Liam Rosenior, who is currently the manager of BlueCo-owned Strasbourg of Ligue 1, has arrived in London as his move to Premier League side Chelsea draws near to completion, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Blues parted ways with Enzo Maresca, who had informed the club that he had held talks with figures associated with Manchester City over replacing Pep Guardiola, on New Year’s Day and have since been looking for a long-term replacement.
Rosenior quickly emerged as the leading candidate to be Maresca’s successor in west London.
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Rosenior, who moved to Stasbourg in the summer of 2024 after a 78-match stint in charge of Hull City, has always been the leading candidate for Chelsea.
In fact, it is believed that he has always been admired by the Stamford Bridge higher-ups, who are not afraid to pull the trigger and change managers. Long before things turned sour between the club and Maresca, Rosenior was on their radar – and the Italian manager leaving has left the door ajar for the Englishman.
That said, before Rosenior can rubber-stamp his move from Strasbourg to Chelsea, BlueCo are keen to find a solution (a suitable replacement) for the former.
England stars have a big showdown with Mexico on the horizon and Thomas Tuchel’s troops could turn to Viagra to help them beat the World Cup co-hosts.
The two nations do battle at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday at 6 pm local time, with a 1 am kick-off for fans in the UK. There had been talk of FIFA potentially moving the game six hours ahead due to concerns over safety and the weather.
The conditions are proving an issue for Tuchel’s Three Lions, and the term ‘altitude’ has been thrown around more than ever before ahead of an English game. That’s because the players have to adapt to the high altitude and brave a fearsome atmosphere inside the 87,523-capacity stadium.
England Hoping Viagra Falls Mexico
Paul Childs via Action Images via Reuters
The Azteca is located at 7,220 feet (2,240 metres) above sea level. Tuchel has already admitted that playing at high altitude will be “impossible” and is a “big disadvantage” ahead of the clash with Javier Aguirre’s side.
Viagra could be the answer for England as they would be allowed to use the prescription medication which is often used to treat erectile dysfunction. Tuchel will hope that his players are all functioning on the same wavelength against the Mexicans.
Tackling high altitudes is where Viagra comes in handy, as it also fixes high blood pressure. Known as ‘Vitamin V’ it widens blood vessels in the lungs after blocking an enzyme that restricts them.
The over-the-counter drug can help counteract fatigue and dizziness that may occur due to the conditions. It’s harder to maintain stamina when playing at high altitudes due to the thinner atmosphere and lower oxygen concentration.
England have grown into the competition rather than shown what they are capable of thus far. They needed Harry Kane to produce a magnificent brace to come from behind and beat DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Why England Can Use Viagra
England national team celebrate World Cup victory.REUTERS/Paul Childs
The Three Lions can use Viagra because it isn’t on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. The active substance sildenafil isn’t believed to be a significant performance enhancer at or near sea level.
Tuchel’s men won’t have to fret over the possibility of an erection during the match as the medication only treats erectile dysfunction when the recipient is sexually stimulated. Unless a goalscorer gets carried away in their ecstasy during celebrations, their benefits are more focused on endurance and cardiovascular.
While England could use Viagra for their clash with Mexico, they decided against doing so during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. An FA spokesman said at the time that they had conducted detailed research but that “no discussion with regard to Viagra” and “plans for players to use it” took place.
It will take a big effort from the Three Lions to defeat the co-hosts as they have only lost two competitive games at the Azteca in 57 years. Should the English prevail, they may well have the little blue pill to thank.
Even England’s best player understands the task ahead.
Thomas Tuchel Dismisses England’s Viagra Use
John Sibley via Reuters
During his pre-match press conference, Tuchel was asked about the speculation that viagra would be part of his players’ preparation. A slightly confused-looking Tuchel responded by denying it.
“The information and the support didn’t reach me. That is not true,” the German coach told reporters. It came after midfielder Jordan Henderson, sat next to his manager, joked about the matter.
Asked about the altitude issue facing the Three Lions in Mexico, the Brentford star joked: “Well, the Viagra helps… I’m joking, it’s a joke.”
The Football Association has already settled on whether Thomas Tuchel will keep his job if England fail to beat Mexico in their World Cup last-16 tie.
England head into the game knowing they will have to conquer Mexico’s remarkable home record at the Azteca stadium — and the demands of playing at altitude give the co-hosts the edge, despite England’s status as one of the tournament favourites.
Tuchel’s side haven’t quite hit top form this summer either, needing a late Harry Kane rescue act to avoid a shock exit to DR Congo in the last 32, as well as struggling past Ghana and Panama.
Tuchel was appointed as Gareth Southgate‘s successor to take England to the next level. However, he signed a contract extension through Euro 2028 shortly before the tournament began, as he now eyes an extended stay.
Although the deal reportedly includes performance clauses letting the FA part ways with him without paying out major compensation if targets aren’t hit.
Despite the clauses written into the contract, sources close to the situation say the FA’s stance has shifted since the DR Congo scare.
According to The Telegraph, Tuchel would almost certainly have been sacked had England lost that game — but he’s expected to survive regardless of what happens against Mexico.
The FA are said to be considering the toughness of England’s route rather than any single scoreline when they assess Tuchel at the end of the tournament.
England’s staring XI to play Mexico in World Cup last 16 clash could see multiple changes – according to one source.
Short of a genuinely shocking result, the plan is reportedly to keep him in charge — even if that means defeat to Mexico, or later to Brazil, Argentina or France, should England progress that far.
With the previous four tournament finishes, including one quarter-final, one semi-final and two final defeats, Tuchel will be hoping to match and succeed those efforts as they eye the winner of Norway and Brazil and a likely date with either Colombia or Argentina in the semi-finals.
Camp Mood Remains Positive Despite Criticism
Reuters/Brett Davis
Dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold amid a right-back crisis has drawn outside criticism, as well as not adding either Luke Shaw or Lewis Hall, but those inside the camp reportedly see that as bad luck with fitness rather than a selection failure, and the mood in the squad is said to remain positive.
Tuchel had been linked with a return to club football after the World Cup, but with most of Europe’s top jobs already filled, he’s expected to stay fully focused on England’s campaign.
All the top sides in the Premier League, including former club Chelsea, have all nailed down new coaches for the foreseeable future. Plus, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are also set with José Mourinho and Hansi Flick.
Manchester United have already missed out on a number of midfield transfer targets this summer and they could be about to lose out on another.
The Red Devils’ number one priority before the summer transfer window opened was Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but the 23-year-old has made the move to the Etihad Stadium instead, signing for Manchester City.
United balked at the price tag for the England international, with City having to splash out £116million, with add-ons taking the deal to the £130million mark – a British transfer record.
Tottenham beat Man Utd to Fernandes signing
via Reuters
Manchester United turned their attentions to other targets and were heavily linked with a move for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.
They looked well set to complete a deal for the 21-year-old, but again questioned the £85million price tag with Tottenham swooping to get him.
Sandro Tonali was linked, but he is also joining Spurs in a £100million deal, leading United to turn to other targets.
Ederson will complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup is over, a £38million deal having been agreed with Atalanta for his signature.
But United were always clear they wanted two new central midfield signings, and they were even potentially looking at three were Manuel Ugarte to be sold this summer. His injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay will put paid to any chance of him leaving this summer, but it could also mean United do still make a third move, given his unavailability.
GIVEMESPORT understands United still have an agreement in place with Carlos Baleba from a year ago, but would need to go back to Brighton & Hove Albion to negotiate a fee.
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The “dream” signing, after the Anderson opportunity fell through, was seen to be Aurelien Tchouameni at Real Madrid.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano said: “Tchouameni is a dream signing for Man United. They love the player, but at the moment, the financials of the deal are considered still too high, because also the salary – it is not just about Real Madrid, it’s also about the salary. The salary of Aurelien Tchouameni is considered too high. So, the only way to open doors to Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United after missing out on Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary, and at the moment, it is still not something happening.”
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand described Tchouameni as a “top-tier” talent suggesting United should be the first team knocking at the door to sign the “absolute powerhouse”.
No deal for Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni
via Reuters
But any knocks at the door appear like they will be unanswered.
According to Teamtalk, Tchouameni is now expected to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with new boss Jose Mourinho offering him the chance to establish himself as one of his key midfielders. real had been linked with moves for Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri, but neither are seen as viable targets in this transfer window, leading to Tchouameni playing an important role under Mourinho.
