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That they managed to score 180 despite a wobble suggests the opportunity cost of going hard all the way is not that high

Sidharth Monga03-Apr-20221:30

Did Punjab Kings get their tactics spot on?

It was clear at the auction table the kind of cricket Punjab Kings were going to play this season. They went after big hitters, and managed to successfully put together an exciting team. Eleven matches into the tournament, they are the only team batting at more than 10 an over in the powerplay. In fact, their 10.94 is 2.11 an over better than the next best. They are averaging 11 sixes per innings, only 1.5 behind the leaders Rajasthan Royals on that count. They have also lost 23 wickets, which makes it higher per innings than any other team.Some of this proactive batting approach has been dictated by their losing two tosses out of three, which means they have had to undertake the task of putting on dew-proof totals on two occasions. On both occasions, they have given it a red-hot go. That they haven’t been able to post those above-par totals is a different story; they still have one win out of two batting first.But it is refreshing to see them adopt the same approach against Chennai Super Kings even after getting bowled out for 137 against Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous such attempt. In that match, only when they had lost five wickets did they do something conventional: hold Odean Smith back for the death overs. Having lost that match, it must have taken a strong commitment to that style, especially after they lost two early wickets against Super Kings.Related

• Go hard or go home: Is Punjab Kings' batting approach futuristic or unsustainable?

• All-round Livingstone consigns CSK to third straight loss

Liam Livingstone, though, unleashed an all-out attack to threaten to take them past 200. That they couldn’t post such a huge total will be a matter of a small concern for them despite managing to win by a massive margin of 54 runs. Kings are clearly one of the most exciting teams to watch this IPL, but if they are missing one thing, it is depth in batting.Jonny Bairstow’s arrival will add to quality in the middle overs, but it won’t stretch their batting line-up beyond No. 7, which is where Smith bats. When the pitches get slower, it might become a bigger issue for them, but they still acknowledge that they can’t afford to play conservatively especially when batting first.Mayank Agarwal, their captain, spoke of the importance to keep playing in this manner but having the “emotional intelligence” to not get bogged down if it doesn’t come off. Agarwal himself hasn’t had a great start to the tournament – scores of 32, 1 and 4 – but he has come out batting with the same intent.That they managed to score 180 against Super Kings despite the wobble in the second half of the innings is a good example that the opportunity cost of going hard all the way is not that high. If it does come off, though, they can get to the kind of totals that provide you insurance against the dew.If they keep batting this way, it goes one of the two ways. They can get better at it, and it starts to come off spectacularly. Even when it doesn’t come off, it isn’t necessary they always end up with a below-par score. That’s something they seem to be aware of. You can file it under emotional intelligence or avoiding panic at losing wickets or even a match or two because sides batting first are losing anyway.Once pitches start to slow down, it will be another story. That can wait.

One of Carrington’s most impressive players left media stunned as Manchester United’s U18s thrashed rivals Liverpool 7-0 in the U18 Premier League.

Man Utd's U18s thrash Liverpool

The present-day Man United side may not be firing on all cylinders, but their academy continues to produce some absolute gems. It’s been responsible for Marcus Rashford and, more recently, Kobbie Mainoo in recent years – not to mention Scott McTominay – and could have more young stars on the way.

The Red Devils’ U18s side even got some revenge for their first-team this weekend by thrashing Liverpool U18s 7-0 in ruthless fashion. Goals from Bendito Mantato, Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites, Samuel Lusale and a hat-trick from JJ Gabriel saw those at Carrington make a statement on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the success of the academy has always been a priority for those at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim recently ensured that he extended their record of having a homegrown gem in every matchday squad since 1937.

After handing Jack Fletcher a place on his bench against Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim told reporters: “It’s really important. I think again we are in the moment [where] if we are going to take some corners and succeed right away, it’s the wrong thing.

“There are some things especially in our club that we need to be bulletproof. It’s the way we behave, the way we feel the club and all these small things. We are not going to stop with the Academy players.”

It may not be too long before 15-year-old Gabriel gets the call to the first-team, either. The young forward left media stunned in an incredible display against Liverpool’s U18s.

JJ Gabriel "better than half" the Man Utd first-team, says reporter

Among those blown away by Gabriel was the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who went as far as claiming that Gabriel “looks better than half their first team” at Man United.

After netting a hat-trick, the teenage sensation has taken his total for the season to seven goals and one assist in nine appearances in the U18 Premier League.

It won’t be long before Gabriel is progressing through the ranks in Man United’s academy and he looks destined to make his mark on the first-team in years to come. If some believe he looks better than some of the current stars now, he may be a world-beater by the time he turns 18.

The best teenagers in world football ranked (2025)

The future of football is in safe hands.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

The future is still bright at Old Trafford even if Amorim’s first-team are struggling for consistency. Like it has done so often in the past, Man United’s academy could yet provide the spark that the Red Devils need to return to Europe’s top table.

South American gem now "on his way" to sign for Man Utd as INEOS seal £1m deal

Micah Richards was left blown away by the performance of one Sunderland star in the Tyne-Wear derby victory against Newcastle United this afternoon.

Sunderland win first Premier League game vs Newcastle since 2016

The Black Cats managed to get one over on their biggest rivals in the first Premier League meeting with Newcastle since 2016, courtesy of a bizarre own goal from Nick Woltemade in the second half.

Regis Le Bris’ side have made a dream start to life back in the top flight, but today’s victory is undoubtedly the sweetest yet, moving four points clear of the Magpies after managing to hold out for a well-earned 1-0 win.

A lot of credit has to go to the defence, with the visitors being limited to an xG of just 0.26, never really managing to create any big opportunities throughout the match.

However, Richards was also quick to praise Granit Xhaka after the match, with the former Manchester City man saying: “This man, we talked about him before the game, was brilliant again, absolute warrior in that midfield. What a player he’s been, what a signing. I’m gonna say he’s been the signing of the season so far, that’s how big I’m going.”

“He’s been absolutely immaculate in everything he does, even the way he speaks is just brilliant. Wow.”

Xhaka deserves all the plaudits after another impressive display

The Basel-born midfielder has been absolutely indispensable for Le Bris this season, starting all 15 Premier League games, during which time he’s chipped in with five goal involvements.

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ByDominic Lund 6 days ago

However, the Swiss maestro is perhaps best known for his defensive qualities, which were on show again today, making a number of important contributions.

Granit Xhaka’s key stats vs Newcastle

Number completed

Ground duels (won)

3 (2)

Aerial duels (won)

3 (3)

Clearances

4

Tackles

2

The Black Cats managing to sign the former Bayer Leverkusen man is starting to look like a real coup, with Jamie Carragher describing him as “fantastic” and the “most influential” player for a Premier League team this season.

The sky is the limit for this Sunderland side, who are firmly in contention to qualify for Europe, but Xhaka is likely to be paramount to their success, and Le Bris will be hoping for a similar display when his side travel to Brighton for their penultimate game in 2025 next weekend.

Ryan Mason is certainly feeling the pressure of being an EFL manager on his shoulders right now at West Bromwich Albion.

Three wins from his opening four games in the Championship as the Baggies’ new head coach helped to lift some early tension, but with seven defeats now next to West Brom’s name in the competitive league, he isn’t looking at ease in the Hawthorns hot seat.

It could have been so different for the West Midlands outfit last time out on the road to top-of-the-table Coventry City, though, as a Aune Heggebo brace saw the visitors race into an unlikely 2-0 lead.

Yet, a red card to Jayson Molumby would ultimately aid the free-flowing Sky Blues, as a 3-2 victory was eventually secured.

Mason will hope he can guide his underperforming team out of this sticky patch and that no knee-jerk decisions happen from the powers that be, with lots of contracts set to expire down the line, which he could have a say over.

Contract issues at West Brom

A number of contracts are set to expire at the Hawthorns next summer, with Mason hopeful he will still be manager for the foreseeable future, regardless of his side underperforming as of late in 17th spot in the second tier.

Josh Maja is one notable name that catches the eye when running through those whose contracts are in play until June 2026, with the injury-prone attacker only starting four games this season, having had to now settle for fewer minutes up against the aforementioned Heggebo.

Only one goal has come the £17k-per-week striker’s way from those limited starts, too, next to the Norwegian’s heftier tally of four, with his injury issues another factor to consider as to whether West Brom will hand him an extended deal or not.

Karlan Grant will also be worrying about his future up until the mid-point of next year, with zero goals or assists next to his name this season, while Daryl Dike will surely be sensing that the end of his injury-plagued Baggies career is in sight next year when his deal ceases to be, as the American remains unsurprisingly sidelined still.

He also takes home a whopping £25k-per-week salary, despite his long-standing injury troubles.

However, he isn’t the only high earner that could soon be taken off the Baggies wage bill, as this Hawthorns veteran – who earns more than first team personnel Heggebo and Mikey Johnston – potentially waves goodbye to the Championship club shortly.

The West Brom high earner who could soon be axed

During West Brom’s slump in form, former Celtic winger Johnston has still been a regular scorer of some sweet strikes, such as the one that was hammered home back in October.

Amazingly, though, when looking at West Brom’s wage costs, Jed Wallace comes in as earning more than the standout duo, having also banked £25k-per-week this season, like Dike, as per Capology, even when consistently finding himself out of Mason’s starting XI.

Games played

9

Games started

4

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Wage costs

£25k-per-week

Contract expiry date

June 2026

Once upon a time, though, in the West Midlands, Wallace was seen as a constant source of creativity down the flanks, with six goals and eight assists picked up during his debut season at the club seeing his former boss Steve Bruce hail him as a “massive asset” to have around the place.

Unfortunately for the ex-Millwall forward, he isn’t producing those same electric numbers now, though, with only two goals coming his way across his last 40 outings in the demanding Championship.

Heggebo managed to put away that same amount just from the tie at the CBS Arena, yet, the former Brann striker only takes home a £15k-per-week pay packet.

Moreover, Johnston, who terrorised Coventry during the first half with two assists, also falls behind with a £12.5-per-week salary.

Therefore, although Isaac Price has been complimentary of his fellow Baggies midfielder this season by stating that he “leads the dressing room”, and he has had past moments of magic, Wallace could soon be shoved to the exit door when his contract expires this coming June – alongside the likes of Dike and Grant – off the back of his performances continuing to dip.

Forget Price: £3m “lion” is West Brom’s best signing since Corberan left

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ByKelan Sarson Oct 30, 2025

German giants Bayern Munich are eyeing Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju for a summer move. The Bundesliga champions see Dju as a potential replacement for Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on loan at the club but is not expected to be signed permanently. Bayern are also monitoring Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, who is set to become a free agent with his contract expiring this summer.

Bayern's interest in Franculino

According to Germany outlet , Bayern are not expected to make any signings in the winter transfer window, even if Sacha Boey departs the club in January. The Bavarians feel their squad is well covered for the remainder of the season and prefer to focus on long-term planning rather than short-term fixes. In the summer, Bayern brought in Jackson on deadline day as a backup to Harry Kane, but despite the forward scoring three goals and providing one assist, the club are not convinced he is worth the €65 million (£56m/$75m) option to buy. As a result, they could allow his loan to expire without activating the clause. 

Bayern are instead targeting 21-year-old Midtjylland striker Franculino as backup to Kane. The young forward has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 19 goals and providing three assists in 26 matches, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking prospects. Looking ahead, Bayern are also monitoring Juventus striker Vlahovic as a potential backup to Kane. With the Serbian entering the final year of his contract and possibly available as a free agent next summer, the club view him as a strong long term option to reinforce their frontline. For now, though, Vlahovic remains a secondary plan, with Franculino considered the main target.

AdvertisementBayern's great start to the season

Bayern’s remarkable start to the season has seen them go unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions, including the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFB-Supercup and Champions League. This run is even more impressive considering they sold key attackers such as Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Muller, while also missing out on transfer targets like Nick Woltemade and Rafael Leao.

Despite these setbacks, Vincent Kompany has crafted a clear playing strategy built on perseverance, collective understanding and fluid attacking movements. His system has unlocked the very best of Harry Kane, who has reached extraordinary goalscoring levels. Kane’s strike against Club Brugge in the Champions League took him to 20 goals in just 12 games – an astonishing milestone that neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi achieved at such speed.

Bayern's Upamecano headache

Bayern face a challenging task as they work to extend Dayot Upamecano’s contract, which expires in 2026. The club are under pressure, especially with Real Madrid showing strong interest in the French defender and already initiating contact with his entourage. Bayern hope that  Kompany, who has quickly earned the players’ trust, can help persuade Upamecano to commit his future to the club.

However, they are also preparing for the possibility that he may not renew. Bayern have identified Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential replacement. Schlotterbeck’s contract runs until 2027, but he has remained non-committal about signing an extension, making him a realistic target.

In addition, Bayern are monitoring Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi as alternative options, ensuring they remain well-covered defensively should Upamecano choose to leave.

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gettyBayern action resumes after the International break

Bayern are keen to extend Upamecano’s contract at the earliest, with the defender emerging as a key pillar under Vincent Kompany. Meanwhile, Jackson will look to impress both the manager and the club hierarchy as he pushes to establish himself as the ideal backup option. Kompany would have used the international break to assess his squad depth, plan effective rotations and introduce fresh tactical ideas. With these foundations in place, Bayern remain fully committed to their ambitious target of challenging for and potentially winning the treble this season.

The German champions are set to host St. Pauli as club football resumes after the international break.

Just two days after looking positively wooden while running around the bases, Giancarlo Stanton, who has been much-maligned for his lack of speed, made a difference with his legs in the New York Yankees' 3-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Stanton, who belted the 12th postseason home run of his career and collected an RBI double, also stole a base in the top of the sixth inning. Such occurrences for Stanton have been as rare as solar eclipses, as his most recent theft on the basepaths came in August of 2020.

Stanton admitted that the dugout reactions to his stolen base were "probably better than the homer." And indeed, Stanton's swipe led to some pretty funny reactions from his Yankees teammates.

When asked about the stolen base, a smiling Aaron Judge, no speedster himself on the bases, acknowledged that he liked that moment best from Wednesday's win.

"That [the stolen base] was my favorite part," Judge said. "I liked the homer but showing a little wheels out there too to get in scoring position for [Anthony] Volpe was definitely big time."

Were the Yankees expecting a stole base from Stanton? Third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who swiped 40 bags this season, certainly wasn't.

"No," A wide-eyed Chisholm said. "Definitely didn't. It was a surprise to all of us but hey, I'm happy he did it."

Even Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who just two days earlier had said that Stanton's lack of speed was "something we've kind of got to live with", let out a chuckle when asked about Stanton's stolen base during his media session.

Stanton's speed may not be a consistent asset for the Yankees, but his power certainly is. The slugger has belted 12 home runs in his first 30 postseason games, the third-most long balls in a player's first 30 career playoff games in MLB history.

But Stanton is not focused on the homers or the stolen base. Heading into Thursday's Game 4, he has his eyes on the prize.

"We need to wrap it [The series] up tomorrow," Stanton said. "No wiggle room. We gotta get it done."

MatériaMais Notícias

A torcida do Palmeiras não viu com bons olhos a aproximação entre José Roberto Lamacchia, dono da Crefisa e marido de Leila Pereira, com o ex-jogador do Verdão e candidato à presidência do Vasco, Pedrinho.

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Assim que o ex-comentarista da Globo postou o vídeo com o conselheiro do Palmeiras, diversos torcedores já cogitaram uma possível parceria da Crefisa com o Vasco caso Pedrinho seja eleito o próximo presidente do cruzmaltino.

+ O brabo tem nome! Aposte R$100 e ganhe R$340 com gol de Rony, do Palmeiras, contra o Atlético-MG

Com certo tom de ironia por todas cobranças vividas pelo 2023 alviverde, muitos estão desejando que a Crefisa vá para o Vasco e deixe o patrocínio da camisa do Verdão.

continua após a publicidade

Nas redes sociais, torcedores palestrinos alertaram para um possível patrocínio da Crefisa com o Vasco, o que seria mais um conflito de interesses entre tantos que a atual mandatária do Verdão possui com o clube.

Vasco mandando jogo na Arena Barueri já é realidade! https://t.co/Z4Dt8m7iSq

— Bruno Magalhães (@brunera1914) October 18, 2023

Teve até palmeirense levantando hashtag para a Crefisa ir para o Vasco:

#CrefisaNoVasco https://t.co/AdhtlB6nH9

— Marcelo Santa Vicca (@mvicca) October 18, 2023

Olha o Pedrinho fazendo a boa…

Vai lá Reizinho, vença as eleições, leve a Leila, Lamacchia, Crefisa, FAM e avião juntos e a gente faz um busto pra vc. https://t.co/mSWPw5i8bk

— Siamo Tutti Palestra ???? (@StPalestra) October 18, 2023

Só não vê quem não quer, ou quem está comendo (????????) pra ficar calado.

Até o véio que se dizia Palmeirense, já se bandeou pra o lado da Vascaína.

Oremos! https://t.co/nBoH4lNhoH

— Pablo Sales ???? 11 (@PabloSales1984) October 18, 2023

Celtic did not opt to splash the cash before the club’s qualifiers for the Champions League this summer, and they ended up in the Europa League after a play-off loss to Kairat.

Their cautious approach to those qualifiers and the fact that they did not qualify for the league phase of the Champions League meant that they did not make any marquee signings.

The Hoops did not sign any players for £6m or more in the summer transfer window, a year after they signed Adam Idah from Norwich for £9.5m, Arne Engels from Augsburg for £11m, and Auston Trusty for £6m from Sheffield United.

Part of their decision not to splash the cash this summer may have been the lack of success from the money spent last year, as Idah ended up leaving 12 months on from his £9.5m move to Parkhead.

How much money Celtic lost on Adam Idah

Celtic committed a huge fee of £9.5m to sign the Ireland international from the Canaries after his initial five-month spell on loan from the English side.

Idah, as shown in the graphic above, scored 20 goals in all competitions last season for the Scottish Premiership giants, yet still averaged less than a goal every other game.

That led to the club sanctioning a £6m move to Swansea City on deadline day at the start of September, which meant that the Bhoys took a £3.5m hit on his value after just 12 months at Parkhead.

Idah is not the only player from that trio of big-money signings in 2024 who did not provide value in Glasgow, though, as the Hoops should also be looking to move on from Trusty.

Why Celtic should sell Auston Trusty

As aforementioned, Celtic paid £6m to sign the USA international to bolster their central defensive options, making him the joint-seventh most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Trusty’s performances on the pitch for the Hoops have not lived up to that expense, as he has found himself behind Liam Scales in the pecking order in the left-sided centre-back position.

The left-footed flop, who was described as “powerful” by Brendan Rodgers, was outperformed by the Ireland international in the Scottish Premiership last season, as shown in the statistics below.

Appearances

26

22

Clean sheets

14

10

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

2.3

Dribbled past

5x

11x

Error led to shot/goal

1

5

Duel success rate

72%

64%

Trusty did not start either of his Premiership appearances at the start of the current campaign before suffering a heel injury, which has kept him out of action in recent weeks.

As a result of his poor performances, which have been filled with errors, the American central defender’s market value has dropped by millions at Parkhead since his £6m move from Sheffield United.

Per Transfermarkt, Trusty’s market value has gone from €7m at the time of his move to Celtic to €5m at the time of writing (14/10/2025), which means that he is currently valued at around £4m.

That is £2m less than Swansea paid for Idah and £2m less than the fee that the Hoops paid to sign him from Sheffield United last year, which shows that the club have had a howler with the defender.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

This is why the Scottish giants should be looking to cut their losses on Trusty in the upcoming January transfer window before his market value plummets further and they have to take an even bigger loss.

Celtic have already had to take a hit of £3.5m on Idah from that batch of summer signings from 2024, and they may have to take a hit of £2m on Trusty unless he can turn his Parkhead career around in the next few months.

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ByDan Emery Oct 12, 2025

Amid the late show at Stamford Bridge, former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle was left blown away by what one of Enzo Maresca’s most impressive players did against Liverpool.

Caballero: Chelsea "deserved" Liverpool victory

After racing into the lead against the Premier League champions before Cody Gakpo’s equaliser eventually pegged them back, the stage was set for Chelsea and teenage star Estevao Willian to steal the spotlight, and that he did. The talented Brazilian was perfectly placed to tap home at the back post to hand the Blues a major scalp against Liverpool in the 95th minute.

The last-gasp winner sent Stamford Bridge wild and even had Enzo Maresco doing his best impression of Jose Mourinho down the towards the corner flag. The moment led to the manager’s second booking and subsequent red, but he won’t care. Chelsea, having won two of their opening six Premier League games prior, may finally now have lift off.

Speaking in Maresca’s absence, assistant manager Willy Caballero claimed that Chelsea “deserved” to beat a lacklustre Liverpool side even if it came in dramatic fashion.

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ByJoe Nuttall Oct 5, 2025

The former shot-stopper told reporters: “He (Maresca) was so happy and wanted me to praise the players because of the effort they showed. We believe we deserved the victory after the chances we created and how we played. Thanks to our football and the effort of our players, we scored in the last seconds and got the three points.”

It’s hard to argue with that claim. The Blues were the ones pushing for a winning goal and got what they had been searching for against the Reds. Several stars deserve plenty of praise, but Hoddle was left in awe of what one particular star did in Saturday’s stunning victory.

Hoddle blown away by "excellent" Caicedo

Moises Caicedo has arguably been Chelsea’s most important player in the last 12 months. After a mixed start to life at Stamford Bridge, he has proven to be worth every penny of the £100m fee that the Blues paid for his signature in 2023 and is even beginning to add goals to his game.

After unleashing an incredible strike into the upright to open the scoring against Liverpool, Caicedo received high praise from club legend Hoddle, who said:

Caicedo is unlikely to hit a sweeter strike all season. Chelsea’s star just about summed up an afternoon for the Blues to savour and one that they must now push on from after the international break. As for the midfielder himself, he must simply just pick up where he left off.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has no regrets after being sent off for his wild celebration following his side’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, saying the emotion of the affair meant that his dismissal was “worth it”. The Blues boss was given his marching orders after running down the touchline to join in the euphoria at Stamford Bridge after Estevao Willian’s dramatic late winner.

• Maresca hugged his players after Estevao sent Stamford Bridge into raptures

  Facing the possibility of going four Premier League games without a victory, teenager Estevao popped up with a crucial winner in Chelsea’s last-gasp triumph over Liverpool on Saturday, 4 October. The Brazil international scored his first league goal for the club as he prodded home at the back post in the fifth minute of added time. And the goal sparked incredible scenes of jubilation in west London with manager Maresca getting caught up in the moment as he hugged his players near the corner flag.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Italian received his marching orders for a second bookable offence

  And as a result of sprinting down the touchline to celebrate with his players in front of the delighted Chelsea faithful, Maresca was sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for his second bookable offence of the evening. And now the Italian will serve a suspension when Chelsea travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, 18 October, following the resumption of the Premier League after the international break.

• Maresca does not regret letting his emotions get the better of him

  But when speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, Maresca refused to be self-critical for letting his emotions get the better of him, insisting his celebration was an “instinctive” reaction to Chelsea securing a rare, late victory under his stewardship.

  In quotes carried by Maresca told the festival: “It was a huge emotion (against Liverpool). It's my second season at Chelsea and it was the first time we won at home in the last minute. The sending-off? (I’ve said) many times, football is passion, instinct. I probably didn't have time to think. It was an instinctive reaction, but I think it was worth it.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Coach keen to follow in footsteps of other Italian managers at Chelsea

  Maresca also opened up about the pressure of managing Chelsea, a club who won every major honour available to them under Roman Abramovich before Todd Boehly reshaped the club after his takeover in 2022. Following in the footsteps of compatriots Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, Roberto Di Matteo, Gianluca Vialli, Claudio Ranieri and Maurizio Sarri, Maresca says it was a huge relief to not become the only Italian to fail to lead Chelsea to silverware by lifting both the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season.

  “It's one of the most important clubs in the world,” Maresca continued. “In the last three or four years, for various reasons, it (Chelsea) has struggled. Having brought the club back to a great level is a great satisfaction. When I signed for Chelsea, I felt a bit of pressure of being the only Italian not to win here, but fortunately, that hasn't been the case.”