Roman Abramovich LATEST: Chelsea owner hands control to Blues charitable foundation day before EFL Cup final – updates

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.”

Being Frank

Cristiano Ronaldo should retire while still he’s still ‘at the top’, according to former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.

The Manchester United striker has had an underwhelming season since making an emotional return to the club in the summer.

CR7 has scored 15 goals in 29 games in all competitions, but just nine in 22 league games.

Nevertheless the 37-year-old has previously revealed his intentions to continue playing well into his 40’s.

But Leboeuf reckons that could be a step too far.

He told ESPN: “Do you know what? I think there is a time where you have to think, ‘What do I do with my life and my career’.

“And maybe it’s time for Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of his career to wonder and have a discussion with himself, and maybe some of his family, to know what he has to do for the rest of his career, if there is a future in his career.”

Sak em off

Paul Merson reckons star duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe should be sold in the summer if they refuse to sign new deals.

Merson has urged Arsenal to tie the pair down to long-term contracts as soon as possible.

Saka’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024, and the 20-year-old is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Manchester City.

Smith Rowe on the other hand is contracted up until 2026, but that’s still not enough for Merson’s liking.

And rather than let the pair run down their contracts, Merson has made the bold claim that they should be sold in the summer if they aren’t penned down long-term.

He wrote in the Daily Star: “They are top drawer and they are going to be vital to Arsenal finishing in the top four this season. But I think Arsenal should get them tied down now.

“They should be talking now about five year contracts. Get them signed, and if they don’t want to sign, then sell them in the summer.

“Don’t hang around and let them run their contracts down and let them go for next to nothing. Test the water because there will be teams chasing them.”

Something is Ron

Cristiano Ronaldo was left kicking the net in anger after missing a sitter during Manchester United’s clash with Watford.

On the hour mark, the Portuguese superstar found himself eight yards out with the goal at his mercy, but failed to convert the gilt-edged opportunity.

And he was reduced to whacking the net in frustration as he spurned the chance to break the deadlock.

Football fans on social media were gobsmacked by Ronaldo’s wastefulness as they slammed him for the miss.

Speaking during the game, one person said: “So many chances wasted already. Never seen Ronaldo miss so many.”

While another added: “I guess Ronaldo will first have to miss 100 clear chances before someone of authority realises he’s a problem.”

Angel Delight

Arsenal are reportedly in competition with rivals Tottenham in the race to bring RB Leipzig full-back Angelino back to the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has been earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga since arriving on an initial loan deal from Manchester City in January 2020.

His loan at the Red Bull Arena was extended until the end of the 20-21 campaign having established himself as a key player under then-boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Leipzig then turned his temporary stay into a permanent switch in February 2021 in a bargain £15.8million deal.

Though the Citizens do have a buy-back clause for around £35m.

However they are unlikely to bring him back to the Etihad for a third time due to the dazzling displays from Joao Cancelo.

But North London giants Arsenal and Spurs are claimed to be eyeing up a summer swoop for the Spain youth international.

According to Calciomercato, the two teams are keen on the defender following his standout performances this term.

Sal or nothing

William Saliba will reportedly be rewarded with a new long-term contract at Arsenal following his impressive loan spell at Marseille.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27million, is tied down at the Emirates until 2024.

Saliba is yet to feature for the North London outfit, with the Frenchman currently on his third loan spell away from the club.

His future in England has been in question, with Real Madrid claimed to be eyeing up a move for the centre-back in the summer.

But Arsenal are understood to be desperate to keep hold of the youngster with Mikel Arteta looking to integrate him back into his team.

And according to French news outlet ButFootball, Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Saliba about extending his stay.

It has been stated that Arteta has been left convinced that the defender has a part to play in his side after starring at Marseille.

Though the report adds that should the club and player fail to agree terms over a new deal, Arsenal would consider selling Saliba.

Wij-n or lose

PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum could be set for a return to the Premier League, according to reports.

Aston Villa and Newcastle have both been linked with a move for the former Liverpool man as he continues to struggle in France.

According to Calciomercato, Villa and Newcastle are interested in bringing the Dutchman in.

But they face stiff competition from fellow Premier League rivals West Ham if they are to secure his signature.

And LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid are also thought to be keen on the Holland international.

Klopp vs Tuchel

Liverpool face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

And in what could be a tense affair, it could all come down to which manager gets their tactics right.

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

Kant have him

PSG are reportedly keen on a summer transfer for N’Golo Kante.

The Chelsea man has been in stunning form again for the Blues this campaign after helping them win the Champions League last summer.

Kante’s contract expires at the end of next season, with PSG ‘chalking off the years’ from his deal, according to The Telegraph.

And were Kante not to pen an extension at Stamford Bridge, the club may be forced into a sale this summer to receive maximum profit.

There are just two transfer windows left to play out before the Frenchman can leave for free.

Nice touch from Toffees

Everton are set to ditch their usual pre-match routine against Manchester City out of respect for Ukrainian players on both teams.

The Toffees usually play air raid sirens at Goodison Park as part of their hype music ahead of kick-off.

They were used as part of Evertonian boxer Tony Bellew’s ring walk song with a variation of Z Cars.

But it is expected the club have decided against using the sirens for this evening’s kick-off due to the need for the emergency sounds this week in Ukraine amid the invasion by Russia in a complete abandonment of the Minsk agreements.

On a similar note, Leicester City removed the song Fire by local band Kasabian as their goal music following the tragic helicopter crash which claimed the lives of five people including chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in 2018.

Beckham jokes on Higuain

David Beckham heaped praise on Inter Miami star Gonzalo Higuain while poking fun at the striker.

The Miami owner held a press conference to preview the upcoming MLS season ahead of the opening game of the season against Chicago Fire on Saturday.

Beckham said: “Gonzalo is a great player, he’s a great professional and I think especially last year he performed.

“He has to live up to those expectations of being the figurehead of this team. He is a leader but his actions on the field also give the other players and the young players an opportunity to perform at a higher level. He has that power.

“He’s always scored goals wherever he’s played but he’s an important part of this club because his actions set the tone of our games. If Gonzalo plays well and works hard then everybody works hard.

“My relationship with him has always been good. My relationship with him will be even better if he scores more goals.”

Toon dream

Newcastle owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley plan to emulate the success of Prem giants Man United, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the next five years.

Speaking to The Athletic, Ghodoussi said: “There is no reason why Newcastle in the next five years should not be a Man City or a Man Utd or a Liverpool or a Chelsea.”

And Staveley, also revealed she was inspired to deliver success to the Magpies’ loyal supporters after a recent visit to Man City’s Etihad stadium.

Speaking of her trip to the Prem Champions, Staveley gushed: “Just to talk to them and see their training facilities, to see what we can do.

“I was thinking, ‘God, I can’t wait for our guys to get their trophies, I can’t wait to deliver what the fans really deserve’.”

Haz about that

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are BOTH being tipped to join Real Madrid this summer, with the club reportedly confident of a double swoop.

It is thought the duo could become the team’s new additions in June with Real hoping to sell Eden Hazard, according to Marca.

It is thought the sale of Eden Hazard could also help to finance swoops for the duo with Marca claiming the Belgium winger could return to Chelsea.

Prem giants in Asensio battle

Arsenal and Liverpool are battling to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio on a free transfer.

Real have offered him a new deal on his existing terms, believed to be £3.7million a year, according to Spanish outlet Super Deporte.

The deal would include an additional £1.2m in bonuses and would extend Asensio’s stay at the Bernabeu for another four years.

But the winger could quit Los Blancos amid Premier League interest.

Liverpool and Arsenal would offer him £5.8m per annum – 50% more than what Real are prepared to pay.