Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Chelsea

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 May 2023, 09:16
Volker Struth - the agent of Julian Nagelsmann - has claimed that the German was Chelsea's first-choice pick to replace Graham Potter.

In the space of a little over a week at the end of March and start of April, Nagelsmann was removed from his position at Bayern Munich and Potter was sacked by Chelsea.

Speculation naturally emerged that Nagelsmann was a top target for the Blues hierarchy, who moved to appoint Frank Lampard on a caretaker basis while they conducted a thorough process.

When Luis Enrique became an outsider for the position, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that Nagelsmann would become the preferred candidate for Chelsea's owners.

Instead, the 35-year-old dropped out of the race two days later and Mauricio Pochettino, as reported for a number of weeks, is on the brink of being confirmed as the new head coach at Stamford Bridge.

Nagelsmann has since dropped out of the race to become the new Tottenham Hotspur boss, and his next move after his premature departure from the Allianz Arena is now unknown.

However, Struth has suggested that there are no regrets in not pushing harder for the Chelsea job, criticising the club's transfer policy, while insisting that Nagelsmann could have taken the role had he wanted it.

Speaking to BILD podcast Phrasenmaher, Struth said: "I can confirm that Chelsea were quick to call. There were some phone conversations.

"It was the right decision not to go there. It's a club in troubled waters at the moment. And their transfer policy, spending a few hundred million euros, has raised expectations that need to be met. There were also some other issues.

"He was their No.1 (choice), that was our information. I believe it would have happened if he had wanted it."

Pochettino, who could be confirmed as Chelsea boss later this week, will be tasked with trying to earn a return to the top seven in the Premier League in 2023-24.

The West Londoners currently sit in 11th position ahead of a closing triple-header with Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively.

Pochettino will also be required to significantly reduce the playing squad in a bid to boost Chelsea's ailing FFP position, but the Argentine is said to targeting a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and centre-forward during the summer transfer window.

17 May 2023
talksport.com
Premier League done deals: Every completed transfer in the 2023 Summer window
Premier League clubs are already adding to their squads for next season despite the transfer window not officially opening until next month.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Wilfried Zaha considers staying at Crystal Palace as bumper new deal offered
Wilfried Zaha is seriously considering staying at Crystal Palace, talkSPORT understands.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Nagelsmann's agent criticises Chelsea and reveals reason German snubbed Blues
Julian Nagelsmann's agent has criticised Chelsea and revealed why the German turned down the vacant managerial post.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Cristiano Ronaldo rages at referee but has last laugh after VAR review
Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for dissent during Al Nassr's match on Tuesday, but his protestations proved to be justified.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Barnsley vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups
Six days on from a 1-1 draw at the University of Bolton Stadium, Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers will meet at Oakwell for the second leg of their League One playoff semi-final clash on Friday night.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Barnsley vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups
Six days on from a 1-1 draw at the University of Bolton Stadium, Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers will meet at Oakwell for the second of their League One playoff semi-final clash on Friday night.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Inside Charlton's takeover chaos as Sandgaard agrees to sell but doubts over future remain
"See you in the Premier League in two years."
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Tony Mowbray fighting to save Sunderland job after Championship play-off defeat
Tony Mowbray is fighting to save his job as Sunderland manager after their Championship play-off semi-final defeat to Luton, talkSPORT understands.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid 'want Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Alphonso Davies this summer'
Real Madrid are reportedly keen to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies during this summer's transfer window.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
I was shock Madrid loanee from West Ham but I didn't fall asleep on the bench, I was bored
When Real Madrid call up, it is almost impossible for a player to turn down the chance to make the move.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal, Manchester United 'forced to wait for Declan Rice talks'
West Ham United have reportedly informed clubs interested in Declan Rice that there will be no transfer talks regarding the midfielder until the 2022-23 season has finished.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Henry teases Lukaku as Inter Milan star refuses to give shirt to CBS team
Thierry Henry couldn't help but tease Romelu Lukaku as the Inter Milan striker made excuses for why he couldn't hand over his shirt.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Kim Min-jae 'agrees personal terms with Manchester United'
Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a proposed move to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Lyon vs. Monaco - prediction, team news, lineups
Lyon and Monaco will be looking to enhance their respective bids for European football when they do battle at Groupama Stadium on Friday evening.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Man United takeover: Qataris submit last-ditch bid to see off Ratcliffe offer
Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has returned with a last-ditch offer to buy Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
17 May 2023
talksport.com
Qataris table £5.5bn Man United bid, Inter Milan send warning to Man City and Real Madrid
talkSPORT.com brings you all the latest football news and gossip.
17 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Wednesday's Turkish Super Lig predictions including Fatih Karagumruk vs. Adana Demirspor
Istanbul vs. Umraniyespor (Wednesday, 3.00pm) Istanbul Basaksehir welcome relegation-doomed Umraniyespor to the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. With the end of the Turkish Super Lig season in sight, Umraniyespor sit eight points inside the bottom four, while Basaksehir find themselves fifth in the standings.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Xavi 'wants Martin Zubimendi as Sergio Busquets replacement at Barcelona'
Barcelona head coach Xavi is reportedly keen to sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Carlo Ancelotti to break Alex Ferguson's Champions League record versus Manchester City
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will break a Champions League record held by Sir Alex Ferguson in Wednesday's semi-final second leg against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Brentford 'set to sign Mark Flekken as David Raya replacement'
Brentford are reportedly set to sign Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken as a replacement for David Raya.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Qatari investor Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has tabled an improved offer to buy Manchester United.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
'We're going to get sacked' - Abdo gaffe has Carragher in stitches, while Henry walks off
Kate Abdo hilariously forgot what broadcaster she worked for at the San Siro, causing Jamie Carragher to joke: 'We're all going to get sacked!'
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Inter celebrate with fans as City and Real Madrid warned Serie A side will be no pushovers
Inter Milan sparked jubilant celebrations at the San Siro as they beat rivals AC Milan to reach the Champions League final.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Fikayo Tomori is 'nowhere near' good enough for England having been 'run ragged' by Dzeko
Fikayo Tomori showed why Gareth Southgate continues to overlook him for England having been 'run ragged' by Edin Dzeko.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Luton get play-off first and are one win away from welcoming Haaland to Kenilworth Road
Luton have taken a giant step towards Premier League football with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland in the Championship play-off semi-finals.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
'Textbook Mills' - talkSPORT pundit pokes fun at himself as Inter man gets away with stamp
Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi somehow escaped any punishment for what appeared to be a blatant stamp on Sandro Tonali.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Luton Town overturn first-leg deficit to reach Championship playoff final
Luton Town have recorded a 2-0 victory over Sunderland to reach the Championship playoff final, prevailing 3-2 on aggregate.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Lautaro Martinez on target as Inter Milan beat rivals AC Milan to reach Champions League final
Inter Milan have progressed to the Champions League final courtesy of a 3-0 semi-final aggregate victory over city rivals AC Milan at San Siro on Tuesday night.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Man United takeover: Qataris submit last-ditch bid to see off Ratcliffe offer
Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has returned with a last-ditch improved offer to buy Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Wolves take the mick out of talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor over prediction
Wolves have hilariously mocked talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor after the former Aston Villa striker tipped them to get relegated this season.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Team News: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Eight days on from a closely-contested 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, Manchester City and holders Real Madrid meet for the 10th time at the Etihad Stadium in Wednesday's winner-takes-all second leg.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Roma - prediction, team news, lineups
Taking a slender lead with them to Germany, Roma seek a place in the Europa League final when they visit Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, in the second leg of the clubs' semi-final tie.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Abraham reveals he gets messages from ex-Chelsea teammate to come back to club
Tammy Abraham says that his old Chelsea pal Reece James has asked him to come back to the club.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Man United pre-season: FULL guide from transfers, contracts and friendly fixture dates
Manchester United will be heading into this summer's pre-season hoping to build upon a successful first season under Erik ten Hag.
16 May 2023
talksport.com
Pele mausoleum opens to the public as fans flock to visit Brazilian legend's coffin
Fans have paid their respect to football legend Pele after his mausoleum was opened to the public in Brazil.
16 May 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Basel vs. Fiorentina - prediction, team news, lineups
Seeking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit, Fiorentina travel to Switzerland to face Basel at St Jakob-Park for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night.
Show more

Top News

28 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Antalyaspor vs. Alanyaspor (Friday, 1.00pm) This weekend's Turkish Super Lig action will get underway at Corendon Airlines Park, where Antalyaspor will be playing host to Alanyaspor on Friday afternoon. 28 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lucas Vazquez's Real Madrid future is reportedly in 'serious doubt' due to Trent Alexander-Arnold's highly-anticipated arrival. 28 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Cole Palmer is reportedly yet to take part in Chelsea training after he sustained an injury before the international break. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly held initial discussions over a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two sides enduring rough patches resume Primeira Liga action this weekend as Casa Pia welcome Rio Ave to Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior for a round 27 encounter. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk League leaders Sporting Lisbon will look to pick up where they left off before the international break when they travel to Estrela Amadora this weekend for round 27 of the Primeira Liga. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich quest for the Bundesliga title continues on Saturday when they welcome St Pauli to Allianz Arena in their 27th league game of the season. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to carry their momentum from before the international break, Braga resume their Primeira Liga campaign this weekend as they welcome Arouca for a matchday 27 clash. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Blackburn Rovers will travel to the South Coast for Saturday's Championship encounter against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eintracht Frankfurt will hope they can cling onto their place in the Bundesliga's final Champions League qualification spot when they host Stuttgart at Deutsche Bank Park on Saturday. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has promised to retire from international football if Argentina win the 2026 World Cup. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In a crucial battle that will impact the race for European football in the Bundesliga, Borussia Monchengladbach will welcome RB Leipzig to Borussia Park on Saturday. 27 March 2025 talksport.com Ashley Cole was Cristiano Ronaldo's most difficult opponent - the pair treated fans to epic battles. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk With the battle for survival in the Bundesliga entering its final weeks, relegation-threatened Holstein Kiel will hope to collect three points against visitors Werder Bremen on Saturday at Holstein-Stadion. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has reportedly agreed to sign a new contract with the Bees. 27 March 2025 talksport.com Gary Neville says there are two England players who will always play regardless of their form. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona will be aiming to make it six straight wins in all competitions when they host Girona on Sunday afternoon. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona moved three points clear at the top of the La Liga table courtesy of a 3-0 success over Osasuna on Thursday evening, with Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski on the scoresheet for the Catalan giants. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to tighten their grip on the third-tier title, Birmingham City will welcome League Two-bound Shrewsbury Town to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday afternoon in League One. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two teams at opposite ends of the Scottish Premiership table will clash on Saturday evening, as relegation-threatened Dundee host Rangers at the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park. 27 March 2025 talksport.com Real Madrid could be without FOUR key stars for their Champions League tie with Arsenal - including Kylian Mbappe. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Fighting for a place in the top half before the Scottish Premiership splits, St Mirren will take on Kilmarnock at the Smisa Stadium on Saturday. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Championship leaders Leeds United will resume their promotion bid with a home game against Swansea City on Saturday. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Watford will resume their Championship playoff bid when they lock horns with Plymouth Argyle in Saturday's clash at Vicarage Road. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed his starting XI for Thursday's La Liga clash with Osasuna, with a decision on Robert Lewandowski's involvement being made. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic are set to welcome top-six contenders Hearts at Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Middlesbrough will resume their Championship playoff bid when they welcome Oxford United to the Riverside Stadium for Saturday's contest. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk This weekend's Major League Soccer schedule kicks off with a clash of the Eastern Conference heavyweights at Chase Stadium, where Inter Miami will play host to Philadelphia Union. 27 March 2025 talksport.com Jamie Carragher's reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool exit didn't sit well with talkSPORT's Darren Bent. 27 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City will reportedly face competition from Liverpool to sign in-demand Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso during the summer transfer window.