Sport

I want to leave – Marcos Alonso tells Chelsea

Defender Marcos Alonso was not included in Chelsea’s line-up for their opening match of the Premier League season against Everton as he wants to leave the club, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Saturday.

“He asked to leave and we agreed to his wish,” Tuchel told reporters after his team beat Everton 1-0 for their first victory at Goodison Park since 2017.

“That is why it would not have made sense to put him on the pitch.”

The 31-year-old Alonso arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2016, being a central part of the team throughout the seasons.

Recently he has been linked to Barcelona by British media.

Despite Saturday win, Tuchel said the team’s defence was not up to par against Everton.

“All three of our players in the back three are in their 30s and we struggled a bit in general at the end of the game,” Tuchel said.

“We need to improve our physical level and we are on it.”

Everton defender Ben Godfrey was admitted to hospital following a challenge from Kai Havertz early in the game.

“It feels like it is a small fracture of his leg. We are assessing that. He will be out for a while, Yerry (Mina) has an ankle injury and could be out for a while,” Everton manager Frank Lampard said.

“When it rains, it pours.”

Idoko Dennis

Idoko Dennis is a creative videographer/drone pilot and sport writer. He heads the sport desk and deputizes the head of Idoma TV

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

1 day ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

1 day ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

1 day ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

1 day ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

1 day ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

1 day ago