chelsea news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Roman Abramovich’s yachts, from Chelsea owner’s new £430m Solaris to the £1BILLION Eclipse

      by

      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH certainly doesn’t do things in halves.
      The Chelsea owner, worth a cool £10bn, is overseeing the development of his latest toy, Solaris – a superyacht that promises to be the most powerful yacht in the world.

      Roman Abramovich’s new yacht Solaris is currently in developmentCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The Russian, 54, must love travelling by sea – because he has had a private navy of yachts – with SunSport believing Solaris to be his EIGHTH over the years.
      SOLARIS
      The latest yacht is nearing completion and has cost £430million to build.
      A 460ft beast of the sea, it features eight decks, as well as a helicopter pad.
      The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

      The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.
      Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.
      It’ll boast two advanced engines to be the most powerful yacht in the world.

      Solaris, costing £460m, will have 48 cabins and can accommodate 36 passengersCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com
      ECLIPSE
      Roman’s current superyacht, the Eclipse – with all the work that’s been done to it – is said to now be worth £1billion.

      Built in 2010, it was completely rebuilt in 2015 to cater for the high-spec needs of a multi-billionaire.
      Incredibly, the 553ft Eclipse has its own missile defence system – should it come under attack.
      There are 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna, and even a nightclub.
      It also boasts a cinema, conference room, children’s playroom, hair salon, and a mini-submarine that can dive to 50m. Yes, that’s right. It’s a yacht that boasts its own submarine.

      The colossal Eclipse sails into New York harbourCredit: Alamy

      The 553-feet long Eclipse boasts its own missile defence systemCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Eclipse has 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna and a nightclubCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Eclipse is believed to be worth £1billionCredit: Alamy
      LE GRAND BLEU
      Worth £135million, Le Grand Bleu was once Roman’s pride and joy.
      Twenty guests can stay in luxury onboard, and enjoy it’s many amenities.
      Astonishingly, as is the theme with these yachts, there are more boats on board.
      As well as a 73-foot sailboat, guests can also enjoy taking a 68-foot powerboat for a spin. And there are two more boats in its internal garage on top of that.
      It is now owned by Abramovich’s friend Eugene Schvidler.

      Le Grand Bleu, worth £135m, is now owned by Eugene SchvidlerCredit: Alamy Live News
      SUSSURRO
      Currently available to buy for £16million, the Sussurro is now over 20 years old.
      It was built by Feadship, measures over 163 feet long and boasts six luxury cabins that can house 12 guests.
      Rarely used, it has been reported that the Sussorro was given to Roman’s ex-wife Irina Malandina, as part of a divorce settlement.
      With 15,000 combined horsepower, it is capable of reaching speeds of 46 knots.

      Sussorro can reach speeds of up to 46 knotsCredit: Alamy

      Sussorro was reportedly given to Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina as part of a divorce settlementCredit: Alamy
      ECSTASEA
      Valued at around £110million, the Ecstasea is still one of the fastest superyachts around – boasting 43,000 horsepower and measuring 282-feet.
      Abramovich was the original owner from 2004, before it was sold to Pakistani businessman Alshair Fiyaz in 2009.
      There’s room for 14 guests, can be staffed by a crew of 25, and can be reached by helicopter, which can park on one of two helipads.
      The Ecstasea suffered damage in 2019 when it clipped the Simpson Bay Bridge in the Caribbean island of St Maarten.

      Roman Abramovich was the original owner of the Ecstasea in 2004Credit: Rex Features

      Worth £110m, Ecstasea is now owned by Pakistani businessman Alshair FiyazCredit: Rex Features
      PELORUS
      So that’s what £270million gets you.
      Built in 2003, the 377-foot long Pelorus was briefly owned by a Saudi Arabian businessman before Abramovich got his hands on it in 2004.
      A year later, he lent it to Chelsea legends John Terry and Frank Lampard for two weeks as a bonus for helping the club win Roman’s first Premier League as owner.
      Then in 2007 he allowed Terry and his wife Toni to enjoy their honeymoon on board.
      However, it was also reportedly handed to Irina in the divorce settlement, who sold it to American film exec David Geffen in 2011.

      Abramovich got his hands on the Pelorus in 2004Credit: Alamy

      Chelsea owner Abramovich on board the cherished vesselCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The boat boasts a speedboatCredit: Alamy

      LUNA
      Currently the second largest expedition yacht in the world, the Luna was delivered to Roman in 2010.
      It boats 10 VIP cabins, that are 100 square metres each, as well as a 20-metre outdoor pool.
      Like the Eclipse, it also has an anti-missile system, as well as bulletproof windows.
      In 2014, it was sold to Azerbaijani billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov for £210 million.

      Luna was delivered to Roman in 2010Credit: Rex Features

      It boasts 10 VIP cabins and an outdoor poolCredit: Getty – Contributor More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Chelsea stars face dozens of footballs launched at them by machine powered by electric car

      by

      THIS is the moment Chelsea stars had dozens of footballs launched at them by a machine powered by a new electric car.
      Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, keeper Edouard Mendy, defender Ben Chilwell and striker Olivier Giroud went out for a training session with a twist.

      Chelsea stars had dozens of footballs launched at them by a machine powered by a new electric car

      Cesar Azpilicueta, Edouard Mendy, Ben Chilwell and Olivier Giroud were involved

      Chelsea stars were joined by the UK’s first Hyundai IONIQ 5

      They were joined by the UK’s first Hyundai IONIQ 5 – a new electric car which has clever ‘vehicle-to-load’ technology that allows bi-directional charging.
      This means the car’s powerful 800v battery can function as a 110/220V power outlet for electronic devices – in this case Chelsea’s ball launchers.
      Then, the machines were plugged into the IONIQ 5, giving the players a tricky time as the balls were hurled towards them at high speeds.
      The V2L function, which turns the car into a ‘charger on wheels’, can be used for any electric device – whether it’s scooters, electric bicycles or camping equipment.

      Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The new IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first standalone electric vehicle and we wanted to show the benefits of its bi-directional charging.
      “We thought it would be a fun idea to demonstrate the technology with our partners at Chelsea FC.
      “While vehicle-to-load technology wasn’t necessarily designed to help footballers stay in shape on the training ground, it shows how versatile and useful the tech can be for motorists.”
      With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 5 can charge from ten per cent to 80 per cent in 18 minutes. It takes around five minutes to get 100km (62 miles) of range.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      This is the first time an IONIQ 5, which was unveiled this week, has been on British soil ahead of its arrival in dealerships later this year.
      The family car, which has a range of up to 300 miles between charges, is going on sale as demand for electric cars continues to grow.
      Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed sales of pure electric vehicles were up by 54.4 per cent in January despite showrooms being closed. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea could line-up against Man Utd with Thiago Silva OUT and Tuchel set to stick with Christensen

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL will not have Thiago Silva fit for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
      A thigh issue has kept Silva, 36, out since the start of the month but he is nearing a return to action.

      How we expect Chelsea to line up against Manchester United

      Thiago Silva pulled up injured in Chelsea’s win at Tottenham three weeks agoCredit: PA:Press Association

      Yet Tuchel will not risk the centre-back, who managed only an individual session on Friday, as he makes a series of selection calls ahead of United’s visit.
      The case for sticking with the same XI that beat Atletico Madrid in midweek is strong.
      Andreas Christensen has ably filled in for much of Silva’s absence, helping keep a clean sheet as Chelsea progressed in the Champions League.
      Olivier Giroud’s breathtaking overhead kick winner should be enough to earn the striker consecutive starts for the first time since Tuchel became Blues boss.

      Callum Hudson-Odoi shook off his on-and-off substitute performance against Southampton to play 80 minutes versus Atletico but Reece James may be recalled on the right wing.
      Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic are also pushing for a call-up.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante could start on Sunday

      French midfielder Kante has largely been restricted to the bench since overcoming a hamstring injury and will compete with Jorginho for a starting berth on Sunday.

      Manchester United will be without Paul Pogba for the 4.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
      A thigh injury is keeping the Frenchman sidelined and Daniel James is a doubt having picked up a knock against Real Sociedad.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is monitoring Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay, and hopes to have the trio available after short lay-offs.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Thomas Tuchel hails his Chelsea stars for making Atletico Madrid ‘suffer’ More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Man City leading Erling Haaland transfer race this summer with Dortmund demanding £150m for striker

      by

      CHELSEA and Manchester City are the frontrunners for Erling Haaland’s signature this summer, according to reports.
      The Borussia Dortmund hotshot has hit 27 goals in 25 games this season, including a recent scissor kick spectacular against Schalke.

      Erling Haaland is set to be a hot property in the summer marketCredit: AFP or licensors

      A fee of around £150million is said to be required to prise the Norwegian from the Bundesliga club.
      In 2022, a release clause worth £75m will activate but Europe’s top clubs may not wait for such a reduction.
      According to Eurosport, Chelsea want to make a statement in the market to highlight their title ambitions under Thomas Tuchel.
      The Blues are described as confident of their chances of signing Haaland, having made contact with senior figures in his camp.

      A hefty £260m transfer kitty is reportedly being readied for Tuchel to produce the club’s first serious challenge since Antonio Conte won the Premier League in 2017.
      Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule and AC Milan’s Franck Kessie have also been linked, with Haaland increasingly seen as the priority target.
      Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are named as the main challenger for the 20-year-old striker.
      Sergio Aguero could leave the Etihad in the next 18 months, or sooner if the 32-year-old fails to earn a new contract.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Real Madrid and Manchester United are two other clubs touted for a Haaland bid.
      If a move for Kylian Mbappe fails, the LaLiga giants could turn to the Borussia star to revamp their frontline.
      While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to sign his old Molde prodigy before he joined Dortmund, with a defender reportedly United’s priority when the market re-opens.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’ More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea could line-up with £260m transfer warchest handed to Thomas Tuchel starting with Dortmund hot shot Haaland

      by

      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has reportedly become tired of Chelsea’s third year without a title challenge – and will pay big bucks to end his wait.
      Thomas Tuchel could be handed a warchest topping £260million to build a team capable of winning trophies again.

      The Blues won nothing last year and could go empty handed again while 16 points off the top of the Premier League.
      Russian billionaire Abramovich threw £230m at the team ahead of this season, having actually made money in 2019 due to a transfer ban.
      But Frank Lampard was unable to put together a worthy run of form and was replaced by Tuchel last month.
      A promising start by the German has raised hopes of at least qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

      However, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Abramovich will make £260m available for transfers even if Chelsea miss out on the top-four.
      Top of the list is said to be Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
      The striker will be available for just £75m when a release clause becomes active in 2022, with a fee worth double that reportedly required for a move this summer.
      Borussia’s own difficulties in qualifying for the Champions League could impact the Norwegian’s future, although the club are said to value him as the one asset they are desperate to keep.

      Erling Haaland could become central to a major summer transfer sagaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Chelsea are also thought to be keen on Bayern Munich’s Niklas SuleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Many of the other players linked to the Blues at this stage are defensively-minded.
      Bayern Munich centre-back Niklas Sule has been the subject of initial contact by Chelsea, according to Todo Fichajes.
      The 25-year-old will have just a year left to run on his contract when the window opens and, although talks are planned, he could be going for just £26m.
      Franck Kessie could also be brought in with the AC Milan midfielder reportedly considered in the deal to send Fikayo Tomori to the Italian club.
      Like Sule, the Ivorian’s contract expires in 2022 and that could open the door to a move after the Stamford Bridge side missed out on David Alaba.
      And, between the posts, Tuchel is said to be considering dumping Lampard acquisition Edouard Mendy in favour of a new goalkeeper.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Manchester United’s Dean Henderson has been linked, as has Atletico Madrid’ star Jan Oblak.
      The Slovenian recently admitted that the Premier League remains ‘attractive’ to him with Atletico Madrid one of many teams struggling financially due to the pandemic.
      The quartet would fit convincingly into Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 style, with Haaland slotting in up top and Kessie an alternative to N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Steve McManaman hails ‘brilliant’ Chelsea star Mason Mount against Atletico Madrid More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea star Olivier Giroud, 34, defies his years with a strict diet and tough fitness plan to keep scoring

      by

      CHELSEA forward Olivier Giroud continues to defy his years.
      The former Arsenal star was the match-winner for the Blues in their 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – showing astonishing athleticism by scoring with an overhead kick.

      Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud shows off his buff physique on holiday in IbizaCredit: The Mega Agency

      Giroud, 34, is in peak condition thanks to a strict health and fitness planCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Just like the age-less Cristiano Ronaldo, the French World Cup winner has given longevity to his career with a strict diet plan and tough fitness routine.
      And he eats plenty of fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish to maintain his incredible physique, while working overtime in the gym.
      YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
      Crucial to Giroud’s health and fitness plan is what he puts into his body.
      The 6ft4in striker avoids processed foods, sugar and unhealthy oils – corn, canola, vegetable, and other chemically engineered cocktails.

      He chows down on a variety of breakfasts, including bagels with strawberry jam, egg white and ham omelettes, or brown toast with scrambled eggs.
      For lunch his options feature green Salad with mixed beans, salmon and rice, baked potato with tuna, or even a tuna pasta.
      At dinner, he will have fish (sometimes haddock or tuna steak) with a broccoli, or chicken with green vegetables.

      When it comes to eating, Giroud is very careful with what he puts into his body

      Giroud, on a dinner date with wife Jennifer, avoids processed foods and enjoys lean meats and fishCredit: BackGrid
      Occasionally, he will go for a lean steak – with a mixed salad or steamed vegetables.

      And because Giroud is so incredible active, he will snack regularly during the day.
      Things he eats are dried fruit and nuts, muesli bars, popcorn and banana sandwiches.
      WORKING IT OFF
      Of course, this high-energy diet gives Giroud plenty to burn off when he works out.
      And when he’s not training with Chelsea in Cobham, he is fully utilising his time off to stay fit with a action-packed routine.
      Reportedly, he allows himself just one day off on a Wednesday.
      Weekends, if he’s not playing, he does some cardio exercises and again rests.

      According to his manager Thomas Tuchel, Giroud trains like a 20-year-old

      Dumbbells feature regularly in Giroud’s workoutsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Giroud performs a burpee while training with former club ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On Mondays, he’s bench pressing, lifting dumbbells and working his abs using a plate twist.
      Tuesdays, he incorporates mountain climbers into his exercise, as well as squats and reverse grip push-ups.
      Thursday, Giroud will continue with weight exercises, including a series of routines with dumbbells, close-grip EZ-Bar curls and three sets of pull-ups of five reps.
      And for Friday, it’s burpees, a variety of squats, and plyometric lunges. The latter helps develop and improve lower body strength and power, as well as challenge dynamic stability and coordination.
      HIGH PRAISE
      With his stunning strike against Atletico Madrid, Giroud became the oldest player to score in the knockout stages of the Champions League for Chelsea at 34 years and 146 days.
      But that didn’t surprise his manager Thomas Tuchel, who is in awe of his striker’s approach to keeping himself in shape.
      “If you see him on a daily basis, you cannot be surprised. He is totally fit, his body is in shape and his physicality is on top level,” Tuchel said in an interview after the game.

      After a hard training session Giroud takes advantage of an ice bathCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Giroud’s incredible body defies his yearsCredit: The Mega Agency

      The overhead kick winner against Atletico Madrid showed Giroud’s hard work has paid offCredit: EPA

      “He trains like a 20-year-old, like a 24-year-old. He is a guy who has a good mixture of serious and joy in training. He is always positive and it is a big factor for the group.”
      With the Premier League giants holding a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg, you wouldn’t put it past Giroud to add to his tally this season as Chelsea progress in the competition.
      That record will then continue to be broken by this extraordinary athlete.

      Steve McManaman hails ‘brilliant’ Chelsea star Mason Mount against Atletico Madrid More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Frantic Chelsea star Timo Werner ‘frustrating to watch’, claims Rio Ferdinand as Joe Cole hails ‘brilliant’ Mason Mount

      by

      TIMO WERNER is becoming a ‘frustrating’ player for Chelsea, Rio Ferdinand has stated.
      Having ended a long dry spell with a goal past Newcastle earlier this month, the German failed to find the net against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

      Timo Werner failed to score in another energetic performance for ChelseaCredit: EPA

      Rio Ferdinand was left wanting more from the German strikerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Werner fired off three shots in Bucharest but left former defender Ferdinand wanting more.
      Talking of one particular chance, the 42-year-old told the BT Sport studio: “It’s frustrating watching him, because you’ve seen clips of what he can do.
      “It’s not an easy chance, but you’d like to see him get it on target.
      “He gets into these areas, makes the keeper make a save, fair enough, but there’s far too many times when he’s loose in possession when building up or in his decision making when he gets into these areas.

      “Sometimes fast players have to slow the game down a bit.”
      Fellow pundit Joe Cole agreed and likened the German to Theo Walcott, another forward blessed with great pace but questioned on their finishing.

      Chelsea took a 1-0 lead in the Champions League last-16 tie thanks to a breathtaking goal from Olivier Giroud.

      But former Blues star Cole hailed the performance of Mason Mount, who has become one of the leading lights of Thomas Tuchel’s early success in the dugout.
      The 39-year-old noted: “He’s still a young lad, you can’t rely on him all the time and he must be managed for the big games.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Mason Mount came in for big praise for his display against Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters

      Joe Cole is a big fan on the young England midfielderCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “But he’s so important for the club at the moment. Even when there was nothing in the game he was the one looking to probe.
      “The reason why footballers love him so much is because he does everything right, he’s in the right positions defensively and in attack.
      “He’s also got that little big of magic, and he was a threat. He looks like a leader and he was brilliant tonight again.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s stunning new £430 million superyacht seen for first time More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans mocked Atletico Madrid as ‘Spanish Burnley’ trends on Twitter after Simeone’s boring defensive display

      by

      CHELSEA fans took aim at the below-par Atletico Madrid last night – with ‘Spanish Burnley’ trending on Twitter.
      The Blues claimed a 1-0 win over Diego Simeone’s Atleti on Tuesday with comparisons made between the LaLiga side and the Clarets.

      Diego Simeone was forced to defend Atletico Madrid’s approach against ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sean Dyche’s Burnley are notorious for their tough-to-beat style, while not being afraid of sitting deep and playing long balls forward.
      Many fans and pundits accused Atletico of a lack of ambition against Chelsea, failing to fire off a shot on target while controlling just 37 per cent of possession.
      Los Rojiblancos’ pass success rate of 75 per cent was a tick above Burnley’s average this season (71.4 per cent) but some way off their opponents in the Champions League last-16 first leg (86.6 per cent).
      The defensive stance taken by Simeone’s side, along with images of the Atleti defence sitting very deep, led to fan taunts online.

      One Chelsea fan on Twitter claimed: “The LaLiga title challengers?? More like the Spanish Burnley.”
      Another added: “Atletico Madrid are the Spanish Burnley…. Ffs 6 defenders.”
      A Blues supporter remarked: “You people actually thought this Spanish Burnley side can score against Chelsea.”
      While one fan account tweeted: “Realise we’re actually playing against the Spanish Burnley today.”

      One snapshot of Atletico’s deep defence caught fans’ eyes

      A spectacular Olivier Giroud goal won the first leg in BucharestCredit: EPA

      And one Clarets fan joked: “Spanish Burnley is trending. We have triggered so many fanbases and I absolutely love it.”
      Atletico sit top of LaLiga by three points, having scored the second-highest number of goals and conceded the lowest number.
      Rio Ferdinand told the BT Sport studio that Spanish football was in a sorry state if that was the sort of performance put in by its best team, who knocked out Liverpool at this stage of last year’s competition.
      The ex-defender stated: “This is a big reflection how poor LaLiga is at the moment, Atletico didn’t really threaten.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      We need to have more of the ball and position ourselves better in attack. We’ll work on it.
      Diego Simeone

      “Chelsea seemed to coast, it was a fantastic finish, and they didn’t get tested after that. Not being at the stadium helps as well. They feed off that and probably lost that edge as well.”
      Atletico have won only one of their last five in all competitions and fell on Tuesday night to an Olivier Giroud overhead kick.
      The return leg takes place on March 17 at Stamford Bridge, and coach Simeone vowed to improve his side before then.
      The Argentine told reporters: “We’ll be playing against an opponent with speed and will need to be able to stop it, to deal with forwards like Giroud and other powerful players.

      “We need to have more of the ball and position ourselves better in attack. We’ll work on it, but we also have an important game against Villarreal.
      “Work, work, work. I trust the team we have.
      “If we were in the month of September and they told me we would have lost [to Chelsea] but we’re still leading [LaLiga], I’d sign for it.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he tried to sign Luis Suarez for PSG as he tries to stop Atletico goal machine More