Tuchel refuses to commit to Chelsea next season, Abramovich BANNED, Lukaku ‘to take PAY CUT for Inter transfer’

Matchwinner Kai ‘so reliable’

Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea’s late matchwinner Kai Havertz as so reliable’ and on ‘absolutely the right path’ to the top.

Tuchel told the BBC: “It was a goal of real quality from a real quality player. He is a top character and on absolutely the right path in his development. He is so reliable and very strong.”

Candy to give fan seat on board if he buys Chelsea

Nick Candy claims he’ll give a boardroom seat to a fan if he buys Chelsea.

The Brit property developer also says he is willing to help fund the Blues while they reel from sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich.

Russian oligarch Abramovich had his assets frozen by the government and was banned by the Prem from being a club director amid his links to Vladimir Putin.

The sanctions put Abramovich’s plans to sell Chelsea on hold and also mean his £3bn asking price could tumble.

A spokesman for Candy said the 49-year-old would ‘advocate for a fan representative to join the board so supporters become part of the decision-making process’ if he took over.

He added: “Mr Candy cares hugely about the future of the club and believes that the fans and the community are central to its continued success.”

Everton 2/1 to go down

Everton’s fourth straight Prem defeat left them fourth bottom – and with their survival odds slashed.

The bookies rate Norwich as virtual certs to go down but after Watford it gets tight.

If the odds are right, Burnley will be the third team demoted, with Leeds and Everton just escaping.

William Hill spokesperson Tony Kenny said: “The misery shows no sign of ending at Everton.

“We’ve cut them from 10/3 after today’s loss to Wolves and, for context, we now think there’s more chance of them dropping down to the Championship than we do of Liverpool winning the league at 5/2.”

William Hill odds for Prem relegation:

Norwich 1/80
Watford 1/6
Burnley 4/5
Leeds 7/4
Everton 2/1
Brentford 12/1
Newcastle 50/1
BAR 150/1

JT praises Havertz winner

John Terry has heaped praise on Kai Havertz after he scored a brilliant late winner for Chelsea against Newcastle.

The Blues had struggled to break down Eddie Howe’s side until the German struck late on.

And it was a goal worthy of winning any game with Havertz finally getting the better of his marker Dan Burn.

Earlier in the match Havertz had clashed with the Toon defender and was fortunate not to see red for an elbow which left Burn bleeding.

But in the 89th minute, Havertz showed the classy side of his game as he brought down Jorginho’s long ball with an expert first touch before firing past Robert Sanchez.

After the full-time whistle Chelsea legend Terry wrote on Twitter: “What a touch, what a finish.”

‘United, Arsenal and Liverpool in for Isak’

Arsenal target Alexander Isak is now said to be on Manchester United and Liverpool’s radar.

The £60million-rated Real Sociedad striker could be a more realistic alternative for United to Erling Haaland.

Man City lead the race ahead of Real Madrid for Borussia Dortmund goal machine Haaland. 

Arsenal’s need for a new proven frontman is perhaps greatest.

But even if they fend off United for the final Champions League spot, their financial pulling power could fall short in any bidding war for Isak.

Bang to rights after shocking assault

A THAI footballer was sacked by Bangkok FC after delivering a shocking Muay Thai-style blow on his opponent.

Aitsaret Noichaiboon attacked North Bangkok University FC’s Supasan Ruangsuphanimit during a third-division football game in Thailand on Sunday.

Ruangsuphanimit clipped Noichaiboon during the closing stages of the match, which left the former Bangkok FC player furious as he then slammed a devastating elbow into his opponent’s face.

The aggressor was immediately sent off by the referee whereas the victim of his assault was taken to hospital and required 24 stitches.

Bangkok FC then terminated Noichaiboon’s contract effective immediately.

A club statement read: “Bangkok FC would like to [take a] stand and not support the action.

“The club has cancelled the contract of the player.

“The club would like to express our condolences for the incident and will do everything possible to stop this happening again.”

North Bangkok University FC confirmed that Ruangsuphanimit received stitches on his upper lip.

‘Utd in Sam race’

Manchester United and West Ham are tipped to fight it out for West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone.

Spurs and Southampton could also eye a free transfer move for the three-cap star this summer.

United’s frustrated second-choice stopper Dean Henderson might depart at the end of the season.

So the Red Devils want a quality alternative like former old Trafford kid Johnstone, 28.

The Hammers remain favourites to sign him, though.

Everton survival odds plunge

Everton’s fourth straight Prem defeat left them fourth bottom – and with their survival odds slashed.

The bookies rate Norwich as virtual certs to go down but after Watford it gets tight.

If the odds are right, Burnley will be the third team demoted, with Leeds and Everton just escaping.

William Hill spokesperson Tony Kenny said: “The misery shows no sign of ending at Everton.

“We’ve cut them from 10/3 after today’s loss to Wolves and, for context, we now think there’s more chance of them dropping down to the Championship than we do of Liverpool winning the league at 5/2.”

William Hill odds for Prem relegation:

Norwich 1/80
Watford 1/6
Burnley 4/5
Leeds 7/4
Everton 2/1
Brentford 12/1
Newcastle 50/1
BAR 150/1

Howe ‘well aware’ of mass Saudi executions

Eddie Howe has revealed he is ‘well aware’ of the mass executions taking place in Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle’s trip to Chelsea came as it was revealed EIGHTY ONE killings were ordered in a single day in the Middle Eastern nation – the largest mass execution in Saudi history.

It was only in October The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund purchased Newcastle for £300million leaving the club bankrolled by Mohammed bin Salman.

But manager Howe refused to comment on matters over 4,000 miles away with his focus instead on Newcastle’s relegation fight, not their owners.

He said: “I’m here to manage the football team and coach the football team. I’m well aware of what’s going on around the world.

“But my focus is on trying to produce the team to try and win football matches and get enough points to stay in the league. That’s all I’ll talk about.”

Kop to fight off Kelleher interest

Liverpool plan to keep Irish shot stopper Caoimhin Kelleher next season — despite rival interest.

The young keeper, 23, starred in the Carabao Cup final triumph and will be a part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad as cover for No 1 Alisson.

Kelleher could easily find a Premier League loan but Liverpool are keen to hold on to him for one more season before deciding what to do in the long term.

Liverpool are set to lose two keepers in the summer with both Adrian and Loris Karius set to leave the club.

Karius’ last appearance for Liverpool came in the 3-1 Champions League final defeat to serial winners Real Madrid in 2018.

The German made two colossal errors leading to goals and was shipped out on loan to Besiktas in August.

Morocco boss freezes out Ziyech

Morocco boss Vahid Halilhodzic has declared Hakim Ziyech wouldn’t be selected for the national team ‘even if his name was Lionel Messi’.

The Chelsea wide-man hasn’t featured for his country since last June and has been part of an ongoing row with Halilhodzic.

Ziyech was not part of the Morocco squad that made it to this year’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals before being dumped out by Mo Salah’s Egypt.

And the 28-year-old won’t be called up again by Halilhodzic any time soon because his ‘behaviour’ doesn’t merit it.

His record at international level (16 goals in 35 games) led to questions from reporters after the defeat to Egypt as to why he wasn’t playing at Afcon.

But Halilhodzic hit back: “The players I have selected are the best in the country. I don’t select a player who can unbalance the group. Not even if his name is Lionel Messi.

“Ziyech’s behaviour does not fit the selection. He doesn’t want to train, doesn’t want to play. He doesn’t take it seriously. I’m not going to beg him to come back.

“After the [Afcon] tournament three years ago, he was the most criticised. He was booed. You mustn’t forget that.”

Howe’s that not a penalty?!

Eddie Howe blasted a ‘ridiculous’ decision not to award Newcastle a penalty for Trevoh Chalobah’s challenge on Jacob Murphy and claimed it made a ‘mockery’ of VAR.

Chelsea defender Chalobah twisted Murphy back by grabbing his shirt – before the Toon winger tumbled theatrically.

Newcastle boss Howe told the BBC: “I have just seen it again. It had a feeling of a penalty at the time but when you watch it again, how that has not been given with VAR I don’t know?

“It makes a mockery of VAR, to be honest, if that is not used and given in the way that it should do.

“It is a clear foul. He’s ripped the shirt off his back. It is a clear penalty, I can’t understand it.”

And on claims ref David Coote was told not to look at the monitor, Howe added: “It’s ridiculous, it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Matchwinner Kai ‘so reliable’

Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea’s late matchwinner Kai Havertz as so reliable’ and on ‘absolutely the right path’ to the top.

Tuchel told the BBC: “It was a goal of real quality from a real quality player. He is a top character and on absolutely the right path in his development. He is so reliable and very strong.”

Tuchel: Victory ‘changes everything’

Thomas Tuchel claims Chelsea’s last-gasp 1-0 win over Newcastle was ‘huge’ on and off the field.

Kai Havertz strengthened the Blues’ grip on third place in their first game after owner Roman Abramovich was banned as a Prem director.

And manager Tuchel told the BBC: “This result has a huge impact on us, to give this pleasure to our fans means a lot. It changes everything.

“We are in a situation we can’t influence. In one way it is bad because you feel you have no control, but in another way it allows us to focus on what we can influence – in our performance and in the spirit we show.

“We are aware how privileged we are. This is a huge club, we are in the focus.

“Hundreds of people in this club are not so privileged, maybe face a more existential threat and are more worried about their future than us.

“This gives us a responsibility to fight for them, keep their heads up high and not give in.”

Toon duel Man Utd for Kalvin & Rudiger

Manchester United are set to do battle with Newcastle to sign both Kalvin Phillips AND Antonio Rudiger, according to reports.

The Red Devils are eyeing a rebuild in the summer when a new long-term managerial appointment is made.

Both midfield and defence are areas which need improvement.

And with Leeds’ place in the Premier League far from secure, United could look to snatch Phillips from one of their biggest rivals.

United also hold an interest in Chelsea’s Champions League-winning defender Rudiger, who could be available for free.

With Chelsea unable to tie players down to new contracts due to owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned, the German could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

But according to the Daily Mail, United could be rivalled by newly mega-rich Newcastle for both players’ signatures.

The Magpies have made great progress under boss Eddie Howe and their January signings have helped distance themselves from the relegation zone.

And Newcastle want more of the same in the summer by improving their midfield and defence.

The Magpies are big admirers of Phillips and have the financial capabilities to buy the player.

Chelsea sub ratings

Romelu Lukaku for Werner (63 mins) – 6

Didn’t do much better than Werner really when he came on and struggled to make an impact.

Mateo Kovacic for Mount (63 mins) – 8

Chelsea looked much better after this change with Kovacic’s ability on the ball and direct style of play.

Christian Pulisic for Sarr (77 mins) – N/A

Rest of the Chelsea ratings

Timo Werner – 4

Seems like every good move that then landed with Werner, he would then be the cause of the attack breaking down with a loose pass or getting tackled.

Not good enough again from him and another terrible performance in a Chelsea shirt to add to the collection.

Kai Havertz – 8

Putting himself about well and doing well to wind up Dan Burn. Strong on the ball and an aerial threat as well. Some good touches and ball progression.

Should have scored early in the second half to win the game but more than made up for it with a sublime touch and then finish right at the death!

More Chelsea ratings

N’Golo Kante – 7

His pace and energy was very useful for Chelsea as they often struggled to play out from the back.

His dribbling was needed and also recovery and interceptions as always.

Mason Mount – 5

He was subbed off early in the second half after a poor game and he wasn’t really involved enough or on the ball enough to be able to really make a difference for Chelsea.

Hakim Ziyech – 7

Very tidy on the ball and neat quick feet at times. He was fouled a lot and was using his feet well in order to nip past challenges. Always more comfortable out wide on the right for me.

Chelsea ratings continued

Antonio Rudiger – 9

Solid and emphatic performance from Rudiger, who was certainly one of the more livelier Chelsea players today.

Carrying the ball well and driving with it, and also good defending in the air. The only one with real passion today.

Malang Sarr – 6

Didn’t do a lot wrong but the same as with Chalobah, he will never bring much in an attacking sense in the full back position so it was a case of losing attacking outlets really.

Jorginho – 6

Some nice little passes in tight spaces and linked up well to help move Chelsea forward.

Also got caught on the ball a couple of times as well though despite some great touches but set up Havertz’s winner.

Chelsea ratings vs Newcastle

Edouard Mendy – 7

Made a few good saves as Newcastle threatened on occasions. His defence in front of him was quite open, and Mendy was also needed to help Chelsea keep the ball building from the back

Trevoh Chalobah – 7

Looked comfortable enough as a full back and was decent on the ball. Won’t offer the same attacking threat that Reece James obviously would though, but solid performance.

Andreas Christensen – 7

Part of a back four today and had a pretty good game all round to be fair.

Comfortable on the ball and he was the main one Chelsea were using deep to play out with.

Andriy in tears over scoring return

Andriy Yarmolenko broke down into tears after scoring on his return to first-team action in West Ham’s 2-1 home win over Aston Villa, writes JOSHUA MBU.

The Ukraine superstar was given compassionate leave after Russia invaded his homeland and hasn’t featured since February 5 against Kidderminster.

Yarmolenko travelled to Poland to collect his wife and one of his children after they fled the war zone.

The Hammers No7 made an impact from the substitutes bench after Michail Antonio was forced off through injury.

Yarmolenko was found by team-mate Said Benrahma inside the penalty area and the winger brought the ball under his spell and poked it past Emiliano Martinez.

The goal moved hearts and lifted spirits inside the London Stadium and West Ham got a second to kill the game off.

Benrahma was picked out by Hammers captain Declan Rice after a marauding run.

The Algerian played a delicate pass towards the penalty spot and Pablo Fornals made no mistake with the finish. Villa pulled a late goal back through Jacob Ramsey 

‘Late, great scenes’

Chelsea’s social media team lapped up Kai Havertz’s late winner at home to Newcastle.

Full time – Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Relief around Stamford Bridge after a shocking week in West London.

It was a moment of pure class from Kai Havertz to win it right at the end.

Newcastle fans would argue that he should have been sent off in the first half for an elbow on Dan Burn.

But Tuchel’s boys continue to fight against the animosity over Roman Abramovich’s sanctions.