Jonny Bairstow took a blow on the thumb on the way to scoring a first-innings hundred, with his fitness to play in Hobart also to be assessed.Related
Stokes and Bairstow to be assessed on fitness ahead of Hobart
Rest not on Mitchell Starc's mind with more pink-ball wickets in his sights
Side injury could prevent Stokes from bowling again in SCG Test
England cling on for thrilling final-over draw
Jos Buttler to return home with broken finger
All three played their part in helping England get through the final day: Stokes scoring 60 off 123 balls, Bairstow 41 off 105 and Buttler 11 off 38.Writing in his newspaper column three days out from the fifth Test, Stokes said he couldn’t say “definitively” if he would be involved.”The big question now is whether I can play in the final game as a batsman or not,” he wrote in the . “I’m not going to say definitively just yet because there are still a few days to go and we need to see how I respond to the treatment, but what I will say is that I want to play.”If it is a question of playing through a bit of pain, I know it is not going to be as bad as it was in Sydney and I got through that okay. But there are other things to consider such as the West Indies tour to come and the likelihood of doing more damage.”Stokes came into the Sydney Test with a top-score of 34 from six innings, but found some form with the bat after being forced off midway through an over on the second day. He stayed on the field, despite the injury, to ensure he would not have to give up his spot at No. 5.”I’ve never had a side strain before but when I bowled the ball that caused the low grade tear, it must be what surgery without the anaesthetic feels like, it was agony,” Stokes said. “As painful as it was, amazingly it is not the most pain that I have been in on a cricket field. That will always belong to my broken finger, but this comes a close second.”The medics and Graham Thorpe suggested perhaps I shouldn’t field, but I felt I needed to be out there to give some support to the team especially when the bowlers were having to step up and bowl my overs.”Stokes suffered the strain after being brought on for a sustained spell of short-pitched bowling, but denied England’s choice of tactics contributed to situation.”Some people might have an issue with the type of bowling, but it could happen bowling normally and I can’t start worrying about getting injured, otherwise I’m not doing my job properly. Anytime you bowl in a Test match there is a risk of injury.”
The FA Cup may be known for its history of giant-killing and fairytale stories, but more often than not, the stronger clubs often end up lifting the trophy.
Last year saw Manchester United claim their 13th FA Cup trophy, defeating Manchester City in the process. This year sees another all-Premier League tie in the final, with City taking on Crystal Palace, who are searching for a first major trophy.
Nothing quite beats the magic of the cup, but who has lifted it most often? Here’s a look at the nine most successful clubs in the history of the competition.
FA Cup 2024/25: Cup final details, results, TV picks & more
Find all the latest and key FA Cup info here ahead of the weekend’s final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
1 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025 9 Blackburn Rovers 6 FA Cups
Blackburn Rovers are currently the ninth-most successful team in the competition, despite their last victory coming back in 1928.
One of the founding members of the Football League, Blackburn won five FA Cups during the 19th century: 1884, 1885, 1886, 1890 and 1891. The club also won the English First Division in 1912 and 1914.
Since their last win nearly 100 years ago, Blackburn have reached the final just once, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1960.
The Magpies have the same number of titles as Blackburn, although they have reached a total of 13 finals in their history.
The club won all six of their cups between 1910 and 1955, which included a spell in the 50s that saw the Toon win three cups in four years.
Since that last success in 1955 – which is also the last time they won a major domestic honour – Newcastle reached the final three times in 1974, 1998 and 1999. While it is no shame in losing to Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United on those occasions, the supporters will be hoping Eddie Howe can lead them to a first FA Cup in over 60 years.
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
Barnsley
1-1
Rutherford / Tufnell
Barnsley (replay)
2-0
Shepherd (2)
Aston Villa
2-0
Harris, Seymour
Arsenal
2-1
Allen (2) / John
Blackpool
2-0
Milburn (2)
Arsenal
1-0
George Robledo
Man City
3-1
Milburn, Mitchell, Hannah / Johnstone
7 Aston Villa 7 FA Cups
Aston Villa are ranked as the seventh-most successful team in the tournament, yet their last victory came in 1957.
Between 1894 and 1920, Villa won six league titles and six FA Cups, establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the country. Under Unai Emery, the club are attempting to return to past glories, but it is certainly a surprise that they have only made two finals since their last triumph.
A narrow defeat to Chelsea in 2000 – the last final at the old Wembley – was followed up by a 4-0 loss to Arsenal 15 years later. The Premier League and Champions League may be the priority for Emery, but a cup win would endear him to the supporters even more.
Champions League: 2024/25 league phase standings
Here are the final standings following the conclusion of the league phase in the new-look Champions League.
ByStephan Georgiou Jan 23, 2025
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
West Brom
2-0
Hunter, Hodgetts
West Brom
1-0
Chatt
Everton
3-2
Campbell, Wheldon, Crabtree / Bell, Boyle
Newcastle
2-0
Hampton (2)
Sunderland
1-0
Barber
Huddersfield
1-0 (aet)
Kirton
Man Utd
2-1
McParland (2) / Taylor
6 Manchester City 7 FA Cups
Manchester City’s success in the FA Cup has been spread throughout their history. Indeed, each of their successes in the tournament have arrived in seven different decades.
They first won the trophy in 1904, before claiming another three wins by the end of the 1960s. The Etihad side then endured a drought of 42 years as Roberto Mancini led the club to their fifth success in 2011.
Under Pep Guardiola, the club have reached three finals in eight years, winning twice. Don’t be surprised to see their trophy count increase while the Spaniard is still in charge of the team.
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
Bolton
1-0
Meredith
Portsmouth
2-1
Tilson (2) / Rutherford
Birmingham
3-1
Hayes, Dyson, Johnstone / Kinsey
Leicester
1-0
Young
Stoke
1-0
Yaya Toure
Watford
6-0
David Silva, Jesus (2), De Bruyne, Sterling (2)
Man Utd
2-1
Gundogan (2) / Fernandes
5 Tottenham Hotspur 8 FA Cups
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves fifth on this list, despite failing to win the trophy since 1991 and claiming only one major honour this century.
Considered cup specialists during their most successful period between the early 60s and early 80s, Spurs won five FA Cups during this spell, along with numerous other trophies. Tottenham notably became the first and only non-league club to win the competition when they did so in 1901.
Remarkably, since that victory over Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest 33 years ago, the north Londoners haven’t even made it back to Wembley for an FA Cup final.
Could Ange Postecoglou be the man to break this drought?
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
Sheff Utd
2-2
Brown (2) / Priest, Bennett
Sheff Utd (replay)
3-1
Cameron, Smith, Brown / Priest
Wolves
1-0
Dimmock
Leicester
2-0
Smith, Dyson
Burnley
3-1
Greaves, Smith, Blanchflower / Robson
Chelsea
2-1
Robertson, Saul / Tambling
Man City
1-1 (aet)
Hutchison og / Hutchison
Man City (replay)
3-2
Villa (2), Crooks / MacKenzie, Reeves
QPR
1-1 (aet)
Hoddle / Fenwick
QPR (replay)
1-0
Hoddle
Nottingham Forest
2-1 (aet)
Stewart, Walker og / Pearce
The best FA Cup runs by non-league teams
These teams are proof you don’t have to be in the Premier League to enjoy an FA Cup run…
ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 27, 2024 4 Liverpool 8 FA Cups
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool beat Chelsea to win the 2022 FA Cup.
Liverpool had to wait until 1965 to win their first FA Cup title, despite having won six First Division titles prior.
Bill Shankly led the Reds to another cup in 1974, yet only six have arrived since the Scot retired that year. Indeed, the Anfield side have won the competition just three times since the turn of the century.
The 2001 and 2006 finals saw the Merseyside club secure wonderful comebacks to defeat Arsenal and West Ham United respectively. Jürgen Klopp won his only FA Cup in 2022, as Chelsea were defeated on penalties in the final.
Winning the same number of cups as Liverpool and Spurs, Chelsea’s success has come within a much shorter space of time.
Only 48 years separate their first success (1970) and their latest victory in the competition (2018), while the Blues have reached another eight finals in their history.
By losing against Liverpool in 2022, Chelsea became the first team in FA Cup history to lose three successive finals. Enzo Maresca has a big job on his hands, but winning the tournament could be the catalyst for future success.
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
Leeds
2-2 (aet)
Houseman, Hutchinson / Charlton, Jones
Leeds (replay)
2-1 (aet)
Osgood, Webb / Jones
Middlesbrough
2-0
Di Matteo, Newton
Aston Villa
1-0
Di Matteo
Man Utd
1-0 (aet)
Drogba
Everton
2-1
Drogba, Lampard / Saha
Portsmouth
1-0
Drogba
Liverpool
2-1
Ramires, Drogba / Carroll
Man Utd
1-0
Hazard
2 Manchester United 13 FA Cups
13-time winners Manchester United have enjoyed plenty of success in the FA Cup, yet there have been a fair few shocks throughout too.
Sir Alex Ferguson won five FA Cup titles, with Sir Matt Busby winning two, yet the pair also lost finals. Bolton Wanderers defeated United in 1958 just months after the Munich Air Disaster, while Ferguson suffered defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea in 2005 and 2007 respectively.
Erik ten Hag led the Old Trafford side to a stunning victory last season, prevailing 2-1 over Man City. The Dutchman has since been sacked, but can his successor win a record-equalling 14th title this campaign?
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
Bristol City
1-0
Sandy Turnbull
Blackpool
4-2
Rowley (2), Pearson, Anderson / Shimwell, Mortensen
Leicester
3-1
Law, Herd (2) / Keyworth
Liverpool
2-1
Pearson, Greenhoff / Case
Brighton
2-2 (aet)
Stapleton, Wilkins / Smith, Stevens
Brighton (replay)
4-0
Robson (2), Whiteside, Muhren
Everton
1-0
Whiteside
Crystal Palace (aet)
3-3
Robson, Hughes (2) / O’Reilly, Wright (2)
Crystal Palace (replay)
1-0
Martin
Chelsea
4-0
Cantona (2), Hughes, McClair
Liverpool
1-0
Cantona
Newcastle
2-0
Sheringham, Scholes
Millwall
3-0
Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy (2)
Crystal Palace
2-1 (aet)
Mata, Lingard / Puncheon
Man City
2-1
Garnacho, Mainoo / Doku
1 Arsenal 14 FA Cups
Not only do Arsenal hold the record for the most wins in the competition, but alongside their north London rivals, they also have the joint record of seven consecutive final appearances without losing, stretching back to 2001.
Arsène Wenger won 7 of the club’s 14 triumphs in the tournament, which is also a record, losing just once in the final (2001).
The club have lost only seven finals in their history. The 2020 victory was the first trophy won by Mikel Arteta in his managerial career. While ending their 21-year league title drought will be the priority for the Spaniard, winning a 15th FA Cup for the north London side could be just as beneficial.
Year
Opposition
Result
Goalscorers
Huddersfield
2-0
James, Lambert
Sheff Utd
1-0
Drake
Liverpool
2-0
Lewis (2)
Liverpool
2-1 (aet)
Graham, George / Heighway
Man Utd
3-2
Talbot, Stapleton, Sunderland / McQueen, McIlroy
Sheff Wed
1-1 (aet)
Wright / Hirst
Sheff Wed (replay)
2-1 (aet)
Wright, Linighan / Waddle
Newcastle
2-0
Overmars, Anelka
Chelsea
2-0
Parlour, Ljungberg
Southampton
1-0
Pires
Man Utd
0-0 (aet)
None
Hull
3-2 (aet)
Cazorla, Koscielny, Ramsey / Chester, Davies
Aston Villa
4-0
Walcott, Sanchez, Mertesacker, Giroud
Chelsea
2-1
Sanchez, Ramsey / Costa
Chelsea
2-1
Aubameyang (2) / Pulisic
The top 10 FA Cup finals of all time – ranked
Some finals fail to live up to the billing, but sometimes the magic of the FA Cup shines through.
Half-century from Gayle not enough as Udana holds his nerve
Aadam Patel26-Nov-2021
Isuru Udana helped end Team Abu Dhabi’s winning streak at five•LPL
It may have taken a week but finally, after five wins out of five, the winning streak of Team Abu Dhabi came to an end courtesy of the Bangla Tigers.That was despite a thrilling knock from none other than Chris Gayle, who – with an unbeaten 52 off 23 – threatened to pull off another remarkable chase for the Abu Dhabi outfit. But he ran out of partners as the Tigers continued their winning run to move to within two points of Team Abu Dhabi.With 18 needed off four and Gayle on strike, no one would have counted out Team Abu Dhabi. Not least after Gayle and Jamie Overton – with two sixes off the last two deliveries – plundered 18 off the final over from Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday evening to seal a stunning victory. This time however, there was no Overton to pull off some last-over heroics and instead Isuru Udana held his nerve to take the Tigers to a fourth consecutive win.Buoyed by a capacity crowd and after losing the toss, the Tigers’ batting order took on the attack from ball one as Johnson Charles dispatched a short delivery from Ahmed Daniyal for four, but he was gone the next ball hitting one straight to Marchant de Lange at long-off.Will Jacks, in fine form, began with two unconvincing scoops to the boundary, before remarakbly getting dropped twice by Muhammad Farooq off the bowling of de Lange in the same over. But there was nothing unconvincing about the way he dispatched Liam Livingstone for consecutive sixes in the next over.Many a batter has struggled with the England international throughout the recent T20 World Cup and at the Abu Dhabi T10, yet Jacks showed what he was all about, first slogging Livingstone over cow-corner and then dancing down the track to loft one back over the bowler’s head.Jacks ended with a blistering 43 off 17, and accompanied by Hazratullah Zazai with 41 off 20, set up the Tigers, before a late flourish from skipper Faf du Plessis with 22 off eight, enabled them to put up 130 for 5 off their ten overs.Team Abu Dhabi opened without the in-form Phil Salt who, coming off the back of two player-of-the match performances, injured himself after taking a hit to the knee in the field. And when James Faulkner removed Paul Stirling and Colin Ingram in successive deliveries, the Tigers were well and truly in the driving seat.Livingstone may have taken a beating with the ball in hand, but he ensured he would have his say with the bat. Luke Wood was smashed for three sixes in a row. The last one the pick of the bunch – majestically lofting a fuller delivery off long-off. Yet, with the following delivery, Wood took a little pace off and deceived the Team Abu Dhabi skipper. Livingstone swung and missed and saw his stumps go flying. Wood, was ecstatic, roaring past Livingstone in a mix of relief and jubilation.Despite losing regular wickets, the league leaders kept themselves in the chase with lusty blows from Gayle and a fighting Salt, who courageously came in at No. 6. Benny Howell was fantastic, bowling two overs for just 13 and dismissing Chris Benjamin and Salt. The latter bowled after looking to scoop.With 37 required from two overs and the self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” still at the crease, anything was possible. Mohammad Amir was clubbed for 18 off the penultimate over as Gayle effortlessly used his pace to send the ball to the boundary and the crowd were treated to yet another last-over finish with Team Abu Dhabi.Crucially, the 42-year-old was not on strike for the beginning of the last over and perhaps the two balls he didn’t get to face off Udana saved the Tigers. Gayle had earlier hit three boundaries in the Sri Lankan’s first over. This time, he could only manage one more maximum, which brought up a quite brilliant half-century in 22 deliveries, but it was ultimately not enough.For Tigers skipper Du Plessis, it was the first time he had reached double figures in the tournament and crucially, his two sixes in the last over proved to be the difference between winning and losing. “It’s a big step in the right direction for us, especially after losing the toss,” he said.Eight years ago to the day, he played one of the great match-saving Test knocks with 110* off 466 deliveries against Australia, at a strike rate of under 30. This time, du Plessis ended unbeaten with a strike rate of 275. If the Tigers are going to use this momentum to the Abu Dhabi T10 title, then they will need one of the most versatile multi-format cricketers of this generation to showcase more of his class with the bat.
There have not been too many positives from Erik ten Hag’s reign as Manchester United boss but let us not be too negative for the Red Devils are winners again.
It was two of their young superstars who stepped up to the mark as Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund both found the net in the 2-1 victory over Brentford last Saturday.
Truth be told, it’s those up-and-coming players who have been the real standout of Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford.
To his credit, the Dutchman has engineered the progression of Garnacho, in particular, who has shone for the Red Devils over the last year or so.
Kobibe Mainoo – now injured – has also been a real asset in the middle of the park. He was first given a run of games just before the New Year period last season and was so impressive that he later went on to start at the European Championships for England.
So, who are the next big things off the Carrington production line? Well, they’ve got two fine young players who could emulate stars of the past, chiefly Wayne Rooney.
Wayne Rooney's time at Man United
“Remember the name, Wayne Rooney!” Yeah, we’ve all heard the commentary, haven’t we?
That remarkable goal from the striker against Arsenal in Everton colours got everyone in English football talking, notably Sir Alex Ferguson.
Just a few months later he was heading to Manchester United as a teenager, moving for a sizeable £27m transfer fee. The rest, as they say, is history.
As a young striker, there have been very few better in English football history. He burst onto the scene with some aplomb, lighting up Euro 2004 before going on to score 53 times in 120 caps for the Three Lions.
For Man United, he was truly spectacular, netting 253 goals and winning five Premier League titles on the way to cementing himself as a legend of the game.
It was a time in the club’s history when icons dominated the Old Trafford landscape. Think Cristiano Ronaldo, think Ryan Giggs, think Paul Scholes and think of Gary Neville. How United would love those players in their primes at their disposal now.
Well, it just so happens that at Carrington, United have two players ready to follow in the footsteps of Rooney and Co.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Man Utd's two best wonderkids at Carrington
Enter the conversation, Chido Obi-Martin. Like Rooney, the young Dane has joined Man United as a teenager. Like Rooney, he’s deadly in front of goal. The only thing he lacks at the same age is experience.
16-year-old Obi Martin officially arrived from Arsenal a few weeks ago but he did not make a senior appearance for the Gunners. That said, he certainly made a lot of noise with his goalscoring exploits.
For Arsenal U18s last season, the teenager scored a breathtaking haul of 32 goals in 18 games. The Premier League 2 hasn’t seen many strikers like this, it’s safe to say.
Obi-Martin’s incredible run of form
Opposition
# of goals
Palace U18
4
Fulham U18
4
West Brom U18
1
Brighton U18
2
West Ham U18
5
Aston Villa U18
1
Norwich U18
7
Spurs U18
1
Chelsea U18
3
Stats via Transfermarkt.
During the back end of the campaign, he was in electric form. During a run of nine games from 16th March to 11th May, he scored 28 goals. Yes, that’s right, 28 goals in nine games.
That included four goals in one game against Fulham, four goals in one match against Crystal Palace and a staggering seven goals in one outing against Norwich. Already at such a young age, Obi-Martin is an elite goalscorer and one who could be ready to make an entrance just as Rooney did.
However, Carrington may also possess a Giggs-like talent in another exciting wonderkid; Shea Lacey.
He’s not had the best of time with injuries of late but he’s certainly causing a stir behind the scenes. Why? Well, like Giggs – he possesses a “left foot made of gold” – as scout Jacek Kulig referred to.
Secondly, there have already been comparisons to Lionel Messi and Phil Foden. The first point of comparison might be a tad extreme but the second certainly isn’t.
Lacey is a natural winger but he’s capable of playing off either side. He’s slight in frame, has lovely close control and regularly finds himself in goalscoring positions.
Due to injury, he played just ten official games at youth level but across those fixtures, he scored twice and registered four assists. Not quite the mindblowing numbers that Obi-Martin has registered but consistent nonetheless.
Even if Ten Hag doesn’t get to utilise these two special young talents, whoever the next manager is could have two of the Premier League’s finest on his hands.
What the Man Utd team could look like once Shea Lacey becomes a regular
A look at how the Red Devils could line up once teen sensation Shea Lacey breaks into the side…
A £175,000-per-week Chelsea mainstay is no longer part of the club’s long-term plans, despite him starting every single Premier League game under new head coach Enzo Maresca so far.
Players who could leave Chelsea in January or next summer
Maresca has already shown that he’s not afraid to be ruthless in axing players he’s deemed surplus to requirements, no matter their profile.
January bid possible as Chelsea eye "new" striker target in ex-Man City man
Stamford Bridge directors are impressed.
ByEmilio Galantini Oct 2, 2024
Maresca was up front to the press about England international duo Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell over the summer transfer window, admitting at the time that they may be forced to find a new club, as their game-time would be limited under him.
“Brutal? I don’t think so. I try to be honest,” said Maresca on Sterling and Chilwell’s futures at Chelsea in August.
“I can repeat again if it’s not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason why he is out of the squad. With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position. He is going to struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.”
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures
Date
Nottingham Forest (home)
October 6
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Man United (away)
November 3
Arsenal (home)
November 10
Since then, Sterling has sealed a season-long loan move to Arsenal, with Chilwell still at Chelsea but likely to leave in January. Elsewhere in the squad, a trio of other players have been linked with the Stamford Bridge exit door in 2025.
Chelsea are ready to sell Benoit Badiashile, who is yet to make a single appearance this season, with fellow Frenchman Axel Disasi also not part of Maresca’s plans.
Mykhailo Mudryk could be forced to quit Chelsea in the winter too, as uncertainty surrounds the Ukraine star’s future and BlueCo weigh up potential replacements like Veliz Sarsfield winger Thiago Fernandez.
These names don’t come as much of a surprise given their lack of inclusion so far this season, but Chelsea have since adopted a head-turning stance on one of their mainstay players.
Marc Cucurella no longer part of Chelsea's long-term plans
According to a report in The Boot Room this week, £175,000-per-week defender Marc Cucurella could be shown the door as well.
Indeed, it is believed Cucurella is no longer part of Chelsea’s long-term plans, with the indication being he could eventually be sold alongside the likes of Chilwell and Badiashile as Maresca’s side eye up a move for AC Milan star Theo Hernandez.
The Spain international, who impressed at Euro 2024 for the eventual champions, has started every single Premier League match so far and put in some solid displays at full-back in place of Chilwell.
This report therefore comes as quite a shock when factoring in just how often he’s been utilised by Maresca so far, not to mention how the Italian has praised his left-back as a key asset.
“Marc [Cucurella] is very important,” said Maresca on Cucurella very recently.
“Marc has something that you sometimes struggle to find in players. He is good and he is making the players around him good because he is a guy who is always talking, always demanding. If you can have five, six or seven players like Marc in your team, who are always talking about improving the rest, it’s very important. So I’m very happy with Marc.”
The summer transfer window officially slammed shut towards the end of last month and it was a busy last few weeks of the market for Celtic and their incoming business.
It was a slow start to the summer for the Scottish giants, who did not make a single outfield signing before August, but they finished it with a flourish.
Viljami Sinisalo and Kasper Schmeichel both came through the door before the last month of the window, following Joe Hart's retirement at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Hoops then swooped to sign Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah on permanent deals, along with Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on a season-long loan deal.
It then got to deadline day, shortly after the sale of Matt O'Riley to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brendan Rodgers dipped into the market to make three new additions to his squad.
Central midfielders Arne Engels and Luke McCowan came in from Augsburg and Dundee respectively, whilst centre-back Auston Trusty joined from Sheffield United.
Trusty has the task of displacing Liam Scales, as a left-footed central defender, in order to play alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has been a rock at the back for Celtic for a number of seasons.
Cameron Carter-Vickers' current market value
At the time of writing (08/09/2024), Transfermarkt currently values the USA international at a whopping €14m (£11.8m) and that makes him the joint-highest valued player in the squad, alongside Kyogo Furuhashi.
In the summer of 2022, Celtic paid a reported fee of £6m to sign the central defender on a permanent basis after an initial year on loan with the club under Ange Postecoglou.
Carter-Vickers featured in 33 of the club's 38 Scottish Premiership matches in his season on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the 2021/22 campaign, and won 68% of his defensive duels.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
23/24 Premiership
22/23 Premiership
Appearances
25
29
Pass accuracy
91%
92%
Ground duel success rate
62%
59%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
74%
Clearances per game
3.4
2.9
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the American titan was a dominant figure at the heart of the Celtic defence in his first two seasons with the club as a permanent member of the team.
He has also won 67% of his duels and helped the Hoops to keep four clean sheets in four matches at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that Carter-Vickers is on course for yet another impressive year at Parkhead.
Despite being the most valuable player in the Celtic squad and a consistently fantastic performer, there is a former Bhoys centre-back who is currently worth more than him – Kristoffer Ajer.
How much Celtic paid for Kristoffer Ajer
At the start of 2016, the Scottish giants swooped to sign the 17-year-old starlet from IK Start for a reported fee of just £650k, after the teenage gem had emerged as a first-team option for the side in his home country, in a deal that saw him officially join the club in the summer.
Curiously, Ajer played as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, and as a centre-forward for Start, and contributed with 14 goals and seven assists in 61 matches in all competitions, including seven goals in 14 games as a striker.
The Norwegian gem initially joined the academy team, and played five UEFA Youth League matches in the first half of the 2016/17 campaign, before being sent out on loan to Kilmarnock at the start of 2017 – making 16 Premiership appearances.
Former Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer.
Ajer then returned to Celtic and made 24 appearances in the Scottish top-flight during the 2017/18 campaign, with all 34 of his outings in all competitions coming as a centre-back.
The Norway international went on to rack up 176 games in all competitions for the Premiership giants, contributing with seven goals and seven assists.
Along with providing an attacking threat from a centre-back position, the towering colossus, who was described as "faultless" by former boss Neil Lennon, also showcased his defensive quality in his final Premiership season with the club.
20/21 Premiership
Kristoffer Ajer
Appearances
35
Pass accuracy
89%
Clean sheets
17
Ground duel success rate
57%
Aerial duel success rate
67%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Ajer was a dominant performer at the heart of the defence for Celtic and that form helped him to earn a move to the Premier League in the summer of 2021.
How much Celtic sold Kristoffer Ajer for
Brentford swooped in to sign him from Celtic for a reported fee of £13.5m ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, following their promotion from the Championship.
This shows that the Hoops struck gold with the central defender as they turned a £650k signing from Norway into a £13.5m player, who also made the best part of 200 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Brentford centre-back Kristoffer Ajer.
At the time of writing (08/09/2024), Transfermarkt places Ajer's current market value at €15m (£12.6m) and that means that, whilst he is still more valuable than Carter-Vickers, his value has decreased since his move to the Bees.
This is another reason why the Scottish giants hit the jackpot with the central defender, as his market value has not improved during his time in England.
Therefore, Celtic seemingly cashed in on him at the perfect time and have not, as of yet, lived to regret selling him for £13.5m, as that currently looks like a fantastic deal by the Premiership side.
23/24 Premier League
Kristoffer Ajer
Appearances
28
Goals
2
Pass accuracy
76%
Clean sheets
2
Duel success rate
64%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Ajer did feature in 28 of Brentford's 38 Premier League games in the 2023/24 campaign, but only helped his team to keep two clean sheets, which suggests that he was part of a leaky defence for Thomas Frank.
Ultimately, his performances in England over the last three seasons or so have not been good enough to see his value rise above the fee Celtic paid for him, which is why they struck gold with the Norway international, despite him still being worth more than Carter-Vickers.
Cost £900k: Celtic hit gold selling a star for more than Engels is worth
The Hoops played a masterclass with the “world class” midfield dynamo.
Ruben Amorim has revealed Manchester United will not have money to spend in the January transfer window despite the need for new signings.
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Man Utd going through rough patch
Fresh blood in January would benefit team
Amorim admits winter reinforcements unlikely
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WHAT HAPPENED?
United's 2-0 loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday marked their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions. This dismal run has amplified concerns about the squad’s inability to adapt to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. However, the Portuguese coach does not expect financial support to address these issues when the transfer window opens in January.
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WHAT AMORIM SAID
Speaking candidly to reporters on Monday night about the possibility of January transfers, Amorim stated, "We don't have that possibility in January. You know the situation better than I [do]. It's not the case I am not arriving here and I can spend a lot of money, changing all the team. You know the situation so it's not a point to talk about it."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to any incoming activity in January will depend on outgoing transfers. The Red Devils are open to both loan deals and permanent moves, which could free up some funds. If finances allow, signing a left wing-back would be the club’s top priority.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Despite growing calls to adapt his tactical approach, Amorim remains steadfast in his commitment to the 3-4-3 system, which he has used throughout his managerial career. He dismissed suggestions that reverting to the 4-3-3 system favoured by his predecessor Erik ten Hag could solve the team’s problems and instead argued that switching back to a previously unsuccessful setup would not provide the answers United need.
"I have to sell my idea," he said. "If I change all the time it is going to be even worse. But I understand they have a lot of difficulties because they spent two years playing one way. You can feel it, I can feel it but I have to sell my idea, I don't have another one.
"When you have a change of coach, especially in this type of club, it is because they were not winning. They play in the system they were bought for and were losing. So I am going to change to that system? This team was already in problems."
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on one of his big money signings, stating he may not be in the squad for weeks or even months.
The Red Devils are going into the international break in poor form, as they have just endured their second defeat in the first three games of the Premier League season. It hasn’t been the start that ten Hag would have dreamt of at the beginning of the campaign, as pressure is already starting to mount on the manager after poor individual mistakes cost his side a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
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United were very much brushed aside by the better team on Sunday, as the team and the tactics chosen were not good enough to match their arch rivals. However, it's fair to say the game could have looked very different without some costly individual errors. There weren’t many, if any, United players who could walk off that pitch and feel they played well enough to have their heads held high, but Brazil midfielder Casemiro was particularly poor.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
The Real Madrid legend, who won everything there is to win in Spain, looked unfit and looked lost at sea during his 45 minutes before he was hooked at half time for young midfielder Toby Collyer.
The midfielder had a pass accuracy of 70% in the 45 minutes he played, with two of his possession losses leading directly to goals scored by Liverpool. Furthermore, the Brazilian won just two of his five ground duels, but it is the possession lost statistic that is alarming, as he lost the ball 14 times in the first half, was dribbled past twice, and obviously, made two errors that led to goals. He finished the game with a Sofascore rating of 5.1.
Casemiro compared to Ryan Gravenberch
Casemiro
Ryan Gravenberch
Minutes played
45
90
Touches
45
61
Accurate passes
26/27 (70%)
37/44 (84%)
Ground duels (won)
5 (2)
9 (6)
Aerial duels (won)
1 (1)
1 (1)
Possession lost
14
11
Clearances
1
1
Total tackles
1
2
Dribbled past
2
0
Errors leading to goal
2
0
Stats as per Sofascore.com
Former Man United captain Gary Neville gave his response during Sky Sports' coverage: “I don’t think he would have brought him off for the two mistakes. I think it was what happened after that and the reaction of the crowd. I feel for him.”
After the game, ten Hag revealed that a Manchester United player might not be in the squad for a few months, but surprisingly it wasn’t about Casemiro.
Man United signing may not be fit for months
After the game against Liverpool, ten Hag revealed that new summer signing Manuel Ugarte may not be in the squad for months, as he hasn’t played this season and needs to build up his fitness after his initial £42m transfer from PSG.
Ten Hag said, via Man United Zone: “It’s not like I’m Harry Potter. If you see Ugarte, he hasn’t played in the season so far. He needs to build his fitness. It will take weeks, maybe months.”
Manuel Ugarte for PSG
This news will come as another blow to Man United fans, as after the display against Liverpool, they will be keen to see Casemiro replaced and their new signing in Ugarte brought into the team straight away.
The one positive that United may have is that the midfielder will join up with his national team in Uruguay, and if he features for them, he could return to Manchester in better shape for the next phase of the season.
اُسدل الستار، مساء يوم الأربعاء الموافق 29 يناير 2025، على منافسات مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، للموسم الحالي، في نظامه الجديد.
وشهدت الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت السعودية، خوض 18 مباراة في الجولة الثامنة والأخيرة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2024/25.
ويتواجد الـ36 فريقًا في مجموعة واحدة، حيث يتأهل أصحاب المراكز الثمانية الأولى إلى دور الـ16، بشكل مباشر.
اقرأ أيضًا.. منافس برشلونة في دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024/25
بينما ستتنافس الفرق التي تحتل من المركز التاسع إلى 24، حيث سيخوضون مباراتين فاصلتين (خروج المغلوب) للتأهل إلى الدور المقبل.
في حين أن الفرق التي تحتل المركز الخامس والعشرين وفيما بعد، ستودع المنافسة دون الوصول إلى الدوري الأوروبي.
وحصلت 8 فرق على بطاقة التأهل المباشر إلى منافسات دور الـ16، وهم ليفربول، برشلونة، آرسنال، إنتر ميلان، أتلتيكو مدريد، باير ليفركوزن، ليل وأستون فيلا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. منافس ليفربول في دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024/25
في حين أن هناك 16 فريقًا تواجدوا في مراكز الملحق المؤهل إلى دور الـ16، وهم: أتالانتا، بوروسيا دورتموند، ريال مدريد، بايرن ميونخ، ميلان، آيندهوفن، باريس سان جيرمان، بنفيكا، موناكو، بريست، فينورد، يوفنتوس، سيلتيك، مانشستر سيتي، سبورتينج لشبونة وكلوب بروج.
بينما حُسمت مغادرة 12 فريقًا لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، وهم: بولونيا، النجم الأحمر، جيرونا، لايبزيج، سالزبورج، سلوفان براتيسلافا، سبارتا براج، شتورم جراتس، يونج بويز، دينامو زغرب، شتوتجارت وشاختار.
وتُقام قرعة ملحق دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا يوم الجمعة المقبل، على أن تُقام مراسم قرعة دور الـ16 وربع النهائي ونصف النهائي يوم 21 فبراير القادم. نتائج مباريات الجولة الثامنة من دوري أبطال أوروبا
آيندهوفن وليفربول (2-3).
بايرن ميونخ وسلوفان براتيسلافا (3-1).
بوروسيا دورتموند وشاختار (3-1).
باير ليفركوزن وسبارتا براج (2-0).
جيرونا وآرسنال (1-2).
برشلونة وأتالانتا (2-2).
بريست وريال مدريد (0-3).
مانشستر سيتي وكلوب بروج (3-1).
يونج بويز والنجم الأحمر (0-1).
ليل وفينورد (6-1).
يوفنتوس وبنفيكا (0-2).
أستون فيلا وسيلتيك (4-2).
دينامو زغرب وميلان (2-1).
إنتر ميلان وموناكو (3-0).
شتورم جراتس ولايبزيج (1-0).
سالزبورج وأتلتيكو مدريد (1-4).
سبورتينج لشبونة وبولونيا (1-1).
شتوتجارت وباريس سان جيرمان (1-4). جدول ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا
1- ليفربول 21 نقطة.
2- برشلونة 19 نقطة.
3- آرسنال 19 نقطة.
4- إنتر ميلان 19 نقطة.
5- أتلتيكو مدريد 18 نقطة.
6- باير ليفركوزن 16 نقطة.
7- ليل 16 نقطة.
8- أستون فيلا 16 نقطة.
9- أتالانتا 15 نقطة.
10- بوروسيا دورتموند 15 نقطة.
11- ريال مدريد 15 نقطة.
12- بايرن ميونخ 15 نقطة.
13- ميلان 15 نقطة.
14- آيندهوفن 14 نقطة.
15- باريس سان جيرمان 13 نقطة.
16- بنفيكا 13 نقطة.
17- موناكو 13 نقطة.
18- بريست 13 تقطة.
19- فينورد 13 نقطة.
20- يوفنتوس 12 نقطة.
21- سيلتيك 12 نقطة.
22- مانشستر سيتي 11 نقطة.
23- سبورتينج لشبونة 11 نقطة.
24- كلوب بروج 11 نقطة.
25- دينامو زغرب 11 نقطة.
26 شتوتجارت 10 نقاط.
27- شاختار 7 نقاط.
28- بولونيا 6 نقاط.
29- النجم الأحمر 6 نقاط.
30- ستورم جراتس 6 نقاط.
31- سبارتا براج 4 نقاط.
32- لايبزيج 3 نقاط.
33 جيرونا 3 نقاط.
34- سالزبورج 3 نقاط.
35- سلوفيان براتيسلافا بدون نقاط.
36- يونج بويز بدون نقاط.
ويمكن متابعة ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2024/25، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.