Football

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.

Borussia Dortmund's remarkable Champions League journey culminates in a daunting clash against the formidable Real Madrid in Saturday's final at Wembley Stadium. The Spanish giants, boasting an unparalleled 14 European Cup triumphs, are overwhelming favorites against a Dortmund side that has defied expectations to reach the showpiece event.Real Madrid's unwavering resilience has been a hallmark of their Champions League campaign. They overcame a relentless Manchester City in the quarterfinals on penalties and staged a dramatic late comeback against Bayern Munich in the semifinals. Their confidence is sky-high as they seek to cap a memorable season with another European crown.In contrast, Dortmund's domestic campaign has been less impressive, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga. However, they have reserved their best performances for the Champions League, topping a challenging group featuring Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. They then eliminated PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid before a heroic defensive display against PSG in the semifinals.Dortmund's success has been built on a strong team spirit and the emergence of young talents. Jude Bellingham, who left Dortmund for Real Madrid last year, believes his former club has prepared meticulously for this moment. "They've played amazingly, the character and mentality they've shown in a lot of games," he said.However, Dortmund recognize the magnitude of the task ahead. Real Madrid's rich history and star-studded squad make them a formidable opponent. "Our goal is to win the Champions League," said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. "And if you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the champions."For Real Madrid, the final presents an opportunity for several personal milestones. Carlo Ancelotti could become the first coach to win the European Cup four times, while Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos could join Paco Gento as the only players to win the competition six times.The match will also be a test of UEFA's security measures after the chaos that marred the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. The English Football Association has invested heavily in improving safety and infrastructure to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.

Bayern Munich's arduous search for a new head coach has culminated in a surprising appointment: Vincent Kompany. The 38-year-old Belgian, who recently oversaw Burnley's relegation from the Premier League, has signed a three-year deal with the German giants.Bayern's pursuit of a new manager has been a protracted one, with several high-profile candidates rejecting their advances. After failing to secure Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and Ralf Rangnick, the club attempted to retain Thomas Tuchel, who had initially agreed to leave in the summer. However, Tuchel ultimately decided against staying, leaving Bayern with a void to fill.Kompany's appointment is a bold move by Bayern, considering his limited managerial experience. However, the Belgian has impressed with his leadership qualities and commitment to attacking football. He has also received strong endorsements from his former coach, Pep Guardiola, who believes Kompany has the potential to succeed at the highest level.Kompany's task at Bayern will be a challenging one. The club has endured a trophyless season for the first time in 12 years, and there is pressure to restore their dominance both domestically and in Europe. Additionally, Kompany will need to navigate the club's complex backroom politics, which have been a factor in the departure of previous coaches.Despite the challenges, Kompany is confident in his ability to succeed at Bayern. He believes that his attacking philosophy and determination to build a strong team will ultimately lead to success. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of FC Bayern," Kompany said. "It's a great honor to be able to work for this club - FC Bayern is an institution in international football."

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has withheld Kylian Mbappe's April salary and a substantial bonus due to a financial dispute between the club and the player. Mbappe is set to leave the French champions at the end of the season, with Real Madrid reportedly his next destination.The decision to withhold Mbappe's salary stems from an agreement made last year, where the player agreed to waive part of a bonus due to him. However, sources close to the talks indicate that the discussions between the club and Mbappe remain "relaxed" and that there is hope for a positive resolution.The total amount of money owed to Mbappe is estimated to be around 80 million euros ($86.8m), including the unpaid salary and the bonus. PSG's decision to withhold these payments without prior notice or agreement has raised concerns.Mbappe's contract with PSG expires on June 30, and he has confirmed his departure after seven years at the club. The player had previously agreed to waive a significant bonus to be reinstated to the PSG squad after being frozen out at the beginning of the season.The total value of these bonuses is estimated to be between 60 and 70 million euros. Waiving this sum was seen as a way for Mbappe to help PSG recoup some money, given that they will not receive a transfer fee for his departure.However, sources indicate that Mbappe may have received the bonus in February. Mbappe signed a two-year contract with PSG in 2022, worth around 72 million euros before tax. Additionally, he received a signing-on fee of 150 million euros and a loyalty bonus of 70 million euros for the first year and 80 million euros for the second year.

As Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri prepares to bid farewell to international football, he reflects on his illustrious career and the profound impact the sport has had on his life.Chhetri, who has graced the Indian jersey for 150 matches, scoring an astonishing 94 goals, is set to make his final appearance for the Blue Tigers on June 6 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait. The match holds immense significance as a victory would propel India closer to a historic first-ever appearance in Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and automatic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.In the twilight of his international career, Chhetri expresses a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he has received from his teammates and the football fraternity. "I'm filled with gratitude that I could play 150 matches for the country," he says.Reflecting on his journey, Chhetri acknowledges the challenges and sacrifices he has made along the way. "There have been ups and downs, but I've always tried to give my best," he says. "I've had to make sacrifices, but it's all been worth it."Chhetri's unwavering determination and passion for the game have earned him immense respect and admiration. Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian football team, believes that Chhetri has become a legend while still playing. "He's a true leader and an inspiration to all," Stimac says.As Chhetri prepares for his final international match, he is filled with a mix of emotions. "There's a bit of sadness, but also a lot of excitement," he says. "I'm looking forward to giving it my all and making it a memorable occasion."Chhetri's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. He has been a role model for aspiring footballers and has played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport in India. His unwavering commitment to the national team has inspired a generation of players and fans alike.As the curtain falls on Chhetri's international career, he leaves behind an indelible mark on Indian football. His contributions to the sport will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come.

Barcelona has appointed Hansi Flick as their new manager, replacing Xavi Hernandez. Flick, 59, joins the Catalan giants after a successful stint with Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League and back-to-back Bundesliga titles.Flick's appointment comes after Barcelona endured a disappointing season, finishing a distant second to Real Madrid in La Liga. Hernandez, a club legend as a player, left the club after failing to meet expectations.Flick is a highly respected coach with a proven track record of success. He is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to get the best out of his players. He will be tasked with rebuilding Barcelona into a competitive force both domestically and in Europe.Flick's first challenge will be to improve Barcelona's defense, which was one of the worst in La Liga last season. He will also need to find a way to get more goals from his team, as they struggled to score consistently under Hernandez.Barcelona will be hoping that Flick can help them return to their former glory. The club has not won a major trophy since 2019, and they will be desperate to end their drought under their new manager.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has expressed his desire to play for AC Milan, a club he has admired since childhood. While a move to Real Madrid remains the most likely destination for the 25-year-old, Mbappé's revelation has sparked excitement among Milan fans.Mbappé's admiration for Milan stems from his childhood, when he was an avid supporter of the Italian giants. "As a kid, I was a big fan of AC Milan and I always watch Serie A, every Milan game. All my family, massive Milan fan," he said.Despite Milan's recent struggles in Serie A, Mbappé remains open to the possibility of playing for the club in the future. "Italian football? You never know what happens," he told Sky. "I was always saying: if I will go to Italy one day, I will go to Milan."Mbappé's departure from Paris Saint-Germain is imminent, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. The French forward has enjoyed a remarkable spell at PSG, becoming their all-time top scorer with 26 goals. He has also won multiple Ligue 1 titles and the league cup.While Real Madrid is the frontrunner to sign Mbappé, Milan's history and tradition could prove to be a tempting proposition for the player. The Italian club has a rich history of success, having won seven European Cups and 19 Serie A titles.Mbappé's potential move to Milan would be a major coup for the club, which has been struggling to regain its former glory. The arrival of a world-class player like Mbappé could help Milan challenge for major trophies once again.

Bochum's remarkable comeback from a three-goal deficit against Fortuna Duesseldorf in the Bundesliga relegation play-off second leg has secured their top-flight status for another season.Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at home, Bochum's hopes seemed bleak. However, a stunning performance from midfielder Kevin Stoeger ignited their resurgence. Stoeger, who was out of contract, provided two assists before winning and converting a penalty.Bochum's resurgence began with Stoeger's free-kick delivery, which Philipp Hofmann headed home in the 18th minute. The duo combined again in the second half, with Stoeger's cross finding Hofmann for another header.Just two minutes later, Stoeger's cross struck Matthias Zimmermann's arm, resulting in a penalty. Stoeger calmly converted from the spot, leveling the tie and silencing the home crowd.Despite a clear chance for Takuma Asano to win the match in regulation time, the game went into extra time. However, chances were scarce, and the match was decided by a penalty shootout.Andreas Luthe saved Duesseldorf's first spot-kick, but Florian Kastenmeier kept the hosts in the shootout by saving one of Bochum's. Both teams converted their subsequent penalties until Takashi Uchino blasted his shot over the bar, ensuring Bochum's survival in the top flight."We were in such a good position, we were so close, that's why it hurts even more," said Duesseldorf's sporting director Klaus Allofs. "We didn't play well but I don't know why -- we have no idea."Bochum's counterpart Patrick Fabian expressed his pride in his team's performance. "Incredible, that topped it all off as far as the season is concerned," he said. "I'm incredibly proud of the boys."Bochum's victory marks the fourth consecutive season they have remained in the top flight. The Bundesliga relegation play-off has historically favored the first-division team, with only three exceptions since its reintroduction in 2008-09.

Real Madrid, the self-proclaimed kings of the Champions League, are poised to claim their 15th European crown against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's final. However, the competition's future hangs in the balance as Madrid and Barcelona push for a breakaway European Super League.Dortmund, led by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, have vehemently opposed the Super League, which would create a closed-shop league for Europe's elite clubs. An initial attempt to launch the league in 2021 failed due to widespread backlash.Despite their dominance in the Champions League, Madrid is concerned about the growing financial disparity in European football. State-backed clubs like Manchester City and PSG have emerged as formidable challengers, threatening Madrid's position as the competition's most successful club.Dortmund, with a wage bill significantly lower than Madrid's, has experienced firsthand the challenges of competing with these financial powerhouses. However, they have defied the odds, reaching the final after defeating PSG and Newcastle.Dortmund's managing director, Carsten Cramer, acknowledges the financial gap but takes pride in their competitive spirit. "We are competitive even though the tools and weapons we have are not the same ones the others have," he said.The Germans are aware of the significance of this rare final appearance, having lost the 2013 Champions League final to Bayern Munich. They may draw inspiration from Atalanta's Europa League triumph, proving that teams without vast budgets can achieve great things.Dortmund faces an uphill battle against the European giants, but they are determined to dethrone the kings and claim their first European trophy. The outcome of the final will not only determine the Champions League winner but also the future of European football amidst the Super League controversy.