Chelsea co-owner opens up on Enzo Maresca’s 'mysterious' exit

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali has broken his silence on Enzo Maresca's departure, claiming the club were forced into the "mysterious" change. The Blues chief suggested legal reasons are preventing the full truth from emerging following the shock exit in January.

In a candid appearance at CAA’s World Congress of Sports, Eghbali addressed the sudden exit of Maresca. While many assumed the Italian had become the latest casualty of the Clearlake Capital era, the co-owner insisted the decision was taken out of the club's hands.

The departure has reportedly had a "negative impact" on Chelsea's campaign as the squad adjusts to another change in leadership. Eghbali noted that the club must now "fight their way out" of the disruption caused by the move, which comes amid intensifying rumours linking Maresca to a role at Manchester City.

Eghbali has remained vague on the specifics of the exit, citing legal constraints that prevent a full disclosure at this time. However, he was adamant that the board had no desire to replace the former Leicester City boss so soon into his tenure.

"The change wasn’t the club’s decision, for reasons I can’t speak about legally," Eghbali said, as quoted by Sports Business Journal. "I think the reasons will become kind of clear in due course. But no, it’s not a change we wanted to make. It’s a change that’s had a bit of a negative impact on the season, when you’re changing systems and personnel. And it’s one we’ve got to fight out our way out of."

The 46-year-old first arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2024, replacing the sacked Mauricio Pochettino. In total, Maresca oversaw 92 matches (55 wins, 16 draws, and 21 losses) for the Blues in all competitions until his dismissal in January. The decision came following a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the end of 2025.

Despite impressive results in the previous months, including a 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League in November and being named Premier League Manager of the Year for the same month, Chelsea's owners decided to part ways with the former Leicester manager following a rift in his relationship with the club's management. During his time in charge of the London club, Maresca won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup respectively.

Matchday: Big show TODAY at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on Manchester United

 Get ready as Chelsea fc take on Man United at Stamford Bridge, it is going to be a massive show

Chelsea head coach has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez is ready to return to action for this weekend's pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez is ready to return to action for this weekend's pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester United. The Argentine midfielder's availability provides a significant boost for the Blues as they look to revive their pursuit of Champions League qualification and bounce back from recent disappointing results.

The Blues have been handed a major boost ahead of their high-stakes encounter with United after Rosenior confirmed that Fernandez is back in contention. The World Cup winner missed the club's recent FA Cup triumph over Port Vale and the previous league outing against Manchester City following an internal suspension for comments made about potentially joining Real Madrid, but he has now rejoined the main group.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the head coach explained: "Enzo has been with the group and has been training very, very well. So, it’s business as usual in terms of selection for the game. Enzo has come back to the group this week, and the group has been fantastic. In terms of his training, his application to training, Enzo has been fantastic as well."

In addition to the positive news regarding the midfielder, Rosenior provided an encouraging update on Levi Colwill. The 23-year-old defender has been sidelined for the entire campaign so far due to a serious knee ligament injury sustained during pre-season. He will take the next step in his recovery by featuring for the under-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday.

"I'm hoping [we'll see Levi before the end of the season] as Levi is an outstanding player and a leader in the dressing room," Rosenior continued. "Levi will play some minutes with the U21s tomorrow, which is fantastic for him. When you have a long-term injury, to the extent of Levi’s injury, you need a long rehab period. I want to make sure he is 100 per cent right in terms of his match fitness before we consider him for our first team. It [the game] has not been set up especially for him, but it's something that we think is right for him in this moment."

Rosenior also touched on the situations of injured defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James.

"Trevoh trained today. Not quite fully; it was modified training. We'll make a decision on him, but he's very, very close. Reece is a little bit further away," the manager noted.

Chelsea face a defining period in their domestic campaign. After hosting United on Saturday, they travel to Brighton before a massive FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.

Source: GOAL

Liam Rosenior tells Chelsea stars they can win all SIX games to make Champions League

 Liam Rosenior insists Chelsea can win all six of their remaining Premier League clashes to qualify for the Champions League – and has urged his players to kickstart this bid for perfection by dropping their egos in their Saturday night showdown with Manchester United.

The pressure is being piled on Rosenior from fans, though the Blues boss answered this by saying he was ‘questioned after three minutes of joining this club, let alone three months’.

He is adamant they can still secure their top target of a top-five finish, despite sitting four points shy of Liverpool heading into this weekend, and explained how Chelsea’s greatest-ever players such as John Terry and Frank Lampard played for the team rather than themselves.

‘That’s the great thing about the quality we have in this team – we are capable,’ Rosenior said when asked if they can go six for six. ‘But to be capable is one thing. To go and produce it is another. Time is running out. 

'We need to make sure we get each performance as perfect as possible in every aspect of the game, and in the knowledge that if we do that, we have the potential to win every game between now and the rest of the season.’

Rosenior listed his four core principles for tough times – ‘simplicity, hard work, humility and lack of ego’ – and added: ‘When you see the lack of ego in this team when it was at its best, with John (Terry), with Frank (Lampard), with Didier (Drogba), they were a team. It wasn’t a team of egos. That was a team of big personalities who fought for the shirt. That’s what we need to show now.’

Chelsea are still backing Rosenior, even as they face the prospect of missing out on the Champions League, which would be a failure for all concerned at the club.

The Englishman insists the outside noise does not bother him, as he said: ‘I was questioned after three minutes of joining this club, let alone three months.

‘It’s why I’m here. The noise? If I couldn’t deal with the noise, I wouldn’t be sat in this chair. I’m aware. It’s absolutely fine. I’m confident in our ability as a football club. I’m confident in the project. I’m confident knowing what we want to do in the future. I’m confident in this job.

‘I don't think there’s a manager in world football who hasn’t gone through a time like this at a certain stage of the season and it’s up to me, the club and the team to show what we’re about.’

Chelsea and Strasbourg supporters are coming together to stage a protest march outside of Stamford Bridge before the visit of United. Rosenior, having swapped one club for the other in January, said: ‘In terms of how it affects me or the team, I have to focus on what I can control. That's all I can do. 

'In Strasbourg, we had fan protests, and I understood their point of view and their perspective, and what we wanted to do was show them that we give everything on the pitch for that club. It’s exactly the same being at this club.’

Liam Rosenior issues update on Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen

 Liam Rosenior has provided the latest news regarding the availability of Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen, both of whom have been out with injury in recent weeks.

Gittens sustained a hamstring injury in training ahead of our FA Cup tie against Port Vale earlier this month. It was a setback in his recovery from a similar issue picked up in his most recent appearance for us, against West Ham United in January.

Jorgensen meanwhile has been out for the past month with a groin injury. Rosenior was asked if the duo would likely play again this season when he spoke to the media on Thursday.

‘I can’t give a definitive answer yet,’ Rosenior replied.

‘Jamie has responded really well to his recent setback, but we need to make sure it is right in the long term. It's the same situation with Filip Jorgensen.’

On Thursday, Rosenior confirmed a decision would be taken on Trevoh Chalobah, who is 'very, very close', while Reece James is a 'little bit further away' from returning to action.

Malo Gusto is reportedly the next Chelsea player asking for a salary increase after Moises Caicedo put pen to paper

 According to BBC Sport, Malo Gusto is after a salary increase at Chelsea.

The Chelsea full-back is contracted until 2030, earning around £45,000-per-week, but we have already seen Marc Cucurella get an extension this season.

His output has been balanced, contributing two goals and four assists but the highlight for him has been his recovery, as one of the leaders in that stat in the Premier League.

Beyond the numbers, Gusto’s durability has become his most valuable trait. In a season defined by a high injury toll at Chelsea, he has remained available for nearly every big

And as the summer window approaches, it looks as if he wants to be compensated for his efforts.

Chelsea’s ability to finalise new contracts is heavily dictated by stringent Profit and Sustainability Rules and their current wage-to-turnover ratio.

The hierarchy must balance rewarding top performers like Malo Gusto with the financial necessity of clearing high earners off the books to maintain headroom for the 2026/27 transfer budget.

Cole Palmer: “I’ve got NO plans to move club, and when I see it I just laugh”

 There are two sides to Cole Palmer. There is the shy character who can fool you into thinking he has nothing much to say for himself. On the other hand there’s the artist with the ball at his feet. The player with the “Ice Cold” celebration copied by kids in playgrounds everywhere. The improviser who makes the price of a ticket worthwhile.

“I know what you’re saying,” Palmer replies as, on a sunny afternoon at Chelsea’s training ground, we talk about the contrast between his shy conversational style and his ability to make an impact on people when he steps on the pitch. “I don’t really say too much in general but when I’m on a pitch I try to. I feel like it’s two different personalities. Off the pitch it’s quiet. I find it hard to speak to new people. But when I’m on the pitch I feel it just comes freely.”

Chelsea’s No 10 takes a while to open up during our chat. Football is his chosen language. The boy from Wythenshawe admits that he is guarded with new people. Questions about whether the boy from Wythenshawe visualises moves and tried to copy his heroes when he was younger fall flat.

By the end, though, the 23-year-old has warmed up and is nattering away. He is laughing about last summer’s chaotic win against Benfica at the Club World Cup (the game lasted four hours after a delay due to stormy weather in North Carolina) and delivering an update on his views on southern people. He has gone into detail about his injury woes and it feels significant that he has agreed to meet. It is easy to talk during a winning run. It shows character to do it when the world is on your back.

This has been the toughest season of Palmer’s career and it has been a tricky few weeks for Chelsea. Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella have questioned the club’s project. There is a fan protest scheduled before Saturday’s game against Manchester United. There is also constant speculation swirling around Palmer, who has repeatedly been linked with a summer move to United, the club he supported as a boy.

But Palmer is here and he is committed. He is by far the biggest name at Chelsea and, having worn the captain’s armband for the first time during the recent FA Cup quarter-final win against Port Vale, he wants to set the record straight on his future.

“You’ve got different [kinds of] captains,” Palmer says. “You’ve got ones who shout and encourage and you’ve got ones that try to lead by example. And I think from what I’ve done since I arrived here, with the amount of goals I’ve scored and assists I’ve done in certain moments, I feel like I can try and set an example with the way I play.”

Palmer is 6ft 1in now but his youth coaches remember a small kid who refused to be intimidated during games. “That’s just the way I play,” he says. “I always want the ball. If you lose the ball, then get on it again and don’t lose it the next time. You can’t hide. You’ve just got to try and enjoy it.”

Palmer smiles when I suggest he never looks nervous on the pitch. “Everyone says that to me. Obviously everyone gets nervous.” The last time he really felt the butterflies, though, was before he made his England debut in November 2023. “I just think it’s just a game,” he says. “It’s not that deep. That’s how I’ve been brought up – to just play and don’t think too much. There’s bigger things than football. Obviously, you get upset and obviously it’s a very emotional game. But when you miss a chance you just shrug it off. It’s happened. You can’t change it.”

What has to change is Chelsea’s form. Knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain last month, they are sixth in the league and there is growing pressure on Liam Rosenior, who was appointed as head coach after Enzo Maresca’s shock departure on New Year’s Day.

“It has been an inconsistent season for whatever reason,” Palmer says. “It’s just about, in my opinion, getting the right players in to help us kick on.”

Chelsea will tweak their model this summer. They have focused heavily on youth under the ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly but there is a recognition of the need for more readymade talent. Palmer is confident. He and Chelsea’s captain Reece James, who recently signed a new long-term deal, have had constructive discussions with the owners and five sporting directors about summer targets. Moisés Caicedo is also extending his contract to 2033.

“It’s something we’re working on together,” Palmer says. “We’re on the same page. We want to win now and I think if we add right in the summer we can compete for serious trophies next season. I don’t think we’re far off. If you sign the right players in the right positions and the right characters and profiles, I think we have more than enough quality to compete and be more consistent than we’ve shown over this season.

“Bringing a manager in mid-season, you have no pre-season, hardly have time to train. You’re just focusing on games. But the manager is good and when he has a proper pre-season and gets his ideas across properly and the way he wants to play he’s a top coach. If we as players perform to how we should be performing and we get the right players we can, him and us as a group, do some work.”

Palmer shrugs off the stories about him pining for life in the north-west and a move to United. “Everyone just talks,” he says. “When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll miss it if I don’t go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there’s nothing there for me anyway.

“I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea. We’ve still got a lot to play for. We’ve got the FA Cup semi-final [against Leeds] and if we finish in a Champions League spot it puts us in a good position to sign players that we need. We spoke to the owners and they’re sure of the players that are gonna do it. Reece won’t sign a six-year contract if he’s not spoken to the owners and the directors.

“Me and Reece spoke a lot. About things we need, players we need to sign and how things need to be. He wouldn’t sign a new contract if he didn’t know what was going on.”

Palmer’s deal runs until 2033. In a further sign of his commitment he has recently bought a house in Surrey. Two years ago he told a group of journalists that he found southerners “moody”. His views have changed now. “If you get someone like me who’s from Manchester and you get another person from Manchester, we’ll all just sit in this room and not say anything to each other,” Palmer says. “I like southern people. They just talk and talk and talk to you.” Ever wish they’d stop? “No,” he smiles. “It depends who it is.”

It is easy to forget that Palmer is young. He is something of a reluctant star. There were billboards of him all over New York last summer. He has come to understand why people stare at him in the street but says he is just like anyone else.

The difference is the attention. Everything moved so easily for Palmer after he grew tired of waiting for Pep Guardiola to give him a run at City. He joined Chelsea in September 2023 and found freedom under Mauricio Pochettino. He scored hat-tricks in two consecutive home games, finished his first season in west London with 25 goals in all competitions, was named the PFA Young Player of the Year and grabbed England’s equaliser in their defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

More followed last season: four goals in one half against Brighton, a virtuoso display against Real Betis in the Conference League final, two brilliant strikes to see off PSG in the Club World Cup final.

The world was at Palmer’s feet, only for his body to let him down. A nagging groin injury restricted him so much it was not until January that he registered his first assist of a stop-start season.

“An injury that hasn’t got a timeframe on it,” Palmer says. “It’s not like a muscle injury where you can say it’ll take eight weeks. When it first came on I came back versus Bayern Munich in September and did it at the end of the game. The 94th minute I tried to cross it. I knew I did something, and then we had United and obviously I tried to play but I couldn’t even run or walk or anything.

“I didn’t know how long I was going to be out for. I went to see a specialist and he said 10 to 12 weeks. Then I was playing when I was injured because I was out for 12 weeks and it was still not better.”

It was new to Palmer. “I’ve never been injured like this before. I’m sat there on the side for over three months. I came back in early December, Leeds away. I came on for 30 minutes, and I couldn’t even sprint. I could just about pass it. I couldn’t play long balls, couldn’t even shoot. But I wanted to play so much. I was trying to play and it was just too strange.” Forcing himself to play did Palmer no favours. “I didn’t know how to manage it,” he says. “That’s probably part of it.”

Palmer often looked like he was playing under a cloud. Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach, has said the forward’s stride only returned when Chelsea faced Arsenal in early March.

Palmer says it was not until a few weeks ago that he felt free again. “I’m all right now,” he says. “It’s just about finding rhythm and performing again. Because I performed when I first got here. Last season I scored 14 Premier League goals in 20 games. Then the Club World Cup. It’s not just going to disappear. I’ve not lost all my ability. I’ve been injured.”

Even a half-fit Palmer has still hit double figures this season. That decisiveness is why he still looks a good bet to make Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup. Palmer was happy with his level in training during last month’s England camp. He felt he did well as a substitute against Uruguay but accepts that the defeat to Japan was a difficult night.

“It’s just about focusing on these last few weeks,” Palmer says. “Get back to myself that I know pretty well. Work hard and hopefully go away with England.” There were a lot of pictures of Tuchel hugging Palmer during training. “Yeah,” Palmer says. “When I’m happy I play my best.” Chelsea intend to keep him smiling.

Source: The Guardian

Chelsea could reportedly still have a chance of beating Brighton to the potential transfer of FC Koln forward Said El Mala

Chelsea could reportedly still have a chance of beating Brighton to the potential transfer of FC Koln forward Said El Mala.

The talented young German attacker looks like an exciting prospect with a big future ahead of him, and it could be that we’ll be seeing him in the Premier League soon.

According to Christian Falk in his CF Bayern Insider column, Brighton have been working on signing El Mala, but they might struggle to meet Koln’s demands for the 19-year-old.

This could allow Chelsea back into the mix, according to Falk, who says El Mala could cost around €50m.

Discussing El Mala’s future, Falk made it clear that Brighton are still leading the race for his signature, though nothing is done yet and that means Chelsea can’t be ruled out.

“It is TRUE: Brighton are in the lead for Said El Mala,” Falk said. “But it could be that other interested clubs still have a chance in this race, like Newcastle and Chelsea.

“That’s because the Brighton offer was about €35m plus €4m in add-ons, and Cologne want €50m. If they don’t get this money, perhaps they’ll be open to talking with Chelsea again. This could happen.

“At the moment, the way is clear – El Mala looks very likely to be playing Premier League football next season. Now we have to see whether he ends up at Brighton, which is the current plan, or if FC Köln say it won’t work because of the money on the table.”

There could well be doubts about the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, who have not had anywhere near the kind of impact that the club will have hoped.

El Mala could be an upgrade, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can get there ahead of Brighton, though even that might point towards a future move for the west London giants given how much those two clubs have done business in recent times.

Caicedo on new Chelsea contract: 'I am very proud and so happy'

 The broad smile across the face of Moises Caicedo isn’t just for show – it remains long after his contract signing photographs have been taken. 'You cannot imagine how happy I am right now,' says our midfielder, having committed his long-term future to Chelsea.

Less than three years have passed since Caicedo joined the Blues from Brighton and Hove Albion. But the steps taken by the Ecuadorian in that time have been significant.

He has developed into one of the game's finest midfielders, one who combines finesse, poise and intelligence with the ball with a determination and relentlessness without it. 

The 24-year-old has also become a leader within the squad. He has captained Chelsea on several occasions, most recently last weekend against Manchester City, and has become a reference point for aspiring youngsters within the game.

Yet Caicedo is a humble star. He often guides a conversation to the collective achievements of the Blues rather than focusing on his own successes, and that remains the case even when discussing what he hopes to still achieve at Stamford Bridge after extending his stay until 2033.

'I feel over the moon [to sign a new contract] because it's a dream to be here,' he says. 'I am really happy with these amazing years [I've already had] here and for what is coming.

'Together with everyone, we are going to bring more trophies to this club. This club deserves everything, which is why we are working hard, and I am working hard, to win those trophies.'

He adds: 'I am so happy with what I am doing here. Every day I’m learning something, and I’m going to try to be better every week because I want to give everything to the fans who come to the stadium to watch us. I am going to give everything for this club.'

Caicedo has made 140 appearances for the Blues since arriving in August 2023, a testament to his reliability, durability and importance within our midfield.

His performances have earned praise from team-mates, opponents and pundits. Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also stated earlier this month that Caicedo is 'one of the best defensive midfield players, if not the best defensive midfield player, in world football'.

Caicedo takes such praise with his trademark modesty, but insists there is still room for him to grow and improve in the seasons ahead.

'When people talk about me like this, it’s special,' he says. 'I try to take those words and show people on the pitch – that is what I like to do. I don’t talk about myself, so that situation is so good. I get those words and they motivate me even more.

'I think the sky is the limit for me, to be honest. Even if I make mistakes on the pitch, they make me stronger, because in life, in everything you do, you will make mistakes and learn from them.

'Every day in training or when I'm playing, I learn something and take that into the other games. So I am really happy with what I am doing and what I am going to do going forward.'

Caicedo's leadership qualities have come to the fore over the past two seasons. He first captained the Blues in a UEFA Conference League qualifier against Servette at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and has worn the armband several times since.

He is a player who leads by example, on and off the pitch, and he does not take his role within the Chelsea squad lightly.

'It means a lot [to captain the side],' he says. 'Thinking about the armband...I enjoyed that moment because it’s not easy to earn the armband. 'Being here was a dream for me; I always prayed for these moments. Now I am enjoying them because it’s so special for my family back in Ecuador and me. I am very proud of myself and so happy.'

Caicedo has lifted two pieces of silverware during his time at Stamford Bridge. He scored in the final of the UEFA Conference League to ensure the Blues defeated Real Betis and completed our trophy haul, before then adding the FIFA Club World Cup.

There have been personal accolades along the way, too. He won our 2024 Goal of the Season award for an outstanding halfway-line strike against Bournemouth and, 12 months later, claimed the 2025 Players' Player of the Season award in addition to being voted supporters' Player of the Season.

Caicedo's relationship with the Chelsea faithful is one he hugely values. It pushes him on before and during games and has helped him through challenging moments during his time at Stamford Bridge.

'Before the start of games, when my name is called and they clap and shout, it’s so special for me,' he explains. 'I love them because in every moment, even in the bad moments, they are with us.

'For sure, we want to give everything to them and show that appreciation on the pitch. I try to do that in every game and I promise I’m going to give everything along with my team-mates. For sure, we will give everything to bring a trophy [the FA Cup] this season and do even better next season.'

Training gallery: Final touches before Man United

 The Chelsea players trained at Cobham on Friday morning in the last session prior to this weekend’s huge Premier League fixture against Manchester United.

The Blues go into the game at Stamford Bridge knowing three points will keep us right in the hunt for a Champions League place, and the squad worked hard at our training base to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve a precious victory.

Trevoh Chalobah was among those on the grass, with Liam Rosenior saying in his pre-match media conference the defender was ‘very, very close’ to a return to action after injury.

Also pictured being put through his paces was Moises Caicedo, who, it was announced today, has signed a new contract with the club until 2033.

You can enjoy the best pictures from the session below, and make sure to stay tuned to the Chelsea Official App and website for all the coverage of our vital meeting with Manchester United…

Moises Caicedo signs new Chelsea contract!

 Chelsea is delighted to announce Moises Caicedo has signed a new contract with the club until 2033.

After joining the Blues in August 2023, Moises has established himself as a key figure in our men’s squad and one of the world’s standout midfield players.

He has made 140 appearances for the Blues and played key roles in our UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.

‘I am so happy to have extended my contract at Chelsea,’ Caicedo said. ‘I believe in this team, this club and I know we’re going in the right direction. We’ve only just begun together.

‘There is still a lot more to achieve, and I’m very hungry to keep improving every day. I want to win more trophies with Chelsea and give everything for this club and for the fans.

'We have enjoyed some great times together already and my dream is to become a Chelsea legend, and I will work as hard as possible to make that happen.’

Moi made his switch to Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Approaching the end of his third season as a Blue, he has cemented himself as a leader within our men’s squad and a consistent and impressive performer on the pitch.

He has netted eight goals across his 140 Chelsea appearances, one of which was voted our 2024 Goal of the Season.

Moi’s performances during the 2024/25 campaign helped us claim two trophies and he was named our Player of the Season by supporters and our Players’ Player of the Season.

This term, Moi has worn the captain’s armband on several occasions, most recently in last weekend's game against Manchester City.

We are delighted that Moi will be extending his stay with us and look forward to the next chapter in his Chelsea career.

Congratulations, Moi!

Valentin Barco and Emanuel Emegha play a part in Strasbourg’s win over Mainz

 Strasbourg’s remarkable 4–0 comeback victory over Mainz in the Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday night saw Chelsea-bound Valentin Barco and the returning Emanuel Emegha shine.

Strasbourg’s recent European heroics have served as an audition for Valentin Barco and Emanuel Emegha, two BlueCo prospects who appear increasingly ready for the bright lights of Chelsea.

Barco has been the breakout in France this season; moving away from his traditional defensive roots, he has reinvented himself as a creative midfielder.

Emegha, meanwhile, has endured a testing campaign defined more by the treatment table than the score, yet his brief, explosive cameos offered some promise for his move to Chelsea.

As both players prepare to swap the Meinau for Stamford Bridge this summer, it remains to be seen as to whether buying more of the younger generation will pay off.

Valentin Barco was the architect of the 4–0 turnaround, winning a crucial second-half penalty. Meanwhile, Emanuel Emegha, despite seeing his initial spot-kick saved, showed resilience to head home the fourth, completing a historic comeback that booked Strasbourg’s European semi-final spot.

French outlet Maxifoot have given a review of Strasbourg’s win over Mainz, hailing Barco for his display, while Emegha wasn’t given a rating.

Valentin Barco (8.5): The Argentine midfielder delivered a match of extraordinary character. Injured in the ankle in the second half, the playmaker continued on one leg to direct the game, provoke and win the penalty. Always able to break lines despite the pain, the Albiceleste set the tempo and set an example in self-sacrifice. A memorable, almost heroic performance, despite this yellow card that will make him miss the first leg against Rayo Vallecano.

Emegha (not rated), who missed his penalty before scoring the fourth goal to capsize the Meinau for good.

Emanuel Emegha had two shots on target, one big chance missed, one tackle, one clearance, won one duel and lost five, as well as just nine touches in 32 minutes.

On the other hand, Barco was a standout. The midfielder had four out of four successful dribbles, 83 touches (most in the match), 44 out of 57 accurate passes, four tackles, three blocks, three recoveries, one clearance, 13 duels won and five lost.

All stats via FotMob.

Julian Nagelsmann’s camp approach Chelsea

 A report from TeamTalk states that Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been approached by intermediaries and made aware of Nagelsmann’s situation.

As it stands, all of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are yet to follow up on that interest, and as things stand, it’s expected that all three clubs plan to stand by their respective managers.

His camp insists that Nagelsmann remains fully focused on leading Germany into the upcoming World Cup finals, but he would be open to the right project beyond that, with England viewed as most likely.

Ben Jacobs has already shared why the Chelsea owners haven’t considered Nagelsmann for a position at Stamford Bridge up until this point.

“And I know that when Nagelsmann was on the Chelsea shortlist, there were two issues why he didn’t advance.

“The first was that when they asked about his kind of conduct, and I appreciate there’s two sides to every story, so this is just Chelsea’s perspective, but when they asked about his conduct and how he managed the dressing room and what the players thought of him on a personal level, on a tactical level, on a managerial level, they didn’t get great references and they thought that he might be a risk in terms of fit.

“Then the second thing about Julian Nagelsmann and this is where Chelsea’s perspective is different from those close to Nagelsmann. So Chelsea argue that Nagelsmann said, ‘I don’t want to be part of a process. I don’t want anything thorough. I don’t want to wait. I don’t want to be interviewed five times. I just want you to either offer me the job or not because my CV, my talent speaks for itself.

“So Nagelsmann was not prepared to wait and entertain a competitive thorough process at least when Chelsea came calling.”

History: Chelsea was the first club ever to wear a Jersey number in Premier League football

The first use of numbered jerseys (or "shirt numbers") in English football occurred in the late 1920s, with Chelsea conducting the earliest documented trial in 1927 and both Chelsea and Arsenal debuting them in competitive Football League matches on the same day in 1928.**

This innovation addressed a practical problem: helping spectators, journalists, and officials identify players more easily amid growing crowds and faster play, especially when teams fielded lesser-known players. Prior to physical numbers on shirts, match programmes already listed players by position (typically 1–11 in the standard 2-3-5 formation), but this was of limited help during live matches.

### 1927: Chelsea's Pioneering Trial

The earliest recorded experiment with numbered jerseys in English football took place in 1927, when Chelsea trialled them in a match (likely a pre-season or trial game involving younger or lesser-known players). Chelsea manager David Calderhead explained the purpose to the *Dublin Evening Mail* (August 16, 1927): “We really did it to assist the spectators to follow some of the young and comparatively unknown players who took part in the trial yesterday.” He noted that the idea was appreciated by spectators but emphasized it was not intended for radio broadcasts.

Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman (often credited in popular accounts with driving the change) publicly supported the concept, stating it would aid strangers in the crowd. However, other managers were sceptical: Tottenham’s Billy Minter called it “unnecessary,” comparing players to “jockeys,” while West Ham’s Sydney King said it made footballers “look too much like horses and jockeys.” Chelsea were unsure about seeking formal FA approval at the time.

This 1927 trial predates any competitive league use and marks Chelsea as the first English club to test numbered jerseys in a match setting.

### August 25, 1928: The Competitive Debut (Arsenal and Chelsea)

The first use of numbered jerseys in English Football League matches came on the opening day of the 1928–29 season. Two London clubs independently introduced the innovation simultaneously:

- **Arsenal** (away at Sheffield Wednesday/The Wednesday): Players wore numbers 1–11, assigned by position in the classic 2-3-5 formation (1 = goalkeeper; 2/3 = full-backs; 4/5/6 = half-backs; 7–11 = forwards). Arsenal lost 3–2.

- **Chelsea** (home vs Swansea Town at Stamford Bridge): Outfield players wore numbers 2–11 (goalkeeper without a number, setting an early tradition). Chelsea won 4–0 in front of 35,000 spectators. Large black numbers on white squares made identification straightforward.

Contemporary media reacted positively. The *Daily Express* noted spectators could “give credit for each bit of good work to the correct individual,” while the *Daily Mirror* declared “NUMBERED JERSEYS A SUCCESS” and predicted the scheme had “come to stay,” crediting London clubs with providing the lead.

These were the first instances in European football (earlier uses existed elsewhere, e.g., New Zealand’s Nelson FC in 1911 and U.S. teams in 1924). Chelsea and Arsenal are jointly recognised as the first English clubs to wear numbers in competitive league play.

### 1930s: Experiments and Gradual Adoption

Numbered shirts remained experimental and optional for several years:

- **1933 FA Cup Final** (Everton vs Manchester City, April 29): The first major match where *both* teams wore numbers. Everton used 1–11; Manchester City used 12–22. This was a landmark for high-profile visibility.

- Everton then wore numbered shirts in a league match the following week (May 6, 1933, vs Wolverhampton Wanderers).

- Arsenal conducted another high-profile experiment on December 4, 1933, in a friendly against FC Vienna (essentially the full Austrian national side, which they won 4–2 at Highbury).

The Football League Management Committee rejected mandatory numbering proposals in 1933 and 1934.

### 1939: Mandatory Numbering

On June 5, 1939, the Football League ruled that all clubs must number players 1–11 (by position) for the 1939–40 season. The outbreak of World War II curtailed the season after just three rounds, but numbering became standard post-war (fully implemented in the 1946–47 season).

Numbers initially reflected the 2-3-5 (pyramid) or emerging W-M formation, with fixed positional meanings (e.g., No. 9 = centre-forward, No. 5 = centre-half). This system persisted for decades, though tactical shifts gradually loosened the link between number and position.

### Post-War to Modern Era (1940s–1990s)

- Shirt numbers became a permanent fixture, aiding referees, fans, and (later) television audiences.

- England’s national team first wore numbers officially in 1937 (vs Norway) and used them regularly thereafter, though club-level adoption preceded international use.

- In 1993, the FA introduced **permanent squad numbers** (abandoning strict 1–11 per match). The first high-profile instance was the 1993 League Cup Final—ironically, Arsenal vs Sheffield Wednesday again. Squad numbers (1–99, unique per player for the season) and players’ names on shirts became compulsory in the Premier League for 1993–94 and across the Football League by 1999–2000. This shift was driven by merchandising, TV, and global broadcasting.

### Legacy

What began as a simple spectator aid in Chelsea’s 1927 trial and the dual 1928 debuts revolutionised football identification worldwide. The 1–11 positional system left a cultural imprint (e.g., iconic No. 7 wingers, No. 9 strikers, No. 10 playmakers), even as modern squad numbers allow greater flexibility and personal branding.

No single club can claim sole “first” status in every context—Chelsea pioneered the trial, while Arsenal and Chelsea jointly launched competitive use—but their 1928 innovations are the clear origin point for numbered jerseys in English professional football. The change was pragmatic, widely praised, and enduring.

Alejandro Garnacho’s spell at Stamford Bridge could be coming to a premature end as Chelsea are reportedly open to sanctioning a sale this summer.

Alejandro Garnacho’s spell at Stamford Bridge could be coming to a premature end as Chelsea are reportedly open to sanctioning a sale this summer. Despite joining the Blues in a high-profile £40 million move from Manchester United only last September, the Argentine is seeing his future called into question, having yet to win over new head coach Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior is believed to have significant "reservations" about Garnacho’s role within his squad, according to The Sun. Since taking over the reins on January 6, Rosenior has afforded the 21-year-old only four Premier League starts, frequently preferring Pedro Neto on the left flank.

When questioned about the young winger's development last month, Rosenior struck a cautious tone, stating: "He’s got huge ability and potential. For any young player, the biggest thing to be challenged on is consistency. But he’s shown really good signs. Not just in training, but in meetings, that he’s on a really good track." Despite these public words of encouragement, The Sun states that the internal feeling suggests a summer exit is a distinct possibility.

The statistics reflect a difficult debut campaign for Garnacho in west London. He has started only 21 of Chelsea’s 51 games across all competitions this season, and has scored only eight times, with half of those strikes coming against lower-league opposition in cup ties.

Garnacho has managed just one solitary Premier League goal for Chelsea since his deadline-day move. This lack of top-flight productivity has made it difficult for the winger to justify his £40m price tag, especially as the club looks to streamline their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season. With Jamie Gittens currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Garnacho has failed to seize the opportunity to cement his place.

Source: Goal