Posted on Leave a comment

Golden Globes 2026: “One Battle After Another” and British series “Adolescence” win big

The stars of film and TV gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday for the 83rd Golden Globes ceremony, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Netflix miniseries Adolescence emerged as the big winners on the night, earning four Globes apiece.

One Battle After Another won Best Film (Comedy or Musical), Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor, Best Director and Best Screenplay, both for Anderson, who has become only the second filmmaker after Oliver Stone to collect Best Director, Screenplay and Film (as a producer) at the Globes.

Loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s postmodern countercultural novel “Vineland”, Anderson’s tenth feature centers around a dishevelled revolutionary (Leonardo DiCaprio) who is forced out of retirement when a former enemy (Sean Penn) threatens his daughter (Chase Infiniti) in a bid to revive an old grudge. Euronews Culture ranked it our Number 1 Movie of 2025 and it is the clear front-runner this awards season.

In one of the evening’s best speeches, singer and actress Teyana Taylor sent a message to “my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight”.

“Our light does not need permission to shine,” she told them. “We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter and our dreams deserve space.”

While many were betting on Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners to take Best Film in the Drama section, Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, a speculative drama about William and Agnes Shakespeare based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, pulled off an upset by winning the Best Film (Drama). Its star, Jessie Buckley, also won Best Actress in a Drama.

At the Oscars, Buckley will have to compete against Rose Byrne, who was rewarded for her lead performance in Mary Bronstein’s punishing parental drama If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

Sinners – another one of our 2025 favourites – did end up winning Best Score and the Cinematic and Box-office Achievement award, beating the likes of Avatar: Fire and Ash, F1Weapons and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Other big winners of the evening include Timothée Chalamet, who nabbed his first Golden Globe for Marty Supreme, beating George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio. The 30-year-old is poised to win his first Oscar for his role in Josh Safdie’s first solo outing behind the camera. Loosely inspired by the life and career of US ping-pong player Marty Reisman, Marty Supreme is a coming-of-age film about scheming and whatever-it-takes determination in the face of adversity.

“My dad instilled in me a spirit of gratitude growing up: Always be grateful for what you have,” said Chalamet. “It’s allowed me to leave this ceremony in the past empty handed, my head held high, grateful just to be here. I’d be lying if I didn’t say those moments didn’t make this moment that much sweeter.”

Elsewhere, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura was the surprise winner in the Drama category for his role in the political thriller The Secret Agent, becoming the first Brazilian to win the award. His win follows Fernanda Torres’ success last year for I’m Still Here.

“This is a film about memory – or the lack of memory – and generational trauma,” Moura said. “I think that if trauma can be passed along generations, values can too. So this is to the ones that are sticking with their values in difficult moments.”

The Secret Agent also won Best Film (Non-English language), beating favourite Sentimental Value.

Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, 74, did win Best Supporting Actor for Sentimental Value. He joked that he hadn’t prepared a speech “because I thought that I was too old”, before making an impassioned plea for people to see films like his on the big screen.

“Cinema should be seen in cinemas,” he said to cheers from the audience. (EuroNews)

Posted on Leave a comment

6th-tier Macclesfield upsets FA Cup holder Crystal Palace in huge shock

The FA Cup delivered another fairytale result on Saturday when sixth-tier Macclesfield — managed by Wayne Rooney’s brother — knocked out titleholder Crystal Palace in one of the competition’s greatest upsets.

The teams were separated by 117 places in the English soccer pyramid.

At the other extreme, Manchester City overwhelmed third-tier Exeter 10-1 in a match featuring a goal on debut by $87 million signing Antoine Semenyo.

City tying the record for its biggest ever win wasn’t the story of the day in the third round, though.

That was the 2-1 win for Macclesfield, a tiny club from England’s north west that was relaunched after its predecessor, Macclesfield Town, was liquidated in 2020 because of debts.

The team, placed 14th in National League North, is still coming to terms with the loss of its 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod, who was killed in a car crash travelling back from a match he played in at Bedford Town on Dec. 16. A banner bearing his name hung behind the dugouts at the Palace game and his family were in the stands to watch.

It made for an emotionally draining afternoon for John Rooney, the younger sibling of England and Manchester United great Wayne Rooney, who was at the match working for the BBC.

“We finished the game and then I walk in the office and see Ethan’s mum and dad in there, that’s very special to me,” John Rooney said. “Just knowing they were here with us, and I’m sure Ethan was looking down on us today.”

Macclesfield took the lead just before halftime through captain Paul Dawson, before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts made it 2-0 in the 60th following a scramble in the penalty area.

Yeremy Pino’s last-minute free kick for Palace left Macclesfield facing a nervous six minutes of stoppage time as home fans chanted “Silkmen! Silkmen!” — the club’s nickname.

Macclesfield survived, their players adding their names to the competition’s lore. Given the difference in league positions, it was the most unlikely result in FA Cup history.

Fans sprinted onto the field at Moss Rose — Macclesfield’s modest 5,900-capacity stadium — in celebration at the final whistle while Dawson and Duffy were carried aloft.

“I didn’t think it was possible but there is that little bit of hope that anything can happen on the day,” said Rooney, who started and ended his playing career as a midfielder with the club and is in only his first season coaching.

“I can’t believe it. We were incredible from the first minute.”

The last time Palace played in the FA Cup, it beat City in the final for its first ever trophy.

Palace’s dismal afternoon was summed up when U.S. defender Chris Richards did a foul throw in the final minute of stoppage time.

“I have no words for this performance,” Palace manager Oliver Glasner said.

Palace captain Marc Guéhi spoke with the team’s traveling fans after the defeat.

Semenyo was handed a start by City manager Pep Guardiola a day after joining from Bournemouth and was among nine scorers for City. Right back Rico Lewis netted twice.

In a classy gesture, Semenyo thanked Bournemouth fans “for all the memories” in a full-page advertisement printed in the local Bournemouth Echo newspaper before the game. (JapanToday)

Posted on Leave a comment

Fubara, Deputy make first public appearance after impeachment notice

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, on Sunday made their first public appearance since the State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against them.

It was gathered that during the period of silence that followed the impeachment notice, the governor and his deputy had travelled out of the country for official engagements.

However, the duo resurfaced on Sunday at a church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service was organised to honour fallen Nigerian servicemen and women who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty, while also offering prayers for the repose of their souls and the safety of personnel still in active service.

Despite the renewed political tension in the state, Governor Fubara and members of his administration have remained silent on the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against them by the State House of Assembly.

Recall that the latest development marks the third impeachment attempt against the governor in less than three years. (Vanguard)

Posted on Leave a comment

New protests hit Iran as alarm grows over crackdown ‘massacre’

Iranians took to the streets in new protests against the clerical authorities overnight despite an internet shutdown, as rights groups warned on Sunday that authorities were committing a “massacre” to quell the demonstrations.

The protests, initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, have now become a movement against the theocratic government that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution and have already lasted two weeks.

The mass rallies are one of the biggest challenges to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, coming in the wake of Israel’s 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which was backed by the United States.

The protests, initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, have now become a movement against the theocratic government that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution and have already lasted two weeks.

The mass rallies are one of the biggest challenges to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, coming in the wake of Israel’s 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which was backed by the United States.

The internet blackout “is now past the 60 hour mark… The censorship measure presents a direct threat to the safety and well-being of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future”, monitor Netblocks said early Sunday.

Several circulating videos, which have not been verified by AFP, allegedly showed relatives in a Tehran morgue identifying bodies of protesters killed in the crackdown.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it had confirmed the deaths of 116 people in connection with the protests, including 37 members of the security forces or other officials.

But activists warned that the shutdown was limiting the flow of information and the actual toll risks being far higher.

The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it had received “eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown”.

“A massacre is unfolding in Iran. The world must act now to prevent further loss of life,” it said.

It said hospitals were “overwhelmed”, blood supplies were running low and that many protesters had been shot in the eyes in a deliberate tactic.

In comments to state TV late Saturday, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni insisted that acts of “vandalism” were decreasing and warned that “those who lead the protest towards destruction, chaos and terrorist acts do not let the people’s voices be heard”.

National police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said authorities made “significant” arrests of protest figures on Saturday night, without giving details on the number or identities of those arrested, according to state TV.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani drew a line between protests over economic hardship, which he called “completely understandable”, and “riots”, accusing them of actions “very similar to the methods of terrorist groups”, Tasnim news agency reported.

In Tehran, an AFP journalist described a city in a state of near paralysis.

The price of meat has nearly doubled since the start of the protests, and while some shops are open, many others are not.

Those that do open must close at around 4:00 or 5:00 pm, when security forces deploy in force.

On Saturday, mobile phone lines appeared to have gone down as well, rendering nearly all communication impossible.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the ousted shah, who has played a prominent role in calling for the protests, called for new actions later Sunday.

“Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know that I will soon be by your side,” he said.

US President Donald Trump has spoken out in support of the protests and threatened military action against Iranian authorities “if they start killing people”.

On Sunday, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would hit back if the US launched military action.

“In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets,” he said in comments broadcast by state TV.

He was apparently also referring to Israel, which the Islamic Republic does not recognise and considers occupied Palestinian territory. (Channels)

Posted on Leave a comment

Ganduje returns from Dubai, set for political consultations in Kano

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ganduje arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. aboard an Emirates Airline flight. He is expected to proceed to Abuja later in the evening.

Following his return, the former APC National Chairman is set to commence a series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings aimed at addressing recent political developments in Kano State.

The engagements will involve party leaders and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to review the evolving political landscape in the state.

According to a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, the consultations are intended to promote inclusive dialogue and strengthen party cohesion within the APC, particularly in Kano.

Ganduje is also expected to participate in the ongoing APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise.

The initiative, which was introduced during his tenure as National Chairman, is designed to modernise the party’s membership database, improve internal planning, and ensure credible and accessible membership records.

The statement noted that the former governor remains committed to strengthening party structures and supporting democratic consolidation within the APC through sustained engagement and consultation. (Tribune)

Posted on Leave a comment

Nigerian hospital responsible for my son’s death — Adichie

Nigerian literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has pointed fingers at a hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, EURACARE Multispecialist Hospital for the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, who passed away on January 7.

In a leaked text message seen by The Guardian on Saturday, Adichie revealed that the anaesthesiologist who attended to Nkanu was negligent and careless while attending to her son. According to Adichie, the anesthesiologist’s negligence during a basic medical procedure in preparation for their trip led to her son’s demise.

“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at the hospital on January 6,” the message read in part.

The Guardian contacted Adichie’s media team to confirm the authenticity of the message. Her team told The Guardian that Adichie sent the message out.

While narrating the series of events that transpired before Nkanu’s death, Adichie noted that her son developed some symptoms which she thought was a cold, but it turned into a “serious infection,” and he was admitted to Atlantis Hospital.

She added that they were to travel the following day, and a team from Johns Hopkins Hospital was awaiting their arrival in Baltimore, but the team requested a lumbar puncture and an MRI.

“The Nigerian team had also decided to put in a ‘central line’ (used to administer IV medications) in preparation for Nkanu’s flight. Atlantis Hospital referred us elsewhere, which was said to be the best place to have the procedures done,” Adichie added.

The following morning, Adichie, Nkanu, and her husband left Atlantis Hospital for another hospital. While they were there, they were informed that he would need to be sedated to prevent him from moving during the MRI and the “central line” procedure.

She added that she was waiting outside when people, including a particular Dr M, rushed into the theatre. According to her, it was that moment she knew something had happened.

“A short time later, Dr M came out and told me Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, had become unresponsive, and was quickly resuscitated. But suddenly, Nkanu was on a ventilator. He was intubated and placed in the ICU. The next thing I heard was that he had seizures and cardiac arrest. All these had never happened before. Some hours later, Nkanu was gone.

“It turns out that Nkanu was never monitored after being given too much propofol. The anesthesiologist had just casually carried Nkanu on his shoulder to the theatre, so nobody knew when exactly Nkanu became unresponsive.

“How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him? Later, after the ‘central line’ procedure, the anesthesiologist casually switched off Nkanu’s oxygen and again decided to carry him on his shoulder to the ICU.”

Adichie further noted that she had heard about two previous cases involving the same anesthesiologist and questioned why EURACARE hospital allowed him to continue working there despite these unfortunate incidents.

“We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly, our beautiful boy was gone forever. It is like living your worst nightmare. I will never survive the loss of my child.”

On Saturday afternoon, the Guardian called the accused hospital on the number provided on the hospital’s website. A male staff member responded and told our correspondent that the person authorised to comment on the incident was not on duty. When our correspondent requested the person’s contact information, the staff instructed our reporter to call again on Monday.

“The person who is supposed to comment is not on duty. Call in on Monday. (Guardian)

Posted on Leave a comment

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles soar into semi-finals as Osimhen, Akor sink Algeria 2-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech.

The victory sets up a last-four clash against Morocco after their win against Cameroon in the quarter-final.

The Eagles came into the match after a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, having scored 12 goals in four games, the tournament’s highest tally.

Algeria, unbeaten before the quarter-final, had conceded only once in four matches and were known for their strong defence.

From the start, Nigeria dominated possession and pressed high, forcing Algeria to defend deep. Victor Osimhen led the attack with power and speed, supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, while Alex Iwobi controlled the midfield, linking defence and attack.

The first half saw Nigeria create several chances, with Akor missing a one-on-one opportunity and another effort cleared off the line.

Algeria remained organised at the back and tried to threaten on the counter with goalkeeper Luca Zidane keeping their side in the game.

The breakthrough came in the second half when Victor Osimhen powered home a header to put Nigeria ahead.

The Eagles continued to dominate, and Akor Adams added a second goal after an assist from Osimhen, securing a comfortable lead.

Nigeria controlled the game from midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi breaking up Algerian attacks. The full-backs and wingers stretched the defence, creating space for Osimhen and Akor.

Algeria made substitutions to try and turn the match around, but Nigeria’s defence and composure kept them in control until the final whistle.

The Super Eagles now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco. (Punch)

Posted on Leave a comment

‘Sinners,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ Win Big at 2026 Critics Choice Awards

It was a big night for Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another at the 31st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards. Those two films were among the big winners at this year’s award show, which took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. 

Sinners took home awards for Best Original Screenplay (Coogler), Best Young Performer (Miles Canton), Best Casting (Francine Maisler), and Best Score (Ludwig Göransson). As for One Battle After Another, it landed awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Anderson) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

In television, Abbott Elementary star Janelle James won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series; Tramell Tillman of Severance was awarded Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the night also featured big wins for Frankenstein and TV shows such as The Pitt and The Studio.

You can see a list for winners of the major film categories below: 

Best Picture

  • “Bugonia” (Focus Features)
  • “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
  • “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • “Jay Kelly” (Netflix)
  • “Marty Supreme” (A24)
  • “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • “Train Dreams” (Netflix)
  • “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)

Best Director

  • Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • Guillermo del Toro, “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
  • Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” (A24)
  • Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet” (Focus Features)

Actor

  • Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme” (A24) (WINNER)
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Joel Edgerton, “Train Dreams” (Netflix)
  • Ethan Hawke, “Blue Moon” (Sony Pictures Classics)
  • Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent” (Neon)

Actress

  • Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” (Focus Features) (WINNER)
  • Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (A24)
  • Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee” (Searchlight Pictures)
  • Emma Stone, “Bugonia” (Focus Features)

Supporting Actor

  • Benicio del Toro, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein” (Netflix)(WINNER)
  • Paul Mescal, “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
  • Adam Sandler, “Jay Kelly” (Netflix)
  • Stellan Skarsgård, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)

Supporting Actress

  • Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Ariana Grande, “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)
  • Amy Madigan, “Weapons” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
  • Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)

Original Screenplay

  • Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, “Jay Kelly” (Netflix)
  • Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” (A24)
  • Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)
  • Zach Cregger, “Weapons” (Warner Bros.)
  • Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby” (A24)
  • Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” (Neon)

Young Performer

  • Everett Blunck, “The Plague” (Independent Film Company)
  • Miles Caton, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)(WINNER)
  • Cary Christopher, “Weapons” (Warner Bros.)
  • Shannon Mahina Gorman, “Rental Family” (Searchlight Pictures)
  • Jacobi Jupe, “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • Nina Ye, “Left-Handed Girl” (Netflix)

See the full list of winners for the award show (THR). 

Posted on Leave a comment

Arsenal manager Arteta ‘sad’ to see Amorim sacked by Man Utd

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Wednesday that he was “sad” to see rival boss Ruben Amorim sacked by Manchester United as he reflected on the brutal nature of their trade.

Amorim was dismissed by the Premier League giants on Monday after just 14 months in charge.

The Portuguese coach’s exit followed growing tensions with senior Old Trafford officials, including director of football Jason Wilcox, over recent days.

United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had previously suggested that Amorim would be given at least three years in charge, comparing his position with that of Arteta.

The Spaniard, appointed in 2019. endured a rocky start to his time in charge of Arsenal, but they now head into Thursday’s match at home to reigning champions Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they chase a first English title in over 20 years.

United, by contrast, are sixth — a huge 17 points adrift of the Gunners.

Amorim won just 25 of his 63 games at United in all competitions during the shortest reign for a permanent manager since David Moyes was sacked just eight months into his tenure in 2014.

“I can only talk about what I have experienced, and it’s always sad to see a colleague losing his job, obviously,” Arteta told reporters in a pre-match press conference.

“We know where we are, and I think you need support from the ownership, from your staff, from players.

“At the end of the day, you need to win a lot of football matches if you want to stay in the job, and that’s the reality and the nature of our job.” (Punch)

Posted on Leave a comment

Chelsea’s new boss Liam Rosenior convicted of speeding

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been convicted of speeding after fog delayed his flight back to the UK, where he was due to complete a speed awareness course.

Rosenior admitted being behind the wheel of the vehicle, which had been travelling at 36mph in a 30mph zone in Rykneld Road, Littleover, Derbyshire, at 11.41am on 7 July.

He was offered the chance to avoid a criminal prosecution by completing a speed awareness course, but did not turn up to the session, which had been arranged.

Rosenior explained, in a note to Derby Magistrates’ Court he “had to stay another night and be on a plane the next day during the time of the course”.

He added: “Unfortunately, the course could not be fulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances. Understandably, due to circumstances, I have to accept the situation as is.”

Rosenior was convicted at a single justice procedure hearing on 2 January, with a magistrate ordering him to pay out a total of £1,052 in fines, costs, and court fees.

The former Strasbourg boss was appointed as head coach on Tuesday following Enzo Maresca’s exit.

London-born Rosenior, 41, has admitted his new position at the Premier League club represents a significant step up from his previous job in France.

“The reality is Strasbourg is not on the level as Chelsea,” he said at press conference at the French club – also owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo.

“There are certain clubs you just cannot just turn down. I hope the [Strasbourg] fans can see that.”

Rosenior, who played in England for 16 years, began his managerial career at Derby County – where he got the top job on an interim basis.

His first permanent position was at Hull City, where he lasted for 18 months and took the Championship to the brink of the play-offs before being sacked by the owner who said the pair had a difference in footballing philosophy.

Rosenior, who has been given a six-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea, said on Tuesday that managing a “world-class” club was “something I have always dreamed of”.

“I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “If I didn’t think I was ready, I wouldn’t have accepted it.

Chelsea said that the club’s new head coach had “signed a contract with the club that will take him through to 2032”.

Rosenior becomes Chelsea’s fourth permanent boss since owners BlueCo took control in 2022.

Maresca was dismissed on New Year’s Day, leaving abruptly following a deterioration in his relationship with bosses.

It also followed a disappointing run of results – one win from the last seven Premier League games – that left the club 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Maresca is understood to have stepped down because he felt his position was untenable, while Chelsea were already considering sacking the head coach due to poor results, his comments in the media, disagreements with the medical team and reports linking him with other clubs. (SkyNews)