Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0: Pochettino gets revenge on former team as Blues deal Spurs’ Champions League hopes fatal blow

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU deserves all he gets for being a Billy Joel fan.By quoting Mr Supermarket Music to defend his dislike of boring, set-piece practice, Tottenham’s manager betrayed himself twice.Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s second as they sealed a 2-0 win over TottenhamCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino got revenge on his old teamCredit: AFPWhile Ange Postecoglou cast a miffed figure on the sidelinesCredit: AFPHe firstly ruined any street cred he may wish for and secondly revealed to every opposition manager that he does not care for such trivial things as free kicks and corners.And so Chelsea duly carved his team open twice from free kicks to leave his hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in his first season hanging by a thread.Defeat here leaves Tottenham fifth, seven points behind Aston Villa and now with just one game in hand.And with only four games to go it is highly unlikely they will somehow recover from their alarming dip in form to make it to the Promised Land.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceding from similar free kicks in each half made it three defeats on the spin with Liverpool and title-chasing Manchester City still to play.But more than failing to reach the top four in his debut year, Postecoglou is learning at great cost how Tottenham contrive to cock it up around this time each season.This was their second London derby defeat inside four days too, suggesting his players need to toughen up when it comes to facing the neighbours.Two down to Arsenal inside half an hour on Sunday, they were caught on the hop again, proving they haven’t learned any lessons from the weekend or from recent history as another season of such promise threatens to crumble in the home stretch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJust 25 minutes had gone when they went down to the first dead ball situation.Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher hooked a free kick into the box to find defender Trevoh Chalobah surging forward and free to loop a classy header over keeper Guglielmo Vicario.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceVAR tried to come to Tottenham’s rescue with delays to check nonsensical possible offside then a foul. But after the usual lengthy delay, Chalobah’s goal stood and Postecoglou found his team up against it again.Big Ange is having problems getting a tune out of his team at the crucial part of the campaign. Sound familiar Spurs fans?It was the son who got things going with Trevoh Chalobah lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt carrying the slogan ‘Jehovah’s Son’ across the chest as he wheeled away in delight after scoring first.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min was anonymous.  His supply line cut off as Tottenham were overwhelmed. Spurs are running out of steam.James Maddison, signed with such expectation last summer, is fading from view.Chelsea were more clinical than the visitorsChalobah impressed at CBHaving been subbed in his last nine games he finally bit the bullet and was dropped altogether last night.The £40million midfielder has not completed a full 90 minutes since Brighton at home on February 10. His England place for the Euros is not safe.It wasn’t even as if Chelsea suddenly found a string of superstars to roll out on a big night at Stamford Bridge. It was the same old bunch that has pitched and rolled like a North Sea trawler all season long.Boss Pochettino even hinted there could be some surprises in his selection. With a crippling injury list, added to by the absences of Thiago Silva and fellow centre half Axel Disasi, he was not wrong there.Trevoh Chalobah put in a starring display and was rewarded with a goalCredit: PAThe defeat leaves Spurs with a mountain to climb for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe bench was not so much a ‘Who’s who?’ As a ‘Who’s he?’ with greenhorns Zak Sturge, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer among the 20-man matchday squad.Last night was eight years to the day since the notorious Battle of the Bridge resulting in nine bookings, a six match ban for Spurs’ Mousa Dembele and a punch up on the pitch.Early hopes of a repeat performance came and went with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Jackson shoving each other in a petty dispute at a dead ball in no man’s land just two minutes in. After that Spurs became Chelsea’s punch bag. Jackson went agonisingly close to putting them ahead after only five minutes.Put through on the chase by Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea’s erratic centre forward did everything right for once, slipping the ball through Vicario’s legs. Luckily, Spurs have flying Dutchman Mick van de Ven – clocked at more than 23 mph this season – in the ranks and he scampered back to hook the shot off the line, earning a massive hug from his mightily relieved keeper.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

      At least last weekend they put up a fight against the Gunners. Here they settled in to be overrun from start to finish, making a fairly average Chelsea team look like world beaters.A few half chances with Pape Sarr having a shot deflected and Brennan Johnson scuffing one wide in the second half . Postecoglou went from irate madman in the first half to deflated and defeated in the second, especially after Jackson grabbed the winner 18 minutes from the end.Palmer chipped in a free kick which cannoned off the crossbar. And given that free kicks don’t matter at Spurs, nobody bothered to pick up Chelsea’s centre forward who pounced to head in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s the 16th time they have conceded from a set-piece. Postecoglou quoted Joel song ‘You May Be Right’ to justify his decision to ignore free kicks and corners but it’s hitting a duff note.Victory takes Chelsea up to eighth, above West Ham. They are now just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with their own dreams of Europe improving. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea set to make £47m transfer bid for Brazil teen dubbed ‘Messinho’ who came through same academy as Endrick

      by

      CHELSEA look set to launch a huge bid for Brazilian 17-year-old Estevao Willian, according to reports in Brazil.The club are prepared to pay £25.5million for the wonderkid initially, with a further £21m in potential add-ons.Willian has made 12 appearances for PalmeirasCredit: AFPWillian’s prodigious talent has seen the Palmeiras youngster earn the nickname ‘Messinho’ – after Lionel Messi.He plays on the wing but that hasn’t stopped people calling him Messinho rather than his actual name.Brazillian outlet UOL report that Chelsea are “strongly” in the race for Willian but Palmeiras are braced for offers from several top clubs.The report also claims that Chelsea have failed in two prior attempts to sign Willian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA product of Palmeiras’ academy, Willian is a team-mate of soon-to-be Real Madrid player Endrick.Endrick agreed to join Madrid in December 2022 when he was just 16 with a transfer fee that could rise to as much as £50m.Willian appears to be the latest off the Palmeiras production line and his hype is matching that of Madrid’s latest golden boy.Given that, it appears that even Chelsea’s latest offer of up to £47m may not be enough to convince Palmeiras to sell, as they may wait for a bidding war to ensue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDue to employment laws Willian would not be able to move until next summer when he turns 18.It’s the same situation that Real Madrid dealt with for their transfer of Endrick, with them having to wait until this summer for him to join the club.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumWillian has played 12 senior games for Palmeiras so far, with much of his reputation having been built in the club’s academy.Todd Boehly’s strategy since taking over Chelsea has seen him aggressively sign young talent, with the American businessman spending over £1billion on transfer fees since he took over the club.The Blues currently have young talents Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo on their books but only Washington has made an appearance for Chelsea so far. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd frontrunners to land Michael Olise ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea as transfer release clause is revealed

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are rated favourites to land Michael Olise ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.Crystal Palace’s uncapped winger, 22, reportedly has a £50million-plus release clause becoming active this summer.Palace assist king Michael Olise is a top target for Prem giantsCredit: RexDortmund loanee winger Jadon Sancho is likely to exit United permanentlyCredit: GettyIt’s understood United’s new minority owners INEOS regard Olise as a core transfer target in what could be a major summer shake-up.ESPN reckon the Red Devils are frontrunners for the France Under-21 star, despite being unable to offer Champions League football next term.United could offer former Eagles right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka  in part-exchange.Meanwhile, wideman Jadon Sancho seems certain to depart Old Trafford permanently this summer, having fallen out with boss Erik ten Hag before thriving on loan with old club Borussia Dortmund. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOlise’s standing has remained sky high with Premier League giants this season, even though hamstring problems have limited his game-time.The London-born ace’s release clause is said to be around £50m-£60m – a huge rise on the £35m figure in his previous clause.Chelsea are thought to have come close to signing Olise last summer.Arsenal have been persistent admirers too, while Liverpool and even Manchester City have been linked with him over the current campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOlise was with the Gunners, Chelsea for seven years and Man City as a kid.He was then at Reading from 2017-21 before joining Palace.Pique reveals he and Lionel Messi were lined up for double transfer to Premier League giants before Man Utd swoopedOlise has now emerged as something of a goal-making king, notching 20 assists in 79 Prem games, as well as scoring 11 times.And not surprisingly the Eagles would love to somehow fend off so-called bigger clubs and keep him for at least another year. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho reveals he refuses to attend Chelsea games despite living ‘two minutes from Stamford Bridge’

      by

      CHELSEA icon Jose Mourinho has revealed the reason he feels he cannot attend games at Stamford Bridge.The self professed Special One is the Blues’ most successful manager of all time, having won three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup.Jose Mourinho has revealed why he feels he cannot attend games at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAIt comes despite the legendary Blues boss being a fan favouriteCredit: RexChelsea’s struggles under Mauricio Pochettino this season led to the Stamford Bridge faithful chanting Mourinho’s name following a 2-2 draw with Brentford in March.Reports earlier this year had also linked him with a return for a third spell at the club, with one fan asking him about a possible return in March.However, the 65-year-old does not feel that he can attend games at his stomping ground despite living just two minutes from the stadium.Speaking to A Bola, Mourinho said: “I’ve always kept myself apart from any unethical behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In London, I live two minutes from Chelsea’s stadium, from my house you can hear the goals and people’s demonstrations.”The day the stadium started singing my name, I stopped going to football. I have to go to other stadiums.”It takes 20-30 minutes from my [other] house to [Benfica’s stadium] Luz. I went to two or three games.”They started asking questions like [will you become manager] and I’m not going anymore. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”They screwed my life up with those questions.”Mourinho’s two stints with Chelsea saw him sacked in 2007 and 2015 respectively.I played under Jose Mourinho when Chelsea had seven national captains in starting XI… I know what truly made him specialHe also enjoyed stints in England with Manchester United and Tottenham.The Portuguese was sacked from his most recent job at Roma in January.Mourinho admitted when attending the Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix that he would get back into management “tomorrow” if he could.And he has already revealed one tactical innovation he feels could soon become a reality, playing without a goalkeeper.In the meantime, Chelsea are hoping to keep their European hopes alive by beating Tottenham this evening.A win will move them to within two points of seventh place Newcastle.How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
      Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
      It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
      Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
      It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
      He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
      For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
      Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
      Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea in transfer boost as Dortmund will try to use Champions League funds to buy Sancho and Maatsen

      by

      BORUSSIA DORTMUND are determined to keep loan stars Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen this summer, according to reports.The two Premier League loanees joined Dortmund on loan in January.Ian Maatsen (C) and Jadon Sancho (R) could sign permanent deals with Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyMaatsen has told Chelsea he wants to leaveCredit: GettyMan Utd are set to offload SanchoCredit: GettySancho made the move from Manchester United while Maatsen swapped Stamford Bridge for Signal Iduna Park.Both players had managed just 15 Prem appearances between them before leaving their respective clubs.But they are now thriving under the guidance of Edin Terzic in the Bundesliga.Club chiefs are so impressed with the pair that they want to sign them on permanent deals.Read More on FootballAccording to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Borussia Dortmund will “really try” to keep both Sancho and Maatsen at Signal Iduna Park beyond the summer.The Bundesliga secured a fifth Champions League place on Wednesday, meaning Dortmund’s chances of qualifying for next season have increased.Borussia Dortmund chiefs are set to earmark the qualification funds for transfers, with Sancho and Maatsen the two main priorities.Man Utd are expected to offload Sancho on a permanent basis this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSancho has impressed since returning to Borussia DortmundMaatsen is determined to sign for Dortmund on a permanent basisThe winger publicly fell out with Erik ten Hag after being dropped against Arsenal in September.He accused the manager of using him as a “scapegoat” after the match.Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho on live TV after EIGHT PINTS and CBS Sports studio cannot bear to watchSancho was subsequently exiled from the squad, left out of the annual team photo and forced to train alone.The England star has since established himself as an important first team player for Borussia Dortmund.Meanwhile, Maatsen made 15 appearances for Chelsea before being sent out on loan – all-but one of which were from the bench.The left-back has now told the Blues that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer.And his dad has revealed he wants to stay at Borussia Dortmund. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Under-fire Pochettino admits Chelsea fans are much nicer to him in person – because they’re scared of his DOG

      by

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is suffering dogs’ abuse as boss at Chelsea this season.From being booed by his own fans in the stands to trolled mercilessly from a safe distance by internet diehards accusing him of wrecking the club from within.Beagle-eyed fans often spot Mauricio Pochettino out with his dog Sansa, who he reckons might be why they act more kindly than onlineCredit: Instagram / pochettinoPochettino says his dog ensures fans in real life are no paws for concernCredit: RexFunnily enough, it is a different story when Chelsea’s head coach meets the punters face to face while out walking his dog in what little spare time he gets away from trying to build a team capable of chasing consistent honours.Pochettino said: “Maybe it is because they are scared of my dog — because it is a big dog.“It’s a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It’s massive. Maybe they are nice with me because of that?“I spend one hour, maybe one hour and a half with my dog and sometimes I meet the fans in different places and they ask me things. I can tell them the truth.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Fans sometimes get an image that is not real. That is fake.“Maybe sometimes my words are taken or a photograph is taken of me looking sad but I am not a sad person. I laugh a lot, I smile.“I am very positive. I am not acting. I try not to act.“Sometimes people get the wrong idea. And if you face me on the street you will become in love — especially if I have my dog.Most read in FootballPochettino tells supporters ‘the truth’ when they stop to chatCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When I walk every day with my dog in different places I feel the appreciation from the fans.“On social media, it can be, ‘Hey, you must do this, do that’ but here, it is the opposite.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez“When I am on the street, the people are really good.“They appreciate and give us credit for working in a project and process that is so difficult, because the people who understand football know what is going on here.“They appreciate our commitment, the way we behave and the way we believe and support all the decisions that were taken before we arrived.“All we want is to help and add our knowledge and experience to be more competitive and help the team win games. That is what is most important.”Poch’s terrifying-sounding pooch Sansa is named after a character in Game of Thrones, Sansa Stark.It’s a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It’s massive. Maybe they are nice with me because of that?Mauricio PochettinoThis so-called captive queen apparently starts off with a naive view of the world but she becomes a more ‘hardened individual after suffering one betrayal and cruelty after another’.After almost 15 years in coaching, more than five of those spent at Thursday evening’s bitter opponents  Tottenham, there may be more to the dog’s name  than we imagine.Pochettino certainly needs his Chelsea players to be dogs of war on Thursday evening — eight years to the day since the infamous Battle of the Bridge.That was when Tottenham’s dreams of a first Premier League title were crushed by a surprisingly pumped-up Blues team enduring their worst season for two decades.Thiago Silva, 39, has announced his upcoming departureCredit: GettyOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele received a six-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct.Pochettino, 52, was in the away dugout that eventful night and football’s man of peace even got caught up in the scrums as the game spiralled out of control with 12 bookings — nine for his Spurs.Anger took over from football as Spurs handed the title to Leicester  and the game was used as a benchmark for learning purposes.Poch said: “We used this game after time, time, time, to talk and to see and to review and to reuse to try to learn from this game.“Players like Eric Dier were young and it was out of control. He became more mature after this game. We used all this experience to be better and better and better.“Son, Dele Alli, different players involved in this game.“We were playing well but we missed how to control the emotion when you compete for big things.“That was the point that made us more mature and to start the season after believing.“Then happened different things, circumstances that affected the  situation of the team.We have to be careful how we judge the young players because this is about them making mistakes and how they learn and improve.Mauricio Pochettino“We realised with this group we could go and fight for big things. It was tough but at that moment the team showed great character.“I don’t remember their position in the table. I think they were mid-table like we are now.“But we were talking about massive players . . . Hazard, John Terry, Costa, Willian, Matic, Azpilicueta, Cahill.“We have to be careful how we judge the young players because this is about them making mistakes and how they learn and improve — and then maybe they can perform better.“But we have worked out in our head what we need to do next season.”Whatever it is it will have to be without veteran defender Thiago Silva, 39, who announced he is leaving after four years.What should have been a one-year stay has stretched and the Brazil legend is a hugely influential figure in the dressing room.Poch said: “It’s true that over the years it is more difficult to find this type of player. We are talking about a 39-year-old. It is not easy to find this profile of player.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is an amazing guy, an amazing professional. Nearly 40, an amazing career.“The players, the fans, the club is going to miss him but he is happy. He is so proud of his career here at Chelsea. I wish him the best.” More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Thiago Silva ‘receives transfer offers from three London teams’ just hours after announcing he’s leaving Chelsea

      by

      THIAGO SILVA has interest from three London clubs, according to reports.The Brazilian confirmed earlier this week that he is leaving Chelsea upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.Thiago Silva is set to leave Chelsea at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPSilva, 39, tearfully confirmed his upcoming Stamford Bridge exitCredit: https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCSilva, 39, is not set to retire and has plenty of offers to continue his playing career.He has been the subject of strong interest from former club Fluminense in his native Brazil.But according to TNT Sports BR, they are facing competition from England.They claim that a trio of London clubs are chasing Silva’s signature.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA strong factor in the centre-back’s decision will be his family.Silva’s wife Belle is settled in London, while his sons Isago and Iago play for Chelsea’s academy.Fluminense are said to hope that Silva’s loyalty to the Blues will stop him joining a London rival.They are also claimed to believe that the defender will fancy returning, having played 97 times for them between 2006 and 2008.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUpon confirming his Stamford Bridge exit, Silva said: “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears as he announces Chelsea exit but plans swift return with both sons still at club“In everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end.”I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”He then added: “When I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium.”But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.’I intend on coming back one day’“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it, having arrived as the new guy.”It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”Thiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goals
      Juventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goals
      Porto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goals
      Dynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goals
      Fluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goals
      AC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goals
      PSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goals
      Chelsea, 2020-2024: 151 games, 9 goals
      Brazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goals
      Trophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Emma Hayes wants Chelsea to be ruthless against Liverpool as Blues resume push for WSL title win

      by

      EMMA HAYES says Chelsea cannot dwell on their Champions League last four loss with their bid to retain this season’s top tier title at stake.And the Blues chief wants her side to be ruthless away at Liverpool in their first WSL game following their goalless shift on Saturday.Chelsea are looking to overhaul title rivals Manchester City and have two games in hand on the league leadersCredit: Getty
      The fixture comes four days after the Blues’ loss to Barcelona in the second leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finalsCredit: Getty
      Matt Beard hopes to guide his side to a top-four finish in the Women’s Super League for the first time since their return to the top-flight two years agoCredit: GettyTonight, the title-holders return to domestic top tier action after their loss to Barcelona in the Champions League second leg semis.The Spanish giants’ 2-0 away win at Stamford Bridge ended Hayes’ aces’ hopes of reaching the contest’s final for the second year in a row. With their trophy double chase done and dusted, hopes of silverware rest on their push for the title.Hayes, who will leave the club at the end of this season, said: “After any loss, one of the worst things you can have is a big period of time between the loss and the next game.Read More Football Stories“We don’t have time to dwell on exiting. We’ve dealt with that on our day off and we have to continue.“We’ve got a small chance of winning the league, so we have to put everything into doing that. “Everybody’s efforts are into competing against Liverpool.”We’re not in the driving seat (for the title). We don’t have the goal difference, so as far as I’m concerned, we have to catch up.”Most read in SportThis evening the London giants resume their battle to win the WSL title for a seventh time under Hayes.Against Liverpool in the WSL Chelsea have been dominant winning 11 of their last 13 league clashes.But they face a tough test against fifth-placed Matt Beard’s Reds who are fighting for a top four finish and have lost once in their last four games.Hayes adds: “They’ve had a brilliant season, vying for the top four.“Matt is a seasoned veteran in this league and knows what the needs are. I think moving into Melwood has really helped them as a club and they’re definitely a tough, tough team.”Anything other than a win from the first of Chelsea’s last four games this term, could risk them going trophyless under Hayes for the first time since 2016.
      A Chelsea win would see Emma Hayes’ side cut Man City’s lead to three points at the WSL’s summitCredit: Getty
      However, the Blues boss, who takes charge of the USA women’s team at the end of this term, expects to see a clinical performance from her players.She said: “We have to be ruthless in the final third, and the team knows what they need to do. “We worked on executing that and holding each other to account on those things, that’s what I will look forward to in this performance.” More