Chelsea make Ukraine statement as Roman Abramovich gives control of Blues to charitable foundation – latest

Go for Diogo

Danny Murphy has tipped Liverpool to overcome Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final today.

And former Anfield midfielder believes Diogo Jota could make Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven with Roberto Firmino ruled out of action.

Murphy told Sky Sports:  “I think it will depend on Jota’s fitness. If Jota is fit, I think he will start with (Sadio) Mane and (Mohamed) Salah, with Luis Diaz coming off the bench.

“It’s good that they’ve got options now and they’re not so reliant on the normal front three of Firmino, Mane and Salah as they have been in previous season.

“I think we’ve seen with both Liverpool and Chelsea over the past few months just how important the substitutions can be.

“It’s not just about the first eleven, you’ve now got quality on both benches, that can come off the bench and win games of football with 20 minutes to go.”

Big Sam’s the man

Leeds United are being urged to bring Sam Allardyce in as a replacement for Marcelo Bielsa.

The club dropped the axe on the Argentinian’s Elland Road reign after four years in charge.

Richard Keys reckon Allardyce could help turnaround Leeds’ recent run of poor results.

However Red Bull Salzburg gaffer Jesse Marsch has been linked with the post.

Keys told beIN Sports: “I would be on the phone to Sam Allardyce as we speak and say we only have one objective… Just get us safe!”

Yarmo concern

West Ham have given Andriy Yarmolenko time off playing duties due to conflict in Ukraine.

David Moyes says Russia’s attack inside on player’s homeland has had a considerable effect on him.

The 32-year-old was born in Russia to Ukrainian parents who returned to the country when the player was three.

Moyes said: “He’s not in a really good position, I’ve got to say. We’ve given him a few days off and it’s totally understandable.

“The club have been very good, asked me to speak with him and if there’s anything we can do for him, we’ll certainly help him.

“He’s asked me just now if he can have a few days off and I’ve granted him that. It’s a real difficult time for him and his family, and we respect that.”

‘No respect’

Gary Neville reckons Leeds have been showing little respect for some of their opponents on the pitch.

The Man United hero was reacting to the news of the club sacking of Marcelo Bielsa from his manager’s role.

The announcement came a day after the club’s 4-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.

Neville told Sky Sports Super Sunday: “We know that Marcelo Bielsa had his values and principles, which we know he’s not going to change, and that has ultimately cost him.

“But there didn’t seem to be a lot of respect on the pitch for the opposition players and just chance after chance, goal after goal against your goalkeeper.

“But it is a bit of sadness because Leeds were exciting to watch.”

Rodri handball

The Premier League have explained why VAR decided not to given Everton a penalty against Manchester City.

Toffees boss Frank Lampard was infuriated are his side were denied a spot-kick after a handball by Man City midfielder Rodri.

The Everton manager raged that his three-year-old daughter could see it was a handball.

However acting VAR for the game Chris Kavanagh stuck with Paul Tierney’s on-field decision not to penalise Rodri.

And following the game the Premier League explained the decision stood because there was ‘not clear enough evidence to show conclusively that it was handball’.

All in for Erling

Manchester City are reportedly leading the chase for Erling Haaland’s signature.

German news outlet Bild claims the Borussia Dortmund is open to the idea of a Premier League move.

This is despite reports of the striker being heavily linked with a move to Spain and Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola is thought to be keen on signing the forward who has scored 23 goals in 20 games this term.

And the player has a £63million release clause which becomes active next summer.

Not slick for City

Virgil van Dijk reckons Manchester City will feel ‘uncomfortable’ at the top of the Prem with their title rivals eager to chase them down.

The Liverpool centre-back and his team-mates hope to derail City’s bid to win a fourth Premier League title in five terms.

Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back from a surprise loss to Tottenham to beat Everton on Saturday.

And they currently have a six-point lead on Liverpool who have a game in hand and face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final later.

Van Dijk, 30, told the Daily Mail: “A couple of years ago, we were in the hotseat where we were a few points in front and it was tough and we gave it away.

“It is not a very comfortable place to be. It is not easy to deal with the pressure but City have proven they can because they are unbelievable.”

Goodbye Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa has been fired as Leeds manager after a poor run of Premier League results for the Elland Road side.

SunSport says the club plan to announce a new boss for the side tomorrow.

Bielsa, 66, has spent four years at Leeds leading them to promotion to the Prem from the Championship.

But the club have struggled to progress this season losing four of their last five top tier games.

And they were trounced 4-0 by Tottenham on Saturday.

Conte see him staying

Rio Ferdinand reckons the chances of Antonio Conte remaining Tottenham’s boss next season are slim.

The Italy-born coach had been heavily linked with the Manchester United manager’s role earlier this season.

Despite Spurs’ 4-0 thrashing of Leeds Ferdinand believes Conte could part company with the club.

The former England centre-back told BT Sport: “I don’t think he’ll be here after the summer, based on what I’ve seen in the media this last week, based on the players he’s disposed of.

“I think he’ll be comfortable going ‘listen, I didn’t realise it was going to be that bad’ and he will feel no worry about walking away.

“He’s not someone who’ll look back and regret that, he’ll be confident in his decision and I’d be very surprised if he’ll be here next year.”

Chelsea comment on Ukraine

Chelsea have released a fresh statement in response to the conflict in Ukraine calling the situation ‘horrific’.

Their remarks come hours after Roman Abramovich announced he was stepping back from his role at the club.

However the Blues owner did not mention the war in Ukraine.

Chelsea’s statement read: “The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating.

“Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”

‘Happy man’ Eriksen

Christian Eriksen has been reflecting on his ‘wonderful’ football comeback after being told he would never play again.

The former Tottenham playmaker suffered a cardiac arrest whilst playing for Denmark at the 2020 Euros and was later let go by his old club Inter Milan.

But Eriksen, who has a defibrillator in his chest to prevent further issues, is now back in the Prem playing for Brentford.

And he made his first competitive return in the club’s 2-0 home loss to Newcastle on Saturday.

Eriksen said: “Take away the result and I am one happy man.

“To have been through what I’ve been through, with my family, to be back here is a wonderful and I’m just happy that it’s happened.”

Morgan miffed

Piers Morgan has blasted Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich after he handed control of the Blues to its trustees following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

Abramovich, 55, relinquished his power over the club on Saturday night with TV firebrand Morgan describing the move as “self-serving”.

The TalkTV presenter, 56, said: “Very simple question for Abramovich: do you support the war or not?

“If he does, or won’t say, he should be barred from owning any UK football club or business.

“Weasel words. Where is the condemnation of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine?”

Good morning football fans 

Roman Abramovich has sensationally given up control of Chelsea after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The Blues owner – who bought the club in July 2003 – released an incredible statement on their website tonight.

It comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.

The six new rulers of the Stamford Bridge club are chairman Bruce Buck, Blues’ women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson and Piara Powar.

Lawyer John Devine and Paul Ramos, director of finance, make up the six new trustees.

Bye Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa has sensationally quit as Leeds boss after a shocking run of results.

The 66-year-old Argentine has spent four years at Elland Road, getting them promoted from the Championship.

He has struggled to help them kick-on this season, following a series of worrying performances.

They lost 4-0 at home to Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime, in another miserable display.

It left them having gained just one point from a possible 18 over the previous six matches.

The Yorkshire side are looking to bring in former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch as his replacement.

It is understood the finalisation of Bielsa’s exit is currently being thrashed out between lawyers.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, 48-year-old American coach Marsch is hot favourite to take over.

Roman still reigns

Roman Abramovich reportedly remains Chelsea’s owner despite his bombshell statement that he has handed over the stewardship of the club.

The Russian billionaire announced the shock news on Saturday night following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.

A number of Russian oligarchs have had their assets frozen by the British government due to events in Ukraine, though Abramovich has not been sanctioned.

Abramovich, who bought the West London outfit in 2003, has stated that he has passed control of the Blues to their six trustees.

His announcement, which didn’t mention Ukraine, comes on the eve of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.

Those now overseeing the Champions League holders are chairman Bruce Buck, Women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson, equality campaigner Piara Powar, lawyer John Devine and director of finance Paul Ramos.

Magic Tuch

Jurgen Klopp, 54, and Thomas Tuchel, 48, will do battle in what is somewhat-crudely being dubbed ‘Master vs Apprentice’ in the League Cup final.

The two have played against each other 17 times dating back to their time together in Germany, with Klopp winning NINE of their 17 encounters, losing three times.

Most-recently, Klopp’s Liverpool faced Tuchel’s Chelsea in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge at the beginning of January.

Klopp has taken charge of nearly TWICE as many matches as a football manager too, with 945 games under his belt to Tuchel’s 524.

Tuchel boasts the better win record at 57 per cent to 53.4 per cent – however, his stint at PSG (74.8 per cent) somewhat boosted his stats.

And the Chelsea boss is beginning to overtake Klopp in other areas too.

He equalled his compatriot’s one Champions League title by winning the competition last season.

And he followed that up with success in the Super Cup and Club World Cup which means he has now overtaken Klopp’s trophy count, with 10 to nine.

Klopp has won three Big Five league titles with one Premier League crown and two Bundesliga titles, while Tuchel has won just two (both Ligue 1).

All that goes out the window tonight though as the two go head-to-head knowing anything could happen in a final.

But who will come out on top? The ‘Master’ or the ‘Apprentice’?

Inside Chelsea’s six trustees in charge 

Here’s our look at a dramatically-different power centre for the Blues – including chairman Bruce Buck and women’s team manager Emma Hayes.

Russian billionaire Abramovich handed over ‘stewardship and care’ due to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

New Yorker Buck has been a Chelsea fan since 1983, while Hayes has bossed the Blues’ women to the Double during her ten-year reign.

John Devis is Head of the Sports Team at law firm Muckle LLP and equality campaigner Piara Powar used to be Chief Executive of Kick It Out.

Hayes has been Chelsea women’s manager since 2012, she won the FA Cup and Super League double three years later.

John Devine is a partner in the Sports Team at law firm Muckle LLP, he works with a huge range of sports and governing bodies.

Piara Powar is an executive director of anti-discrimination and social inclusion network FARE, he is also the former Chief Executive of Kick It Out.

Paul Ramos is Chelsea’s financial supremo has been with the club since September 2001.

Sir Hugh Robertson perhaps is the best-known of the six – although not for football reasons.

Sir Hugh is the vice-chair of the British Olympic Association and former Conservative Minister for both Sport and of the Olympics, notably overseeing London 2012.

He joined the Blues’ Board of Trustees in 2016.

Rushing Roman

Roman Abramovich’s statement passing over stewardship of Chelsea was just 110 words.

The Russian billionaire dropped his bombshell announcement on Saturday evening, days after his home country’s invasion of Ukraine.

He passed control and running of the West London football club to their six trustees.

They are chairman Bruce Buck, Blues’ women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson, equality campaigner Piara Powar, lawyer John Devine and director of finance Paul Ramos.

But despite the major shift at Stamford Bridge, the wording was condensed to just five brief sentences.

The Abramovich message said: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.

“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.

“That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

Feeling Blues

Chelsea fans have reacted to the news that long-time owner Roman Abramovich is giving up control of the club.

The Blues’ Russian owner – who bought the west London outfit in July 2003 – released an incredible statement on the side’s website on Saturday night.

It comes amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which the UK government have responded to by freezing the assets of some Russian oligarchs.

Abramovich has not yet been sanctioned.

Some Chelsea supporters are concerned by Abramovich’s sudden departure.

One fan said: “Don’t sell Roman we love you.”

While another added: “Roman Abramovich is the best owner in club football.”

Ro-go

Chelsea fans reacted with shock at the news, and are confused if it means he has fully stepped away.

Abramovich remains the club’s owner and can still invest money into the club.

The decision is understood to be an attempt to distance the club from the controversy surround him.

Earlier this week Labour MP Chris Bryant stated Russian billionaire Abramovich should be barred from owning the club.

There were concerns over his links to “corrupt activity and practices”.

There was no mention of the war in Ukraine in the statement.

New Blues

Roman Abramovich’s shock Chelsea departure leaves six trustees in charge.

Here’s our look at a dramatically-different power centre for the Blues – including chairman Bruce Buck and women’s team manager Emma Hayes.

Russian billionaire Abramovich handed over ‘stewardship and care’ due to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

And that thrusts these half-dozen figures into the limelight – ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Liverpool.

New Yorker Buck has been a Chelsea fan since 1983, while Hayes has bossed the Blues’ women to the Double during her six-year reign.

John Devis is Head of the Sports Team at law firm Muckle LLP and equality campaigner Piara Powar used to be Chief Executive of Kick It Out

Completing the six are Chelsea’s Director of Finance Paul Ramos and lifelong Blues’ fan Sir Hugh Robertson, vice-chairman of the British Olympic Association.

Crissed off

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United plight was summed up as he turned into a statue to somehow block a Bruno Fernandes’ shot.

Ron stopped bolt upright in the middle of the penalty box in a 0-0 home draw with Watford – grinding to a halt like United’s progress in the Prem.

Fernandes’ angled effort cannoned away off his Portugal team-mate, who even remained reluctant to move afterwards.

Ronaldo then looked exasperated at the final whistle as the Red Devils were booed off following their latest wasteful stalemate.

But the only time United got the ball in the net from 22 shots was a Ronaldo ‘goal’ ruled out for offside.

And ironically, it was the the 37-year-old who had a goal-bound shot blocked by United teenanger Anthony Elanga.

It was Ronaldo too who struck a post from arguably the Red Devils’ best chance.

BREAKING NEWS

Roman Abramovich has sensationally given up control of Chelsea amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Blues owner – who bought the club in 2004 – released an incredible statement on their website tonight.

It comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.

He said: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.

“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.

“That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

Taking the Mik

Arsenal are facing another defensive dilemma with full-backs Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu both struggling with injury.

Japanese international Tomiyasu has suffered a second calf strain after missing his team’s last four games.

And Tierney pulled up clutching his thigh in the final minutes of Thursday’s 2-1 win over Wolves and had to be replaced by Nuno Tavares with the game still in the balance.

Now Arteta is sweating on both players being fit for his team’s next game away to struggling Watford a week on Sunday.

Because the Gunners boss is rapidly running out of options, with only 17 senior players currently available and unknown youngsters such as Zak Swanson and Omari Hutchinson having to fill the subs’ bench.

Now the fear is that the smallest squad in the Premier League could run out of steam in the increasingly frantic scrap to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification.

Go with the flo

Flourent Malouda revealed he almost signed for Liverpool – before later joining Chelsea.

The former winger was coached by Gerard Houllier at the time and was nearly convinced by make a switch to Anfield.

Speaking exclusively to Genting Casino, Malouda said: “Gerard Houllier was my coach.

“Whenever I was training, I would always ask him questions about the Premier League and whether or not I play there.

“He said you have to go and experience the Premier League at least once in your career and then he grabbed his phone and called Liverpool – he literally made the deal for me.”

Liverpool were coached by Rafa Benitez at the time, who was keen on signing Malouda.

He revealed: “Liverpool were the first team to make an offer. Rafa was the coach and he really pushed for me to go to Liverpool.”

The Frenchman eventually joined Chelsea for £13m move in 2007.

Malouda said: “When Chelsea came in for me, I felt so much pride.

“I knew a lot of the players that were already there, and of course we would speak regularly on the phone, which helped my decision, so I knew Chelsea were the club that I really wanted to join.”