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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.

• Pedri believes in Barcelona Remontada ahead of Atletico clash

  Pedri has expressed immense confidence in Barcelona’s ability to overturn a four-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid, citing the squad’s youthful “madness” as a key factor for the upcoming semi-final.

  ​Barcelona midfielder Pedri has issued a rallying cry as the Blaugrana prepare for a high-stakes Copa del Rey encounter with Atletico Madrid.

  Facing a daunting four-goal gap, the fit-again playmaker believes Hansi Flick’s side possesses the unique spirit required for a comeback.

  After successful substitute appearances against Levante and Villarreal, Pedri is now pushing for a start to help secure a place in the final.

  ​The Spanish international emphasized that Barcelona’s history and youthful energy make another “remontada” possible.

  “Last year against this same opponent, we managed to score four goals in seventy minutes,” he told TV3.

  “If any team can do it again, it’s us. We have a young squad, and that also means a touch of recklessness and madness. We believe in our chances until the very end.”

• Barcelona change punishment for late players to huge fines

  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has replaced his policy of dropping players for lateness with “huge” financial penalties to alleviate the stress of match-day team selection.

  ​Hansi Flick confirmed he has abandoned his strict policy of benching players for tardiness after consulting with team captains.

  The German manager, who previously sidelined stars like Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for punctuality issues, admitted the practice was stressful.

  “I don’t like this pressure, either, because it is also pressure for me, because it doesn’t matter who, I had to say he will not play.”

  ​First-team players report that the new disciplinary measures involve fines of approximately €40,000 for arriving late.

  Flick noted that the shift in policy has been effective, stating, “The fine is huge and, until now, no one came one second too late, so I think it was the right decision.”

  The manager prepares for his 100th game in charge as Barcelona faces Villarreal this Saturday.