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• Marc Cucurella laments Enzo Maresca’s exit as cause of Chelsea struggles

  Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has admitted that the club’s youthful squad “paid the price” for a lack of experience during their heavy Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, while expressing personal frustration over the mid-season departure of former manager Enzo Maresca. ​Speaking from Spain’s training camp, Cucurella offered a candid assessment of Chelsea’s recent 8-2 aggregate loss to PSG, noting that the team “lacked experience” in high-stakes moments. The 27-year-old suggested that while the club’s policy of signing young talent builds for the future, it has made competing for major trophies immediately difficult. He remarked: “Against PSG, we lacked players that had gone through situations like that.” ​Cucurella also defended the stability provided by Enzo Maresca before his January exit, admitting he would not have made the change mid-season. Currently under the guidance of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea faces a daunting April schedule, including a crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale this Saturday followed by Premier League clashes with Manchester City and Manchester United. Cucurella noted: “With Enzo Maresca in charge, we were more stable.” ​Contrasting his club struggles, Cucurella remains a vital figure for Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, who are widely considered favorites for the 2026 World Cup. “La Roja” will begin their campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, followed by a meeting with Saudi Arabia and a highly anticipated group finale against Uruguay. Refreshed by the international break, Cucurella stated: “Coming to the national team is a breath of fresh air.”

• Kylian Mbappe ‘expects’ criticism at Real Madrid – ‘I’m no exception’

  Kylian Mbappe has dismissed concerns over his commitment to Real Madrid, stating that handling intense public scrutiny is a requirement for any player at the world’s most demanding club.

  ​Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has addressed growing scrutiny regarding his fit in the squad and his recovery from recent knee issues.

  Despite tallying 38 goals this season, the Frenchman’s absence coincided with a strong run of form for the team.

  Addressing the pressure in Spain, Mbappe remained unfazed by the noise surrounding his performances and his tactical integration under manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

  ​The forward dismissed suggestions he was prioritizing the upcoming World Cup over club duties, emphasizing that winning with Madrid is his primary focus.

  Regarding the constant media pressure, he noted: “Everyone at Real Madrid has been criticised.

  Ronaldo, Di Stefano… so I don’t see why I should be an exception.” Mbappe insists that staying calm and improving on the pitch is the only solution.

• Atletico Madrid add Inter defender to summer transfer shortlist

  Atletico Madrid have identified Inter Milan defender Carlos Augusto as a primary summer transfer target to address ongoing concerns at the left-back position ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

  ​Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for Inter’s Carlos Augusto as Diego Simeone looks to strengthen his defensive flanks.

  With Javi Galan departing for Osasuna in January and Matteo Ruggeri experiencing a mixed debut season, the Brazilian-born defender has emerged as a key candidate.

  Augusto’s possession of an Italian passport is a significant advantage, as he would not occupy a non-EU squad spot.

  ​The 27-year-old currently serves as a backup to Federico Dimarco at the San Siro and is reportedly open to a move to secure a starting role.

  With only two years remaining on his Inter deal and “no desire to renew,” the Italian club may look to cash in this summer.

  Atletico could secure the defender for a reduced price as they continue their squad overhaul.

• Barcelona show signs of burnout as the attack goes missing against Newcastle

  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick must address squad exhaustion and a growing injury list after a sluggish 1-1 draw against Newcastle United exposed signs of burnout within the Blaugrana camp.

  ​Barcelona escaped St James’ Park with a draw despite a performance characterized by “heavy legs” and uncharacteristic offensive stagnation.

  Hansi Flick admitted the showing was subpar but remained focused on the broader objective, stating it was a “bad performance, but not a bad result.”

  The Catalan giants struggled to match Newcastle’s physicality, failing to establish their trademark passing rhythm as burnout begins to take its toll.

  ​The injury bug has further depleted Flick’s options, with the absence of Frenkie de Jong particularly evident in midfield.

  With Raphinha enduring a rough patch and the attack missing its clinical edge, Flick is searching for pragmatic solutions.

  The manager remains hopeful for the second leg, emphasizing that “we’ll see a different Barca” once key players return and the squad has had sufficient time to recover.

• Barcelona star suspended for LaLiga clash with Villarreal

  Barcelona defender Gerard Martín will miss Saturday’s match against Villarreal due to a yellow card suspension, forcing manager Hansi Flick to reshuffle his backline as the Catalans look to protect their La Liga lead.

  ​Barcelona must navigate Saturday’s home clash against Villarreal without Gerard Martín, who is serving a one-match ban after collecting his fifth yellow card against Levante.

  Manager Hansi Flick is expected to turn to João Cancelo at left-back, while Pau Cubarsí could return to the starting lineup.

  The Catalans currently sit top of the table after Real Madrid recently dropped points against Osasuna.

  ​Flick’s squad remains under pressure as Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé are both one booking away from suspension.

  While Madrid prepares for a midweek Champions League play-off against Benfica, Barcelona aims to extend their domestic lead at the Camp Nou.

  Club president Joan Laporta recently addressed turning down a massive Lamine Yamal bid, stating, “People thought we were crazy.”