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REVEALED: Why Enzo Maresca is not in the dugout for Chelsea vs Everton

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Enzo Maresca will be absent from the Chelsea dugout when the Blues face Everton at Stamford Bridge this Saturday in the Premier League.

The Chelsea manager received his third yellow card of the season after his celebrations following Pedro Neto’s last-minute winner against Fulham last weekend, which has resulted in a one-match touchline ban.

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In his absence, assistant head coach Willy Caballero will be responsible for directing the team from the sidelines.

Maresca, who will have to watch from the stands, addressed the situation by saying he is unsure whether he will be alone or have someone by his side during the match.

He emphasized that when the manager is not present, it becomes crucial for the team’s leadership group to step up and take ownership on the pitch.

Despite some criticism this season, Maresca insists that Chelsea have made meaningful progress. Following Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Fulham, which featured late goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto, the team received a much-needed boost in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Although Chelsea temporarily climbed back into the top five, they have since been overtaken by Nottingham Forest. With just six wins from their last 17 Premier League matches, the battle to achieve the club’s objectives remains fierce.

Reflecting on Chelsea’s performances under his leadership, Maresca remains positive. He pointed out that compared to the past two years, the current season cannot be labeled a failure.

The manager stressed that Chelsea have been within Champions League positions for most of the season, something that did not happen frequently in the previous campaigns. He described this as a clear sign of improvement, even if critics are reluctant to acknowledge it.

Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea finished 12th and 6th in their first two seasons, years marked by significant turnover among players and managers. This year, with less squad overhaul, was expected to be the season where the over £1 billion investment in new signings would finally translate into consistent results.

However, as the season nears its end, Chelsea find themselves once again struggling to meet expectations, sitting in a similar position to last May.

Maresca reminded everyone that earlier this season, Chelsea were just two points behind Liverpool in December, holding second place before their form dipped. For him, the progress is undeniable and it is only a matter of perspective whether one chooses to see it or not.

He reiterated the club’s ambition to return to the heights it once occupied, stating that the necessary foundations are in place.

With five games remaining, Maresca and his squad have a challenging road ahead to secure a Champions League berth. Nevertheless, the manager remains confident that Chelsea are moving in the right direction.

He urged supporters and observers alike to recognize the improvement, even if it is not immediately reflected in the current league standings. As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on how the team responds in this crucial stretch.

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Dwight Yorke urges Man Utd to sign Liverpool flop and £17m Aston Villa star

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Dwight Yorke has encouraged Manchester United to set aside their historic rivalry with Liverpool and consider a bold move for Darwin Nunez during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Uruguayan striker is expected to part ways with Liverpool after a turbulent season under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp.

Nunez, who joined Liverpool in 2022 for a potential fee of £85 million, has struggled to consistently deliver on expectations. With only five goals in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old has faced scrutiny over his performances.

Despite this, former Manchester United forward Yorke sees untapped potential in the striker and believes a fresh start at Old Trafford could help Nunez flourish.

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While interest in Nunez is growing from clubs across Europe, Yorke believes Manchester United must act decisively. The Red Devils have endured a frustrating campaign in front of goal, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee—signed for a combined fee exceeding £100 million—failing to make the desired impact.

Manager Ruben Amorim is already eyeing attacking reinforcements, including Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. However, Yorke insists that Nunez deserves serious consideration.

Yorke, speaking to GamblingIndustryNews.com, praised Nunez’s energy, presence, and adaptability. He acknowledged that the forward has not lived up to expectations at Anfield but argued that the situation at Liverpool—with stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk dominating the spotlight—has prevented Nunez from becoming a central figure.

In contrast, Yorke believes United could offer Nunez a fresh platform to lead the line and reach his full potential.

Despite the intense rivalry between the two clubs, Yorke emphasized the importance of looking past the history and focusing on the player’s attributes.

He noted that Nunez, now familiar with the Premier League and English football culture, could bring aggression, hunger, and a much-needed attacking threat to Manchester United.

Yorke also touched on Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation, suggesting another potential summer target: Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

The Argentina international, who helped his country win the World Cup, appears set for a transfer and may have signaled his exit after Villa’s final home game. Yorke believes Martinez is a significant upgrade over current United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has endured an inconsistent debut season.

Yorke described the potential acquisition of Martinez as a “no-brainer,” praising the Villa man’s experience and reliability.

With Manchester United finishing a disappointing 16th in the Premier League, the club has one final shot at redemption in the Europa League final against Tottenham.

Regardless of the outcome, major changes are expected at Old Trafford this summer, and Yorke’s comments underscore the need for decisive action in the transfer market.

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Man Utd flop tipped to become a ‘superstar’ under Ruben Amorim next season: ‘He’s a baller’

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Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is poised to make a strong impact under Ruben Amorim next season, according to former winger Lee Sharpe. Despite enduring a tough debut campaign following his £36.5 million move from Bologna, the Dutch forward has shown flashes of promise that hint at a brighter future at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee, who has scored just seven goals in 48 appearances across all competitions, struggled to find his rhythm early on.

Used in a deeper attacking role, the 23-year-old began adapting to Amorim’s tactical demands before a hamstring injury in April sidelined him for several weeks.

Though back in training ahead of United’s Europa League final clash against Tottenham, his involvement in the crucial fixture remains uncertain due to his recent return from injury.

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Sharpe, however, believes Zirkzee has the talent to thrive. He expressed confidence in the young striker’s potential, stating that the player only needs a consistent run of games to truly shine.

Noting that Zirkzee hadn’t enjoyed a sustained stint in the starting lineup, Sharpe suggested that the forward was just starting to settle before injury struck. With a full pre-season ahead, he expects the Dutchman to become a key player in the upcoming campaign.

As Manchester United prepare for the summer transfer window, Zirkzee is set to face new competition in the squad. The club is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and has made progress in talks with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

Sharpe praised both potential signings, highlighting Delap’s physical presence and goal-scoring instincts, as well as Cunha’s creativity and ability to change games.

Sharpe emphasized Cunha’s standout performances in a struggling Wolves side and compared his dynamism to that of Kobbie Mainoo. He did caution that the Brazilian forward’s temperament may need refining but believes his addition would bolster United’s attacking depth.

Looking ahead to the Europa League final in Bilbao, much is at stake for Amorim and his squad. Securing victory would not only mark Amorim’s first silverware with the club but also secure a Champions League spot next season. Sharpe remains optimistic about United’s chances in the final, citing the club’s tradition of delivering when it matters most.

Despite an underwhelming domestic campaign, United’s unbeaten run in Europe this season offers a glimmer of hope. Sharpe underscored the importance of a single, decisive performance that could set the tone for a critical summer rebuild.

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Wojciech Szczesny says Arsenal transfer target is ‘best in La Liga’

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Wojciech Szczesny has spoken highly of Joan Garcia, describing the Espanyol star as the best goalkeeper currently playing in La Liga.

Garcia, who joined Espanyol at just 15, made his senior debut in 2021 and has since become a crucial figure for the club.

Given the number one shirt for the 2022/23 season, the 24-year-old has already made 64 appearances across all competitions, winning fans over with his consistent and confident displays.

Last season, Garcia was named Espanyol’s Player of the Season, which further raised his profile. Arsenal expressed strong interest and even agreed personal terms with the Spaniard. However, the move fell through as the Gunners were unwilling to pay the €30 million (£25 million) release clause set in his contract.

Despite the failed transfer, Arsenal remain keen. If Espanyol are relegated from La Liga, Garcia’s release clause will drop to €15 million (£12.6 million), reigniting hopes of a potential move to north London.

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Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also entered the race, reportedly holding talks with Garcia’s camp in an attempt to lure him to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.

Within Espanyol, there is growing acceptance that Garcia may be destined for a bigger stage, regardless of whether the club avoids relegation.

Szczesny, who returned from retirement to win La Liga with Barcelona this season, added fuel to the transfer rumors by showering praise on Garcia in a recent interview.

Speaking to Eleven Sports, the former Arsenal shot-stopper said he believes Garcia is the best goalkeeper in the league and one of the finest in both Spain and Europe. His endorsement underscores just how much the young Spaniard has impressed within the footballing world.

Garcia, for his part, remains focused on the present. In a February interview with Estadio Deportivo, he emphasized his commitment to ending his time at Espanyol with dignity should he leave.

He acknowledged that the future is uncertain but expressed a strong desire to bid farewell in a respectful manner, noting the deep gratitude he feels for the club that has shaped his career.

Espanyol’s head coach Manolo Gonzalez also hinted that keeping Garcia might be out of their hands, admitting he cannot guarantee the player will remain at the club beyond the current season.

As speculation grows, all eyes will be on whether Garcia will continue his journey with Espanyol or take the next step in his promising career at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

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