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Tag: Stamford Bridge

  • Christensen, Drinkwater released by Chelsea football club

    Chelsea players Christensen and Danny Drinkwater, are on the list of released by the London clubside. Their names have been submitted to the English premier League board.

    The Danish international is being linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.

    The statement read in part: “Andreas Christensen’s Chelsea contract expires this summer, bringing to an end his 10 years as a Blue, during which he graduated from our Academy and subsequently secured a regular place in our senior squad, playing 161 games

    “He would experience success in the FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and, most memorably, the Champions League. He came off the bench in the first half of the final in Porto last year and was crucial to our defensive efforts as we overcame Manchester City.

    “Christensen’s Chelsea story began in 2012 when he arrived from Brondby in his native Denmark. He enjoyed instant success in our Academy, reaching two finals in his first season and then winning two trophies, the FA Youth Cup and the Under-21 Premier League, in his second.

    “Shortly after his 17th birthday he was named on the bench for the final game of the 2012/13 Premier League campaign, a win against Everton, and he was then involved in a post-season tour to the USA.

    “His involvement with Jose Mourinho’s squad stepped up in 2014/15, and Christensen was handed his Chelsea debut in a fourth-round League Cup victory at Shrewsbury. He played the full 90 minutes at right-back and performed a similar role in the FA Cup fourth round against Bradford.

    “Christensen continued to play his part for our Academy teams, excelling as we won the UEFA Youth League for the first time. A good third year at Chelsea concluded with a Premier League bow against Sunderland on the day we lifted the title, and then a senior Denmark debut in a friendly against Montenegro.”

  • EPL: Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa set to leave Stamford Bridge

    EPL: Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa set to leave Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, has revealed that second choice goal keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

    The German tactician further explained that the Spanish goalkeeper is ‘not happy’ with his role at the west London club and ‘deserves to play more’.

    Kepa was acquired from Spanish giant Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a record fee of 72 Million pounds.

    The 24 year-old goalie went down the pecking order when Chelsea acquired Athletic Bilbao who instanly became Chelsea’s number 1

    Asked about Arrizabalaga’s future during his last pre-match press conference of the season Tuchel said: “It depends what he wants and it depends what his plans are, but I know that we are very privileged to have Edou [Mendy] and Kepa in our squad.

    “I know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation and he deserves to play more and he can be a strong number one.

    “He arrived as a number one goalkeeper so the situation is not easy. I can tell you that he has been a fantastic team player since day one and always was and never let anybody down,” he added.

    Having admitted that the Spain International is unhappy at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel said he hopes to talk to the 23-year-old to find a way to convince to stay longer at the club.

    However, despite speculations linking the Spanish goalkeeper out of Stamford, Tuchel said he would like to have both strong goalkeepers, Mendy and Kepa at Chelsea next season, adding “Let’s see.”

  • Boehly: What happens next at Chelsea FC

    Boehly: What happens next at Chelsea FC

    American business tycoon, Todd Boehly has agreed to a £4.25billion ($5.24 billion) deal to buy Chelsea Football Club of London from Russian-Israeli billionaire, Roman Abramovich.

    Here below is a look at the state of play at Stamford Bridge.

    How was the deal agreed?

    Boehly and his consortium partners have battled past a host of suitors to strike a deal to buy Chelsea for the highest price ever paid for a sports club.

    Former British Airways chairman Martin Broughton and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca had joined Boehly in the final three bidding to buy the Blues.

    Boehly and his partners brokered a deal with New York merchant bank the Raine Group, handling the sale on Chelsea’s behalf.

    Chelsea eventually announced the agreement in the early hours of Saturday.

    So what happens now?

    Boehly and his partners must pass the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ tests, before the British government will then sign off the sale by granting a new licence for the deal to be completed.

    Why is Chelsea FC being sold?

    Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2, amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine.

    The 55-year-old was then sanctioned by the British government on March 10, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Russia’s president Vladimir Putin.

    Abramovich’s ownership was left untenable, with the billionaire selling Chelsea after 19 years at the Stamford Bridge helm.

    Are there any remaining concerns around the sale?

    Abramovich cannot profit from the sale under the terms of his sanctions, but the Chelsea owner has long since pledged to donate all proceeds to a charitable foundation to aid victims of the war in Ukraine.

    The government must agree to Abramovich’s plans to set up an independently-run charitable foundation to handle the distribution of those funds.

    Abramovich wants to write off his 1.5 billion pounds loan to Chelsea, but the sanctions currently block such a move.

    Chelsea and the government expect to find a resolution, with the Boehly sale agreement paving the way for the deal to be completed.

    Who else is involved in the winning consortium?

    Clearlake Capital will take the majority shareholding, with co-founder Behdad Eghbali taking the lead on all things Chelsea from the California-based investment firm.

    Boehly’s LA Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter adds yet more sports administration expertise, while Swiss magnate Hansjorg Wyss is also involved.

    What if the deal were to hit an unlikely snag?

    Chelsea and the Raine Group could turn to one of the previous bidders should any problems arise with Boehly’s offer.

    Though this now seems highly unlikely, Broughton’s bid would be expected to be progressed first should Boehly hit any trouble.

    Ineos chief Jim Ratcliffe appears further removed from the picture.

    Britain’s richest man tabled a last-ditch offer for the Blues last week, but did so outside of the official sale process.

    Raine rejected the bid out of hand, but in spite of that the 69-year-old had refused to admit defeat on his candidacy.

  • Arsenal gets on track with Champions League after thrashing Chelsea 4-2

    Arsenal gets on track with Champions League after thrashing Chelsea 4-2

    Resurging Arsenal got their Champions League push back on track with 4-2 win at Chelsea on Wednesday.

     

    Eddie Nketiah’s brace and goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka sealed the win.

     

    Gunners move level on points with fourth-placed Spurs; Chelsea stay third, five ahead of Arsenal.

     

    The Gunners took the lead not once, but twice at Stamford Bridge through goals from Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe, but on both occasions, Chelsea found a response as Timo Werner’s deflected strike and Cesar Azpilicueta’s low finish sent the sides in level at the interval.

     

    The scoring wasn’t over in the second half as the Gunners took the lead once again, and it was Nketiah who grabbed his side’s third before Bukayo Saka sealed Arsenal’s victory from the spot after being hauled down late on by Azpilicueta.

     

    Victory ends a run of three straight defeats in the Premier League for Arsenal and sees Mikel Arteta’s side move level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham – who they still have to play towards the end of the season – ahead of another crucial match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

     

    Meanwhile, Chelsea, who suffered a second straight home league defeat, remain third, five points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal.

     

    Nketiah was crowned Man of the match.

     

    Highlights:
    In what was a frantic first half, Arsenal took the lead when a long hopeful ball over was not dealt with by Andreas Christensen, and his under-hit back pass was picked up by Nketiah, who finished expertly past Edouard Mendy for his first league goal of the season.

     

    Much to the frustration of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, the lead did not last long as Chelsea were back on level terms just four minutes later.

     

    The Gunners wasted numerous chances to clear the ball before Werner’s strike deflected off Granit Xhaka to bring the scores level.

     

    It was proving to be a difficult evening for both defences as Arsenal re-established their lead midway through the opening 45 minutes.

     

    Smith Rowe produced another fine finish to round off an excellent team goal, sweeping home into the bottom corner after excellent work from Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in the build-up.

     

    The goals kept coming and the celebrations in the away end were cut short again as Chelsea hit back again.

     

    Cesar Azpilicueta pounced like a striker to get on the end of Mason Mount’s ball into the box to take the two sides into the break on level terms.

     

    Chelsea responded to their defensive frailties in the first half by bringing on Thiago Silva for Christensen, but it would be Arsenal who hit the front for a third time.

     

    More indecision in the Chelsea defence allowed the striker to nip in and he poked home after Nuno Tavares’ cross had not been dealt with by the Blues’ backline.

     

    Substitutions:
    Thomas Tuchel made four changes to his side that beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

     

    Romelu Lukaku started his first match in two months as Kai Havertz was given a rest on the bench.

     

    Antonio Rudiger (groin) and Mateo Kovacic (ankle) were not in the squad after playing vs Palace.

     

    Jorginho also dropped to the bench as Ngolo Kante came in.

     

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Malang Sarr were the other two Chelsea changes, coming into the team.

     

    Alexandre Lacazette returned for Arsenal on the bench after missing their 1-0 defeat at Southampton due to Covid as Eddie Nketiah kept his place up front.

     

    Mikel Arteta made three changes with Rob Holding coming into the backline for Cedric Soares. Mohamed Elneny started his first game since December 2nd in midfield instead of Albert Sambi Lokonga, while Emile Smith Rowe started ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.

     

    Another frustrating night for Romelu Lukaku came to an end as Chelsea threw on Kai Havertz as they looked for a third equaliser of the night, but it never came.

     

    Arsenal won a late penalty as Bukayo Saka was dragged to the ground by Azpilicueta, the forward dusting himself off to convert the resulting spot-kick to wrap up a crucial three points for the Gunners.

     

    What the managers said:
    A very dejected Thomas Tuchel said there were too many dramatic mistakes in Chelsea’s performance as they were beaten 4-2 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

     

    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: “It was a totally wild and open game in the first half, already at 2-2 after we came back twice.

     

    “We had a good start but again gave the first goal away, which is impossible to do these things in consecutive matches. But we’re doing it. We came back twice and we scored another two in the second half, unfortunately for the wrong side.

     

    “It’s a level of mistakes, the number of mistakes in consecutive games here at home, it’s impossible at this kind of level. You don’t see this.

     

    “It’s simply impossible, but we’re doing this at the moment and you cannot win football games like this. It’s not about individual players.

    “A defensive performance is a team performance and an offensive performance is a team performance.

     

    “You need to have the tactics right, which is doubtful I had this right, and you need the team selection right, again it’s doubtful I had this right. Then it’s a game for the players.

     

    “They get full praise when they do it, when they did it for the last three matches. And they have to face the reality that it’s impossible to win matches if you make this amount of mistakes of this calibre.

     

    “It’s simply impossible. I don’t see it in any other matches but I see it now in consecutive matches of our games and it has to stop.”

     

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: “I said to the players, if you want to be playing Champions League football, you have to go these stadiums and beat the top teams.

     

    “So they have done it and I’m really proud of them, but I’m more proud of how we’ve reacted as a group in the past weeks. That gives me more energy to be here.

     

    “What I love is the spirit of these players. When you lose matches, you get punished, you get criticised but for these players I don’t care because it’s so worth it.

     

    “They are phenomenal people and as a group they are really growing. To win a London derby away from home and how we did it, I am really happy.”

     

  • Havertz scores late as Chelsea defeat Newcastle United

    Havertz scores late as Chelsea defeat Newcastle United

    Chelsea Midfielder, Kai Havertz, on Sunday scored a sensational late winner to register 3 points for the Blues against Newcastle United, after avoiding a red card for a nasty aerial challenge on Dan Burn on an emotional day at Stamford Bridge.

     

    Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea boss, will no doubt remain confident in his side’s ability to earn three points as they look to extend their six-point lead over Manchester United in a bid to secure Champions League qualification as quickly as possible.

     

    The match occurred amidst the backdrop of the license the Blues must adhere to since Roman Abramovich was sanctioned.

     

    As things stand, it will be the last sell-out match of the season in SW6.

     

    SUPPORTERS OUTSIDE STAMFORD BRIDGE

    Outside Stamford Bridge supporters were met by a row of cameras and microphones, an open invitation to offer their opinions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

     

    “We all feel bad for the Ukrainian people, of course, we do, but why should we have to suffer when it’s nothing to do with us?” said one man old enough to have been around when Chelsea teetered closer to the brink of existence several decades ago.

     

    Another stood at the Britannia Gate holding an A4 piece of paper that read: “Don’t use Chelsea for your bull**** politics. Forever Chelsea.”

     

    At this stage, it is also worth pointing out that Abramovich has always vehemently denied any association with Vladimir Putin.

     

    “He’s not involved in politics,” a Chelsea spokesman said.

     

    No one seriously wants to see a 117-year-old club, the reigning European champions, destroyed.

     

    Opposition fans may whip up such sentiments but the reality is the government has already provided leeway by simply providing a special license to operate that has already been loosened.

     

    They did not have to but for obvious reasons, it is in the government’s interest to keep Chelsea alive.

     

     

  • REVEALED: Saudi Media boss and Chelsea fan set to takeover club

    REVEALED: Saudi Media boss and Chelsea fan set to takeover club

    Saudi Media boss and Chelsea fan Mohamed Alkhereiji is convinced they have the spending power to match the past success of Roman Abramovich.

    Goal says Saudi Media – the biggest media group in the Middle East – are hopeful of completing the takeover of Chelsea.

    The interest is fueled by Alkhereiji, who is also the CEO of its parent company Engineer Holding Group – founded by his father Abdulelah Alkhereiji.

    He obtained an executive master’s degree of business administration from the London-based Business School, formerly Cass and previously worked as an analyst for Deutsche Bank in London.

    Alkhereiji is a fan of Chelsea, and this is his driving interest behind his attempt to buy the club and invest in its infrastructure.

    It is outlined that a major part of their plans to buy the club is their willingness to invest in redeveloping Stamford Bridge and the club’s academy at Cobham Training Centre, as well as the women’s team.

    Saudi Media generate a reported £770million per annum while any attempt to buy the West London club is likely to be supported by a consortium of other private backers from Saudi Arabia.

    It is the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge that is at the heart of their charm offensive, with costs of upgrading the stadium said to cost in the region of £1.5billion.

    Alkhereiji was behind the new, state-of-the-art stadium in Mrsool Park for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and it is suggested this will be a key factor in convincing the Blues that he is the right investor.

    The report also claims that Saudi Media would prioritise securing new contracts for Chelsea’s first-team players, with Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta among those who are due to become free agents this July.

    Tribalfootball

  • I’m not fearful of remaining at Stamford Bridge without Abramovich- Tuchel

    I’m not fearful of remaining at Stamford Bridge without Abramovich- Tuchel

    Chelsea head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has revealed why he is not fearful of remaining at Stamford Bridge without the Russian, Roman Abramovich, as the owner of the club.

     

    Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday that he intends to sell Chelsea after 19 years as the club’s owner- a move designed to put distance between Abramovich and Chelsea, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

     

    Tuchel said he could feel Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell Chelsea coming and isn’t afraid to remain at Stamford Bridge without the Russian as owner.

    It was on Wednesday evening that Abramovich released a statement on Chelsea’s website which confirmed his intention to sell.

     

    We will have a new owner but does that mean the organization is in question or the structure?

    According to him: “I knew a little bit before because I am, of course, in a direct line of communication with Petr (Cech) and Marina (Granovskaia), so I knew about it before.

    “It was more of a process of knowing than this one moment. It was a process of messages, a process of talks. It’s not like we had two weeks of nothing and then suddenly was told ok it will be sold. I could feel it coming. I could feel the possibility.”

    “I don’t know even if this quite makes sense but the club is not selling the club, the owner is selling the club. And he’s selling a well-structured, top-organized organization.

    “Right now, I don’t see why we should be in fear and concern about what is obviously so well-placed, so well organized, and so functional. It is and it’s a pleasure to work here. I can honestly say that this is the highest level that I have experienced [as a coach].

    “So yes, we will have a new owner but does that mean the organization is in question or the structure? I don’t think so is a given. Maybe it is and if it is we need to talk about it again, but why to think about it right now? It makes no sense.”

    Tuchel noted that he has not spoken to Abramovich since the owner’s statement was released on Wednesday.
    “It’s strange, we didn’t see this happening for a very long time. Chelsea was always a Roman Abramovich club from my point of view, and was run by a compassionate and committed owner who took to a sport that we all love, football, so seriously.

    “This is so new and such a big change that I’m not even sure how I feel about it. I’m very happy to come here actually to work, because on a daily basis, once we are in the building there is not a big change, because the owner was not here for lunch and not here for meetings, not here for training so this does actually at the moment look very normal. It gives everybody a good feeling.

    “And to figure out how I actually feel about it – in general I’m not a very scared person. In general, I don’t worry too long, too much. And I try to adapt to the needs of the situation,” Tuchel stated.

  • Manchester City end Chelsea’s unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge

    Manchester City end Chelsea’s unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season was brought to an end as Manchester City moved level on points with the Blues thanks to a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

    Gabriel Jesus’ second-half strike gave Pepe Guardiola’s men a deserved victory as they gained small revenge for last season’s Champions League final defeat to Thomas Tuchel’s men by the same scoreline.

  • Lukaku scores first Stamford Bridge goals in Villa win

    Lukaku scores first Stamford Bridge goals in Villa win

    Romelu Lukaku scored his first ever goals at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea beat Aston Villa to maintain their unbeaten start.

    Lukaku kissed the club badge as he celebrated his opener in front of Blues fans after beating Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer on his 15th appearance at the stadium overall.

    The Belgian’s clinical finish through Steer’s legs came from a precise pass from Mateo Kovacic inside his own half.

    Dean Smith’s side created plenty of chances after conceding and managed four shots on target, but could not find a way past Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

    Villa were punished for their wasted chances when Kovacic doubled Chelsea’s lead early in the second half with a first-time finish into the bottom corner from Tyrone Mings’ weak back pass.

    Lukaku sealed the win for Chelsea in injury time with a powerful finish down from the edge of the box.

    The victory takes Thomas Tuchel’s side up to second – level on points and goal difference with leaders Manchester United – and sees the club reach a significant milestone as they become only the second team in Premier League history to reach 600 wins in the competition (Man Utd have 689).

  • EPL: West Brom thrash Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

    EPL: West Brom thrash Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

    Relegation threatened West Brom thrash Chelsea 5-2 at Stamford Bridge in the English Premier League on Saturday.

    For the first time since 1978 West Brom win away at Chelsea.

    The Baggies were as brilliant as the Blues, who had Thiago Silva sent off in the 29th minute, were abject.

    The result moves the 19th-placed side to within seven points of 17th-placed Newcastle, and even if they do not manage the improbable and escape relegation, they will look back on this day with great pride.

    Sam Allardyce’s men were outstanding on the counter-attack and each of their goals was of high quality.

    Chelsea took an undeserved lead in the 27th minute when Christian Pulisic followed up after Marcos Alonso’s free-kick came off the post. However, two minutes later Chelsea’s day started to take a turn for the worse when Thiago was shown a second yellow for a rash challenge on Okay Yokuslu.

    That was followed by a horror show in first-half stoppage time as Pereira took centre stage. The Brazilian’s first effort was a cute finish over Edouard Mendy before he finished off a gorgeous move with a low strike between three defenders. In between those goals, Matt Phillips produced a strike that came off the woodwork.

    West Brom then went for the jugular as substitute Robinson made it 3-1 with a sensational side-foot volley before Mbaye Diagne finished off a sweet move with an even sweeter strike.

    England midfielder Mason Mount, brought on at half-time, tapped in to reduce the deficit but the Baggies resisted other Chelsea threats before Robinson capped off a great day for the visitors with a clipped finish.