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      Frank Lampard ‘hopes he made Roman Abramovich happy’ as owner sees first match in 15 months as Chelsea down Krasnodar

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      FRANK LAMPARD hopes he made Roman Abramovich happy with Chelsea’s win over Krasnodar.
      The Blues owner attended his first live Chelsea match in nearly 15 months on Wednesday night.

      Roman Abramovich rocked up to see Chelsea win in the Champions League – his first live match in nearly 15 monthsCredit: BT Sport

      The billionaire was one of 11,000 people to see Chelsea beat Krasnodar 4-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Russian billionaire had not seen the Blues in the flesh since a friendly against Red Bull Salzburg in July 2019.
      But after spending nearly £250MILLION on new talent this summer, the Chelsea owner was one of the 11,000 people inside the Krasnodar Stadium to watch the Blues win 4-0.
      After the match, Lampard said: “I was aware that he was at the game obviously, which always makes us happy.

      “I always feel the support of the owner at the club, whether he’s here at games or not.

      “To have him here is a nice bonus for myself, for the squad, and we’re very respectful of him of course.
      “I didn’t manage to see him because before the game I was in the dressing room.
      “A couple of my staff members spoke to him. By the time I came out for the warm-up, he wasn’t around.
      “I’m very pleased we put on what we thought was a good performance – four goals and a clean sheet in his home country – so I hope it made him happy.”

      Mr Abramovich, whose current net worth is estimated at £9.8billion, has not visited Stamford Bridge in nearly three years over issues with his Visa.
      But the 54-year-old was spotted inside of the 34,074-capacity stadium in Russia ahead of kick-off.
      He was able to get a close up look at his new signings for the first time – as well as get his first live look at manager Frank Lampard.
      And he will have been impressed by new boy Hakim Ziyech, bought for £36million from Ajax, who started for the first time after injury and scored in an impressive performance.
      New boy Timo Werner – a £53million signing – scored from the penalty spot, while summer additions Kai Havertz (£70m) and Ben Chilwell (£50m) also started.
      Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a £22million signing from Rennes, retained his place in goal after his impressive display against Manchester United and kept a third successive clean sheet.
      Mendy played ahead of £71m world record keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who didn’t make the bench.

      The Russian billionaire was spotted in the Krasondar Stadium ahead of kick-offCredit: BT Sport

      New boy Hakim Ziyech impressed on his first start for the Blues, scoring late onCredit: Reuters

      But despite Chelsea splashing the cash, Abramovich reportedly saw his net worth fall by £2.4bn as a result of the coronavirus crisis this summer.
      The Chelsea owner has not set foot in the UK since May 2018 when the British government failed to renew his Visa after increased tension between London and Moscow.
      In wake of that decision, and with Abramovich now living in Israel, the £1billion redevelopment of Stamford Bridge was put on hold.
      The project, which would see the stadium demolished and rebuilt into a 60,000-seat venue, is said to still have a small chance of going ahead despite planning permission expiring in March.

      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich refused to do transfer deals with Tottenham as Carlton Cole reveals how he blocked move More

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      Chelsea lack chemistry but Ziyech, Werner and Havertz show they will be lethal when they click

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      CHELSEA still lack chemistry but Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz showed during the 4-0 cruise in Krasnodar they will be lethal when they click.
      Boss Frank Lampard spent vast sums of Roman Abramovich’s money – the Russian watching his new investments live for the first time in 18 months – this summer on new players, especially in attack.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will be thrilled by the potential if not the overall display of his Chelsea side at Russian side KrasnodarCredit: Reuters

      Hakim Ziyech lashes home to make it 3-0 to Chelsea and cap his own wonder displayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In came seven men expected to start most matches – a large number in one go, meaning many changes.
      None of these players have really played together a lot, so there is always going to be a natural bedding in period.
      Even the very best of players need time to gel and get used to how the players around them play.

      This new breed of Chelsea players showed it on occasion, with a real lack of chemistry against Krasnodar in the Champions League, especially in the first half.

      Ziyech was fantastic all game and the one player who was playing with confidence and positivity.
      But the rest of the players didn’t really join him until the second half when they all decided to turn up and turn on the style.
      It was plain and obvious to see that their lacklustre first half performance was down to the fact that these are a new set of players getting used to playing together.
      But on the plus side the second half showed exactly what they can do when they do click – and they certainly did that.

      The game ended 4-0 to the Blues, a scoreline that looked a million miles away at half-time before Lampard’s side came out much improved in the second half.

      Ex-Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech grabbed his first big chance to impress for Chelsea in spectacular styleCredit: AFP
      Ziyech, Werner, Havertz, and Christian Pulisic all started to flow in the second half, making some nice attacking movements and linking up well with short and quick passes.
      After the break they looked like a team that had been playing together for years.
      This is a sign of the scary potential this Chelsea team holds for opponents, should they really click.
      Of course, the opponents weren’t the best, but they came out early in the second half threatening Chelsea’s goal.
      So for the Blues to decide to take control of the game and click at the time they did was ideal for Lampard and Co.
      The confidence often didn’t seem like it was there for Chelsea in the first half and they didn’t play well at all.
      But the lack of chemistry was clear to see at times, and thankfully it was something they managed to turn on its head in the second half.

      It was a game of football that could have been a whole different story for Chelsea.
      But in the end a 4-0 Champions League away win – with another clean sheet – will feel like a dream for Lampard right now.
      Make no mistake, when this Chelsea team further find their feet and get into top gear the rest of Europe will be fearful.
      They have all the foundations to be one of the best in world football, they just need to gel now.

      Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash More

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      Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing for Juventus against Barcelona and Lionel Messi and what date will he return?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S eagerly awaited return for Juventus will not happen against Barcelona.
      Ronaldo sat out the 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona on Sunday after being told to self isolate because of a positive coronavirus test while on international duty.

      Cristiano Ronaldo missed the 2-0 win at Dynamo Kiev in Juventus’ opening Champions League tieCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was also unable to face Dynamo Kiev last Tuesday.
      Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Juventus?
      Ronaldo played for Portugal in their draw with France during the international break and was expected to feature against Sweden.
      But the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star returned a positive test for Covid-19 and left Portugal’s training camp.
      He is currently self isolating and has reportedly displayed no symptoms.

      It has also been revealed Ronaldo has been sleeping separately from partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children while isolating.

      Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture on Instagram of him relaxing by his pool during isolationCredit: instagram.com/cristiano
      Ronaldo travelled from Portugal to Turin on a private air ambulance – but hit back at suggestions he’s broken protocol in the process.
      CR7 said: “I did not break any protocol.
      “They’re saying that I broke Italian laws but it’s all a lie.

      “I spoke with my team and we have the responsibility to do things right.
      “Everything was done with authorisation. Principally for the Italian man (Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadaforo) whose name I’m not going to say, it’s a lie, I abided by all the protocols.”

      When will he return to action?
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-awaited reunion with Barcelona and Lionel Messi will not take place after his third coronavirus test came back positive on Tuesday night – 24 hours before the match.
      After testing positive again, he is now likely to make his Juventus return at Spezia on November 1.
      And CR7 slammed the result on his Instagram profile, stating: “PCR IS BULL****”.
      Ronaldo continues to be asymptomatic and says he is feeling ‘good and healthy’.

      Juventus vs Barcelona FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League clash More

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      Watch Timo Werner rifle in penalty after Jorginho MISSES as Chelsea fans demand German as regular taker

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      CHELSEA fans want Timo Werner to become their new penalty taker after Jorginho missed another spot-kick on Wednesday.
      The Blues squandered a great chance to take the lead just 15 minutes into their Champions League group stage clash in Russia at FC Krasnodar.

      Jorginho missed another penalty for Chelsea Credit: AFP

      The star’s penalty came back off the post during the first halfCredit: BT Sport

      Summer signing Timo Werner was tripped by defender Kaio Fernando da Silva Pantaleao inside the box leaving the ref no option but to blow.
      Italian midfielder Jorginho placed down the ball and proceeded with his trademark run and hop technique – only to see his effort cannon back off the post despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
      Late on in the game the Premier League side were awarded another penalty – and this time Werner showed his subbed off team-mate exactly how to do it as he powered to fire his team into a 2-0 lead.

      Jorginho has now missed two of his last four – and Chelsea supporters watching the action have taken to Twitter to declare they want Werner to take over spot-kick duties.

      The ex-Napoli man, who scored two against Crystal Palace recently despite Tammy Abraham trying to take the second one off him, had one saved by Liverpool stopper Alisson back in September.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi did manage to spare some of the midfielder’s blushes as he put the Blues ahead just before the break, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic also scoring in a 4-0 win.
      BT Sport pundits Jermaine Jenas and Joe Cole still believe Jorginho is the man for duty when they were asked about his penalty capabilities at half time.
      Jenas: “I still think he’s the man.

      “Yes, he’s missed a couple this season but I think when you take an unorthodox type penalty it makes people more likely to call for a change but the reality is he’s still a very good penalty taker.”

      Cole added: “It amazes me every time I see it, I don’t know how he sends the goalkeeper the wrong way.
      “He’s seen the keeper go and he’s just scuffed it. It’s unusual for him.”
      However, Chelsea fans had a somewhat different view judging by their Twitter comments, and some got their wish towards full-time when Werner converted from 12 yards without any problems.
      Here’s what they had to say:

      So that’s it. I never want to see Jorginho taking a penalty for us again. Not only is he taking goals away from our attacking players, he’s now not even scoring. Time to give them to Werner. Joke that he was on them to begin with. #KRACHE
      — Jake Heasman (@jakeheasman) October 28, 2020

      Is there a way Lamps can sub off Jorginho anytime Chelsea has a penalty so Werner can take it and then sub him on after Werner scores it?#KRACHE
      — P’all Muzik (@olatunjipaul9) October 28, 2020

      Lampard defended Jorginho afterwards, but admitted he would talk to his players to see if they wanted to deitch responsibility.
      He said: “Jorginho has an incredibly successful rate of scoring penalties in his career, particularly at Chelsea.
      “I feel that when you take many penalties as he does there can be periods where you miss one, sometimes miss one or two.
      “I experienced that as a player. But I have no problem at all; with his style, because of the success he has had.
      “Werner I know is very capable in taking penalties as we saw. We have other players that can.
      “So, I will talk to the players afterwards to see how we move forward. But we have good takers at the club.”

      Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash More

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      Krasnodar 0 Chelsea 4: Ziyech scores on first start as Blues cruise in front of watching Abramovich

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH made an appearance in the crowd to watch £33million signing Hakim Ziyech score on his full debut for Chelsea.
      Frank Lampard’s team were already in control with goals from Callum-Hudson Odoi and a penalty from Timo Werner before Ziyech and Christian Pulisic pounced to the delight of their Blues team-mates.

      Timo Werner scored as Chelsea hammered Krasnodar 4-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hakim Ziyech opened his account for the Blues in RussiaCredit: Reuters

      Roman Abramovich was present for his first Chelsea game since May 2019

      At 0-0, Jorginho missed his second successive penalty and while it was a scrappy performance, Lampard will be relieved to get the win due to the draw with Sevilla the previous week.
      And equally, it is never a good thing to only manage a point or suffer a defeat in front of the boss.
       So Lampard would have known it was  good to manage a victory in front of Abramovich who was among the 11,000 especially-distanced fans.

      Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy helped his team with a decent early save from Daniil Utkin after Kai Havertz lost possession.

      And while they had not offered much up front, Lampard’s team let their hosts off the hook courtesy of Jorginho’s latest penalty miss.
      Turkish referee Ali Palabiyik pointed to the spot after Werner was clipped by Brazilian defender Kaio and Jorginho delivered a hop and a skip before planting the ball against the left post.
      Fortunately for Russian keeper Safonov, it rebounded against his back while Werner’s follow up was blocked by Aleksandr Martynovich
      Krasnodar’s players surrounded their keeper and congratulated him but he knew absolutely nothing about it.

      Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring for ChelseaCredit: AFP

      Christian Pulisic bagged Chelsea’s fourth after some good work from Tammy AbrahamCredit: AFP

      Jorginho had scored eight successive penalties before his miss against Liverpool last month. And we will never know whether he would have taken Chelsea’s second penalty as he was off the pitch.
      After the penalty save, Krasnodar were not so happy with the 21-year-old keeper when he somehow allowed Hudson-Odoi’s badly-struck shot to squeeze through his body..
      Yet the goal came after a fine passing move, which also saw Hudson-Odoi involved in the build-up, and at least Chelsea then discovered some more confidence.

      Chelsea had a nervy start when Jorginho missed a penaltyCredit: AFP or licensors

      Hudson-Odoi kept his cool to slot home before the first-half whistleCredit: AFP
      But Chelsea then lost control in the second half and Krasnodar improved. Yuri Gazinski struck a half volley effort against the bar and Chelsea clearly needed a second goal.
      Ziyech wasted a good chance after Havertz carried the ball from his own half while Mendy saved Chelsea again by pushing away a shot from Marcus Berg.
      With 20 minutes left. Lampard introduced three subs with Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic all arriving.

      Werner made sure Chelsea’s second spot-kick was successfulCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ziyech wrapped up his first start with a good goalCredit: Reuters
      And soon after, Pulisic’s shot struck the thigh and then hand of Martynovich with the referee once again pointing to the spot.
      It was harsh on Martynovich who was also booked and Werner hammered the ball into the top corner.
      Ziyech was then rewarded for his hard work by blasting a shot through two defenders with 10 minutes left for 3-0.
      To end a miserable night for keeper Safonov, Pulisic threaded the ball through his legs for 4-0 after good work on the right from sub Tammy Abraham.

      Antonio Rudiger made his return to the starting XI after a brief exileCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Kurt Zouma looked to be hurt at one point but recovered to see out the gameCredit: AFP

      Edouard Mendy continued to impress between the sticks and kept another clean sheetCredit: Reuters

      Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash More

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      Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash

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      KRASNODAR have been blasted after just four players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Chelsea.
      Some viewers were left outraged as the Blues knelt in solidarity with BLM before kick-off in south-west Russia – but the majority of their opponents failed to follow suit.

      Only four Krasnodar players took a knee before their Champions League game with ChelseaCredit: AFP

      Outraged viewers took to Twitter to express their disgust

      Just four Krasnodar men copied Chelsea’s example at the start of the game.
      Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
      And some took to Twitter to express their disgust at the majority of the Krasnodar team’s behaviour.

      One wrote: “Wow. Watching the game and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar stood.

      “Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.”
      Another said: “So at least half of the Krasnodar team didn’t take the knee for BLM.
      “Why does that not surprise me, from a Russian team?”
      One tweeted: “Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee.”

      Another added: “Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee?
      “Keep the camera on them and shame them.”
      The game itself had plenty twists and turns, with Jorginho missing a first-half penalty for the visitors.
      But Chelsea took the lead before the break thanks to a strike from winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
      The Blues went on to win 4-0 with Timo Werner scoring from the spot, Hakim Ziyech scoring on his first start and Christian Pulisic grabbing a late goal.

      Wow. Watching the UEFA champions league game between Chelsea and Krasnodar in Russia and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar team stood. Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.
      — Mark Genthner (@MarkGenthner) October 28, 2020

      Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee
      — Touchy Gooners (@TouchyGooners) October 28, 2020

      Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee? Keep the camera on them and shame them #BLM
      — Alex Hopkins (@alhop10) October 28, 2020

      Man City’s game against Marseille was also overshadowed the previous evening after the French side stood instead of taking the knee.
      According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.
      But some were left furious with them for not taking a knee in support of BLM.

      Schwarzer says that Petr Cech could quit Chelsea technical role and return to playing at another club if right offer made More

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      Pep Guardiola lucky to not have been SACKED by Man City and will not win Prem or Champions League, slams Didi Hamann

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      PEP Guardiola is lucky not to have been SACKED by Manchester City and he will not win the Premier League or the Champions League any time soon, according to Dietmar Hamann.
      The former Liverpool midfielder had a pop at the Reds’ title rivals after their unimpressive start to the season.

      Didi Hamann spent seven years as the anchor of Liverpool’s defence Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Guardiola has faced criticism over his Champions League record with both City and Bayern Munich Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      City claimed only the League Cup last season as they crashed out in the Champions League quarter final stage and got nowhere close to Liverpool in the league.
      And despite their phenomenal success since Guardiola’s arrival, Hamann has been left unconvinced they have what it takes to challenge again – and revealed his surprise the Spaniard is still in a job.
      Hamann, 47, told Talksport: “If you look at their record in the Champions League, any other manager would’ve been in big bother.
      “Obviously he’s got some Barcelona history in the boardroom and maybe that’s why he’s still there.

      “He didn’t reach a final with Bayern Munich or Man City – and if you look at the teams who did, they don’t have the same funds.
      “It’s simply not good enough. If you look at the teams who beat them, I just wonder what has to happen for them to make a change.
      “We don’t like managers getting sacked, but I think any other manager would be in big bother.”
      Hamann’s criticism’s come despite Guardiola leading City to consecutive Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019, hauling in 100 and 98 points respectively.

      City have not looked at their domineering best so far this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      But his record in Europe has been found wanting, with Hamann convinced that longevity at the club won’t change their fortunes.
      He added: “Historically, he was at Munich for three years and he improved the team, but the players were happy when he left because he was so demanding.
      “I think a manager like Guardiola can’t be at a club for more than four or five years.
      “He’s done that at Man City and if you see the players they bring in, there is no continuity and I don’t see them improving enough with the money they’ve spent.
      “I think they’ve peaked under Guardiola, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League in the next few years.”
      Etihad chiefs invested heavily over the summer as the club looked to patch up their defensive shortcomings.
      Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias were brought in to shore up a back four that often looked shaky last season.
      But their new-look shield was blown apart by Jamie Vardy during Leicester’s eye-catching 5-2 win in September.

      It was the standout result in what has otherwise been a sedate season for the Cityzens.
      They’ve been held to draws by Leeds and West Ham while squeezing past Arsenal and Wolves on the opening day.
      Their Champions League form is more encouraging with comfortable wins recorded over Porto and Marseille.

      Pep Guardiola told by Richard Keys to bring in Sam Allardyce to sort out Man City defence after 1-1 draw vs Leeds More

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      Krasnodar vs Chelsea FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League match TONIGHT

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      CHELSEA face a 4000-mile round trip to Russia to take on Krasnodar in their second Champions League group game.
      The Blues played out a 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla in their opening match as the two group favourites ended up deadlocked.

      Chelsea are hoping to build on successive 0-0 drawsCredit: Reuters

      But Krasnodar will be buoyed by a 1-1 draw away to Rennes in their first game and know that a shock win here would give them a reasonable chance of qualifying.
      What time does Krasnodar vs Chelsea kick off?
      Krasnodar take on Chelsea on Wednesday, October 28.
      The match kicks off at 5.55pm – 8.55pm in Krasnodar.
      It will be played at the Krasnodar Stadium.
      What TV channel is Krasnodar vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

      How do I watch Krasnodar vs Chelsea for free?
      Team news
      Chelsea are in a strong position for this game with only Kepa and Billy Gilmour injury worries.
      However, Kepa was unlikely to play after a horror show in his last appearance against Southampton.

      How Chelsea could line-up for their game vs Krasnodar
      And Edouard Mendy looks to have made the number one jersey his own with two clean sheets in the last two games and an assured display in the weekend’s 0-0 draw at Man Utd.

      Latest odds
      Krasnodar 5/1
      Draw 29/10
      Chelsea 4/9
      *Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Sunday, October 25 More