All posts by h716a5.icu

Tata Martino has attempted to shut down suggestions that Lionel Messi is “saving himself” for the Copa America and not giving his all for Inter Miami.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Herons skipper on target versus AtlantaSlipped to a shock defeat on home soilMajor tournament is fast approachingWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentina international was among the goals again in his latest outing for the Herons, but they suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to Atlanta United on home soil. Messi was not at his mercurial best at Chase Stadium, despite registering his 11th effort of the 2024 campaign.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyWHAT MARTINO SAID

It was put to Martino afterwards that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may have at least one eye on the defence of a continental crown with his country – which gets underway on June 20. The Inter Miami boss reacted to those questions by saying: “No, I will not speculate if Messi is saving himself for Copa America because [that question has] no validity.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While reluctant to de dragged into a debate regarding Messi’s priorities, Martino concedes that the Herons were a long way short of the required standard against Atlanta. He added: “There are no positives to take from this game. We were missing a step against Atlanta, we took a step backward from how we had been playing, and that was totally unexpected. I saw no signs of fatigue in training on Monday or Tuesday. I don’t have to do a deep analysis of what went wrong because everything went wrong.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Inter Miami, who remain top of the Eastern Conference for now, do not have to wait long for an opportunity to get back to winning ways – with Messi and Co set to remain in South Florida for a clash with St Louis City on Saturday.

At a ground where England made 481 not too long ago, Pakistan’s task will be cut out against West Indies

The Preview by Danyal Rasool30-May-2019Big PictureWith the World Cup wheels having been well-oiled by a mouth-watering opening match between South Africa and England at the Oval, two rather more distant contenders for the trophy kick off their official campaigns at Trent Bridge. West Indies and Pakistan are few people’s picks for an appearance at Lord’s come the 14th of July, but two teams that have the Cricket World Cup in their blood for very different reasons will look to add sweat and tears to that concoction and brew something special over the coming six weeks.For West Indies, the World Cup is their reference point to glory, so sweetly timed was this competition’s induction to cricket for that magical side which dominated the sport for the best part of 20 years it took them three editions and eight years before they finally let a trophy leave their grasp. It was 40 years ago when they last lay claim to one of these, and after all that time spent wandering in the desert, they may feel destiny has the Promised Land in reach once more.How easy is it to forget, then, that but for a bit of Harare afternoon rain falling just the right side of DLS calculations one March day, this grand side would have been by a Caribbean beach, watching Scotland take the field against Pakistan tomorrow? Much water, if you will excuse the pun, has passed under the bridge since, and West Indies look a completely different side to that one, if only because off-field matters seem more under control than they have for many years.ALSO READ: ESPNcricinfo’s fantasy cricket tips for Pakistan v West IndiesThe squad seems to have unity and togetherness, something they haven’t been famed for, and a much-settled, respected captain in Jason Holder. The side’s balance was evident in their crushing defeat of New Zealand in Tuesday’s warm-up, a destructive batting display laying down a marker of sorts.Pakistan have a strange relationship with the World Cup, particularly since 1992, where an odds-defying win crafted the team’s reputation and gave them their brand of unpredictability. They come into the tournament having lost 10 ODIs on the bounce, in addition to a warm-up loss against Afghanistan – and a record against the top five that reads three wins in 23 since their famous Champions Trophy win in 2017.The fast bowling, Pakistan’s stock trade, has seen one after another lose form and effectiveness, with Mohammad Amir, once the prince of this generation, the heir apparent to Wasim Akram, only barely squeezing into the final 15. Hasan Ali is the obvious leader of the attack, though a bowling average of nearly 60 since the Asia Cup last year is worrying, and Shaheen Afridi is the only one to keep both average and economy rate respectable over this period.The batting looks to have caught up somewhat to modern standards, with Pakistan becoming the first team to reach three consecutive ODI totals of 340 earlier this month against England (though they lost all three matches). In any case, they must be wary of a West Indies side that pummelled New Zealand’s bowling attack for 421, and the batting is a department Pakistan are not about to outgun West Indies in any time soon.The odds may not be in Pakistan’s favour, but that was the case in 2017, too, when, having barely qualified for the Champions Trophy, they caught fire and singed England and India in the semis and final, laughing the face of logic. The squad that defied those odds carried 11 of the players that return to England with that trophy tucked under their arms, and will wonder why they should be rated any inferior to the teams they left in their wake just two years ago.Getty ImagesForm guide West Indies LLWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLLLIn the spotlightShimron Hetmyer is the second-youngest in the West Indies squad, but is assured of his place in Guyana’s cricketing history at 22. An Under-19 World Cup winning captain, Hetmyer showcased his array of hitting ability which he married with consistency when England came calling earlier this year in a series West Indires squared 2-2. It isn’t just the average and the numbers – four hundreds and two half-centuries in just 24 innings – but the technique and obvious promise the left-hander possesses. The biggest stage of them all is another fine opportunity to showcase his abilities.Fakhar Zaman’s average since the Asia Cup in September 2018 has dropped down to 32; it had been 76 until then. His strike rate has taken a hit too – 91 against a career strike rate of 98, and so has Pakistan’s ODI form in this period. With Fakhar assigned a role of a dasher, one that most others in the side aren’t equipped with, his ability to execute it is likely to be directly proportional to Pakistan’s fortunes at the World Cup.Team newsPakistan have a fully fit squad to choose from, with the team announcing 12 names from which the final eleven will be chosen. That list sees, Shoaib Malik and Shaheen Afridi miss out, with Pakistan now needing to choose between three of Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Waism, Haris Sohail and Asif Ali.Pakistan (possible): 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman 3 Babar Azam, 4 Haris Sohail 5 Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt, wk), 6 Mohammad Hafeez/Imad Wasim 7 Asif Ali, 8 Shadab Khan, 9 Mohammad Amir, 10 Hasan Ali 11 Wahab RiazWest Indies line-up is harder to predict, with Shannon Gabriel the only bowler to play no part in the warm-up against New Zealand. With his knee heavily braced as West Indies trained the day before the game, he could be the man to miss out again.West Indies (possible): 1 Chris Gayle 2 Evin Lewis 3 Shai Hope (wk) 4 Shimron Hetmyer 5 Darren Bravo 6 Jason Holder (capt) 7 Andre Russell 8 Ashley Nurse 9 Kemar Roach 10 Sheldon Cottrell 11 Oshane ThomasPitch and conditionsOvercast skies are expected for much of the game at Nottingham, but rain should not play spoilsport. It also gives each side the chance to bowl first and pit their swing bowlers against the opposition to see if overhead conditions can be utilised to their advantage.Stats and trivia Jason Holder is one of only two captains to have also captained his side at the previous World Cup; Eoin Morgan of England is the other one. This is the fourth time in six World Cups that Pakistan begin their campaign against West Indies. The previous three openers saw them win once, while West Indies triumphed twice.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reportedly wants to bring a "future icon" to the club in the near future, personally picking him out as a target for the Magpies in 2024.

Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle will be desperate to get some incoming transfer business done during the January window, with so many players linked with moves to St James' Park of late, but FFP difficulties making business hard. In defence, Lazio ace Alessio Romagnoli has been backed to seal a move to Newcastle, while Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio has also been touted as a target in recent months, with the pair both highly-rated players with a lot of their careers ahead of them.

Further up the pitch, Atalanta defensive midfielder Ederson is seen as someone who could come in and add quality in the middle of the park, and Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich is considered an ambitious option.

Howe wants Benjamin Sesko at Newcastle

According to a fresh update from Football Transfers, Newcastle boss Howe wants to bring RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to the club this summer.

"Newcastle have set their sights on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a primary target for the upcoming summer transfer window, FootballTransfers has been told. The talented young forward caught the attention of Newcastle's scouting team when he was playing for RB Salzburg and now there is belief that a deal could be done with the forward playing second fiddle to Lois Openda in Germany.

"We are told Eddie Howe, who is keen on bolstering his squad for the upcoming season, has identified the 20-year-old as one of the club's major targets. Sesko has impressed during his time with RB Leipzig and it's thought that the Austrian could be competition for Alexander Isak in the upcoming seasons, with Callum Wilson’s future uncertain."

Slovenia

25

10

RB Leipzig

24

7

RB Salzburg

79

29

FC Liefering

44

22

Sesko is a player of immense promise, having already made such an impact in European football at the age of just 20, scoring 29 goals in 79 appearances for RB Salzburg, and now seven in 25 in a Leipzig shirt. There is also the small matter of netting 10 times in 24 caps for Slovenia, showing that he is making a big impression on the international stage, too.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the young striker as a "future icon", which highlights just how highly he is regarded in some quarters, and he could be a perfect replacement for Callum Wilson.

Newcastle receive approach for "hugely important" star alongside Trippier

The Magpies hero in question could now be sold.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 21, 2024

Sesko is someone who Newcastle should go all in for at the end of the season, seeing him as a massive part of their future. If they miss out on him, it could be one that they regret further down the line.

Manchester United are thought to be in talks to sign a new "monster" midfielder for Erik ten Hag, with just hours remaining of the January transfer window.

Man Utd transfer rumours

The Red Devils and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are yet to make a marque signing in 2024, with the focus this month being on sending a number of players out on loan. Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Hannibal Mejbri have left Old Trafford on temporary deals, joining Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla respectively.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

The club have lived up to their promise of being quiet in the January market, with Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche saying last month:

"We are not expecting it [the January transfer window] to be particularly busy. There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.

"However, we have always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows.”

Despite these comments, it looks as if discussions are open over a possible big-money deal for a new midfielder, with time still left to pursue a late January transfer, as shown following rumours about a move for Espanyol striker Martin Braithwaite advancing.

Man Utd in Morten Hjulmand talks

According to reports from Record in Portugal, relayed by CaughtOffside, Man Utd are in talks over a move for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has a £68m release clause.

They claim that the Red Devils, and by extension Ratcliffe and INEOS, understand the conditions of a deal, however, Sporting are even thinking about making Hjulmand captain as they aim to persuade him to stay in Portugal.

Hjulmand, a Denmark international, can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder, so would offer plenty of versatility to Ten Hag’s options, should a move materialise either now or in the summer.

The 24-year-old came through the FC Copenhagen academy and has gone on to ply his trade in Austria and Italy with Admira Wacker and Lecce. He moved to Sporting in the summer and has gone from strength to strength, with his Transfermarkt valuation currently standing at a career-high €26m.

Journalist Zach Lowy called him a "monster" when it comes to recovering possession earlier in the season, saying he appears to be a perfect replacement for Manuel Ugarte, who left Portugal for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Therefore, the Red Devils could see Hjulmand as a long-term replacement for Casmeiro, who will turn 32 next month, and by the looks of things, a deal is one to keep an eye on.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed what it would take to convince Toni Kroos to make a U-turn on his decision to retire.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Kroos announced retirementSet to hang up boots after Euro 2024Ancelotti leaves the door ajarWHAT HAPPENED?

Kroos announced his retirement in May, confirming that he will play at Euro 2024 with Germany and then hang up his boots after a glittering career. The 34-year-old made his debut in 2007 and has gone on to win a bevy of trophies, including seven league titles and six Champions Leagues, but is now set to turn away from the game.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kroos remained a key player for Real in 2023/24, making 48 appearances in all competitions, and Ancelotti is not completely closing the door on the German returning to Madrid's starting XI next season, having seen him seemingly bow out of club football by winning the Champions League.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Ancelotti told Il Giornale: "Modric is a unique example of quality and personality. Unfortunately, Kroos has decided to stop, he is a German in his choices but he will continue to live in Madrid, I told him that if, in the autumn, he had to change his mind, a phone call and we'll start again."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Germany kick off Euro 2024 this Friday against Scotland. They will then face Hungary and Switzerland to round off the group stages. It remains to be seen if Kroos will end up bowing out with an international trophy, or if he will indeed pick up the phone to Ancelotti this summer.

The South Africa captain showed his emotion on reaching three figures but suggested it was not a sign he was about to call it quits

George Dobell at Old Trafford07-Jul-2019Faf du Plessis has hinted he would like to continue as South Africa captain until the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.While du Plessis continued to rule out the suggestion that he would retire from international cricket after the current World Cup he expressed a belief that his experience could help younger players – and perhaps a new captain – through a transitional period.Imran Tahir and JP Duminy have already confirmed their retirement from ODI cricket, while it seems there is little chance that du Plessis (who is 35 in a few days) and Hashim Amla (who is 36) will be viable contenders by the time the next 50-over World Cup comes round in 2023.WATCH on Hotstar (India only): Faf du Plessis’ hundredBut du Plessis, in particular, feels he is batting as well as ever – he made a century as South Africa defeated Australia at Old Trafford on Saturday to take his tournament tally to 387 runs at 64.50 – and suggested he might be interested in playing until the T20 World Cup – which is scheduled for October and November 2020 – to help younger players “grow and mature” into their roles.Asked whether he had just played his final ODI innings, du Plessis replied: “I don’t know right now. I love playing for South Africa, but the big thing for me is to have purpose as a leader.”I don’t want to just play games for the sake of playing games. When I play I want to make sure I’m motivated to keep doing it and right now sitting here I am still, very, very motivated.”I decided way before this World Cup that I was going to play, win or lose, good or bad, and then after the tournament sit down and relook at what how hungry I am, how motivated, and what are Cricket South Africa’s plans. Those things will happen over the next three or four weeks. But I really enjoyed this game, so it will be hard to walk away from that feeling and playing international cricket. The decision will probably be decided in front of a fireplace with a glass of red wine in my hand.”Although du Plessis accepted that it would, “in a perfect world,” make sense for South Africa to start building a new ODI team for the 2023 tournament now, he urged caution over blooding too many inexperienced players at the same time.”If your plan is to start introducing some young players, I think you need to have some experience around those players because they learn very quickly from those [more experienced] guys,” he said. “From a leadership point of view, whoever is going to be the next captain, I think there is still a lot of value of playing with me for a year or two to make sure that they can learn and grow and mature into what will be the next World Cup.”I think to completely cut off everything is not necessary. I think probably four or five players make space in the team and then you start phasing it out by getting players ready for four years’ time.”Initially the plan was for me and [the coach] Ottis Gibson to go to the T20 World Cup so that is in a year’s time. For both of us, the plan was not to look past that. Then Cricket South Africa may change the coach and captain probably after that tournament and still have two-and-a-half to three years before the World Cup. That’s a possibility.”

Sergino Dest's move from Barcelona to PSV Eindhoven may not be dead and buried as all three parties consider two options to get a deal over the line.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dest out with serious knee injuryPSV opt out of €10m transferDeal may still be struck for Barca manWHAT HAPPENED?

The left-back spent last season on loan from Barca at PSV but his campaign was ended early by a serious knee injury – that may sideline him until 2025. The Dutch giants opted out of a £8.45 million (€10m/$10.7m) transfer for the 23-year-old, but Spanish publication Marca claim the two teams may 'share' the payment of the player's transfer, while he continues his rehab at the Eredivisie side, or his deal at Barcelona could be terminated.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The report adds that the problem with the first option is Barcelona would have to assume the €4.2m amortization (£3.5m/$4.5m). The second option reportedly allows Barca to keep a percentage of a possible future sale

DID YOU KNOW?

Dest, who has one year left on his contract at Barcelona, scored two goals and bagged six assists in 25 league matches this season for PSV. Incidentally, it seems almost certain that his days at the Spanish club are over.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

While these transfer negotiations continue over the coming weeks, and possibly months, United States international Dest will continue his rehab, while his country play in the 2024 Copa America in their backyard.

Birmingham batsman strikes 65 from 34 balls to help keep quarter-final hopes alive

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2019Birmingham Bears sealed a convincing 15-run win over Vitality T20 Blast North Group leaders Lancashire Lightning.Adam Hose starred with the bat for Bears – hitting a mighty seven sixes in an innings of 65 from just 34 balls. But, after losing their first three wickets for 28, Lightning staged a superb recovery with Glenn Maxwell and Keaton Jennings putting together a century stand which threatened to extend Lancashire’s unbeaten run.Maxwell’s dismissal for 79 – when he was bowled by Will Rhodes – brought an end to Lightning’s hopes. And when Jennings also fell to Rhodes in the final over for 35 it sealed a first defeat for Lancashire, and a much-needed win for the Bears who are now fifth after reviving their own campaign.Dom Sibley and Sam Hain staged an opening stand of 53 to provide the base for their victory as the Bears produced an improved batting display.Birmingham moved up a gear in the fourth over, which produced 18 runs – including two wides from pace bowler Richard Gleeson. And they passed the 50 mark two overs later, but it was legspinner Matt Parkinson who claimed the first wicket of the day when he had Hain stumped after making 21.Hain had been promoted to open the batting following his innings of 49 against Nottinghamshire and he scored a four and a six before departing.In came Man of the Match Hose whose innings was to prove crucial. But Sibley continued his progress with two boundaries in successive deliveries.Offspinner Liam Livingstone was introduced in the 11th over introduced and was hit for two sixes by Hose.The Bears passed the 100 mark in the 12th over before Sibley reached 50 off 38 balls. But Hose had his eyes on sixes and he drove Maxwell to bring up the half-century partnership with Sibley.Then Parkinson tempted Sibley into a shot which saw him caught by Steven Croft on the long-on boundary.That signalled a wobble for the Bears with Rhodes falling to Livingstone for a duck after facing only two balls. But Hose put them back on track and brought up his half-century with a well-placed four – the only one of his innings – and followed it up with two successive sixes.Parkinson brought an end to Hose’s innings with the first ball of his return to the Lightning attack. And Livingstone slammed the brakes on in the final over with two wickets in successive balls.In reply, Lightning were reduced to 28 for 3 by the sixth over. But then Maxwell and Jennings steadied the innings in style.Maxwell was the dominant batsman and he reached 50 with his sixth four of the day after facing 28 balls. Maxwell then brought up a nine-over century stand when he pulled Oliver Hannon-Dalby for a six over square leg in an over that produced 22 runs.But then Rhodes produced the wicket that the Bears wanted in the 16th over when he bowled Maxwell with Lightning on 135 for 4 – still 45 runs short of their target.Maxwell’s innings came off 39 balls and included eight fours and four sixes. But the Bears claimed quick wickets after that and Jennings was unable to respond.

The feeling around Manchester United over the last decade has been that the build-up to a transfer has often been more exciting than the player’s actual performances on the field.

However, the fans' first impression of a player is often a telltale sign as to how long they’ll last at the club.

Starting off with a bang is vital, especially at a club like United, where expectations and demands are often far higher than what a new signing has previously experienced.

Therefore, let’s take a look at an Erik ten Hag signing who shone on his debut, but has struggled ever since.

Antony’s start to life in Manchester

It is reasonable to presume that if former Ajax boss Ten Hag was never appointed as Man United manager, the chances of Antony signing for the club would have decreased significantly.

Prior to his £86m move to the Premier League, the Brazilian winger was lighting up the Eredivisie and the Champions League with his dazzling dribbling, skilful nature, and extreme confidence, which caused Brazil’s national team coach Tite to say he “has Neymar characteristics.”

On his debut for United against Arsenal in a 3-1 win at Old Trafford, Antony opened the scoring via a composed finish, with his dramatic celebration making him an instant favourite.

The winger would then go on to become the first United player to score in his first three Premier League matches, netting against Manchester City and Everton. After achieving that feat, United icon Wes Brown even went on to claim that “he’s like Messi and Maradona” in terms of his “wand” of a left foot.

Antony’s 2023/34 campaign

Throughout the remainder of that previous season, Antony went on to score five more goals and pick up three assists, with his form falling off as the season progressed.

During pre-season, Antony looked fresh and sharp, particularly impressing against Borussia Dortmund and Lens with two goals and an assist. However, he has been unable to carry those promising performances into the Premier League.

The Brazilian has now played 19 games in the league this season, and he has absolutely zero output to show for it, with his performances being extremely frustrating for both the boss and the fans.

Even United legend Andy Cole said “he would drive me absolutely mad,” further adding:

“He doesn’t score enough goals for me or create enough chances for his team-mates.”

Premier League

19

0

0

Champions League

4

0

0

FA Cup

1

1

1

EFL Cup

1

0

0

As you can see, Cole’s analysis is rather spot on, with his only goal contribution in 25 games being against League Two side Newport County in the FA Cup, where he had to tap into an open net for the goal.

Antony’s last start was that game, and he has started on the bench for all of United’s last three. However, what will concern the 23-year-old the most is just how well Alejandro Garnacho is playing in his role, scoring twice against West Ham United and offering much more of a threat.

It’s fair to say that it’s difficult seeing Antony turn his career around at Old Trafford, especially with United now reportedly looking to sign a new right-winger in the summer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe open to letting him leave at the end of the season.

Unfortunately, that dream start to life at United will most likely be the peak of his career with a Red Devils badge on his chest.

Conor Gallagher has responded to rumours he could leave Chelsea and revealed he was sad to see Mauricio Pochettino leave Stamford Bridge.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Gallagher tipped to leave Chelsea in the summerMidfielder not worried about his futureLavished praise on ex-manager PochettinoWHAT HAPPENED?

Gallagher's tenure at Chelsea has been marked by his ascent to a leadership role, particularly during a challenging season that saw him step up as captain following Reece James' injury. His impressive performances earned him a spot in England's squad for Euro 2024 where he is set to partner Jude Bellingham in the centre of the park.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

However, Gallagher's future in West London is far from secure as Chelsea are fighting to balance their books and comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. Any sale of Gallagher, who has been with Chelsea for 17 years, would be seen as 'pure profit', potentially aiding the club's financial standing.

WHAT GALLAGHER SAID

Amid speculation linking him to potential moves to Aston Villa or Tottenham, Gallagher has made it clear that his current focus is entirely on the national team. "I'm a Chelsea player right now and I'm just thinking about England and the tournament," Gallagher told reporters. "It's not difficult. I'm away with England and I couldn't be happier with the position I’m in. I've just been focusing on England. This is the most important thing right now for me and the country. I'm hoping I can help the team more on the pitch in this tournament."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Gallagher's contributions last season were notable, with five Premier League goals and seven assists in 37 out of 38 league games. His impressive form under Pochettino's management played a crucial role in Chelsea's strong finish, which included five consecutive wins to secure a sixth-place position. Despite this, Pochettino's departure and the subsequent appointment of Enzo Maresca have introduced new dynamics at the club.

Reflecting on Pochettino's exit, Gallagher stated: "I've come a long way this season. Pochettino has done so much for me. I was sad, sad for him and the coaching staff. Credit to Pochettino for what he has done for me. He has given me a lot of responsibility and trust at Chelsea and it puts me in a better position to be a bigger part of the squad for this tournament."