Sports

Chelsea Appoint Enzo Maresca As New Manager – Reports

Published

6 months ago

May 31, 2024

Chelsea have appointed Leicester’s Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media reports late Thursday.

The Daily Telegraph said the Italian would be joining the Blues on a five-year contract, plus an option of a further year, designed to give the club stability after two years of upheaval under the new regime led by US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.

Maresca, who until last year was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at English champions Manchester City, oversaw an immediate return to the Premier League for Leicester following their relegation 12 months ago.

The 44-year-old Italian’s style of football is also said to have impressed Chelsea chiefs.

London club Chelsea were looking for a new manager after parting company with Mauricio Pochettino.

He spent just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich to top-flight promotion behind Leicester, also linked with the vacancy.

Pochettino left after a late surge resulted in Chelsea finishing sixth in the Premier League — qualifying for the Europa Conference League — but missed out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.

Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra-time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same score.

But there had been signs former Tottenham manager Pochettino’s project was coming together during a run of five consecutive wins to end the campaign that ensured Chelsea will be involved in European competition next season.

Sports

NPFL: Rivers United return to summit, Remo Stars fall

Published

8 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Rivers United reclaimed top position in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, after a 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors.

Former Akwa United striker Ndifreke Effiong netted the winning goal for Finidi George’s side in the 58th minute.

Rivers United top the standings with 25 points from 13 points.

Azeez Falolu and Boslam Dawi scored both goals as Katsina United defeated Remo Stars 2-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Shooting Stars returned to winning ways courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United. Anthony Okachi scored the decisive goal after 16 minutes.

Former champions Plateau United claimed a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United in Jos. Shina Kumater scored an own goal in the 51st minute to hand Plateau United the lead. Olawale Doyeni doubled the home team’s advantage nine minutes from time.

Sports

EPL: Amorim begins Man Utd stint with 1-1 draw at Ipswich

Published

8 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim began his stint at the Premier League club with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old began work officially on November 11 and waited for the international break to be over before his first game.

Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils a dream start with a goal within the opening two minutes.

But the hosts responded before the break with a stunning finish from Omari Hutchinson.

Ipswich had chances from Liam Delap to claim a second, but ultimately settled for a draw at Portman Road.

Amorim’s next league game will be against Everton at Old Trafford.

Sports

EPL: Leicester City sack manager Steve Cooper

Published

40 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

English Premier League club, Leicester City, has announced the sack of Steve Cooper as the team’s manager with immediate effect.

The club announced on Sunday in a statement on its website, titled, “Leicester City Part Company With Steve Cooper.”

Cooper’s sack comes after the Foxes lost 2-1 at home against Chelsea in the league on Saturday.

The Foxes’ run in the domestic league has been poor, managing only two wins, four draws and six losses.

They currently sit in the 16th position — two points above relegation zone.

Cooper, an ex-Nottingham Forest boss, joined the Foxes on a three-year deal in June 2024 but failed to convincingly deliver with a five-game winless run in all competitions.

He took over from Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca who guided Leicester to last season’s Championship title before joining Chelsea.

“Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the club and with our best wishes for the future.

“Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible,” the statement added.

Cooper, 44, guided England’s U17s to victory at the 2017 World Cup. He’s the second EPL manager to lose his job this season following Manchester United’s dismissal of Erik ten Hag last month.