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    Chelsea 2021/22 home kit ‘leaked’ with yellow club badge and zig-zag patterns as ‘disgusted’ fans ask ‘do they hate us?’

    CHELSEA fans have been put off by a ‘horrendous’ leaked concept kit that claims to be based on the upcoming 2021-22 home shirt.
    A design put out by FootyHeadlines was the latest leak obtained by the website.

    A Chelsea home kit design was leaked onto the internet this weekCredit: FOOTYHEADLINES

    The yellow detail and zig-zag design promises to be ’90 per cent accurate’ – but Chelsea fans are not impressedCredit: FOOTYHEADLINES

    It featured a yellow club badge and Nike logo on a blue kit covered in a faded zig-zag design.
    The real shirt is yet to be revealed by Chelsea but insider info purports to have made this concept ’90 per cent accurate’.
    The choice of ‘Opti Yellow’ for the crests would be a departure from the Blues’ traditional badge, which was redesigned in 2005 to mark the club’s 100th anniversary.
    Only the 2012-13 design altered the blue-and-white appearance of the badge on the home kit, adding a golden shine to mark London’s hosting of the Olympic games.

    And fans online were not impressed by next season’s leaked offering.
    One Chelsea supporter asked: “That’s horrendous man who approves this garbage?”
    Another, Julien, wrote: “This is so bad.”
    While one Blues fans was left wondering: “Our fans can even make better concepts than these guys. Who the hell employed them?”

    Max tweeted: “F*** off that is disgusting.”
    Roman commented: “Looks like a training kit.”
    And James summarised: “Do they hate us?”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Antonio Rudiger treats staff at Chelsea’s local hospital to a feast to thank them for leading fight against coronavirus

    ANTONIO RUDIGER has turned out to be just what the doctor ordered… by treating staff at Chelsea’s local hospital to a feast.
    The big-hearted Blues defender marked his 28th birthday on Wednesday thanking medics at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital for their work in fighting Covid-19.

    NHS staff were treated by Antonio Rudiger to a tasty spread as thanks for their hard workCredit: cwpluscharity

    The Chelsea defender laid on drinks and food, and posted a video to staffCredit: cwpluscharity

    German international Rudiger laid on a spread of cakes, pastries and drinks at the West London facility, a stone’s throw from Stamford Bridge.
    He said in a video message to staff: “I just wanted to say a big thank you.
    “We all can’t thank you enough for what you are doing in these difficult circumstances.
    “That’s why on my birthday I wanted to share a few cakes and drinks with you people, as a little appreciation for the work you are doing and will still do.

    “I hope it won’t be so much any more, and things will get better. I wish you and your families all the best.
    “Stay safe and keep doing what you are doing, because you are doing great work.

    Staff at Chelsea & Westminster hospital posed for photos with the snacksCredit: cwpluscharity

    Rudiger has donated a number of times to health workers during the pandemicCredit: cwpluscharity
    “You are the heroes! Thank you, stay safe, and goodbye.”
    Smiling nurses and doctors are seen in the video standing behind a long table laden with food and drinks.

    They chorus: “Happy Birthday, Toni – thank you for the gifts.”
    Rudiger last year donated pizzas to staff at 13 hospitals in Germany, and bought food for nurses at the Berlin hospital where he was born.
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    Rudiger has been an integal part to Thomas Tuchel’s revivla of the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    He has also provided facemasks for people in his mother’s African homeland Sierra Leone.
    The centre-back has made 18 Chelsea appearances this season.
    A £29million buy from Roma in 2017, he has since helped the Blues win the Europa League and FA Cup.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Chelsea transfer target Jonas Hofmann hints at switch after admitting Thomas Tuchel has ‘expressed interest’ in him

    BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH ace Jonas Hofmann has hinted at a potential reunion with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
    Reports suggest Blues boss Tuchel is keen on bringing £14million-rated Hofmann to Stamford Bridge ahead of the summer transfer window.

    Borussia Monchengladbach ace Jonas Hofmann has been linked with ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Bild reported the German manager has contacted the winger, who appears keen on pursuing a new challenge.
    And the versatile player, who can cover midfield as well as both wings, isn’t ruling out any potential talks with other clubs.
    Hofmann told Ruhr Nachrichten: “Basically, I feel good at Borussia, I’ve always emphasised that.
    “It may be that one or the other club has expressed its interest.

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    “Nevertheless, for me, the absolute focus is on having a successful season with Borussia and dedicating myself fully to success. I put my personal situation under it.
    “‘I think it’s clear that other clubs will notice you if you perform well. Therefore, it is possible that one or the other has already asked.”
    Hofmann started his senior career at Hoffenheim in 2011 and joined Borussia Dortmund later that year.

    That is where the 28-year-old met Tuchel, who took charge from Jurgen Klopp in 2015.

    The two Germans worked together for a year until Hofmann decided to join Gladbach.
    The Germany international has amassed a total of 145 appearances throughout his five-year stint at Borussia-Park.
    The Chelsea target has been in sparkling form this season having recorded a whopping seven goals and 11 assists in 27 matches across all competitions.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante reveals why he snubbed PSG transfer under new boss Thomas Tuchel to stay at Stamford Bridge

    N’GOLO KANTE has revealed the reasons behind his decision to snub a move to Thomas Tuchel’s Paris Saint-Germain.
    The German is now Kante’s manager at Chelsea having left Ligue 1 late last year – where he had tried to land the midfield star.

    N’Golo Kante has not spoken to Thomas Tuchel about the PSG transfer bidCredit: AFP or licensors

    But the 29-year-old’s happiness at Stamford Bridge meant he did not consider the offer.
    Kante told the club website: “I knew in the past there was some contact with Paris Saint-Germain when he was the manager, but it was not something I wanted.
    “It did not happen because I was happy at Chelsea and I stayed here.
    “I haven’t spoken to the manager about it!”

    The Frenchman was linked with PSG in the summer of 2019 and admitted the interest was ‘rewarding’.
    Yet he committed his future to Chelsea, where he is under contract until 2023.
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    Tuchel is slowly reintroducing Kante to his line-up after a spell out with a hamstring injury.

    Starts against Southampton and Manchester United have come alongside a number of substitute appearances, and the player spoke of his frustration at being injured.
    He continued: “When injury comes, you play two weeks, and then you get injured, it’s not the best.
    “You don’t feel like you are giving the best to the club or your team-mates.

    I realise now it’s better to take more time to recover. I speak with the medical staff to get the best out of me for the team.
    N’Golo Kante

    “You can learn from these times to appreciate more the time you are fit, when you can play and train with your team-mates. When I have been injured it’s a period of reflection of what you can do better.
    “I realise now it’s better to take more time to recover. I speak with the medical staff to get the best out of me for the team. This is something I have learned.
    “I am happy now to feel good. We have played so many games in a short time, so injury can come back, but we try to prevent more injuries.
    “I have learned when you are not ready, take more time because that will help the team more.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Dortmund identify Sevilla star En-Nesyri as Erling Haaland transfer replacement amid interest from Man Utd and Chelsea

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND see Sevilla ace Youssef En-Nesyri as a potential replacement for star striker Erling Haaland, according to reports.
    Haaland has set the world on fire with his goalscoring exploits as he already counts a staggering 27 goals in 26 matches across all competitions for Dortmund this season.

    Youssef En-Nesyri has emerged as an option for DortmundCredit: Alamy Live News

    The club will need to replace Erling HaalandCredit: AP:Associated Press

    That has led to immense interest from some of Europe’s big hitters, including Manchester United and Chelsea, ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to Eurosport, Dortmund seem fully aware that they won’t be able to hold on to the Norway international for long and are starting to think ahead.
    The Bundesliga giants are already seeking for a potential replacement in case Haaland leaves in the summer and seem to have found him in En-Nesyri.
    The Morocco international has netted a total of 13 goals in 24 appearances in LaLiga for Sevilla ever since his move from Leganes last summer.

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    Dortmund don’t wish to lose Haaland in the summer but the 20-year-old wonderkid continues to be the most sought-after centre-forward in Europe.
    United and Chelsea look set to enter an intense bidding war for the Norwegian star as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League rivals Manchester City have also shown interest.
    Reports also suggest that Haaland’s asking price has rocketed to a whopping £150million.

    The youngster has a release clause of £68m – but that doesn’t kick in until 2022.

    The Red Devils know how adamant Dortmund remain when it comes to their valuations as they have repeatedly turned down offers for Jadon Sancho that didn’t satisfy their demands.
    But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t need a new striker as much as Chelsea as Marcus Rashford has been impressive all season with 18 goals in 41 matches across all competitions.
    The Blues, though, have yet to see their £45m investment on Timo Werner pay off as the Germany striker has only notched five goals in 25 Premier League matches so far.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Chelsea and Man City transfer target Mohamed Ihattaren given final warning by PSV over ‘unacceptable’ attitude

    CHELSEA and Manchester City transfer target Mohamed Ihattaren is on his last chance at PSV Eindhoven due to “totally unacceptable” behaviour.
    Ihattaren is one of the world’s most exciting young talents following a string of impressive displays for PSV, which landed him in the Guardian’s top 60 Next Generation talents list in 2019.

    PSV Eindhoven star Mohamed Ihattaren has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

    But manager Roger Schmidt is not pleased with the overconfident attacking midfielder’s attitude and warned him that he will be forced to drop him unless he falls in line.
    Schmidt said: “It was totally unacceptable.
    “It was impossible for me to include him in the group. Today he was able to see what is needed at his position.
    “If he works as hard as Mario Gotze, Ryan Thomas, Mauro Junior, Cody Gakpo or Noni Madueke, things can work out. If not, it has no chance.

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    “It’s not a one-way street. Of course you have to support and help someone, but from the other side something also has to come back.
    “Ultimately, it is always the same in life: you cannot change people, people can only change themselves.
    “We tried to change him. It’s up to him now. It is also not always easy for young players. Hype quickly develops around them.

    “Everyone is looking for these types of players. Everything is still possible, but we now have to change the style of aid.”

    Ihattaren earned senior call-up at PSV in 2019 and has since made a whopping 70 appearances despite his young age of 19.
    But reports suggest the £20million-rated wonderkid has always been too sure of himself and that appears to have landed him on hot water.
    But that hasn’t stopped Chelsea and Man City from keeping tabs on the Netherlands under-19 ace, who can operate on the right wing or as a central midfielder.
    Ihattaren, who has clocked up 25 appearances across all competitions this season, is also reportedly being monitored by Inter Milan as well as PSV’s rivals Ajax.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea tried everything to win despite ultimate goalless draw with Man Utd More

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    Tuchel ‘was watching a different game’ after Chelsea boss claimed his side showed quality in Man Utd draw, says Scholes

    PAUL SCHOLES has criticised Thomas Tuchel for praising the ‘quality’ of Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
    Neither the Blues nor Red Devils were able to break the deadlock in a drab Sunday evening stalemate.

    Thomas Tuchel was happy with the quality on offer in Sunday’s drawCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Paul Scholes felt both sides floundered in front of goal at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Chelsea remain unbeaten in Tuchel’s nine games in charge although most post-game talk was dedicated to Callum Hudson-Odoi avoiding giving away a penalty in a controversial handball call.
    Tuchel said afterwards: “It was a high quality game between two very strong teams.
    “We suffered in the first-half but overall it was an even game. In the second-half I thought we were really strong.
    “I thought we were closer to winning it, but there was a lot of quality on the pitch.

    “Performance-wise I’m satisfied. We defended very well in the last line and I’m very happy with that.”
    Former United star Scholes was unimpressed with the Chelsea boss being content with the performance.
    Both sides’ inability to test the goalkeepers came in for criticism from the 46-year-old.
    He explained on Premier League Productions: “I actually think Tuchel was watching a different game on his iPad when he said it was a game ‘full of high quality’.

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    “I didn’t see one bit of quality throughout the game.
    “The number of times players got in good positions but failed with easy passes. Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes…
    “There was quality on the pitch, don’t get me wrong, but did any of them show it? I don’t think they did.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea tried everything to win despite ultimate goalless draw with Man Utd More

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    Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori wanted by AC Milan in permanent transfer as Maldini hints at trying to reduce £27m buy option

    AC MILAN transfer chief Paolo Maldini has hinted at a permanent transfer bid for loan star Fikayo Tomori – at below the pre-agreed price.
    Chelsea sent the English defender to the San Siro in January to gain first-team experience in the Serie A title race.

    Fikayo Tomori (left) impressed in AC Milan’s win on Sunday nightCredit: Reuters

    After Milan beat Roma 2-1 on Sunday, 23-year-old Tomori came in for huge praise in only his fifth start for the team.
    And talk is already turning to Italian legend Maldini trying to land his signature permanently.
    Chelsea accepted a purchase option reportedly worth £27m when sending Tomori on loan.
    Speaking after the game, Milan technical director Maldini told Sky Sport Italia: “I am lucky enough to work for a club that, when we called, he answered.

    “Milan has an effect on many players, even if we have not won at European level for 14 years.
    “As for Fikayo, he has unique assets of speed, intensity, for us he was a possible reinforcement for the rest of the season.
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    “There is a very high price of purchase, we will evaluate whether to exercise it or not.

    “From that point of view the situation is clear. We have weekly talks with the players whose deals are about to expire, including [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.”
    Frank Lampard promoted Tomori to the Chelsea first-team last season but he played just 26 games in 18 months before the loan switch.
    The Premier League side hired Thomas Tuchel days later, with the German coach opting for a three-man backline that may offer the player a route into the side if he impresses in Italy.
    Former England manager and Serie A icon Fabio Capello was one of many to praise the centre-back for his performance against Roma.
    Tomori had been brought into the XI to replace club captain Alessio Romagnoli after two straight defeats knocked Milan off the top of the table.

    Milan throughout history has always been built on defence, if you have a fast player then you’re in luck.
    Fabio Capello

    The club sit second and four points behind Inter Milan, who are on a six-game winning run in the league.
    Capello said of Tomori: “As a coach I always wanted a fast defender.
    “Milan throughout history has always been built on defence, if you have a fast player then you’re in luck.
    “A fast player is so important, his recovery in the first-half on Borja Mayoral was fantastic, without making a foul.”
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