Thomas Tuchel reacts to Saul Niguez performance against Tottenham

Thomas Tuchel thinks Saul Niguez “took a huge step forward” in adapting to the English game with his performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Spurs.

Niguez has found the transition difficult following his season-long loan move from Atletico Madrid.

“He [Niguez] has digested his experiences here in the beginning, when he maybe did not expect it to be like this,” said Tuchel.

“Now he would certainly not be the first player to struggle with the switch to England.

“But he’s open, fully focused and totally committed to the team.

“I’m very happy he had a performance like that, which was a huge step forward.”

Photo Credit: saulniguez/Twitter

Football star dies aged 25 after suffering heart attack in training

Guatemalan star Marcos Menaldo has tragically passed away at the age of 25 after suffering a heart attack in training on Monday.

According to The Sun, the Deportivo Marquense defender complained of breathing difficulties during a session while preparing for the new season.

Menaldo received emergency CPR at the Marquesa de la Ensenada Stadium in San Marcos.

He was then transferred to the Hospital de Especialidades where he died.

The centre-back was instrumental in helping Deportivo win Guatemala’s second division title last campaign.

They were crowned as Liga de Ascenso champions in December on the day that Menaldo turned 25.

Deportivo club president Hernan Maldonado has spoken of his sadness after Menaldo’s death was confirmed.

Quoted by ESPN, he said: “One does not come out of astonishment.

“A young, dynamic and jovial person, this happens to him.

“It is quite strong and shocking because you lose not only a player, you lose a friend.

“God has his plans and his purposes, but unfortunately we have the death.

“It was around 11:00 hours that they called me to inform me that Marcos had fainted in training.

“They transferred him to the assistance centre where they did everything possible.

“But unfortunately, the death was confirmed.”

Photo Credit: EU_Xela/EUSanMarcos/Twitter