More stories

  • in

    Chelsea no longer a hire ’em, fire ’em club under Boehly, says Potter, as boss insists he is NOT fearing for his job

    GRAHAM POTTER says Chelsea are no longer a hire ’em, fire ’em club when it comes to managers.Just two wins in eight games would have had his predecessors looking over their shoulders.
    Chelsea have endured a poor run recently under manager Graham PotterCredit: AFP
    But Potter said: “The owners are billionaires, so are quite smart — smarter than me, for sure.
    “So they understand the challenges we have and the direction we want to go in.
    “I’ve been here four months and five or six weeks have been lost to international football.
    “I would always feel lucky to be at Chelsea as I feel grateful and privileged to be here.”
    Read More on Football
    Potter is the Blues’ 12th full-time boss since 2000.
    But he claims things have changed since American Todd Boehly bought the club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich last year.
    And ahead of today’s daunting FA Cup showdown at Manchester City, Potter said: “There’s a completely different ownership than before — and this is hard for people to get their head around.
    “Chelsea, for 20 years, has been one thing and all of a sudden, it’s different.
    Most read in Football
    “The reason for me to take the job was because you’ve got a chance to shape a club in a massive transitional period.
    “I knew there would be extreme challenges.
    “And it’s not like I was jumping at the first opportunity to leave Brighton.
    “I had other opportunities but this one felt right because of the owners, the support they would give and they have. They have been fantastic.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    “I’m more confident now that we can achieve things than I was when I started because I understand the club, the players and what’s needed.”
    Potter got the job when Boehly axed Thomas Tuchel in September.
    The former Seagulls boss added: “I know the responsibility we have here but also I know that I am capable.
    “We’re not even halfway through the season yet but we have a game in a cup competition that we want to do well in.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I can’t sit here and say I’m a perfect person.
    “But at the same time there are factors that would take into consideration where we’re at.” More

  • in

    Chelsea new-boy Benoit Badiashile reveals THREE Blues heroes he idolised as kid and ‘legend’ he can’t wait to play with

    BENOIT BADIASHILE has revealed the three Chelsea players that he idolised when he was growing up.The defender joined the Blues on a seven-and-a-half-year contract in a £35million deal from AS Monaco.
    Benoit Badiashile admitted that Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is a ‘legend’Credit: Getty
    The defender will partner Silva in Chelsea’s defenceCredit: Getty
    Badiashile also revealed that he used to watch Blues trio John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba as a childCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Badiashile also revealed how he can not wait to play with current Chelsea defender Thiago Silva.
    He told club media: “There are some huge names in this dressing room.
    “Like Thiago Silva, a legend.
    “He is a player I really look up to, and so I am really happy to have the opportunity to play next to him.”
    READ MORE ON TRANSFERS
    The 21-year-old also spoke about Chelsea players from the past and revealed that he used to watch Champions League-winning trio John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.
    He added: “I’ve followed the club for a long time now and I admire the history of the club.
    “It is a pleasure to be able to play here.
    “Chelsea is a great club with great players John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are some of the players I used to watch when I was younger. 
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    “It is a real pleasure to be able to play at a club that has had the likes of these players in the changing room.”
    He also expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work under manager Graham Potter.
    He said: “On the pitch, I am very composed on the ball. I like to take the ball up the pitch, break down the lines of play and keep possession. 
    “The manager is someone that likes to keep possession and likes the team to move the ball up the pitch.
    “I think this is a philosophy that suits me well and I’m very proud to be able to work with him.” More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘open transfer talks with Monchengladbach for France World Cup star Marcus Thuram to solve forward crisis’

    CHELSEA have reportedly opened talks with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach over a transfer for striker Marcus Thuram.The French forward is a wanted man after his fine form this season as well as his impressive performances at the World Cup in Qatar.
    Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Borussia Moenchengladbach over a move for Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are in the market for more firepower and have already added young striker David Datro Fofana to their roster.
    The club has also signed defender Benoit Badiashile and midfielder Andrey Santos.
    However, the Blues are not yet done in the January transfer window as manager Graham Potter looks to put his stamp on the squad.
    Chelsea have now opened talks to sign Thuram with his club over a move this month, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
    READ MORE ON TRANSFERS
    Thuram’s contract with the Bundesliga side expires at the end of the season, and it is believed a lot of clubs are interested in him.
    The report suggests that the 25-year-old will “take time” to consider all his options.
    Typically players can earn more money by moving as a free agent due to the lack of a transfer fee.
    This means that Chelsea may have to compensate the player and offer a good financial package in order to convince him to make the move now.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Chelsea will have rivals for his signature as L’Équipe has also credited Aston Villa and Bayern Munich with an interest in the forward.
    The striker has started this season in fine form, having scored 13 goals and assisted four more in 17 appearances in all competitions. More

  • in

    Chelsea transfer target Leandro Trossard AXED from Brighton squad for FA Cup tie vs Middlesbrough as boss reveals reason

    LEANDRO TROSSARD was dropped for Brighton’s FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.The Belgian is the Seagulls’ top scorer this season with seven goals in 16 games.
    Roberto De Zerbi has dropped Leandro TrossardCredit: Reuters
    Despite this, he had already been benched for their mid-week 4-1 demolition of Everton at Goodison Park.
    After leaving Trossard out altogether for his side’s trip to The Riverside, boss Roberto De Zerbi revealed that he “wants more” from the 28-year-old.
    Trossard’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, although Brighton possess the option to extend the deal by a further year.
    His contractual situation has led to plenty of transfer speculation, with Chelsea among those linked with making a swoop.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Quizzed by The Athletic if transfer talk is affecting his star man, the Italian said: “I don’t know.
    “I think he’s one of the best players for us and one of the most important players for us.
    “I’d like to always play with Leo in the first eleven, but it doesn’t depend only on me, it depends on Leo.
    “I don’t know, but with me I want players that work for the team on the pitch and Leandro knows very well my opinion, my idea. I’ve spoken a lot of times with him.
    Most read in FA Cup
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “I like him as a player, but I want more from him, because he can play better, he can work harder, he can run more on the pitch and I want players who give 100 per cent in every training session and every game.
    “Without these characteristics, then they can’t play with me.”
    Brighton’s World Cup winning hero Alexis Mac Allister was back in the fold for his side’s visit to the North East, having come on for half an hour against Everton in mid-week.
    Like at Goodison, he was initially left on the bench, but was called upon at half-time with his side leading 2-1.
    It took just 13 minutes for him to make his mark, smartly back-heeling a wayward shot into the bottom corner to double his side’s lead.
    And he put his side 4-1 with ten minutes remaining, as the Seagulls routed their second tier opponents.
    Deniz Undav added another with two minutes remaining to round off a convincing 5-1 victory.
    Alexis Mac Allister scored against BoroCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Chelsea transfer blow as Brighton chief jokes he wouldn’t even sell Moises Caicedo’s BOOTS to ex-boss Potter for £42m

    CHELSEA have received a major transfer blow in their bid to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo.According to Sky Sports, the Blues are among a number of clubs keeping tabs on Caicedo, but face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool.
    Chelsea have received a transfer blow in their bid to sign Brighton star Moises CaicedoCredit: Rex
    Chelsea boss Graham Potter is warned £42m won’t buy Moises Caicedo’s shoelacesCredit: Getty
    And the Seagulls’ CEO Paul Barber has delivered a further blow to their hopes of landing the midfielder in the January transfer blow with a jest to Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
    Potter coached the Ecuador international during his time as Brighton boss and previously claimed that a reported bid of £42million from the West Londoners wouldn’t be enough.
    In fact, the 47-year-old tactician claimed that amount would probably only buy Caicedo’s BOOTS.
    But Barber has made it even harder for the Stamford Bridge outfit as he now claims that fee would probably not even be enough to purchase his SHOELACES.
    Read More on Football
    The Brighton chief has also claimed that there haven’t even been any offers for the 21-year-old.
    According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Barber told him: “I’m pleased to say we haven’t had any [offers for Caicedo]. Maybe they haven’t got my email because I haven’t seen any.”
    Barber added: ‘I’m not sure £42m will even include the boots now, maybe just the laces. But joking aside, every player’s value is ultimately determined by the market.
    “Graham’s comments were part in jest but part serious because Moises has been an exceptional player for us. Since he came to the Premier League, he has developed all the time.
    Most read in Premier League
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
    “He’s a young man with a great attitude, fantastic work ethic, and a very nice human being off the pitch.
    “So all those things contribute to the value of a footballer should it come to that moment to sell.” More

  • in

    Chelsea confirm SECOND transfer of the day as Andrey Santos, 18, completes £18m move hours after David Datro Fofana

    CHELSEA have announced the signing of young Brazilian Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama.The midfielder becomes the second player to arrive at the Blues today after the club also completed the £10.5million transfer of David Datro Fofana.
    Brazilian Andrey Santos has joined ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The midfielder cost the club £18millionCredit: Getty
    Santos has cost Chelsea a fee rising to £18m, and the 18-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in Europe.
    He told the club media: “It’s a very big opportunity for me. This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited.
    “The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here.”
    The immediate role of the midfielder at Chelsea is not yet known, but with the club’s current injury crisis, he could be called upon by manager Graham Potter.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEa
    His former club announced that he would be leaving yesterday with a statement on their website: ”
    Vasco Da Gama announced the midfielder’s departure on their website.
    It read: “Vasco da Gama agreed this Friday (01/06) the permanent transfer of the athlete Andrey Santos to European football.
    “Born in the youth ranks of Gigante da Colina, the midfielder will defend the colors of Chelsea, from England, in the coming seasons.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “The youngster will end his first spell at the club from São Januário at the age of 18 with 38 appearances and eight goals.”
    Vasco Da Gama added: “In São Januário since 2011, Andrey Santos started his career in futsal and it didn’t take long to become the main reference of the 2004 Generation. by the Hill Giant.
    “In 2021, after debuting in a Carioca Championship match, Andrey Santos became the youngest player to ever play for Vasco da Gama in the 21st Century, leaving behind names like Talles Magno, Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho.
    “The definitive promotion of Andrey Santos to the professional, however, only happened last season, during the dispute of the Brazilian Championship.” More

  • in

    Chelsea have suffered 97 injuries since start of last season – more than ANY other team in Europe – with players worried

    CHELSEA players are believed to be worried about the club’s shocking injury record since the start of last season.The West London side have had the most amount of injuries out of any club in Europe, having racked up 97 knocks to players.
    Chelsea have had the worse injury record in Europe since the start of last seasonCredit: EPA
    Raheem Sterling added to the injury list with a hamstring issue against Manchester City on ThursdayCredit: Getty
    The injury nightmare continued in the side’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night as both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were forced off the pitch after hurting themselves.
    They will join the club’s current batch of crocked players which consists of N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Edouard Mendy, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja, Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
    Although Mount could be back for Chelsea’s FA Cup fixture against City on Sunday, but he will have to be assessed late on.
    After the game, manager Graham Potter admitted that it was one of the worse injury crises that he has contended with as a manager.

    He said: “I’ve never experienced anything like it, and I’d ideally not want to experience it here.
    “But it is what it is, I have to just carry on.”
    According to a study by Howden’s European Football Injury Index, the club’s injury record is the worst of any club in Europe since the start of last season and is 16 more than the next worst club out of the top five leagues.
    The club had removed the medical staff of club doctor Paco Biosca and head physio Thierry Laurent when the new Boehly-Clearlake ownership took charge.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The believe that the club’s medical departments were far behind that of other Premier League rivals, according to the Evening Standard.
    The club have since used a private physiotherapy firm used by celebrities in order to treat players.
    The same report suggests that some members of the club’s squad are “concerned” about the situation after seeing Kante’s career be hampered by his niggling injuries.
    Chelsea is strengthening during the January transfer window with the arrivals of defender Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana helping add depth to the squad.
    The Blues are also expected to complete a deal to sign young midfielder Andrey Santos as they also try to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez and Shakhtar Donetsk Mykhailo Mudryk.
    However, as much depth they add will help, it will not alleviate players concerns for their fitness concerns. More

  • in

    Chelsea confirm new signing David Datro Fofana and reveal he’s signed bumper SEVEN-YEAR contract after £10.5m transfer

    CHELSEA have completed the £10.5million transfer of David Datro Fofana from Molde.And the Ivorian’s contract lasts until 2029 with the option of a further 12 months.
    David Datro Fofana has signed his contract with Chelsea until at least 2029Credit: Getty
    The Ivorian striker joined from Molde for £10.5mCredit: Getty
    The Blues announced the transfer at the end of December after agreeing the deal with the Norwegian side.
    But now it is all done and Fofana has signed on the dotted line and posed for the customary photos.
    The striker, 20, said:  “Hello dear fans, I’m here.
    “I’ve arrived well and I’m very happy to sign for the club of my dreams.
    READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
    “I’ll see you soon on the pitch, cheers!”
    Fofana – whose namesake Wesley signed for Chelsea last summer – has been enjoying a prolific season in Norway, scoring 17 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.
    He joined Molde from Ivorian academy AFAD in February 2021, quickly becoming a star man for his new club.
    Fofana scored 24 goals and assisted a further ten in 65 total outings for the Norwegian top-flight outfit.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Molde have a rich pedigree of producing world class strikers, having previously boasted both Erling Haaland and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer among their ranks.
    Fofana primarily plays up front, but has filled in on the right wing on occasion.

    Despite his youth, he has already earned two senior caps for Ivory Coast.
    Chelsea have a rich pedigree of Ivorian stars, with Didier Drogba arguably their greatest-ever forward.
    Fofana is Graham Potter’s second Chelsea signing.
    Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile joined the Blues on Thursday in a £35m deal.
    Fofana made a name for himself in the Norwegian top flightCredit: Getty More