Football
Glenn Hoddle warns Chelsea not to write one team off in top five race

Glenn Hoddle has urged Chelsea not to take anything for granted in the fight for a top-five Premier League finish, despite their narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The Blues secured a crucial three points at Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella scoring a decisive second-half header. The result offered a timely response to the disappointment of their recent defeat at Newcastle.

Chelsea, now with just one fixture remaining in the campaign, will likely need a win against Nottingham Forest on the final day to lock in their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
While Forest’s own European ambitions have dimmed due to a poor run of form—just one win in their last six—they still present a potential hurdle. The East Midlands side, led by Nuno Espirito Santo, sits seventh in the table and faces West Ham next.
Former England boss Glenn Hoddle believes the race is far from settled. Speaking to Premier League Productions, Hoddle highlighted that Forest could still influence the outcome significantly.
He noted that West Ham is unpredictable, and if Forest can get a result there, it could make their home clash against Chelsea even more intense.
He also pointed out Chelsea’s vulnerability in away matches this season, suggesting that the Blues have been far more comfortable at Stamford Bridge than on the road. He emphasized that goal difference could play a critical role in determining final positions, indicating how fine the margins are at this stage.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, praised Cucurella’s intelligent play following his match-winning contribution. Maresca remarked on the full-back’s connection to Barcelona’s La Masia academy, which has shaped his tactical awareness and style of play.
Cucurella has now scored similar goals against both Brentford and Wolves, showing his knack for timing and positioning. Maresca described the defender as a key part of Chelsea’s system, noting that it’s not about physical size but understanding the game and being in the right place at the right time.
The Spanish defender, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for £56 million, has emerged as one of the club’s most improved players this season.
Initially criticized for inconsistency and defensive errors, Cucurella has grown in confidence and performance under Maresca’s guidance.
His goal against Manchester United could prove pivotal in helping Chelsea secure a Champions League berth and justify the investment made in him.
Cucurella’s development is a testament to Maresca’s coaching philosophy and the tactical structure he has implemented.
The defender’s background with Barcelona has made him a natural fit in Chelsea’s current system, which values intelligence, movement, and technical quality over brute strength. Maresca stressed that the club’s style complements Cucurella’s strengths, and the results are now becoming visible.
As the Premier League season reaches its conclusion, Chelsea’s fate remains in their own hands. A win over Nottingham Forest will all but seal their return to Europe’s elite competition. However, as Hoddle warns, the drama is far from over.
Every point and every goal could be the difference in a fiercely competitive race involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.
Football
Napoli-linked Sancho ‘attracting interest’ from new Serie A side

Juventus are reportedly set to compete with Napoli for the signing of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer.
The 25-year-old is back at Old Trafford following a season-long loan at Chelsea, where he made a solid impact with five goals and 10 assists across 41 competitive appearances. He also found the net in Chelsea’s convincing 4-1 victory in last month’s Conference League final, though his efforts were not enough to convince the club to make the deal permanent.
Chelsea were initially expected to secure Sancho for £25 million as part of their loan agreement but ultimately chose to walk away from the obligation. As a result, they were required to pay Manchester United a £5 million penalty fee.
Despite being under contract with United, Sancho is not considered part of manager Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans. If he fails to secure a transfer in the coming weeks, the winger is expected to be left out of the club’s pre-season tour to the United States.
Juventus enter the race for Sancho
Napoli had previously emerged as the frontrunner for Sancho’s signature, with the player reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Serie A champions. However, a deal between Manchester United and Napoli has yet to be finalized.
According to Sky Sports News, Juventus have now entered the picture, exploring the financial and contractual terms of a potential move. The Turin-based side is seriously evaluating the opportunity to sign the England international, who has earned 23 senior caps.
Is Juventus the right fit for Sancho?
Juventus manager Igor Tudor is preparing for his first full season in charge after leading the team to a top-four finish last term. Known for deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation, Tudor’s system does not traditionally utilize wide wingers like Sancho.
If he joins Juventus, Sancho would likely compete for one of the two attacking midfield spots behind the main striker—a role that currently sees strong competition from Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao, and Nico Gonzalez. Unless one of these players is sold, Sancho might struggle to find regular playing time in Turin.
Napoli, on the other hand, could offer a more suitable environment for the former Borussia Dortmund star. With the club still looking to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed in January, Sancho may find more opportunities to thrive in his preferred position on the wing.
Football
Flamengo punish 10-Man Chelsea in 3-1 Club World Cup stunner (Highlights)

Nicolas Jackson endured a nightmare cameo as Chelsea collapsed in the second half against Flamengo during their FIFA Club World Cup clash, suffering a 3-1 defeat that puts their tournament hopes at risk.
Chelsea initially took the lead through Pedro Neto, whose composed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs gave the Premier League side a promising start. However, the momentum quickly shifted after the break.
Flamengo responded in ruthless fashion, netting twice in quick succession. Substitute Bruno Henrique capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range, followed by another back-post finish from Danilo that stunned the Blues and put the Brazilian side ahead.
Matters worsened for Chelsea when substitute Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card just four minutes after entering the pitch.
His dangerous challenge saw his studs connect with Lucas Ayrton’s shin, leaving the referee with little choice but to send him off immediately.
Flamengo sealed the win with a third goal, as Wallace Yan added the final blow to a chaotic second half that Chelsea will want to forget.
The result means Chelsea must now beat African side ES Tunis in their next match on Tuesday to progress to the last 16. However, finishing second in the group could set them up for a much tougher path, likely facing the winner of Group C, which may include Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.
Flamengo’s victory strengthens their bid to top Group D and extends the unbeaten run of South American teams in the Club World Cup’s newly expanded format.
Flamengo vs Chelsea Highlight
Football
Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan: Ramos opener earns shock draw after Lautaro misses sitter

Monterrey secured their spot in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, now known as the CONCACAF Cup.
Fast forward four years, and the team returned to the international stage at the Rose Bowl with only one player from that title-winning squad still in the lineup: veteran goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. The club had not lifted any silverware since that 2021 triumph, which made what happened next even more unexpected.
In a surprising twist, Monterrey opened the scoring against Inter Milan in the 25th minute, as Sergio Ramos delivered a perfectly placed header.
The Spanish defender, who joined the Mexican outfit earlier this year on a one-year deal reportedly worth $4 million, had cited the Club World Cup as a major influence in his decision to sign. His goal sent the Monterrey fans into wild celebrations.
However, their joy didn’t last long. Inter’s star forward Lautaro Martínez—fresh off a World Cup win—responded with a close-range finish following a perfectly orchestrated set-piece.
The Argentine’s goal silenced the Rayados-dominated crowd and brought the game level at 1-1 before halftime.
The second half saw both teams tighten up defensively, limiting each other’s chances as the game wore on.
Inter, still recovering from a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s UEFA Champions League final, looked eager to reassert themselves. But it was Monterrey who rose to the occasion, matching their European opponents stride for stride and leaving the pitch with their heads held high after a gritty performance.
Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan Highlights
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