Football

Liverpool and Chelsea emerged victorious in their pre-season friendlies, while Manchester United narrowly edged Real Betis.At the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Arsenal. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 13th minute, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. Fabio Carvalho doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a clinical volley. Arsenal's Kai Havertz pulled one back just before halftime, but Liverpool held on for the victory.In San Diego, Manchester United overcame Real Betis 3-2. Iker Losada gave Betis an early lead, but Marcus Rashford equalized from the penalty spot. Amad Diallo and Casemiro added goals for United, while Diego Llorente scored a consolation for Betis.Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory over Club America in Atlanta. Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty in the third minute, followed by a header from Marc Guiu in the 21st minute. Noni Madueke sealed the win with another penalty in the 79th minute.In Chicago, AC Milan defeated Real Madrid 1-0. Samuel Chukwueze scored the lone goal in the 55th minute, giving Milan a morale-boosting victory over the European champions.These pre-season matches provide valuable opportunities for teams to prepare for the upcoming season. They allow managers to experiment with tactics, assess player fitness, and build team chemistry. The results should not be taken as definitive, but they offer glimpses of the teams' potential and areas for improvement.

Aston Villa have bolstered their defensive ranks with the acquisition of Netherlands international Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. The 22-year-old left-back joins the Villans on a permanent deal, reportedly worth around £37.5 million.Maatsen, who spent the previous season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League. He made 16 appearances in the German top flight, scoring once in Dortmund's quarter-final victory over Atletico Madrid. He also featured in seven Champions League matches, including the final against Real Madrid.Prior to his loan spell at Dortmund, Maatsen had made 12 Premier League appearances for Chelsea. He has also gained valuable experience on loan at Charlton, Coventry, and Burnley.Maatsen's arrival at Villa Park reunites him with manager Unai Emery, who signed him for Arsenal in 2018. The Dutch defender is the second signing made by Emery in the pre-season transfer window, following the acquisition of forward Lewis Dobbin from Everton.Villa's ambitious plans for the upcoming season include competing in the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League last term. Maatsen's versatility and experience will be crucial as the Villans aim to make an impact on multiple fronts.The Netherlands international is currently with his national team at Euro 2024 in Germany, where he has been called up as a replacement for the injured Frenkie de Jong.

Manchester City to Kick Off Premier League Title Defense at ChelseaThe Premier League has released its fixture list for the upcoming season, with defending champions Manchester City set to begin their title defense away to Chelsea on August 18. The match will mark a reunion between Pep Guardiola and his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who was recently appointed Chelsea boss.FA Cup winners Manchester United will host the opening game of the campaign when Fulham visit Old Trafford on August 16. Newly promoted Ipswich, back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, will welcome Liverpool's new manager Arne Slot on August 17.Leicester, back in the top flight after one season in the Championship, will host Tottenham on August 19. Brighton's new manager Fabian Hurzeler will begin his reign away to Everton, while West Ham's new boss Julen Lopetegui will welcome Aston Villa.Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who finished as runners-up behind City for a second straight season, will host Wolves.Other notable fixtures include:* Liverpool vs. Manchester United (August 26)* Manchester City vs. Arsenal (September 16)* Chelsea vs. Manchester United (October 22)* Arsenal vs. Manchester City (April 29)The Premier League season will conclude on May 28, 2024.

Chelsea has appointed Enzo Maresca, the former Leicester City manager, as their new manager on a five-year contract. Maresca replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club by mutual consent last month.Maresca, 44, joined Leicester in June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last season. He is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players.Chelsea's ownership group expressed their excitement about Maresca's appointment. "He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the club," they said.Maresca's arrival at Chelsea marks a new era for the club. The Italian manager is expected to bring a fresh approach and a renewed sense of optimism to Stamford Bridge.Maresca's first task will be to prepare Chelsea for the upcoming season. The Blues will be looking to challenge for the Premier League title and make a deep run in the Champions League.Maresca has a proven track record of success at Leicester. He led the Foxes to the Championship title in his first season in charge and also guided them to the FA Cup semi-finals.Chelsea fans will be hoping that Maresca can replicate his success at Stamford Bridge. The Italian manager has a reputation for playing attractive football and getting the best out of his players.

Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media reports. The Italian joins the Blues on a five-year contract, with an option for a further year. This move is designed to provide stability after two years of upheaval under the new regime led by US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.Maresca, 44, was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City before taking over as Leicester's manager last year. He guided the Foxes to an immediate return to the Premier League after their relegation 12 months ago. His style of football, which emphasizes possession and attacking play, is said to have impressed Chelsea chiefs.Chelsea were in search of a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine spent just one season at Stamford Bridge, with Brentford's Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna also linked with the vacancy.Pochettino's departure came after Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa Conference League but missing out on Champions League qualification and a trophy. They lost the League Cup final to Liverpool and the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City.However, there were signs of progress under Pochettino, particularly during a run of five consecutive wins to end the campaign. This ensured Chelsea's participation in European competition next season.Maresca's appointment is seen as a long-term investment by Chelsea. The club hopes that he can build on the foundations laid by Pochettino and establish a consistent winning culture at Stamford Bridge.

Xavi Hernandez, the legendary Barcelona midfielder, is reportedly in high demand following his departure from the Catalan club. Despite guiding Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and a second-place finish in La Liga, Xavi's tenure was marked by disagreements with the club's hierarchy.According to journalist Pedro Almeida, Chelsea are set to initiate talks with Xavi to assess his potential as their next manager. The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League.Xavi's departure from Barcelona was a surprise, as he had initially announced his intention to leave at the end of the season but later reversed his decision. However, his recent comments about the club's financial struggles and his belief that Barcelona would struggle against European giants next season reportedly irked club president Joan Laporta and other members.During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Xavi compiled an impressive record of 90 wins, 23 draws, and 29 defeats in 142 games. He also led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season.However, Xavi expressed disappointment at the end of the season, feeling that his work was not sufficiently appreciated. "I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake. I have been targeted many times in many situations," he said."I think that the work has not been sufficiently appreciated. This year we haven't been up to the task because of details. We had four key games in which we couldn't finish the good work we had done," he added.Chelsea are reportedly considering Xavi as one of several potential candidates to replace Pochettino. Other managers linked with the Blues include Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, and Enzo Maresca.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his dismay over Chelsea's decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino, describing it as "harsh" and a "sad" moment for the Premier League. Pochettino was dismissed after just one year in charge, despite guiding Chelsea to a sixth-place finish and securing European qualification.Howe, who has been linked with the Chelsea job, praised Pochettino's managerial abilities and questioned the timing of his departure. "I think Mauricio is a very, very good manager," Howe said. "He's done incredibly well regardless of the club he has managed in various countries. I think it's sad for the Premier League when a manager loses his job, especially when I think it is harsh as his performances have been very strong."Pochettino's tenure at Chelsea was marked by both highs and lows. He led the Blues to a sixth-place finish, securing European qualification, but also faced criticism for inconsistent performances and a lack of attacking flair. Chelsea fans booed the team on several occasions, and Pochettino's side suffered disappointing defeats in the League Cup final and FA Cup semi-final.Despite these setbacks, Howe believes Pochettino was making progress at Chelsea. "The latter part of their season their form was very strong, they pipped us for sixth place," Howe said. "I think he was doing a really good job."Pochettino's sacking is the latest in a series of managerial changes at Chelsea since the club was acquired by Todd Boehly's consortium. Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter were both dismissed before Pochettino, and it remains to be seen who will be appointed as the Blues' next manager.

Mauricio Pochettino's tenure as Chelsea manager has come to an end after just one season, with the club announcing his departure by mutual consent on Tuesday. The Argentine coach leaves Stamford Bridge after a turbulent campaign that saw Chelsea finish sixth in the Premier League, lose in the English League Cup final, and reach the semifinals of the FA Cup.Pochettino's appointment last summer was met with high expectations, as he had previously led Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final and won the French Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain. However, his time at Chelsea was marred by inconsistent performances and a failure to secure a top-four finish, which would have guaranteed Champions League qualification.Despite Chelsea's heavy spending on transfers under new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Pochettino was unable to translate that investment into on-field success. The club's sixth-place finish in the Premier League was their lowest since 2016, and they were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.Pochettino's departure marks the end of a disappointing season for Chelsea, who have now gone two years without a major trophy. The club's hierarchy will now be tasked with finding a new manager who can restore Chelsea to their former glory and challenge for the Premier League title and Champions League.

Aston Villa's Champions League aspirations suffered a major setback as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. The loss, coupled with Tottenham Hotspur's victory over Liverpool, leaves Villa's top-four hopes hanging in the balance.Villa's performance was a far cry from their impressive display against Manchester City in midweek. They struggled to create clear-cut chances and were punished late on by Joao Pedro's 87th-minute goal. The Brazilian forward headed home the rebound after Robin Olsen saved his penalty, which was awarded for Ezri Konsa's foul on Simon Adingra.The defeat was Villa's second in four days, following their 4-2 loss to Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg. It raises concerns about their ability to maintain their form in the final stretch of the season.Villa remain in fourth place, but their lead over Tottenham has been reduced to seven points. With two games in hand, Tottenham could leapfrog Villa into the top four if they win both matches.Unai Emery's side will face a tough test in their remaining two fixtures. They host Liverpool at Villa Park before traveling to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. A victory in either game would secure their return to the Champions League for the first time since 1982-83.Meanwhile, Chelsea kept their hopes of European qualification alive with a resounding 5-0 victory over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were in dominant form throughout the match, scoring five goals without reply.Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by Conor Gallagher's stunning volley 15 minutes later. Noni Madueke added a third just six minutes later, before Nicolas Jackson scored twice in the second half to complete the rout.The victory moves Chelsea above Manchester United into seventh place, but they still need to secure a top-six finish to qualify for Europe. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure to deliver a strong finish to the season, with his future at the club uncertain.West Ham's defeat was their third in a row and leaves them in ninth place. The Hammers have come under fire for their negative style of play under manager David Moyes, and speculation is growing that he could be replaced at the end of the season.