Latest news with #TheRestIsFootball
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Alan Shearer rates Chelsea title chances and predicts £48m star will leave
Alan Shearer has credited Enzo Maresca with doing a 'magnificent' job at Chelsea and believes the club have to be considered a genuine Premier League title contender for next season. The Blues picked up where they left off after ending last season on an almighty high, sweeping aside Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's one-sided Club World Cup final to secure a second trophy in the space of just two months. Stamford Bridge bosses have also put down a marker in what has been a busy start to the transfer window, with Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr signing on the dotted line in west London. Finding a high-class goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez remains a priority for the summer, while the likes of Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and Axel Disasi could all be set for the exit door over the coming weeks. There were some doubts amongst the fanbase as Chelsea experienced a drastic decline in results across a difficult winter period last season, in which Maresca's men went on a miserable run of just three wins in 12 matches. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But just six months on, there are plenty of reasons for supporters to be cheerful again – and legendary ex-England striker Shearer is backing the club to be a genuine force when the Premier League returns. 'I think it would take a very, very brave person to say that Chelsea would not be involved in the title hunt next year because of what they've achieved this season, what they've just achieved [winning the Club World Cup], who they've signed, who they will sign,' Shearer said on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football. 'I think you have to say that they will be involved in the title race.' Ignoring Chelsea's dip midway through last season, Shearer was been massively impressed with the club's transformation since Maresca took over the reins from Mauricio Pochettino. Reflecting on Chelsea's 3-0 win over PSG, Shearer said: 'It was a masterclass from Maresca because PSG went in, their football has worked all season and why not? Why should they change anything? 'But I think the little tweaks from Maresca, they're pressing high and all those things, and I just think it worked perfectly for them and he deserves huge credit, not only for the job he's done in this competition, but for the whole season. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I don't think anyone knew what to expect because you know what happens at Chelsea, it's happened before: if you don't win things, you know exactly what happens. 'You're in there for a reason and know how it's going to work. 'He's done a magnificent job, he really has.' Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup final, Shearer predicted Nicolas Jackson's days at Chelsea were numbered following the recent arrivals on Delap and Pedro from Ipswich and Brighton respectively. The former Newcastle forward reiterated his point once again after Chelsea's triumph in New Jersey, saying he wouldn't be shocked if the club had already been offering the Senegalese out to rival teams. It's understood Chelsea would be prepared to do business for Jackson should they receive an offer of €55-60million (£48-52m) this summer. He added: 'As soon as Pedro came in and scored the two goals and Delap's already there, if there's one person that's going to be shifted out then my guess it would be Jackson. 'It wouldn't surprise me if they've already offered him to other football clubs and they've enquired about it.' According to Shearer, Cole Palmer was the 'pick of the bunch' after scoring twice and assisting Pedro to put Chelsea out of sight against PSG at MetLife Stadium. 'To do it on that stage, to do it against those players who have been magnificent, PSG, and basically dominated Europe for the year…' Shearer – the Premier League's all-time top scorer – said of Palmer's performance. 'We've spoken so much about PSG's midfield and everything else and how brilliant some of their players have been and rightly so, but he [Palmer] was the pick of the bunch by an absolute mile. 'I thought he was absolutely outstanding.' Will Chelsea challenge for the title next season? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal star Leandro Trossard responds to Bayern Munich transfer approach MORE: Gary Lineker tops BBC salary list again with over £1,300,000 paycheck after controversial exit MORE: Man Utd consider surprise move for Chelsea star with Liverpool also admirers
Metro
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Man Utd and Aston Villa 'make inquiries' over shock moves for Chelsea striker
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, but there is no shortage of interest in him, including from the Premier League. The Blues have brought in two new strikers this summer as Liam Delap arrived from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro came in from Brighton. Unsurprisingly, that has called into question their plans for Jackson, who now faces a lot of competition up front and may well have fallen down the pecking order. The Senegal international has not helped his cause at the Club World Cup, sent off in the group stage clash with Flamengo and picking up a three-match ban as a result. He has returned from that suspension, but has not scored in the competition, while Pedro shone on his full debut, scoring twice in the 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Earlier in the summer Arsenal were linked with a surprise move for the 24-year-old but the Gunners are now close to a deal for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres instead. There is also Premier League interest from both Manchester United and Aston Villa, with French journalist Nabil Djellit reporting that both clubs have made inquiries for Jackson. The report also states that there is interest from Napoli. There have been contrasting reports on how much Chelsea want for Jackson, with Djellit stating that €70m (£60.5m) for the player they signed for £32m from Villarreal in 2023. The Daily Mail report that the Blues are looking for £100m for Jackson this summer, which seems a pretty outrageous request and would rule out a transfer as no interested party would pay that much for him. Whether there has been any follow up on the inquiries from Manchester United, Aston Villa or Napoli is not clear, but they have shown an interest in the forward. Jackson has had mixed reviews since joining Chelsea, scoring 24 Premier League goals in two seasons and 30 in all competitions, which is not a terrible return. His work rate and pressing has earned him plaudits, but his technical ability has been questioned, with the striker missing plenty of big chances in a Chelsea shirt. After the £30m arrival of Delap and £60m signing of Pedro, Alan Shearer can see Chelsea cashing in on Jackson. 'I don't know, am I playing devil's advocate here in thinking Jackson may be the one?' Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast. 'That wouldn't surprise me if he was sold to someone, whether in our country or not, that's one that wouldn't surprise me if they made that decision. 'They've got some serious options in every forward position.' Manchester United are certainly looking for a new striker this summer, but their transfer focus remains on completely a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The transfer saga is running on and on, with the player reportedly getting 'frustrated' with the lengthy process, but he remains keen on the move to Old Trafford. Two bids for Mbeumo have been rejected by the Bees, with a third offer expected to be made, which will have to be better than the initial £55m with £7.5m in add-ons, which was made last time round. MORE: Arsenal make breakthrough in bid to keep Ethan Nwaneri amid Chelsea interest MORE: Fan asks Rodrygo if he's joining Arsenal as Real Madrid prepare for transfer MORE: Sporting issue Viktor Gyokeres statement to Arsenal over attempted transfer
Metro
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Alan Shearer predicts Chelsea will sell £32m signing after Club World Cup final
Alan Shearer believes Chelsea may look to sell Nicolas Jackson after their Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. Chelsea have already bolstered their attacking options this summer with a £30 million deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and a £60m move for Joao Pedro from Brighton last week. Delap scored his first Chelsea goal against ES Tunis in the Club World Cup group stage, while Pedro has made an immediate impact with his impressive double in the semi-final against Fluminense on Tuesday night. Jackson, meanwhile, was left on the bench in the 2-1 win against Palmeiras last week, while he angered Cole Palmer after coming on as a second-half substitute during the 2-0 victory Fluminense when he failed to pass to his Chelsea teammate for an easy tap-in. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Jackson as Mikel Arteta is keen to add a new striker to his squad before the end of the summer transfer window. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. And Shearer feels Chelsea will be open to a deal for the 24-year-old, who was signed from Villarreal for £32m two years ago. 'I don't know, am I playing devil's advocate here in thinking Jackson may be the one?' Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast. 'That wouldn't surprise me if he was sold to someone, whether in our country or not, that's one that wouldn't surprise me if they made that decision. 'They've got some serious options in every forward position.' Shearer also believes Pedro Neto's performances at the Club World Cup have also earned him a starting spot for the start of Chelsea's Premier League campaign. 'Neto, I'm a big fan. He's been impressive on the pitch as well, even with what he's had to go through mentally to get through the games,' Shearer said. 'I like how direct he is, how powerful he is running with the ball. He's someone that I would love to play up front with because I think in terms of being direct and knowing he's going to get the ball in. 'For me, he's one that will and should start.' Shearer also believes Chelsea will be capable of challenging Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title next season. More Trending Asked if he believes Chelsea have genuine title credentials, Shearer replied: 'I do, yeah. 'I don't think they're finished in terms of their transfer business. I think there will be more come in and go out as well. 'Yeah, I do. I think they've been very smart in who they are signing and they've made some clever ones and I think there will be more. 'So I think they will [challenge for the Premier League], absolutely. They'll build on what they've achieved this season, Conference League, qualifying for the Champions League and they'll go again.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres on verge of 'collapse' MORE: Serie A interest in Arsenal flop as Gunners set bargain asking price MORE: Why Arsenal fans don't want Noni Madueke and the alarming data that will worry them
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker 'didn't have the balls' to tell Anthony Joshua off at Wimbledon
Gary Lineker has opened up on an awkward encounter with Anthony Joshua at Wimbledon earlier this month, with the boxing icon leaving the football pundit in a touch of discomfort for around seven hours Gary Lineker has shared a humorous yet painful experience from his time at Wimbledon, sitting next to former heavyweight boxing champ Anthony Joshua. The former footballer, who recently bid farewell to the BBC, was enjoying the tennis action with his son, Angus, but things got a little uncomfortable due to Joshua's impressive stature. Speaking on The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Alex Aljoe, Lineker said: "I went to Wimbledon the other day. I just want to thank Wimbledon for inviting me, it was lovely. I took my youngest, Angus, and we sat next to Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn and we had a laugh watching some great tennis." Richards then chimed in, saying: "Can I just say, you were looking marvellous," leading Shearer to quip: "Micah, he was looking marvellous until you looked to his left and saw Anthony Joshua," which set off a round of laughter. Lineker then continued with his tale, explaining the seating arrangement with Joshua, adding: "I was sitting in the seats next to Anthony, and he's obviously huge. His legs... and the only way he sits, because there wasn't enough room, was he had his legs wide open. "And I was forced, for like seven hours, whatever it was, to put my legs to the... it got to the stage where I was getting cramp in my inside thigh so badly. And the game was going on and I wanted to shout. "But I never had the balls, at any point, to tell him, 'Will you f***ing move your legs over a little bit, give me some room?' Absolutely true. But he's a lovely, lovely guy and I had a laugh with him. And they were great company for the afternoon." Injecting more wit into the story, Richards said: "Angus is a good-looking boy as well though, isn't he? Angus was looking cool, he was," which prompted a deadpan Shearer to say: "He's got his mum's looks, obviously," setting off more laughter. It marks Lineker's first time back at a BBC event since his departure from Match of the Day and the organisation in May. Lineker previously said that the 2024/25 season would mark his final stint on the BBC's leading football highlights programme, even though he intended to remain involved in FA Cup and 2026 World Cup broadcasts. Yet, plans changed when Lineker became entangled in a controversy concerning anti-Semitism on social media, after sharing a post concerning Zionism that depicted a rat - a symbol historically utilised for anti-Semitic purposes by Nazi Germany. Lineker later admitted that while he hadn't noticed the emoji, he should have taken greater care before sharing the content, concluding that ending ties with the BBC was the appropriate decision. In an emotional statement at the time, he said: " Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio. "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic - it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker accuses Prem ref of 'making it about him' after latest controversy
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor was at the centre of another controversy after sending two PSG players off during the Champions League winners' Club World Cup win over Bayern Munich Gary Lineker has criticised referee Anthony Taylor for putting himself at the centre of attention during PSG's Club World Cup semi-final win over Bayern Munich. The Premier League official came under fire after issuing two controversial red cards late in the match, which finished 2-0 to PSG after Jamal Musiala's sickening injury. Taylor first dismissed Willian Pacho in the 82nd minute for a high challenge on Leon Goretzka, with the PSG defender raking his boot down the Bayern midfielder's shin. Then, in stoppage time, Lucas Hernandez was also sent off following what appeared to be an innocuous clash with Raphael Guerreiro. Hernandez's arm made light contact with Guerreiro's face as he held off the Portuguese star, but the incident looked far from malicious. Taylor's decision left many viewers - including Lineker and his The Rest Is Football podcast co-hosts - puzzled. "I think the first sending off, Pacho, was the right decision," Lineker said. "The second one, I thought he was just putting his arm up to fend him off. I mean really, a red card for that?" "It's not good enough. It's not good enough," Micah Richards said in agreement. "You've got to go to the screen. Anyone who has played football, or even if you haven't played football, [knows that] when you put your arms up it's to protect yourself, to get your body in [the way]. "That's what you're taught as a youngster coming through. To give a red card for that... it didn't matter in the end [because PSG won], but still." Lineker added: "There's something about Anthony. I've never met him, I don't know him. I'm sure he's fine off the pitch. But he's just got that... it looks like his ego. He's like an old fashioned referee. It's almost like he wants it to be about him." Despite being reduced to nine men in the closing stages, PSG secured their place in the Club World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. Doue broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, cutting inside from the right and drilling a low shot past Manuel Neuer. Dembele then wrapped up the result deep into stoppage time, finishing off a swift counter-attack led by Achraf Hakimi. PSG will now face Real Madrid, who edged out Borussia Dortmund 3-2 at the weekend, in the last four on Wednesday. The winner will progress to Sunday's final to take on either Chelsea or Fluminense. The referee for the final has yet to be confirmed, but PSG fans might well be now hoping Taylor isn't selected after his performance. Chelsea supporters may feel the same, as he has become a divisive figure amongst their fanbase following several high-profile decisions that went against them in recent seasons. He's faced criticism from others as well. After the 2023 Europa League final, then-Roma manager Jose Mourinho infamously confronted Taylor in a car park, and the following day, Roma fans were seen verbally abusing the referee as he passed through Budapest airport. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
