Didier Deschamps
January 2026
Deschamps rejected criticism focused on Mbappe’s running metrics, saying he will not cover “11 kilometres per match” but can still be a true captain and decisive match-winner. He framed it as a tactical trade-off: you do not demand high-volume defensive running that drains the explosiveness Mbappe needs in the final third.
Paul Merson
January 2026
Merson tore into Chelsea’s display after they lost 1-0 at the Emirates and went out 4-2 on aggregate, saying they “never had a go” and exited “with a whimper.” Havertz scored late to settle the tie. Chelsea created little, tested Kepa rarely, and posted modest chance creation (0.68 xG cited). Merson argued they should have taken risks to chase the final rather than drifting through the game.
Alejandro Garnacho
January 2026
Gary Neville said Garnacho looked drained of confidence for Chelsea against West Ham and called his first half horrible, after he was substituted at halftime with Chelsea 2-0 down. Garnacho has struggled for output since joining. Neville pointed to repeated turnovers, backward first touches and defensive tracking failures on Chelsea’s left, where Wan-Bissaka overlapped freely. He said the shape change after the substitution transformed the match as Chelsea rallied to win 3-2.
Cristiano Ronaldo
January 2026
Reports claim Ronaldo may refuse selection for the next match, driven by dissatisfaction with how Al-Nassr is being supported relative to other PIF-backed clubs, not due to load management. One outlet says the planned absence narrative is wrong and frames the issue as governance and investment frustration, citing limited winter recruitment and internal powers being curtailed for senior Portuguese staff.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick said he is not offended by planned fan protests against ownership, despite improved results under his interim spell. The protest is driven by long-running anger at the Glazers and continued frustration after recent underperformance; Carrick acknowledged the context while focusing on football matters.
Emiliano Martínez
January 2026
Rochet said he does not like Martínez’s on-field attitudes and mind games, framing them as arrogance, while also calling him a phenomenal goalkeeper. Rochet contrasted his own low-key style with Martínez’s theatrics, acknowledging it works for Martínez but saying he discourages that profile among Uruguay teammates.
Ibrahima Konaté
January 2026
Konaté returned earlier than planned after his father’s death to help an injury-hit squad, scored late in a 4-1 win, and was in tears after the goal. He trained twice after returning midweek, came into a depleted back line, scored in stoppage time, and described choosing to come back to support the team; Slot confirmed Konaté proactively asked to return because of defensive injuries.
Jean-Clair Todibo
January 2026
A mass brawl erupted late after Chelsea’s comeback winner, ending with Todibo shown a straight red card for violent conduct. The flashpoint began when Traore shoved Cucurella near the touchline. In the melee, Todibo grabbed Pedro by the throat; VAR reviewed and dismissed him. Players including Palmer and Mavropanos were involved as tempers flared.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick says Fernandes’ future is on the agenda but is more likely to be addressed in the summer amid renewed links away from United. Fernandes has spoken publicly about feeling unsettled and about previously having options to leave for more money, with recurring Saudi Pro League links as his contract ticks down; Carrick publicly praised him while indicating timing and club direction will matter.
