News
Bompastor withholds details on Green’s Chelsea departure
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has stated that she wishes for the details surrounding Paul Green’s departure as head of women’s football, after a 13-year tenure, to remain private.
Paul Green played a significant role in Chelsea's recruitment process during his tenure at the club.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has chosen not to disclose the reasons behind Paul Green's sudden departure from the club after 13 years, citing a desire to maintain confidentiality.
Green stepped down as head of women's football on Monday evening, bringing an end to a period that saw the team achieve considerable success.
Throughout his time at Chelsea, the club won 19 trophies, including six consecutive Women's Super League titles, with the majority of these accomplishments occurring during his collaboration with former manager Emma Hayes.
When asked if fans deserved a more detailed explanation for Green's departure, Bompastor deflected the question, suggesting that other club officials might be better equipped to provide a response.
Bompastor acknowledged the significant contributions Green made to the club's success, stating that every player and staff member recognizes his impact and is grateful for his efforts.
According to Bompastor, Green laid the foundation for the club's success from the beginning and played a crucial role in its development, making his departure a significant loss.
As Chelsea prepares to face Liverpool on Sunday, the team finds itself in third place in the WSL, trailing leaders Manchester City by nine points.
Several players, including Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright, took to social media to express their disappointment and sadness over Green's departure.
Striker Sam Kerr described Green's exit as a "big loss" for the club, while former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised him as "the absolute best in the business."
Bompastor noted that the news of Green's departure had a profound impact on the team, with everyone feeling sad and affected on a human level.
However, Bompastor emphasized the need to focus on the future and the upcoming game, as the team must learn to manage their emotions and concentrate on what they can control.
As professionals, the team must bounce back and prioritize their performance in the next game, according to Bompastor.
Last season, Sonia Bompastor led Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble, a notable achievement in her managerial career.
Former Manchester City striker Ellen White described Green as the "heartbeat" of Chelsea, highlighting his significant influence behind the scenes.
White credited Green with having a major impact on the club's recruitment, allowing them to stay ahead of their competitors and achieve a higher level of success.
Green's departure has sparked interest in the club's future, with White noting that he played a crucial role in building the foundation of Chelsea's success.
The circumstances surrounding Green's exit have raised questions about the involvement of co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in the decision-making process for the women's team.
Bompastor recently signed a contract extension, committing to the club until 2030, a move that reflects her long-term commitment to Chelsea.
When asked about her level of autonomy at the club, Bompastor expressed satisfaction with the direction the club is heading.
As the manager, Bompastor's primary focus is on the team's performance on the pitch, ensuring they are well-prepared and have the necessary clarity to succeed.
Bompastor's main objective is to make the team as successful as possible, and she is dedicated to achieving this goal.
Despite some setbacks, Bompastor insisted that the club's processes are still functioning and that they are working to address any issues.
Following a 5-1 defeat to Manchester City, Bompastor expressed concerns about the team's recruitment during the summer transfer window, admitting that she had hoped for better results.
Chelsea did not make any signings in January, despite falling behind their WSL rivals, and had multiple bids for Paris St-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini rejected on deadline day.
A recent report suggested that some players have struggled with Bompastor's training methods, but she remains confident in her approach.
Bompastor acknowledged the external noise surrounding the team but emphasized that her players are committed to her and the club's goals.
She expressed confidence in her team, stating that they have the trust and belief necessary to achieve great things.
Bompastor guaranteed that her players are united and focused on the next game and the remainder of the season.
The past few weeks have been tumultuous for Chelsea, a team that was once a dominant force in the WSL.
The club has set high standards on the pitch, winning six consecutive titles, and has made significant signings in previous transfer windows to maintain its position.
However, Chelsea's rapid decline this season has been alarming, with the team's vulnerabilities now more apparent than ever.
Bompastor has faced scrutiny from fans and has been forced to address questions about her position, responding with defiance.
Just as the team was rebuilding after a victory over Tottenham, the surprise announcement of Green's departure threw the team's plans into disarray.
According to sources, the news of Green's exit came as a surprise to Bompastor and her players, with many left upset and confused by the decision.
Bompastor and Green appeared to have a strong working relationship, often discussing the team's performance after games, and shared a common vision for the club.
While Bompastor cannot publicly acknowledge the impact of Green's departure on her role, it is likely that his exit will affect her position as she loses a key ally in the boardroom.
The next few months will be crucial for Chelsea, with several senior players, including Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, Hannah Hampton, and Lucy Bronze, nearing the end of their contracts and a transition period on the horizon.
The club's structure is undergoing a significant shift, causing concern among fans, regardless of the team's performance on the pitch for the remainder of the season.
The Women's Football Weekly podcast, featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, will continue to provide analysis and discussion on the Women's Super League and beyond, with new episodes available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds.
For up-to-date information on the Women's Super League, visit our WSL page
News
Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event
The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.
A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.
A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.
The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.
The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.
Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.
Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.
According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.
The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.
Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.
The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.
However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.
Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.
Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.
During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.
The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.
A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.
Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.
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News
Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire
Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.
The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.
Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.
The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.
According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.
Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.
With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.
The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.
An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.
A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.
Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.
Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.
If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
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