Uncertainty at Chelsea, opportunity at United

The Independent’s football newsletter [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( March 03, 2023 [View in browser](   [The Independent]( [The Independent]( Uncertainty at Chelsea, opportunity at United A golf story intriguing football figures for bigger reasons than usual The week’s news that the Public Investment Fund argued in a US court they are a “sovereign instrumentality of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” raised eyebrows in the rest of the Premier League, with many relevant figures feeling it raises questions about [how the takeover of Newcastle United was approved](. Competition chief executive Richard Masters said at the time that the competition had been given “legally binding assurances that essentially the state will not be in charge of the club” and that if there was “evidence to the contrary, we can remove the consortium as owners of the club”. There is at the very least a lot of chatter within the Premier League. All of this also comes at an intriguing time, politically, where other clubs constantly asked about the [investigation into Manchester City]( and wanted to tighten rules about related party transactions. One of many splits within the Premier League is that between the state-owned clubs and the rest. The argument of course came in the ongoing legal battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf - meaning football people were watching the golf for greater reasons than normal. Old Trafford's players getting excited about new contracts On the subject, a few Manchester United players are a little less willing to move on new contracts than they usually would, because they want to see what happens with the ownership. That isn’t down to looking to leave. [They feel it could be far better for them financially if, say, Qatar took over](. Doubt among some believers of Barcelona's grand disciple As if [Barcelona did not have enough issues](around the club at the moment, there’s now a new problem, around the one area that at least seemed to have clarity. That is regarding the manager, who is supposed to be the ultimate Camp Nou ideologue. That, however, is precisely the problem. A growing debate within the club is that Xavi isn’t quite a high priest of [Pep Guardiola’s principles](but instead a coach who only applies them superficially. A big question is whether he even understands them to the same degree, as can sometimes happen for previous players who found it all came naturally to them. The grand argument in his favour is how they eviscerated Real Madrid 4-0 in last season’s Clasico at the Bernabeu. But, having got a lot of the players he wants in, Xavi is far more willing to compromise. That led to a comfortable lead at the top of the Spanish league, but there is almost a feeling - not unusual at Camp Nou - it could easily collapse. The [Europa League]( elimination to Manchester United caused a mini crisis, that was exacerbated by the defeat to Almeria. Potter needs more than the belief of the owners The line from Chelsea remains the same. [They retain faith in Graham Potter](. That doesn’t necessarily mean the situation underneath remains the same, as there are increasing questions about the manager from the squad. The big question is whether it’s misplaced faith. Some of the players just aren’t convinced. That is of course directly related to results, and a good run will always change minds, but the worry is how much this growing feeling prevents that. Potter has so much work to do on all fronts. Because they're worth it... Viewers will no doubt noticed the new platinum dye-job doing the rounds in the Premier League, and perhaps not been that impressed. That doesn’t mean it’s not costly, though. Players are paying “close to four figures”.   Top stories [Why the power in Liverpool and Manchester United’s rivalry is set for another shift]( [Fifa criticised for ‘tone deaf’ appointment of supermodel Adriana Lima](   Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](.       Miguel's Dispatches The Financial Times Business of Football Summit is rapidly becoming one of the marquee off-pitch dates, as it attracts some of the biggest names in the industry. This was another with remarkable timing, given Amanda Staveley was due to speak in the same week that the Public Investment Fund owners argued in a US court they were a “sovereign instrumentality” of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That is a statement that appears to contradict the position that justified the same body’s takeover of Newcastle United. There was then Javier Tebas giving a keynote speech. Needless to say, none of it disappointed. What is actually more interesting than the headlines at this event, though, is what happened behind the scenes. It is a day where you often get big figures in football briefing against each other just yards away from each other...       QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Anyone who knows me knows that I go for a ball like it's a plate of dinner." Casemiro on, well, his hunger for trophies   Reading the game quiz Reading the game quiz There have been 11 players who have signed for Liverpool or Manchester United for a fee of over £20m and did not win a trophy in their time at the club. Name them. Note: Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo are excluded, given this season is not yet complete. ([You can find out the answers here](. 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