{
  "id": 7738369,
  "title": "Meet the real-life Ted Lasso running Chelsea FC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/meet-the-real-life-ted-lasso-running-chelsea-fc",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T08:00:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/meet-real-life-ted-lasso-080026027.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Adriel Lares, the CFO of Chelsea Football Club, has moved from California to London to take up the role, much like Ted Lasso's character in the hit Apple TV+ series. Lares, a Texan with a background in Silicon Valley finance, had to adapt to a new sport, culture, and being called derogatory names frequently. After arriving in England in 2023, he spent several months learning about the game and the Premier League, even binge-watching Ted Lasso twice to get a better understanding. Like Lasso, Lares faced a period of adjustment, spending 10 months in England without his family. Despite the challenges, he has embraced the English culture, citing the show's portrayal of British life as a helpful guide. Lares acknowledges the intense scrutiny that comes with being part of a historic club like Chelsea, noting that the pressure is immense and leaves little room for error. However, he maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of assuming the best in any situation.",
  "summary": "US TV: Chelsea CFO Adriel Lares swapped Silicon Valley for Stamford Bridge, finding himself navigating a new country, a new culture and the intense pressures of English football. Caitlin Hornik speaks to the American executive about his real-life ‘Ted Lasso’ experience",
  "key_points": [
    "Adriel Lares, Chelsea FC CFO, relocated from California to London.",
    "Lares adapted to football, culture, and frequent derogatory names.",
    "He drew parallels with Ted Lasso's character for cultural understanding."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}