CHELSEA will be delighted to have ended their season with a victory over Watford at Stamford Bridge.
And prospective owner Todd Boehly stepped foot on the pitch after the game to congratulate the players.
Thomas Tuchel is keen for the takeover to be completed as he has admitted that the Blues’ “hands are tied” in regards to dealing with transfers.
Which is currently preventing the West London outfit from landing a deal for talented Borussia Dortmund youngster Jude Bellingham who Chelsea are reportedly linked to.
Whereas Jorginho could be heading to Juventus but the Italian giants are refusing to ‘spend big’ to land their target.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Fans hail forgotten men Kenedy and Barkley
Forgotten wideman Kenedy and floundering Ross Barkley were hailed by Chelsea fans after their surprise key roles in the final-day 2-1 defeat of Watford.
Starting wing-back Kenedy teed up Kai Haverts’z early opener and sub midfielder Barkley headed a stoppage-time winner in his 100th match for the Blues.
Kenedy, in particular, thrilled supporters on social media.
One gushed “The guy is amazing” and another beamed “Kenedy is balling!”
Other comments included: “Where has Kenedy been this whole time? We’ve been hiding the Roberto Carlo regen all along. This guy is playing amazing.”
Another follower noted: “He is very good offensively, I don’t know why Tuchel doesn’t use him.”
And even stronger praise came here: “He is my favourite baller… why doesn’t Tuchel trust him more?”
Barkley, meanwhile, earned plaudits for his late clincher – just his fifth club goal since arriving at Chelsea from Everton in January 2018.
One fan said the ex-England playmaker “deserves more game time”.
Tuchel admits a hol lot of problems
Thomas Tuchel has ruled out a summer holiday – as Chelsea’s ownership situation means he has too much to do.
Asked if he’d take a break, the Blues boss said: “No I can’t go on holiday, no. There is too much to clarify and have an opinion.”
Tuchel hopes to soon meet prospective new owner Todd Boehly and discuss what’s needed to close the chasm between Chelsea and the Prem’s clear top two, Liverpool and champions Manchester City.
Tuchel admitted: “It will not be easy to close the gap because we are forced not to [make signings].
“We need to be fast and smart when we are allowed.”
Could Kenedy have Chelsea future?
With a number of Chelsea first team players set to leave the club this season, some supporters are wondering whether Kenedy can finally make a breakthrough at the Bridge.
The Brazilian was a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI for yesterday’s home win over Watford.
It was the 26-year-old’s first Premier League start for the Blues since May 2017, a game also against the Hornets.
The gap of 1833 days ago is the second longest between two Premier League starts by a Chelsea player, a record only beaten by Romelu Lukaku (3388 days), who at least had the excuse of three permanent moves in between.
Kenedy required just 11 minutes to make his mark on his return, setting up Kai Havertz for the opener.
Tuchel: Five can win title
The Premier League season only ended yesterday, but already clubs are preparing for the next campaign.
And Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel believes that there will be as many as five sides battling it out for the title in 2022-23.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over Watford on Sunday, the German said: “It will be a super tough race.
“Manchester United will be in the race, and Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte, for sure.
“We want to stay in the race, and Liverpool and Man City will do everything to make their squads bigger, and they set the standard so high. This is the challenge in which we want to compete.”
Juve won’t spend big on Jorginho
Juventus are still interested in signing Chelsea’s Jorginho, but are refusing to ‘spend big’ to land their man.
That’s the understanding of Fabrizio Romano for Caught Offside, who believes the Serie A club are prioritising moves for Angel Di Maria and Paul Pogba.
While the Old Lady also want to add the Italian midfielder to their ranks, the ‘deal has to be right’ for them – and that will depend on what Chelsea wish to do with the 30-year-old.
Long-serving coach to leave
Chelsea said goodbye to a number of star players yesterday following their final day win over Watford.
However, one exit from the club that went under the radar yet may ultimately be felt as much is that of coach Christophe Lollichon.
The senior goalkeeping coach revealed on his Twitter account that was calling time on his 15 years at Stamford Bridge.
Lollichon described his stay with the Blues as ‘an honour’ since arriving from Rennes in 2007.
Credit: @chrislollichon Twitter Good morning Chelsea fans
Many of Chelsea’s stars will be heading abroad next week as their holidays begin.
However, boss Thomas Tuchel has no plans to go anywhere. He revealed after the Blues beat Chelsea 2-1 on the final day: “No I can’t go on holiday, no. There is too much to clarify and have an opinion.”
He also talked about meeting Todd Boehly and what is needed to progress next season.
“It will not be easy to close the gap because we are forced not to [make signings]. We need to be fast and smart when we are allowed.”
Mason Mount has been crowned as Chelsea’s player of the season again.
It’s the second time in a row the playmaker has won the award. He follows Eden Hazard, who was a previous back-to-back winner.
Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso may have played his last game for Chelsea.
The Spanish defender missed Sunday’s game against Watford through injury. He is reportedly in talks to return to Spain with Barcelona.
Alonso’s last game for Chelsea?
Marcos Alonso may have played his last game for Chelsea.
The Spanish defender missed Sunday’s game against Watford through injury.
Tuchel explained: “Marcos Alonso had a back problem in our first match against West Ham where he needed to go out and then he missed some matches.
“He had more or less the same through the last games and he played with this pain through the match against Leicester.
“Now he felt the muscle contraction goes right through to the hamstrings so it made no sense to take this risk with him.”
However, with reports suggesting Alonso is deep in contract talks with Barcelona, it appears we may not see him in a Chelsea shirt once again.
Chilwell buzzing
Ben Chilwell has spoken about his road to recovery, after injury ended his season.
The England full-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Juventus back in November.
However, last month Chilwell has stepped up the recovery process.
And he revealed he wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of his team mates.
He said: “It’s a very tight group. From day one of my injury I felt the support from the fans, the staff, the players, everyone at Chelsea I’ve felt the support from. It made it a lot easier. I’m buzzing to be back.”
Club departure
Christophe Lollichon has revealed he is leaving Stamford Bridge, after 15 years of working with the club’s goalkeepers.
In a statement, he wrote: “After 15 years at Chelsea FC, it’s time to announce that I am leaving the Blues.
“From 1st team goalkeeper coach to working with the keepers on loan and the recruitment dept, being a part of the club’s success has been an honour.
Thank you to the fans and everyone at the club.”
Real deal
Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks with Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni in a blow to a string of Premier League sides.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the teams who had been targeting the highly-rated midfielder.
Madrid will be hunting for high-profile summer signings after being snubbed by Kylian Mbappe on Saturday.
And journalist Santi Aouna reports that the Spanish club has been in contact and ready to make an offer.
What holiday
Many of Chelsea’s stars will be heading abroad next week as their holidays begin.
However, boss Thomas Tuchel has no plans to go anywhere.
He revealed: “No I can’t go on holiday, no. There is too much to clarify and have an opinion.”
He’s also talked about meeting Todd Boehly and what is needed to progress next season.
“It will not be easy to close the gap because we are forced not to [make signings]. We need to be fast and smart when we are allowed.”
Player of the season
Mason Mount has been crowned as Chelsea’s player of the season again.
It’s the second time in a row the playmaker has won the award.
He follows Eden Hazard, who was previous back-to-back winner.
Premier League 2021-22
This is where we finished, and who did what in terms of European qualification.
Title: Manchester City
UCL: Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs
UEL: Arsenal, Manchester United
UECL: West Ham
Relegation: Burnley, Watford, Norwich
Full-time
The Blues have edged out Watford 2-1.
Despite dominating proceedings, it looked like Gosling had equalised to earn the Hornets a draw.
But up popped Ross Barkley in injury time to score a winner.
As things stand
Champions -Man City
Champions League – Liverpool – Chelsea – Tottenham
Europa League – Arsenal- West Ham
Relegated – Burnley
Half-time
Peep peep at Stamford Bridge.
In their final home game of the season, and Chelsea lead 1-0 at the break.
Incredibly, they’ve had 72 per cent of the possession and had 11 shots at goal.
But, as has been the problem all season, with just three of those efforts on target – we know where Chelsea’s problems are.
Romelu Lukaku is on the bench. Will we see him in the second half?
1-0 Blues
11 minutes gone and Kai Havertz has given Chelsea the lead.
That early goal could be the start of a hatful at Stamford Bridge.
Not the (possible) farewell from football Roy Hodgson would want.
Tuchel will be happy, though.
Azpilicueta gets ready
Chelsea have tweeted a photo of Azilicueta preparing for the final game of the season against Watford.
Will it be his last ever for the Blues?
Chelsea starting XI for today
Reasonably usual team selection, however Kenedy and Saul do come in.
Ben Chilwell is back on the bench.
Please mind the gap
For all of Chelsea’s high expectations having won the Champions League last season, the Blues have only their pride to play for today and head coach Thomas Tuchel believes that his side may struggle to close the gap on City and Liverpool.
The German boss spoke on this in the Blues’ pre-match press conference.
Tuchel said:”It is going to be very difficult because even if we keep the team and have maybe the chance to add one or two key players, it would already be difficult. Maybe even very difficult.
“It was an incredible season from City and Liverpool and in the end, I don’t lie to myself.”
No Blues in top notchers
There are no Chelsea players in the race for the Premier League top scoring honours.
Harry Kane collected the trophy last season with 23 goals, but it is his attacking teammate Hueng-min Son who is chasing it this year with 21 goals.
The man leading the charts for the golden boot – currently on 22 goals – is Liverpool talisman Mo Salah.
Mo Salah (Liverpool) – 22 goals
Heung-min Son (Tottenham) – 21 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) – 18 goals
Harry Kane (Tottenham) – 16 goals
Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) – 15 goals
Diogo Jota (Liverpool) – 15 goals
Sadio Mane (Liverpool) – 15 goals
Jamie Vardy (Leicester) – 14 goals
Raheem Sterling (Man City) – 13 goals
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) – 13 goalsMason Mount has 11 league goals.
Kounde heading for Chelsea, say reports
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is reportedly edging closer to signing for Chelsea after agreeing personal terms over a switch to Stamford Bridge, writes Jake Lambourne.
transfer guru Andreas Korssund has claimed that the player has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, who are ready to meet Sevilla’s asking price.
It is understood that the LaLiga outfit are seeking a fee in the region of £59million.
Korssung tweeted: “Jules Kounde is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
“The Blues will conclude talks with Sevilla as soon as Boehly’s takeover is complete and they are ready to pay the required fee.
“Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea.”
Kepa ‘unhappy’ but will talk with Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel will hold showdown talks with “unhappy” goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over his Chelsea future, writes Joshua Jones.
The world’s most expensive stopper, 27, arrived at Stamford Bridge for a whopping £71.6million in 2018.
And Tuchel confirmed the pair would sit down for honest discussions to work out what is best for the former Athletic Bilbao stopper next.
Credit: Getty The Chelsea boss said: “It depends what he wants and what his plans are.
“I know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one.
“We did not have a conversation yet but I know that the goalkeeper coaches have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to speak with him and reflect on what’s best and what the possibilities are.”
How Chelsea could line up vs Leicester
Reece James may keep his place but Azpilicueta is the logical alternative with a move to Barca on the cards.
Going forward, Mason Mount was benched last night but is fit to return against Watford.
And he could fill in either on the wing or in a No10 role behind a strike partnership.
If Tuchel opts for a 3-4-1-2, Romelu Lukaku could partner Kai Havertz up front.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
