Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard reveals reason for ‘simple’ tactics in Chelsea’s three defeats since ‘challenging’ return

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD revealed the reason behind his “simple” tactics in his nightmare return to Chelsea.The club legend returned to the Stamford Bridge dugout to replace Graham Potter until the end of the season.
      Frank Lampard has tried to keep it ‘simple’ since returning to ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      However, it has not worked out as planned for the ex-midfielder – with three defeats from three so far.
      He has tried a variety of formations and shapes but to no avail as of yet.
      But Lampard explained his thoughts ahead of tonight’s must-win clash with Real Madrid.
      He told BT Sport: “This two-week period that we’ve come into has been challenging, so you do everything you can in terms of preparation and meeting.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      “Simple might not be the idea, but you try not to overcomplicate it, but the biggest thing then is to implement it with energy, desire and passion that these nights demand.”
      Lampard opted for a defensive-minded line-up to face the 14-time European champions tonight.
      That included a back five and three holding midfielders behind Conor Gallagher and Kai Havertz.
      Fans at home slammed the decisions, highlighting the need for Chelsea to score at least twice to even force extra-time in this Champions League quarter-final second leg.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      One Blues supporter tweeted: “This is the worst Chelsea team I’ve seen in my entire life.”
      A second wrote: “Wow Chelsea are trying to draw this game 0-0. Most negative team I’ve ever seen.”
      A third commented: “Considering the circumstance (2-0 down) and the players at his disposal this is genuinely shocking.”
      A fourth said: “5 defenders 4 midfielders 1 false 9 on the pitch. As a Chelsea fan you always believe when it comes to must win European match. I genuinely have no faith at all today.”
      But defender Wesley Fofana is confident Chelsea can cause an almighty upset – because of the man in the dugout and the fans around the pitch.
      The £70million former Leicester defender said: “Frank is a legend, he knows the club and the fans.
      “He understands the identity of Chelsea and when he talks in the meetings, you listen, because he knows.
      “He played football at the very top, his career is immense.
      “When he talks, he says to play for the badge, for the fans all over the world.
      “These are good words because you’re thinking, ‘It’s real, it’s true.'”
      Fofana added the Blues supporters can have a “70 per cent” influence tonight.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “When the fans push you, you feel invincible.
      “But after that it is up to the players. It is everyone together and we can qualify for the next round, for sure.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans blast ‘worst team in their entire lives’ as they predict extremely negative tactic vs Real Madrid

      by

      CHELSEA fans have been stunned by Frank Lampard’s team selection ahead of the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.The interim manager named what fans are saying is a very ‘negative’ side with four defensive midfielders in the line-up ahead of the quarter-final at Stamford Bridge.

      Frank Lampard has named what fans are saying is a very negative side to take on Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Chelsea need to overturn a two-goal deficit if they are to progress past the semi-finals.
      The team’s midfield includes Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
      They will play ahead of a back five of Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and wing-backs Marc Cucurella and Reece James.
      Kai Havertz is expected to lead the line by himself.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      This means that Lampard has benched attackers Joao Felix, Hakim Ziyech, Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Mykhailo Mudryk, despite needing goals.
      In the build-up to the match, pundit Steve McManaman was asked if he thought Real Madrid would be worried after seeing Chelsea’s line-up.

      He had a hilariously blunt reply, simply saying: “No.”
      And fans have jumped on to social media to slam the defensive nature of the team.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      One Blues supporter tweeted: “This is the worst Chelsea team I’ve seen in my entire life.”
      A second wrote: “Wow Chelsea are trying to draw this game 0-0. Most negative team I’ve ever seen.”
      A third commented: “Considering the circumstance (2-0 down) and the players at his disposal this is genuinely shocking.”
      A fourth said: “5 defenders 4 midfielders 1 false 9 on the pitch. As a Chelsea fan you always believe when it comes to must win European match. I genuinely have no faith at all today.”
      While a fifth added: “This lineup doesn’t make sense to me in any way.”
      Another declared: “This lineup is actually horrendous. I’ve only been watching football for 6 months, yet I can tell you this lineup is very very confusing.”
      Explaining his squad selection before the game, Lampard told BT Sport: “When I look at us at the moment – firstly, you have to respect the opponent and the level of the game.
      “I have to pick players that I feel are in good shape and nick. It’s up to us how that looks and how we use that offensively and defensively and how we can join in with pace.
      “With the wing backs in the team, shaping up how we were last week was a part of the game we didn’t use enough.
      Read More on The Sun
      “When you use this system you must have possession of the ball, you must get your wing backs up the pitch and you must have players from midfield who will get in the box.
      “We have the legs and energy and the capacity defensively to deal with the most important parts of the pitch with the level of player they have in there.” More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League semi-final draw: Dates, teams, fixtures – Man City and Chelsea could face off

      by

      THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE is reaching its business end.The quarter-finals conclude this week, and the draw for the semi-finals has already taken place.
      The Champions League semi-final draw has taken placeCredit: EPA
      The semi-final draw took place at the same time as the quarter-final draw, so each team know their clear path to the final in Istanbul on June 10.
      Manchester City have one foot in the semi-finals, leading Bayern Munich 3-0 from the first leg.
      While Chelsea have it all to do against Real Madrid, with Frank Lampard’s side 2-0 down.
      Here’s all you need to know for the crucial semi-finals.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      When are the Champions League semi-finals?
      The Champions League semi-final first legs are taking place on May 9 and 10, with the second legs on the week of May 16 and 17.
      These are the semi-finals which will take place following the quarters.

      AC Milan/Napoli vs Inter Milan/ Benfica – semi-final 1
      Real Madrid/Chelsea vs Man City/Bayern Munich – semi-final 2

      Chelsea and Man City could meet in an all-Premier League semi-final though this depends on the Blues staging a huge comeback against Real.
      Most read in Champions League
      While Serie A high-fliers Napoli must defeat rivals Milan to then face either Inter or Benfica in their semi-final.
      Erling Haaland’s Man City are closing in on the final fourCredit: Getty
      Champions League remaining dates 2022/23
      Quarter-finals: 11/12 & 18/19 April 2023Semi-finals: 9/10 & 16/17 May 2023Final: 10 June 2023 More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans demand Frank Lampard plays HIMSELF against Real Madrid after they spot training video

      by

      CHELSEA fans have been demanding that Frank Lampard picks himself to play against Real Madrid.The calls came after footage of the club icon juggling a ball during training emerged, showing that he has not lost his touch.

      Chelsea boss Lampard impressed with his juggling skillsCredit: AFP
      And fans asked that he picks himself to play against Real Madrid tonightCredit: AFP
      Now the interim coach of the Blues, Lampard is aiming to help his side overturn a two-goal deficit when they face the LaLiga giants at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League tonight.
      Lampard has been leading training since the firing of Graham Potter, but the club has lost each of the three games that he has been in charge.
      However as he entered training today, Lampard showed off his ability to control the ball as he juggled and balanced it on his foot – all while holding a clipboard.
      This has led to fans calling for the former midfielder to play himself against Real Madrid.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      One fan tweeted: “He should just put on the jersey and play for us today, maybe we can have some hope.”
      A second wrote: “I think they need him out there !… On the pitch! lol.”
      A third commented: “Let him play as their striker tonight.”
      A fourth said: “Get him in line up player-coach Terry back too and Drogba!!!!”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      While a fifth declared: “Chelsea’s player of the season.”
      A sixth added: “He’d do a better job than 95% of Chelsea’s current midfield.”
      Another joked: “Probs worth getting the kit on can’t be worse than Havertz up top.”
      Chelsea face Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final in a bid to salvage something from this season.
      They are languishing in eleventh place in the league, ten points off seventh-placed Brighton, who beat them at the weekend. More

    • 150 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘best ever XI of team-mates’ including three Man Utd legends

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S best XI of team-mates has been revealed including three from Manchester United.The 38-year-old has played alongside some of the most brilliant footballers of his generation.
      Ronaldo has played alongside some of the best in the world during his long careerCredit: EPA
      Gareth Bale combined with Ronaldo to cause chaos for opposition defences at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Casillas played alongside Ronaldo at MadridCredit: Corbis
      Ronaldo also won countless trophies for United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
      The best ever XI of his team-mates, according to Goal Arabia, is made up of players from those sides, with no one from his current team of Al-Nassr nor his first team of Sporting Lisbon making the cut.
      Instead there are three players from the Red Devils – but the trio all only featured in his first spell at Old Trafford between 2003 to 2009.
      Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand all made it into the team.
      READ MORE ON RONALDO
      Along with Ronaldo, those three were among the most important stars in Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant late noughties side who won three Premier League titles in a row and the 2008 Champions League.

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009 and the bulk of the selection comes from his nine years at the Bernabeu.
      Club legends Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Marcelo and Karim Benzema are in with Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale.
      The Portuguese international won four Champions Leagues and two league titles while in Spain.
      Most read in Football
      He then left for Juventus and played alongside the final player who makes it into Goal’s line-up.
      The star in question is Juve legend Giorgio Chiellini, who played for the club for 18 years including four alongside Ronaldo.
      The forward won two Serie A titles before heading back to Old Trafford for his ill-fated second spell.
      There is no shortage of legends in the team
      Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini was the only Juventus player to make it inCredit: Getty
      Luka Modric is one of seven Real Madrid players in the XICredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Steven Gerrard lined up for shock return to management with club that could be competing in Champions League

      by

      STEVEN GERRARD has been tipped to take over at Olympiacos in the summer, reports suggest.Gerrard has been out of a job since October when he was dismissed by Aston Villa and replaced by Unai Emery.
      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been tipped to take over at OlympiacosCredit: Getty
      According to Greek outlet Protathlitis, the Liverpool legend has been recommended to the reigning Greek champions by agents from abroad.
      The ex-Rangers boss is as a surprise addition to the list of managers the Piraeus outfit are looking at.
      There are currently no concrete developments but the same report claims a deal would still be possible.
      That is because of the good relationship between the 42-year-old tactician and club owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is also in charge of Nottingham Forest.
      Read More on Football
      That means Gerrard would probably be returning to the Champions League next season.
      Marinakis’ club are third in the table with six points separating them from the top two places, which guarantee qualification to the summer’s qualifiers for Europe’s top competition.

      Olympiacos, though, are also looking at other candidates with former AC Milan boss Gennaro Gatusso leading the race.
      The Greek giants have made an offer to Gattuso and the Italian has said he will respond within two weeks.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      There have also been reports suggesting the Milan legend, who has been out of a job since January when he left Valencia, is interested in taking over.
      However, a number of fans have expressed strong opposition to the potential appointment on social media.
      Olympiacos have also been linked with club hero Esteban Cambiasso and Al-Ain manager Serhiy Rebrov.
      Maccabi Haifa boss Barak Bakhar has also been added to the hat but he is reportedly closing in on Red Star Belgrade.
      Marcelino has also been eyed but the former Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia boss has reportedly turned the job down.
      Olympiacos have seen three managers go this season as Pedro Martins and Carlos Corberan were sacked while Michel reportedly resigned before director of football Jose Anigo took over on an interim basis. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville fears Man City will match Man Utd’s historic treble as Arsenal’s title race hits the rocks

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has revealed his fears that neighbours Man City could pull-off the Treble.The former England defender was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary side that lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.
      Man Utd pulled off an incredible Treble in 1999 with title, FA Cup and Champions League successCredit: Getty
      Gary Neville fears that Man City will repeat that success this seasonCredit: Getty
      No English club has been able to repeat that feat since, but the now Sky Sports pundit believes Pep Guardiola’s team are “far too close for comfort” to pulling off the same this term.
      And Neville also insisted that it “is definitely on” as the Cityzens head to Bayern Munich with a 3-0 lead for the Champions League quarter final second-leg on Wednesday.
      Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast on Sky Sports, he said: “They’re purring, they’re playing well, they’re in great form, they’re serious now about it.”
      City beat Leicester 3-1 on Saturday and have closed the gap to just four points on top-flight leaders Arsenal, who they still have to play at home, to four points and have a game in hand.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Neville hailed the recent displays of trio of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne and called them the “best midfield in the league” as well as praising the performances of attackers Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez.  
      He added: “They’re settled now – they’re hitting the home straight.
      “The treble was mentioned in the studio […] it’s definitely on. They can do the treble.
      “They can win the European Cup, they can win the FA Cup, they can win the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “There’s a long way to go [and] they could come up against a team that does them on the way. But they’re very, very close to it. Far too close for comfort!”
      Should City see off Bayern then they will face the winners of Chelsea and Real Madrid, who hold a 2-0 first-leg lead over the Blues, in the Champions League semi-finals.
      And they will be at Wembley this Saturday to face Championship promotion contenders Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final, with United and BRighton contesting the other one the following day. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea made ‘most expensive substitution in history’ in single change worth MORE than Brighton’s entire matchday squad

      by

      CHELSEA made the ‘most expensive substitution in history’ in a switch which cost more than Brighton’s entire matchday squad. The Blues lost to the Seagulls on Saturday in what was their fourth defeat in five.
      Frank Lampard turned to his very expensive bench in an unsuccessful attempt to turn the tide against BrightonCredit: Alamy
      The struggling Londoners are have slumped into the bottom half of the table and have only the Champions League left to play for.
      In complete contrast, Brighton are upwardly mobile despite Chelsea taking their manager earlier this season – and having sacked him since.
      The contrasts between the two clubs could not have been more evident when caretaker boss Frank Lampard turned to his bench with the game at 1-1.
      In a quadruple change, Hakim Ziyech, Joao Felix, Reece James and Mateo Kovacic were all introduced while Enzo Fernandez, Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana made way.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      As first reported by football finance boffin Kieran Maguire, the substitution may well work its way into the Premier League record books.
      The 57th minute change saw £83.2m worth of talent coming on the pitch and a combined £281.5m walking off.
      The swap saw a total of £374.7m of players either being subbed on or subbed off in the space of a minute
      While that figure alone is staggering, it becomes even more extraordinary when Chelsea’s subs alone are compared to Brighton’s team.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The south coast club’s entire matchday squad amounted to just £83.1m, which is less than Fernandez’s transfer fee alone.
      While the Argentine midfielder cost £107m and Wesley Fofana’s transfer came to £70m, Brighton’s biggest expenditure was the £20m fee for Adam Webster and the £15m it cost to acquire Pervis Estupinan.
      Meanwhile, eight of Brighton’s matchday squad cost nothing or came through the youth academy, including Lewis Dunk and Solly March.
      In contrast only James, Mason Mount and Trevoh Chalobah emerged from Chelsea’s academy from their matchday squad.
      Fans were stunned as the cost of the Blues’ subs emerged.
      One supporter wrote: “I don’t know whether that makes me want to laugh or cry.”
      While another simply said: “Unbelievable.”
      Despite the quadruple swap, it was Brighton who went on to win the game thanks to a rocket from Julio Enciso. More