Latest news with #JohnObiMikel
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Can never tell': Legend's warning as Tottenham kingpin decides Ange's fate
A Premier League and Champions League winner has urged Tottenham to stick with Ange Postecoglou as the Australian's future as Spurs manager hangs in the balance. Tottenham's Europa League triumph last month ended a 17-year trophy drought but it might not be enough to save Postecoglou's job after a dire Premier League campaign. Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is considering whether or not to sack Postecoglou, with a call set to me made in the coming days or weeks. Sky Sports in the UK reports that Postecoglou — who is on holiday in Europe — is expected to learn his fate in the coming days despite initial reports saying he'd have to wait until next week. Postecoglou remains at serious risk of losing his position due to a domestic campaign that saw Spurs finish 17th after suffering 22 defeats. Postecoglou has explained he chose to heavily prioritise the Europa League, which Spurs won over Manchester United to clinch the club's first trophy of any kind in 17 years. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel backed Postecoglou to stay on as Tottenham manager. 'I love big Ange. I think Ange is a really good manager,' Mikel told reporters this week when asked whether the 59-year-old should be sacked or not. 'To win the Europa League is a massive, massive achievement. Yes, it wasn't the season that the Spurs fans wanted to see, but to go on to win the Europa League for me I think is an incredible achievement. I hope he stays. '(Levy) was the man who got rid of Jose Mourinho a day or two days before the (League Cup) Final, so you can never tell with Daniel Levy. 'I hope he makes the right choice for the football club, but yes, I love big Ange, and I hope he stays.' Levy sacked Jose Mourinho in 2021 after 17 months in charge and just a week before he was due to lead Spurs in the League Cup final. Mikel, who won the 2012 UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, praised 'Angeball' but encouraged Postecoglou to slightly rein in his trademark attacking style of play. 'I just think sometimes there needs to be a balance to that,' Mikel said. 'You can't keep attacking and attacking and damage your balance. 'You need to sometimes shore up the game. Keep the balance of the team. 'I think, for me, that's my only criticism with Ange. He needs to sometimes shore up the game a little bit more. 'Sometimes, it doesn't have to be a basketball game, you know what I mean? Keep the balance of the team. 'I like his approach to the team with the players, and I hope, leading into next season, he creates some relationship between him and the fans, because it's important,' he said. 'You need a relationship between him and the fans. I don't think he's done that. 'I hope winning the Europa League will create some of that friendship, relationship between him and the fans.' PSG tipped to pick up FIFA silverware Mikel's old side Chelsea, along with Manchester City, are the two English sides who will take part in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off next weekend. Chelsea this week signed Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap on a six-year deal in a transfer worth around A$62 million. Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami, while Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain, Inter Milan and Harry Kane's Bayern Munich loom as the major contenders to take out the tournament. A staggering $1 billion (A$1.5 billion) pot of prize money is up for grabs at the Club World Cup, with the winner to take home up to $125 million (A$192 million). If his beloved Chelsea don't go all the way, Mikel is tipping PSG as the favourites to win the FIFA tournament, which is acting as a practice run for next year's FIFA World Cup in the USA. 'They totally deserve to be the Champions League winners this season,' Mikel said of PSG. 'Going into this Club World Cup, I think, yes, they are one of the favourites. 'For PSG, I'm sure they're going to come in with so much confidence, so much belief that they already won the Champions League. They are the team to beat. 'I'm sure they're going to come in with so much confidence, so much belief now they've already won the Champions League. They are the team to beat.' How to watch the FIFA Club World Cup Every game of the FIFA Club World Cup is available to stream on Kayo Sports. The tournament kicks off on June 14 when Inter Miami takes on Egyptian club Al Ahly in Florida. Which teams are playing in the FIFA Club World Cup? Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Porugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA) Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atletico Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA) Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Benfica (Portugal), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Auckland City (New Zealand) Group D: Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Los Angeles FC (USA) Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Man United and Chelsea are dealt huge transfer blow as Victor Osimhen is approached by Saudi giants
Al-Hilal have made a contract offer to in-demand striker Victor Osimhen. The forward, lit up the Super Lig at Galatasaray last season, scoring 25 goals and providing five assists in 29 games for the Turkish giants. Osimhen, who has previously been discussed by Manchester United and Chelsea, is currently on loan from Napoli and is set to return to the Italian club this summer, where his contract expires in 2026. The 26-year-old scored 31 goals in all competitions as he fired Napoli to a first Serie A title in 33 years in the 2022-23 season, and has since been rated as one of Europe's elite frontmen. However, he was forced to desperately search for a new club in last summer's transfer window after Napoli boss Antonio Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and left Osimhen out of his squad. Despite reports of a potential move to Chelsea and a host of Saudi sides, no move permanent move materialised. Chelsea were in a transfer saga with the Nigerian last summer but could not agree on a deal Last summer, Chelsea legends John Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba reached out to the forward to try and talk him into a Stamford Bridge switch. 'I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I'll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority,' said Mikel. 'But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea. I'm sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature it would be fantastic for the club. 'Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club. If it happens, it happens. It's a huge transfer fee, but if we can match it and get him to the club that would be absolutely fantastic.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners release SEVENTEEN players, ‘open talks' with Sane, Sesko bid imminent
Arteta to walk? John Obi Mikel has claimed that Mikel Arteta could leave Arsenal if he has another trophyless season. Is [Arteta] the guy to take them to the next level? I think he has built a really, really good team there. They're solid, they're playing well, the defence is good, the midfield is good. I think he has built a solid team, but is he the guy to take them to the next level? The next level is winning the Premier League and winning the Champions League – sometimes I do think a fresh voice is needed. Now he has been there for five or six years, I give him one more year. Give him next season, [but] if he doesn't do it, I think for his sake it is better to just walk. Then he is not the guy to be able to do it. Get someone new, get someone fresh. John Obi MikeltalkSPORT
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Chelsea pair were ‘Mr. and Mrs' and ‘drove each other mad' in rows over moisturising cream but arguments HELPED squad
CHELSEA need brotherhood, shower gel and plenty of moisturising cream to get back to the summit of football. Legendary Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel believes dressing room chemistry is the key to success on the pitch. And he can see it brewing in the current squad. 4 4 4 He was part of the all-conquering Chelsea team which landed title after title, cup after cup during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge. But small details are behind big wins and Mikel revealed how his bizarre relationship with Salomon Kalou epitomised the strong bonds between the players of the time. Together they won the Champions League, Premier League and four FA Cups when team spirit was the fear factor which often made the difference in key games. Mikel, 38, said: 'It is very important, the friendship between your teammates in the squad, because It brings you guys together. 'The chemistry is there, not just the chemistry on the pitch, the chemistry outside the pitch because you already know your partner, your team-mates. 'You know what they like and what they don't like. How to approach them in terms of when they're not performing, 'How do you get them to wake up? Do you go to them? Do you scream at them, or is it like a quiet word you need to have and get them to keep going? 'So that relationship is very important. And of course, Salomon Kalou, what can I say about the guy? Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge 'Listen, we were Mr and Mrs at the football club, we were called Tom and Jerry. 'He drives me mad, a guy I absolutely love. I can never say a bad word about Salomon Kalou. Here is why Liam Delap is the perfect striker for Chelsea 'He never bought his own shower gel, his own cream, he always went to my locker and nicked mine. 'I'd finish having a shower and I go to my locker trying to get my cream, it's not there. Salomon Kalou's nicked it. 'Sometimes it's fine to use it, but please, return it to my locker. He didn't. 'And when I go to him and ask where's my cream? He says, 'buy another one'. I'm like, 'what? Why don't you buy yourself your own cream?' 'He just drove me mad. But then on the pitch, when you're that honest and open with each other, on the pitch, you know each other so well, right and it helps so much. 'I'd love to see the players create that friendship, that chemistry between each other. Looking at this team squad, They're young but I can see a little bit that they have that. Chelsea's legendary parties 'I need to see a bit more. It's so important to create that atmosphere.' Where Mikel won, lost and partied alongside superstars like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, modern day Chelsea is about building reputations through ambitious young players like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and soon-to-arrive Liam Delap. Mikel said: 'We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves. 'That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together. 'They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.' New Chelsea have started the process by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League. Club World Cup opportunities But the post-match party was tame by previous standards, mainly because a lot of the players are now on international duty before travelling to next week's Club World Cup. The month-long tournament in the US Club World Cup railroads through the traditional summer. Mikel said: 'It's silverware to be won and we want to go out and compete to win it. 'We have to talk about the prize money as well. Almost £100million. That puts you in a great advantage in terms of in the summer, transfer window, bringing in players, strengthening your squad. There's a lot there for these players to think about. 'I know we players talk about having a rest, which we should. But we actually don't rest when we go on holidays. 'We fly back to our different continents where we're from, countries where we're from. 'And then we go back after a week or a few days, playing locally with the local teams where we grew up from, kicking the ball about, playing five-a-side, ten-a-side games. 'You don't want to rest for two, three weeks without doing anything. When you come back for pre-season, it takes you even longer to get in shape. 'During the summer, you're looking at yourself thinking, I need to get back into it. You start running, you start playing football and make sure you come back, so that it doesn't take you a long time to get back into shape. We all did that. I get it, I understand. 'The Club World Cup, for the teams involved, it's a great opportunity, a great way for those teams to keep their players fit, keep them ticking over, knowing that when the season starts, they are almost half there.'
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon
MIKE DROP Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHELSEA'S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week. But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles. 4 Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaoke 4 Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumph Mikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League. He told SunSport: 'We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves. 'That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together. 'They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.' Most of Enzo Maresca's squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month. A singalong is not Mikel's idea of fun to toast victory. He said: 'Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn't have been that. It would have gone full on.' New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems. **** LIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side and here's why… When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands - but anyone who had watched Manchester City's EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca. Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so. From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left. Nicolas Jackson has - all things considered - been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box. Delap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace - which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle. 4 However, it's likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca's style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market. Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too. It wasn't always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap's movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease. We've seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult. When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season. **** IT'S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th. The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris. The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist. They join Chelsea's group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca's men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24. Chelsea fans wonder 'What if?' Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, "What if?" When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues' head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job. Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead. Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who "made several demands" during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place. Fast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build - an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best. In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia. Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite. The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals. It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons. 4 Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined Chelsea **** SECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season. A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge. The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent. The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a "premier membership" which can be purchased for priority access to tickets. In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least. Fans online reacted, and weren't happy at all, with one fan claiming, 'Premium membership LOL like I'm not ripped off enough as it is.' While another fumed: 'A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don't.' **** JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph. The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits. Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham's Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel. But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again. **** JT was back at a Chelsea European final - and again not on the pitch! The club's legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands. Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 - only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for covering the game for Europe's governing body. Surely that's more than a coincidence?
