Recent games were postponed, and the approaching international break has offered Chelsea’s ownership a welcome chance to concentrate on other matters. The Todd Boehly-led consortium is still making changes to the team after taking control for Roman Abramovich earlier this year.

The Stamford Bridge management is stepping up efforts to name a sports director, and there is a good chance that it will be Christoph Freund after the recent transfer window closed and accompanying managerial upheaval that saw Thomas Tuchel replaced by Graham Potter.

Boehly has expressed his love for the Red Bull model, which also includes RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls in its sporting portfolio, and presently holds that position with Red Bull Salzburg, who last week drew 1-1 at Chelsea in the Champions League group stage.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Chelsea is looking into employing Oliver Mintzlaff, the chief executive of RB Leipzig, as part of their efforts to strengthen their system.

Tom Glick’s appointment as president of business suggests that hiring a CEO is not currently a priority, but that may change in the future. Mintzlaff is one of many people with whom Chelsea has met as they try to set up and enhance their structure for the future.

Mintzlaff, a former long-distance runner and marketing executive, joined Leipzig in 2014. He has contributed to their reputation as Champions League regulars and as clever negotiators when it comes to player acquisition and trades, while also obtaining knowledge of the multi-team concept that Chelsea hopes to execute.

On the Croatian island of Hvar this week, the UEFA executive committee will have its most recent meeting before the European Club Association (ECA) general assembly, which will take place in Istanbul later in the week.

The UEFA Champions League is one of the primary competitions that the ECA routinely supports the interests of teams who participate in. Executives gather at these conferences to discuss how to develop the sport and increase revenue.

The Super Cup, a match between the Champions League and Europa League champions of the preceding season, may be another option to pursue outside of Europe. The Champions League champions from the previous season would compete against three other top teams in what would be known as the “Opening Tournament” in a four-team mini-tournament that UEFA is currently considering implementing.

After the Super League proposal failed last year, UEFA began a joint venture with the ECA to find marketing partners to sell the commercial rights for European club tournaments in the 2024–2027 cycle, giving clubs more leverage.

When the ECA presented research on the evolving nature of football fandom last week, the argument for traveling to international matches was highlighted. It illustrated study findings that suggested a major competition or event inspired 34% of football enthusiasts in China and 28% in the US to start following football.

Phillips will have shoulder surgery the following week in the hopes of competing in the World Cup

Some have wondered if Kalvin Phillips may lose his position for England ahead of the World Cup due to his rocky start at Manchester City. On Saturday, it seemed more likely that he may require surgery for a shoulder problem.

Phillips’ chances of traveling to Qatar on the same flight as Southgate’s other midfield possibilities, such as Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, and James Ward-Prowse, appear to be less favorable than they did when he led England to the Euro 2020 final.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is moving quickly to try to secure his availability. An operation is scheduled for next week, and City and the England coaching staff are hopeful that he will be ready for the competition.

Iwobi contract negotiations begin at Everton

Renewal of the contracts of Everton’s most crucial players is a crucial component of their ambitions to stabilize following a turbulent era, especially before relocating to a new stadium.

They are determined to get important players like desired winger Anthony Gordon and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and it has been made known that they are also working to ensure Alex Iwobi’s future.

Iwobi has been the subject of preliminary discussions, along with teammates Pickford and Gordon, and that talk is expected to pick up in the coming weeks as the Goodison Park administration looks to extend their careers on Merseyside.

While Manchester United is focused on the summer, Ten Hag is interested in January acquisitions

Erik ten Hag will utilize the break before Manchester United’s match against Manchester City on October 2 to assess his team and make any necessary additions.

The second most expensive signing in United history (behind Paul Pogba) was the result of Ten Hag’s decision to go all-out for Antony rather than purchase a right-back, which would have been the preferred option if money had not been an issue. In any case, Diogo Dalot’s physique might have made the situation less urgent.