⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Egii Nna]

I'm wondering about the way Chelsea will start the new season. Chelsea is the team I'm a fan of in this league. However it has been really sad to see them in this condition for years. They have a lot of money now also but they are still lost.    Enzo Maresca is a manager with not much experience. This is why I'm nervous about his first season.

Chelsea spend too much but they still get no good result. Additionally, maybe if Boehly gets a little more patient with managers they will get better results in time.

Some managers make an immediate effect and some need 2 or even 3 seasons to start doing good work. How successful do you expect Enzo Maresca to be? 

Actually, Chelsea usually comes into the season like some other team.who will surprise everyone, but from the start of the season, either the first or second game, they will definitely lose and disappoint all those that are supporting them, so if it is about their management, they still have their own issues because I see no reason why they will hardly give their managers time in order to see what they can bring. To the team, but they will just end up losing patience by sacking them, so Enzo Maresca might do something good for them, but I can’t say anything because I don’t think he will have the time he needs at Chelsea, so we will wait and see what he will bring to Chelsea. 

[arimamib]

I believe that Chelsea may not "start" great, but that's because they have bunch of young players who will get some time to get used to premier league. After a while I am sure that they are going to get better and we are going to see them do a lot better later on. This doesn't mean to say that they are going to win the league or something, we know that they won't, it just means that they can finish the season with more points than the last season and that's all they should aspire to do anyway.

I think it's quite clear that we are going to end up seeing them do fine, I think next year will be even better than this year because many of their players will be playing with each other for a while. It's hard to make moves when you are looking to get something for the team as good as they can do, and that's why it's a hard job. They are rebuilding and whenever a team is rebuilding it's a different situation for the team and I think it means that something will change.

If you look at the current composition of the Chelsea squad, of course it reminds me of the Arsenal squad during the Wenger era, although it's not quite the same, but I think it seems like Chelsea are starting to prioritize their squad by relying on young players at this time, so it's very natural that many people still doubt their can perform well next season, I personally see that the big prospect of Chelsea being able to return to being the most respected team in the English league is quite wide open, but developing young players is not an easy thing to do so Chelsea must have patience to see the results in the future.

We can use Arsenal experience as a reference to see what happens to Chelsea in the future, of course we can probably say that the start of the season will be a good and fast start for Chelsea considering their performance and mentality which is still 100% full  , but in the middle of the season and when facing a busy schedule will of course be a real test for Chelsea young squad later, so that's why Chelsea should have several senior players in their current squad to be able to maintain the mentality of the young players and also act as their mentors, Arsenal young players previously experienced a fairly significant mental decline, but after Arteta combining young and senior squads in a team like today, of course we can see that Arsenal is quite strong and continues to develop into a team that is challenging for the title from previously just being a big four specialist team.

[klidex]

Yeah, I do concur to what's said. But then, Chelsea would need to give this coach more time, if that have plans for the future, then they shouldn't rush thing's, they should take it slow and do things the same way Arsenal is doing it despite the failures of Mikel Arteta, he has been backed season after season and gradually we can all see how they have been a solid side for the past two seasons.

Todd Boehly should also give him freedom to start up his own first eleven years for the club. The kind of players they have will be difficult for them to win the Premier League Competition though, they'll need to mix them up with players who are also experience enough so they can blend together.

I also agree with you because Chelsea actually only needs time to slowly return to its glory days. With Todd Boehly giving opportunities to his new coach, Chelsea will definitely slowly show more positive improvements.
Chelsea needs now is just patience to enjoy every process when they want to chase the EPL title which cannot be obtained quickly.

This time I am very sure that Todd Boehly will believe and give freedom to Enzo Maresca despite making a major overhaul of Chelsea's current players, but Pep Guardiola's former assistant has good plans for the club's future.

[Farma]

Yeah, I do concur to what's said. But then, Chelsea would need to give this coach more time, if that have plans for the future, then they shouldn't rush thing's, they should take it slow and do things the same way Arsenal is doing it despite the failures of Mikel Arteta, he has been backed season after season and gradually we can all see how they have been a solid side for the past two seasons.

Todd Boehly should also give him freedom to start up his own first eleven years for the club. The kind of players they have will be difficult for them to win the Premier League Competition though, they'll need to mix them up with players who are also experience enough so they can blend together.

I also agree with you because Chelsea actually only needs time to slowly return to its glory days. With Todd Boehly giving opportunities to his new coach, Chelsea will definitely slowly show more positive improvements.
Chelsea needs now is just patience to enjoy every process when they want to chase the EPL title which cannot be obtained quickly.

This time I am very sure that Todd Boehly will believe and give freedom to Enzo Maresca despite making a major overhaul of Chelsea's current players, but Pep Guardiola's former assistant has good plans for the club's future.

The question now is whether Todd Boehly will give Enzo Maresca time to build this team through a process and not like previous seasons.
I doubt that, because it seems that since Todd Boehly took over this team he doesn't seem to understand how to build a team to be successful, he just wants instant results by buying players who are not quality at high prices.

Every coach needs time to build a team, especially a team that is in decline like Chelsea, it's not an easy job.
Likewise for Enzo Maresca, he needed several seasons to be successful, and if Chelsea management cannot be patient for that then Enzo Maresca will also have the same fate as Mauricio Pochettino.

[emrecemsan]

Selling Garnacho would be possible in the future, Amad Diallo likewise but Kobbie Mainoo? Knock it off already ( That's a Goddamn Manchester United legend ).

I hope they keep Garnacho for long years. He is taking Ronaldo as an example and he is really talented. I believe he is also the future of Manchester United.   

One day it would of course be possible to sell him just as they have done with Ronaldo. But it can be a record sale at the same time. He is only 20 and has many years ahead to improve his game much more. As for Mainoo he is also brilliant, a 19-year-old big talent. I always admire Manchester United youth setup. There have been so many talented players growing out of there.    These players deserve the attention a lot.

[Oluwa-btc]

I hope they keep Garnacho for long years. He is taking Ronaldo as an example and he is really talented. I believe he is also the future of Manchester United.   

One day it would of course be possible to sell him just as they have done with Ronaldo. But it can be a record sale at the same time. He is only 20 and has many years ahead to improve his game much more. As for Mainoo he is also brilliant, a 19-year-old big talent. I always admire Manchester United youth setup. There have been so many talented players growing out of there.    These players deserve the attention a lot.

I feel so too but he'll have to do more than he is currently doing and playing, he should start scoring more goals rather than involve himself in too much dribbles this was one of the keys to the rise of Cristiano Ronaldo's career as he stopped too much of his dribbling and started scoring goals.
In the next five years, he'll start getting attention from clubs like Paris Saint Germany and Real Madrid. Most likely one day, he'll be a player for Real Madrid.

I do not see Kobbie Mainoo leaving Manchester United, Manchester United is also a big club as Real Madrid but they have seen th management chickened out when they was suppose to back the club with the necessary developments.
Over thr years, when you look at the talents from Manchester United academy, you'll honestly be wowed with how they've slacked to make the best outta them.

I also agree with you because Chelsea actually only needs time to slowly return to its glory days. With Todd Boehly giving opportunities to his new coach, Chelsea will definitely slowly show more positive improvements.
Chelsea needs now is just patience to enjoy every process when they want to chase the EPL title which cannot be obtained quickly.

This time I am very sure that Todd Boehly will believe and give freedom to Enzo Maresca despite making a major overhaul of Chelsea's current players, but Pep Guardiola's former assistant has good plans for the club's future.

I don't know what plans he has for Chelsea, I haven't seen him managing a side, what I meant was watching him on TV, all I have seen has been highlight. But what happens when you have high expectations? Y'all Chelsea fans shouldn't pressure the coach, give him time to get his first team, and if he can do and achieve that during this pre-season, it'll be great one ahead of the season.

Having too much game time will also affect them slightly, I hope they're ready for the new season and the Conference League Competition.
It'll be super stressful for them especially playing mid-week games on Thursday night and playing another game on Sunday. They should have the depth.
Sikce he brought in a new defender ( Left Fullback ) what will happen to Marc Cucurrella and Ben Chiwell? Trouble!!

[Palakka]

I hope they keep Garnacho for long years. He is taking Ronaldo as an example and he is really talented. I believe he is also the future of Manchester United.   

One day it would of course be possible to sell him just as they have done with Ronaldo. But it can be a record sale at the same time. He is only 20 and has many years ahead to improve his game much more. As for Mainoo he is also brilliant, a 19-year-old big talent. I always admire Manchester United youth setup. There have been so many talented players growing out of there.    These players deserve the attention a lot.

Currently, Manchester United is starting to try to build their squad after their failure to compete last season,  Every time they bring in a new player, of course Manchester United has to sacrifice several other players to be able to provide a place for the new player, Reportedly, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has offered a new contract to ten hag and of course quite large financial support will of course be obtained by ten hag for the transfer of new players in the summer, it is reported that several young Manchester United players are currently being targeted by several big clubs for recruitment but I think we all agree that Manchester United should rejected every that offer, especially the one that came for Garnacho.


Garnacho, who was promoted to Manchester United main squad in last 2022, was able to develop quite well during this time, so that in the end he was able to win a place in Manchester United main squad, Garnacho is of course one of the talented players that Manchester United must retain, because if you look at His performance, skill, quality and ability to play certainly reminds us of Ronaldo when he played on the rigt wing so far, Maybe Garnacho hasn't been able to perform optimally and display his best performance at the moment, but if Manchester United can believe in him and continue to give him the opportunity to play, of course he will slowly will be able to become one of Manchester United stars in the future.

[Velvet78]

It would be nice if this result was repeated and City lost points and I don’t think that’s an incredible scenario. Chelsea itself is a serious team, plus the first games of the season are always in less than optimal shape (you have to be a fool to prepare the team's peak shape for the start of the tournament), so the randomness of the result will be increased. Plus, maybe City will be under pressure because the investigation against them is ongoing and the players will not be sure of their future.

It is good that you have mentioned it.    Manchester City has a case waiting for them and its result is expected to be clear in November for now. Manchester City can really literally find themselves in the Championship as well. They are being charged with 115 breaches in the end. It is hard to predict the result of such a big case now.

I always believe any team breaking the rules should get the punishment they deserve. Manchester City should also be ready for what's coming to them. I hope we don't see this case resulting in a fiasco. I hate double standards. 

[punk.zink]

I hope they keep Garnacho for long years. He is taking Ronaldo as an example and he is really talented. I believe he is also the future of Manchester United.   

One day it would of course be possible to sell him just as they have done with Ronaldo. But it can be a record sale at the same time. He is only 20 and has many years ahead to improve his game much more. As for Mainoo he is also brilliant, a 19-year-old big talent. I always admire Manchester United youth setup. There have been so many talented players growing out of there.    These players deserve the attention a lot.

Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are youth players that Man United should really retain at this time because both of them have very good potential to become big players and will be a strong support for Ten Hag's long-term plans. Even though Man United is having a headache about their small budget for next season but I think they won't just let Garnacho and Mainoo go because they can clearly make a big contribution to Man United, and in the next few years, the two young players are likely to have high market value.

[Palakka]

Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are youth players that Man United should really retain at this time because both of them have very good potential to become big players and will be a strong support for Ten Hag's long-term plans. Even though Man United is having a headache about their small budget for next season but I think they won't just let Garnacho and Mainoo go because they can clearly make a big contribution to Man United, and in the next few years, the two young players are likely to have high market value.

Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are two talented young talents who were quite prominent last season with Manchester United, so Manchester United should think twice about selling them at this time, these two players have performed quite impressively and were even able to get a main place in the Manchester United squad this time, with the young age, talent and abilities possessed by Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho at this time certainly give great hope to see these two players can become star players in the future and of course will have a better market value than now, Manchester United is in the process of bouncing back after a fairly embarrassing season at the moment so they will probably bring in a lot of new players and keeping Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho in the squad will of course save their expenses.

I think it's time for Manchester United to trust their current academy players more who have good abilities, so that this will enable Manchester United to save money but still be able to form a strong team in the future, there are several talented young players from Manchester United who Currently, this could be a mainstay for Ten Hag next season, including giving Greenwood another opportunity to play again .

[Hanadawa]

I think it's time for Manchester United to trust their current academy players more who have good abilities, so that this will enable Manchester United to save money but still be able to form a strong team in the future, there are several talented young players from Manchester United who Currently, this could be a mainstay for Ten Hag next season, including giving Greenwood another opportunity to play again .

According to several newspapers, it is said that one of the reasons the club management still trusts Ten Hag to coach Manchester United is because Ten Hag will try to play young players from the academy and build a squad with a good basic foundation. There are many talented young players from the academy and if we look at Manchester United's current performance, I think there is no problem with giving young players from their academy the opportunity to join the United squad and this will add to their experience and their mentality to compete in the EPL.

[GiftedMAN]

I hope they keep Garnacho for long years. He is taking Ronaldo as an example and he is really talented. I believe he is also the future of Manchester United.   

One day it would of course be possible to sell him just as they have done with Ronaldo. But it can be a record sale at the same time. He is only 20 and has many years ahead to improve his game much more. As for Mainoo he is also brilliant, a 19-year-old big talent. I always admire Manchester United youth setup. There have been so many talented players growing out of there.    These players deserve the attention a lot.

Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are youth players that Man United should really retain at this time because both of them have very good potential to become big players and will be a strong support for Ten Hag's long-term plans. Even though Man United is having a headache about their small budget for next season but I think they won't just let Garnacho and Mainoo go because they can clearly make a big contribution to Man United, and in the next few years, the two young players are likely to have high market value.

Both players are of young age and can get better if they player in a team that has other quality players, Manchester United team under the management Ten hag is struggling to get better better and until the team becomes very good the players efforts won't be well noticed unless they leave the team.

The Manchester United team need not to spend so much money before getting good players to the team, they have some players that are have already left the team and Rashford is another player that is rumoured to leave the team so if the deal is made United still has enough funds to sign players to the team but I don't think they will think of selling Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho.

[ILuckyGuyI]

As long as you don't demand a new manager to win any titles, then Chelsea will play without much pressure. The problem that new managers often face is the big demands from management and fans, this makes them stressed and they never feel comfortable when going to a match. A team like Chelsea is in a continuous transition process, of course they need time and hard work until their good performance makes you all happy and excited.

I always believe in one thing about this topic. Clubs shouldn't be in a hurry to sack their managers. I really liked the progress Pochettino made in his last times of his duty. However they still wanted to sack him, only after ONE season... Seriously? What do they expect, a magic trick?    I hope they don't expect the same thing Xabi Alonso has done.

Because it is a really difficult job for any manager. Even for Xabi Alonso to repeat it I mean. I hope things don't get worse but I want to stay neutral for now. I don't have much idea about Enzo Maresca for now so I don't want to be prejudiced.

[BITCOIN4X]

~Snip

Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are youth players that Man United should really retain at this time because both of them have very good potential to become big players and will be a strong support for Ten Hag's long-term plans. Even though Man United is having a headache about their small budget for next season but I think they won't just let Garnacho and Mainoo go because they can clearly make a big contribution to Man United, and in the next few years, the two young players are likely to have high market value.

You're right, Manchester United are unlikely to throw away talented young players early just to get better players based on one or two people's judgment. Garnacho and Mainoo are two young talents who really deserve to be included in Ten Hag's plans, so it would be best if they were not for sale.

If Ten Hag really needs more experienced players to support his plans next season, I tend to choose Rashford and Antony to be sold. These two players really don't impress enough to stay longer, but perhaps Manchester United management and Ten Hag have different plans. I think Manchester United need good defenders and midfielders, but Mainoo has a good future to look forward to.

[nelson4lov]

I still remember the last one at Stamford Bridge though. What a game resulting in 4-4...    Chelsea has quite much potential with talented youngsters. They need to be managed properly. Pochettino was just starting to do so actually but weirdly Boehly wanted to sack him.    He was in a hurry for no reason while the team were improving. Managers need time, this is obvious. I hope not to see the same wrong move if Enzo Maresca also shows some good signs.

I'm not too concerned about that game against City for Chelsea. In the just concluded 2023/2024 season, Chelsea played Liverpool at the Stamford bridge and it ended in a 1-1 draw and that was their first game of the season and Pochettino's first official game as a Chelsea manager at the time. When up against teams in the EPL top 4 standings, Chelsea actually do very well so I'm not expecting anything less despite the fact that they're under a new management.  My guess is that it wound end in a draw as usual since the stakes are not so high at the beginning of the season.

[TelolettOm]

According to several newspapers, it is said that one of the reasons the club management still trusts Ten Hag to coach Manchester United is because Ten Hag will try to play young players from the academy and build a squad with a good basic foundation. There are many talented young players from the academy and if we look at Manchester United's current performance, I think there is no problem with giving young players from their academy the opportunity to join the United squad and this will add to their experience and their mentality to compete in the EPL.

If it is the reason to keep Ten Hag, it means Man United never wants to win EPL under Ten Hag management. They only want Ten Hag to build Man United future with young players now. This may be the reason why Ten Hag didn't extend the contract of main players such as Casemiro and Varane. Although those players contributed well for Man United, but they have no chance to play again with Man United. Does Ten Hag will replace the position left by Casemiro and Varane with the players from Man United academy?  

It is funny that Man United management cares with their young players from academy now. In the past, Man United easily sell their young players from academy, Pogba is one of the perfect example. Man United will be interested in the players when they are already successful in other clubs. You must remember that Man United buy again Pogba from Juventus with huge transfer fees. Even though Juventus bought him at a very cheap price.

Anyway, I hope Man United have no problem with their financial. I am a bit worried that Man United will experience the same way as Barcelona. I just know that Man United really cares with their academy player. I am afraid that Man United get difficulty to buy new players.

[Zaguru12]

If it is the reason to keep Ten Hag, it means Man United never wants to win EPL under Ten Hag management. They only want Ten Hag to build Man United future with young players now. This may be the reason why Ten Hag didn't extend the contract of main players such as Casemiro and Varane. Although those players contributed well for Man United, but they have no chance to play again with Man United. Does Ten Hag will replace the position left by Casemiro and Varane with the players from Man United academy?  

It is funny that Man United management cares with their young players from academy now. In the past, Man United easily sell their young players from academy, Pogba is one of the perfect example. Man United will be interested in the players when they are already successful in other clubs. You must remember that Man United buy again Pogba from Juventus with huge transfer fees. Even though Juventus bought him at a very cheap price.

Anyway, I hope Man United have no problem with their financial. I am a bit worried that Man United will experience the same way as Barcelona. I just know that Man United really cares with their academy player. I am afraid that Man United get difficulty to buy new players.

This might be part of what makes Manchester United board to actually stick to Ten Hag but we all know that’s not all, Dan Ashworth the new director made it clear that the reason why they extended Ten Hag’s contract was mainly because they see am as a successful manager in every club he has been to. He won two trophies for Manchester United since his arrival and that’s considered a very good achievement to the club considering their years of trophy droughts.

Concerning the club not prioritizing their academy players before I do thinks that’s not proper, Manchester United had a whole team filled with academy graduates who won treble then in 1999 and since then have gone to priorities younger players. Cases like Pogba are usually common in football,  promising talent might leave for more game time due to been frustrated sitting on the bench, and then goes to the other clubs and makes a name for himself. We can’t because of this reason say they are not good at managing their academy players.

Concerning the financial situation, I don’t think they will sink their ship like how Barcelona did theirs. Manchester United board have been in serious debts for years now and yet they have managed it so well and with the new Board directors their is going be a change in the teams policy to avoid bans, that’s why they are not going to splash money on players anyhow again

[LUCKMCFLY]

Selling Garnacho would be possible in the future, Amad Diallo likewise but Kobbie Mainoo? Knock it off already ( That's a Goddamn Manchester United legend ).

I hope they keep Garnacho for long years. He is taking Ronaldo as an example and he is really talented. I believe he is also the future of Manchester United.   

One day it would of course be possible to sell him just as they have done with Ronaldo. But it can be a record sale at the same time. He is only 20 and has many years ahead to improve his game much more. As for Mainoo he is also brilliant, a 19-year-old big talent. I always admire Manchester United youth setup. There have been so many talented players growing out of there.    These players deserve the attention a lot.

Yes, in fact it has become a problem within the Argentina national team, some see it as a lack of respect towards Messi that an Argentine takes CR7 as an example and not Messi, but I say that everyone has their own way of thinking, their idols and their role models to follow, I think that a player, as long as he is good and contributes to the team by scoring goals, for me that is enough, but of course sometimes the demands can be totally different from what one thinks, but Argentina has a great team, they can do whatever they want, they are the best team in South America so far, of course it seems to me that is the case.

[emrecemsan]

Arsenal has agreed terms with Calafiori as far as I have heard. I think this would be a really good signing for them. They already like to sign young and skilled players and he is a good choice for that.

I mean especially on these days when Real Madrid is targeting Saliba from Arsenal. I assume it would be really difficult to convince Saliba not to sign for Real Madrid.    So they will need a good young defender to fill his place. Calafiori is only 22 and he is quite versatile. I mean in his career so far he played as centre-back and left-back nearly the same number of times. Arsenal can also use him on both positions according to the need. 

[Palakka]

Arsenal has agreed terms with Calafiori as far as I have heard. I think this would be a really good signing for them. They already like to sign young and skilled players and he is a good choice for that.

I mean especially on these days when Real Madrid is targeting Saliba from Arsenal. I assume it would be really difficult to convince Saliba not to sign for Real Madrid.    So they will need a good young defender to fill his place. Calafiori is only 22 and he is quite versatile. I mean in his career so far he played as centre-back and left-back nearly the same number of times. Arsenal can also use him on both positions according to the need. 

A personal agreement between Arsenal and Calafiori has now been reached with a possible contract duration of 5 years with a salary of around 4 million euros, Calafiori current transfer will be largely determined by the continuation of talks between Arsenal and Bologna which reportedly not yet have an agreement about price, but even so, of course Of course, Calafiori's move to Arsenal is just a matter of time and I think 99% of Arsenal will be able to get him in the near future, Calafiori arrival will of course strengthen Arsenal defense to be better, but I hope that Calafiori recruitment will not be a replacement for saliba who is being targeted by Madrid at the moment, if saliba leaves of course Calafiori arrival will not have a good effect on Arsenal defense because in terms of quality and ability, I think Saliba is still better than Calafiori at the moment.

Even though I'm not an Arsenal fan, I see that Calafiori would be ideal if paired together and form a solid line in Arsenal's defense next season together, Ben White, Magalhaes, saliba and Calafiori, their are certainly worthy enough to be paired as Arsenal  final defense next season,I think Calafiori, who can also play as a left back, would be ideal and quite appropriate to replace the Kiwior position who is not yet capable enough to face the pressure from the opposing attackers.