Latest Athletic update means CWCW now playoff to see who starts and who gets sold in problem position
Latest Athletic update means CWCW now playoff to see who starts and who gets sold in problem position
The big news of today is that Chelsea's attempted deal to sign Mike Maignan has collapsed.
The Blues wanted to pay no more than €15m, AC Milan wanted €20m. So for the sake of 24% of one Omari Kellyman, the sporting directors are willing to let a potentially game changing upgrade walk away.
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But we're not here to gripe about why we think that's a bad decision we're here to think about what's next.
Chelsea back to same issue of 4 goalkeepers without one outstanding
Filip Jorgensen trains with the goalkeepers in the USA.
The briefs that have come out on all sides in the hour since that news broke have made it very clear that Chelsea are happy with the goalkeeper options they already have on the books (this was the same garbage we were fed before they made a very clear attempt to upgrade on those options).
Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic are all now going to compete to be next season's number one, and the Club World Cup will obviously play a huge role in that.
Enzo Maresca faced with interesting goalkeeper dilemma
So how will Enzo Maresca run that competition? Sanchez has the obvious lead, as he was last season's number one. Does he start all the games and get dropped only when he makes a mistake? Or will he and Petrovic switch back and forth with a couple of games each?
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Jorgensen is a clear third choice as it stands, so we're not worried about him getting first team reps yet. The obvious move is to loan him out and keep the other two, although Simon Johnson's report for the Athletic says that one of them will be sold. That creates a whole new angle on things.
Is this now becoming a playoff not only to see who starts, but who is sold too? This CWC just gets more and more interesting.
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New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Omari Hutchinson and England lay down a marker
England won the last edition of the Under-21 European Championship with players who have become Premier League stars. The class of 2023 included Cole Palmer, still at Manchester City before his move to Chelsea, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon, who had impressive first seasons at Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. Advertisement The make up of this year's squad in Slovakia is slightly different, but the aim similar: to win and display why they are highly rated. They opened the group with relative ease, beating Czech Republic 3-1, but it was not a victory dominated by the goalscorers. Newcastle's Tino Livramento won player of the match from left-back, and was run closely by Ipswich Town's Omari Hutchinson, who could benefit from having a strong tournament. His now-former club team-mate Liam Delap has completed a move from Ipswich to Chelsea. Delap was part of Lee Carsley's preliminary squad for this tournament, but signing for Chelsea saw the Club World Cup take priority. Hutchinson insists this tournament is his 'main focus' rather than thinking about what could be on the cards for next season but performances like this will have been noted by clubs wanting a winger who can play inside. The 21-year-old, who signed for Ipswich from Chelsea last summer for an initial £20million after playing a starring role in their promotion from the Championship while on loan, played as one of two No 10s in a 4-2-2-2 and dovetailed effortlessly with Livramento to create down England's left flank. Early in the game it was Hutchinson finding a central pocket that allowed the full-back to burst forward and cause problems, whereas Livramento, another former Chelsea youngster, did well to find Hutchinson in dangerous areas. This came together later in the first half. Hutchinson received the ball on halfway, turned and drove through the centre of the pitch. He then laid the ball to Livramento whose cross found scorer Harvey Elliott at the back post, via James McAtee. It was a moment that showed the importance this tournament can have in allowing players to be expressive in areas they can be most effective. 'I try not to be too restrictive in the positions that players play,' Carsley said in his post-match press conference. 'It's more about the attributes and areas of the pitch we can get them into. I've seen Omari so many times at Ipswich get in that pocket, turn and drive with the ball. If he can do that more often for us and be even more selfish when he's driving, he'll never get any complaints from me. The more players we've got that can play for England, the better chances we've got. Advertisement 'There's definitely a tendency, and I've done it in the past, to over-coach because of the amount of time you get with the players. If you give someone too much information, they forget it. So it's just two or three points per player on the areas of the pitch we can cause the opposition a problem.' Pushed on whether he feels he can be more selfish, Hutchinson said: 'I guess so. When I look back at the video, I'll see what I can work on. I'm just trying to improve and impact the game more. If he's telling me to dribble more, then I'll try to dribble more.' McAtee and Elliott combining directly for the goal signified a slightly different element of the platform this tournament can give players. Elliott is one of two players, alongside Charlie Cresswell, who was in the 2023 squad and he admitted last week that he doesn't want to be 'wasting years' of his career by not playing regular first team football at Premier League champions Liverpool. Cresswell, fresh from his first season in France with Toulouse completed the scoring after Jonathan Rowe, of Marseille, had made it 2-0. McAtee opted to join this squad as captain rather than play in the Club World Cup for Manchester City. The 22-year-old said that he hopes that the decision could help 'kick-start' his career in a way the 2023 tournament did for Palmer, who had been his team-mate since the under-11s at City. Palmer started that tournament on the bench, but scored one and assisted two in the semi-finals against Isreal. In the final three days later, it was his free-kick that deflected in off Curtis Jones to win England the tournament. He soon backed that up with goals in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup before joining Chelsea for an initial £40million and hasn't looked back since. With 13 of the 23 players in the squad aged 22, they are reaching the stage of their careers where the next step could be the most crucial. Advertisement That can be seen across the tournament too, with Germany's 23-year-old Nick Woltemade for example. The 6ft 6in striker was one of the anticipated players to watch after scoring 17 goals for Stuttgart last season. He underlined that by scoring a hat-trick in Germany's 3-0 win over Slovenia in England's group. That age and experience across the squad should bode well for England though. This opening match was played in front of 8,087 spectators that was a made up of at least 95 per cent Czech Republic supporters. Despite this, Carsley liked how his players 'controlled the crowd and expressed themselves.' With Slovenia to come before Germany, that should provide Hutchinson and England with another opportunity to show what they can do.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Kaylyn Kyle Excited To Return To Manchester For Soccer Aid For UNICEF
Kaylyn Kyle will this weekend play in the Soccer Aid match for UNICEF for the third time, returning to an Old Trafford ground which holds so many special memories for her. The annual match which raises funds for UNICEF, the United Nations agency which provides aid to children worldwide, was first played in 2006. Contested between teams representing hosts England and a World XI, comprised of legendary former players and celebrities. The showpiece occasion has previously featured such luminaries as Diego Maradona, Usain Bolt and Robbie Williams. Kyle, who won 101 international caps for Canada, is returning to play for the third year in succession. Speaking to me exclusively from the United States where she has carved out a successful broadcasting career presenting MLS 360 on Apple TV, I asked Kyle what it was like playing in a match alongside a collection of strangers. 'I think the first year, I didn't really know what to expect, being completely honest. It's like going to school for the first time - 'oh God, am I going to have any friends? Are people going to like me?' It was such a weird, little kid feeling, but then it brings you back to why you feel in love with the game.' 'As a little kid you always dreamed of playing on the biggest stage with the biggest players on the biggest moments. I feel that's what Soccer Aid is. It's a lot of different people, different cultures, different backgrounds, that come together for an amazing cause with UNICEF. It's ultimately to raise money for countries that are in need, especially children." Kyle's first appearance in the charity match was at Old Trafford in 2023, a 4-2 victory for the World XI before England won the 2024 edition, played at Stamford Bridge. 'I don't know why they keep on bringing me back," Kyle told me. "I guess I'm just good vibes! When you get the email, it's like being selected for a World Cup team, where you get the text message from the Soccer Aid staff. I'm absolutely delighted to go back and to Manchester as well, because that's where it first started for me.' Playing at Soccer Aid was not Kyle's first experience of playing at the so-called 'Theatre of Dreams'. During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the midfielder was part of the Canada team who heartbreakingly lost in the semi-final of the Women's Football Tournament, 4-3 in overtime against the United States. 'They ultimately knocked us out of that Gold Medal game," Kyle recalls, "but we ended up collecting a Bronze. I have so many special memories at this stadium and so many special memories in England. It's a really special crowd, and atmosphere. The city is electric.' Kyle's final international appearance came three years later in the FIFA Women's World Cup hosted by Canada in 2015. The host nation's tournament was ended by England at the quarter-final stage in front of a record crowd at BC Place in Vancouver. Having previously come up against four members of that Lionesses squad at Soccer Aid - Karen Carney, Jill Scott, Eni Aluko and Ellen White - the organisers have this year drafted in two more - Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan. Kyle told me she is relishing the opportunity for revenge. 'Everyone always talks about how special a home World Cup is, and they made it not special for me. So yeah, there's vengeance on my mind obviously! We lost last year, the World XI, so we're got going to lose this year. I like winning, I like going to get your trophy and getting your medal put around your neck in front of all the fans as well.' 'I have the utmost respect for both of those women, and just what the Lionesses have done. They were the forerunners of changing the mindset of women's football, especially in England. You go to the stadiums and they're packed, they are sold out. They are one of the top teams in the world because they play a beautiful brand of football. They won't be playing a beautiful brand of football come June 15 because the World XI is going to take it to them - can't wait!' Kyle was always renowned for sporting a pink headband during her playing career which she revealed to me was nothing more than a strip of pre-wrap tape. 'I'm so weird, I was a very superstitious person when I played. I always dressed left to right, I had a lucky sports bra, I had lucky sliders. I know that sounds disgusting to all those people out there - they did get washed inbetween matches!' 'The pink headband actually came about because I'd wear headbands and they'd fly off. My trainer was taping my ankle, she knew my favorite color was pink, and I was like, 'oh, I'm going to try some of that in my hair' and then I had one of the best games of my life." 'So I've always rocked the pink, pre-wrap headband, super-simple, and if you lost it, you just ripped out another one mid-match. So it was just an easy, non-expensive way to look cool. I didn't wear one at Soccer Aid because we had a hair-dresser that did my hair really cool and I didn't want to wreck my vibes. Maybe I'll wear one this year, I'm not sure, we'll see if they have pink pre-wrap for me there.' During her playing career, Kyle took it upon herself to give something back, becoming an ambassador for 'Right to Play', the international non-profit organisation based in Toronto. In her role, she visited Liberia and was struck by the experience. 'I went into Africa a few times and the one thing that always stuck with me is they are always so happy, so excited to welcome you into their community, and they have nothing.' 'I was very privileged in the way, growing up, I never didn't have soccer cleats, I was never unable to pay for my soccer registration fees. We were not rich, by any means, but they always provided us with an opportunity. I think it is so important, that not only athletes, but people who are in high positions of power - whether it's television or CEOs - that they do give back.' Now a mother of two, Kyle fully appreciates the difference the work that UNICEF undertakes makes to children around the world. 'Since joining Soccer Aid for UNICEF, it made me realize just how much work goes on behind the scenes to put on these big productions in order to raise money - $15 million we raised in 2024. $15 million goes a very long way in these communities that have nothing.' 'With UNICEF, they have people on ground, I think that's so important. You can raise money and send it and be like, do what you want with it. Speaking to the UNICEF people for the last two years after being at Soccer Aid, everyone sticks all ten fingers in, all ten toes in. Yes, they want to get them the right healthcare, food, water, clothing, but they also want the kids to realize there is opportunity and if you work hard and do the right things, they can really help out.' 'Talking to a lot of people who have been out there on the ground, like (singer, songwriter) Tom Grennan, he said the same exact things that I've just said about 'Right to Play'. I would feel weird if I wasn't involved in it. I feel like it's changed me as a person, I feel like it makes me a better human being. To be able to give back, I think it's just the best feeling in the world.' Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 1800 BST/2100 EST) on Sunday June 15. This year, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million. Donations can be made ahead of the match at
New York Times
4 hours ago
- New York Times
Why did Liverpool's development teams struggle last season – and does it matter?
Liverpool's first-team took the Premier League by storm under Arne Slot last season, but for the club's development sides it was a different story. The under-21s finished 16th out of 26 in Premier League 2 and lost to Manchester City in the first knock-out round of the play-offs. The under-18s, meanwhile, endured a torrid campaign, finishing 11th out of 13 with just five wins all season and looked like a team drained of confidence since the turn of the year. Both will have new head coaches next season after internal changes. Advertisement By common consent, the current crop of under-18s are not as strong as in previous years and players such as Rio Ngumoha, who started with the group having joined from Chelsea last summer, have been pushed up to the higher age bracket for most of the campaign. Even his return on the final game of the season couldn't spark an uplift, though, as the team lost 3-0 to local rivals Everton in a game that summed up the miserable campaign. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, the under-18s coach, has left after 10 years at the club and five years in the role, with Liverpool expected to make an external appointment for his replacement. Bridge-Wilkinson returned to his previous club, Huddersfield, this week as an assistant first team coach. It was a disappointing end to his tenure. Asked by The Athletic last month whether the league table was an accurate reflection of the season, he said: 'It probably is because we haven't won enough games. We know improvements have been made and a lot of hard work is going into it but we don't always get to see that on a Saturday. 'There's been improvement within the individuals but we haven't been able to get that into the team setting enough on a matchday. It's been tough, although we've shown as a club and an academy what we can do with players to get them close to their potential.' Under-21 head coach Barry Lewtas is also leaving after 12 years at the club and five in his current role. 'Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now,' he told Lewtas hopes to become a head coach at senior level. For Liverpool it is a time to reflect on years of good work and refresh the setup for the future. Results and league positions are not the most important factor to consider when analysing youth football, especially as this was still another season of relative success for the academy with 14 graduates used in first-team games across all competitions and many more sent on loan to gain valuable experience. Advertisement The main objective for staff working at the club's Kirkby base is to prepare players for either a crack at representing the club at senior level in the future, or to succeed elsewhere. If those who do not make it are moved on for sizeable transfer fees, that also represents good business, and with Liverpool's list of talent they are well-positioned to achieve both. Take Trey Nyoni, for example. The 17-year-old is eligible to feature for both the under-21s and under-18s but is recognised as a first-team player as he trains with the seniors and has made five appearances for Slot's team this season across the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He has only played in development games when the schedule allows. Although Tyler Morton, 22, (six appearances) and James McConnell, 20, (four appearances) have not featured as often as either would have hoped, both are set up nicely for the future whether that be at Anfield or beyond. Jarell Quansah's rise is another success story for the academy and helps provide evidence that a pathway is there for the most talented players. Yet there is still a degree of expectation for the club that has just won its 20th English league title to flex their muscles in the older age groups through results on the pitch. Manchester City's under-18s earned 46 more points than Liverpool to finish top of the league with Manchester United and Everton below in second and third. City's under-21s, who also finished top of the pile, recorded 20 points more than Liverpool to further underline their dominance. Aston Villa won the FA Youth Cup, beating City in the final. Liverpool were beaten 4-1 by Preston North End in the third round. City remain strong recruiters at academy level and are often the first choice for players and families who have multiple options to consider, so their success is no surprise. Like Liverpool, City also allowed a number of their most progressive young players to depart on loan while keeping a select group around to use across first-team games and training. Advertisement The difference, however, was in the sheer volume of players who left on a temporary basis. Liverpool sanctioned deals for 13 players to move on loan and that affected the way the under-21 team operated thereafter. In many of the games the team needed a ruthless finisher up front to put away chances. Jayden Danns, 19, who agreed on a loan move to Sunderland but wasn't able to feature due to injury, would have made a huge difference if he had been available, as would Lewis Koumas, 19, who spent the season on loan at Stoke City. Yet both players were at an advanced stage and had outgrown development football. Liverpool place a priority on sending players out to play men's football when the right opportunities arrive and have plans to bulk up the staffing levels around that department following Matt Newberry's promotion from director or loans and pathways to director of global talent. Newberry still oversees the progression of players on loan but will be assisted with more support moving forward. Like the previously successful loan spells of Harvey Elliott (Blackburn Rovers), Conor Bradley (Bolton Wanderers) and Quansah (Bristol Rovers), a number of players have succeeded away from the club this season. Ben Doak was performing well at Middlesbrough before his injury, as was Owen Beck at Blackburn. Calum Scanlon showed signs of promise at Millwall, Stefan Bajcetic built up his durability at Las Palmas and Luca Stephenson featured heavily for Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. Other players who have spent periods on loan this season include Fabian Mrozek, Luke Chambers, Kaide Gordon and Calvin Ramsay. For most of those players, the experience will benefit the club in the future. Had Liverpool kept some of them around, the development league tables might have looked rather different. But while results need to improve next campaign, nobody at the club is losing sight of the bigger picture.
