Premier League clubs will discuss moving the date of the summer transfer window to before the season starts.
Last summer’s market was open from June 14 until August 30, with the latter date coming two weeks after the season started.
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This summer’s transfer window could close earlier than usualCredit: Instagram / avfcofficial
All 20 clubs will discuss the idea of closing the window on August 14 instead in a meeting on Thursday.
This would come two days before the start of the 2025/26 season.
talkSPORT understands there will be push-back from Premier League clubs with the German and Italian leagues expected to stay with a September 1 transfer deadline.
The Saudi Arabia transfer market is also eyed as a threat this summer.
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A vote is set to decide the outcome of the proposal, with a super-majority of 14 clubs needed for it to pass.
However, if there is an early sense that there will be little support for the change, then a vote may not even take place.
Premier League sides are set to meet with the idea mapped out last month amongst the 20 clubs’ sporting directors.
FIFA rules state that transfer windows must last for a maximum of 89 days.
The 2018 summer window opened on May 17 and closed on August 9, with the following season spanning from May 16 to August 8.
However, Premier League clubs returned to the more familiar system in 2020, when the market closed on October 5 amid the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Chelsea topped the spending charts last summerCredit: Getty
Around £2billion was spent on new signings by top flight clubs last summer, a decrease from the near-£2.4billion in 2023.
Chelsea were the biggest spenders with circa £220million ahead of Manchester United’s approximate £206million and Brighton, who hit £192million.
Amid the gradual rise in transfer fees, Premier League sides look set to collectively spend close to £2billion once again this summer.
However, they could also generate income with big-money sales, with the Saudi Pro League likely to eye top talents once again.
Sean Dyche has revealed the extent of the challenges he overcame at Everton before leaving the club ‘in good shape’.
He also recalled his honest conversation with successor David Moyes before his return to the Toffees at the beginning of the year.
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Dyche says a lot of work needed to be done when he joined Everton in 2023Credit: Getty
Dyche became the Everton manager in January 2023 and was crucial to ensuring their Premier League survival across two seasons.
A poor run of form at the beginning of 2025 led to his dismissal and the return of Moyes in the Goodison Park dugout.
However, Dyche believes that his Everton tenure was a success as he insisted a lot needed changing on and off the pitch at the club.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT, he said: “I was really positive about it when I left and I still am. People only see what they see and that’s fine. Fans don’t understand the amount that we had to do behind the scenes, not just me by the way.
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“There was a lot that needed doing. Another thing I need to be clear about, because when you talk about the club when you took over people presuppose its managers and all that.
“I’m not questioning managers. Everyone has their own style. Everyone has their own way of doing things, but there was a lot that needed correcting. I’m not talking about just on the pitch.
“All sorts of it needed correcting. I went in there with an idea of thinking it was this. And it wasn’t. It was miles away from where I was. It was in a lot worse shape. I don’t want people to misconstrue it.
“I don’t mean on the pitch. Frank [Lampard] was previous to me trying to do everything he could to get that team to win. But there was a lot of things away from the pitch.
“Externally, people can measure it differently and I’ve always been a bit Marmite anyway. But there’s probably that split of Evertonians who go, ‘Yeah, but look at the job he did in the bigger picture’.
“If they knew the depth of what we did not just me, the players included, and all the challenges we went through I’d be surprised if there’s many who went we didn’t do at least a half decent job. I think we did a very good job. So I’m very proud of it.”
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Dyche has revealed his pride of the job he did at EvertonCredit: talkSPORT
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Moyes has since carried on the good work upon his Toffees returnCredit: Getty
Moyes succeeded Dyche nearly 12 years after he left for Manchester United and has so far enjoyed a successful return.
The Scotsman has steered Everton 17 points clear of the relegation zone with nine games left to play.
Dyche insists he left the club in a good position and despite the challenges, he told Moyes that there’s ‘a lot of good’ at Goodison.
“I left it in good hands. I’ve left it in good shape. I said that and I got batted for that as well. I said it was in good shape. Moysey has taken over and he knows it and he gave me a shout out about it.
“I said to him they’re in good shape. They’re fit, but the weight of a club sometimes gets too much. I think for the players it got too much. You know I was okay with it. I learnt about the size of the club and the feel and the weight of it, I was alright.
“But you could see it in the players, and it was time for me to go and have a chat with Kev Thelwell [director of football] and go, ‘Listen, this is what I’m seeing, this is what I’m thinking’.
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Dyche passed the baton onto Moyes in JanuaryCredit: Getty
“I’m putting it out there for the club because I insisted that it was in a better shape when I left than when we got there, we’d come through the challenges.
“And I knew deep down, they just needed a new… Football’s a weird business, sometimes you just need a new voice. You know, small details can change, a new manager going in. And Moysey, who I admire a lot, I think he’s a fantastic manager and a good bloke as well.
“Spoke to him as well, by the way, very open about that. I told him there’s a lot of good there, and I’m delighted for him, I’m delighted they’re going well.”
Dyche also responded to those who believe that he’d be disappointed with Everton’s progress since he’s left by dismissing any sense of resentment.
“You know what I can’t get my head around, people go, ‘Oh, you must be disappointed they’re doing well’.
“What? After two years of grafting out, why would I want them to struggle, why would I want failure? We fought to keep it right, I wouldn’t want it to do anything else than be successful.
Sean Dyche finally speaks out about viral ‘Utter Woke Nonsense’ meme
“There’s not a single bone in my body of any resentment, any anger, nothing like being gutted they’re doing well. I wish them well.”
Everton return from the international break with a Merseyside derby away at Liverpool, weeks after their dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison.
Listen to the full two hour show of Sean Dyche alongside Jonny Owen on talkSPORT on our YouTube channel.
Manchester United have been told to seek wisdom from darts sensation Luke Littler over how to handle high-pressure situations.
That’s the view of club legend Jaap Stam, who believes the teenage darts champion and United fan can inspire the next generation of Red Devils stars.
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Littler is the world number two having scooped five majors from his short career so farCredit: Getty
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Stam is regarded as one of United’s great ever defenders having starred between 1998-2001Credit: getty
Littler is the biggest draw in darts having won 13 PDC titles and five majors at the age of just 18.
Having won the World Championship and UK Open already in 2025, Littler is well on his way to becoming the world number one in the future.
Stam knows all about silverware having enjoyed a trophy-laden three-year spell at Old Trafford between 1998-2001.
During his time in England, he won three consecutive Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League, FA Cup and the International Cup.
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And the Dutchman, regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in top-flight history, is desperate for United’s next crop to have a winning mentality installed in them.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have made the transition from the academy to the first-team and, with Ruben Amorim‘s side struggling for consistency, more youngsters could soon be called to action.
Speaking to Swedish news outlet Makthavare, Stam stressed how those in the United academy should take a leaf out of Littler’s book.
He said: “I’ve been so impressed with how Luke Littler has been performing.
“He is doing such an amazing job at a young age and I spoke to him at Old Trafford last season.
“I told him how impressive it was that he can still perform with all the noise and the shouting behind him at tournaments, it’s so hard to have that concentration and that focus.
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Littler is the reigning world champion having beaten Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 finalCredit: Getty
“I think it’s different for certain personalities in how you approach certain situations and how you deal with that, Luke’s been doing a great job at that.
“For young footballers who are going from the academy to the first team at a big club it can be very difficult.
“You have to think about all the social media attention and pressure put on these players.
“I think it would be good for these young players to talk to Luke about his experience and how he handles high pressure situations.
“I have seen players in the past who go from the academy to the first team and then they seem to struggle.
“It’s so important to have people within the club who can help that transition and make it easier for those young people to handle it and reach their potential.”
WATCH Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein’s fiery debate over who has had the better season between Bruno Fernandes and Mo Salah
United’s FA Cup heartache to Fulham earlier this month proved to be the catalyst for Littler to triumph over James Wade in the 2025 UK Open final.
Since that success, he has won two nights in the Premier League, while also emerging victorious at the Belgian Open in the PDC European Tour.
Peter Crouch has scored his first goals for Liverpool in nearly 17 years and he made sure to celebrate accordingly.
Crouch netted the opener for the Liverpool Legends against the Chelsea Legends at Anfield with a trademark header.
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Crouch rose to float a header over Rob Green during the Legends matchCredit: Liverpool TV
Florent Sinama-Pongolle whipped in an inviting cross from the right flank and Crouch towered above to nod home past Rob Green with a looping header.
The 44-year-old couldn’t hide his delight as he celebrated with his teammates and the fans.
He then did the robot dance, a celebration he made iconic during his playing days.
Crouch’s celebration ensured he made good on a pre-match promise.
When asked if he would celebrate with the robot dance if he scored, Crouch said: “Do you know what, I don’t think I’ve thought that far.
“First, I want to get through the game unscathed.
“Secondly, I’d like to get near the goal.
“Third, I’d like to score. And if I do, the robot will be out, no doubt.”
It marked the first time Crouch scored in a Liverpool shirt since April 26 in 2008, when he netted in a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City.
Crouch wasn’t content with one goal against the Chelsea Legends though.
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The 44-year-old whipped out his legendary robot celebrationCredit: Liverpool TV
Mark Gonzalez floated a cross in from the left towards Crouch, who was waiting at the back post.
He tried to head it towards goal but it couldn’t quite get enough power on it.
Luckily the ball fell to his feet and he produced a delightful lob over Green from close range.
Green rolled his back in frustration knowing there was nothing he could do about Crouch’s effort.
Crouch was substituted immediately after his second of the day to a standing ovation.
Crouch’s heroics at Anfield come just over a week after he found himself on the wrong side of a bet on day three at Cheltenham.
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Crouch capped off his afternoon with a delightful lob for his second goalCredit: Liverpool TV
The former England international backed a British horse to win the Stayers’ Hurdle while bookmakers Paddy Power backed an Irish horse to win, with the loser to buy an entire round of Guinness for those in the Guinness Village.
Unfortunately for Crouch, Irish horse Bob Olinger prevailed and meant he had to pay for 1,000 pints of Guinness.
Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands.
Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.
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Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League games for Wolves this seasonCredit: Getty
The Brazilian has since signed a new contract at Molineux with a £62million release clause that kicks in this summer.
Elliott Anderson is currently Forest’s most expensive player ever at £35m.
Nuno Espirito Santo has sensationally guided the Tricky Trees to third place in the Premier League with nine matches remaining.
They are seven points clear of sixth-place Newcastle, with England’s top five clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League in the current UEFA co-efficient rankings.
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Wolves, meanwhile, are still looking over their shoulders in 17th place, with nine points separating them from the drop zone.
Their next two matches – against West Ham and relegation rivals Ipswich – could all-but seal survival.
However, star man Cunha will play no part in either fixture after being given an extended four-match ban and a £50,000 fine for violent conduct during the FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth.
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Cunha has been a revelation for Wolves this season despite his disciplinary issues
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Nottingham Forest and Wolves are competing at opposite ends of the table
In front of goal, Cunha has been crucial to Wolves’ survival bid, scoring 13 times in 26 games and grabbing four assists.
Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023, the Brazil international has 27 goals in the top-flight.
Forest, meanwhile, have been inspired by the outstanding form of striker Chris Wood – who is fourth in this season’s Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.
The 33-year-old has played every match for Forest in the Premier League this campaign, netting 18 times.
Speaking after the most recent 4-2 win over Ipswich, Espirito Santo insisted there is still a long way to go before Forest secure a most unlikely Champions League spot.
“You know what I think about the table,” Nuno said.
“What we have to do is focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”
Liverpool are interested in a move for Bournemouth’s star defender Dean Huijsen, talkSPORT understands.
The 19-year-old centre back has shone on the south coast this season and just had his first Spain call-up after spending his youth career with the Netherlands.
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Huijsen has quickly become one of the most wanted defenders on the planetCredit: Getty
Linked to numerous European giants, the former Juventus and Roma defender has been put at the top of Real Madrid’s summer wishlist, according to MARCA.
Huijsen responded to the news by saying he was ‘flattered’ by links to Los Blancos who are understood to also have interest in Arsenal’s William Saliba.
However, Liverpool may well need Huijsen more and have more game time to offer, given that captain and key defender Virgil van Dijk is approaching free agent status with a new contract nowhere to be seen.
Amsterdam-born Huijsen has a £50million release clause, and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes previously worked with the Cherries.
Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez is also on the Reds’ radar, having shone this season while Andy Robertson has struggled on Merseyside.
Hughes will have signed the Hungarian left back at Bournemouth, but not the Spanish defender.
The Cherries are well on course for their best ever season, and look set for a debut European campaign in 2025/26, with a Champions League berth still on the cards.
Andoni Iraola’s side have conceded the fifth fewest goals in the league, with their defence standing out.
Discussing Huijsen, the Basque coach said: “I didn’t know about his mentality because when you sign someone that is 19, you see, okay, it looks like he’s going to be a good player.
“But you are not sure if he’s ready to perform straight away against the best opposition. That is what he’s facing in the Premier League.
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Van Dijk’s contract expires this summer and Konate’s in 2026, meaning a new centre-back may become a priorityCredit: AFP
“And he showed since the first day, I think he started playing the season against Forest. He played really well.
On his best attributes, Iraola said: “I think his mentality, his head.
“I think he’s confident. He is not afraid of marking any forward and I think he’s calm on the ball.
“He knows what he’s doing, he’s under control. Sometimes he will make mistakes like all the others, but there is always a reason for the things he does.
“And for someone that is 19, it’s really strange to find this at this level.”
Despite being on course for just their second league title in 35 years, Liverpool look set for a rebuild in the summer.
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Huijsen’s all-round game as a teenager has been exceptional
The club restructured their management and scouting department in the summer following the departure of Jurgen Klopp, and signed just one player in £14m Federico Chiesa from Juventus.
Speaking to the BBC in January, new head coach Arne Slot said: “I do know that in the background we are definitely working on strengthening the squad in the summer.
“That would mean, in my opinion, that we will be able to challenge for every trophy we play for.”
Van Dijk isn’t the only player whose contract is expiring in the summer, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also approaching departures, the latter to Madrid.
Next summer Ibrahima Konate and Robertson also have contracts expiring, and fill the positions that Huijsen and Kerkez do at Bournemouth.
Jamie Carragher is just ‘making noise’ in regards to his comments on Cole Palmer and his long-term contract at Chelsea.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who suggests there would have been some thought involved with such a lengthy deal.
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Palmer has a contract at Chelsea that runs until 2033Credit: Getty
Palmer has eight years remaining on his contract at Chelsea following his £42.5million move from Manchester City in 2023.
He has become one of the best talents in the Premier League with 60 goal contributions in 78 appearances across all competitions.
However, Carragher has raised concerns over potential frustration from Palmer with his teammates at Chelsea amid their poor form.
Carragher likened the situation to his fellow Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard on The Overlap Fan Debate when he said: “He was so much better than everybody else, it was like he was frustrated.”
He also criticised the length of Palmer’s contract and how difficult it would be for him to leave, potentially for a Champions League club.
But talkSPORT’s Jordan has dismissed Carragher observations, with the former Crystal Palace owner insisting players ‘are not stupid’.
When addressing how Palmer could have a problem leaving Chelsea on White and Jordan, he said: “Don’t sign the contract in the first place.
“I’m sure there’s plenty of people around Cole Palmer that would’ve been able to give him the right advice, given the fact that he had already signed a relatively long-term contract with Chelsea, and all they’ve done is extend it by a few more years.”
“So is he being critical of Palmer’s people for signing it?” asked Jim White, and Jordan said: “I think Jamie’s making noise for noise sake.
“Ultimately, players want to sign long-term contracts that are predominantly based upon, perhaps preserving some value for the club.
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Carragher has criticised the length of Palmer’s deal at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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But Jordan believes he is just ‘making noise’Credit: talkSPORT
“There may well be a whole raft of things [such as a clause], but I think it’s just noise.
“Players are not stupid, and my word, certainly the people around them that see the opportunity as a result of their careers.
“Agents aren’t going to be encouraging Cole Palmer to sign long-term contracts with Chelsea, because agents are going to make their money by moving him somewhere else.
“So the fact he’s got an agent and he’s signed a long-term contract might give you some indication that people have thought about this moderately carefully.
“Most people would’ve said, ‘Why did you leave Man City?’ He’s landed at Chelsea. The question was, has he outgrown Chelsea? Well no, he can’t have done because he’s signed a long-term contract.”
“They meant outgrown as in his capabilities, his levels,” Danny Murphy said, but Jordan replied: “Well it depends where you think he can play, and which club would want to buy him.”
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Palmer has found it tough of late but is still one of the best players in the leagueCredit: Getty
“He could play anywhere, play [for] any team in the world,” insisted Murphy in response.
Palmer signed a seven-year contract with the option of a further 12 months when he first joined Chelsea from City.
After an incredible debut season in which he 25 goals and assisted 15 others, he signed a two-year extension at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
The 22-year-old is therefore a long-term asset for Chelsea and any clubs interested in a transfer would likely have to pay huge money.
Palmer is the Blues’ joint-top goalscorer with Christopher Nkunku on 14 goals this season but has struggled throughout 2025.
He hasn’t scored since Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in January, with no goals or assists coming in his last ten appearances.
Martin Keown reacts to Cole Palmer’s poor form and believes it is down to key Chelsea star being out injured
The attacking midfielder missed the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday with a muscle injury and his withdrawn from the England squad.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League, where they will face Legia Warsaw.
Terry was in town to promote the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 and will be held across the United States.
A new-look trophy as well as an increase to a 32-team field are among the biggest changes to the tournament.
However, more teams means more games at a time when there are already worries over player welfare in terms of too much football.
Terry completely understood the concerns and proposed a solution but also pointed out that since his retirement, he dearly misses playing.
If anything, he wished he played more.
“This is an opportunity that financially is mega for every club involved, let alone if you go on and win it,” Terry said.
“To participate, it’s big financials.
“I think we have to be careful in terms of player welfare and stuff like that because being ex-players, we have to support that.
“Can there be a break mid-season, I think there should be. You played two, three games a week around the Christmas period and it’s really busy.
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This year’s Club World Cup is the first under its new-look formatCredit: FIFA
“Then in February, March, April, you play Saturday, Saturday, Saturday. You could easily just throw a couple of games in there as well.
“But I think in terms of players, like for me, six years retired, I’d love to still be playing. I’d love to go back and say, ‘I wish I had 60, 65 games a season.’”
Terry also felt managers can play more of a role when it comes to easing the workload of their players.
However, the Chelsea great believed the onus should always be on the players to keep their bodies in tip-top shape, especially at the top level.
“I think the most I ever get off after a season was probably three weeks,” Terry said.
“Now, because Chelsea was in the finals of Champions Leagues or later stages, FA Cup, which is the last game of the season, you’re kind of getting two-and-a-half, three weeks off at a maximum. At the top level, that’s what you’re used to. So we’re not asking anything different of what our generation have done or what the top sides have done.
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Several players across the Premier League have picked up injuries amid concerns over too many gamesCredit: Getty
“I think that when you’re a top player, you’re expected to be able to be robust, you’ve got to look after yourself.
“I could quite still easily play three games a week. Ninety minutes at the top, top level. Maybe not at the top level, but if I’m in my prime like these guys are, you can go and churn out those games.
“I think the struggle for me is, when you play Saturday to Saturday and the manager says, ‘No days off, we’re in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,’ because maybe you’re under a bit of pressure from the owners, you can’t give players days off, I think the players and managers at the football clubs have a responsibility to really look at the winter break or give players days off throughout the season.”
Current Chelsea side
After two seasons away from the Champions League, Chelsea are firmly in the hunt to return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Enzo Maresca‘s side sit fourth in the Premier League, although just five points separate the Blues from 10th-placed Bournemouth.
A large part of Chelsea’s success this season is down to superstar midfielder Cole Palmer, who has 14 goals and six assists in the league this season.
John Terry names the surprise Chelsea star who won bleep test ‘by a mile’
But Terry, who is often in the building at Cobham as a part-time coach with Chelsea’s academy, revealed Palmer offers far more than just his ability with the ball.
“He’s quite quick,” Terry said.
“I was at Chelsea the other day, and they were doing a bleep test.
“He won it by a mile. He was cruising, like people were dropping out. He was there right to the end.
“In terms of fitness levels and the power, he looks quite skinny, but very strong.
“Takes the ball on the half-turn really quick as well. Like, impossible to play against.”
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Palmer may have silky skills but boasts an underrated engineCredit: Getty
Terry added the game ‘seems to be too easy’ for Palmer at times and hailed his partnership with Blues striker Nicolas Jackson.
“He strolls through games a little bit, but he’s so far ahead of everyone else in terms of the way he sees the game,” Terry said.
“He always plays that forward pass.
“He’s never looking for the simple one. I think him and [Nicolas] Jackson have a really good relationship as well.
“Nico likes to play on people’s shoulders, which a lot of strikers don’t do nowadays as well. But he’s just been phenomenal.
“When you go to these games at the Bridge you can’t help but just watch and follow him. The ball’s at the other end of the pitch, and you’re just watching his movement.
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Terry is a big fan of the partnership between Palmer and JacksonCredit: Getty
“He’s always on the half-turn, getting in little pockets.
“(Gianfranco) Zola used to find himself in areas that he didn’t even know existed. He’s the same as well, but he turns and wants to drive at people and play forward, which I think is the key to it.”
Former teammates and managers
Having enjoyed a playing career that spanned two decades, Terry has shared the pitch with some incredible teammates.
The majority of them have since hung up the boots, some of which have allowed themselves to, deservedly, enjoy retirement after years of keeping themselves in peak physical condition.
There are also others who have remained in top shape, one of which is former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
In fact, Terry believes Obi Mikel, now 37, is in such good nick he could easily still play at the top level.
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Mikel was a key cog in Chelsea’s midfield for a decadeCredit: Getty
“He was brilliant,” Terry said.
“To have him in front of me playing was brilliant. He covered so much ground.
“I still play in ex-Legends games now and stuff and he can still play. He could still play in the Premier League today. He had it all didn’t he?
“Those holding midfielders like Makelele get recognised. There’s certain players in that role that don’t get the credit they deserve. And Obi was one of them.”
Mikel was brought to Chelsea in 2006 when Jose Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho, who famously declared himself ‘The Special One’ when he first moved to Chelsea in 2004, arrived with plenty of hype having just won the Champions League with Porto.
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Terry was left in awe of Mourinho’s work ethic when he first arrived in 2004Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It didn’t take long for Mourinho to leave Terry with a lasting impression.
Commenting on what it was like to work under the Portuguese boss, Terry said: “To get a first impression when he first arrived, the detail and the level of training.
“I used to pride myself for getting in very early, I went in at 8:15am and he’s already out there putting the cones on the pitches, setting up the pitch, that was his standards every day.
“His standards were incredible and every had to abide by it, but seeing him work, on the pitch it was incredible, his detail in the pre-match games and the tactics of the opposition and how we were going to break teams down…
“And also a lot of the time, he focused on us, which I’d not really had as a player, so he understood, we had a really good bunch of players.
“But a phenomenal manager, a phenomenal person and man to work with and certainly was never scared to say what he thought that’s for sure.”
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Mourinho brought plenty of success to Stamford Bridge across his two stintsCredit: GETTY
Terry continued: “He was the best I ever worked with, in terms of management, his tactics, the whole package.”
Under Mourinho, Chelsea won six trophies in the space of just three years before he departed in September 2007.
Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in June 2013 and helped the Blues to another Premier League title and a League Cup.
However, his exit in December 2015 came amid an alarming form slump.
As for what went wrong in his second stint, Terry felt there was simply too big of a disconnect with Mourinho’s methods and the changing demands of the new generation of players at the squad.
“A lot of people said he was different the second time,” Mourinho said.
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Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea didn’t quite go to planCredit: Getty
“I think the big difference when he came back was players were different. In that first era, 2004/05, he could have said to me, Lamps, Didier or anyone who was in the squad, ‘You’re being rubbish, you need to be better.’
“That second time around, players were different. That generation, the players were starting to go the other way where they didn’t like being told what they were bad at, they wanted a pat on the back all the time.
“So in terms of him, I don’t think he was different. I think the group was different, and I think he was very much still, ‘This is how I coach, this is how I manage, I’ve been very successful this way, why would I change.’ And also, I agree with him.”
What’s he doing now?
When Terry stepped away from his role as an assistant manager at Aston Villa in July 2021, he did so with the hopes of taking up a managerial role elsewhere, but it has not eventuated
Terry did make a brief return to a Premier League dugout when Dean Smith brought him on as an assistant at Leicester City in April 2023.
But since then, Terry hasn’t been an overly visible presence in Premier League circles.
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Terry became an assistant under Smith at Villa in 2018 and departed in 2021Credit: AFP via Getty
However, the Blues great wouldn’t have it any other way as he gets more time to play golf, padel and be with his family.
He still harbours aspirations of being the Chelsea manager, but has accepted that ‘dream’ is unlikely to transpire.
“I had to leave Aston Villa for personal reasons, for family reasons and stuff. But I loved my time there,” Terry said.
“I love coaching and after three years, I was ready to be a manager, so I came away and reset with the family.
“Then I had a couple of interviews and it was quite disappointing. In every interview I came away from they said ‘you have no experience as a number one’.
“I’m like, okay, how do I get that? I’m keen to get in, I want to go in and it needs to be the right team, but didn’t get my opportunity.
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Terry is fond of the fairways ever since his retirement from football in 2018Credit: Getty
“I’ve stepped back and I’m part-time in the Academy at Chelsea. I love doing it and I love being around the boys and supporting them.
“In terms of my life at the minute, I’m playing a load of golf and summer’s just about to come now. I’m playing padel. I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m with my wife, with my family, enjoying life a little bit.
“We make big sacrifices as players, you don’t see the kids on their birthdays and all things like that.
“Picking the kids up from school and dropping them off or dropping them to their friend’s house and stuff like that means everything to me.
“I think the longer I leave it, the less likely it is to happen.
“I still have a dream, I’d love to go in at Chelsea one day. Does that happen without me doing the other levels? No, it probably doesn’t. So, realistically, it’s not going to happen for me.
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Terry remains involved as a coach within Chelsea’s academy set-upCredit: Getty
“I’m comfortable with that, I’m happy, I’ve done all my badges, I’m ready. So if anything does ever come up and it’s the right opportunity, I’ll go in.”
Jack Grealish
Terry was fortunate enough to have a front row seat to the rise of Villa’s most successful academy product, Jack Grealish.
The pair played together during the 2017/18 Championship season before Terry helped coach Grealish when he returned the following campaign as part of Smith’s coaching staff.
Under Smith, Grealish blossomed into one of the best attacking talents in the Premier League.
Grealish would terrorise defenders with his mazy dribbles across the park and defence-splitting passes.
His rise culminated in a £100million move to Manchester City in August 2021 as he sought to win trophies.
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Grealish and Terry could not get Villa promoted during the 2017/18 season
Although he’s done just that, it’s come at the cost of valuable playing time.
Now 29, Grealish is struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up and is at real risk of missing out on making the England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It’s why Terry believes Grealish must contemplate a summer exit if he is to feature at the World Cup and needs to play for a manager who will give him the licence to roam across the park.
“Knowing Jack, he’s not the type of player that wants to be sitting on the bench, I don’t think it’s good for him.
“I think he’s at his best when he’s playing week in, week out, when he’s dominating – he’s one of those players that kind of takes it on the back foot.
“Gets at defenders, drives the the team up the pitch, drives the team forward, so I think for him, he needs to start playing.
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Grealish’s attacking numbers this season are not what’s expected from a £100m player
“He needs to look at his options, because Man City have not been great this year and he’s still not getting a look-in.
“So from his side, I’d be a little bit worried and go, ‘I need to get out,’ because England means the world to him.
“And I have to say, all eyes are on Jack always, it’s difficult, he’s a young boy with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
“I’ve never seen anyone work so hard at a football club when I was at Villa, I’ve got a real insight into that as well and how much football means to him in general.”
Terry added: “I think it will be good for him to weigh up his options. I’m not saying to leave Man City, because they’re one of the top teams in the world.
“But I think he needs to ask questions, ‘Am I going to be part of this in the future?,’ but Jack is an unbelievable talent, and I think he’s at his best when he’s got the freedom, and I think he needs a manager to give him the license to go and be Jack Grealish.”
John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.Sign up today.
Mauricio Pochettino made an honest reflection of his stint as Chelsea manager as he joined talkSPORT for an exclusive interview.
The Argentine boss admits his season in charge can only be deemed ‘unsuccessful’, but insists he left Chelsea in a better place than he found it in before handing the reins over to Enzo Maresca.
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Pochettino insists the Chelsea he left was in a much better position than the club he joinedCredit: Getty
Pochettino signed a two-year deal with the option for a third as he became the second permanent managerial appointment of the Todd Boehly era in May 2023.
The former Spurs boss was tasked with lifting the west London club out of the mire following a dismal 12th place finish and stabilising things behind the scenes after an unsettled season which saw four different coaches in the dugout – Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard.
In many ways, that’s exactly what he did. While after a number of transfer windows of staggering spending a sixth place finish was still a disappointment, it was clear there was a vast improvement on and off the pitch.
The club was back in European football and it appeared Pochettino was building a solid base for his fresh young squad.
However, the manager and club decided to part ways just one season into his two-year agreement and Pochettino’s exit was confirmed just two days after the final game of the campaign.
Pochettino – who has since been appointed head coach of the United States national team – departed Stamford Bridge with a record of 26 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats in 51 games in the Blues hotseat.
In comparison, Maresca’s record since his arrival as the new Chelsea manager in the summer stands at 25 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats in 43 matches – with the club currently fourth in the Premier League table.
Poch looked back on his Chelsea stint and kept the door open for a possible return to London… with SpursCredit: talkSPORT
“In the way that we arrived and moved forward, the project and the team with all the circumstances. When you start to see all the circumstances, I think it was a good season for us. It was a good year.
“I think to change the dynamic and to put the team again in a position to play in Europe and to finish in the top ten after the season before where Chelsea finished 12th.
“I think we managed to change the atmosphere. We changed it to be optimistic and to be positive. You know, the season before things were not so good.
“I think that was good, but for different reasons. In the end we split, but I think things always happen because of the best for both sides.
“But I’m happy with the experience and happy to learn a lot because I think we learned a lot also being in Chelsea.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be there. We left the team in a different position than when we arrived.”
Chelsea great John Terry is ‘jealous’ of fellow ex-Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta for winning the one trophy he never could.
Terry won just about everything there was to win throughout his 19 years at Stamford Bridge as a player.
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Terry’s trophy cabinet has one notable absenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 44-year-old’s trophy haul included five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.
Yet there’s a glaring absence in Terry’s trophy cabinet: the FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea‘s Champions League triumph in 2012 booked them a spot at the Club World Cup that same year.
However, they were on the wrong side of an all-time upset as Brazilian side Corinthians beat the Blues 1-0 in the final.
Corinthians’ victory remains the only Club World Cup victory from a non-European team since 2007.
Chelsea would return to the Club World Cup final in 2021 thanks to their win over Manchester City in the Champions League final earlier that year.
The Blues went one better in the final that year as they overcame Palmeiras 2-1 in an extra-time thriller, meaning they could officially call themselves the best in the world.
Azpilicueta, Chelsea’s skipper at the time, had the honour of lifting the trophy in Abu Dhabi.
Terry was long retired by the time Chelsea won the Club World Cup, but it didn’t stop him from watching the celebrations with a serious sense of envy.
“I’ve never won this trophy,” Terry said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
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The ex-Blues skipper appeared on talkSPORT to talk all things Club World CupCredit: talkSPORT
“Cesar Azpilicueta went on to win this when he was a player and I’m jealous of that.
“As a player you want to be able to say you’ve won every trophy possible, and this fits into that category. It’s going to be a great event.
“Also as a player at the back end of your career you want to say ‘I’ve played in that and I’ve played against the very best.’
“This is probably going to be the first time in the world where you can say every team available that is the best is going to be there.
“Once it kicks off, players are going to want to win it.”
Perhaps Terry will grow envious of incumbent Blues skipper Reece James as Chelsea will compete in this year’s Club World Cup, which has undergone a major revamp.
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Azipilicueta helped Chelsea to win their first Club World Cup in 2021Credit: Getty
The west London outfit are one of 32 teams set to descend on the United States and will begin their journey in Group D alongside Brazilian side Flamengo, Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis and Mexican club Leon.
Participation in this year’s Club World Cup is also set to provide Chelsea and all others competing with a major financial boost, as the winner is set to receive in excess of $100million.
Chelsea’s first game will be against Leon at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 16.
The Blues’ clash against Flamengo will also hold extra significance for the Brazilian side’s manager, Filipe Luis, given he spent a season at Stamford Bridge in 2014.
The ex-Chelsea defender has started well, winning the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, Supercopa do Brasil and Copa do Brasil as coach.
“It’s special because I know a lot of the people at Chelsea, it’s a club that really welcomed me,” he said when asked about the prospect of playing his former side.
“The fans gave me a warm welcome and were fantastic with me, as well as the club staff, and I have a lot of friends there.”
