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Tag: Chelsea

  • Everton end Chelsea’s winning run with dramatic late equaliser

    Everton end Chelsea’s winning run with dramatic late equaliser

    At Stamford Bridge, Everton broke Chelsea’s winning streak with a stunning late equalizer by substitute Ellis Simms, boosting their chances of making it out of the Premier League.

    The 89th minute saw the 22-year-old outmuscle Kalidou Koulibaly to slip in and make it 2-2 after Kai Havertz’s penalty appeared to have given Graham Potter’s team a fourth straight victory.

    Chelsea took the lead early in the second half of a game they had been dominating before Abdoulaye Doucoure’s headed goal pulled them back.

    The hosts were again forced to rue wasted opportunities, with their flowing offensive play muted by a lack of deadly instinct inside the box.

    The first cheer of anticipation came early from the boisterous home crowd. A leaping shot by Mateo Kovacic after Michael Keane’s headed clearance from a Ben Chilwell corner dropped to the outside of the box nearly missed the net.

    Christian Pulisic, back in the team for the first time in two months, got in down the left and pulled the ball back for Chilwell to prod it towards the stretching Felix, whose contact was just too slight to turn it past Jordan Pickford.

    The breadth of Chelsea’s play challenged Everton’s defensive organisation, attacking fluidly down either flank with Reece James and Chilwell at their incisive, energetic best. Enzo Fernandez hit short and long balls with deadly precision, and Felix stretched the visitors with his mesmerising close control.

    Yet for all Chelsea’s endeavour, a first-half goal would not arrive. Felix – through whom every promising attack seemed to flow – tried with a drilled effort from 18 yards that flew straight into Pickford’s gloves. A clever free-kick move ended with a low shot from Fernandez which was blocked.

    The hosts had started the game in the bottom half of the table but a winning run and at last a sense that Potter knows his favoured starting XI and shape had lifted the mood of Stamford Bridge. Even with Raheem Sterling out injured, they attacked like a team comfortable in one another’s company, full of spirit and belief.

    The second half opened with more Chelsea pressure. Chilwell, excellent again throughout, crossed from the left and Havertz rose to power a header low at goal which was beaten out by Pickford. On the rebound, Keane narrowly beat Felix to the ball and cleared.

    The goal was the architecture of Chelsea’s two best players. Fernandez hit another sublime pass which fell perfectly onto the left foot of Chilwell, who cushioned his cross into the middle. Keane was first to the ball for Everton but the defender was too off-balance to make good contact. His half-clearance reached Felix, who took a touch, took aim and with deft precision rolled the ball home off Pickford’s far post.

    Keane almost made amends at once for his defensive lapse, freeing himself from his marker as the ball was whipped in by Demarai Gray but failing to make the contact the cross deserved.

    The visitors were encouraged, and 20 minutes from time they were level. A corner from the right was met by James Tarkowski muscling above Chelsea’s defence to get his head to the ball, and as it dropped into the six-yard box Doucoure acted quickest to nod it over the line, as Havertz tried in vain to hook clear.

    Chelsea responded like a team buoyed by new confidence. James won a penalty when he was barrelled to the ground by Tarkowski. That handed Havertz the chance to restore the lead, which he duly took, sending Pickford the wrong way.

    But Everton would not be beaten. A minute from the end, Doucoure played the ball to Simms, who darted beyond a weak challenge from Koulibaly and side-footed past Kepa Arrizabalaga to secure what could be a priceless point in Everton’s battle for survival.

  • Keer plans to extend stay with Chelsea

    Keer plans to extend stay with Chelsea

    Sam Kerr is ready to commit her future to Chelsea, the Women’s Super League champions.

    The 29-year-old Australian striker scored the game-winning goal against Manchester United last Sunday, propelling the Blues back to the top of the table.

    She joined the Londoners from the Chicago Red Stars in 2019 and has one year remaining on her contract.

    Kerr, however, told BBC Radio London that she wants to stay longer.

    She said: “Hopefully I stay here as long as I can. Hopefully there’s a lot more goals and a lot more games and we go from there.”

    Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hailed Kerr as the “best in the business” last month and the forward is equally complimentary when it comes to her manager. 

    She added: “I have a special relationship with Emma. She gets the best out of me, as you can tell in the last two years. 

    “If you’re listening Emma, sign me up.” 

    Sam Kerr has a close bond with Chelsea boss Emma Hayes
    Sam Kerr has a close bond with Chelsea boss Emma Hayes

    The 1-0 victory over United at Kingsmeadow put Chelsea two points clear at the top, with a game in hand, as they bid for a sixth WSL title. 

    And Kerr is relishing the battle to finish top of the pile once again. She said: “It’s weird because it’s heating up, it’s getting tight, but I don’t think we’ve ever had a five-point lead.

    “So it’s weird it feels like the hardest. Last season and the one before it was two points and one point, so I’m ready for a twist. 

    “I’m ready for something to go down where it gets even tighter because it feels like there’s pressure on every game.”

    Chelsea host Reading in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday before heading to Lyon for the first leg of their Champions League last-eight clash on Wednesday. 

    They resume their quest for WSL glory at title rivals Manchester City on March 26. 

  • Thomas Partey underperforms in Ghana jersey, George Afriyie explains why

    Thomas Partey underperforms in Ghana jersey, George Afriyie explains why

    Thomas Partey has struggled to translate his strong club form to the international stage, according to George Afriyie, a former vice president of the Ghana Football Association.

    When Partey plays for Arsenal compared to when he represents Ghana, there is a noticeable difference in his performance.

    Due to criticism over his underwhelming World Cup performance, the 29-year-old was made the scapegoat for Ghana’s early exit.

    George Afriyie mentioned to 3FMin a conversation that Partey might be experiencing the same issue that Michael Essien did at one point in his career.

    He explained that Partey’s starting position in Ghana’s team could be a factor because the nation has yet to establish a position for him 

    “It’s a combination of factors. compare him to Michael Essien. What we saw him in the Chelsea jersey cannot be compared to what we saw in the Black Stars. Essien delivered when it mattered most. I remember we played Congo in Brazzaville and Partey was pushed up front in more of a No.8 or No.10 position and he scored 3 goals,” he stated.

    “Against Nigeria in Abuja, he also scored a very important goal that qualified Ghana for the World Cup. So where it matters most, he delivers,” he said.

    “It depends on how a coach wants to parade his players. It depends on the set of players he brings around him. It would be very difficult to compare Partey in Arsenal to Partey in Ghana because you need to consider the materials around him at Arsenal and compare that to Ghana. So for me, it is the way we position him and the roles we assign him. Partey has always had the desire and shown commitment that he wants to play for Ghana,” he added.

    Partey is likely to be in the starting team when the Black Stars host Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 23. The Arsenal man could be in action again when Ghana traveled to Angola, four days later.

    In 43 appearances for Ghana, Thomas Partey has scored 13 goals including the one that sealed qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

  • Thomas Partey-Enzo Fernandez comparison sparks fights between Chelsea and Arsenal fans

    Thomas Partey-Enzo Fernandez comparison sparks fights between Chelsea and Arsenal fans

    On social media, Chelsea and Arsenal supporters disagreed over who among Thomas Partey of Ghana and Enzo Fernandez of Argentina was the better player.

    The disagreement occurs after Enzo’s masterful performance helped Chelsea defeat Leicester 3-1, while Partey, as he has been all season, made quick work of Fulham as Arsenal defeated them 3-0.

    The Blues supporters argued that they would not want to talk much about their midfielder being superior to Partey because Enzo had just won the World Cup.

    The Gunners supporters countered that Partey, who is more seasoned, the superior version of everything Enzo does, and whose level is significantly higher than the 22-year-old, is being disrespected by the comparison.

    Enzo Fernandes joined Chelsea in the 2023 winter transfer window for a British record fee of £105m and seems to have settled in Chelsea’s system quickly.

    Partey, on the other hand, is in his third season with Arsenal since joining in the summer of 2020.

    The Ghanaian has been superb for League leaders Arsenal and as such has been in all arguments regarding who is the best defensive or central defensive midfielder in the Premier League.

  • ‘We needed someone who could ball win’ – Graham Potter explains Joao Felix’s half time substitution

    ‘We needed someone who could ball win’ – Graham Potter explains Joao Felix’s half time substitution

    When Chelsea defeated Leicester City on March 11, Graham Potter explained why he substituted Joao Felix at halftime. Chelsea continued their mini-revival with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City after a protracted stretch of subpar performances under the embattled Potter.

    With the victory on Saturday, all competitions have now seen three straight victories.

    Patson Daka’s bolt was rendered useless, keeping Chelsea’s flimsy hopes of playing in Europe alive thanks to goals from Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic.

    On-loan striker Felix appeared to sustain an injury in the first half, costing the team their victory.

    The Portuguese forward was a target of very feisty attacks from the home side, with Ricardo Perreira extremely lucky to avoid a sending-off after stamping on his foot.

    The 23-year-old was withdrawn at half-time, with Conor Gallagher taking his place. Potter has now explained the thinking behind that decision. “Tactically, I wanted to use an extra midfielder. I felt we needed someone who could ball win, a different profile and I thought Conor was fantastic,” as quoted by Evening Standard.

    Felix’s situation at Chelsea

    The news will come as a double-edged sword to Chelsea fans.

    Good news in the sense that Felix did not pick up an injury that would confine him on the mending table for a long time. The Blues have had their fair share of injury woes that has greatly destabilised Potter’s plans this season.

    However, Felix has now been substituted in the last four games after he did little to impress. His loan option doesn’t have a buy option, but he has indicated an interest in remaining at Stamford Bridge.

    His chemistry with Havertz is yet to hit the desired standards. He will have to put in more work to convince Todd Boehly to sanction a permanent move for him.

    Mudryk unleashes Drogba celebration

    In the same game, Sports Brief has reported that Chelsea fans are convinced Mykhailo Mudryk paid tribute to Didier Drogba with his goal celebration

    The Blues went into the game buoyed from their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek and started the game brightly, with Ben Chilwell finding the net against his former club. In the second half, Mudryk, who was a live wire throughout the game, thought he had found the net with a decent effort, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

    No one gave the Ukranian the memo in the initial moments after scoring as he emphatically ran to the corner flag in celebration before knee-sliding and thrusting his hands in celebration.

  • Chelsea-Leicester clash: Two key players ruled out – Potter confirms

    Chelsea-Leicester clash: Two key players ruled out – Potter confirms

    When Chelsea and Leicester City square off in a Premier League match on Saturday, March 11, at the King Power Stadium, Graham Potter has confirmed that Chelsea will be without two key players.

    The Blues will depart for their trip to face Leicester City having had a fantastic week that saw them advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

    To advance to the final of the competition on a 2-1 goal aggregate, Potter’s charges silenced Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the second leg of their round of 16 match played at Stamford Bridge.

    Metro UK claims that Chelsea’s significant victory over Dortmund followed a 1-0 Premier League triumph over Leeds.

    The west Londoners will now be looking to build on their new-found momentum when they play Leicester this Saturday as they eye a European football spot. Auba, James to miss Leicester clash.

    However, they will have to do it without two key players, with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James ruled out of the King Power Stadium trip.

    The development was confirmed by Potter, with the Chelsea boss revealing that Raheem Sterling is also a major doubt. “Reece has been ill, so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the gam,” Potter said via Goal.

    Chelsea fans slam Potter

    Sports Brief previously reported on fans slamming Potter for not watching Kai Havertz retake a penalty after the German hit the foot of the post on his first attempt.

    The English manager comes off as a soft personality who is relatively quiet on the touchline, but he has to be more vocal to help his team maintain the momentum.

    Evening Standard reported the 47-year-old was more animated on the sidelines during the win over Leeds and showed more fight in the game against Dortmund.

  • Potter’s Chelsea on right track – Fernandez

    Potter’s Chelsea on right track – Fernandez

    Enzo Fernandez thinks Chelsea are headed in the right direction under Graham Potter after securing a Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Borussia Dortmund.

    Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz’s goals helped the Blues recover a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge and win the match 2-1 overall.

    The triumph represented Potter’s first back-to-back victories since 2023 after a trying few months that saw the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager come under increasing pressure.

    Fernandez believes the team is moving in the right path under the Englishman and insists they must stick with him given these gains.

    “We’re going to be staying on this path, and we keep hope things carry on improving,” Fernandez said. 

    “It was a great plan from our coaches for the game. We had trust that the team could do it.

    “We had more people running in behind and many people working at the back. We just had to do our jobs and follow that game plan.

    “When we play at home, it helps the confidence of the group. We played really well and we believe in the path that we are working on.”

    Fernandez, who moved from Benfica to Chelsea in January after winning the World Cup with Argentina, has occasionally found it difficult to adjust to life in the Premier League thus far.

    But, he put on one of his better performances against Dortmund and claims he is becoming more at ease every day in the hopes of leading the Blues on another successful European run.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Potter beams as Cucurella makes his Marc on night to remember

    Potter beams as Cucurella makes his Marc on night to remember

    Graham Potter praised Marc Cucurella after the decision to restore him to Chelsea’s defence was vindicated by a brilliant individual display against Borussia Dortmund. 

    The Blues reversed a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Germany to seal a stunning Champions League fightback and hand Potter his finest night as manager at Stamford Bridge. 

    Cucurella had been left out of the manager’s last three matchday squads but was brought in to start in a back three with Thiago Silva injured and Benoit Badiashile not part of the Champions League squad.  

    Goals either side of half-time from Raheem Sterling and a retaken penalty from Kai Havertz won it for the Blues, after they had bombarded the Bundesliga’s second-place side during a first half in which they dominated and could have been out of sight. 

    It was a performance that finally demonstrated the potential in the team following owner Todd Boehly’s whirlwind January transfer spend, with Joao Felix imperious in driving down the left side of Chelsea’s attack and British-record signing Enzo Fernandez in near-total control in midfield.

    But it was Cucurella, whose inclusion after a difficult personal spell Potter admitted had been a risk, who rose best to the occasion with an energetic, focused display of high pressing. 

    ‘Every player wants to make history’ – Mbappé breaks PSG scoring record

    Reflecting on Cucurella’s Player of the Match performance, the Chelsea boss said: “I’m delighted for Marc. When you’re having a bad time like we’ve had, you accept the criticism and Marc has dealt with it well. 

    “We’ve tried to shield him a little bit and at the same time pick the moment [to bring him back]. 

    Marc Cucurella was rewarded with the Player of the Match award last night
    Marc Cucurella was rewarded with the Player of the Match award last night

    “With Benoit not available, I thought he gave us some left-footed balance in the back three. Thankfully he delivered a top performance.”

    Chelsea peppered Dortmund’s goal in the first period with Felix and Havertz both going close, the latter striking the post with a wicked drive late in the half. 

    Sterling’s goal in the 43rd minute repaid the raucous support lent by the crowd at Stamford Bridge before Havertz’s twice-taken penalty completed the turnaround, hitting the post first time but taking his second chance after Dortmund’s players encroached. 

    It brought much-needed breathing room for Potter, particularly following on from the unconvincing 1-0 victory against Leeds on Saturday that ended the team’s six-match winless run. 

    This time, the performance matched the magnitude of the result. 

    Potter added: “It was an important game, it was a special atmosphere. 

    “It was a passionate evening. Stamford Bridge was rocking, I thought it would be. Our performance helped that. 

    “We pressed high, we tried to win some tackles. We tried to attack them and play some decent stuff against a top team. 

    “It’s not just this evening. We’ve had a tough period. We had to respond against Leeds. 

    “We played a good game against Dortmund away and we lost. In the moment that we’re in, no one wants to hear that we played well, had some chances and should have scored. 

    “We had a poor first half against Southampton and it could have spiralled into an unpleasant situation. Everybody had to stick together and suffer together and find a way through.”

    Dortmund boss Edin Terzic felt the penalty awarded by VAR for a handball against Marius Wolf was the call that ultimately turned the direction of the tie against his side. 

    He said: “If a decision takes five or six minutes to make you know it’s not been an easy call. 

    “I’m the manager, I’m responsible for performances. But not for the performance of the referee. 

    “In both legs it was very tight games. Inches decide whether you’re going to go to the next round. 

    “We’ve been unlucky in moments but this is part of the game. We knew we’d have to show two top performances. 

    “Both teams deserved to go through but Chelsea scored twice, we didn’t, so we can’t complain about being out.”

  • Five talking points from Chelsea 2-0 Borussia Dortmund

    Five talking points from Chelsea 2-0 Borussia Dortmund

    Graham Potter’s Chelsea reign was handed a welcome shot in the arm as the Blues overturned a first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund to reach the Champions League quarter-final.

    Goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz were enough to secure a convincing 2-1 aggregate win in the last 16 clash and ease the pressure on the under-fire Blues boss.

    Here are five talking points from the action at Stamford Bridge.

    Another step

    Potter described the performance in the first leg as a “step forward” despite losing and having overturned the tie with a convincing home victory, he will see this as an even bigger one.

    Though the chances were at times hard to come by, Sterling’s opener just before the break was no less than the Blues deserved. 

    Real Madrid dominated and made us struggle in possession – Xavi

    Havertz’s early second-half penalty ensured a narrow aggregate win and after seeing his side score more than once in a game for the first time in 2023, the 47-year-old will hope it is a sign of more to come.

    Raheem’s relief

    Raheem Sterling found the net at the second attempt in the first half
    Raheem Sterling found the net at the second attempt in the first half

    Sterling has endured a frustrating start to his Chelsea career, with the ex-Manchester City player one of several Blues forwards misfiring this term.

    Without a goal since New Year’s Day, the England man was finally on the scoresheet once again after powering the opener into the back of the net just before half-time.

    Having initially miskicked his first effort, the 28-year-old was the most relieved man in the stadium when he finally turned it home — with Potter perhaps a close second.

    Silverware still on

    Even during supposedly difficult periods of the past, Chelsea have had a knack of still ending the season with a trophy, lifting silverware in six of the previous eight campaigns.

    Following victory, the Blues live to fight another day in Europe’s elite competition with faint hopes of extending that record in 2022-23.

    Though it would be a surprise to see them go all the way as they did under Thomas Tuchel, a deep run in the competition could buy Potter some crucial time to convince critics he is the man to deliver more triumphs for the Stamford Bridge club.

    Quiet Jude

    Jude Bellingham endured a frustrating evening
    Jude Bellingham endured a frustrating evening

    All eyes were on Jude Bellingham as he prepared to face one of several potential summer suitors but it was a quiet night for the highly coveted teenager.

    Dortmund’s No22 was the driving force behind BVB’s efforts to get themselves back in the game but he struggled to dictate midfield in his usual fashion against Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandez in the engine room.

    Things got worse for the Three Lions starlet in the second half as he somehow poked wide from close range and spurned a gilt-edged chance to bring his side level. 

    Blossoming defence

    Injuries and new signings have seen Chelsea regularly chop and change their defence and stalwart Thiago Silva’s absence has presented Potter with yet another challenge to handle.

    That is why the Solihull-born tactician will have been delighted to see his team secure a second successive clean sheet in the Brazilian’s absence.

    Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana remained in the back three, with Marc Cucurella joining them as they shut out any hopes of a Dortmund resurgence late on.

  • Potter isn’t paying attention to ‘noise’ about his future with Chelsea ahead of Leeds game

    Potter isn’t paying attention to ‘noise’ about his future with Chelsea ahead of Leeds game

    Graham Potter is not going to hide behind the backing he has received from Chelsea’s owners and is not paying attention to the commotion surrounding his future ahead of a match with Leeds.

    Blues head coach Potter, who was only hired in September of last year, is under a lot of pressure as a result of an 11-game winning streak.

    Chelsea lost its third straight game without scoring, falling to 10th place in the Premier League after a 2-0 London derby loss at Tottenham last Sunday.

    When relegation-threatened Leeds visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Potter, who has the support of the Blues hierarchy, knows his team needs to stop the bleeding.

    Asked if he still has support from the owners, Potter said: “There is support and I’ve spoken to them. But I’m not going to hide behind that. The results haven’t been good enough.”

    He added: “My position is that I need to focus on the next game. Whatever the discussions are, that’s not for me.”

    The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss is not paying much attention to speculation over his job during such a challenging period.

    Asked how he copes with the noise, he replied: “By not listening too much to it is the honest answer. I take it step by step, focus on the next thing. You get through the days and the week.

    “We’re fighting for improvement. Talking is one thing, we have to do it on the pitch.”

    Potter has no issue with fans voicing their disapproval, as they did following a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton last month.

    He said: “Supporters care and how that comes out is understandable. They’re hurting and we are too. We thank them for their support – and when you lose to the team that are bottom you expect a negative response.

    “We’ve not given them enough to give them a reason to be excited about the team.”

    Potter revealed Thiago Silva is expected to be out for around six weeks after suffering a knee injury, while Mason Mount will miss the game against Leeds due to an abdominal issue and Reece James is a doubt because of a tight hamstring.

    N’Golo Kante (hamstring) came through a first full training session on Friday but needs time to step up his fitness, while Edouard Mendy (finger) is making progress.

  • Chelsea players disappointed in coach over Chelsea-Tottenham squad selection

    Chelsea players disappointed in coach over Chelsea-Tottenham squad selection

    Graham Potter’s choice to leave at least four Chelsea players out of the matchday squad against Tottenham Hotspur is said to have disappointed them.

    Chelsea’s first loss came by a score of 2-0 at their rival’s new home pitch, which made Potter’s issues even worse and made the possibility of missing out on playing in Europe next season a reality.

    Harry Kane and Oliver Skipp both scored goals in the second half to tie Chelsea, who had only two victories in their previous 15 games.

    Football London reports that at least four players were shocked to learn they wouldn’t be on the team before the game.

    Chelsea’s huge squad

    Apart from churning out good results, Potter is struggling to satisfy a bloated squad after the club’s intense forays in the transfer market that saw at least eight new players arrive in the January window alone. The former Brighton boss is spoilt with options, with many senior players struggling for game time.

    For the Spurs clash, Marc Cucurella, Carney Chukwuemeka, David Datro Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah were reportedly disappointed after they failed to even make the bench. There was a place for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who hasn’t been involved a lot in recent times for the Blues.

    With time quickly running out for Potter, he will have to find a way to maintain squad unity as he attempts to get things in order. Chelsea’s next two games are vital clashes against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge.

    What Potter needs to fix at Chelsea Sports Brief had earlier given a guideline of the things Potter needs to fix immediately at Chelsea to save his job.

    He is arguably facing the greatest test of his career as he struggles to save a sinking Chelsea ship. Talks have been rife that perhaps managing a ‘top-six’ club came a tad bit too soon for a coach who had shown so much promise at Brighton and Östersunds.

    As he may know by now, a draw and an ‘excellent performance’ without the results does not cut it at a club of Chelsea’s stature. His favourite excuse of the players giving everything after a loss has rubbed fans the wrong way.

  • ‘Why spend billions’? Here’s why Newcastle’s owners’ lost interest in Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham

    ‘Why spend billions’? Here’s why Newcastle’s owners’ lost interest in Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham

    The owners of Newcastle United chose to invest in the Magpies over clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham because it was less expensive, according to director Amanda Staveley.

    In October 2021, Staveley’s consortium bought Newcastle for about £300 million, along with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. She stated that one of the main reasons for doing so was so more money would be left over to invest in the club than if they had chosen a more expensive alternative.

    Staveley mentioned the fans in his speech at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit as another factor in his decision to purchase the team.

    “I think if we look specifically at Newcastle, we were very clear that prior to buying the club, we wanted a club with a very passionate fanbase,” she said. “But we also wanted a club that we could buy affordably, because we’re also partners with PIF and they are, effectively, a pension fund, managing money for future generations.

    “So we wanted something that was very sustainable, and that we could build. We didn’t go for the wonderful Tottenham and Chelsea and Liverpool and obviously, everybody knows I was a massive Liverpool fan.

    “We tried to buy Liverpool, and when we walked into the Newcastle game, we said ‘why spend x billion when you can actually spend 300 and some million and put in?’ I think we’ve put in £200+ [million] to date of new money since we bought the club. We had a particular business plan based on a five, 10, 15-year timeline.

    “Critical to that plan was making sure we had the right partners…PIF are very long-term investors.”

    Staveley also explained why it is unlikely that the PIF would also look to invest in another Premier League club, despite previous links to Manchester United.

    “Mehrdad [Ghodoussi, co-owner and Staveley’s husband] and I are not wealthy,” she said. 

    “Jamie [Reuben, co-owner] obviously is an extraordinarily wealthy gentleman, we’re the poor partner, but that helps govern a lot of the decisions – so there’s no scenario where Saudi Arabia will decide to sell Newcastle to buy one of the mega clubs like Manchester United.”

    Staveley spoke about the challenges since arriving at St. James’ Park, including in player recruitment where the owners are mindful about what head coach Eddie Howe wants for his team.

    “If I did it all again. I think we should have probably brought in more people more quickly,” she said. “Players or staff… the players we had to be just very careful and analytical on everything we did and we still do that.

    “Because we have an FFP budget we keep to… that guided a lot of our transfer policy but we couldn’t afford to have a dud player. And so we had to make sure that we built at the back so that we [could] start to play the football that Eddie wants to play, this fantastic pressing football that we love and exciting attacking football.

    “But to do that we needed to make sure that we could really strengthen because we had, I think, the weakest defence in the whole league, and now we have one of the strongest. And that was really important.

    “So we always want more players. But the problem is, especially when you’re running a football club, you don’t really want to lose the players that you’ve worked with, and Eddie’s the same, and so it’s really difficult. So we’ve got to do that.”

  • Chelsea’s Santos returns to Vasco da Gama on loan

    Chelsea’s Santos returns to Vasco da Gama on loan

    Andrey Santos, a Chelsea prospect, has taken a loan back to his old team, Vasco da Gama.

    Up until the end of June, the 18-year-old midfielder will return to Brazil.

    Before joining Chelsea in January and reportedly costing the Blues £18 million, Santos assisted Vasco in gaining promotion to the top flight the previous season.

    Santos, despite being highly regarded, was unable to obtain a work permit for the United Kingdom, but reports suggest Chelsea is confident he will next year.

    Although negotiations were said to have broken down over a disagreement over the loan’s term, Palmeiras had reportedly been in the lead for Santos.

    It was claimed Chelsea wanted Santos back for next season, whereas Palmeiras wanted him until the end of their campaign, meaning he would not have been back at Stamford Bridge until December.

    Santos captained Brazil to success in the South American Under-20 Championship last month, finishing joint-top scorer with six goals.

  • 5 possible candidates to take Potter’s place at Chelsea

    5 possible candidates to take Potter’s place at Chelsea

    Graham Potter is having a terrible time with Chelsea, and he might soon be leaving Stamford Bridge.

    The Blues were defeated once more over the weekend, this time by Tottenham, a rival team from London.

    Despite their recent high-profile signing effort, Potter’s team has one of the lowest scoring averages in the Premier League.

    If Todd Boehly and company lose at Leeds on Saturday, they may have no choice but to fire their English manager.

    We examine five potential successors for the 47-year-old in West London.

    Jose Mourinho

    Jose Mourinho is the name at the top of many Chelsea fans’ wish lists with the Roma boss said to be keen on a third stint at the five-time Premier League winners.

    The Portuguese head coach delivered the league title to Stamford Bridge twice during his first stay and then again in 2014-2015.

    Reports have suggested that the legendary manager wants to return to England one more time to win further silverware after failing to do so during his time in charge of Spurs.

    With his family said to still be living in London, it is certainly not impossible that Chelsea’s most successful coach could return to the club that sacked him on two occasions.

    Jose Mourinho won three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea
    Jose Mourinho won three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea

    Mauricio Pochettino

    It is no secret that Mauricio Pochettino spends a lot of time in England having been relieved of his duties by Paris Saint-Germain last July.

    Former Southampton and Spurs boss Poch was well known for his high-intensity, attacking football — especially during his reign in North London.

    The 50-year-old looks to be biding his time when it comes to securing his next job but there is some excitement around what Pochettino could do with Chelsea’s young and hugely-talented squad.

    However, it remains to be seen whether the Argentine is waiting for Antonio Conte to depart his beloved Spurs so that he can return to management in a familiar environment.

    Luis Enrique’s time at the helm of the Spanish national side came to an abrupt end when they were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.

    The 2010 winners were contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar but crashed out on penalties in the last 16, leaving the former Barcelona boss searching for a new adventure.

    The 52-year-old has not taken a job in club management since he left the Camp Nou in 2017 but an opportunity at Chelsea could turn his head towards a challenge in the Premier League.

    Luis Enrique is a tactical expert who would be capable of developing the Blues into a well-oiled machine able to challenge for honours if the Spaniard is given the time and resources.

    Zinedine Zidane

    Zinedine Zidane achieved great success at Real Madrid
    Zinedine Zidane achieved great success at Real Madrid

    It seems an age since Zinedine Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles but he is another who may be tempted by a vacancy at Chelsea.

    The Frenchman has been linked with almost every top job in Europe since his departure from Los Blancos in 2021 — and for good reason.

    His excellent man-management skills would be a welcome sight for fans of the West London club as the squad appears unsettled by so many new faces this term.

    Zidane was said to be patiently waiting for the French national team job but Didier Deschamps’ decision to stay on as Les Bleus boss may prompt the former midfielder to seek an alternative route back into the dugout.

    Diego Simeone 

    Diego Simeone is another option for Chelsea
    Diego Simeone is another option for Chelsea

    Diego Simeone may be tempted by a new project having spent 11 years in charge of Atletico Madrid and is a proven winner at the top level.

    He has boasted some impressive achievements in the Spanish capital, coaching Atleti to the title ahead of LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2014 and 2021 alongside two visits to the Champions League final.

    Well known for his defensive tactics, Simeone is an expert at game management and relies on counter-attacks to breach the opposition.

    And with an arsenal of tools available in West London, the 52-year-old Argentine would be able to stamp his authority on this young squad.

  • N’golo Kante refuses to leave Chelsea, rejects summer transfers – reports

    N’golo Kante refuses to leave Chelsea, rejects summer transfers – reports

    Kante has experienced injury problems, which have limited his playing time this year to just two games.

    The summer marks the end of the Frenchman’s current contract at Stamford Bridge.

    Kante has declined the chance to move elsewhere, despite the arrival of Enzo Fernandez and the anticipated signing of another central midfielder.

    Instead, Kante is currently on the verge of signing a new contract with Chelsea as he resumes training under Graham Potter, who is currently facing criticism.

    Kante “loves” the Blues, according to Fabrizio Romano, and wants to remain in London.

    His report states an agreement is close, but the length of the deal remains under discussion.

    Previous reports have suggested Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool were all interested in signing the 31-year-old.

    Injury issues are becoming progressively worse for Kante since the 2019/20 season.

    Indeed, his last game for the club this season came in the 2-2 draw with Spurs on August 14.

    His first season at Stamford Bridge in 2016/17 saw him miss just three league games, one of which was through suspension, as Chelsea lifted the title under Antonio Conte.

    He then missed just five league games through injury in the next two seasons.

    The 2019/20 season saw Kante miss 16 league games, before missing a further 18 league games in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

    The 22 games Kante has missed this season is his worst injury at Chelsea to date.

    Regardless, when fully fit there are few better ball-winners in world football.

  • Mikel Arteta sympathises with Graham Potter amid Chelsea woes

    Mikel Arteta sympathises with Graham Potter amid Chelsea woes

    Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, said he understood what Graham Potter is going through at Chelsea right now as pressure to fire the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager grows. The Englishman once more had nowhere to run as the Blues fell to Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on February 26.

    Following that loss, an intriguing petition to fire Potter was started, and according to The Mirror, up to 45,000 enraged fans have signed it. The ex-Seagulls manager, who still thinks he is the right person for the job at Stamford Bridge, lost Chelsea for the 10th time in 17 games during the London derby.

    Potter interestingly cited Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp as examples of coaches who had a positive impact on players in his post-game press conference.

    Arteta spoke on Potter’s situation where he sympathised with the Englishman. “…We are colleagues and we all know the pressure and the demands and the uncertainty that this industry has,” he said. “At the end of the day, the ball has to go into that net, and there are many factors that can prevent that that are out of your control, so I fully empathise because you suffer and you know how it is when you are going through those moments”.

    Not only has Potter had to deal with torrid results on the pitch, he also recently revealed his family had been subjected to death threats. Arteta felt sorry for the Chelsea coach, but did not want to reveal whether he had been a victim of similar threats when his Arsenal side was struggling three years ago.

    “You can have difficulties and challenges in your job, which we do especially when you lose, but when you are winning as well because this job is so demanding, but you cannot destroy your life because of that,” Arteta added.

    Meanwhile, the Gunners will go five points clear at the top of the table with a win over Sean Dyche’s Everton, who are battling relegation.

    Aubameyang surplus to requirements? Sports Brief also reported on why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be surplus to requirements at Chelsea, struggling to get minutes under Potter.

    So far, the French-Gabonese player has only managed to feature in 11 English Premier League matches for the Blues and has scored just one goal. Most players who wore the No.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge lasted just one season because the manager and fans did not give them a second chance.

  • Chelsea’s James Reece admits club’s result results haven’t been up to standard, promises better days

    Chelsea’s James Reece admits club’s result results haven’t been up to standard, promises better days

    In their fight to save their season, Reece James has vowed that Chelsea will always stick together.

    The Blues have not triumphed since defeating Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on January 15 and are currently on a terrible run.

    Only three points have been earned by Graham Potter’s struggling team in their last five Premier League games, and they lost 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League matchup.

    The pressure on Potter increased after Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Tottenham, but James insists that everyone at the team is working hard to turn things around.

    The England ace, who took the captain’s armband against Spurs when Thiago Silva was forced off by injury, said: “The media and everyone on the outside make a lot of noise about the form we’re in.

    “We know where we are in the table, and we know the results haven’t been up to standard.”

    “It’s something we are working on as a team and as a group. And as I said earlier, we’re sticking together to put this right.

    “We’re not where we want to be, and expectations at this club are very high.”

    “A lot has happened this season. We’ve had the change of ownership, new coaching staff come in and we’ve got a lot of new players and it’s not always easy to adapt straight away.

    “We have to buy into what we stand for. We’re all working hard and hopefully better times are around the corner.”

    Goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane saw 10th-placed Chelsea leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium empty-handed. 

    And James was quick to admit that Skipp’s 46th-minute stunner was a bitter body blow. 

    He added: “We knew coming to Tottenham would be a tough game and our aim coming into the game was to win.

    “Conceding so early in the second half didn’t help with our confidence but all we can do is work through this.

    “We’re sticking together, we’re working hard and hopefully with time we can get to where we need to be.”

    Chelsea host relegation-haunted Leeds in a must-win contest on Saturday before taking on Dortmund in the return leg of their knockout tie at the Bridge next Tuesday.  

     

  • John Mikel Obi recounts how Roman Abramovich used to sack Chelsea coaches

    John Mikel Obi recounts how Roman Abramovich used to sack Chelsea coaches

    John Mikel Obi, a former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, has shared intriguing details about his time there.

    The 35-year-old, who retired from professional football last year, talked about his interactions with some of the coaches and teammates he played with during his 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge in an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8.

    The winner of the 2013 Nations Cup also revealed some fascinating information about the warning signs that the club’s manager would be fired at a time when the team wasn’t doing well.

    “We always had a meeting with Roman (Abramovich) once the team was not doing well. He comes in and has a chat with us (team), he sits down, and everybody sits.

    “He had this guy who was his friend and interpreter, so he starts shouting and screaming in Russian and then goes off and says you guys go back now and play football and start winning.

    “If we don’t do that, the next time he comes in, he flies in with his helicopter to the training ground and that is it, we know that the manager is gone.”

    The ex-Super Eagles captain worked under eleven managers at Chelsea, including top football managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte.

    He made 249 appearances for the Blues, winning the EPL, UCL, Europa League, FA Cup, and League Cup.

  • Joleon Lescott column: Potter’s Blues unlikely to end any time soon

    Joleon Lescott column: Potter’s Blues unlikely to end any time soon

    Graham Potter appears to be on borrowed time ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Tottenham on Sunday.

    If I’m being honest, I can’t see him riding out this rough period, which is a shame because I really wanted him to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

    That’s not to say I don’t think he’s capable of turning things around, but I just think time is against him when it comes to halting this woeful run the Blues are on.

    Losing the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Borussia Dortmund was no disaster. Losing at home to Southampton is a different matter entirely, though.

    Todd Boehly has seemed keen to stand by his man but is he willing to give him until the end of the season to continue implementing his ideas without fear of the sack?

    That’s not easy for any owner to do. But when you’ve spent the money the Blues have, there’s an even greater need to see some improvement.

    Tough to unpick

    It’s tough to pinpoint exactly where things are going wrong for the former Brighton boss.

    Some may point to him giving the players days off after the Saints loss as a strange move but I’m almost certain that will have been pre-planned.

    Potter is an intelligent coach who will be fully aware of player workloads and it’s crucial to manage those properly, even when results aren’t great. 

    After all, the last thing he needs is more injuries.

    With new signings often needing time to bed in, it may be up to some of Chelsea’s more established stars to dig them out of this hole — but look at Mason Mount’s current position off the pitch.

    Mason Mount's contract is another ongoing problem for Chelsea
    Mason Mount’s contract is another ongoing problem for Chelsea

    Talks over his new contract have stalled and it’s a shame someone who has come through the club’s academy and is long established as a first-team regular finds himself in such a position.

    Although we can see he’s a valuable player as football fans, the club haven’t paid a fee for him, so he gets treated differently to a new signing. 

    It’s bizarre, but it’s always been the way in top-level football.

    Sadly, I doubt we’ll see any kind of resolution to Mason’s situation until the summer, when there could yet be a new man in charge. Time will tell!

    Reds misery

    Another side likely to be low on confidence this weekend are Liverpool following their midweek humbling at the hands of Real Madrid.

    Facing the European champions is always going to be tough and there’s no shame in losing to the current Madrid side — just look at the teams they had to beat last season in order to lift the trophy.

    But we expect the Reds to be able to go toe-to-toe with any side, especially at Anfield, so the manner of the defeat will definitely have knocked the players.

    Prior to Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp’s men had managed back-to-back wins over Everton and Newcastle, though those victories weren’t exactly backed up by dominant performances.

    The side just looks a long way away from where they have been for so long, so you’d have to expect a busy summer on the transfer front.

    I said it at the start of the season and have said it a few times since, but the loss of Sadio Mane has had a huge impact on Liverpool.

    Even when he wasn’t playing at his best or scoring goals, Mane set the tone with his pressing and understood what Klopp wanted from his forwards.

    In hindsight, you’d have to say not strengthening the midfield last summer was a mistake on the Germans’ part—tthough I don’t think just signing a new midfielder solves their problems.

    Joleon Lescott believes Jude Bellingham will overlook Liverpool this summer if they miss out on Champions League qualification
    Joleon Lescott believes Jude Bellingham will overlook Liverpool this summer if they miss out on Champions League qualification

    In fairness, if you bring in someone of Jude Bellingham’s calibre, perhaps that does have a telling impact. But would Jude want to join if they miss out on the top four?

    I see Bellingham as a potential Ballon d’Or winner, but you have to be playing in the Champions League if you want to win those kinds of accolades.

    The top four isn’t out of reach for the Reds just yet, but games like Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace are becoming must-win fixtures.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Christian Atsu’s journey with Chelsea

    Christian Atsu’s journey with Chelsea

    Christian Atsu left FC Porto to Chelsea in the year 2013. He was with the Blues for four years.

    However, he was not able to get his breakthrough as he was not able to make a competitive appearance for the men’s first team.

    Atsu spent his seasons as a Blue out on loan, although he featured in some pre-season games.

    During those years, the Ghanaian international was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The 31-year-old also also scored the Goal of the Tournament as Ghana finished runners up.

    His loans took him to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before he was transferred permanently to St James’ Park. He moved to Turkey to play for Hatayspor last year.

    Atsu’s demise has hit the football world hard. FC Porto, Hatayspor and FIFA have all eulogised the former Black Stars player.

    Also, Chelsea has sent has heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  •  Lukaku not very fit but can still make his mark at Inter

     Lukaku not very fit but can still make his mark at Inter

    Romelu Lukaku’s goal on Saturday helped Inter Milan defeat Udinese at the San Siro for the first time in 635 days.

    The Belgian forward hasn’t been at his best since joining the Nerazzurri on loan from Chelsea in the summer of last year, but he’s been much sharper lately.

    Although he scored from the penalty spot in the 3-1 victory, it may have given the powerhouse the confidence boost it needs to get back on track as Inter looks to close the gap on unstoppable leaders Napoli.

    We highlight West London’s misunderstood man ahead of tonight’s Champions League matchup with Porto.

    Comeback trail

    Lukaku has dealt with a number of issues since his arrival back in Milan, but injuries have been his biggest hindrance in 2022-23.

    In the current campaign, the 29-year-old has missed 92 days and 18 matches in all competitions thanks to a combination of hamstring, arm and knee issues.

    And although he has struggled with niggles in the past, the 104-cap international has not been absent for as long as this before in his career — and it has had a profound impact on his form.

    Saturday was only his second Serie A goal of the season, with his first coming on the opening weekend back in August.

    Inter boss Simone Inzaghi said a few weeks ago that he is expecting a fully fit Lukaku back for their Champions League tie with Porto and it looks as though he may get his wish.

    The ex-Premier League star has featured in seven of Inter’s last eight league matches and is starting to show signs of a return to his best.

    Fighting for his place

    Inter’s squad is full to the brim of incredible talent and Lukaku’s return does not guarantee him a spot in the starting XI.

    Inzaghi has preferred to set up in a 3-5-2 for most of the season and, although the seasoned finisher is a big miss when unavailable, there were options waiting in the wings to replace him.

    Both Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez have done a stellar job in Lukaku’s absence, netting 20 times between them in Serie A, while the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Hakan Calhanoglu have also been popping up with goals.

    During his best season, Chelsea’s £97million man grabbed 24 goals and 10 assists in the Italian first division, yet scored only eight times in the Premier League during the 2021-22 campaign.

    He would do well to displace either Dzeko or Martinez permanently in the coming weeks, though his best form would give him a fighting chance.

    Lukaku’s ability to score in a variety of ways gives him the edge over his 36-year-old team-mate Dzeko, who is giving Olivier Giroud a run for his money as the best Serie A player over 35 this year.

    Desperate to stay

    Lukaku left Stamford Bridge with a sour taste in his mouth, publicly stating his desire to return to Supercoppa Italiana winners Inter last summer.

    The San Siro is where he has enjoyed the best spell of his career and despite being a valued member of the Premier League 100 club, his style of play is more suited to Italian football.

    However, his situation remains one of the most complicated in Europe’s top five leagues.

    As Chelsea paid such a handsome fee to bring Lukaku back to his former club only 18 months ago, they will unquestionably want to recoup some of that fortune — especially after their own excessive spending in January.

    With a contract at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2026, Lukaku needs to resolve his future quickly ahead to avoid a potential recall.

  • I’m unsure of my future, I’m focused – Hudson-Odoi

    I’m unsure of my future, I’m focused – Hudson-Odoi

    Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is currently on loan from Chelsea to Bayer Leverkusen, is unsure of his future.

    He admits that he hasn’t spoken to the Blues’ top executives in a while.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi discusses his status and future with Chelsea, the Premier League team he plays for, and Bayer Leverkusen, the team he is on loan from.

    “I haven’t spoken to them much lately. I’m not there, so seeing all these players leave, there is nothing I can say or do,” he said.

    “At the end of the day, I’m focused on the club here and trying to help as much as possible here. Whatever happens in the future, I don’t know. All I can do is focus on what’s going on here,” he added.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi also stated that he is enjoying his newfound playing time in Germany.

    “I wanted to come here and have minutes in my legs and make the most of football.” I think that’s what happened. Now I focus more on increasing numbers with more assists and creating more chances for the team. I’m definitely excited about the future,”

  • Chelsea has still not sacked Graham Potter yet? Find out why

    Chelsea has still not sacked Graham Potter yet? Find out why

    Chelsea, under Graham Potter, is having a terrible run in the English Premier League.

    Graham Potter is under pressure as Chelsea’s manager after a stretch of just two victories in his previous 14 Premier League games. However, why hasn’t he been fired?

    James Ward-Prowse’s kick on Saturday was all it took to prevent Chelsea from winning for a fifth straight game, adding to the pressure on Potter as a very difficult stretch continues. After a frenetic January shopping spree, the former Brighton manager took over for Thomas Tuchel in September of last year. However, since taking over, Chelsea has not improved under his leadership.

    Naturally, his struggle has resulted in many calling for his dismissal, but a new report from The Telegraph has outlined exactly why Chelsea are yet to sack Potter.

    The report claims that Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are not yet convinced he is the problem and instead have a list of reasons why they shouldn’t sack him. Injuries behind the scenes are one reason, as is his poker face in the public eye; Potter is described as being “intense” around the Cobham training ground, and the owners have no fears over his mentality, but are instead happy they have a coach who will not throw players under the bus in front of the media.

    Point three claims the owners recognise that Potter took a risk in joining the club from Brighton mid-season, something they believe not many top coaches and managers are always willing to do. They also understand he left a very safe environment at Brighton and put his reputation on the line in doing so, and they believe he needs a considerable amount of time to work with new players and develop a relationship with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart in order to create sustainable success, similar to Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City.

    A severe loss of form sees Chelsea languishing in 10th in the Premier League, behind the likes of Liverpool, Fulham and Potter’s former club Brighton. They also find themselves 11 points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, and are at serious risk of not qualifying for the Champions League next season.

    The Blues travel across London to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in a bid to kickstart their season once again, but will also have one eye on their Champions League last-16 tie on March 7, where they must turn around a first-leg defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

  • Chelsea players to blame for poor form – Chilwell

    Chelsea players to blame for poor form – Chilwell

    Ben Chilwell acknowledges that the players at Chelsea are entirely to blame for the team’s dismal string of performances.

    Graham Potter was under even greater pressure after Saturday’s shocking 1-0 home loss to Southampton, and some Stamford Bridge supporters heckled the team at the end of the game.

    Chilwell, who came out following the game to thank the fans who remained till the final whistle with fellow England international Mason Mount, believes the team is to blame.

    After being sunk by a first-half James Ward-Prowse free-kick, the left-back said: “It is easy to say but we really do have to work hard and turn this around. The only people that can do that is ourselves. 

    “It is never nice for a very competitive group that wants to win stuff. Some of us a few years ago tasted winning a major trophy [the Champions League] and to be in this situation now does not feel good at all. 

    “It is understandable the fans are not happy. They expect Chelsea to win matches, which we also expect.

    “I can stand here and say we created chances but it doesn’t really mean anything. We need to win these games. 

    “We need to work hard. It is a pretty flat dressing room at the moment. 

    “It is hard to get into it, in terms of what we did right and wrong, but we have time now until our next game to work hard.”

    To compound matters for Potter’s struggling side, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was rushed to hospital after being kicked in the head by Saints sub Sekou Mara.

    The Spaniard received lengthy treatment on the pitch but was able to clap the home support as he was given a standing ovation while being carried off on a stretcher. 

    And Chilwell, 26, was delighted to learn his team-mate was in good spirits after the worrying incident. 

    He added: “I was one of the closest players to it and I saw it in real time, it definitely was not a nice situation. 

    “Thankfully us as players, and then the staff that came on, acted very quickly and tried to give him the best help we could. 

    “We found out he went off to hospital to do the necessary procedures in this situation. 

    “He is also in contact with his wife and is stable, which is a positive to take. We are all thinking of him and it is one of those things bigger than football. We are all here for him.”

    Having picked up just two victories in their last 14 games in all competitions, Chelsea visit London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in what is fast becoming a must-win game. 

    Source: Livescore

  • PSG allegedly prepared to re-appoint Timothy Tuchel

    PSG allegedly prepared to re-appoint Timothy Tuchel

    Thomas Tuchel has been jobless since Chelsea fired him in September, but he might soon start coaching again.

    The German has previously led top European clubs Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and the Blues, whom he took to the 2020-21 Champions League title.

    The 49-year-old has reportedly turned down two Premier League offers despite being linked to numerous open positions in recent months.

    TOP STORY – PSG WILLING TO ADMIT TUCHEL ERROR

    According to the Evening Standard, PSG are fed up with head coach Christophe Galtier and are ready to re-appoint Thomas Tuchel.

    The club sacked Tuchel in December 2020 after two and a half years in charge with the best win percentage in Ligue 1 history.

    But PSG are reportedly willing to admit their mistake in letting him go as they try to convince Tuchel to return following their recent run of three straight defeats, which was ended by Sunday’s 4-3 win over Lille.

    The report claims Tuchel would need assurances from the club, but it is the type of role he has been waiting for, joining a top side competing for major trophies.

    ROUND-UP

    – According to Football Insider, Tottenham is keeping an eye on Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio. Spurs will need to compete with Arsenal and Manchester United for the 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season.

    Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all circling for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram, according to Talksport. The Athletic claims Thuram will leave Gladbach in the off-season as a free agent, with Bayern Munich also interested.

    Relevo reports Bayern are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann an admirer, although no contact has been made yet.

    ESPN claims Manchester United and teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho have agreed in principle to a new five-year contract, warding off interest.

    Manchester United will need to fork out €80 million (£71 million) to land Tammy Abraham from Roma, according to Calciomercatoweb.

    According to Calciomercatoweb, Juventus will make a move for Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz after this season. Diaz is currently on loan at Milan, but the Rossoneri will not trigger their option to buy him.

  • Newcastle fans launch Fundraiser to construct school in Ghana as tribute to Christian Atsu

    Newcastle fans launch Fundraiser to construct school in Ghana as tribute to Christian Atsu

    The late Christian Atsu, who tragically perished in the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, is being remembered by Newcastle United supporters.

    As an ambassador for the charity Arms Around the Child, Atsu, who had previously played for the Magpies and Chelsea, was working on a project to construct a new school in his native Ghana.

    At a charged St James’ Park, Newcastle remembered Atsu by observing a moment of silence prior to their match against Liverpool.

    In honour of Atsu, the fan organisation Talk of Tyneside has launched a charitable project to complete the school project. They are requesting support from fans for the fundraiser, which has raised more than £600 so far.

    Talk of Tyneside expressed their desire to give supporters a way to show appreciation for Atsu’s service to the club and his work with the charity.

    The group stated that Atsu was a well-loved figure on Tyneside, and raising funds for the charity felt like the perfect way to honour his memory.

    “Following his passing, we were hoping to find a way to give supporters a way to show appreciation for his service to the club, and raising money for a fantastic charity that he worked with feels like the perfect way to do so.”

    Ellie Milner, also from Arms Around the Child, spoke about Atsu’s charity work and how they are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to finish the school buildings in Senya Beraku and support the children he loved so much.

    Ellie Milner from Arms Around The Child added: “Christian touched the lives of so many with his charity work, we are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to finish the school buildings in Senya Beraku – and support the children he loved so much.”

    Atsu’s mortal remains arrived in Ghana on Sunday for the burial.

  • Chelsea’s Cucurella lock Instagram comments after fans critics

    Chelsea’s Cucurella lock Instagram comments after fans critics

    The relegation-threatened Southampton defeated Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday, handing Chelsea a second loss. 

    Through social media comments and boos during halftime, fans expressed their opinions.

    One of the players who has drawn the most criticism is Marc Cucurella, who has struggled to find his form despite reuniting with Graham Potter, the manager who helped make him famous during their time together at Brighton & Hove Albion.

    After sharing some positive news, the Spanish left-back took the much-needed precaution of locking his Instagram comments section.

    Cucurella announces wife’s third pregnancy

    The 24-year-old is a father of two and announced he is expecting a third child with his wife, Claudia Rodriguez, according to his post on Instagram. The Barcelona academy graduate limited the comments section on the photo sharing platform to avoid unnecessary comments from angry fans.

    Fans slammed Cucurella’s lewd training

    Sports Brief also reported on Chelsea fans berating Cucurella for improper gym techniques following a post on social media.

    The incident in question happened at the gym of James Ralph, a personal trainer who also works with Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah. The defender tied a weight around his waist and swung it like a pendulum, but fans were displeased he found things funny despite his form.

    Cucurella steps up personal improvement The defender is yet to settle down in London since his £63 million move from Brighton in the summer and at some point, lost his place to makeshift left-back and academy graduate, Lewis Hall.

    Cucurella has since dedicated more time to his personal training. As reported by Sports Brief, he worked on ball control skills by attempting to control the ball shot at him from a dispensing machine. He controlled all the balls leading to applause from his trainer but ended it by showing off his playful side, controlling the ball with his backside.

  • Thuram readies to leave Gladbach for free amid Chelsea and Inter interest

    Thuram readies to leave Gladbach for free amid Chelsea and Inter interest

    Marcus Thuram is expected to leave Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season on a free transfer, with Chelsea and Inter reportedly showing interest.

    The France international’s contract expires at the end of June, and Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus made it clear Sunday that Gladbach stand to lose him.

    Thuram has reportedly drawn interest from a number of elite clubs in Europe, with Inter reportedly leading the charge alongside Chelsea and Gladbach’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

    Only five players in Germany’s top division have more goal involvements than the 25-year-old, who has 11 goals and three assists so far this season.

    Virkus appeared to acknowledge in his interview with Sport1 that Gladbach’s attempts to keep the talented Lilian Thuram’s son were likely to fail.

    He said: “With Marcus Thuram we stretched. We have to accept that when there are even bigger clubs where Marcus might go.”

    Virkus added: “The fact that players will leave us for free is not a positive situation, and I can’t sugarcoat it.”

    Gladbach sit eighth in the Bundesliga after Thuram scored in a 3-2 victory over 10-man Bayern on Saturday.

  • Chelsea needs to win, chances ‘doesn’t really mean anything’ – Chilwell

    Chelsea needs to win, chances ‘doesn’t really mean anything’ – Chilwell

    Ben Chilwell has acknowledged that the players at Chelsea are entirely to blame for the team’s abysmal string of performances.

    Graham Potter was under even more pressure after Saturday’s shocking 1-0 home loss to Southampton, and some Stamford Bridge supporters heckled the team at the end of the game.

    Chilwell, who came out following the game to thank the fans who remained until the final whistle with fellow England international Mason Mount, believes the team is to blame.

    The left-back said, “It is easy to say, but we really do have to work hard and turn this around.” James Ward-Prowse’s free kick did us in. We are the only ones who are capable of doing that.

    “It is never nice for a very competitive group that wants to win stuff. Some of us a few years ago tasted winning a major trophy [the Champions League] and to be in this situation now does not feel good at all. 

    “It is understandable the fans are not happy. They expect Chelsea to win matches, which we also expect.

    “I can stand here and say we created chances but it doesn’t really mean anything. We need to win these games. 

    “We need to work hard. It is a pretty flat dressing room at the moment. 

    “It is hard to get into it, in terms of what we did right and wrong, but we have time now until our next game to work hard.”

    To compound matters for Potter’s struggling side, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was rushed to hospital after being kicked in the head by Saints sub Sekou Mara.

    The Spaniard received lengthy treatment on the pitch but was able to clap the home support as he was given a standing ovation while being carried off on a stretcher. 

    And Chilwell, 26, was delighted to learn his team-mate was in good spirits after the worrying incident. 

    He added: “I was one of the closest players to it and I saw it in real time, it definitely was not a nice situation. 

    “Thankfully us as players, and then the staff that came on, acted very quickly and tried to give him the best help we could. 

    “We found out he went off to hospital to do the necessary procedures in this situation. 

    “He is also in contact with his wife and is stable, which is a positive to take. We are all thinking of him and it is one of those things bigger than football. We are all here for him.”

    Having picked up just two victories in their last 14 games in all competitions, Chelsea visit London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in what is fast becoming a must-win game. 

  • Southampton send Chelsea spinning after Ward-Prowse’s free-kick

    Southampton send Chelsea spinning after Ward-Prowse’s free-kick

    As Southampton, the bottom team in the Premier League, defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s season reached a new and scary low.

    James Ward-free Prowse’s kick was converted on the stroke of halftime, moving the Saints captain one goal behind David Beckham in the competition’s all-time standings and sending Graham Potter’s squad to its fourth straight league game without a victory.

    Potter saw his team struggle to find any inventiveness against a Saints side put up by interim manager Ruben Selles to frustrate the hosts’ expensively constructed attacking cavalry, despite having five of the club’s eight January arrivals in the starting Lineup.

    Victory in their first match since the sacking of Nathan Jones was everything they deserved.

    Chelsea have scored just once at home in 2023, and the lack of a recognised striker was made painfully apparent yet again.

    The game started ominously for Potter. Benoit Badiashile, so impressive until now in Chelsea blue, was caught out by Kamaldeen Sulemana as the ball dropped over his shoulder, only for Southampton’s January signing to be denied a first Premier League goal by the foot of Kepa Arrizabalaga. From the follow-up, Kalidou Koulibaly steered Stuart Armstrong’s effort to safety from in front of the goal line.

    Southampton’s game plan hinged on frustrating Chelsea by slowing the play down wherever possible, but there was little in the first half to suggest the hosts’ advanced midfield three of Mason Mount, Noni Madueke and Joao Felix held the key to unlocking Saints.

    Five minutes before half-time, David Fofana – in for his first Chelsea start – snatched at a shot from 20 yards that revealed more about his team’s first-half frustrations than their attacking ambition.

    Southampton took the lead in a familiar fashion. Ward-Prowse’s free-kick, the 17th he has now scored in the Premier League, could not have been more finely placed, arcing over Chelsea’s wall and dropping crisply into the bottom corner beyond Arrizabalaga’s despairing dive. Stamford Bridge, quiet until now, made its displeasure known.

    The required response almost arrived within minutes of the second half starting. Raheem Sterling, on as a substitute to make his return from injury, shoved Ainsley Maitland-Niles off the ball near the touchline and whipped in a cross that Mount, rising highest, failed to connect with.

    It heralded a change in intensity for Chelsea’s attack. Minutes later, Cesar Azpilicueta found himself unmarked inside the box but could only side-foot his shot wide as the ball dropped. On the hour mark, Graham Potter sent on Kai Havertz and Mykhailo Mudryk to try to harness his side’s newly acquired energy, as the game shifted permanently into Southampton’s defensive half.

    Chelsea were getting closer. Havertz escaped down the left and delivered for Sterling, arriving at the back post to fling his head at the ball – he was denied first by a flying block from Romain Perraud, then again on the rebound by Romeo Lavia. The pair celebrated as if top-flight safety had already been secured.

    Arrizabalaga saved at the feet of Armstrong as Saints threatened to extend their lead on the break. There was yet more worry for Chelsea when Azpilicueta was carried from the field on a stretcher with an oxygen mask after being struck in the head by the boot of Sekou Mara as he attempted to clear.

    But inspiration for Chelsea would not strike. Southampton held on for a deserved win.

    Source: Livescore

  • The sloppiest player I have played with was Eden Hazard – Mikel Obi

    The sloppiest player I have played with was Eden Hazard – Mikel Obi

    Belgian winger Eden Hazard has been dubbed the “laziest” teammate in the history of the Chelsea icon John Mikel Obi’s playing career.

    According to Mikel Obi, who shared a dressing room with Eden Hazard at Chelsea, he was a unique player from the rest of the team.

    He added that while everyone on the Chelsea team would be giving it their utmost to win over the coaches and earn a spot in the starting lineup, Eden Hazard would be lazing around on the sidelines.

    Mikel Obi reckons Eden Hazard got away with that attitude because he always delivered during matches. He also gave an insight into training sessions at Chelsea during his time, laying emphasis on the competitiveness in the team.

    “I never knew how training meant to guys until I joined Chelsea. The way they play games is how they train. There is tackles flying and fights because everybody wants to be in the starting team come the weekend so there is no place for you to say I don’t want to train.

    “The only player I saw did that and got away with it was Eden Hazard. He never trained. He is the laziest football I’ve ever seen in my life but come the weekend, he will just get into the squad and win man of the match. He comes in with the trophies and is like guys you see. I think he has lost some weight”, he said.

    The 2013 AFCON winner also offered insight into why Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid career has not turned out as expected.

    He reckons Hazard’s poor work ethics and nutritional indiscipline might have caught up with him at Madrid.

    “At Chelsea the night before games, after dinner he sits there for about twenty minutes and eating rice pudding. He likes his food. He sleeps, wakes up on Saturday, comes to the field and produces the performance. In training he stands at one place and be demanding the ball but we don’t give it to him” he said.

    Mikel Obi and Eden Hazard played together at Chelsea and won a number of trophies with West London side.

    With Chelsea, Obi won eleven trophies and established himself as fans’ favorite.

  • Potter recognises need to end poor Chelsea run

    Potter recognises need to end poor Chelsea run

    Graham Potter has acknowledged the need for Chelsea to snap out of their frustrating run of form quickly, saying: “long-term doesn’t exist in this job”.

    Potter has come under pressure amid a difficult period for the big-spending Blues, who recorded three successive Premier League draws for the first time since 2012 after Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate with West Ham.

    Chelsea have won just one of their eight games across all competitions since the turn of the year (D4 L3), and the Champions League now represents their only chance of avoiding a trophyless season.

    With a trip to Borussia Dortmund for the first leg of an enticing last-16 tie on the horizon, Potter is aware of the need for things to change at Stamford Bridge.

    “You can’t talk about the long-term because that doesn’t exist in this job,” he told reporters. 

    “You have to acknowledge there’s a long-term but there’s a short-term and medium-term that is challenging for us in terms of results.

    “The experienced players know what we’ve been through. You’re talking about some top professionals who know football. 

    “While people on the outside may have an opinion on things, these guys have been around and know the challenges we’ve faced.

    “They know the situation the club has been in and what’s happened. So then it’s about helping them get through it, the inevitable frustration because they want to win. We all do and the supporters do. That’s where it’s been challenging.”

    Chelsea’s two previous Champions League titles were delivered during campaigns which saw them struggle in the Premier League, and while Potter is excited by the start of the knockout stages, he is taking things game by game.

    “In a knockout competition, anything can happen, that’s the thing,” he said. “It’s two games. I don’t think it’s valuable for us to look past Dortmund.

    “We have the capability to beat Dortmund but they are also a strong side with the capability to get a result as well. We have to understand that, go to Dortmund with humility, with respect, and try to get the result.

    “[This squad] has won the Champions League. They’ve experienced it. They’ll want to fight for the game, that’s for sure, and that’s exciting for us.”

    Despite Chelsea’s domestic struggles, Potter is unbeaten in his five Champions League games at the helm, winning the last four.

    Victory in Dortmund on Wednesday would therefore make Potter the first English coach to win five successive matches in the competition.

  • £600m on 17 players – But what is Chelsea’s best XI?

    £600m on 17 players – But what is Chelsea’s best XI?

    “The manager doesn’t know his best team.”It is a regular criticism aimed at any head coach who frequently makes changes to a struggling side in search of a winning formula.

    It is one Chelsea boss Graham Potter, armed with a bulging roster of high-priced talent, is likely to hear a lot unless his side put together a winning run and move up the Premier League table.

    There were murmurs of it after the soulless 0-0 draw with Fulham on Friday that included five of Chelsea’s new signings from the £300m-plus January spending spree that was sanctioned by the club’s new owners.

    That outlay followed almost the same amount spent in the summer, with a total of 17 new players brought to Stamford Bridge through two transfer windows.

    However, as the dust settled on their first league game since the transfer window closed, they had mustered a mere three shots on target and no goals.

    When asked about his player shopping, Potter said: “It’s a team for the now and for the future.”

    But, after such significant outlay, Potter has to hope Todd Boehly and the new ownership group are less trigger-happy than their notoriously impatient predecessor at Stamford Bridge.’Potter doesn’t play the same XI in every game’

    For many of the Premier League’s best teams – Manchester United in 1999, Arsenal’s Invincibles of 2004, Liverpool’s peak Klopp years – the first-choice XI pretty much trips off the tongue.

    Continuity breeds consistency, right?

    But, given Chelsea’s abundance of riches, and the number of competitive fixtures in the modern era, is having a best team really possible?

    Manchester City have proved over a sustained period that shuffling the starting line-up can bring emphatic success. What’s more, Liverpool’s reliance on a small core of players in recent years could be contributing to their collapse this season, with so many key men looking spent.

    “It’s over-simplistic to pick a best team,” says ex-Chelsea forward Pat Nevin. “You would never play the same XI in every game unless you’ve got a team that is so solid and unchangeable.

    “Who you pick for an away game in the Champions League will be very different to the team you put out at home against a side in the bottom half of the table.

    “Besides, Potter famously changes personnel and styles of play all the time.”

    So is Chelsea’s strategy of splashing huge sums of money on the world’s most exciting young talents the right way to go, especially given they have spread the eye-watering cost over lucrative long-term deals?

    “It’s massively high risk,” concludes Nevin. “If you buy young, unproven players on eight-year contracts, a percentage of them will fail.

    “But if they’ve got it right, it’s a fantastic way to do it, and I suspect they will be quite an enjoyable team to watch.”Who is in Chelsea’s best XI?

    Potter faces the delicate task of maintaining harmony in a dressing room packed full of outstanding footballers and big egos. It’s a dance Nevin says comes with the territory.

    “That’s what he gets paid a lot of money for,” he argues. “It’s the biggest first world problem you’re ever going to get. You should look at that as an opportunity, not as a problem.”

    So who, if everyone is fit, would be in Nevin’s first-choice Chelsea side?

    Pat Nevin's Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Badiashile, Silva, Chilwell, Kante, Fernandez, Felix, Mount, Mudryk, Havertz.

    “I think it’ll change week to week but let’s consider who should be playing,” he said.

    “N’Golo Kante is the very first pick if everyone is fully fit but it’s a very big ‘if’ for me. He’d play with Enzo Fernandez.

    “I think you have to play Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix. They are interchangeable in their positions, and then Mason Mount has to play.

    “I’d put Kai Havertz up front for the moment but eventually I think he will drop into a deeper area and be one of the attacking three.”

    Nevin also likes the look of new centre-back Benoit Badashile, even if he could not fit into Chelsea‘s revised squad for the Champions League.

    “They are so short in defence,” he said. “He has been exceptionally good in his first few games and I think maybe in a year or so, he will be in a back three with Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah.”

    What about those who miss out?

    “I have to underline this does not mean that everybody else is rubbish,” Nevin adds. “It depends who you are playing against.

    “For instance, there will be plenty of games that are made for Raheem Sterling – it’s never clear-cut and simple.”

    Raheem Sterling

    Sterling was the flagship signing last summer, a 27-year-old serial title-winner captured from champions Manchester City who appeared ready-made to spearhead Chelsea’s revolution.

    One goal and one assist since August is not what Boehly will have had in mind when he sanctioned a £50m purchase.

    His is a decorated career but, after the squad roulette of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he may not be enjoying a similar experience in west London.

    The excesses of January paint the summer window in a dim light. Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella both arrived for significant sums after the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, but are now not guaranteed starters.

    And then there’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Signed as a missing piece of the jigsaw by Potter’s predecessor Thomas Tuchel, he clearly does not fit with the strategy of signing young, hungry footballers – and he appears nowhere near Chelsea’s first-choice XI.

    Nevin, however, views last summer more positively.

    “In retrospect, they just needed bodies,” he said. “They lost two centre-backs so had to get one in.

    “Some call it panic buying, I think it was security buying, but not part of a big plan.

    “That’s the one we’re seeing now.”

  • Chelsea extends Thiago Silva’s contract until 2024

    Chelsea extends Thiago Silva’s contract until 2024

    After reaching an agreement, Thiago Silva has signed a new deal with Chelsea that is valid until 2024.

    The Blues have confirmed the veteran Brazilian has extended his current contract and will stay at Stamford Bridge until 2024. The defender turned 38 back in September but has shown few signs of slowing down since joining the Blues.

    Another year in west London will take Silva into the fourth of his Chelsea career, and by the end of the 2023-2024 campaign the Brazilian will be nearing his 40th birthday. Ever since his signing in 2020, though, the centre-back has shown himself to be evergreen, and has arguably been the Blues’ most consistent performer throughout the tenures of both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

    “I am honestly so happy to continue my career with the Blues,” he told the club’s official website. “When I signed my first contract here, it was to just do one year. Now it is already the fourth! I could not have imagined that, but really it is a very special moment for me to sign and stay at Chelsea.”

    Not only does Silva’s new contract reflect his importance to the immediate team – being one of Potter’s first names on the team sheet each week – but his ability to guide the next crop of young centre-backs is also paramount. 21-year-old January signing Benoit Badiashile has already raved about the experience working alongside Silva, while academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah has also referred to the Brazilian’s influence in the past.

    The defender will be back in action for the Blues when they travel to West Ham in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.

  • Chelsea hire coach Enoka

    Chelsea hire coach Enoka

    In an effort to turn the Blues into winners, Graham Potter has hired the All Blacks mind coach, ilbert Enoka, who instituted a “no d***heads” policy.

    Since Todd Boehly took over as owner, Chelsea has made significant investments in players, but on-field success has not yet followed, leaving them in ninth place in the Premier League.

    Thomas Tuchel was fired in September, and Potter is working to establish himself as the manager who can lead Stamford Bridge to successful campaigns and championships.

    Gilbert Enoka, who has had a significant impact on rugby union with New Zealand over the previous 20 years, is now moving to the London club.

    Enoka, who stepped up from being mental skills coach to become leadership manager with New Zealand, will join up with Chelsea on what New Zealand said was a “short-term consultancy basis”.

    Potter should benefit from the new experience, since the highly regarded Enoka was a member of the All Blacks lineup that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015.

    Chelsea have spent around £600million on new players in the past two transfer windows, without their sprees having had any obviously positive effect on results, and installing a positive mindset appears to be what they are looking at achieving.

    Enoka revealed in early 2017 how his famous policy functioned within the New Zealand ranks, saying: “A d***head makes everything about them.

    “We look for early warning signs and wean the big egos out pretty quickly. Our motto is, ‘If you can’t change the people, change the people’.”

  • Potter urges fans to be patient after Fulham stalemate

    Potter urges fans to be patient after Fulham stalemate

    After Friday’s goalless derby draw with Fulham, Graham Potter has pleaded for patience and cautioned that it will not be “straightforward” for a new-look Chelsea team to gel.

    On a dismal night for the Blues, Enzo Fernandez began at Stamford Bridge three days after joining from Benfica for a Premier League-record £106.8 million (€121 million). Mykhaylo Mudryk was substituted by fellow newcomer Noni Madueke at halftime.

    In the first half, David Datro Fofana, another of a slew of new Chelsea players, had a shot cleared off the line by Tim Ream, and Kai Havertz struck the post.

    The point Fulham earned maintains them ahead of their sixth-place neighbours, who are currently in ninth place.

    Chelsea were disjointed, understandably lacking fluency following the arrival of so many new players and head coach Potter says they will need time to build an understanding.

    He told BBC Sport: “There was a lot of excitement and positivity from the start, a good atmosphere. The spirit of the players was really good. They worked hard for each other against an organised team.

    “They’ve been together a while. We’re a different stage of that – players coming back from injury and new players. We needed time to settle everything down. We were missing the connection, fluidity and confidence that comes from knowing each other.

    “The decision we took in the window, you can see the profile in terms of age. We feel we have a very strong group of players. We have to gel and become a really good team. That’s where the work is.

    “It’s working together. When players have been injured, they have not been on the training pitch. We have new players with us. It’s about getting ideas across and working with the group.

    “Sometimes you have to look at the whole package. Young players, nice mix of them both. For us, it’s about improving.

    “New players are adapting to a new country and a new league. It’s not straightforward. When the price tag is what it is, questions will be asked, it’s the nature of the business.”

    The return from injury of Reece James and Ben Chilwell was a big plus for Chelsea, while Potter revealed winger Mudryk was withdrawn after struggling with a cold this week.

  • Enzo Fernandez’s debut ends in a goalless draw

    Enzo Fernandez’s debut ends in a goalless draw

    Enzo Fernandez‘s Chelsea debut came to a disappointing conclusion as Fulham gained a respectable 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge against Graham Potter’s team.

    As Potter’s club failed to significantly improve upon their mid-table Premier League status and saw their inconsistent run stretch to one win in six in the tournament, their £106.5 million deadline day deal was kept mainly under wraps.

    After a week in which they broke the British transfer record to sign World Cup-winning player Fernandez, Fulham demonstrated that it is not necessary to spend more than £500 million to hold a position in the upper echelons of the top division by making the hosts look toothless at times. This was thanks to Marco Silva’s well-drilled team.

    Chelsea is now stuck in ninth place and is finding it difficult to maintain the optimism brought on by owner Todd Boehly‘s hasty £315 million investment during the January transfer window.

    In the game’s opening opportunity, which fell to the visitors, Andreas Pereira collected the ball in the center and, after a quick first touch, forced Kepa Arrizabalaga to make a fingertip stop with a low drive toward the corner.

    For Chelsea, whose defense had given Pereira too much room, it was a let-off. Within minutes, they came close to capitalizing on their good fortune when Kai Havertz stretched out from six yards and lifted Mason Mount’s cross high over the bar.

    Then, on the stroke of half-time, Chelsea’s moment looked to have arrived. Hakim Ziyech, fresh from his failed move to Paris St Germain on deadline day, clipped a searching ball in behind Fulham for Havertz to run onto but the makeshift number nine could only watch as his lobbed effort drifted over Bernd Leno and came back off the post.

    Fulham had enjoyed the best of the first period with debutant Fernandez largely kept quiet, and Potter responded by withdrawing Mykhailo Mudryk at the break and sending on fellow new-signing Noni Madueke for his debut.

    But the immediate rewards for Chelsea were few, the second half continuing in a vein in which Fulham more than held their own against the hosts’ expensively assembled creative cavalry.

    Willian, a two-time Premier League winner during his days at Stamford Bridge, evaded the otherwise impressive Benoit Badiashile and broke forward down the left. However, his far-post cross was slightly too wide of Bobby Decordova-Reid, whose shot was easily saved by Arrizabalaga.

    The moment Chelsea fans craved almost arrived with 20 minutes remaining. Fernandez showed the initiative that had been missing from the home side’s attack to whip a spectacular first-time effort shot beyond Leno’s dive and fractionally past the post. The crowd rallied, and Chelsea started to take control.

    Yet for all the talk of the Argentinian, it was £10million substitute David Fofana who came closest to winning it for Potter’s side, going through one-on-one against Leno before slipping beyond the goalkeeper — only to see his effort cleared off the line by the covering Tim Ream.

    It was to be Chelsea’s best — and last — chance as the opportunity to leapfrog Fulham into the top six and keep the celebratory mood alive slipped away.

  • Aubameyang excluded from Chelsea’s Champions League squad

    Aubameyang excluded from Chelsea’s Champions League squad

    Graham Potter has replaced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Chelsea’s Champions League roster with newcomers Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez, and Mykhailo Mudryk.

    The sudden decision to release striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang underscores the forward’s deteriorating situation with the Blues, for whom he last made a start in November.

    Aubameyang, 33, may have been on Potter’s mind when he warned on Thursday that there would be “awkward” conversations as he finalized his squad for the remaining of Chelsea’s European season.

    Chelsea is lacking a true striker in his absence because the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward has only scored three goals in 18 games this season, 10 of which have been starts.

    Aubameyang scored twice against Milan at home and away while starting all six of Chelsea’s group stage matches in the Champions League.

    Instead, Potter has relied on attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, who has spent much of his career as one, as well as forwards Joao Felix, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid, and Mudryk, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk.

    Another front-line alternative is Raheem Sterling, who is listed as a midfielder on Chelsea’s squad list.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/top-premier-league-matches-to-watch-this-weekend/

    In the Champions League’s round of 16, Chelsea plays Borussia Dortmund; the away leg is scheduled for February 15 and the home match is scheduled for March 7.

    Given that Chelsea is fading in 10th position in the Premier League, that competition appears to be the club’s greatest chance of returning to the Champions League for the upcoming season.

    Joao Felix, Mudryk, and fellow January acquisition Fernandez are all included in Potter’s squad for Europe, but Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, and Noni Madueke are the only players that were acquired during the mid-season transfer window.

    No more than 25 players could be added to the squad that competed in the group stage, and Chelsea, like all clubs, was only permitted to add three additional names.

    Hakim Ziyech, the winger who appeared to be joining Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day but whose deal fell through in the final minutes, was another standout inclusion.

  • Mbappe’s injury comes at a bad moment for PSG

    Mbappe’s injury comes at a bad moment for PSG

    Injuries have once again threatened to derail Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League campaign, with Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the first leg against Bayern Munich because of an ankle injury.

    Mbappe suffered the injury to his left thigh in the first half of ( Paris Saint-Germain Football Club) PSG’s 3-1 win at Montpellier in midweek and had to come off, having already twice missed a penalty in the early stages of the match. It raises questions about PSG’s handling of a player who starred for France at the World Cup right to the end, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, but then opted to make an immediate return to training with his club.

    He was eventually afforded a week’s holiday at the start of January but he has not looked as sharp as usual – his only Ligue 1 goal since the World Cup was a penalty against Strasbourg on December 28. PSG have said Mbappe will be sidelined for around three weeks, meaning he could miss three key Ligue 1 games as well as a French Cup last-16 tie in Marseille.

    While he will hope to be back in time for the second leg of that Champions League tie against Bayern on March 8, PSG must now hope that the presence of Lionel Messi and Neymar can be enough for them in the first game against the Germans on February 14. In recent seasons the injury headaches have usually been caused by Neymar, who has had a tendency to suffer from fitness issues just before big European ties.

    But there must also be doubts about who can take Mbappe’s place in the team, given that a January transfer deadline-day move for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech fell through, Pablo Sarabia has left the club and centre-forward Hugo Ekitike may still be too raw for a huge Champions League tie. Whatever happens, it is a stinging blow to lose Mbappe now after PSG pushed the boat out to offer him a new contract last year in order to lead the club’s latest charge for European glory.

    In the meantime PSG have at least extended their cushion at the top of Ligue 1 to five points and Saturday’s visit of mid-table Toulouse will give coach Christophe Galtier the chance to look at other options. Galtier has already been struggling to find a suitable system for his team in recent games, switching from a three-man central defence to a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2. One player who will hope to make more of an impact is Warren Zaire-Emery, the gifted midfielder who is not 17 until next month but scored his first Ligue 1 goal against Montpellier.

  • Enzo can give Chelsea’s rivals competition in the Premier League

    Enzo can give Chelsea’s rivals competition in the Premier League

    Chelsea broke the British transfer record to bring Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge, paying £106.8million to acquire the Argentine midfielder from Benfica.

    Blues owner Todd Boehly will expect the 22-year-old to make an instant impact for Graham Potter’s side.

    As the Premier League giants prepare to host Fulham in tonight’s West London derby, we look at what the World Cup winner has to offer.

    Rise to fame

    Fernandez was a little-known talent when he joined Benfica from River Plate last summer, but it turns out that the Primeira Liga leaders put their eggs in the right basket and the South American did not disappoint.

    He established himself as a regular starter for the Eagles, before heading to Qatar to take part in his first World Cup.

    Having only made his debut for La Albiceleste last September, he shone at the global showpiece, picking up the competition’s Young Player of the Tournament award.

    The sudden rise to prominence hugely inflated his price tag and interest in the young star, with Chelsea eventually winning the battle to land his signature.

    With Jorginho leaving the Blues to join London rivals Arsenal and N’Golo Kante out of contract in the summer, Boehly and Co will hope Fernandez becomes the jewel in Potter’s midfield for many years to come.

    Enzo Fernandez made his Champions League debut earlier this season
    Enzo Fernandez made his Champions League debut earlier this season

    Array of arrivals

    Fernandez was one of eight new signings at Chelsea last month, joining the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and loanee Joao Felix in making the switch to the Blues.

    At 23, Felix is the eldest of the January recruits, with Stamford Bridge chiefs investing in youth.

    Both Fernandez and Mudryk have signed on until 2031, with the West Londoners hoping to build a new golden generation of talent for the two-time Champions League winners.

    Fernandez will have a wealth of attacking weapons to supply and will hope to learn from more experienced colleagues Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.

    Undoubtedly, Fernandez’s record-breaking deal is a warning sign to Chelsea’s Premier League rivals that they mean business this season, and their long-term prospects are ominous.

    The man himself said: “Together, we will look to achieve everything the club wants and take it to the next level.

    “Chelsea is a big club, it’s a club that is always fighting for trophies and has won the Champions League in recent years.

    “I will give my all and support my team-mates to make them even better.”

    Numbers game

    Enzo Fernandez was a significant influence for Argentina at the World Cup
    Enzo Fernandez was a significant influence for Argentina at the World Cup

    Fernandez’s performances at the World Cup suggest that he has an incredibly high ceiling.

    In Qatar he averaged 1.28 shots per 90 minutes, as well as 0.96 chances created for Lionel Scaloni’s men.

    He also attempted a mammoth 3.52 crosses per game and 74.81 passes per 90.

    Equally adept in defence and attack, he notched one goal and one assist to go alongside seven interceptions in the centre of the park.

    The Buenos Aires native appears ready-made for one of the most physical leagues in the world.

    Chelsea challenge

    Enzo Fernandez won the World Cup on his first attempt
    Enzo Fernandez won the World Cup on his first attempt

    Yet the hefty price tag may weigh heavy on Fernandez’s shoulders, with some already criticising Chelsea’s eye-watering outlay.

    Ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent said: “I’ve got no doubts he’s a good player. We saw it at the World Cup, he’s very good, but really to break the British transfer record?

    “No, I think he’s a good player, but I can’t justify the fee.”

    But boss Potter has defended the club’s decision, saying: “Every transfer is a gamble.

    “If you look at the market for midfield players — and midfield players that haven’t won the World Cup — you’ll be quoted a lot of money.

    “He has attributes that can help him play in any league in the world. He has already played well in the Champions League and we followed him before the World Cup, we knew about him anyway.

    “We’re confident about the personality. I’m very pleased, because he is a fantastic player.”

    Lying 10th in the league table and knocked out of both domestic cup competitions by Manchester City earlier this season, the only way is up for Potter and his new recruits.

    All eyes will be on Fernandez as he seeks to embark on a glittering career in England.

  • Enzo hits out at media after Blues land World Cup winner

    Enzo hits out at media after Blues land World Cup winner

    Recent Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez, following his record-breaking transfer from Benfica, has criticised the media

    Just before the transfer window closed, the Blues and the Portuguese powerhouses reached a reported £106.8 million agreement in which they agreed to pay the midfielder’s full release clause.

    Fernandez, 22, has surpassed Manchester City’s £100 million expenditure for Jack Grealish in 2021 to become the most expensive player to play on British soil.

    On leaving the Eagles, Fernandez wrote on social media: “I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, where I enjoyed every moment to the fullest and always gave my best.

    “Let the press not stain what we built together because it was something wonderful that I had never imagined.

    “Thanks to all the collaborators who worked hard to make the institution much bigger than it is.

    “Thanks to my colleagues for always treating me in the best way and making me feel at home.

    “I’m grateful to the club’s leadership and especially to [Benfica coach] Roger Schmidt, to all your staff for the trust and daily respect.”

    The River Plate academy graduate joined Benfica last July but rose to prominence when helping Argentina lift their third World Cup in December, with his performances seeing him named the Young Player of the Tournament in Qatar.

    Chelsea had pursued the star throughout January but a deal looked unlikely due to the Portuguese side’s reported demands over the structure of the deal.

    Yet after rekindling their interest in recent days, the Blues made a late breakthrough to add Fernandez to Graham Potter’s bulging squad.

    The Argentinian World Cup winner, the club’s eighth major arrival during the January sales, has been handed a deal until the summer of 2031 at Stamford Bridge.

    He follows the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile in joining Todd Boehly’s revolution in West London. 

    .

  • PSG likely to appeal after Chelsea paperwork issue prevents Ziyech loan

    PSG likely to appeal after Chelsea paperwork issue prevents Ziyech loan

    According to reports, the loan agreement that would have brought Hakim Ziyech to Paris Saint-Germain was thwarted by a paperwork blunder on the part of Chelsea.

    Ziyech, 29, landed in Paris on Tuesday to finalize the transfer, with both clubs on board after he struggled to break into Graham Potter’s plans despite being a former £35 million signing.

    The Moroccan international has only made four starts and six brief substitute appearances in the Premier League this year. On January 15, he assisted against Crystal Palace to contribute to his maiden goal.

  • Jorginho joins former club’s rival Arsenal

    Jorginho joins former club’s rival Arsenal

    Jorginho is eager to play for Mikel Arteta after joining Arsenal for £12 million from Chelsea.

    The 31-year-old Italian played for the Blues in more than 200 games and won the Europa League in 2018–19 and the Champions League in 2020–21.

    At the Emirates, he has agreed to an 18-month contract with a one-year extension option.

    The champion of Euro 2020 also acknowledges that he was on the verge of playing alongside Arteta in the past. He might make his debut on Saturday when the Gunners travel to Everton.

    Speaking to Arsenal.com, he said: “He was a big influence because I know he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes. So of course, he had a big influence.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/chelsea-and-enzo-fernandez-of-benfica-have-agreed-to-a-british-record-deal-of-107-million/

    “I’m very excited for this new challenge and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch. Everything has happened so fast. 

    “I was a bit surprised but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.”

    Jorginho is relishing the opportunity to work with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
    Jorginho is relishing the opportunity to work with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

    Arteta’s men sit top of the Premier League table, five points clear of champions Manchester City and Jorginho is relishing the prospect of helping the Gunners to title glory.

    He added: “I’ll try to just bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. It’s what I always bring with me. 

    “I try just to help with the experience I’ve had in my time with the other clubs and anything I can do just to help the team to achieve more and more. That’s my target. 

    “All I can promise is that I’m going to give my all to represent this club.”

    After being unveiled by Arsenal, the club’s new No20 took to Instagram to thank Chelsea for his spell at Stamford Bridge. 

    Alongside a video of memorable moments from his time in a blue shirt, Jorginho posted: “Thank you, Chelsea. Had an amazing time. The story was written.”

  • Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez of Benfica have agreed to a British record deal of £107 million

    Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez of Benfica have agreed to a British record deal of £107 million

    Chelsea have agreed a British record 121m euro (£107m) deal for Benfica’s Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

    The deal eclipses the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.

    Benfica said in a statement it had “reached an agreement with Chelsea FC for the sale of all the rights of the player Enzo Fernandez”.

    Fernandez, who only joined Benfica for a reported £10m in August, was named young player of the tournament during Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.

    The 22-year-old’s arrival takes Chelsea’s January spending to £288m, according to transfer website Transfer market.

    That follows an outlay of around £270m in the summer – a record for a British club in the summer window – taking their total spend under new American owner Todd Boehly to more than £550m on 17 new players.

    The Fernandez signing is the joint-sixth most expensive of all-time, equalling the 120m euros Barcelona paid for France forward Antoine Griezmann in 2019.

  • Jorginho to make deadline day move to Arsenal from Chelsea!

    Jorginho to make deadline day move to Arsenal from Chelsea!

    Huge news on transfer deadline day as Arsenal have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of Jorginho. The Gunners will pay 12 million pounds for the Italian whose Chelsea contract expires in summer 2023.

    Surprise on the final day of the January transfer window. Arsenal have moved very quickly and reached a last minute agreement with Chelsea for the signing of Jorginho

    The Italian international, whose Chelsea contract expires in June, will continue his career at the Gunners for 12 million pounds. 

    Fabrizio Romano reports that an agreement has been reached between the two London clubs and the 31 year-old midfielder will sign a contract until 2024 once his medical has been reached. 

    Arsenal were planning to sign a reinforcement in midfield in this transfer window. Moises Caicedo of Brighton was the first option. However, as a result of Brighton’s refusal to sell the player, the Arsenal board went for Jorginho, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

    Manager Mikel Arteta was fundamental to persuading the footballer to accept the offer of the Premier League players. In the coming hours, the news will be made official.

  • Enzo-Chelsea deal in stalemate as Benfica proves difficult

    Enzo-Chelsea deal in stalemate as Benfica proves difficult

    Benfica president Rui Costa has not given the green light to sell Enzo Fernández to Chelsea.

    The Blues have presented a proposal worth €120m. According to international sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Benfica may want more than what Chelsea are offering.

    In a tweet, he wrote that it was a “tense night of talks” and “Chelsea wanted breakthrough in the night but nothing yet.”

    It is expected that negotiations will continue in the morning.

    Meanwhile, there are reports that Chelsea are considering a sensational double move of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo today.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Who is the richest football team owner in the world as of 2023?

    Who is the richest football team owner in the world as of 2023?

    Richest football club owner in 2023: top 10 list

    The list below explores the top 10 richest football club owners in 2023. These people have invested heavily in their cubs and are now reaping the fruits of their labor.

    10. Dietmar Hopp & family – Hoffenheim ($4.3 billion)

    top 10 richest football club owners in 2022
    Dietmar Hopp pauses during a Bloomberg Television interview in St. Leon-Rot, Germany. Photo: @Stephen Young/Bloomberg via Getty Images
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Dietmar Hopp
    • Date of birth: 26th April 1940
    • Age: 82 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Baden Wurttemberg, Southern Germany
    • Nationality: German
    • Club: Hoffenheim
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $4.3 billion

    Dietmar Hopp & family own Turn- und Sportgemeinschaft 1899 Hoffenheim e.V., alias TSG 1899 Hoffenheim or Hoffenheim, a German professional football club based in Hoffenheim. The family owns Dietmar Hopp Stiftung, a firm that supports sports, medicine, education and social programmes.

    Dietmar Hopp’s net worth (and that of his family) is about $4.3 billion as of 2023.

    9. Todd Boehly – Chelsea FC ($5.3 billion)

    world's richest football club owner
    Todd Boehly listens during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S.A. Photo: @Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Todd Boehly
    • Date of birth: 20th September 1973
    • Age: 49 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: United States of America
    • Nationality: American
    • Club: Chelsea
    • Profession: Businessman and investor
    • Net worth: $5.3 billion

    In May 2022, Todd Boehly and other business people acquired Chelsea FC from Roman Abramovich. They parted with nearly $5 billion to acquire the football club. Todd Boehly’s net worth is $5.3 billion.

    He co-founded Eldridge Industries, an elite investment company, in 2015. He is the chair and CEO of the consultancy and finance firm.

    8. Zhang Jindong – Inter Milan ($7.4 billion)

    richest football club owners in 2022
    Zhang Jindong speaks during the conference of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd cooperating with Suning Commerce Group Co. Ltd. Photo: @Visual China Group via Getty Images
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Zhang Jindong
    • Date of birth: 23rd March 1963
    • Age: 59 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Tianchang, Anhui, China
    • Nationality: Chinese
    • Club: Inter Milan
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $7.4 billion

    Zhang Jindong chairs Suning.com, one of China’s e-commerce companies and largest appliance retailers. In June 2016, his private firm called Suning Holdings bought 70% of F.C. Inter Milan for $300 million. Today, Zhang Jindong’s net worth is $7.4 billion.

    7. Nasser Al-Khelaifi – Paris Saint-Germain ($8 billion)

    top 10 richest football club owners in 2022
    Nasser Al-Khelaifi addresses the press during the presentation of Layvin Kurzawa to the media at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. Photo: @Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Nasser bin Ghanim Al-Khelaifi
    • Date of birth: 12th November 1973
    • Age: 49 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Doha, Qatar
    • Nationality: Qatari
    • Club: Paris Saint-Germain
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $8 billion

    Nasser Al-Khelaifi is the head of Qatar Sports Investments, a company that owns the French team, Paris Saint-Germain. He masterminded the $233 million transfer of Neymar from Barcelona to PSG.

    PSG owner’s net worth as of 2023 is $8 billion. This amount comes from his myriad of businesses, including chairing beIN Media Group and chairing Qatar Sports Investments. He is the president of PSG and Qatar Tennis Federation and the vice president of the Asian Tennis Federation for West Asia.

    6. Robert Kraft – New England Revolution ($10.6 billion)

    richest football club owner in the world in 2022
    Robert Kraft testifies during the murder trial for former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez at Bristol County Superior Court in Fall River, Mass. Photo: @Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe
    Source: UGC
    • Full name: Robert Kenneth Kraft
    • Date of birth: 5th June 1941
    • Age: 81 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Brookline, Massachusetts, United States of America
    • Nationality: American
    • Club: New England Patriots
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $10.6 billion

    Robert Kraft bought the New England Patriots for $172 million in 1994. Today, the team is worth about $6 billion. It has won six Super Bowl rings.

    Kraft’s sports portfolio also includes the New England Revolution MLS club. In 2017, he started a professional video gaming team in Boston. Robert Kraft’s net worth is $10.6 billion.

    5. Philip Anschutz – Los Angeles Galaxy ($10.8 billion)

    top 20 richest football owners in the world
    Philip Anschutz attends the Forbes Media Centennial Celebration at Pier 60 in New York City. Photo: @Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Philip Anschutz
    • Date of birth: 28th December 1939
    • Age: 83 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Russell, Kansas, United States of America
    • Nationality: American
    • Club: Los Angeles Galaxy (LA Galaxy)
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $10.8 billion

    Philip Anschutz has built fortunes in railroads, oil, telecom, real estate, sports, and entertainment. He is the majority owner of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and has a stake in MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy.

    Besides, he owns the Crypto.com Arena, where the Kings play. His firm, Anschutz Entertainment Group, operates at least 350 owned or affiliated arenas and concert venues in different parts of the world. Philip Anschutz’s net worth is $10.8 billion as of 2023.

    4. Stanley Kroenke – Arsenal ($12.9 billion)

    world's richest football club owner
    Stanley Kroenke attends the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S.A. Photo: @Scott Eells/Bloomberg via Getty Images
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Enos Stanley Kroenke
    • Date of birth: 29th July 1947
    • Age: 75 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
    • Nationality: American
    • Club: Arsenal
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $12.9 billion

    Stan Kroenke is a real estate and sports mogul with an international portfolio. He is the owner of Arsenal FC, and ranks fourth on the list of the top 20 richest football owners in the world.

    The entrepreneur also owns Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids. His net worth is $12.9 billion as of 2023.

    3. Andrea Agnelli & family – Juventus ($19.1 billion)

    Who is the richest sports club owner?
    A picture of Andrea Agnelli, the president of Juventus F.C. Photo: @Mauro Ujetto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Andrea Agnelli
    • Date of birth: 6th December 1975
    • Age: 47 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Turin, Italy
    • Nationality: Italian
    • Club: Juventus
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $19.1 billion

    Although the Agnelli family is the primary owner of the football club Juventus, Andrea Agnelli is the face of the enterprise. He serves as the president of the club and also chairs the European Club Association ECA.

    Aside from owning the Juventus football club, Andrea and his family are merchandisers in the motor industry, producing machines such as Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari. Andrea Agnelli’s net worth (and his family’s) is $19.1 billion.

    2. Dietrich Mateschitz – FC Red Bull Salzburg ($20.7 billion)

    richest football club owners in 2022
    Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull owner, during day six of F1 Winter Testing. Photo: @Marco Canoniero/LightRocket
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Dietrich Mateschitz
    • Date of birth: 20th May 1944
    • Age: 78 years (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: Sankt Marein Im Murztal, Styria, Austria
    • Nationality: Austrian
    • Clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and NY Red Bulls
    • Profession: Entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $20.7 billion

    Dietrich Mateschitz is known for co-founding the ubiquitous energy drink called Red Bull in 1987. Before then, he was a marketing executive for Blendax, a German consumer products company.

    The billionaire comes second on the list of the richest football club owners in 2023, with a net worth of $20.7 billion. He owns FC Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and RB Leipzig in Germany.

    1. Sheikh Mansour – Manchester City ($30 billion)

    richest football club owner
    Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the Awards Ceremony at the UAE Tour. Photo: @Artur Widak/NurPhoto
    Source: Getty Images
    • Full name: Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
    • Date of birth: 20th November 1970
    • Age: 52 years old (as of 2023)
    • Place of birth: United Arab Emirates
    • Nationality: Emirati
    • Club: Manchester City
    • Profession: Politician and entrepreneur
    • Net worth: $30 billion

    Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alias Sheikh Mansour, is renowned for owning Manchester City, a famous Premier League club. The Emirati politician and entrepreneur also owns other clubs, including Melbourne City, New York City, Mumbai City, Belgian side Lommel SK, and Uruguayan team Montevideo City Torque.

    Sheikh is the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and is ranked as the world’s richest football club owner in 2023. He has a net worth of $30 billion.

    Summary of the richest football club owners in 2023

    RankClub OwnerClubNet worth
    1Sheikh MansourManchester City$30 billion
    2Dietrich MateschitzFC Red Bull Salzburg$20.7 billion
    3Andrea Agnelli & familyJuventus$19.1 billion
    4Stanley KroenkeArsenal$12.9 billion
    5Philip AnschutzLA Galaxy$10.8 billion
    6Robert KraftNew England Revolution$10.6 billion
    7Nasser Al-KhelaifiParis Saint-Germain$8 billion
    8Zhang JindongInter Milan$7.4 billion
    9Todd BoehlyChelsea FC$5.3 billion
    10Dietmar Hopp & familyHoffenheim$4.3 billion

    Which is the richest soccer team in Spain?

    The wealthiest soccer team in Spain is Real Madrid with a net value of $5.1 billion as of 2023. Real Madrid’s members (socios) have owned and operated the club since its establishment.

    The wealthiest soccer team in the world is Real Madrid with a net value of $5.1 billion. It has an annual revenue of $761 million.

    Who is the richest football club owner in the world?

    The wealthiest football club owner in the world in 2023 is Sheikh Mansour. He owns Manchester City and has a net worth of $30 billion.

    Who is the richest owner of a football club in the world?

    The richest owner of a football club in the world today is Sheikh Mansour. His net worth is $30 billion and he owns Manchester City.

    What is Man City owner’s net worth in 2023?

    Manchester City owner’s name is Sheikh Mansour. His net worth is $30 billion.

    Who is the richest club owner in the Premier League?

    The richest club owner in the English Premier League is Sheikh Mansour, the owner of Manchester City. He is worth $30 billion.

    Who is the richest sports club owner?

    The wealthiest sports club owner is Steve Ballmer, who owns The Los Angeles Clippers. The Los Angeles Clippers is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. Ballmer’s net worth is $91.4 billion as of 2023.

    The richest football club owner is worth billions of dollars. Many of the wealthiest football club owners globally are renowned businesspeople and entrepreneurs.

  • Enzo on Chelsea’s radar while Gunners chase Caicedo

    Enzo on Chelsea’s radar while Gunners chase Caicedo

    In order to finalize a stunning signing for Enzo Fernandez before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, Chelsea is reportedly back at the negotiation table.

    The Portuguese powerhouses turned down a £70 million offer from the Blues earlier this month for their Argentine World Cup hero, but they’re willing to go even higher to close the deal.

    The West Londoners, according to The Telegraph, have put out two fresh ideas in an effort to land their eighth signing of the January transfer window.

    Stamford Bridge executives have proposed paying £85 million for the 22-year-old in exchange for letting one of their players join Benfica. They are also willing to pay Fernandez’s £105 million release clause in installments.

    It remains to be seen if the Eagles will be persuaded by either of the latest offers given that they previously insisted that his clause be fulfilled in full.

    Personal conditions could be agreed upon late in the transfer window because Fernandez is thought to be eager on joining the Premier League team.

    Seagulls hold firm on Caicedo

    Moises Caicedo has revealed his desire to leave Brighton
    Moises Caicedo has revealed his desire to leave Brighton

    Brighton have rejected a second offer from Arsenal worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons for wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo.

    Sky Sports say the Seagulls are adamant the 21-year-old will not be sold before Tuesday’s deadline despite the player’s apparent desire to move to the Premier League leaders.

    The Ecuador international pleaded with the South Coast club to allow him to leave in a revealing Instagram post over the weekend.

    He said: “My dream [was] always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.

    “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”

    It is indicated that Caicedo has been told to stay away from Brighton’s training ground as they look to avoid losing their second player to the North London club this window following Leandro Trossard’s £27m switch.

    In other news

    Ecuador international defender Piero Hincapie remains a transfer target for Tottenham
    Ecuador international defender Piero Hincapie remains a transfer target for Tottenham

    Tottenham have submitted a £22m offer to Bayer Leverkusen for defender Piero Hincapie, 21, according to Bild.

    The Mail indicate Everton are working on bringing in a forward as well as Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, 27.

    Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Football Insider have claimed.

  • Gusto to stay at Lyon despite Chelsea interest

    Gusto to stay at Lyon despite Chelsea interest

    Despite Chelsea’s interest, Malo Gusto will continue at Lyon, according to club president Jean-Michel Aulas, who also stated that the right-back will stay in Ligue 1.

    The Premier League powerhouses, who oversaw a high-spending January transfer window, have been mentioned as potential destinations for the young player.

    International youth of France The most recent candidate to be mentioned for a relocation, Gusto, supposedly already has a six-and-a-half-year contract with personal terms set.

    However, according to sources, Lyon rejected a £17.6 million offer from the Blues on Wednesday, and according to Aulas, the 19-year-old will not be moving this month.

    “I have the pleasure to explain that Malo Gusto, one of Lyon’s big talents, will continue to play for Lyon until at least June 30,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Gusto’s contract with the Ligue 1 team, which is now ninth with just one victory in their past five games in the top division, expires at the end of the upcoming season.

    In order to get Chelsea to boost their offer or wait until the end of the season, the club is said to value him closer to £35 million (€40 million).

    Gusto has made 47 appearances for his hometown club and is vying for a spot on Didier Deschamps’ France senior team.

    He would join Chelsea as their seventh new player of the transfer window, and after Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, he would be the second player from Ligue 1.

    Other long-term additions to Stamford Bridge include David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke. Joao Felix also came on loan from Atletico Madrid.

  • Newcastle not after Gordon anymore; Chelsea take the lead

    Newcastle not after Gordon anymore; Chelsea take the lead

    Newcastle enquired to Everton about Anthony Gordon, but now the Magpies have withdrawn their offer. It is now Chelsea who are the ones said to be interested in getting the English forward.

    Anthony Gordon is one of Everton’s best players. That is why certain Premier League clubs are thought to be interested in the forward this January and to have enquired about him.

    One of those sides was Newcastle, who are having a great campaign and are currently third in the table, behind City and Arsenal. However, ‘Sky Sports’ have reported that Eddie Howe’s side have taken themselves out of contention.

    Their goal to get into the Champions League is on the horizon, but they have rejected the English youngster, which, according to ‘Northern Echo’, is something that has sparked interest at Chelsea. The Blues have already spent a lot of money.

    After signing Mudryk, Badiashile, Madueke and Joao Felix, the Stamford Bridge board are thinking about getting Anthony Gordon in order to force players out who do not play, such as Pulisic and Ziyech.