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      Kai Havertz reveals Timo Werner’s amazing campaign to get him to join him at Chelsea ahead of summer transfer to Blues

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      TIMO WERNER tried to convince Kai Havertz to sign for Chelsea with messages ‘every day’, the midfielder has revealed.
      The Blues agreed a £47.5million deal to land Werner in June and he was determined to see German pal Havertz follow suit.

      Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have built a new German contingent in West LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The presence of Werner and fellow countryman Antonio Rudiger was important for the youngster in deciding to sign for Chelsea.
      The 21-year-old told the club YouTube channel: “[It helped] a lot, I knew him from before and in the national team we are very good friends.
      “When I got the news that he was changing clubs, we messaged every day.
      “And he always said to me I could come [too]. It was every day.

      “Of course, it’s easier for me. I have some German-speaking players here like Timo, Toni Rudiger, [Christian] Pulisic and [Matteo] Kovacic also speak German.”
      Indeed, Rudiger was previously said to have played a major role in persuading Werner to trade RB Leipzig for West London.

      The defender, along with Petr Cech, talked up life at Chelsea before he committed to the switch.
      Werner has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge but the same cannot be said of £62m man Havertz.

      A hat-trick against Barnsley and Premier League strike past Southampton count as his only goals so far.
      But, speaking back in November, his national team pal assured fans that he will become a star.

      Werner said: “A bit like me, we have talked a lot about settling in and he feels he is very happy to be here.
      “In a lot of games he has shown what he can do, what he can bring to the team.
      “For Kai it is very important to score, but I think what you can see in his game, he is about a lot more than scoring goals as a midfield player. He plays a lot of key passes, makes a lot of movement for other players.
      “He is very talented and feels good. He will get better and better, like me he has come to a new country, language and style of football and has to learn.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea vs Leeds – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Watch Olivier Giroud mess up Chelsea knee-slide celebration in only negative in brilliant four-goal display vs Sevilla

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      OLIVIER GIROUD was left red-faced after bungling a dramatic knee-slide celebration against Sevilla.
      It was the only moment the Chelsea striker fluffed on Wednesday night as he racked up four goals in the convincing win.

      Frank Lampard handed the Frenchman a rare start in the Champions League trip to Spain, which would decide who would top Group E.
      And his faith was immediately repaid with a delightful turn and finish on seven minutes.
      After the break, Giroud popped up with a headed second.
      The 34-year-old’s triumphant celebration was met with a rather stodgy piece of the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan turf, however.

      Sent tumbling to the ground, his awkward fall left fans chuckling.
      Giroud got up and gave the ground an accusatory finger point while team-mates joined him in celebration.

      Olivier Giroud’s composed finish made it 2-0 to ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But his knee slide did not go to plan and he was left chuckling at the cut-up turfCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Naturally, the striker shrugged off the incident with a smile and was able to laugh at himself while he embraced Cesar Azpilicueta.
      He wasn’t done there, meeting an N’Golo Kante cross from a second header before completing the four-goal performance from the penalty spot.

      It continued Giroud’s excellent form for Chelsea in European competitions.
      While neither Lampard nor predecessor Maurizio Sarri have given him many opportunities in the league, he has shown his class in the cups.
      In the last three seasons, only Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi have scored more goals in European matches than Giroud.
      Wednesday night’s effort brought his tally up to 16 goals in 21 appearances.

      Erling Haaland is level with the veteran with Romelu Lukaku a goal behind.
      After the win, Chelsea boss Lampard hailed his striker’s ability to perform whenever he is called upon.
      He said: “Olivier is reliable, full stop. Not just for us but his international goals for France.
      “He’s up there with great French individuals, he’s got great statistics. I’m not too bothered about that in a way but I am bothered about what he gives us on the pitch.
      “There couldn’t be a team-mate there that the players are happier for because of the way Olivier is around the training pitch and in the games.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Olivier Giroud grabs four goals for Chelsea in Champions League tie with Sevilla More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Henry Lawrence is latest academy star, a versatile teenager who can play in midfield and defence

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      THEY’RE going to be need a bigger conveyor belt. When it comes to youth stars of tomorrow, Chelsea are currently leading the way – with talented youngsters flying off the production line. Alongside big-money signings Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Ben Chilwell the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham have come through […] More

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      How Chelsea could line up against Sevilla with Hudson-Odoi returning to squad and Billy Gilmour back from injury

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      FRANK LAMPARD is set to hand Callum Hudson-Odoi a starting berth in Chelsea’s trip to Sevilla on Wednesday.
      The Blues head to Spain knowing that a draw will keep them on top of Group E, having already qualified for the next round.

      Hudson-Odoi is banging on the door for a fresh run in the team after impressing in the recent win at Rennes.
      Having scored in France, the winger was subsequently dropped from the squad for Sunday’s title clash against Tottenham.
      Lampard, 42, has handed the 20-year-old just one start in Chelsea’s last eight matches.
      And the boss described the decision as a ‘difficult’ one ahead of the game in Spain.

      He told reporters: “I’ve been really pleased with his training lately.
      “I’ve spoken about Callum at different times since I’ve been in the job. His training and attitude is bang on at the minute.

      “I have tough decisions when we have a fully fit squad, that we pretty much do now, to leave players out that work hard through the week and are desperate to play for the club.
      He added: “In terms of the squad I have to leave four or five players out per game.

      “[Hudson-Odoi] took it very well. It’s not an easy conversation, all players want to play and I expect that.
      “He’ll get minutes tomorrow, it’s up to him to then keep showing when he plays that he deserves to start because there’s competition in that area.
      “That’s the reality of playing for Chelsea, so I’m not worried about the noise around it or the permutations of what not being in the squad might mean down the line.
      “I’m just worried about picking the right squad. If I feel like I’m taking someone out of the squad when I think they deserve to be in it, I have to be straight and honest with them and work with them to keep them positive.

      “Hopefully with Callum we’ve got that, his reaction was great, in training today he was great.”
      Lampard must decide how much to rotate his side while on an unbeaten run that stretches back to September.
      Along with Hudson-Odoi; Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud are pressing for more game time.
      Sunday came too soon for American winger Pulisic, who came off the bench in the stalemate.

      He could line-up at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan along with another starlet free of injury – Billy Gilmour.
      Yet to play for Chelsea this season following a knee injury, the 19-year-old is now fit and could feature against Sevilla or in the upcoming match against Krasnodar.
      Lampard stated: “He’s fit now Billy, he could probably do with some more match minutes which are hard to get in Covid times, but he’s doing very well.
      “It will be nice if he can get some minutes particularly over these two Champions League games, in the remainder of the group stage.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Callum Hudson-Odoi shows off skills as he trains with Chelsea More

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      Chelsea target Matthew Bondswell snubbed Man Utd before move to RB Leipzig and was a track and field star at school

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants Chelsea and West Ham are believed to be keen on bringing Matthew Bondswell back to England.
      The Three Lions U18 star moved to RB Leipzig in 2018 after coming through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.

      RB Leipzig’s English defender Matthew Bondswell has become a target for Chelsea and West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Nottingham Forest trainee Bondswell left his boyhood club to join the German sideCredit: Nottingham Forest

      Instead of signing a pro-deal with his boyhood club, he decided to embark on a new challenge in search for first-team football in Germany – reportedly snubbing a move to Manchester United.
      And this season, during a loan spell with second division Dutch side FC Dordrecht, the 18-year-old left-back has shown why he’s so highly-rated.
      However, he could’ve been competing in a different sport if his football career hadn’t blossomed.
      ATHLETICS WAS HIS CALLING
      Naturally fit, Bondswell was a whiz at athletics at West Bridgford School.

      He won two gold medals at the Midlands Schools County Championships, and followed that up with gold at the English School’s National Athletics Championships in Gateshead in 2016.
      An all-round athlete, when he participated in the Junior Boys triple jump he leapt a massive 12.93m to become British Junior Champion.
      Bondswell also represented Nottinghamshire Schools at the 200m.
      But it was football, in which he has represented England at Under 15, 16, 17 and 18s level, that was his biggest passion.

      Bondswell could have become a professional track and field star and was a British Junior Champion in the triple jump at 15Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell

      Blessed with pace, Bondswell is a natural athleteCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      FOREST AS A BOY
      Before he showed prowess in track and field, Bondswell was already on Nottingham Forest’s books.
      He joined the Championship side at the age of eight and quickly progressed through the ranks.
      The defender impressed rival coaches too, and was said to have been a target for Manchester United and Liverpool at 15.
      However, with a heavy heart, Bondswell made the gamble to sign a professional contract with RB Leipzig in 2018 – buoyed by the likes of Jadon Sancho and Ademola Lookman’s progress overseas.

      In 2018, Bondswell snubbed Manchester United and Liverpool to move to RB LeipzigCredit: Instagram @mattbondswell

      Bondswell has since been loaned to FC Dordrecht where he is gaining valuable first team experience Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell
      A BRIT ABROAD
      Bondswell is yet to make his debut for Leipzig, but has enjoyed success at U16 and U17 level with the club.
      Understanding his need for first team football, he was sent on a season-long loan to FC Dordrecht, who play in the second tier of the Dutch league.

      He made his professional debut back in August against Go Ahead Eagles in a 0-0 draw, and has now played seven games in all competitions.
      Leipzig’s initial plan was to send Bondswell out on loan, and then bring him back next season to fight it out for a first team spot, should he impress.
      However, now they could be in for a nice pay day – if they want to sell him, of course.

      Promising left-back Bondswell has a bright future in the gameCredit: Rex Features

      Bondswell has been capped at various England youth levelsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

      Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud is in his plans despite Chelsea striker admitting he is ready for January transfer More

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      Barcelona include Arsenal ace Mustafi and Chelsea’s Rudiger on January transfer shortlist but Eric Garcia is No1 target

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      RONALD KOEMAN is formulating his January wishlist with Shkodran Mustafi one name being eyed by the Barcelona boss.
      Injuries to two stars will dominate the Catalans’ transfer business with centre-back Gerard Pique and striker Ansu Fati out until the spring.

      Shkodran Mustafi has been linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea is also struggling for first-team opportunities in EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Memphis Depay is reportedly still Koeman’s preference for a new attacker.
      But the club’s desperate financial situation, plus the wealth of other options available to the coach, may make the Dutchman’s switch unlikely.
      Pique’s injury, Ronald Araujo’s absence, Samuel Umtiti’s long-term knee problem and a recent knock to Clement Lenglet may see a centre-back favoured.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Koeman has told the club that former Barcelona academy star Eric Garcia is his preferred target.

      Manchester City put up a considerable fight to keep the Spaniard in the summer and may continue to do so, even if he can leave for free when his contract expires in June.
      Should Garcia remain out of reach, a defender with top-level European experience is thought to be the objective.

      Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi and Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger are named as two alternatives.
      Neither player is prominent in their manager’s thoughts with Mustafi limited to Europa League outings following his disastrous Premier League return against Leicester.

      Likewise, Rudiger has been regularly benched by Frank Lampard with just one league outing to his name.
      Vital in any Barcelona bid is the upcoming presidential election, taking place on January 24.

      Eric Garcia is thought to want to leave Manchester CityCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Tuesday’s Mundo Deportivo highlights Barcelona’s continued desire for the youngster

      The new chief could decide to forego the club’s ailing economics to oversee a spending spree in the final days of the window.
      However, Koeman has been getting on relatively well without Pique and Fati.
      Academy prospect Oscar Mingueza, 21, stepped into the defence for the 4-0 wins over Dynamo Kyiv and Osasuna.
      And unwanted forward Martin Braithwaite has also made his mark, netting three goals in the past week.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Chelsea 0 Tottenham 0: Werner denied by VAR as Lampard and Mourinho fail to make title statement in dull draw

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      WELL this isn’t very Spursy at all, is it?
      Defensive shape, sweat-drenched workaholism, a clean sheet… and top of the league.

      Chelsea were denied by a well-drilled Spurs side on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tottenham reclaimed top spot with the stalemateCredit: AP:Associated Press

      It is not exactly ‘my eyes have seen the glory’ stuff as Spurs fans cheered on their team’s tracking back, their defensive blocking and their powers of concentration.
      But even in an era when home advantage is not supposed to exist, Jose Mourinho will have been delighted with a goalless draw away at a title rival.
      This was the day when the Jose-fication of Tottenham seemed complete, as they blunted Chelsea’s expensive squad and snuck back to the Premier League summit.
      Between the 15th minute and the 81st, this London derby did not produce a single shot on target – and Mourinho will not have minded that one bit.

      When winger Steven Bergwijn was withdrawn in the 89th minute, Mourinho left Gareth Bale standing on the sideline, where he had been warming up for the entire second-half, and sent on another left-back in Ben Davies instead.
      Yet this is a manager who made Chelsea champions for the first time in 50 years. Who would bet against him delivering Spurs a first title in 60?
      Mourinho’s men remain unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening day of the season and they are becoming mightily hard to break down.
      There is no Hoddle or Gascoigne, no Ardiles or Modric in this workmanlike Spurs midfield. But yet none of those creative types ever won the league at White Hart Lane.

      Frank Lampard was unable to get his Chelsea attack firingCredit: Reuters

      Jose Mourinho continues to make his mark on TottenhamCredit: Guardian News & Media
      Moussa Sissoko, Tanguy Ddombele and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were all immense for Spurs as Chelsea were forced to feed off scraps.
      While this was largely about Mourinho’s defensive masterclass it was also a poor day for the attacking players on either side.
      Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech were ineffective for Chelsea. And Harry Kane and Son Heung-min did not click as usual on the rare occasions Spurs tried to attack.
      Both clubs had recruited significantly in the summer – if at different ends of the market – and their new boys had bedded in cosily.
      Spurs had topped the table heading into the weekend on the back of five straight Premier League wins, while Chelsea were unbeaten in ten in all competitions.
      This fixture produces more bitterness than the North London derby these days, and after a three-year hiatus, it was a title six-pointer once more.

      Chelsea bossed the early exchanges without creating anything but as soon as Spurs broke, they were in trouble – Kane and Sergio Reguilon combining to set up Bergwijn, who curled his shot narrowly over.
      Then it was Tottenham’s turn to panic – Joe Rodon, making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Toby Alderweireld, was dispossessed by Tammy Abraham.
      Mason Mount fed Werner, who shot in off the far post – only for the linesman to correctly call the German offside.
      Serge Aurier had a thumping shot pushed away by a diving Edouard Mendy.
      If Chelsea were enjoying more possession and territory then Spurs were going about their business with the greater conviction – that midfield trio of Sissoko, Ndombele and Hojbjerg such an industrious hub.
      Kane and Son both wasted free-kicks in threatening positions, yet it set into a pattern of Chelsea playing it left to right and back again in the Spurs half, with Mourinho’s defence and midfield refusing to yield.

      Sunday’s affair was often an attritional oneCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

      Chelsea were wayward in their efforts on Hugo Lloris’ goalCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

      Some might have regarded it as tactically compelling yet it felt grim and attritional as we went 65 minutes without a shot on target.
      Hakim Ziyech – so good of late but so poor here – shot over when given half a chance midway through the second half.
      Lampard sent Christian Pulisic on in place of Werner, then Olivier Giroud for Abraham and Kai Havertz for Ziyech.
      But it was Mount who finally produced an effort on goal, a powerful low drive which forced Hugo Lloris to push wide in the 81st minute.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud is in his plans despite Chelsea striker admitting he is ready for January transfer More

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      Chelsea fans furious at ‘clear exploitation’ £75 ticket price for first home game since March against Leeds

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      CHELSEA fans have responded with fury to the ‘eye-watering’ £75 ticket price for their return to Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues have been given the green light to welcome 2,000 supporters to their upcoming games with Leeds and Krasnodar.

      Stamford Bridge will host 2,000 fans in the Shed End and West StandCredit: Rex Features

      A ballot system will be deployed to dish out the tickets.
      But supporters were stunned by the jaw-dropping price tag of £75 for the West Stand seats opposite the dugouts.
      Some 1,600 of the 2,000 fans allowed in will have to fork out the fee to watch the Leeds game on December 5.
      The other 400 are to be housed behind the goal in the Shed End, where seats cost £40 each.

      Chelsea welcome Krasnodar to West London on December 8 and all tickets are set at £35 for that Champions League clash.
      Juniors, concessions and disabled supporters are able to buy a seat at a 50 per cent deduction.

      Leading the furious response were the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, who were left ‘appalled’ by the fees.
      They stated: “The club, in their wisdom, have decided to charge an eye-watering £75 for the majority of sold tickets.

      “The CST is also appalled to learn that this price is the highest that any PL club is charging for tickets.
      “At a time of financial uncertainty, for CFC to charge supporters £75 for a match ticket, the CST believe that this is a clear exploitation of supporter loyalty.
      “The CST have expressed our disappointment and anger to the club representatives in a phone meeting (on Saturday morning) and will continue to push for a more appropriate scheme in the upcoming months.”
      Chelsea have defended the method of selling the limited number of tickets.

      At the very heart of all the decisions we have made is the desire to be as fair as possible to as many as possible.
      Chelsea Statement

      Only ten Premier League teams are situated in Tier 2 areas whereby 2,000 fans are able to enter their stadiums.
      And Arsenal encountered significant problems when selling tickets on Saturday, with demand causing their sales website to crash.
      Chelsea stated: “We listened to all the feedback, and we appreciate that not everyone will agree with the system being put in place.
      “But at the very heart of all the decisions we have made on this matter is the desire to be as fair as possible to as many as possible.”

      Fans were left cursing the Blues for the ‘silly’ and ‘wrong’ decision.
      Andy wrote: “Disappointed with the £75 Chelsea are charging. There really is no need for it. With only 2,000 fans allowed in surely a ‘token gesture’ of a charge would be more appropriate. This should not be about fleecing fans but welcoming them back. Wrong & bloody silly if you ask me!”
      Another fan posted online: “Chelsea planning to charge £75 for stadium admission? After all the W’s during the pandemic, please don’t fumble the bag here.”
      And fellow Twitter user Andy commented: “The thing with this is that I think the likes of Chelsea genuinely think that £75 is a fair price to pay. The people involved have simply lost touch with reality.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Sport fans to return to live matches from December 2 with Premier League stadiums back open as rules relax More