Sports
Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea Defensive Superstar as Top Target at Man City
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By Ojomah Austin.
According to a report by Football London on June 13, 2026, some Chelsea supporters were reportedly unhappy with Enzo Maresca’s departure earlier this year, with many more frustrated by how the situation unfolded behind the scenes than by the exit itself.
The report suggests that internal disagreements within Chelsea’s leadership contributed to growing tensions, particularly over decision-making power in areas such as contracts, squad planning, and overall club direction. These issues are believed to have played a major role in the breakdown that led to Maresca leaving Stamford Bridge.
Despite the circumstances, Maresca is said to have remained highly valued by players. His tactical ideas, coaching methods, and man-management style reportedly earned strong approval in the dressing room, helping to build a positive and united squad that produced strong results on the pitch.
Although his time at Chelsea was brief, it was successful, with the club winning both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup under his guidance, boosting his reputation as one of Europe’s rising coaches.
Now managing Manchester City, Maresca is reportedly interested in reuniting with one of his former Chelsea players. French right-back Malo Gusto has emerged as a top target for the position ahead of the summer transfer window.
Journalist Marco Barzaghi claims that Manchester City have placed Gusto high on their defensive shortlist, with Maresca’s admiration playing a key role in the pursuit. The City manager is believed to value Gusto’s versatility, athletic ability, and tactical awareness, traits that impressed him during their time together at Chelsea.
Gusto has become an important player for Chelsea in recent seasons, particularly with Reece James struggling with injuries. He has consistently stepped in and delivered reliable performances, allowing James to occasionally play further forward or in central midfield.
Last season, Gusto made 49 appearances across all competitions, highlighting his importance and consistency. His pace, attacking threat, defensive recovery, and work rate have made him one of the most reliable modern full-backs in Chelsea’s squad.
Despite growing interest from top clubs, Chelsea are reluctant to sell. The club reportedly consider him a key long-term asset, especially with academy talent Josh Acheampong emerging as part of their future plans.
As the transfer window approaches, it remains uncertain whether Manchester City will succeed in their pursuit or if Chelsea will resist offers and keep one of their most dependable defenders.
France secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in their Round of 16 encounter in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The tightly contested match remained goalless until the 70th minute when France were awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Désiré Doué inside the area. Captain Kylian Mbappé stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand Les Bleus the decisive breakthrough.
Paraguay defended resolutely for much of the contest and frustrated the French attack with disciplined organisation, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances at the other end. France controlled possession and continued to press for a second goal, only to be denied on several occasions by Paraguay’s resilient defence and goalkeeper.
Mbappé’s 70th-minute penalty proved enough to separate the sides, extending France’s impressive run in the tournament and keeping alive their bid for a second World Cup title in eight years. The goal also moved the French forward level with the tournament’s leading scorers.
The victory sends France into the quarter-finals, where Didier Deschamps’ side will face Morocco national football team for a place in the last four, while Paraguay bow out after an admirable campaign that included a memorable knockout victory over Germany.
Sports
World Cup 2026: Your larger than life ego is weighing Portugal down- Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells CR7
Former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has hit out at Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star claimed that Ronaldo’s ego is holding Roberto Martinez’s side hostage.
According to Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s starting lineup isn’t legendary leadership, adding that the 41-year-old has lost his touch and mobility.
He also reckons Goncalo Ramos should lead Portugal’s attack after he came off the bench to score the winner during their 2-1 win over Croatia in the Round of 32.
“Portugal fans could have expected what’s happening. You can’t expect to win anything in 2026 with a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack,” Ibrahimovic told Fox Sports.
“Especially since Ramos is on the bench, having come on and scored. This isn’t ‘legendary leadership.’ It’s the ego that’s holding the team hostage.
“Ronaldo has lost his touch and mobility. Continuing to start him is pure nostalgia-driven madness.”
Ronaldo has scored three goals so far for Portugal at the World Cup and he will hope to lead his nation to victory when they face Spain be back in action in the Round of 16 on Monday.
Atlas Lions rule in Houston as second-half blitz ends co-hosts’ dream as
Morocco delivered a commanding second-half performance to hammer co-hosts Canada 3-0 on Saturday night, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions remained patient throughout the opening 45 minutes as Canada stood firm, with the home crowd creating an electric atmosphere and believing their dream run could continue.
However, Morocco returned from the break with renewed purpose and completely took control of the contest.
The breakthrough goal opened the floodgates before a second strike put the result beyond doubt. A third goal sealed an emphatic victory, leaving Canada with no way back.
By the final whistle, Morocco had dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and capitalised on every mistake made by the Canadians. What started as a competitive encounter ended as a convincing statement of intent from the African side.
The victory sends Morocco into the last eight of the tournament, keeping Africa’s hopes alive on North American soil, while Canada’s World Cup campaign comes to an end on home ground.
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