Nevin says Luka Modric could not make impact in first-leg draw because of one Chelsea player
April 28, 2021
Pat Nevin said Real Madrid star Luka Modric was outplayed by Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount in the 1-1 Champions League semi-final first-leg draw.
On paper, Chelsea could have been outnumbered in midfield, if midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante had to compete with Real Madrid trio; Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
But Thomas Tuchel cleverly gave Mount the instructions to play deeper than usual, often forming a midfield three with Jorginho at the base and Kante playing as right-sided No.8.
Obviously, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic consequently had to play in a front two, but the decision arguably helped Chelsea also won the midfield battle.
Dramatic night as all six English football giants pull out of breakaway European Super League plans Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher toasted the demise of the Super League after the controversial breakaway tournament was disowned by English clubs. On a dramatic Tuesday night Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal confirmed they intend to withdraw while Chelsea are understood to be pulling out. Neville declared the Super League was finished when he appeared on Sky Sports after Chelsea’s draw against Brighton. He said: “It’s absolutely incredible. There was large concern yesterday morning as a Manchester United fan thinking Joel Glazer put his name on a statement – you thought it’s going to be difficult to back down.
Gary Neville raises a glass as Super League appears to crumble
The former Manchester United defender turned pundit has been among the competition’s most outspoken and emotional critics. Published: 20 April 2021 - 9.19pm By Press Association Published: 20 April 2021 - 9.19pm
Gary Neville toasted the apparent demise of the Super League with the controversial breakaway tournament seemingly on the verge of collapsing.
With Manchester City confirming they intend to withdraw and Chelsea understood to be pulling out, the proposed new venture looks doomed just 48 hours after it was announced.
When the news that Ed Woodward had resigned as Manchester United executive vice-chairman broke, Neville – an outspoken critic of the Super League – tweeted a waving emoji.
CHELSEA are preparing to withdraw from the European Super League, it is understood. Owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to pull out of the new European league plans. Chelsea are the first of England’s ‘Big Six’ clubs to choose to quit the competition, which was only announced on Sunday night. Manchester City refused to comment on reports they too plan to quit when contacted by PA. A spokesperson said: “We cannot comment for legal reasons.” Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly also withdrawn, but it is understood Manchester United and Liverpool have not changed their position.
Petr cech asking Chelsea fans to let the Chelsea and Brighton busses into the stadium pic.twitter.com/kxFkPp4bgC
BBC Sport are reporting that Chelsea are ‘preparing documentation’ to withdraw from the Super League.
Amid these new revelations,
BBC Sport News Correspondent Laura Scott said:
“It is difficult to know if the news has broken through here at Stamford Bridge yet. The fans have been cordoned off into a specific part of the ground to allow the team coaches in.
“It is dramatic news – it is a major development. An hour ago sources within Chelsea were claiming they were determined to join the ESL. It is a significant development.