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Whether it's meeting celebrities on the sideline or celebrating with his family, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner looks to be loving life in Florida

The first thing Lionel Messi did after scoring was hug his kids. Never mind his adulate team-mates, the screaming fans or the celebrities that lined the field, filming every moment. Messi, having just curled in a majestic free-kick in stoppage-time to seal victory on his Inter Miami debut, was keen to share a moment with his family.

Everything felt pre-ordained last Friday at DRV PNK Stadium, which is, disappointingly, some 45 minutes from Miami. Messi entered the game against Cruz Azul in the second half, with the scores level but his new side being increasingly outplayed. Everything for the next 35 minutes went as smoothly as it possibly could've. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender pulled off a string of diving stops, while fellow debutant Sergio Busquets got away with a few fouls.

Inevitably, in the 93rd minute, Messi was handed his moment. He was hacked down, just to the left of the goal, and about 25 yards out. The problem with fouling Messi in that spot is that he's scored this goal countless times before. He knows the exact curve, zip, and dip of the ball. This isn't calculation as much as muscle memory at this point.

Of course, the 36-year-old's left foot delivered, sending the stadium into raptures, and marking the Argentine's arrival into American soccer in perfect fashion. There aren't enough heart-warming moments in football, especially when big-money, big-brand players are involved. Everything feels too flashy, too curated. But that second, that free-kick, was absolutely perfect.

And so starts the Messi years in Miami. They may not be that successful on the pitch for the Argentine, despite his electric start. They may not even be particularly watchable all the time. But for those who tune in, as well as for the man himself, they will be immensely fun.

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  Two years of Parisian misery

  Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain was becoming a bore towards the end. It was clear even before the 2022 World Cup that he wasn't totally into the project. He had one eye on Qatar, and although he continued to deliver in moments, lacked that signature presence that had made him the best in the world at Barcelona. The spark was there — free-kicks, curled efforts, assists — but the fire — constant movement, mazy dribbles — was nowhere to be found.

  The boos rained down on the Argentine as early as February, the winger inexplicably blamed for PSG's failures in Europe — never mind that it was defensive errors that saw them exit the Champions League. Such anger saw the Messi experience in Paris soured. Here was the greatest of all time, handed a new opportunity after being forced out of his old club, being booed by his own fans.

  Messi, it must be said, wasn't always above blame. At times, he could certainly be criticised for his effort — or lack thereof. There was also a certain carelessness to his play, fuel for the body language professors of social media. But this was Messi, who, in the worst period of his career, scored 22 and assisted 33 in 58 games. What more could PSG fans actually ask for?

  It has since emerged that Messi was miserable in the French capital. He admitted that his family never really took to the city, and suggested that it was never a comfortable environment. He unsurprisingly revealed that he had never wanted to leave Barcelona. It was, effectively, a two-year devolution, 24 months of legacy tainting.

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  The joy of Miami

  And now for revival. The World Cup win certainly helped, with Messi securing the only trophy missing from his collection to silence what few detractors he had. The Argentine certainly didn't do it all alone, but the 'GOAT' obsessives of Twitter were left short of ammunition. It also left the Argentine's career open, a final few years to do exactly what he pleased. Miami wasn't his first choice — he wanted to go back to Barcelona — but it might just be the most entertaining one.

  Since officially pledging his future to Inter Miami on an initial 18-month contract, Messi has gone about making this whole thing as fun as possible. It started with a few phone calls to old friends. Busquets was the first to pick up, signing for the club shortly after Messi. Jordi Alba was next, and is set to join the team at some point within the next week.

  Luis Suarez is reportedly in the pipeline, albeit any move won't happen until the end of 2023 after Gremio rejected Miami's bid to bring him in midway through the Brazilian season. And, perhaps most improbably, Andres Iniesta has been linked. The Spaniard has repeatedly refuted claims that he will move elsewhere after his contract expired at Japanese side Vissel Kobe, but the 39-year-old did claim in his final interview with the club that he wanted to continue his career elsewhere.

  Does the world really need to see half of Barcelona's 2015 treble-winning side reunited, almost eight years later? Perhaps not. The football will not be as good; it simply can't be. But if this is to be Messi's swansong, why can't it be that of others, too?

  Suarez's days in football are numbered, at this point. Alba is no longer good enough for Spain's top flight. Iniesta pledged to make Vissel the biggest team in Asia when he joined the club, an endeavour he failed in. But what better way to forget that than kicking a ball around with some of your old friends in the United States?

  This won't all be smooth. All five, if they all do end up in Miami, won't be able to play every game together, and there will be times when they are outrun by younger legs. Still, it will always be an event, a feel-good 90 minutes, two hours of pure footballing vibes. And maybe that's just what Messi, and his old team-mates, deserve.

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  No pressure to win

  In his farewell interview from PSG, Messi spoke extensively on the pressure of playing for the club. it was clear to see from the outside, too. Every step was questioned, every pass queried. If PSG lost, or dropped points — something they did a lot under Christophe Galtier — the Argentine was the first to be berated by the fans.

  Barca was supposed to be the peak of Messi's footballing pressure, the city that had raised him expecting him to deliver. But that was always accepted due to Messi's attachment to the badge — and unwavering love from the fans. If Messi failed at Barcelona, he was still loved, because he cared. But at PSG, that constant intensity was there without unconditional adulation, and it clearly took a toll. Messi was visibly unhappy by the end of his tenure in Paris.

  Now, though, there isn't any pressure. The Argentine can be as successful or miserable as he wants. Miami could win every game 5-0, or lose it 3-1. Messi is here to be watched, not to be judged. He is, in effect, too big to be criticised by the forum of American soccer and MLS. It helps, too, that Miami are, objectively, a bad football team. They are currently last in MLS' Eastern Conference, and 12 points off a playoff spot.

  This is remarkable, not least because the league has restructured its playoff format, allowing over half of each conference into the postseason. It is, at this point, easier to make the playoffs than miss them. Messi arrives in Miami, then, to a team that has very few expectations to live up to. Miami will likely need to win at least nine of their final 12 games — a tall order considering they have only won five MLS contests all season.

  Even a dramatic turnaround in form could lead them to falling outside of contention. Messi, then, can be as spellbinding or lazy as he wants. If he leads Miami to the playoffs, it will be another classic Messi-ism, a reiteration of his GOAT status. Should he fail, it will be via a valiant effort. So what if he couldn't drag the last-placed team into a playoff spot? Messi has spent his whole career playing under immense scrutiny. Now, he can effectively vibe his way through a season.

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• A celebrity environment

  Kim Kardashian got the first photo. Lebron James got a hug. Then, it was DJ Khaled, followed by Diddy and Camila Cabello. All of them have had exclusive access, too. Kardashian took pictures on the pitch before Messi's debut. LeBron barged in from his suite right next to the Inter Miami bench. DJ Khaled somehow snuck into the tunnel, yelling at Messi amidst a sea of visibly confused young mascots.

  This is the environment Messi has cultivated through two relatively meaningless games so far. The Leagues Cup is not relevant to Miami's MLS playoff charge. Still, Messi, by his very attendance, has assembled a group of A-Listers usually reserved for red carpets, turning these games into celebrity events. DRV PNK Stadium, once a meagre set of bleachers 45 minutes from Miami itself, is now a place where people go to be seen.

  It's slightly ironic for Messi. Here is a player who hates the spotlight, but has always attracted it by virtue of being very good at what he does. At his age, there is nothing outwardly flashy about Messi's game. He has become a real football fan's footballer, ruthlessly efficient in his majesty. There is no wasted energy here, no extra stepovers, unnecessary flicks. That almost runs counter to Miami's history of flashy athletes (see James, Lebron for more.) It is also an extension of the reason that Messi wanted out of PSG. He wanted the cameras to go away.

  However, this time, there is no menace from behind the lens. Lebron won't boo him. DJ Khaled won't jeer. He will not be trolled by Kim K on Twitter if Miami lose. There are eyes here, but they're ones of adulation. Messi has basically assembled a party in Miami, without outwardly meaning to.

How to watch Roma against AC Milan in Serie A in the US as well as kick-off time and team news.

Roma and AC Milan will be involved in a head-to-head top-fourSerie A battle when the two teams clash at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

💻 Watch Roma vs AC Milan live on Paramount+ today!

Jose Mourinho's men slipped to a 3-1 loss at Atalanta in mid-week and find themselves with the same number of points as the Rossoneri, who had picked up a 2-0 league win over Lecce last time out.

Now both teams, who also have the same goal difference, need a win in order to gain the advantage in the race for the fourth spot on the Serie A table.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the US as well as how to stream live online.

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  Kick-off time

  Game:	Roma vs AC Milan
  Date:	April 29, 2023
  Kick-off:	12pm EDT
  Venue:	Stadio Olimpico

  The Serie A game between Roma and AC Milan is scheduled for April 29, 2023, at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.

  It will kick off at 12pm EDT in the US.

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  How to watch Roma vs AC Milan online – TV channels & live streams

  TV channels & streaming options

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  U.S.	N/A	Paramount+

  In the United States (US), the game can be watched live on Paramount+.

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  Team news & squads

  Roma team news

  Paulo Dybala hurt his ankle in the Atalanta loss but is expected to be fit for the tie, but one of Stephan El Shaarawy or Ola Solbakken may start against Milan.

  Rick Karsdorp is ruled out for the season with a knee injury, while Giorginio Wijnaldum is doubt due to a muscular problem.

  Without the injured duo of Chris Smalling and Diego Llorente, Mourinho would probably be looking at playing a three-man backline with Marash Kumbulla getting one of those rare starts. Bryan Cristante would then be engaged in the middle.

  Roma possible XI: Patricio; Mancini, Kumbulla, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Abraham

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Patricio, Svilar, Boer
  Defenders	Ibanez, Mancini, Bianda, Spinazzola, Celik
  Midfielders	Cristante, Matic, Darboe, Wijnaldum, Camara, Tahirovic, Zalewski, Pellegrini, Volpato, Coric, El Shaarawy, Solbakken
  Forwards	Dybala, Abraham, Belotti

  AC Milan team news

  Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains out as the only absentee, as Stefano Pioli will call back his rotations in the Lecce win, while Davide Calabria returns from suspension.

  As such, Simon Kjaer should start at the back, with Ismael Bennacer in midfield. Ante Rebic will need to make way for Olivier Giroud up front, as Rafael Leao offers support from the left.

  AC Milan possible XI: Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Hernandez; Tonali, Krunic; Diaz, Bennacer, Leao; Giroud

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Maignan, Tatarusanu, Vasquez, Mirante
  Defenders	Tomori, Kalulu, Gabbia, Thiaw, Kjaer, Hernandez, Ballo-Toure, Calabria, Dest, Florenzi
  Midfielders	Tonali, Bennacer, Bakayoko, Pobega, Vranckx, Krunic, De Ketelaere, Diaz, Adli
  Forwards	Giroud, Rebic, Leao, Origi, Messias, Saelemaekers, Roback

  Head-to-head record

  Date	Result	Competition
  January 9, 2023	AC Milan 2-2 Roma	Serie A
  January 6, 2022	AC Milan 3-1 Roma	Serie A
  November 1, 2021	Roma 1-2 AC Milan	Serie A
  March 1, 2021	Roma 1-2 AC Milan	Serie A
  October 27, 2020	AC Milan 3-3 Roma	Serie A

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  Useful links

  • AC Milan team page

  • Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

  • Zlatan to Leao: Focus on football

Here's where you can watch Atlanta United take on New York Red Bulls in MLS on TV or stream live.

When Atlanta United host New York Red Bulls on Saturday, they will be attempting to bounce back from their embarrassing 6-1 loss away to Columbus Crew as their wonderful start to the Major League Soccer season unravelled.

The opposition, meanwhile, travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium having won only one game in their five played so far.

▶ Watch every MLS match, including the playoffs, here

Atlanta United suffered one of their worst defeats in MLS history as they perished to a Columbus side that had only managed one win in their first four games. On the day, Atlanta conceded six goals for only the second time in their history, but can they avoid a repeat this week?

New York Red Bulls have had a mediocre start to their 2023 season, with their lack of transfer activity condemning them to a tough opening month.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about where to watch the game on TV and stream live online.

• Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls date & kick-off time

  Game:	Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls
  Date:	April 1, 2023
  Kick-off time:	7:30 pm ET
  Venue:	Mercedes-Benz Stadium

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• Where to watch Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls on TV & live stream online

  Fans in the United States & across the world can watch MLS with Apple TV MLS Season Pass.

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  US	N/A	Apple TV

  • Check out GOAL's soccer on U.S. TV guide

• Team news & squads

  Atlanta United team news and squad

  Atlanta United will once again be without Osvaldo Alonso due to injury. All their players who had left for international duty are back and ready to start.

  Atlanta United possible XI: Guzan; Lennon, Sanchez, Purata, Gutman; Ibarra, Sejdic; Wiley, Almada, Araujo; Giakoumakis

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Guzan, Westberg
  Defenders	Hernandez, Abram, Lennon, Robinson, Gutman, Purata, Sanchez
  Midfielders	Araujo, Sejdic, Ibarra, Etienne, Sosa, Almada, Fortune, Wiley, Wolff
  Forwards	Giakoumakis, Berry, Chol

  NY Red Bulls team news & squad

  Hamstring injuries prevent Serge Ngoma and Dru Yearwood from taking part, while Dante Vanzeir will look to make his club debut after arriving from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

  Meanwhile, former Philadelphia forward Cory Burke was handed his club debut in the Orlando City defeat, albeit for the final 22 minutes, but Elias Manoel is likely to start again.

  New York Red Bulls possible XI: Carlos; D. Nealis, Reyes, S. Nealis; Harper, Amaya, Edelman, Tolkin; Luquinhas, Casseres, Manoel

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Miguel, Carlos
  Defenders	Tolkin, Reyes, Duncan, S. Nealis, D. Nealis, Ndam, Nocita
  Midfielders	Casseres, Morgan, Luquinhas, Carmona, Amaya, Fernandez, Stroud
  Forwards	Vanezir, Manoel, Burke, Harper

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• Useful links

  Live soccer on U.S. TV

  Stream MLS matches on Apple TV

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior from Italian side Spezia, but who is he and why do Arsenal want him?

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, five points clear of holders Manchester City with a game in hand. The starting eleven has not let the manager down all season, having won 15 of their 18 matches and conceded just 14 goals.

Despite their success in 2022-23, though, Arsenal have thus far struggled to secure any new signings in the January window. They lost out to Ukrainian starlet and reported long-time Gooner Mykhailo Mydryk to rivals Chelsea, who aresitting comfortably mid-table in comparison.

That may be all be about to change though, with the club closing in on a £20m ($25m) deal for 22-year-old Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior. But with William Saliba and Gabriel forming a formidable partnership already this term, why do Arsenal need to bring him in?

From his playing style to why the Gunners are interested, GOAL runs you through everything you need to know.

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  Kiwior's club career to date

  Kiwior started out in Poland with Fortuna 1 Liga side GKS Tychy, and it took just three months before he would be snapped up by Belgian outfit Anderlecht, where he would represent the club solely at youth level.

  Without breaking into the first team, Kiwior joined Slovakian side Podbrezova, before making the short trip north to MSK Zilina after just six months.

  In August 2021, the centre-back completed his breakout move to Italian side Spezia for €2.2m, where he has made 61 appearances and started 17 of the club's 18 competitive matches in 2022-23.

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  Kiwior's style of play

  The Pole is left-footed and therefore plays predominantly as a left-sided centre-back, although he is also comfortable playing on the right-hand side of a back two.

  As we have seen with previous Arteta signings – such as former Man City man Oleksandr Zinchenko – Kiwior is a very versatile player. The 22-year-old has been known to play at left-back, and at times even adopt a defensive midfield role.

  Kiwior's performances in a variety of roles for Spezia not only caught the eye of Arsenal but also Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus, as Arsenal look to plug gaps in a number of different positions.

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  Why do Arsenal want Kiwior?

  The main reason for his signing, however, is to provide defensive cover in that left centre-back role, particularly for Gabriel Magalhaes.

  The Brazilian has barely put a foot wrong this campaign and has even popped up with two league goals. However, he has started all but one of Arsenal's 21 matches across all competitions this term, and Arteta possesses very little cover in that position should Gabriel face a stretch on the sidelines.

  Ben White would be an obvious choice but the England international has excelled at right-back for the Gunners so far this campaign, while Rob Holding is probably too much of a downgrade for a long-term spell in the first team.

  Kiwior's versatility will help, though, and should provide Arteta with sufficient depth for any injuries suffered at left-back or central midfield.

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  Is Kiwior an international?

  Not only does Kiwior boast experience in Italy's top flight, but the 22-year-old has already made nine appearances for his country.

  The centre-back made 35 appearances for Poland at youth level, before eventually making his senior debut in June 2022.

  Kiwior most recently featured for his national team at the 2022 World Cup, starting all four of their matches in Qatar before their last-16 exit to eventual finalists France.

West Ham United are expected to have Angelo Ogbonna available for selection later this afternoon, leaving David Moyes with a decision to make in defence.

The Irons conceded a silly goal against Burnley last Monday but managed to come from behind to secure all three points thanks to a brace from the returning Michail Antonio.

With the 32-year-old Italian – who has played an influential role this campaign – likely to feature, Moyes can bring him in for either of Craig Dawson or Issa Diop, or else switch to a three-at-the-back system.

We’re backing him to do the former as the French centre-back was largely at fault for Chris Wood’s goal and struggled to cope with the physicality on offer from the Clarets.

Some of the Hammers faithful were far from pleased with Diop’s display, with some deeming him to be a “liability” and the only “weak link” in the side. He was also the man to concede an own goal during their defeat to Newcastle United a couple of weeks previously.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-moyes-gsb-london-stadium” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Moyes risks the same happening when Everton come to town in what is a must-win for their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Toffees are hot on their tail and can halve that six-point gap if they win, and they also possess a game in hand.

Carlo Ancelotti’s main threat will be Dominic Calvert-Lewin and he is another aerial beast and prolific goal machine. The England international has bagged 20 goals in 34 appearances, and is averaging 4.4 aerial duels won per Premier League match this term – that’s just 0.1 fewer than Wood’s average for the season.

By comparison, Diop has been a weak presence in the air, averaging only 1.5 successful aerial duels per game, which is behind both Dawson (2.8) and Ogbonna (2.6). Even Antonio (2.9) and Vladimir Coufal (1.6) are better in the air than the Frenchman.

Starting the £18m-rated defender could be a recipe for disaster as Calvert-Lewin could tear him apart, and that would only increase the pressure on Moyes’ attack to deliver once again.

It’s no coincidence that the 24-year-old centre-back did not feature when these two teams met earlier in the season, with Moyes opting for Dawson and Ogbonna, who went on to keep a hard-earned clean sheet at Goodison Park.

The 58-year-old must show no mercy and ruthlessly axe the former Toulouse defender.

AND in other news, Irons struck dream deal with “unbelievable” £35k-p/w gem who’s a “manager’s dream”…

Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe is finally reaching a conclusion, according to fresh reports.

It has been nearly three months since Neil Lennon left the Hoops behind but at long last, it looks like the top brass at Parkhead have found a resolution.

With that in mind, the Bhoys can finally begin planning for next season.

What’s the word?

Celtic’s transfer plans have been in disarray because of the manager situation, something that’s hardly ideal considering some of their top players have been linked with the exit door.

However, in terms of arrivals, Howe has already been dealt a blow before he’s even walked through the door.

Earlier this year it was reported that Celtic were in the hunt to sign ADO Den Haag right-back Milan van Ewijk.

Unfortunately, the Bhoys are to lose out on the defender with new claims stipulating he’ll be moving elsewhere.

Dutch outlet AD claim that fellow Eredivisie side Heerenveen have won the race to sign him.

A deal will come cheap too with a bid of €600,000 being accepted (£516,000).

Managerial mess

This whole situation is likely to leave Celtic’s incoming chief executive officer, Dominic McKay, absolutely fuming.

He is yet to formally take up that position but he has already begun his work behind the scenes at Parkhead.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-mcgregor-mccann-tierney” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

It’s unlikely he will have been left too impressed by his opening few weeks in Glasgow, especially with transfer targets now starting to pass them by.

If Celtic already had a new manager in place they’d be able to be active in the transfer window, pondering options to bolster the squad.

Unfortunately, until a new boss has walked through the door, they won’t be able to sanction any transfers.

Stephen Welsh signed a new contract without Howe or a new manager present but signing a completely new player is a whole different ball game.

Van Ewijk would have been a superb acquisition too.

A touch-tackling defender, he’d have been an undoubted upgrade on Jonjoe Kenny at right-back.

The Everton loanee has been a liability from a defensive point of view and has been at fault for countless goals in Celtic’s matches with Rangers in recent months.

Van Ewijk, on the other hand, is mightily consistent in the defensive third.

Throughout the current campaign the 21-year-old has won 109 tackles at an incredible rate of 3.4 per game. That makes him the most prolific tackler in the entire Dutch top-flight with ten more successful challenges than anybody else.

For context, the highest number of tackles by a Celtic player this season is Ryan Christie with 54. The Bhoys do a lot less defending due to their league position but that is quite an alarming statistic.

The young Dutch full-back would have offered plenty to Paradise if the Hoops could have secured a move. They cannot afford to miss out on more players like this; a new manager must arrive as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Forget Turnbull: Celtic liability who took 126 touches was their unsung hero on Weds…

The Blues' new era has gotten off to a stuttering start, and negativity surrounding the club threatens to derail the project before it's really begun

Although their form hasn't exactly been ground-breaking since mid-January, Chelsea have gone from regular defeats to one win and three draws in a row. Progress, of sorts.

The raft of January signings bankrolled by Todd Boehly has led to an air of positivity and rejuvenation on the face of things, but the club's unfamiliar league position means that that good feeling is thinly veiling impatience and a desperation for a quick change in fortunes among the fanbase, and perhaps the board.

Despite the £320 million ($390.5m) outlay last month, a new-look Chelsea are understandably struggling to get going – evidenced by disjointed displays in frustrating London derby draws against Fulham and West Ham in their last two outings.

Logic dictates that Graham Potter needs time – even more so than when he took the reins thanks to January's hoard of new arrivals – but there must be a change of outlook off the pitch for him and his players to stand any chance of succeeding.

GOAL runs through the main threats to Chelsea's progress…

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  Potter facing questions already

  Although isn't always easy to know where the truth lies, it has been made abundantly clear by Chelsea's new ownership that Potter will be given time to mould the squad and playing style in his image, in the hope he will be able to emulate the work he did on a shoestring budget at Brighton on a much larger scale.

  Indeed, it was reported once again following the draw with West Ham that Potter will be judged in 'years rather than months'. That should be reassuring for supporters, given the Englishman's obvious ability as a coach and the potential for a hugely exciting, attacking brand of football enacted by their wealth of new talent.

  However, this is a fanbase accustomed to winning and whose impatience has been facilitated and exacerbated by the brazen hiring and firing of the previous regime, under which even the shortest periods of poor form could easily result in a sacking.

  While some are asking tentative questions of Potter's suitability, some have already lost patience altogether, while others have called his mentality into question.

  Granted, he doesn't possess the sneering arrogance of a Jose Mourinho, nor the snarling intensity of a Thomas Tuchel, but Potter is his own man and his nice-guy approach should not become a stick to beat him with. It certainly shouldn't be construed as a lack of desire to win.

  The timing of the hypothetical sacking that some fans seem to be mulling over would also make very little sense. Whether they like it or not – and regardless of the January spend – their hopes of Chelsea finishing in the Champions League places have been all but extinguished, with a 10-point gap to fourth surely unassailable even without the five other teams currently above them.

  It would be far more logical to see what Potter can do in the remaining months of the season as his team starts to take shape, and (hopefully) build on the progress made in 2023-24. Any significant progress in the Champions League would be a bonus.

  Get on board and enjoy the ride.

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  'Transition' undermined by big spending

  Of course, Chelsea's on-field issues and the off-field clamour for immediate success transcend the manager.

  Potter has often spoken of the idea of a 'transition' and a 'project', but those notions were probably undermined by the club's thriftless January spending – which the head coach made quite clear he had little say in.

  Potter's language suggests that he feels he has time on his side and is here to oversee what will be a slow and gradual process. But with no fewer than eight new arrivals in January comes heightened expectation – though realistically it shouldn't be a surprise if it takes a full pre-season for the coach to implement his ideas to the fullest extent.

  He said recently: “We know the situation we’re in, we know the transition period that we’re in, so it’s always going to be a case of managing in challenging circumstances.

  “But I'm certainly not complaining, it's exciting. It'll test me, it’ll test my attributes and my quality, and that’s something to be happy for. You see the profile of the players that we brought in.

  “They're excited, they're excited for the now but also they can improve and get better as the team develops. It’s an investment from both parties. It’s a long-term commitment. So we need some stability. We need some work. We need to progress the team. And that's the challenge.”

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  Cucurella becoming the scapegoat

  The vast majority of the Chelsea squad have been desperately searching for form, but for some reason it is Marc Cucurella's struggles that have drawn the ire of certain sections of the Chelsea support.

  Lumbered with an inflated £62m ($77m) price tag that the Blues willingly paid last summer, the Spaniard has become an easy target for abuse through no fault of his own as he toils to recapture the form that made him a standout performer under Potter at Brighton.

  After having a wobbly game in the the home match with Fulham, Cucurella was shaky again against West Ham and was at fault for their equalising goal – giving the ball away deep in his own half before failing to shut down a cross that led directly to the leveller.

  There were audible intakes of breath and grumbles from the away end whenever he took a touch, and he was actually jeered when his manager finally withdrew him and put Ben Chilwell on in his place to a huge roar.

  It's hard to imagine many things less helpful than being booed by their own fans for a player whose confidence is already shot. Potter did his best to defend Cucurella at full-time, but the fans will need to get behind the players if they want to see them at their best, not turn against them at such an early stage of this process.

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  Mount deserves better, too

  Another surprising recipient of regular bashings from the Chelsea faithful – predominantly online – has been Mason Mount, a man who can still count himself among the match-going fan favourites.

  Like Cucurella and basically every other member of the squad bar Thiago Silva, Mount has not hit the heights we all know he is capable of reaching so far this season, but he makes up for that by carrying the identity of the club with his work rate, aggression and desire.

  It's hard to pinpoint exactly why some sections of the fanbase with shorter memories have turned on him, with many even open to seeing him leave this summer, but perhaps it is because they expect so much more of one of the academy's greatest success stories.

  It seemed inconceivable that Mount would ever leave the club when links to Liverpool emerged last year, but such is the ill feeling towards him in some quarters you absolutely wouldn't blame him for jumping ship.

  With the new hierarchy spending so frivolously on external talent, leaving many in the academy concerned about their own futures, it feels imperative that the club's own are protected and supported. There needs to be demonstrable evidence that the pathway to the first team isn't blocked, and Mount is a shining example of that.

The Ligue 1 side have seen the likes of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao come and go for big money over the years

Monaco have risen from the verge of disaster to the cusp of glory ever since Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev took over a majority stake in the club in 2011.

The Ligue 1 side have become one of the best in the world when it comes to scouting for extraordinary talents.

In 2013, Monaco were one of the biggest spenders in the transfer market when they splashed big money on players like Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.

Exactly how much have they spent over the years?

Let's take a look!

Monaco's top 10 most expensive player signings

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  10Geoffrey Kondogbia | €20m | Sevilla | 2013

  After starting his club career at Lens, Geoffrey Kondogbia made his Ligue 1 debut in November 2010, coming on as a late substitute against Lyon.

  After making three Ligue 1 appearances in the 2010-11 season, Kondogbia and Lens were relegated to Ligue 2.

  The Frenchman stayed for one season in the second tier before Sevilla snapped him up in the summer of 2012, but he spent just 12 months in Spain before joining Monaco for €20m.

  In his time at the principality club, Kondogbia helped them finish second in Ligue 1 and return to the Champions League after a decade-long absence.

  In 2015, he moved to Inter and then Valencia before signing for Atletico Madrid in 2020.

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  9Pietro Pellegri | €20.9m | Genoa | 2017

  At the age of 15 years and 280 days, Pietro Pellegri equalled the record as the youngest ever Serie A debutant when he featured for Genoa in 2016.

  He then became the first player born in the 21st century to score in Serie A when he found the net in May 2017.

  Pellegri's performances at Genoa were so good that Monaco agreed to pay €20.9m for his services in January 2018.

  After making just 22 appearances in three years, however, he was loaned to AC Milan with the option to make the deal permanent. However, he made only six appearances for the first team and his loan deal was terminated in January 2022.

  Towards the end of the January window, Torino signed the striker on loan before signing him outright the following summer.

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  8Youri Tielemans | €25m | Anderlecht | 2017

  In 2016, the media were going gaga over an incredible midfield prospect from Anderlecht called Youri Tielemans.

  Tielemans became the youngest Belgian to ever play in the Champions League at 16 years and 148 days when he featured for Anderlecht against Olympiacos in October 2013.

  He was part of the squad which won the 2013-14 Pro League title and also won the Belgian Young Player of the Year award in each of his first two seasons.

  Monaco decided to gamble on Tielemans in May 2017, after he turned 20 and agreed to pay Anderlecht a €25m fee.

  Tielemans was a huge hit at Monaco before he moved to Leicester in January 2019 on loan before making the deal permanent that summer for €45m.

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  7Joao Moutinho | €25m | Porto | 2013

  After spending a total of nine years playing for two of Portugal's biggest clubs in Sporting CP and Porto, Joao Moutinho decided to move to Monaco in the summer of 2013 along with his team-mate at Porto, James Rodriguez.

  Monaco parted ways with €25m for the midfielder and he impressed right from his debut when he set up both of his team's goals in their 2-1 win at Marseille in September.

  Moutinho would later go on to lift Monaco's eighth Ligue 1 trophy in the 2016-17 season and then left a year later when he decided to move to the Premier League with Wolves.

Football finances expert Dr Rob Wilson has recently talked about the impact of a new Celtic CEO on the club’s shareholders.

Dr Wilson was talking to 67HailHail and the expert was asked numerous things about the finances involved with the Hoops’ off-the-pitch rebuild, with Dominic McKay in particular at the centre of discussion.

McKay was initially expected to take over at Parkhead later on, but he’s already taken up the office even though Lawwell isn’t retiring from his position until the end of the current campaign.

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Positive claim made about McKay appointment

When talking about the benefits of the appointment of a new CEO, Dr Wilson said that because McKay has come into his job earlier than expected, it could lead a share price increase for the Bhoys. He revealed that any change in CEO is likely to bring about positivity in the market for the club and the same could apply for the Bhoys.

Dr Wilson stated: “It absolutely would. If a new CEO is coming in and they have proven pedigree or their reputation is strong in the market, that will always help support a share price improvement. Or, conversely, if the CEO is not fancied by the market that lead to a reduction.

“Any handover period is normally received positively. It allows you to maintain some of the current trajectory, look at the strategic plan and keep things moving in the right direction.

“It gives that person the opportunity to understand the business whilst not having full control. That change-over period can be quite beneficial sometimes.”

McKay coming in early should be a big positive

While Dr Wilson believes that McKay’s early entry at Parkhead could well help the Bhoys as a club from a business perspective, it perhaps shows McKay’s willingness to get into the role early and make an impact straight away on the football side of things too.

Eddie Howe reportedly had an agreement in principle with the Hoops, but he has made demands to the club before taking over, so McKay already has his work cut out for him solving that situation.

Other than that, the Hoops are set to undergo a major overhaul in the summer anyway and it won’t be long before the early stages of European qualifying kick off the new season, so McKay getting a head start is absolutely a huge boost for the club.

In other news, ‘Bound to be interest’ – Claim dropped on Celtic star; Hoops phone could be ‘off the hook’

Chelsea and Tottenham played out the game of the Premier League season so far as tempers flared on the touchline

Are you not entertained?!

The first Battle of the Bridge between Chelsea and Tottenham was over six years ago now, but these two teams still do not like one another, and that was clear again on Sunday.

Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte almost came to blows on the touchline as their teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in west London.

Kalidou Koulibaly gave Chelsea the lead with a stunning first-half volley, but Spurs fought back after the break and equalised through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

That sparked the first touchline row, and Tuchel was soon tearing off down the touchline to rub it in Conte's face when Reece James gave Chelsea the lead again.

But Spurs had the final say as Harry Kane headed in a stoppage-time equaliser, before more arguments at full-time left to both managers being red-carded.

So, who were the biggest winners and losers, and how did the Chelsea players rate? We've had our say…

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  The Winners

  Kalidou Koulibaly:

  Pick that one out! After years of speculation Kalidou Koulibaly is finally a Premier League footballer, and this was some way to announce himself. The ex-Napoli defender's stunning volley left Hugo Lloris rooted to the spot and sent Stamford Bridge into raptures as it arrowed into the top corner midway through the first half. Koulibaly was assured in possession thereafter in what was his second impressive performance in a row to start the campaign.

  Fans of the Barclays:

  'One regular day of Barclays. That's all I ask for. Will never happen.' Antonio Conte is the star of one of the Premier League's most famous memes, and he was at the heart of some absolutely unadulterated Barclays as he literally went toe-to-toe with Thomas Tuchel. Both managers were red carded after full-time amid some scenes that we absolutely love to see, as it put the cherry on the cake of what was the best game of the season so far.

  Todd Boehly:

  On a day where the Chelsea fans celebrated their new owner with a tifo display ahead of kick-off, Boehly must have been thrilled to see two of the signings he bankrolled combine for Chelsea's opening goal, with Koulibaly volleying in Marc Cucurella's corner. The Stamford Bridge faithful certainly seem to have taken the LA Dodgers owner in as one of their own, and more results like this will only help fuel that sentiment.

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  The Losers

  Jorginho:

  Jorginho had a pretty good game for the first three-quarters of the match, but was he thinking in the build-up to Tottenham's equaliser?! The midfielder tried to be too clever when attempting a cheeky clearance, and Spurs capitalised through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jorginho was immediately substituted by Thomas Tuchel.

  Kai Havertz:

  On a weekend where Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both scored upon their returns to their former clubs and talks of a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang intensified, Havertz could have done with a goal to show that he can be the man to lead the line for the Blues going forward. And though his all-round game was excellent, the Germany forward missed an absolute sitter in the second half that will lead for more calls for Todd Boehly to bring in a new central striker in the final weeks of the transfer window.

  N'Golo Kante:

  Kante has had no luck with injuries over the past few seasons, and the sight of him limping off with six minutes to go in this one was not one anybody with links to Chelsea wanted to see. If the problem is a serious one, then expect the Blues' to accelerate their efforts to beat Manchester United to sign Frenkie de Jong.

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  Chelsea Ratings: Defence

  Edouard Mendy (6/10):

  A spectator for much of the game, and had no chance with either goal.

  Reece James (9/10):

  Superb at both centre-back and wing-back, and did not deserve to be the man who diverted Kane's header in at the back post in stoppage time.

  Thiago Silva (7/10):

  Assured as ever as he kept Kane relatively quiet until the final seconds.

  Kalidou Koulibaly (8/10):

  Superb volley gave Chelsea the lead and was excellent when in possession.

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  Midfield

  Ruben Loftus-Cheek (8/10):

  A constant threat down the right-hand side as he drifted inside from wing-back to pose problems to the Spurs defence.

  N'Golo Kante (8/10):

  Looked back to his best with a characteristically energetic display while showing quality on the ball. Late injury a concern.

  Jorginho (5/10):

  Decent for the most part, only to spoil it with a poor clearance that led to Tottenham's goal.

  Marc Cucurella (6/10):

  A solid full debut which included an assist for Koulibaly's opener.