Rudiger Chelsea exit LATEST, Kai Havertz to Bayern UPDATE, Brentford SHOCK reaction – takeover update

Nicol’s worry for Blues

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol believes Chelsea will be reliant upon Kai Havertz for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Blues were humbled 4-1 at home to Brentford. But Nicol believes it won’t be defensive issues that will worry them against the Spaniards, but more who will score their goals.

“Defensively, they’ll shake it off,” Nicol said on ESPN.

“I think the biggest worry is who’s scoring goals for them.

“It seems that if Havertz is not on his game, where are the goals coming from? You’ll have to rely on Ziyech coming in from the left and sticking one in the top corner.

“Because you’re not getting any goals from anywhere else particularly.

“So, I’d suggest that defensively is the least of their worries. If I were them, I’d be worried about how we’re going to score goals in this game.”

Chelsea Women cream of the crop

Chelsea’s Women overtook Arsenal at the top of the WSL with a 5-0 win over Reading.

Doubles from Sam Kerr and Bethany England and Jessie Fleming’s opener completed the rout.

The Blues now lead the Gunners by one point going into the final stages of the league.

Barça’s plan for target

Barcelona aim to fend of interest from Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea for Ronald Araujo, according to reports.

Araujo has had a breakout season for Barcelona this campaign and courted the interest of Europe’s top clubs.

And reports say the 23-year-old wants to be paid more than Barcelona are currently offering in the latest contract renewal.

According to SPORT, Barcelona must raise their offer if they have any hope of keeping one of their best assets at the club.

Last month, ESPN reported the 23-year-old earns £4.2million a year at the Nou Camp, or £80,000 a week.

Rudiger contract

Antonio Rudiger has reportedly laid out his wage demands for when his Chelsea contract expires this summer.

The 29-year-old is unlikely to sign an extension to his current deal at Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger wants a weekly wage of £115,000 plus a signing on bonus in order to secure his services, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

Manchester United are one of a number of teams said to be interested in securing Rudiger’s services.

Recent reports suggest the German international wants to speak with the club’s next permanent manager before considering a swap to Old Trafford.

No to European Super League

The Ricketts family are trying to win over fans with their consortium bid by insisting they would never entertain the idea of Chelsea joining a European Super League.

In a statement, they said: “We will never participate in a European Super League and always protect the integrity and heritage of Chelsea F.C.

“We will commit the resources necessary across all levels of the club to continue winning trophies, including investing in the first team, experienced football leadership and the academy.”

Their takeover bid has been met with anger by Chelsea supporters, who protested yesterday at Stamford Bridge.

Azpilicueta rallies the troops

Cesar Azpilicueta is determined to put yesterday’s 4-1 shock defeat to Brentford behind him.

The Blues were stunned at Stamford Bridge, despite taking the lead in the game.

Speaking to the Chelsea website, Azpilicueta said: “It’s very tough, of course, because it’s not the result we were looking for,’ said Azpilicueta.

“We are disappointed, we are frustrated, but now we have to admit our mistakes and move forward.

“Of course after the international break you want to restart with a win and of course we wanted to extend the winning run as long as possible and we were not able to. But that’s the Premier League and it shows how difficult it is to do it. It’s a big loss and of course we’re really disappointed.”

He added: “We were maybe not moving the ball sharply enough. I think in the first half we didn’t start well. At the beginning of the game we lost a few balls, they had a few chances. We escaped without conceding goals, but we were not sharp enough, we didn’t have the energy that we usually have.”

Silva’s wife blasts commentator

Thiago Silva’s wife Belle has defended her husband who was criticised for not attacking enough during Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.

The Bees stunned the Blues as they put four goals past Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge.

And one commentator came under fire from Belle, who argued that her husband deserved more respect.

She took to Instagram to say: “I’m here in my box at Stamford Bridge. I just listened right now to the commentator, who said that Thiago Silva is not attacking enough.

“Respect Thiago Silva because Thiago Silva arrived yesterday, Thiago Silva played for Brazil, Thiago Silva is very tired, Thiago Silva is 37 years old, he plays like he is 20 years old.

“So respect him, he’s not a machine. He needs to relax, alright?”

Kante’s milestone

Although there wasn’t much to celebrate for Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge in their game against Brentford, a personal milestone was reached by N’golo Kante.

The Blues fell to a 4-1 defeat against Brentford, in what was the French midfielder’s 250th game for the Premier League giants.

And the club were quick to celebrate the moment on Twitter by sharing an image of the achievement.

Tuchel’s surprise

Thomas Tuchel has admitted he was surprised when Antonio Rudiger celebrated scoring Chelsea’s only goal against Brentford with him.

Tuchel said: “I was surprised he came to me to celebrate. He was maybe surprised that the ball went in, because he tried so many times.

“But yeah, it was a nice moment. You could see how happy he is, you could see how everybody was happy with him and what it meant to him and what it meant to us.”

Neville’s warning to Ricketts family

Gary Neville has issued a warning to the Ricketts family after Chelsea fans protested against them owning the club.

“I have to say, if I was the Ricketts family and I was getting that type of hostility on the way in… move away, move away. The fans are important. If you’re the government.

“I don’t know if it’s the government who are in charge of the bid, or Bruce Buck, or the organisation appointed by Roman Abramovich – but I would say that we have to make sure that the biggest clubs in the country.

“We’ve seen here with the Glazer family, Mike Ashley at Newcastle, it drains the life. Not just out of the club, but out of the city and everyone watching. That cannot happen at football clubs.

“It’s not just about best bids, it’s about what the fans want. The Ricketts family are trying to reach out to Chelsea fans, but they do have some historic issues that need dealing with and explaining. At this moment in time, they are not being explained very well.

“In this current light, with what’s happened with the Super League, Big Picture, Derby, Bury, what’s happened with all of these issues with Roman Abramovich and the links to Putin [something Abramovich has always denied], we have to start bringing back some sort of moral compass in determining who owns a football club.”

Ricketts family statement

The Ricketts family, one of the frontrunners to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, have vowed to never join a European Super League.

They have come under fire after leaked emails from the father of Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts saw him say Muslims are ‘my natural enemy’.

But now the family have released an eight-point pledge to try and win over the support of the fans.

And among those pledges includes the promise to never join a European Super League.

Other points are around commitments on diversity, investment, club colours, the crest and Stamford Bridge.

Rival fans love Chelsea’s DJ

Chelsea fans were left scratching their heads at the choice of song following Brentford’s shock 4-1 win.

Having just been thrashed by the Premier League newcomers, Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds filled Stamford Bridge.

But the lyrics “don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright” seemed out of place.

Rival fans and even Chelsea supporters had a laugh at the strange choice of tune.

One tweeted: “This is jokes.”

Another added: “We are even trolling ourselves.”

Lewandowski wants Barca move

Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich to join Barcelona, according to reports.

The striker’s contract runs out in 2023, but Bayern are likely to cash in on him this summer.

Lewandowski is known as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the world, so there has never been any shortage of interest for his signature.

A number of clubs have been linked with a potential move including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, but Barcelona are currently the frontrunners in the transfer race.

And now, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Lewandowski has his heart set on a move to Camp Nou and will do everything in his power to make it happen.

Chelsea’s threat assessed

Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois has warned his team-mates that Chelsea are still dangerous despite their 4-1 loss to Brentford.

Real take on the Blues in the Champions League next week and Courtois is wary of the threat Thomas Tuchel’s side poses.

He said: “Chelsea lost at home and they will be very strong on Wednesday.

“We lacked intensity at times and Chelsea are very good at that.”

Haaland race heats up

Manchester United and Chelsea were both in talks to sign Erling Haaland, reports claim.

But now Man City and Real Madrid lead the race to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker, according to SPORT.

The report also claims Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and his father Alf-Inge met several clubs also including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Ricketts family backer

The Ricketts family are being backed by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, reports suggest.

The 60-year-old who is one of America’s wealthiest men is bolstering the Ricketts’ bid with his economic power, the Independent reported.

Gilbert is reportedly worth £24billion and is the head of the Rock Entertainment Group.

The 60-year-old numbers among America’s wealthiest men, and adds yet more financial muscle to the Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family’s bid to buy Chelsea.

Lukaku’s national future

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has hinted that Romelu Lukaku’s transfer situation this summer could decide whether the Chelsea star makes the national team.

Lukaku’s been linked with a move back to Inter after expressing frustration at life with the Blues.

And Martinez said: “Romelu needs to be assessed on how he feels in September, the same way Eden Hazard does and some others. But he is one of the players for whom the summer could be a big moment for their careers.”

Real want Kante

Real Madrid are lining up N’Golo Kante as an alternative to Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni, reports claim.

Real view Tchouameni as the ideal man to boost their midfield.

But they face stiff competition from several European clubs, and have lined up Kante as a second option, according to AS.

Thiago Silva’s wife speaks

Thiago Silva’s wife has demanded respect for her husband after he was criticised for not attacking enough against Brentford.

She said on Instagram: “Attention viewers. I’m here in my box at Stamford Bridge. I’ve just listened right now to the commentator, saying that Thiago Silva is not attacking enough.

“Respect Thiago Silva, because Thiago Silva arrived yesterday. Thiago Silva played for Brazil. Thiago Silva is very tired. Thiago Silva is 37 years [old], he plays like he is 20 years old.

“So respect him, he’s not a machine. He needs to relax, alright?”

Tuchel splits from wife

Thomas Tuchel has split from his wife of thirteen years – with pals saying they have “exhausted” all avenues of staying together.

The Blues manager and his wife Sissi, 46, started divorce proceedings last week after many attempts to keep the family together.

German Tuchel, 48, has been battling the fallout from the clubs Russian oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich, as well as the breakdown of his marriage.

Ex-journalist Mrs Tuchel moved to the UK in August, seven months after the former PSG manager joined Chelsea.

He initially made his home in a hotel near the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, before setting up a family home close by.

Tuchel on Brentford defeat

Thomas Tuchel blamed Chelsea’s lack of energy after the international break for the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Brentford.

He said: “It was a tough start, which is not the first time it’s been like that after an international break, and it took us a while to find our rhythm and to find full control.

“We lacked energy and we didn’t do the things that usually make us strong.

“We looked tired, physically and mentally tired. It’s a big challenge to play after the international break but you have to get your results right as the favourite and being at home.

“We didn’t do that well enough today.”

Good morning Chelsea fans

The owners of the Cleveland Cavaliers have joined forces with the consortium led by the Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family and the hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin.

According to Sky News, Rock Entertainment Group have agreed to invest a significant amount of money into a bid.

They are led by businessman Dan Gilbert, who is worth $31billion.

As well as the Cleveland Cavaliers, REG owns the Cleveland Monsters ice hockey team, and the NBA G-League team Cleveland ChargeMeanwhile, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has hinted Romelu Lukaku might have to quit Chelsea this summer – for his World Cup good.

The £97m striker has struggled for game-time under Thomas Tuchel since Christmas, after being forced into a public apology for his Italian TV interview in which he signalled his unhappiness at the Bridge.

And while Martinez said he had no inkling that Lukaku wants out of SW6, he agreed he was one of the Belgian stars who may be considering his future in the summer.

And amusingly, Thomas Tuchel blamed lack of maturity, tired legs and the British weather for Chelsea’s slump against Brentford.

The Blues were stunned 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Martinez hints Lukaku could quit

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has hinted Romelu Lukaku might have to quit Chelsea this summer – for his World Cup good.

The £97m striker has struggled for game-time under Thomas Tuchel since Christmas, after being forced into a public apology for his Italian TV interview in which he signalled his unhappiness at the Bridge.

And while Martinez said he had no inkling that Lukaku wants out of SW6, he agreed he was one of the Belgian stars who may be considering his future in the summer.

Martinez said: “We are talking about players, like Romelu, who have got over 100 caps and are part of this group of players who know the national team inside out.

“I’m not going to judge or assess the condition of any player until after the summer because it is not a normal situation.

“It is still seven months to the World Cup and probably you will go into the details of how a player feels when it gets closer to it than now.

“But there will be a lot of players who change clubs or are going to feel in a different way in the summer.

“Romelu needs to be assessed on how he feels in September, the same way Eden Hazard does and some others.

“But he is one of the players for whom the summer could be a big moment for their careers.”

Chelsea takeover

The owners of the Cleveland Cavaliers have joined forces with the consortium led by the Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts family and the hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin.

According to Sky News, Rock Entertainment Group have agreed to invest a significant amount of money into a bid.

They are led by businessman Dan Gilbert, who is worth $31billion.

As well as the Cleveland Cavaliers, REG owns the Cleveland Monsters ice hockey team, and the NBA G-League team Cleveland Charge.

Blaming the Weather

Thomas Tuchel blamed lack of maturity, tired legs and the British weather for Chelsea’s slump against Brentford.

The Blues were stunned 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.

After the game, Tuchel said: “We lacked maturity in our defending. We were not aware of the danger in these moments which is also very strange for us.

“We got punished and that’s also not normal. It’s a summary of strange events. It’s on us, it’s our fault.

“We felt leggy, which is normal after the break. We struggled in the beginning. I felt us more mentally tired, not fresh enough. Also, yesterday, we were wearing gloves and it was snowing during training. Today, it was very, very warm.”