In Erling Haaland’s absence, the 19-goal striker for Manchester City, Mateo Kovacic, has disclosed what he expects from every member of the team.

The defending champions defeated Luton 2-1 on Sunday, but they did so without their injured top scorer, who is presently recovering from a stress fracture in his foot. Kovacic, though, is not very worried since he thinks the team can continue winning games if each player steps up their game while important guys are out.

Speaking to reporters, Kovacic said: “Obviously we missed key players like Erling and Kevin [De Bruyne], it’s never easy when you miss such big players.

“But they are not in the moment here, we need everybody to give 10, 20 per cent more like we did (on Sunday) and then we can win games.”

City’s Premier League winless run of four games—three draws, one defeat, and one tie against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham—was snapped with the victory against Luton. Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, who scored in the second half to seal the much-needed victory at Kenilworth Park, played crucial parts in the turnaround in the absence of Haaland, De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku.

“The team was confident because we were playing good,” said Kovacic. “We had not bad results, some draws where we could have won. This is football sometimes, then it’s about how you come back. Today we came back in a good way. A big three points. We showed overall great football, especially in the first half we played very well, we found a lot of players in the pockets which is what we want. When you do your thing and insist, the goals come. We could have scored even more, but I’m happy with the three points.”

Alf Inge Haaland sold his son in the Fantasy Premier League, which has led to speculation that Haaland may be sidelined for an extended period of time.

Pep Guardiola may rest several of his key players against Red Star in the Champions League, given that they have already qualified for the knockout stage as group leaders.

With the teams above them not playing until Sunday, all eyes will be on their next Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace on Saturday. A win against the Londoners might move them within a point of league leaders Liverpool.

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Concerned about the “too many players” in Chelsea’s squad, Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of resolving their futures this summer.

The Blues defeated Wrexham in their opening encounter of the USA trip to win the preseason game. Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku, and Ben Chillwell also scored goals for the Blues after the half. Young full-back Ian Maatsen scored twice in the first half.

The manager agreed that there is a “need to assess and analyse” the team and take practical actions to lighten the overloaded roster while being pleased to begin his Chelsea tenure with a victory.

 “There are too many players. We need to assess and analyse and see what happens with them in the season. Many decisions that we need to take. But it is good to have the opportunity to see all these young guys who can show their quality,” he told reporters. “It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.”

Chelsea has been actively selling players this summer, both to lower the size of their squad and to balance their books after spending almost £600 million ($775 million) during the previous two transfer windows.

They have already let go of 12 players, including stars like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Mateo Kovacic. A number of other players, including Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, appear to be leaving Stamford Bridge as well.

According to reports, Chelsea is already planning to sell more than £200 million ($253 million) in order to pay for new signings like Moises Caicedo, Rayan Cherki, Paulo Dyabala, and Elye Wahi.

On Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in the Premier League Summer Series, Chelsea will play again versus Brighton.

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On Monday, Pochettino made his first visit to the team’s training facility in Cobham and immediately started to win over supporters by proclaiming that the Blues had been England’s best team for the previous ten years.

The Argentine has a challenging task ahead of him after Chelsea’s lowest Premier League finish since the 1993–1994 season—12th—last season.

In preparation for a season without European competition, their team is undergoing major surgery. N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, and Kai Havertz have all already departed, and Mason Mount is on the verge of leaving as well.

There aren’t many obvious prospects to succeed club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who is anticipated to join Atletico Madrid, but Pochettino has urged his team to take charge and act as leaders.

“We need leaders, not followers, in every single area and we will push every person to bring their best and give their best for the club,” Pochettino said.

He added: “If we are all together, we are going to be very strong. We have an unbelievable squad and for sure are going to bring players with commitment who want to be part of it also. With the fans and everyone, we can find again the way to be successful.”

Because Azpilicueta’s transfer hasn’t been finalized, Chelsea hasn’t decided who would serve as captain, but it’s likely that vice-captain Thiago Silva will do so.

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Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.

Kovacic had just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and was free to depart this summer, which City took advantage of by completing a deal that would cost the triple champions an initial £25 million, with a further £5 million in add-ons.

The 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract with City, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.

Following the exit of club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, the European champions have acted swiftly to secure Croatia international Kovacic’s services on a four-year deal.

🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/8JuhPxM29s

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 27, 2023

“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” said Kovacic, who will wear the number 8 shirt in Manchester.

“Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there. To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer.

“I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.

“My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Mateo is an excellent footballer.

“He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top level clubs and he understands the Premier League. It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder.

“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.

“I am delighted he is here. This is a great signing for this club, and I am very excited to watch what he can do with Pep and the rest of our backroom team.”

Mateo Kovacic joins City! 🙌

Read more 👇

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 27, 2023

The club has cashed in on players worth £130 million under pressure to follow Financial Fair Play, and Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech are among those who will be leaving.

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As the clear-out at Stamford Bridge continues, Chelsea and Manchester City have reached an agreement to sell Mateo Kovacic for £30 million.

Since a few weeks, the Premier League winners have been connected to Kovacic, and they have finally made progress with Chelsea.

Since joining Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2019, Kovacic has made more than 200 appearances, assisting the Blues in capturing the Champions League and Europa League.

Some people may be shocked by his departure from Stamford Bridge given that the 29-year-old was an essential part of the team last season, appearing in 37 games across all competitions.

However, Chelsea is trying to cut down a bloated squad after finishing just 12th in the Premier League last year by releasing a number of players.

The fact that Kovacic was reportedly eager to team up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium may have also pressed Chelsea’s hand.

He thus reached a personal agreement with the holders of the Champions League earlier this month and will now go through a physical at City.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City will give Chelsea an upfront payment of £25 million for the Croatian international and a further $5 million in performance-based add-ons.

EXCL: Mateo Kovacić joins Manchester City from Chelsea, fee agreed and done deal — here we go! 🚨🔵 #MCFC

Agreement between clubs just reached for £30m fee.

Personal terms agreed two weeks ago, Kovacić only wanted Man City.

Medicals in the next days.

New midfielder for Pep 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/cXU7ZDSKMf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

Kovacic is one of several Chelsea players who will leave the club this summer, with N’Golo Kante joining Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad earlier this week.

Hakim Ziyech is apparently close to joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Edouard Mendy have been linked with similar transfers.

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Manchester City has made a £25 million ($31.8 million) bid for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who is eager to depart.

According to The Athletic, after extensive negotiations with the midfielder and his entourage, City has submitted a written offer for Kovacic worth £25 million.

The two clubs are currently working out the details of a deal as Kovacic is keen to join the treble champions. Chelsea had previously given the player permission to meet with City, which led to him agreeing to terms.

Chelsea must sell this summer in order to downsize a bloated roster that has grown since Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly took control.

Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy are just two players who have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea don’t seem to mind if Kovacic goes to City.

Manager Pep Guardiola is reported to have loved Kovacic while he played for Real Madrid and has made the move because the 29-year-old’s contract expires in a year. Last season, he appeared in 37 games in all competitions.

City will be hoping to finalize a deal as pre-season approaches; they play Bayern Munich in their first friendly on July 26 in Japan.

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Mateo Kovacic looks to be closing in on the Chelsea exit doors after apparently reaching a personal contract agreement with Manchester City.

As he approaches the last year of his deal with the Blues, the Premier League winners started negotiations with the Croatian midfielder at the end of May. Fabrizio Romano has stated that Kovacic has since struck an agreement with City over a prospective move this summer after reports that negotiations reached an advanced level a week ago.

The 29-year-old’s transfer cost, according to Romano, will be settled after City’s Champions League final match against Inter on Saturday. Given their dismal financial results from the previous season, Chelsea are apparently eager to sell the Croat as they prepare to completely restructure their midfield.

EXCL: Mateo Kovacić has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City after advanced talks already revealed last week 🚨🔵🇭🇷 #MCFC

Kovacić wants the move, next step has to be between clubs as Chelsea and City will discuss fee after the UCL final.

Chelsea, open to sell Kovacić. pic.twitter.com/PKdCHsEL9B

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2023

In the space of six months, Chelsea have waved goodbye to a generation of midfielders that brought vast amounts of success to west London.

Jorginho joined Arsenal in January but failed to lead them to league glory, while World Cup winner N’Golo Kante sealed a mega-money move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad earlier this week. Should Kovacic depart as well, the Blues will start next term with an entirely different midfield line.

And it’s unlikely that Kovacic will be the final midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount seems to be headed for City’s rivals United, but his transfer cost continues to be a roadblock.

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Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea, according to Mateo Kovacic, is “good news,” since the coach has already made it clear what he expects from his team.

The Blues icon, who was relieved of his managerial duties at Stamford Bridge back in January 2021, has been reappointed by the Premier League heavyweights as caretaker boss following the sacking of Graham Potter. 

As Lampard spent 13 wonderful years playing for Chelsea, he is well-versed in West London life, and Kovacic is pleased to see a familiar face taking on the responsibility of turning around a poor season.

Kovacic, who played under Lampard during his first spell as Blues boss, has told Sky Sports: “We know him, he was our coach. It’s good news that he is back and trying to change our season, because it’s not been good. We need to be honest with ourselves. In the end it is easier to sack a coach than 30 players, but it’s on us as well. We need to do better and to say thank you to Potter, who was here and did a good job. It is not easy when many changes are here, so it was a bad situation for him as well.”

Croatia international midfielder Kovacic added on Lampard’s early messages to the expensively-assembled squad he has inherited from Potter: “We had a short meeting. He explained what he wants and what his desire is for the end of the season. We now have the opportunity to go and climb the table in the league as much as we can and we have two beautiful games with Real Madrid so there is a possibility, and if there is a possibility to finish the season good, then we should take it.

“He came very calm with a clear idea about what he expects from us, but it’s one day so we will see in the next days what he will ask us to do on the pitch and how we prepare. It’s difficult to tell how it’s going to be, but he’s back and we want to do out best for the club.”

Chelsea’s first match under Lampard will be on Saturday when they play at Wolves. The opening leg of their keenly anticipated Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Real Madrid will take place at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

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After Tuesday’s 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez acknowledged “feeling at home” after being approached by a young supporter.

Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz scored goals to advance Chelsea to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, giving Graham Potter credit for a victory that was significant for his leadership and the rest of Chelsea’s season.

A juvenile pitch invader approached Fernandez after the game to ask for his shirt in a game when Blues fans were loud from the start to the finish. The World Cup champion complied as requested and said the connection had made him feel even more connected to the supporters at Stamford Bridge.

“It touched my heart when the boy ran out to come and see me,” Fernandez explained after the match. “It was such a special moment because he wanted to see me and he gave me a quick hug. It made me feel even more connected with the fans. I love getting to know the fans and the trust that they have in me is incredible. I feel at home. I am really happy here and I am getting to know my teammates better. I am feeling more confident.

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Enzo Fernandez gave this young fan his shirt 👕

For the love of the game 💙 pic.twitter.com/uqXT6npQQc

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 7, 2023

The 22-year-old has made every start for his new team since arriving from Benfica in a world-record transfer in January, and he has already made the midfield for the Blues seem like home.

Despite this, Fernandez has only achieved two wins since joining on deadline day.

Whilst the Argentine has been more secure next to the seasoned Mateo Kovacic and will soon be strengthened by the impending return of N’Golo Kante beside him, Chelsea will hope this is a sign of things to come.

In order to win three straight games for the first time since early October, Chelsea will go to Leicester on Saturday and the Argentine will hope to play once again.

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After serving the Croatian team for 13 and a half years, Dejan Lovren confirmed his retirement from the international level.

The centre-back featured in every game in his side’s unexpected run to the 2018 World Cup final, where they were beaten 4-2 by France, earning 78 caps for his country during that time and tallying five goals in the process.

The seasoned defender, who has made 563 appearances for club and country, made his international debut in an exhibition match against Qatar in October 2009, which Slaven Bilic’s team went on to win 3-2.

In a strange turn of events, his final international appearance for his nation took place in Qatar, although it resulted in a 3-0 loss to eventual World Cup champions Argentina in the 2022 tournament’s semifinals, with the former Liverpool star faltering at the back.

In an open letter to his fans, Lovren called his decision to hang up his boots for his nation “somber news” and discussed the emotions he had experienced.

As a spokesperson of the Vatreni, he also urged young supporters to “look up to” the Croatian squad as “your superheroes” in his final message.

‘I want to address you today with some somber news, but believe me, the decision that I am about to announce is one that I made with an open heart and a lot of consideration,’ the ex-Liverpool star began.

‘This announcement does not come easily to me, and while I am writing this letter, I am doing my best not to cry, but I hope by now you have come to know me as a man with heart and a man that does not hide his emotions.

‘The time has come for me to say my final goodbye to the Croatian national team, though I will remain a huge supporter of the Vetrani and will follow the team in each coming match.’

He added: ‘I want to tell every single young football player in the country that they must look at the Croatian national team as a completely other dimension of football – look at these players as your superheroes.’

With 19 international appearances under his belt, Lovren ranks 19th all-time in Croatian history and was an integral part of one of their most successful teams.

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Lovren not only won silver in the 2018 competition, but he also played a key role in the defense for the team that won bronze in Qatar in 2022 after defeating Morocco in the third-place play-off.

Throughout his time with the Vetrani, Lovren represented his country at four different World Cups, as well as the postponed 2020 European Championships, when his team was eliminated in the round of 16.

He thanked each of his past coaches after describing his delight in donning the renowned red-and-white check shirt and his belief that he had committed several mistakes in his early years with the squad.

But he singled out the past five years with Croatia as his most fondly-remembered, adding: ‘The most beautiful chapters of my national team story were the ones that we wrote in the past five years. This is, if I’m being honest, still a complete dream to me. 

‘So many emotions went through me, especially in 2018 and 2022, and I find it difficult to put these experiences into words. 

‘I lived my life in hope that I would get to experience moments like those, and when they did come, I lived them with immense pride. These memories will remain in my heart forever.’

He also offered a word to his team-mates, adding: ‘I want to thank all of my former and current team-mates on this beautiful, unforgettable journey. We had our ups and downs, we cried together and we celebrated together, and I’ll always carry you in my heart. 

‘I spent more than a decade playing with some of you. I see you as my brothers, and you stood by me in my toughest moments. Thank you.‘

The 33-year-old currently turns out for French side Lyon, having arrived from Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg – who he joined after the end of his successful spell at Liverpool in 2020.

Lovren won the Champions League, Premier League, and UEFA Supercup at Anfield, but he never took home a trophy for his nation.

In addition to Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Darijo Srna, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, and Ivan Perisic, Lovren was a member of one of Croatia’s best generations of players.

He departs a side that has the likely long and successful career of Josko Gvardiol to look forward to, with the RB Leipzig star set to feature for Croatia for at least the next decade, aged just 21.

Lovren ended his announcement with a call for his national teammates to pull together and continue to show the unity ‘that sets us apart from everyone else’.

‘I’d like to say one more thing – I might be stepping down as a player, but at least you’re gaining a new fan. Let’s stick by each other’s side like we have so far, because the unity among us has always been the one quality that sets us apart from everyone else – it is our greatest strength.

‘From the bottom of my heart, thank you,’ he concluded.

Thank you @HNS_CFF for everything!

Forever in my heart. ❤️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/GSebjeEKK8

— Dejan Lovren (@Dejan06Lovren) February 23, 2023

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Thiago Silva’s career will continue after turning 39 thanks to Chelsea and a fresh 12-month deal that was informally agreed upon.

The Brazilian international, who has made 24 appearances for his team across all competitions this season, has decided to stay in west London through the summer of 2024 as his form continues to defy his age.

The extension will now be actioned by Chelsea’s lawyers and Silva’s agent after a prolonged period of talks, which were revealed earlier this week by reports.

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Silva has reportedly settled in well in west London with his children speaking English well and participating in the Blues academy teams. He has also spurned down offers from Fluminense to return to his own country.

The renewal of N’Golo Kante’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the current season, is the next in line for renewal, and Chelsea will be hoping that this marks the beginning of a string of new contracts.

It will be followed by another round of talks to retain Mason Mount, whose below market rate £70,000-a-week deal expires in 2024.

There are also plans to keep Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy until the end of the season.

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Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted he does not yet know whether Enzo Fernandez will be able to make his debut against Fulham on Friday.

Fernandez arrived in England on Wednesday after completing a £106 million transfer from Benfica on deadline day. Blues fans have been pleading with Potter to start Fernandez right away to help the team’s struggling midfield, which is currently without Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Denis Zakaria due to injury.

However, in his pre-match press conference, Potter admitted Fernandez is not currently cleared to play but refused to rule out a change in the situation soon.

“We’ll see,” Potter said of Fernandez’s possible involvement. “We’ve got to go through the paperwork and get the clearance and all that.”

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As Chelsea and Benfica bargained through the night on Deadline Day, Potter acknowledged he was as ignorant as everyone else, saying he had no idea whether a deal would be reached.

“I’m the head coach so I don’t get too involved in the nitty gritty of Deadline Day,“ he explained. “I am focused on the next day’s training and preparing the team for Fulham.

“I’ve been involved too long to know that there are some things you can’t control and I couldn’t do anything at that point to change things. I found out when it was done and I’m very pleased, because [Fernandez] is a fantastic player.

“My Spanish isn’t great and his English isn’t great, but we’ll get there. He is an impressive young man and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

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