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      Watch Tuchel’s brilliant reply when asked about Dele Alli’s failed transfer to PSG during his Chelsea press conference

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      CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel was bizarrely asked his opinion on Dele Alli at a press conference – and shot down the question superbly.
      The German boss was speaking ahead of his first big test as boss of the Blues – the trip to take on London rivals Tottenham on Thursday.

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wondered whether the journalist had gone to the wrong press conferenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A reporter starts with: “A final question from me is a question about Dele Alli.”
      Tuchel then breaks into laughter as the man continues to try and ask his question.
      The new Chelsea gaffer interjects with: “Are you in the right press conference? Yes? You sure?”
      The reporter continues: “Obviously, he was linked with PSG and you were the PSG manager, are you surprised with the way he is not playing at the moment.”

      Tuchel, still laughing, responds: “I will not answer that.
      “I was happy to answer for Harry Kane because it is an honour for me to speak out that he is one of the best players.
      “But every other player, hopefully you understand I want to show the respect that I don’t talk about any other players from other coaches and we stick to our team.”
      Kane is OUT of the Chelsea game as he struggles with his ankle injury – but boss Jose Mourinho expects him to be back to face Manchester City.

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      Dele Alli was linked with a deadline-day move to PSG – but it never materialisedCredit: PA:Press Association

      The clash will be Tuchel’s toughest test to date.
      The 47-year-old secured his first win as Blues boss following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Burnley.
      It was a much-needed win after Tuchel kicked off his reign with a 0-0 draw against Wolves.
      He will hope to continue in winning ways when he comes up against Jose Mourinho on Thursday.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Cesar Azpilicueta scores first goal of Thomas Tuchel era as Chelsea beat Burnley 2-0 More

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      Chelsea star Reece James reveals sick racist abuse he receives online and demands ‘something needs to change’ 

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      REECE JAMES revealed sick and unacceptable racist abuse he received online and demanded: ‘Something needs to change’.
      Chelsea defender James, 21, uploaded a screenshot from an Instagram message, which included monkey emojis and vile racist remarks.

      Chelsea right-back Reece James Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Reece James revealed sick and unacceptable racist abuse he received online

      The abhorrant abuse came in response to the England international posting a picture of himself in training with the Blues.
      Only last season James’ Stamford Bridge team-mate Tammy Abraham was also subjected to racist abuse as fans targeted the striker.
      Chelsea said in a statement: “Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening.
      “This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.

      “In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.
      “We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.
      “Something needs to change and it needs to change now.
      It comes after Manchester United pair Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial suffered the same treatment online following the 2-1 loss to Sheffield United, which both started.

      And West Brom contacted the police on Friday morning as Romaine Sawyers suffered racist abuse after their loss to Man City.
      United released a statement on their club website condemning the racism.
      It read: “Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game.
      “We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.
      “Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative.
      “Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour.”

      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “It’s just incredible we have these scenes still, this abuse in 2021.
      “We’ve been campaigning for a long time now with the Premier League and I think it’s working but there are still some people that haven’t got it.
      “They hide behind social media, be anonymous and it’s unacceptable and it’s disgusting.
      “They’re not Man United fans when this happens. You have to feel sorry for these individuals.”

      Solskjaer slams ‘disgusting’ racist abuse of Man Utd duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial on social media More

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      Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso left in transfer limbo as Real Madrid and Barcelona reject chance to sign defender

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      MARCOS ALONSO faces spending the rest of the season on the Chelsea bench while a move fails to materialise.
      According to reports in Spain, neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid are ready to sign the left-back.

      Marcos Alonso will reportedly not be moving to Spain this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Alonso has affinity with both clubs, having come through the Madrid academy to play for the team and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Marcos Alonso Imaz.
      And his father, Marcos Alonso Pena, starred for Barcelona during his illustrious career.
      But, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, neither club is prepared to rescue the Spaniard from his Chelsea nightmare.
      Real Madrid are not currently in the market for a left-back with Ferland Mendy and Marcelo well embedded, at least until the end of the season.

      Barcelona would be interested in Alonso but it is said they would first need to loan out left-back Junior Firpo.
      Although Serie A clubs and West Ham are reportedly monitoring Firpo, there is a lack of movement in completing a deal.
      Therefore Alonso, 30, will have to try and impress new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel in a bid to save his season.
      The German opted for £50million summer signing Ben Chilwell at left-back for his first game in charge, versus Wolves in midweek.

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      Both Alonso and Emerson Palmieri were left on the bench and neither man was called up to replace Chilwell, when he was subbed off on 76 minutes.
      But it was the former Bolton defender’s first appearance on the bench since a disastrous performance in the 3-3 draw at West Brom in September.
      Frank Lampard had exiled Alonso but Tuchel may be more open minded, particularly if the player cannot find a new club.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Alonso must impress new boss Thomas Tuchel to revive his Chelsea careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel claims Chelsea can conquer world with him in charge as new boss roars ‘we can hurt everybody’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL claims Chelsea can conquer the world with him in charge.
      The new head coach issued the stark message after just two whirlwind days in the job.

      Thomas Tuchel is ready to conquer the world at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tuchel insists every player has a fresh start with him and nothing is impossible with the squad at his disposal – despite kicking off his reign with a goalless stalemate against Wolves.
      Tuchel said: “I am absolutely sure we have the capacity to hurt everybody in every league and every competition. And it’s my job to take the team to that level as fast as possible.
      “I want to focus on our strengths, not our weaknesses from now on. I will focus on the amazing mix between experienced players, big personalities and young and hungry talent.
      “And I am used to creating special energy to achieve the possibility of winning every three days in a league like this. I believe we can do this on a daily basis.

      “What I have found is a very open staff, helpful, friendly people a team open to our ideas.
      “It was an unfair line up today. I had no reason to leave anybody out. From now on is the starting point and we will focus on our strengths and qualities we have and build a team that nobody wants to play against.”
      Tuchel says his players have ‘18 Cup finals’ left to rescue the season which was drifting away in the Premier League at least.
      Chelsea are still in the Champions League and FA Cup and the board believe it is still possible to challenge for the title even though they are 11 points behind leaders Man City.

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      Chelsea’s stats against Wolves

      Tuchel started his Chelsea reign with a 0-0 draw against Wolves Credit: AFP or Licensors

      Tuchel said: “You sign for the expectation to challenge for titles, that means Premier League, Champions League and all the cups. It’s absolutely clear.
      “At the moment we have to be realistic that there are a lot of teams between us and place number four. A lot of points between us.
      “Maybe the best compromise by stepping up in the middle of the season is not to lose focus by looking too far ahead but work on a daily basis on the details and the progression in our game and the points will follow.”
      Tuchel, who had only one training session before the game, was happy with the performance even though Chelsea did not win.
      Teaming up with his old Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic has already had a surprise benefit.
      Tuchel said: “Christian had a big input. I put him on the bench because I know what he can do.
      “At half time he told me that I had pronounced Cesar Azpilicueta’s name wrong.
      “When I look at this game I am amazed. I can identify with what we did. We managed to put the game completely into the opponents’ half, we closed the game down early and created a lot of half chances.”
      Wolves kept their first Premier League clean sheet since October 30 and boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes it could be the start of a reboot for his team too.
      He said: “We could not be distracted by Chelsea, we needed to focus on ourselves no matter what happened here we have to focus on us.
      “The boys did well and I am proud of them. They were very organised, compact and defended well but we can do better.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Frank Lampard told to ‘get used to it’ by Everton boss Ancelotti More

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      Sacked Chelsea bosses and what they did next, from Jose Mourinho managing rivals Spurs to Gus Hiddink in Curacao

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      FRANK LAMPARD is the 12th boss Roman Abramovich has disposed of when results haven’t gone the way the Chelsea owner has wanted.
      But the former Blues legend will take heart in seeing how some of his predecessors in the Stamford Bridge hot seat have fared after the Russian owner gave them their marching orders.

      Frank Lampard is the most recent management casualty at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has sacked 12 bosses since buying the club in 2003Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Some went on to manage fierce rivals, while others have disappeared into obscurity.
      And one lucky boss is lapping up life in the Caribbean paradise of Curacao.
      Claudio Ranieri, 2000-04
      The Italian boss was already in charge when Abramovich bought the club in 2003.
      Ranieri survived just one season, helping the club secure their highest ever Premier League finish at that time as runners-up.

      Famously, he would go on to miraculously lead Leicester City to the title in 2016.
      In recent seasons Ranieri’s returned to Italy, where he’s managed Roma and is currently head coach at Sampdoria.

      Claudio Ranieri was fired one season after Abramovich’s arrivalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Ranieri led Leicester City to an unimaginable title in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jose Mourinho, 2004-07 and 2013-15
      The Special One is one of two managers who have been invited back to Stamford Bridge.
      In his first stint, he won consecutive league titles (the double in his second season) before things turned sour in his third and he walked away from his contract after falling out with Abramovich.

      Jose won La Liga with Real Madrid, Serie A and the Champions League with Inter, before returning to West London and winning the Premier League in his second season.
      Again, it all went wrong in his third season and he was sacked after the club lost nine of their opening 16 games.
      After that, Mourinho went to fierce rivals Man Utd – winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
      Now at Spurs, the Portuguese coach is trying to work his magic to bring silverware to Tottenham.

      Jose Mourinho won consecutive titles with ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Mourinho now manages fierce rivals Tottenham after two stints with the BluesCredit: Rex Features
      Avram Grant, 2007-08
      The Israeli football manager – a close friend of Abramovich – was brought in to replace Mourinho to reportedly get the best out of Andriy Shevchenko, who Jose dropped.
      However, Grant struggled to win over the fans, despite leading the club to a Champions League final in 2008 – eventually losing to Manchester United on penalties.
      A good spell at Portsmouth was followed by an ill-fated one at West Ham.
      Grant’s last job in football was in 2018, managing NorthEast United of the Indian Super League.

      Avram Grant was brought in to replace Mourinho in 2007Credit: EPA

      Avram Grant’s last job in football was in 2018 managing in IndiaCredit: Rex Features
      Luis Felipe Scolari, 2008-09
      ‘Big Phil’ came to England with a glowing reputation as one of the game’s grandmasters of football management.
      But he was fired by Chelsea after just seven months – with the club failing to sustain a title challenge and trailing Manchester United.
      Scolari seemed to lose his mojo, failing at Uzbekistani champions FC Bunyodkor – with the language barrier being his biggest obstacle.
      However, he led Palmeiras to the Copa do Brazil in 2012, but poor form in the Brazilian championship saw him sacked there.
      Most notably, as boss of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup Scolari oversaw their embarrassing 7-1 defeat to Germany.
      Scolari has also managed in China, and is now back in Brazil as boss of Cruzeiro after a second spell at Palmeiras.

      A language barrier meant Luis Felipe Scolari failed at ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association

      ‘Big Phil’ Scolari is back in Brazil after losing his mojo at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Guus Hiddink, 2009 and 2015-16
      The second man to enjoy two spells at the Bridge, the Dutchman was brought in in 2009 as interim boss to restore some pride for the remainder of the season.
      He led the club to a Champions League semi-final, where they were unfortunate to lose to Barcelona. In his last game in charge in 2009, he won the FA Cup.
      Hiddink returned to the rescue in 2015 after Mourinho’s second spell left the club in tatters – guiding Chelsea to a mid-table finish after an unbeaten first 12 games before departing once the season was over.
      As of August 2020, he is now boss of Caribbean minnows Curacao.

      Guus Hiddink has had two spells at Chelsea as interim bossCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Hiddink was named as Curacao boss in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Carlo Ancelotti, 2009-11
      After earning a glowing reputation at AC Milan, Ancelotti was hired by Abramovich to bring the title back to Stamford Bridge.
      And the Italian succeeded in his first season, adding the FA Cup in a remarkable first year.
      But a trophyless second season saw ruthless Roman wield the axe and Ancelotti was reportedly told he was getting sacked in the corridor at Goodison Park after a defeat to Everton.
      Ancelotti then scored glam jobs at PSG, where he won the title, Real Madrid, who he won the Champions League with, and Bayern Munich – who were German champions during his tenure.
      He is, of course, current boss at Everton – who sit just three points below a Champions League place.

      Carlo Ancelotti has some unfinished business in the Premier League and now manages EvertonCredit: Reuters
      Andres Villas-Boas, 2011-12
      AVB was touted as the ‘next Mourinho’ after earning his stripes at Porto, like his predecessor.
      But nine months into the job, the young boss was handed his P45 following a disappointing defeat to Watford and the belief that he struggled to assert control over his squad.
      Villas-Boas took over the reigns at Spurs briefly, before he was fired there.
      He regained credibility on the management stage with Zenit Saint-Petersburg – winning the Russian Premier League and the Russian Cup in consecutive seasons.
      In 2016, AVB took over Shanghai SIPG for a season and turned them into title contenders.
      Today, he is boss of Marseille – who flopped in this season’s Champions League, but sit in the top sixth of the French league.

      Andre Villas-Boas struggled to assert control of the Chelsea squad Credit: EPA

      Andre Villas-Boas is enjoying a successful stint at MarseilleCredit: Reuters
      Roberto Di Matteo, 2012
      When Villas-Boas was fired, his assistant Di Matteo stepped up for the top job.
      And he had a remarkable first few months as interim boss, inexplicably winning the FA Cup and Champions League.
      He was handed a two-year deal, but let go the following season after a string of poor results.
      Aside from finishing runners-up with West Brom in 2010, and earning the club promotion, his career as manager hasn’t hit the heights it did with the Blues.
      Di Matteo’s last manager role came in 2016 at Aston Villa, and lasted just four months after he was sacked for a string of poor results.

      Months after he was appointed boss, Roberto Di Matteo led Chelsea to an unlikely Champions League winCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Rafa Benitez, 2012-13
      Another year, another interim boss – this time it was former Liverpool man Rafa Benitez handed the reigns.
      His task for the remainder of the season was to steady the ship that was wavering in choppy waters under Di Matteo.
      And he won the Europa League, as well as helped the club to a top four finish before waving goodbye.
      Last week, Benitez walked away from his job at Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional.
      He has since been linked with a move back to the Premier League with Newcastle United.

      Rafa Benitez was an unpopular figure with Chelsea fans but they won the Europa League under him in 2013Credit: Corbis – Getty
      Antonio Conte, 2016-18
      Like Ancelotti, Conte started off life in West London in blistering fashion – landing the Premier League title in his first season.
      In his second, Chelsea won the FA Cup, but it all began to fall apart when Chelsea missed out on Champions League qualification.
      He was fired, and would later reportedly cost the club £30million in legal fees and compensation.
      Since 2019, Conte has been trying to unseat Juventus with Inter Milan by bringing the Serie A trophy back to the club.
      They are currently just two points off their fierce rivals AC Milan, who lead the league.

      Antonio Conte is building an Inter Milan team now to win Serie ACredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Maurizio Sarri, 2018-19
      Chelsea fans certainly weren’t Sarri to see the chain-smoking Italian lose his job in 2019.
      Despite winning the Europa League and finishing third in his first season in charge, he struggled to win over the fans – with his brand of ‘Sarriball’ failing to entertain the Stamford Bridge faithful.

      He left the club after 337 days, and landed the Juventus job in 2019.
      Sarri won his first major trophy in Italian football by leading the Old Lady to the Italian championship.
      But the day after they were knocked out of the Champions League last 16 by Lyon in 2020, he was sacked… again.

      Maurizio Sarri is looking for work after he was sacked by Juventus last yearCredit: PA:Press Association

      Frank Lampard told to ‘get used to it’ by Everton boss Ancelotti More

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      Chelsea confirm three new coaches joining Thomas Tuchel’s backroom team including assistant manager Morris’ replacement

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has added three trusted backroom advisors to his Chelsea staff.
      Arno Michels, Zsolt Low and Benjamin Weber have all followed the German over from Paris Saint-Germain.

      Thomas Tuchel has been joined in West London by Arno Michels (centre) and Zsolt Low (right)Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      (From left to right) Tuchel, Low, Anthony Barry and Low on the Chelsea bench on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty – Pool

      Tuchel has trusted countryman Michels, 53, since they met while studying for their coaching badges.
      First joining the new Chelsea boss at Mainz, he has followed Tuchel ever since.
      Hungarian coach Low, 41, is a more recent addition and has only worked with the manager since 2018.
      Tuchel worked with the former defender while he was a player at Mainz and he coached at Red Bull clubs Salzburg and Leipzig before moving to PSG.

      Video analyst Weber is another long-term ally of the 47-year-old.
      He joined Tuchel’s staff at Mainz and is said to have had a big influence in Paris, following predecessor Unai Emery’s trouble in getting his players to review their footage.
      After Frank Lampard’s sacking, assistant Jody Morris also left Stamford Bridge but six backroom coaches remained at the club.
      Joe Edwards and Anthony Barry took training while Tuchel flew into London, and both remain among the staff.

      Credit: The Sun

      However, League One side Fleetwood are reportedly keen on making ex-Wigan coach Barry their manager.
      Former Chelsea reserve Henrique Hilario remains the goalkeeping coach, assisted by James Russell.
      Fitness coaches Matt Birnie and Will Tullett have also kept their jobs.
      Tuchel drew his Chelsea debut on Wednesday night, the game with Wolves ending 0-0.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Thomas Tuchel gets to know the Chelsea squad at Cobham training base More

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      Thomas Tuchel challenges Chelsea youngsters and academy stars to help club win Premier League titles and trophies

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has challenged Chelsea’s youngsters and academy stars to help the club win Premier League titles and trophies. The German has replaced Blues legend Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge hot seat. Tuchel promised the academy graduates that Lampard helped break through into the first team that they will be part of his long-term […] More