ENZO MARESCA wants all of his troops in Chelsea’s cheerleading squad — whether they are playing or not.
It follows a conspicuous display of unity on Tuesday night, when a group of players not involved against minnows Barrow in the Carabao Cup turned up in support of their team-mates and sat behind the home dugout.
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Enzo Maresca is making members of Chelsea’s bloated squad come to every gameCredit: Alamy
Captain Reece James, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, keeper Robert Sanchez, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo were among those who later went on the pitch to celebrate a 5-0 victory.
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Boss Maresca insists it is a key part of the team effort for everyone to turn up, whether it be in boots or not.
The Italian believes attention to small details plays a big part in performances.
He said: “The ones in the squad have to be there and the ones not in the squad have to be there too.
“In a normal team you have to behave like a team and if there is a game they have to be there.
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“For sure, it will happen tomorrow. If there is a problem and some of them cannot come, then that is not a problem.
“I don’t know whether we say that it is a rule but when there is a game the players have to be there.
“In terms of culture, it is quite normal that if my team-mate is playing a game, I am there before the game to support him and I am there after the game to support him in case he wins, loses, does well or does badly.
“It is normal for them to be there whether it is Premier League or Carabao Cup, whatever competition.
“If we want to create something then these small things are important. I just said that I want all of them there.”
Chelsea player ratings from 5-0 win over Barrow
Chelsea’s dressed-down players turned up in snazzy hoodies and trendy street clothing to back their pals.
One cheeky member of the non-playing squad even dashed into the press room at half-time to nab a sausage roll earmarked for journalists.
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Maresca joked: “Some of them were in bad clothes? OK, I can manage inside the pitch but the way they dress is not my job.”
Players not in the squad have turned up to games before but team-minded Maresca is making a bigger deal of it to breed unity in a dressing room which has undergone huge changes in recent months.
It may play a part in the upturn in form with Chelsea seeking a fourth straight victory against Brighton and sitting three points from the top of the Premier League in fifth place.
There is recent history between the two clubs which could make things a little trickier for the Blues at Stamford Bridge — but with only skipper James on the injured list, the Italian at least has a virtually full strength squad to choose from.
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Maresca was full of praise for Marc CucurellaCredit: Getty
Among them are rejuvenated defender Marc Cucurella and midfielder Caicedo. Both acquired from Brighton for a combined fee of £177m.
The pressure that goes with that means it has taken time for the pair to settle in fully – but Maresca believes we are starting to see the best from the former Seagulls.
He said: “Marc is a very intelligent player. He is very clever.
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“Against Bournemouth he played like an attacking midfielder, against West Ham he played like a holding midfielder.
“From day one, I have said I don’t want them doing things without understanding why they are doing it.
“I am not asking just to run or do this. It is nice to help the players understand why they do things.
“Marc is one of those guys that when we ask him to do something, we explain why. You can see in some players that even when you explain why they struggle a little bit to understand.
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“Marc is one of those guys who immediately understands. He is a versatile player and gives us different options.
“I don’t think the price should be a problem. Sometimes it can put them under pressure.
“I know Moises from Brighton. I watched a lot of games from Moises in that season.
“At the moment for us, he’s a very important player. He’s doing well, especially off the ball.
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“But he can do much, much, much better on the ball and be more brave, breaking lines. He is doing very well but he can be even better on the ball.”
Chelsea also nabbed Sanchez as part of a major raid on their South Coast opponents, who are still unbeaten in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Maresca said: “The Brighton fans may not be happy but the Brighton owner would be very happy.
“It is a matter of balance. They are former players but the reason they are at Chelsea — and the reason why Chelsea paid money for them — was because, when they were at Brighton, their fans were happy at that moment.
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“This is because Moises, Cucurella, Robert and Levi Colwill, who was there on loan, are fantastic players. I am very happy to have them.”
Chelsea player ratings vs Barrow
JOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s how the starting XI rated…
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Filip Jorgensen – 6
Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.
Malo Gusto – 7
Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.
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Axel Disasi – 6
Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.
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Renato Veiga – 6
Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Cesare Casadei – 7
Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.
Pedro Neto – 7
Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.
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Joao Felix – 8
Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.
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Christopher Nkunku – 9
Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.
Subs
Ben Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6
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Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.
Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6
Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.
Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6
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Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.
Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6
Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6
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Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.
Defending champion Luke Humphries beat 2021 winner Jonny Clayton 3-1 to move into the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix in Leicester.
World number one Humphries started strongly but was pegged back at 1-1 – then made a superb 146 checkout as he recovered from two legs down to win the third set before sealing his victory.
“That’s the most nervous I have felt in a long, long time,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
“It is hard playing your friends but I just felt nervous, It is really not like me. There is an opportunity to win again and maybe I am trying too hard. Jonny was unlucky there, he could probably have had the third set, that 146 changed everything.
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“I am trying to strive for more and achieve perfection but I am very lucky I am still here. Sometimes you have to ride your luck.”
Humphries will face Ryan Joyce in a best-of-nine encounter in the last four after the 39-year-old continued his fine run in the competition with a 3-2 win over fourth seed Rob Cross.
Cross, who won the World Championship on his debut in 2018, took the opening set with an 11-dart leg but then lost the next two before drawing level.
However, Joyce punished misses from his opponent in the decider to book his first appearance in the semis.
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Meanwhile, Belgium’s Mike de Decker defeated two-time champion James Wade 3-0 in Friday’s opening match in a high-quality contest that went to a deciding leg in each set.
He will now face Joe Cullen or Dimitri van den Bergh on Saturday.
BKFC champion Austin Trout defends his title on Saturday at the promotion’s debut card in Marbella, Spain and it’s Conor McGregor who deserves credit for it.
Over the past few months, McGregor has been heavily promoting BKFC after becoming a part owner in the bare-knuckle outfit but his investment wasn’t just a way to grab a few headlines. Instead, McGregor has been present for many recent BKFC events with company founder and president David Feldman praising the Irish superstar for his constant involvement on the business side of things.
In fact, Trout says it was McGregor who orchestrated almost every aspect of the upcoming card in Spain, which also serves as the first BKFC event with DAZN after inking a new broadcast deal recently.
“This Marbella fight in Spain was his idea,” Trout told MMA Fighting. “He really took reins. He got the venue. He’s putting in work. He’s promoting the hell out of it. I don’t think he’s really left Spain but to promote other bare-knuckle fights. He’s made a home out there in Spain himself right now.
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“It’s really exciting to have Conor behind [BKFC]. I mean he’s really backing it. He’s putting in work.”
Since his investment in BKFC was announced in April, McGregor has constantly touted the promotion on his various social media accounts where he has over 60 million followers combined.
Trout has seen it firsthand that McGregor is truly doing everything possible to make BKFC a bigger brand and his ownership stake actually means something to him.
“A publicist said you couldn’t pay for this type of publicity from him,” Trout said. “You couldn’t write a check for this type of publicity that he’s giving us. Even when he’s firing Mike Perry, shit like that means he’s very emotionally involved.
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“Shout out to Conor. He’s about to blow this shit up and it’s a good time to be a champion. It’s a good time to stay a champion.”
While his primary focus on BKFC thus far has been serving as a promoter and co-owner, McGregor has openly stated that he eventually wants to cross over and compete in a bare-knuckle fight as well.
McGregor currently only has two bouts remaining on his current UFC contract and unless he reaches an extension, it’s possible he could fight for BKFC once that deal comes to an end.
Of course if that happens, McGregor could probably pick any opponent he wanted for his bare-knuckle debut but Trout believes he would be the perfect candidate because he’s not only a BKFC champion but he built his name through a very successful boxing career where he battled names like Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez as well as Jermall and Jermell Charlo.
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“It’s one of the bigger fights in BKFC,” Trout said about potentially fighting McGregor. “I would gladly oblige. I’m your huckleberry, for sure.”
There’s no telling when or if McGregor might actually make that move but based on the current roster at BKFC, Trout feels like he would present biggest challenge along with a name to help push the event.
Of course as much as he would gladly welcome the chance to trade punches with McGregor in bare-knuckle, Trout warns him that he might not like the result.
“Bare-knuckle, me and Conor, he ain’t got no chance with me,” Trout said. “I ain’t even going humble myself on that one. But I would love for him to try. It would be good.
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“I can’t see another [name]. Unless he wants to just buy a win, that’s another thing. There’s plenty of names for that. But for a fight that’s worthy of Conor, Austin Trout is it.”
And after both his fine finishes for the Young Lions, McAtee peeled his shirt up to show a white top with the words “GB 2 REST EASY BROTHER X”.
Ahead of kick-off the 21-year-old had posted: “I love you to bits brother, thank you for looking after me and also thank you for the memories that we shared together.
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“Thoughts go out to your amazing family. Special player, special teammate, special person.”
On the pitch it looked like the Young Lions would endure the same fate as the senior side the previous night as Dynamo Kyiv defender Taras Mykhavko put Ukraine ahead on 70 minutes at a sold-out Vitality Stadium.
But McAtee, who has made just one Premier League appearance for City this season, saved the day with a ferocious strike into the top corner on 88 minutes.
The defending champions are now two points behind Group F leaders Ukraine with one match to play against Azerbaijan next Tuesday, while the table-toppers will take on Serbia.
England were in the driving seat for most of the game with Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson being teed up by Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene, but blazing over the bar.
The best chance of the first-half came 23 minutes in when McAtee stung the hands of an onrushing Ruslan Neshcheret with a rasping, close-range shot.
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Winger McAtee turned the game around after Ukraine led 1-0Credit: Getty
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Tragic George Baldock is shown waving to Blades’ fansCredit: Getty
After the break, the Young Lions had a fire lit in their bellies with Neshcheret tipping a rocket strike from Liam Delap over the bar before McAtee fired one agonisingly wide moments later.
England were wasteful in front of goal though and scuppered another peach of a chance as Philogene broke free in front of goal but fired straight at Neshcheret.
Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England
The hosts shirked their defensive duties and Kostiantyn Vivcharenko nearly poked one home before Jack Hinshelwood cleared the danger.
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England should have seen the warning signs as Mykhavko headed home after an inch-perfect corner from Oleh Ocheretko with half-an-hour to go.
The hosts were handed a golden chance to get back in it when Maksym clattered into McAtee on the edge of the box before the winger equalised and hit the winner.
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The Young Lions are now two points behind group leaders Ukraine
Jorge Masvidal is looking to make his UFC comeback in the first quarter of 2025.
Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) retired from MMA at UFC 287 in April 2023 after suffering his fourth consecutive loss to Gilbert Burns. He was granted permission while under contract with the UFC to box Nate Diaz in July, but lost the bout by majority decision.
It didn’t take long for “Gamebred” to get the itch to compete in MMA again, and hopes to return early next year.
“Next year in March, I’m there,” Masvidal said on Bo Nickal’s YouTube channel. “If they go to Miami, I’m going to f*ck somebody up in Miami.”
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Despite Masvidal’s enthusiasm, UFC CEO Dana White said “probably not” when recently asked about the possibility of having both Tyron Woodley and Masvidal back to the UFC.
Masvidal, 39, capitalized on his time off since retiring from MMA to rest his body. He may have been prepping for a boxing match, but he wasn’t putting his body through strenuous sparring sessions, as well as grappling and jiu-jitsu.
“There’s nothing more f*cking demanding in this world, sport-wise, than MMA,” Masvidal said. “Because when you add in the wrestling, mixed with the f*cking knees to your nose, mixed with people trying to choke you out, and then the strength and conditioning we’ve got to do to keep it up, to be able to stay healthy. In a way, time away from MMA is like getting healthy (laughs).”
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam winner, says he is “shocked” and “overwhelmed” by the news that Rafael Nadal will retire at the end of the season.
Reflecting on the exit of three of the ‘Big Four’, Djokovic said “a part of me left with them” as Nadal follows Andy Murray and Roger Federer in choosing to retire from the sport.
Bo Nickal reiterates he is in no rush to climb to the top.
Nickal (6-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) faces his most notable name to date when he takes on Paul Craig (17-8-1 MMA, 9-8-1 UFC) in a middleweight bout at UFC 309 Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden.
Although Nickal is a highly touted prospect, he isn’t looking to be fast tracked. He has an idea of how his path to the UFC title will look like.
“This is a good step up with Paul Craig,” Nickal said on his YouTube channel. “So, take care of business and then I want to (fight) two more guys that are unranked. Then fight a ranked guy.
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“So at that point, I’ll be 7-0, 8-0, 9-0, fight a ranked guy, 10-0. 11-0, probably fight a top-five guy, and then fight for the belt around 12-0. That’s what I’m planning on right now. We’ll see, but definitely zoom focused on this next fight.”
If he can get through Craig, Nickal hopes to draw bigger names moving forward.
“I’m just going to smash this guy, and then I want to get exciting fights now,” Nickal said. “I feel like I’ve fought enough guys that have kind of not really been very dangerous to me. I haven’t even been hit really in a real fight yet.
“So I want to start fighting better guys for sure. Once I get a ranked fight, I think I’m only going to have to fight two or three before the belt. At that point, it’s like straight to it.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.
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