'Chelsea FC are back': Enzo Maresca says winning Conference League sends a statement to Blues' rivals
Chelsea are competing in European football's third-tier competition for the first time in their history and bidding to become the first club to have won all three major European competitions — having previously won the Champions League and Europa League — as well as the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
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Daily Mirror
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Where the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is on TV for free in the UK
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this week, with Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Miami among the teams competing Some of the world's best football teams are heading to the USA this week for the start of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Touted as FIFA's new 'prime club competition', the Club World Cup is the brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and has undergone a huge revamp for this year's edition. The competition now features a new format and has been expanded to 32 of the world's best clubs from the six continental confederations. Each team will play across 63 live games over the next month, with every game broadcast for free on DAZN. Manchester City and Chelsea representing the Premier League alongside top European sides including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich. But unlike the UEFA Champions League, these teams will compete against many more from around the globe, with the likes of Inter Miami, Al-Hilal, Boca Juniors and Auckland City all taking part. The 32 teams have been split into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group progressing into the knock-out stages. This means fans could see football's best players face off, with Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe among those set to feature. The winners stand to win up to £97m ($125m) from the total £774m ($1bn) prize pot, which will be shared between all 32 clubs. The Club World Cup is being held in 12 stadiums across the USA, including New Jersey's MetLife Stadium and Los Angeles' iconic Rose Bowl Stadium. Watch the Club World Cup free on DAZN £0 DAZN Get DAZN here Product Description This means there will be a time difference for those tuning in from the UK, with some games due to kick off in the early hours. Here, we've explained how to watch every game for free and exactly when the action starts. How to watch the Club World Cup for free Every game in the Club World Cup will be broadcast on DAZN, with fans able to stream the action if they register with DAZN Freemium. There's also the option to upgrade to DAZN's ad-free subscription tier from £14.99, which delivers the action with HDR picture quality and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. DAZN can be watched anywhere using the DAZN App on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and any device with a web browser. Channel 5 will also broadcast select fixtures throughout the competition, with 23 games available to watch on both DAZN and 5. When does the Club World Cup start? The first game of the Club World Cup is scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time on Sunday, January 15, between Egyptian side Al Ahly and the MLS' Inter Miami at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. For Premier League fans, here are Chelsea and Man City's group stage fixtures: Chelsea Chelsea vs LAFC – June 16, 8pm KO Flamengo vs Chelsea – June 20, 7pm KO Espérance de Tunis vs Chelsea – June 25, 2am KO Manchester City Man City vs Wydad AC – June 18, 5pm KO Man City vs Al Ain – June 23, 2am KO Juventus vs Man City – June 26, 8pm KO The Club World Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 8pm on July 13. Fans can register with DAZN here to watch every game live and for free.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Phone call could see Arsenal lose out on Zubimendi deal as Ian Wright makes plea
Arsenal have been chasing Martin Zubimendi but Real Madrid are looking to swoop in and steal a march as Ian Wright urges the Gunners to consider a move for Ademola Lookman Arsenal are yet to make a signing this summer but there is plenty bubbling away at the Emirates with several new faces on their radar. A new striker is a priority for Mikel Arteta and co as they look to end their Premier League wait. Benjamin Sesko is their prime target as they look to land a No 9 who can be a regular supply of goals. Just behind him and Martin Zubimendi is also on their radar having been a long-term target. It was previously reported that an agreement was close, but that could no longer the case. A cut-price deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Chelsea star who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, is also in the pipeline. The Spaniard could be available for just £5million. Arteta has also seen several players leave this summer, the likes of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, which means a lot of experience has left the building. Thomas Partey's deal expires in June but talks are ongoing regarding an extension. Here's the latest news coming out of north London. Zubimendi phone call could curtail transfer Arsenal are sweating on a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi after Real Madrid stepped up their interest in the Spain international, according to reports. Zubimendi has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates and it was thought a deal was practically agreed ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Marca, a deal for Zubimendi has become more complicated after Madrid joined the chase for the player, with "real interest" from Xabi Alonso's side as they bid to replace the outgoing Luka Modric. Zubimendi will now be eager to sort out his future, which remains up in the air despite appearing destined for Arsenal. The report from Marca claims he received a phone call from Madrid that has "changed everything". Wright's transfer wish Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer, stating that the Nigerian has 'unfinished business' in the Premier League. Now 27, he has spent the past three seasons with Serie A overachievers Atalanta, where his performances have caught the eye - not least his stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final 12 months ago. Gunners legend Wright named Lookman as a player he would like to see at the Emirates Stadium next season. The former striker was asked about some of his favourite moments of the season on his Wrighty's House podcast earlier this month. He said: 'I'm going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man's journey. 'I remember him from Charlton, it didn't work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this. Then I think that's one of the most devastating performances I've seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored. I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, 'Listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league'." Lineker surprised by Delap stance Gary Lineker has expressed his surprise that Arsenal overlooked Liam Delap in their quest for a new striker. The 22-year-old forward recently joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town. The Gunners have identified signing a new number nine as a priority in the summer transfer window but opted against going after Delap - instead identifying the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Sesko. "Delap to Chelsea, interesting one," Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. "I thought maybe Arsenal would go for him. Perhaps they did, I don't know, but Chelsea have got their man. "We'd said, didn't we, many times that Chelsea needed backup for [Nicolas] Jackson up top or an alternative. I think he's a young, exciting centre forward. I saw someone, I can't remember who it was, said they saw a bit of a young Alan Shearer in him."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Unai Emery dealt fresh blow as another star hints at Aston Villa transfer exit
Missing out on the Champions League for next season is set to cost Aston Villa heavily next season, with boss Unai Emery seeing several of his players admit their futures are uncertain Youri Tielemans has admitted that his future at Aston Villa is uncertain, despite sweeping the club's awards. Tielemans joined Villa in the summer of 2023 after scoring the winner for Leicester City in that year's FA Cup final. Having taken some time to adjust to Villa's style of play, the Belgian became a key player for Unai Emery. He featured in 53 games in all competitions, scoring five goals and notching 10 assists in the process. Tielemans started every match in Villa's run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The campaign ended in a tide of disappointment though, with Villa qualifying for the Europa League, rather than the premier continental competition. That has led to fresh concerns over Villa's compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. That means that sales could well be needed this summer to ensure Emery's men avoid receiving a points deduction. Star keeper Emi Martinez already appears to be on his way out. And Tielemans has admitted his future is also far from certain, despite having two more years to run on his contract at Villa Park. 'There's nothing definitive or ruled out about whether I'll stay or leave. But I feel good at Aston Villa; I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the manager,' he said while on international duty with Belgium. 'Of course, I was able to score five goals and provide 10 assists this season. But I was also influential in my team's play. I've been consistent and I think I've improved throughout the season." 'We're used to playing a lot of matches, recovering between games. So, I didn't feel tired in Skopje. It must be said that I spent 60 minutes on the bench [laughs]. But now I'm ready to play and represent the country this Monday." Tielemans was crowned both Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season at Villa's awards night following his impressive season. He admitted to being left 'frustrated' at the end of the season after missing out on the top five. He said: "Frustrating to end the season this way. Thank you for your support throughout the whole campaign, Home and Away you've been amazing." If Tielemans did depart, it would be another blow for Emery amid Martinez's expected exit. After the season concluded, the Villa boss admitted that major changes could be coming in the Second City this summer. "We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field. Of course, then we will see about everything, how we are going to try to get better for the next season," he said after the final day defeat to Manchester United. 'Frustrated today, but we are in the Europa League, we are in Europe. To be in Europe is important and being in three years in a row I think is something we are showing our consistency.'
