European Leagues
JADON IS GOOD! Enzo Maresca Fires Subtle Dig At Erik ten Hag after Sancho shines on debut
Enzo Maresca fired a subtle dig at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho impressed on his Chelsea debut. The Blues boss claimed the winger needs to feel ‘loved’ to perform at his best following his standout role in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
Sancho set up Christopher Nkunku’s late winner and was awarded the Player of the Match despite only coming on as a half-time substitute.
The 24-year-old hadn’t played a minute of football since a late cameo in Man United’s Community Shield defeat to Man City last month.
Having been frozen out by Ten Hag, Sancho joined the Blues on deadline day on loan with an obligation to buy next summer. The England international’s impressive first outing at his boyhood club is already a far cry from his torrid Old Trafford spell.
Maresca heaped praise on his performance post-game, saying: “Very happy, very happy for him.
“He was very good, I think Joao [Felix] was very good and Christoph scored but was also very good.
“I said already when we brought in Jadon that the reason why is because we were looking for another winger like Noni [Madueke]. Noni is doing that on the right side, winning one v one, creating chances, scoring goals and we were looking for the same on our left side with Jadon.
“We already have Mischa [Mudryk] there, Pedro [Neto] is playing there but it’s good to have both wingers they can give us this kind of options.”
Maresca was also delighted by Chelsea fans inside the Vitality stadium already singing Sancho’s name, as he believes his new man operates best when feeling the love of those around him.
Asked about how crucial a positive relationship with supporters and staff could be for Sancho’s form, the Italian added: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.
“Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play.
“They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”
Sancho hadn’t featured in the Premier League since he was frozen out of the United squad by Ten Hag in September 2023.
He was ostracised from first-team training after refusing to apologise for a dig at the manager on social media.
Sancho spent the season half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, with even former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp questioning the treatment of him.
His return to form in Germany sparked Ten Hag to bury the hatchet in the summer, with the Dutchman stating there is no longer an issue between him and the player.
However, Sancho was then left out of the first team match day squads, before he sealed his switch to west London.
The saga ended what has been a turbulent few years for the 23-cap England international, who was one of Europe’s brightest young talents upon his 2021 switch to the red half of Manchester.
Sancho arrived just weeks after he was racially abused for missing a penalty in a shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final alongside Three Lions teammates Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.
His pre-season was hampered by an ear infection, with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo also causing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rip up his gameplan.
Sancho, who flourished in the Bundesliga dropping into central pockets with Achraf Hakimi making overlapping runs, suddenly found himself relegated to being a touchline winger in front of the defensively-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
He was cruelly branded 007 by Sky Germany for failing to register a single-goal contribution in his first seven games, with Solskjaer, who had championed his transfer for two years, sacked in November.
Two Man United managers later and it’s a former coach from the Etihad who has helped him eliminate the James Bond memes after one game at Chelsea.
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202623 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202623 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202623 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202623 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202615 hours ago
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202623 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis16 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Women's Football13 hours ago
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
