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Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Chelsea era has trophy springboard as Cole Palmer turns up with magic in Conference League final
Okay, so this was not exactly Munich or Porto. It was not even Amsterdam or Baku. But May 28 and Wroclaw will go down as an important date and place in the story of this new Chelsea, remembered for the first silverware of the post-Roman Abramovich era and the first, too, for Enzo Maresca and his young team. If Chelsea's goalscorers on those nights were their great heroes then here it was their provider and talisman. With Real Betis holding a deserved 1-0 lead, Cole Palmer conjured two wonderful assists in the space of five minutes, for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson, to flip the final on its head. Betis were broken and the late goals flowed, from Jadon Sancho off the bench and Moises Caicedo through midfield. A 4-1 scoreline was harsh on the Spaniards, playing in their first ever European final, but fitting of the way Chelsea have dominated this competition from day one. Sure, it is only the Conference League, but Chelsea are now the first club to win four major European trophies. The claim to have 'won it all' rings true once more. The hope is that this will be a gateway triumph, one that starts the slide back towards a habit that had been involuntarily kicked and the winning addiction that was this club's hallmark for two decades. Who knows, with a Club World Cup to come in a fortnight's time, the winning might not be done just yet. From long-range, this fixture had looked less like a final with two possible outcomes and more like a jubilee, a celebration pre-destined to happen so long as the monarch stayed upright on the throne. Chelsea felt in possession of the trophy long before Reece James held it aloft. The reality on the night, though, was quite different. In the first-half, Maresca's men turned up but did little more, stunned by a Betis side whose desire and desperation bridged the gaps in European pedigree and financial might between the sides. Chelsea had waltzed to this showpiece, scoring 41 goals in 14 matches since qualifying, sharing the load between 36 different players and never once looking in danger of going out. The most arduous part of the journey had been 17,500 miles of travel, including a winter excursion to Kazakhstan. Here, they were too slow to recognise the uptick. This was not FC Noah or Shamrock Rovers, both hammered in the group stage, nor the 11th best team in Sweden, Djurgarden, who had put up no resistance whatsoever in the last-four. This was a Betis side who have just finished sixth in LaLiga, managed by a Premier League-winning coach in Manuel Pellegrini and furnished with players of experience and class. The opening goal was scored by a forward once of Barcelona and made brilliantly by a playmaker who won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid. Abde Ezzalzouli's finish was smart, but Isco's reverse pass sublime. Maresca knew all about the 33-year-old's talent, having played with the then emerging young Spaniard at Malaga. His players really should have, as well. There were lessons for the manager, too, though, chiefly that European finals are no time to be worrying about workload management. The Italian got his biggest selection call wrong, leaving James out of the side and watching his deputy, Malo Gusto, torn apart. At fault for the opening goal, the Frenchman was terrorised by Ezzalzouli and dragged at half-time. He was fortunate to make it that far. But then credit Maresca, too, for his substitutions. James and Levi Colwill brought presence and calm, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall created the clincher for Sancho, the latter's fine finish a potential farewell. Palmer, though, was the difference. His cross onto the head of Fernandez from an unpromising angle for the equaliser was perfect. His turn and delivery for Jackson was so good that it resulted in a goal even with the striker fluffing his headed finish and scoring off his chest. He tried, but quite literally couldn't miss. It has not been an easy second half of the season for Palmer, whose numbers through the autumn always looked unsustainable but have dropped off more than anyone could have predicted. On the big occasion, though, the 23-year-old turned up, as, eventually, did Chelsea at large. That is a good habit to get into - and so, too, is lifting cups.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Chelsea: Enzo Maresca explains why Reece James did not start in Conference League final win over Real Betis
Enzo Maresca insisted he wishes he could start Reece James every match, but will not do so due to concerns over the Chelsea captain's injury record. James has missed large chunks of recent seasons, with hamstring issues a particularly problem, and he was on the sidelines for almost the entirety of the first half of this campaign. He has largely been available since then but Maresca has remained wary of James' workload and he opted to start the right-back on the bench in the Conference League final against Real Betis, three days after he played the full 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest. James was introduced at half-time in Wroclaw with his side behind and played his part as Chelsea clicked into gear to win 4-1, lifting the first trophy of the post-Roman Abramovich era. Enzo Fernandez equalised and Nicolas Jackson put the Blues in front, before Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo added late goals. Malo Gusto endured a nightmare 45 minutes in the first-half, giving the ball away for Betis' goal and regularly being caught out of position, but Maresca defended him as he explained the decision not to start James. 'I promise you, I would start always with Reece,' Maresca said. 'But I'm trying to protect him. He played more games this season than the last two, three years. He's happy, he knows that. He's a top player for us. It's like Cole [Palmer], the problem is we need to manage him. 'When we changed him, he said to me, 'boss don't worry, we're going to win the game'.' On Gusto, the Chelsea boss added: 'Malo is one of my favourite players. The problem is the first goal we conceded, it was from his pass. He missed the pass. 'They are young. They don't understand that if you [make a] mistake, it doesn't matter. You have to continue. When we lost the ball and conceded, he was out of the game. But he knows, for me Malo is a top player.' James lifted the trophy for Chelsea, capping a successful season for the club in which a return to the Champions League was also secured. The 25-year-old admitted it was 'devastating' not to start the final, but was confident he would still have a key role to play. "Of course it is devastating to know you are not starting in a final,' James said. 'I want to play every game but it was the manager's decision. Once he made the decision, I had to move on and accept it and be ready when I was needed."
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Wales Online
How to spend 48 hours in Chepstow
How to spend 48 hours in Chepstow Chepstow blends the very best of ancient and modern. A view of Chepstow Castle across the river Wye at sunset. (Image: getty ) Border town Chepstow blends the best of ancient and modern, a major medieval powerhouse with its Norman castle strategically built along a limestone cliff overlooking the meandering River Wye. Known as 'the gateway of Wales', Chepstow derives from the old English 'chepe stowe', meaning a market place, and today the small, historic town retains its cobbled streets and has an impressive variety of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs. It's an underrated town in the lower Wye Valley that deserves a full weekend to make the most of the scenic hikes, shops, nearby attractions and independent restaurants. What to do in Chepstow (Image: Portia Jones ) You can't visit the town without seeing the impressive Chepstow Castle, Wales' oldest surviving post-Roman castle that dates back to 1067. The town centre is also full of quirky gift shops and a few antique shops where you can hunt for treasures. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to discover. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Article continues below Known for its horse racing, there is a wide range of other events held throughout the year at Chepstow Racecourse, home to the Coral Welsh Grand National. There has been horse racing here since the late 19th century. St. Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club has one of the country's finest and most picturesque golf courses, and for many years was host to the British (formerly Dunlop) Masters tournament, which attracted some of the top players in the world. Chepstow is also an outdoor adjacent gateway town that's perfect for hiking and gentle walks, with many long-distance trails starting here, including the Wye Valley Walk, the Offa's Dyke National Trail and the Wales Coast Path. Hiking fans will love the Wye Valley walk between Chepstow and Tintern Abbey. Walk up ancient stone steps and through ethereal forest paths. There are Plenty of viewpoints where you can picnic and photograph the winding River Wye. Here are some of the highlights and best things to do in and around Chepstow. Explore Chepstow Castle Chepstow Castle (Image: Stewart Black/Flickr ) Chepstow Castle is a beautifully preserved Welsh castle that proudly stands atop a limestone cliff above the River Wye, having stood the test of time. It's a must-visit place when spending a weekend in Chepstow. For more than six centuries, Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages. Building was started in 1067 by Earl William Fitz Osbern, a close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn, William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War. The oldest building is the Norman great tower, but building work continued well into the 17th century as stronger musket-friendly parapets replaced medieval battlements. Today, visitors can learn more about this historic site that Cadw now manages by visiting this impressive castle on a day trip or booking one of their special events. There's a range of facilities here, including a gift shop, bike access and parking. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here 14 Chepstow Castle overlooks the River Wye is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. (Image: Wales Online ) Visit Chepstow Museum Continuing your history education, you can learn more about Chepstow's many industries at the Chepstow museum, housed in an elegant 18th-century house built by a prosperous Chepstow merchant family. Get an insight into Chepstow's wine trade, shipbuilding, and salmon fishing, which are featured in the museum's displays with atmospheric settings. In the Middle Ages, imported wine was offloaded on Chepstow's quayside. Here, you'll find Photographs, programmes and posters recalling local people's pastimes, whilst 18th and 19th century paintings and prints illustrate the everlasting appeal of Chepstow and the Wye Valley to artists and tourists. Paddleboard on the River Wye The River Wye is a long and accessible river that flows through many villages and towns, including Chepstow. You'll find plenty of paddle spots and waterside pubs along the river, and it's also the perfect place to try paddleboarding. Stand-up paddleboarding – or SUP – is an entertaining activity for all the family and is suitable for most ages and abilities. You need to put a fair amount of effort into staying upright and balanced when you start. It's guaranteed you'll all fall in at some point, so perhaps take a waterproof camera to capture the most hilarious fails. Gently paddling down the river is a unique way of experiencing the beautiful scenery of the Wye Valley, spotting wildlife, and getting a great core muscle workout. Several companies in the area offer a range of SUP experiences for all ages, including the family-run Inspire2Adventure. Do the Wye Valley Walk Plenty of hiking routes and shorter walking trails can help you discover the beauty of the Wye Valley on foot. If you are looking for a longer walk in this area, opt for the Wye Valley Walk, a long-distance national trail that follows the course of the River Wye. You can choose various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes, or opt for a full walking holiday and do the lot. One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the Chepstow to Tintern Abbey section. It's a scenic, five-mile walk that takes you up ancient stone steps and through ethereal forest paths. There are plenty of photo and picnic spots along the way, and you'll also find some viewing points where you can gaze at the winding River Wye. Autumn is the best time to attempt this trail: when the leaves change their colours, it becomes one of the prettiest hiking trails in the UK. Pack a picnic to round out the country experience. Explore Tintern Abbey (Image: Portia Jones ) One of our greatest monastic ruins, this is surely the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales. Tintern Abbey is just a short drive from Chepstow, or you can walk from Chepstow to Tintern Abbey on the Wye Valley Walk. It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and has had a long history, including the dissolution of the monasteries, which led to the abbey slowly turning into a majestic ruin. Today, you can visit this important heritage site in Wales and marvel at the scale of the roofless abbey and the British Gothic architecture. Tickets can be bought on arrival at the visitor centre, and a selection of guidebooks can help you learn more about this beautiful abbey. Wander the forest trails in Puzzlewood (Image: ) Just a 20-minute drive from Chepstow, you'll find the ethereal forest of 'Puzzlewood'. Situated just over the Welsh border, this 14-acre ancient woodland offers meandering pathways and fantastical trees and is home to badgers, deer, foxes, rabbits and bats. The spellbinding forest landscape is so unique that Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm (known for the legendary Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises), has even declared it 'the most magical forest on the face of the earth!' t's easy to see why Puzzlewood has been a favourite location for filmmakers. Its surreal landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for productions like Merlin, Star Wars, and The Secret Garden (2020). The mysterious forest is known for being a key filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). This ancient woodland was transformed into the lush, green forest world of Takodana, where pivotal scenes unfold. Among these is the dramatic lightsaber battle between Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Puzzlewood's natural, mystical atmosphere made it the perfect setting for this iconic scene. Star Wars location manager Martin Joy described the forest as 'like nowhere else, it's an otherworldly space'. (Image: Clint Randall/Pixel PR Phototography ) While Puzzlewood's natural beauty is undoubtedly its main draw, there's much more to discover beyond the twisting paths and ancient trees. Scattered throughout the forest are a series of intriguing features, including bridges, lookouts, and even a few dead ends, that add an element of mystery to your exploration. Puzzlewood is also home to various animals, making it a delightful family destination. Visitors can meet Highland cattle, donkeys, ducks, and chickens, turning a walk through the woods into a mini safari. After exploring the forest, visitors can relax at the small takeaway café on site, which offers a range of refreshments. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic and find a quiet spot in the woods to enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. Where to eat Chepstow is ideally positioned in the surprising foodie hotspot The Wye Valley (Image: The Whitebrook ) Chepstow is ideally positioned in the surprising foodie hotspot The Wye Valley, where the lengthy River Severn meets the salmon-rich River Wye, carving through Wales and England. Whilst this charming border area is known for its protected landscapes, ancient monuments, attractive market towns and outdoor pursuits, there's also a thriving dining and foodie scene to be discovered. You can criss-cross seamlessly from Wales into England and easily explore the well-heeled area and its many restaurants, cafes and producers. Take a gastro-journey through the valley and you'll find locally reared lamb, smoked eel, craft ales and honey-infused mead. Local breweries include small microbrewery Lydbrook Valley Brewing Company, producing a 4.2% IPA and the Wye Valley Brewery, producing a decent range of craft ales. The Wye Valley even has its vineyard in White Castle Vineyard, where visitors can buy Welsh wines and tour the small vineyard. Numerous pubs along the River Wye are a welcome rest spot if you're paddling up the river on an epic canoe or kayak trip whilst visiting Chepstow. The Boat Inn and the Anchor Inn offer local ales and river views. Numerous pubs along the River Wye are a welcome rest spot if you're paddling up the river on an epic canoe or kayak trip. The Boat Inn and the Anchor Inn offer local ales and river views. One of the best spots for a pint by the water is the Saracens Head Inn. This historic, riverside inn has stood for centuries in its spectacular position on the east bank of the River Wye, where the river flows into a steep wooded gorge. Here you'll find rooms, award-winning food and local ales. Their flagstone-floored bar and rustic pine tables provide a traditional pub feel as you sip on a pint of local real ale, watching the Inn's ancient hand ferry carry passengers across the Wye. Over in the city centre, the Beaufort Hotel's award-winning restaurant offers guests a fabulous à la carte menu featuring traditional British and international dishes, using Wye Valley and Welsh produce where possible. Tell me Wine is a wine merchant and French bistro lounge that offers delicious French dishes, wine tastings, and live music events. Family-owned Stone Rock Lodge serves Wales' best pizza, and you can get a banging Sunday lunch at St Pierre. Where to stay There is an impressive range of Airbnb properties, guest houses, and hotels in Chepstow and the wider area to suit your travel style and budget. Weekend Candy has a range of unique stays in the Wye Valley, from luxury Glamping and Yurts to cosy holiday cabins. Delta Hotels by Marriott St Pierre Country Club is built around a beautiful 14th-century manor house, ideally located only a short drive from the Old Severn Bridge. The Beauford hotel is a family-run and historic inn in the heart of Chepstow that is very reasonably priced. You'll also find excellent food (AA rosette) and a popular bar here. Further afield is the charming Tudor Farmhouse, around a 20-minute drive from Chepstow. This boutique hotel is a former working farm that has been stylishly converted into a country getaway with rooms, cottages and suites. Prices depend on the type of room booked. Article continues below You should not miss the chance to dine at Tudor Farmhouse. Their head chef ensures that quality and locally-sourced ingredients are used in their seasonal dishes. Farmhouse meets upscale dining here with flickering candles, exposed stone walls, and slightly hushed tones. This contrasts beautifully with the scent of homemade food wafting through the dining room.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Chelsea's troubled season not a failure, insists Enzo Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca Enzo Maresca insists his first season at Chelsea has not been a failure after criticism of the Italian's conservative tactics. Photo:/AFP Image:/AFP Enzo Maresca insists his first season at Chelsea has not been a failure after criticism of the Italian's conservative tactics in the race to qualify for the Champions League. Maresca's sixth-placed side are in danger of missing out on a top five finish in the Premier League with just five games left. The Blues have only six wins in their last 17 league games ahead of Saturday's clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are two points adrift of fifth-placed Newcastle after coming from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 with two late goals. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Maresca barely celebrated the west London derby victory, leaving the Craven Cottage pitch immediately after the final whistle in a move that was interpreted as a response to mounting criticism from frustrated supporters. The former Leicester manager's cautious game plans have irked fans, who have jeered Maresca and his players several times this season. Maresca is adamant he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino last term. "Compared to the last two years, the season is not a failure," Maresca told reporters on Friday. "How many times in the last two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League places? And this season we have been there almost all season. It's an improvement or not? It's already an improvement." Despite Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly Clearlake Capital investing over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in new signings since buying the club in 2022, the Blues are yet to win a trophy in the post-Roman Abramovich era. But, having been in second place and two points behind champions-elect Liverpool in December, Maresca accused the doubters of failing to recognise Chelsea's development. "Compared to the last two years it's quite clear there is an improvement," he said. "If you want to see it, you see it. If you don't want to see it, you don't see it. Depends in which way you look. I see it. "We have the obligation to bring this club to where it belongs. The results have been there. Me as a manager, the club, we all have ambition. I think we are in the right direction and hopefully we can be there very soon." Asked about his tense relationship with Chelsea fans, Maresca added: "I can understand. The fans are the same as when they were singing that Chelsea is back and showing that they were happy. "Now because we are not winning the same number of games as at the beginning, they are showing they're not happy." AFP
France 24
25-04-2025
- Business
- France 24
Chelsea's troubled season not a failure insists Maresca
Maresca's sixth-placed side are in danger of missing out on a top five finish in the Premier League with just five games left. The Blues have only six wins in their last 17 league games ahead of Saturday's clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are two points adrift of fifth-placed Newcastle after coming from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 with two late goals. Maresca barely celebrated the west London derby victory, leaving the Craven Cottage pitch immediately after the final whistle in a move that was interpreted as a response to mounting criticism from frustrated supporters. The former Leicester manager's cautious game plans have irked fans, who have jeered Maresca and his players several times this season. Maresca is adamant he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino last term. "Compared to the last two years, the season is not a failure," Maresca told reporters on Friday. "How many times in the last two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League places? And this season we have been there almost all season. It's an improvement or not? It's already an improvement." Despite Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly Clearlake Capital investing over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in new signings since buying the club in 2022, the Blues are yet to win a trophy in the post-Roman Abramovich era. But, having been in second place and two points behind champions-elect Liverpool in December, Maresca accused the doubters of failing to recognise Chelsea's development. "Compared to the last two years it's quite clear there is an improvement," he said. "If you want to see it, you see it. If you don't want to see it, you don't see it. Depends in which way you look. I see it. "We have the obligation to bring this club to where it belongs. The results have been there. Me as a manager, the club, we all have ambition. I think we are in the right direction and hopefully we can be there very soon." Asked about his tense relationship with Chelsea fans, Maresca added: "I can understand. The fans are the same as when they were singing that Chelsea is back and showing that they were happy. "Now because we are not winning the same number of games as at the beginning, they are showing they're not happy."
