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      Ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink thought 2009 Champions League semi-final vs Barcelona could have been ‘fixed’

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      GUUS HIDDINK thought Chelsea’s 2009 Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona might have been fixed – even though the referee owned up to making mistakes.The Blues were denied a spot in the final after the official Tom Henning Ovrebo made a series of blunders.
      Dider Drogba verbally abuses ref Tom Henning Ovrebo back in 2009 while (inset) boss Guus Hiddink pulls his furious striker away
      Hiddink, manager of Chelsea at the time, branded the officialdom as ‘the worst refereeing I have ever seen’.
      He told Ziggo Sport in 2020: “The referee performance surprised me, because in the past he’d had perfect performances.
      “Is it the worst refereeing I’ve ever seen? I think so.”
      The Dutchman alleged: “This is the only time I thought a match could’ve been fixed.”
      Barca went on to beat Manchester United in the final.
      Hiddink claims football chiefs would not have wanted a repeat of the all-English final between Chelsea and United the year before, won by the Red Devils on spot-kicks.
      But in an interview with SunSport in February 2018, Norwegian whistler Ovrebo admitted to making genuine mistakes during the match.
      Ovrebo, who works as a psychologist in Oslo now, turned down FOUR Blues’ penalty claims before Chelsea were cruelly eliminated by Andres Iniesta’s 94th-minute goal for Barca which put them through on away goals.

      Death threats were made after the game by people claiming to be Chelsea fans, while straight after the match Blues striker Didier Drogba verbally attacked the ref, and later received a five-match ban.
      Ovrebo said: “I was happy with 95 per cent of my decisions. But there were some decisions that were not dealt with in the correct manner.
      “One handball earlier in the game should have been a penalty. People will always have different opinions about the game.
      “But everyone agrees the refereeing that night was not optimal. And I am the first to agree with them.”
      At the time Uefa dismissed the conspiracy theories around the game.
      Uefa general secretary David Taylor said: “If anything it’s a media conspiracy against Uefa.
      “It does make me angry. It really annoys me because it’s a load of rubbish.”
      Uefa plot major revamp of away goals rule in Champions League and Europa League next season as clubs back move More

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      Thomas Tuchel wants Chelsea to avoid Liverpool in Champions League semi-final to have ‘feeling of European competition’

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      CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed he is keen to avoid facing Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals.The Blues secured their passage into the last four of the competition on Tuesday after beating Porto 2-1 on aggregate.
      Thomas Tuchel has guided Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals after edging out PortoCredit: PA
      They will now face either Liverpool or Real Madrid, with the two clubs to battle at Anfield on Wednesday with Los Blancos taking a 3-1 lead into the second leg.
      Chelsea and Liverpool have plenty of history in the semi-finals having met in the last four in 2005, 2007 and 2008, with the West Londoners winning the last showdown.
      And Tuchel has declared he would rather face the Spanish outfit as he would prefer to come up against foreign opposition.
      Speaking to BT Sport, the 47-year-old German said: “I don’t wish for nothing, but in general I like it in Champions League not to play teams from your own league.
      “Because it gets a bit more the feeling of the European competition but that’s the only thing.
      “Whoever deserves it – I think the game is far from over – but I will watch it for sure.
      “It’s a pleasure to watch it as semi-finalists, a great achievement. We will watch these games and there is nothing decided yet. Everything is possible.
      “Liverpool is very strong at home, the Premier League is strong. We take what we get, it’s a good situation for us.”
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      Rio Ferdinand has also stated he believes Chelsea would rather square off against Real Madrid as there is added pressure playing against English opposition.
      He remarked: “We played against Chelsea and the pressure is just different – it’s amped up and you’re playing against people you know.
      “When you’re playing against Barcelona and you go away, you’re not reminded of it.
      “When you lose to an English team, anywhere you walk, anywhere you go on tv, it’s there in your face. When you play against a European team, it feels like a European tie.”
      Chelsea legend Joe Cole added: “I still believe that Real Madrid is better option in the semi-final than Liverpool.
      “I hated playing against an English team.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Rio Ferdinand says Chelsea will be desperate for Real Madrid to beat Liverpool More

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      Watch Porto star Mehdi Taremi emulate Ronaldo and Bale with jaw-dropping Champions League overhead kick vs Chelsea

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      MEHDI TAREMI scored an outrageous Puskas Award contender for Porto as they ultimately crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea.Porto knew they needed a little European magic if they were to overturn the 2-0 goal deficit from their ‘home’ leg in Seville.

      Taremi scored a Puskas Award contender with a staggering overhead kick against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Back at the same stadium for the quarter-final second-leg, Chelsea stood firm, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho particularly impressive in the defensive midfield positions.
      But just as fans were giving up on some late drama, Iran star Taremi left jaws on the floor across the globe.
      Nanu whipped in yet another hopeful cross into the Chelsea area itching to spark the game into life.
      And just as the clock ticked over to 93 minutes – with just one minute of added still time to play – Taremi unleashed an audacious, unstoppable overhead kick into the top corner.
      The forward – who became the first Iranian to score in a Champions League quarter-final – seemed to hang in the air as he showed off his unreal athleticism.
      And as the ball flew towards, Taremi hammered a powerful strike into the top bins – up there with some other iconic Champions League overhead kicks, such as Gareth Bale vs Liverpool and Cristiano Ronaldo vs Juventus.
      Bizarrely though, after the full-time whistle sounded, Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel called the sensational effort ‘lucky’.
      Reflecting on the late defeat, Tuchel said: “Until the lucky shot in the last minute we did not concede any chances.
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      Taremi showed incredible athleticism as he thumped the ball into the net with an overhead kickCredit: Getty

      “We missed some counter-attacks and some touches in the final third to create a little more but we are a young team.”
      But, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-England and Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green was left in awe of the strike.
      Green said: “This is one of the Champions League goals of the season.
      “They have put so many crosses in and what an overhead kick.
      “Sweet as you like into the top corner.
      “Chelsea had defended so well but that is something out of nothing.”
      Thomas Tuchel called Taremi’s stunner a ‘lucky shot’ in his post-match interviewCredit: Reuters
      Meanwhile, man of the moment Taremi claimed his side perhaps deserved more from the tie.
      The Porto ace said: “We could have won by more if we had a little more luck.
      “It was not bad, but for us it is not enough. We deserved to score one more goal but we had a great Champions League [campaign].”
      The Blues, though, hung on to win the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
      Chelsea will now face the winner of Real Madrid and Liverpool in the semi-final, with Los Blancos winning the first leg 3-1 in Spain.
      The Reds host Real at Anfield at 8pm on Wednesday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Thomas Tuchel delighted as Chelsea beat Porto to march into the Champions League semi-final More

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      Chelsea ratings: Jorginho shines in defensive display as Mason Mount struggles to get involved against Porto

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      CHELSEA booked their spot in the Champions League semi-finals despite a 1-0 defeat to Porto.Having won the ‘away’ leg in Seville 2-0, the Blues managed to stand firm – but how did everyone fare?
      Jorginho was Chelsea’s stand-out player during the 1-0 defeat in SevilleCredit: AFP
      Here’s how SunSport’s Simon Phillips rated the Chelsea performers…
      Edouard Mendy – 6
      Dodgy moment on the ball in the first half that almost gifted Porto a goal.
      He soon settled back into the game though and made some important catches and saves in the second half.
      Could do very little about the winner.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
      Had some defending to do as Porto pushed for a goal, but organised his backline well and gave some good contributions further forward. 
      Thiago Silva – 8
      Comfortable deep at the back and was the main man Mendy used to play out under a very high and intense high Porto press.
      Antonio Rudiger – 8
      Chelsea needed his intensity and pace tonight and he stood up to the challenge, making some good tackles and winning headers as well as some good leadership.
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      Reece James – 7
      A few misplaced passes, but his strength was much needed against an aggressive side.
      He was really up for the fight in the second half and helped the defence out well.
      N’Golo Kante – 8
      Mr Interceptor lived up to his name once again and he was pinnacle for breaking down Porto’s possession.
      His ball-playing was neat and tidy as well.
      Jorginho – 9
      The Italian was well up for this game and was matching Porto’s aggression and intensity.
      Jorginho was getting stuck in to challenges and was a real orchestrator playing out of the high press.
      Ben Chilwell – 7
      A poor bit of defending early on almost allowed Porto in, but his overall play was excellent once again and his pace at the back and in the attack was pinnacle.
      Mason Mount had a rare quiet game for Chelsea during the 1-0 lossCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount – 6
      A little quiet in the first half and didn’t really get involved as much as Tuchel would have liked.
      Mount barely improved in the second half either in a rare quiet game.
      Christian Pulisic – 8
      He was the victim of numerous fouls from Porto players and really should have got more protection from the ref.
      Was a constant threat for Chelsea and perhaps that’s why they kept fouling him every time he got the ball.
      Kai Havertz – 6
      Isolated all night. Had some neat little touches and involvements on the ball, but didn’t have much to work with to be fair.
      SUBS
      Hakim Ziyech for Mount (85 mins) – N/A
      Olivier Giroud for Havertz (90+2 mins) – N/A
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell reveals he is ‘different player’ since Thomas Tuchel arrived More

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      Chelsea ‘in pole position’ to land Jules Kounde and could offer one of five stars in swap transfer for Sevilla defender

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      CHELSEA are reportedly willing to offer Hakim Ziyech to Sevilla in a player-plus-cash deal to bring Jules Kounde to Stamford Bridge.The Blues are understood to be in the market for a centre-back in the summer, with AS stating that Thomas Tuchel has identified the 22-year-old as an option.
      Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is a target for many clubs in the summerCredit: Getty
      SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Manchester United were eyeing up a move for Kounde to pair him alongside Harry Maguire.
      But Spanish media have claimed that the West Londoners are in pole position to secure the Frenchman’s services.
      They have declared that Chelsea are unwilling to activate his £69million release clause, and will instead try to drive the price down by offering one of five players as well as cash.
      Moroccan playmaker Ziyech – who only joined the Premier League side from Ajax last year – is said to be one squad member Chelsea would be open to letting go.
      The 28-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since moving to England.
      He has chipped in with just one goal and three assists in 17 top-flight games, with his last strike coming in the 3-0 win away at Burnley in October.
      Other players who could reportedly be used in any swap deal are Tammy Abraham, Cesar Azpilicueta, Michy Batshuayi and Tiemoue Bakayoko.
      Kounde is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising defenders since bursting on the scene at Bordeaux during the 2017-18 season.
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      The France youth international is in his second campaign in Seville, where he helped Julen Lopetegui’s side win the Europa League last campaign.
      He was heavily linked with a switch to Manchester City last year with the Citizens having a £46million offer rejected, leading them to sign Ruben Dias from Benfica.
      Speaking at the time, Sevilla chief Monchi said: “An offer from English football has arrived, we have assessed it and rejected it.
      “Although it is more than double the investment we made 12 months ago, we consider it to be insufficient. If more offers arrive, we will assess it and decide, as we always do.
      “We are not afraid to sell, because that is what we have done over the last two decades and that is what has allowed us to grow.
      “It is our model, selling in order to grow. But we want to sell for a significant amount so that we can reinvest those amounts in new players who in turn improve the squad.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea train ahead of Champions League game against Porto More

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      Chelsea transfer target Ousmane Dembele admits Thomas Tuchel is his favourite coach with Barca star’s contract expiring

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      CHELSEA have been handed a huge transfer boost after Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele named Thomas Tuchel as his favourite coach.The French winger has failed to light up LaLiga as many expected following a £97million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
      Ousmane Dembele is a big fan of Chelsea boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Rex
      It has led to rumour that the cash-strapped Spaniards may look to flog the 23-year-old, with Chelsea previously linked.
      And it appears Dembele would be keen to link up once again with his former Dortmund boss Tuchel.
      Speaking to BeIn Sports, the 23-cap France international said: “Thomas Tuchel is my favourite coach.
      “Under him I played more on the right side before I was moved to ten or in the middle.
      “If he had stayed, it would have been very difficult to leave Dortmund. I would probably not have done it.”
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      Dembele has confirmed he is yet to start discussing a new contract with Barcelona.
      His current deal expires next summer.
      Dembele said: “My future? I still have a year of contract left. There hasn’t been a discussion with the club yet, I’m happy, and I feel good.
      “Then there is the new president who has arrived and whom I do not know too well, but he is very close to the players. We’ll see how it goes.”

      Tuchel could try and put his own stamp on the Chelsea squad this summerCredit: Getty

      Joan Laporta was elected Barcelona president for the second time last month and has been tasked with persuading Dembele to sign a new deal.
      Reports in Spain suggest the France international will stay at the Nou Camp, although it may be some time before an extension is agreed if negotiations are yet to begin.
      Manchester United have also been linked with the jet-heeled Frenchman.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ousmane Dembele shows off his skills in training with Barcelona More

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      Frank Lampard refuses to slam Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and hails ‘incredible’ 18-month spell after brutal axe

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      FRANK LAMPARD has spoken out about his failed 18-month spell as Chelsea manager for the first time, refusing to hit out at Roman Abramovich for sacking him.The Blues legend, 42, was sacked by the Russian owner in January with the club down in ninth in the Premier League.
      Lampard has looked back on his time at Chelsea fondly despite being sacked by Abramovich in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Lampard was sacked in January with Chelsea down in ninth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
      The decision was widely questioned by Chelsea fans who believed Lampard just needed more time to implement his philosophy.
      But Abramovich and the rest of the Stamford Bridge board decided to pull the plug and installed Thomas Tuchel – who was himself sacked by Paris Saint-Germain a month earlier – as boss.
      Despite the slightly bitter exit, Lampard has chosen to look back on his brief stint as Chelsea chief fondly.
      Speaking for the first time in a in the exclusive Q&A in aid of the Willow Foundation, Lampard revealed: “I’m absolutely appreciative of the opportunity I had to manage Chelsea.
      “It was an incredible time. Everyone knows how I felt about the club.”
      Despite sacking Lampard, Abramovich released a rare public statement admitting it was a tough decision.
      The Russian said: “This was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him.
      “He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics.
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      “However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.
      “He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished.
      “He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”
      During his Q&A, Lampard later confessed he had already received ‘several’ approaches from other clubs to jump straight back into management, rejecting them all.
      The ex-Derby boss said: “Football has consumed my life, firstly as a player and then as a manager.
      “Nobody wants to lose their job. But when you go into this career, it can happen, no matter how good you think you are. 
      “It’s given me a lot more time to be at home. It’s been great to be around the family.
      “I’ve had some opportunities that have come up in the last six weeks, two months, that have been flattering, but not the right thing.
      “They were not quite right.”

      But Lampard did admit he is keen to get back into coaching in the not-too-distant future.
      He added: “It would be something I’m very keen to do in the right time and place. My eyes are always on it.
      “I’m always watching football and trying to get better. I’ll try and find the right time and right opportunity.
      “I’m very keen to get working again.
      “How much it consumes you when you’re in it is a big deal.
      “You cannot take away your love of the game. I like to keep involved.”
      Lampard has already been linked with taking over from Aidy Boothroyd as England Under-21s boss following their disastrous Euros campaign last month.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Frank Lampard shock candidate to become new England U21s boss with Chelsea hero seen as possible Boothroyd replacement More

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      Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger calls Kepa ‘my brother’ as he breaks silence on training ground bust-up on Instagram

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has called Kepa Arrizabalaga his ‘brother’ after finally breaking his silence following their training ground bust-up.The two Chelsea stars had to be pulled apart during a tempestuous Easter Sunday session.
      Antonio Rudiger played down his scrap with Chelsea team-mate Kepa – calling the Spaniard his ‘brother’ in a post on Instagram
      Boss Thomas Tuchel described the fight as being ‘serious’.
      But Rudiger has moved to play down the row by calling Kepa ‘mi hermano’ – which translates to ‘my brother’ in the goalkeeper’s native Spanish.
      In a post to his Instagram Story, the German defender shared a picture of the pair hugging during a game, with the caption sprawled across it.
      The pair were playing in a small-sided game organised for those who missed out on the 5-2 thrashing at home to West Brom.
      Kepa reportedly gave Rudiger ‘a few verbals as the match was going on’.
      The pair then collided when going for a loose ball which ended up in a shoving match.
      Tuchel dismissed Rudiger to the changing room before admitting while the incident was ‘serious’, neither star would be punished.
      The Blues boss said: “We calmed the situation immediately.
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      “They can happen because everyone is competitive in training.
      “They cleared the air and there was nothing left afterwards.
      “They solved it in an honest and humble way.
      “For this situation, there will be no punishment.”
      Ben Chilwell and Kurt Zouma later poked fun of the whole incident with a play-fight of their own during a training session earlier this week.
      On Wednesday, Chelsea bounced back from their shambolic weekend by beating Porto 2-0 in the away leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Thomas Tuchel says Rudiger and Kepa won’t be punished for Chelsea training ground scrap More