The CHELSEA Thread

[JoeNemesis]

 

[JoeNemesis]

   

Diego Costa's Chelsea return hands Todd Boehly a sharp reminder of his biggest transfer test

Replacing Diego Costa has proved to be Chelsea's greatest challenge and one that Todd Boehly's new structure will have to resolve

You cannot replace Diego Costa.

Few others will ever likely match the unique blend of controlled chaos that fitted so perfectly with the club Chelsea were back in the summer of 2014 when he was signed. Over eight years since he arrived from Atletico Madrid for a now ludicrously low fee that reports cited as between £32 million-35 million, he has been the obvious measuring stick for all subsequent Chelsea forwards to assess themselves against.

He scored 59 goals in 120 appearances, 40 of which came across two Premier League campaigns when the Blues lifted the Premier League crown, a feat they have not come close to matching since Costa returned to Madrid in 2017.

The warm reception Costa is likely to be greeted by when his current club, Wolves, come to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon reflects how much of an impact he made in a relatively short spell in west London, where staff golf carts at Cobham were hijacked and fire extinguishers were ominously aimed at fearful reporters inside The Hawthorns, with Costa keen to get back to London and let the celebrations begin after they had won the Premier League title at West Brom under Antonio Conte.

The snarling, confrontations and anger from opposing fans masked a wonderfully technical footballer at the peak of his powers. Some might try and stereotype the Brazilian-born whirlwind for his antagonism, but anyone who watched Costa live would have appreciated an elite skill set that matched the Premier League style.

He possessed everything several of Chelsea's recent attacking flops haven't. His technique in tight areas was superb, his anticipation to beat the offside trap was usually spot on and his chemistry with those around him elevated the level of Chelsea's play.

On several occasions, Costa would make goals for himself out of absolutely nothing. Confusing three West Ham defenders en route to smashing home a memorable goal on Boxing Day in his first season, or the winner against a well-drilled West Brom defence that saw him take the ball from the touchline, barging those around him out for the way, before crafting a brilliant left-footed strike into the far top corner to win a crucial three points.

Costa worked hard for the team but little of that ever needed to be pointed out or cited as a reason for praise, because the rest of his game did the talking.

A lot of the reaction to Costa's surprise return to the Premier League with Wolves have focused on his outlandish antics, but that undersold the level of player Chelsea had. Even in his cameo off the bench for his new club last weekend, Costa did not look like a player who had not played so far this year. He quickly added a focal point to Wolves' directionless attack, attracting defenders, and pulling them from side to side.

It spoke to Costa's intelligence that in the early weeks of his time in English football, the typecast of the short-tempered battering ram that had been reported in sections of the English media had lured opponents into assuming they could easily get under Costa's skin. In reality, it would be Costa getting under theirs.

His third appearance away at Goodison Park probably was the perfect Costa showcase. There were two sublime finishes at either end of a high-scoring 6-3 affair, but there was also time for some of the dark arts, taunting Seamus Coleman following one of Chelsea's four second-half goals, sparking Tim Howard to rush out and berate Costa, only to receive a booking.

The quick impact of Costa, coupled with the overall value attained whilst he was here, is a story that has been too rare in the years since. Other than Tammy Abraham, who was only five off the 20 goals Costa got in his first campaign during 2019/20, no one has come remotely close to replicating the quality of Costa.

Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuain, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku were all framed as the goalscorer Chelsea sorely needed, only for all of them to fail.

Todd Boehly's new regime is aiming to fix that profligacy in the coming years. Maybe with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, they have some of that for the time being. The reported interest in Christopher Nkunku only further reflects the seemingly never-ending chase for attacking improvement, one that naturally leads back to replicate the consistency of Costa, whose shadow is still yet to be covered.

There is much more to say and celebrate about Costa. The fact he barely spoke a word of English but looked a like a player manufactured in a lab to gain the love of Chelsea supporters. The memorable displays against all of the Blues' most bitter rivals: Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and West Ham.

Boehly is unlikely to find a character who clearly just wants to ride a dirt bike and flick ears in jest in his off-time. Few others will ever have the strut that commanded the Bridge so effectively. But what his new recruitment structure must attempt, is to recreate the sheer value Costa provided, so the club can find its new measuring stick.

From:  football.london/chelsea-fc

[JoeNemesis]

  

Diego will get a hero's welcome this afternoon at the Bridge. We never had a proper chance to say thank you before he left last time. 

Edited October 8, 2022 by JoeNemesis

[JoeNemesis]

  

And we have new heroes to greet him. 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Chelsea team sheet Chelsea v Wolves tonight

 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Chelsea vs Wolves result and report: Broja rounds off impressive win

Goals from Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and a first in blue for Armando Broja helped Chelsea register a maiden win in five against Wolves, and secured a third successive Premier League home victory for the first time in over a year

Chelsea vs Wolves result

It finished Chelsea 3 Wolves 0 at the Bridge, although we were made to wait longer than we would have liked to go ahead. Several good chances came and went before Havertz cleverly headed us in front in first-half stoppage time. It was the least we deserved for an inventive and dominant showing before the break.

Just as in the midweek success over AC Milan, a second goal soon after the restart effectively ended the game as a contest. Mason Mount picked up his second assist and this time it was Christian Pulisic who benefitted, calmly lifting the ball into the Shed End net.

The result was rarely in doubt thereafter, and Blues fans had the added enjoyment of giving Diego Costa a rapturous reception when he was taken off, soon after our second, and seeing Carney Chukwuemeka for the first time.

There was one final moment to celebrate, a first Chelsea goal for Broja, unerringly planted into the bottom corner having been released by Mateo Kovacic. It proved the perfect ending to another great day’s work for Graham Potter and his men, who can now look forward to the San Siro.

The selection

With the fixtures coming thick and fast, Potter shuffled his pack in defence, midfield, and attack, making seven changes in all.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella came into the back four, and Jorginho joined Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of them.

Conor Gallagher and Pulisic provided the width in attack, and Havertz led the line. That left Potter with plenty of options on the bench, including two of Wednesday night’s goal scorers, Reece James and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Wolves’ starting XI had Diego Costa in it for the first time, and before kick-off he received a hearty round of applause from the Stamford Bridge crowd along with the familiar refrain of ‘Diego! Diego!’.

Open and entertaining

Chelsea, using a 4-2-3-1 shape, started brightly on a gorgeous autumnal afternoon in west London. In just the second minute Gallagher collected a square pass from Mason Mount and curled wide, and it wasn’t long before Wolves threatened our goal, Daniel Podence glancing a header into the Shed End advertising hoardings.

The open nature of the contest continued unabated. The movement of Chelsea’s fluid front four was causing the visitors plenty of problems, particularly between the lines. Gallagher found Havertz who swivelled and shot over, a Jorginho daisy cutter from 22 yards forced Jose Sa into his first save on the quarter-hour, and Pulisic skewed over on his left after we had again moved the ball at pace.

When they could, Wolves wanted to use the pace of Matheus Nunes and Adama Traore on the break. The former opened us up with a burst from well inside his own half, ended abruptly by Azpilicueta, who was booked. Kepa palmed Joao Moutinho’s free-kick to safety.

A flurry of Chelsea chances came and went after the midway point of the half. Azpilicueta, a constant threat down our right, cleverly cut a low delivery back to Mount, who shot wide. Havertz broke clear but was forced wide by Sa, and Pulisic couldn’t get a shot off before being challenged. Loftus-Cheek was the next to try his luck, blasting over with the 10th attempt of the game. Only 25 minutes had been played.

From yet another Azpi pass Pulisic headed over, and then from further out the American went much closer. He cut inside and bent a superb strike towards the top right-hand corner, only for the stretching Sa to tip it around the post.

Our first of the second, after Wolves’ most sustained spell of pressure all game, bore plenty of similarities, but Havertz couldn’t connect cleanly with Gallagher’s deep right-sided cross.

Pulisic pounces

We wouldn’t have to wait long to extend our advantage, though. On 53 minutes Mount spread it wide to Pulisic and carried his run to collect the return pass, swivelling and slipping in the winger. Despite the angle narrowing, Pulisic deftly lifted his finish over Sa for another excellent Chelsea goal, his first this term.

The home support were on their feet again soon afterwards, saluting Diego Costa as he was substituted. Our former striker enjoyed his long walk around the pitch from the corner flag at the meeting of the West and Matthew Harding stands, all the way to the East Stand dugout.

Havertz failed in lifting the ball over Sa again when put through, and Daniel Podence nearly punished us as we were briefly opened up, saved by an important Cucurella block.

With 20 minutes left, sub Hwang Hee-Chan volleyed into the ground and straight at Kepa. Losing leads in his fixture has been a frustrating recurring theme in recent years, and perhaps Potter had that in mind with his first three changes, Kovacic, James and Armando Broja the men introduced for Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic and the superb Mount. The visitors’ threat was subsequently negated.

Perfect finale

Potter was able to hand Carney Chukwuemeka his Blues debut with five minutes left, and there was even more cause for celebration when Broja opened his Chelsea account. Kovacic slid the Academy graduate through, and Broja shifted the ball onto his right before firing into the bottom corner. It was a classy, confident finish that epitomised an excellent Chelsea performance.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Azpilicueta (c), Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek (Kovacic 66), Jorginho; Gallagher (Chukwuemeka 86), Mount (Broja 72), Pulisic (James 72); Havertz (Ziyech 86). 
Unused subs Mendy, Chilwell, Sterling, Aubameyang. 
Scorers Havertz 45+3, Pulisic 54
Booked Azpilicueta 22, Jorginho 60

Wolves (4-2-3-1): Sa; Semedo, Kilman, Toti, Jonny (Ait-Nouri 72); Moutinho, Nunes; Traore (Campbell 72), Podence, Guedes (Hodge h/t); Diego Costa (Hwang 57). 
Unused subs Sarkic, Mosquera, Ronan, Bueno.

Referee Simon Hooper
Crowd 39,940

From:  chelseafc.com

[JoeNemesis]

  

Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea Premier League Highlights

 

[JoeNemesis]

  

'Mason is a great player, I’m really pleased’.  Graham Potter post match

 

 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Chelsea team sheet Brentford v Chelsea tonight

19:30 U.K. time, 01:30 Thailand time on 20 October 2022

[JoeNemesis]

Chelsea vs Man United: Facts at your fingertips

 

Prepare for Saturday's big game against Man United with the key facts and stats...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Predicted Chelsea team vs Manchester United - Silva and Aubameyang return, Havertz dropped

Chelsea will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start under Graham Potter when they take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this evening

Graham Potter has already celebrated victory over Manchester United and Erik ten Hag once this season. That came on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign when his Brighton and Hove Albion side travelled to Old Trafford and came away with an impressive 2-1 win.

Much has changed since that early weekend in August, both for Potter and ten Hag. The former is now Chelsea head coach and is unbeaten since replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. The latter, meanwhile, has overseen a significant upturn in results and has shifted United away from relying on the goals of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar will be absent this afternoon as Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League. That is Ronaldo's punishment for refusing to come on against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek and leaving Old Trafford before his teammates had finished celebrating.

The behaviour of the 37-year-old has proved an interesting subplot ahead of the game. Yet once the first whistle is blown at Stamford Bridge, both sets of players will be focused on securing a statement victory for their respective sides.

"I think it is a really important game for us, an exciting game," Potter said ahead of the match. "It's one we are really looking forward to. Because of the opponent, it will give us good information about where we are at and where we want to go. That's normal, part of the process that we have to go through.

"That's what we are looking to do and we are looking forward to it. We've picked up points in the Premier League, lots of positives but lots to improve on as well. Again, that's exciting but we will be tested. That's for sure."

Chelsea will once again be without several players. Reece James and Wesley Fofana are ruled out with knee injuries while N'Golo Kante will be absent until February after undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this week. Conor Gallagher did train ahead of the game but his fitness will likely be assessed after coming off in midweek against Brentford due to illness.

Potter opted to rest several key figures at the Gtech Community Stadium, all are expected to return to the starting XI for the visit of United. Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue in goal having kept five clean sheets in his last five matches. The Spaniard, who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, has rediscovered his best form in recent weeks after three difficult years at Stamford Bridge.

If the Chelsea head coach continues with a back three, Trevoh Chalobah will move back over to the right with Thiago Silva returning in the centre. Kalidou Koulibaly, who has found form after a difficult start following his summer move from Napoli, can then continue as the left centre-back.

Who steps in as right wing-back in the absence of James is one of the biggest decisions Potter has to make. Raheem Sterling started in the role at Aston Villa and Ruben Loftus-Cheek did so against Brentford, yet neither convinced and that may mean club captain Cesar Azpilicueta gets the nod.

On the opposite flank, Ben Chilwell can return to the starting XI. The England international didn't even make the match-day squad for the clash at Brentford but Potter confirmed that was only to protect the defender as he continues to increase his workload following the knee ligament injury sustained last season.

Mateo Kovacic is almost guaranteed to start in central midfield and he may be partnered by Loftus-Cheek, who has impressed under both Tuchel and Potter this season. How the Chelsea head coach opts to use Mason Mount is the other big call that needs to be made.

Mount could either play in midfield alongside Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek or be shifted into the forward line. The latter option is more likely if Chelsea are to press United high up the pitch and that would also see Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang return to the starting XI in attack.

Predicted Chelsea team: Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Aubameyang, Sterling

From:  football.london

[JoeNemesis]

  

Reece James reflects on ‘devastating’ timing of knee injury ahead of World Cup

Still not giving up though

No injury is ever well-timed, but some certainly come at a worse time than others. A knee injury in the middle of a hectic season and just one month before the World Cup definitely falls into the worst category.

The fact that no surgery is needed (at least as of now) might even make this harder to take than if it was. It things go well, Reece James will be back with Chelsea immediately after the World Cup, when league play resumes for Boxing Day. He just won’t be fit and able to go to the World Cup itself. Playing in one is generally still considered the ultimate dream of a footballing career, the one that kids still dream of the most growing up. Sure, he “should” have more opportunities to do so, four, eight, twelve years down the line, but even in the best or careers, those opportunities are limited and very much finite.

Reecey’s dreams were of course no different, so it’s unsurprising that he is, in a word, “devastated” by the course of these events happening to him. And while he’s still not giving up, there’s a sense of resignation that we can get from the short video he posted on his YouTube channel, dated to Tuesday night — the first of a promised series of vlogs and updates.

“Last week against AC Milan, I went in for a tackle and got injured. I didn’t think it was too bad. After the game, I stayed an extra day in Milan and just thought maybe it was a little niggle. A day or two later I saw a surgeon, and he told me that I was going to be out for around two months.

“Yeah, it’s obviously devastating. The World Cup is only one month away. As a kid growing up, I always wanted to go and this is my first opportunity. I’ll do everything I can to be there, but I’m obviously devastated. You know, the injury came at the wrong time.

“But every day we need to be grateful and thankful.”

- Reece James; source: YouTube

It’s sad to see the 22-year-old so clearly crestfallen, but hopefully he will be back in no time, and back to playing, winning, smiling, scoring, lifting trophies. (It’s unclear if he was included in the 55-man long list for the England squad that was submitted today to FIFA, but which Gareth Southgate chose not to reveal to the public.)

Send this man some good vibes today.

Anyone who’s ever had any major knee injury or surgery knows this hateful brace.

From:  weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com

 

 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Graham Potter removes fear factor to give Chelsea freedom to thrive

His calmness and ability to communicate effectively has transmitted itself to the players during his promising start

Graham Potter hasn’t waved a magic wand. He hasn’t revived Chelsea with revolutionary training sessions or era-defining tactics. Instead, Potter has done something simple and sensible: he has been himself.

This is a man who understands people, knows how to communicate and values emotional intelligence. Potter had never managed in the Champions League before replacing Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea’s head coach last month, but he was not fazed by the challenge of inheriting a dressing room packed with stars such as Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Nor did he think about the pressure that comes with working for Chelsea. In Potter’s world there is nothing to be gained from needless drama. The 47-year-old does not like to make a lot of noise and, for all the attention on his Glow Up (translation: expensive hair cut, cool beard, fashionable jackets), it is his level-headed approach that has helped him settle in quickly at Stamford Bridge.

Of course, there have been questions over whether the mild-mannered former manager of Östersund, Swansea and Brighton is glamorous enough for Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Yet the message comes that Chelsea’s ownership should not be judged on firing Tuchel with such haste. The aim is to build a collaborative culture, with firm links between the coaching staff, a revamped recruitment department and the board, and hiring Potter has made people view Chelsea in a different light.

This was an elite club thinking outside the box. Chelsea, who have risen to fourth before hosting Manchester United on Saturday, looked at Potter’s work with Brighton and decided that he was ready. His start – five wins and two draws from his first seven games, including thumping victories over Milan in the Champions League – suggests that they made a wise choice.

The early impressions are positive. A heavy schedule has denied Potter time on the training ground, but the players are enjoying his sessions. A lot is made of his humility and decency. When it comes to connecting with Aubameyang, who clashed with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he has seen the striker for what he is: a human being.

Such calmness has transmitted itself to Chelsea’s players during games; it was evident when they kept their heads during their bad-tempered win over Milan at San Siro. Unlike Tuchel, Potter is not a demonstrative presence on the touchline, creating an environment in which players do not have to worry about being criticised for mistakes.

Chelsea looked miserable when Tuchel’s final game ended in a shock defeat by Dinamo Zagreb. The German’s relationship with the board had deteriorated and several players were unhappy. But Potter and his backroom staff have energised the place. Behind the scenes, there is admiration for Potter’s recruitment chief, Kyle Macaulay. On the pitch, the team have shown signs of adapting to the subtle variations associated with Potterball.

Some players have clearly been given a boost from Potter’s coaching. If the manager prefers to talk up his goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts whenever the subject turns to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s revival, he can take credit for Mason Mount’s outstanding form. Mount has benefited from being given more of a central role and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has struggled for consistency since a serious achilles injury in 2019, has been excellent during his outings in central midfield. Kalidou Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah have impressed in defence. Aubameyang is scoring.

Potter has used his squad. He has not been afraid to rotate, to flit between a back three and four, and has adapted tactics depending on the opposition. Much was made, for instance, of Sterling playing as an attacking left wing-back when Potter opened with a 1-1 home draw against RB Salzburg. Would Sterling take being moved out of the front three?

Yet Potter had noted that Salzburg play a narrow 4-2-2-2. The space was on the flanks and he wanted to get Sterling into one-on-one situations. Sure enough, the England forward scored Chelsea’s goal.

Admittedly some plans don’t work. The experiment of Sterling at right wing-back during last week’s win over Aston Villa was not a success. Marc Cucurella also had a tough game at left centre-back and Potter was quick to make changes.

That decisiveness has made the players respect him more. Potter does not get emotional if a game becomes difficult. He reacts and sorts out the problem. It is how he worked at Brighton. The big difference is that he is working with world-class players now, though he has not hesitated to give proper opportunities to Chelsea’s talented youngsters. Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher have featured and it was encouraging to see Potter introduce the 18-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka with 28 minutes left against Brentford on Wednesday.

It is about stripping away the fear factor. Potter has given his players freedom to express themselves and is not getting carried away. On the one hand Chelsea are seven points off the top, have kept five consecutive clean sheets and will qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League if they beat Salzburg on Tuesday. Equally they could have lost to Brentford and were fortunate not to concede against Villa. Reece James, Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kanté are long-term absentees and concerns remain over the consistency and incisiveness of Chelsea’s attack.

The mood can turn quickly at Chelsea. A run of defeats would invite pressure on a scale Potter has never experienced; upcoming games against United, Brighton, Arsenal and Newcastle could alter the outlook.

Yet Potter, who is not an insecure person, will take it all in his stride. He is skilled at dealing with people and he is a tactical expert. Chelsea will hope that continues to prove a winning combination.

From: theguardian.com

[JoeNemesis]

  

Every word Graham Potter said on Brighton vs Chelsea, Kovacic, Koulibaly and Laurence Stewart

Graham Potter faced the media ahead of Chelsea taking on Brighton in the Premier League

Injury news?

Pretty much the same as we were against Salzburg. Mateo no problem with his calf, just more fatigue. Koulibaly, game came too soon, outside chance for Wednesday but not for tomorrow.

Is the return to Brighton special for you?

Yes, of course. A place I spent three very happy years. Looking forward to going back.

Didn't have a chance to say goodbye, does that make it extra special? What do you think the reception will be like?

These things happen in football. Sometimes life throws you opportunities and you have to take them or not. Timing wasn't great for anybody but sometimes that happens and it's about the decision. The decision to work here was too good to turn down. As for the crowd, what my expectations are, I don' really have any. Most people I've spoken to from Brighton have been very supportive and thankful but I'm not naive, I know that's not universal.

Yes, once. We played them behind closed doors in a friendly. I didn't go in when I was there for three years.

Could go 10 unbeaten, the first English Chelsea manager to achieve that...

I didn't know. It's nice but it's not something I'm focused on. I just want to prepare the team and play well and try and win the game against Brighton which will be tough enough. I don't worry about anything like that, I just focus on the game.

They've not won since you left, the footballing gods... their first win could be against their old boss?

Of course, they're capable of that. I think they've been unlucky. That's the only thing I can say, their performance have been good. A lot of positives there, there difference is, luck sometimes you need it. They haven't had too much from what I've seen. Performances have been good, they've got the capability, I know the quality of the team, so it's a tough game for us.

New technical director, a word on Laurence Stewart?

It's positive, it's good news. Obviously I've been focusing on the eight games we've played in October and the club are responsible for the appointment so I'm looking forward to working with him, I'm looking forward to supporting the role.

How much does it help you prepare for a game when you know the opponents so well?

It helps a little bit but I think Roberto has been in a few weeks now and you can see the ideas, you can see the differences, there's definitely change there I would say. While I know the players well, it's a new manager, new ideas, there's always something to learn, there's always something to surprise. That's football.

Which of your former players are you most wary of?

I wouldn't want to single anybody out. I think they're a really good team, they understand what they're doing, they understand each other, they understand the game, they understand space and now they're looking at implementing Roberto's ideas. I think they're doing well, apart from a little bit of luck I think they'd have more points, they've had some touch fixtures as well. Great bunch of lads, absolutely fantastic, top staff as well. I had a fantastic time there. I know the quality and I know how difficult the game is tomorrow.

You're yet to lose, Roberto is yet to win, who has more pressure?

I think it's similar. We all want to win the game. We all want to play to win. I think the difference is luck. We've won our games, when we've picked up points we've had a little bit of luck. When I look at Brighton they haven't had too much luck. As much as we want to say that we're these all-knowing, supreme, highly intelligent, fantastic coaches, you need some luck as well, that's for sure. Both of us under pressure to answer your question because it's Premier League match we both want to win and it's going to be a good game.

Chelsea the only team Brighton have never beaten, what are your memories?

They started off where we were getting beaten quite easily and in the end we were quite close. I think we drew the two games last season, we drew the one before as well. To start with there was a big gap and towards the end there as less of a gap.

You still live in Brighton, does that make tomorrow difficult with your neighbours?

No because I don't really socialise that much to be honest. I don't go out of my house, I just come here do my work and go home. By the time I'm home, I see my family. It's a boring life.

On the touchline, Robert de Zerbi got involved with an altercation with Thomas Frank, you're always calm and quiet, how do you maintain that?

I'm not always I would say. I've had my moments as well. I always say you've just got to be yourself, whatever that is and however you want to conduct yourself that's what you've got to do because there's no point being somebody else. You've got to be authentic to you, however that is, however that's helpful for you and the team, that's how you've got to be. I suppose years of training, years of going through step by step, starting off in Sweden to accumulating however many years of standing on the side and understanding myself. How am I feeling, how do I manage my emotions, how do I help the team? Getting angry is the easy bit, it's whether you can get angry at the right time, with the right person. That's something I've learned over a period of time. I'm certainly not perfect. Just because you quiet, or you're animated on the side doesn't mean anything really, it's how helpful you are to the team

Does getting angry with players help?

Sometimes, yeah, of course.

Raheem Sterling's goalscoring record, is it a concern for you and should England fans be concerned?

I would say no and no. Raheem's quality speaks for itself. Sometimes the team doesn't function as well and the forwards can suffer for that. Rather than zoom into the individual, I always say it's better for me to think about the team, how we can attack better, how we can create more space for Raheem, more chances. It's not just him, it's across the team we can do better.

From: football.london

[JoeNemesis]

  

Red Bull Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea Champions League Highlights

 

 

[JoeNemesis]

[JoeNemesis]

  

Chelsea line-up tonight

 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Predicted Chelsea team vs Bournemouth: Edouard Mendy decision taken, Reece James makes return

Chelsea resume their Premier League campaign this evening when they take on Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge

It is 51 days since Chelsea last played a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. Plenty has happened in the interim, including a World Cup in the desert, but the hard truth remains that the Blues must improve if they are to have hope of securing a top-four finish under Graham Potter in the top flight.

That improvement must begin this evening against Bournemouth. The Cherries, who appointed Gary O'Neil as head coach last month and are under new ownership, have a strong record at Stamford Bridge. It must not be allowed to become even more impressive, the negativity cannot be allowed to grow.

"We were suffering a bit before the World Cup break," said Potter at his pre-match press conference. "Results weren't what we wanted and performances weren't so good either. Sometimes as a team you go through these periods, we went through one there and I could offer lots of explanations as to why.

"You have to accept sometimes they happen, that you have to get through them. A break can help, be it an international break or a different competition. We had the break and some guys went away to the World Cup, but everyone can come back and reset. All the learning that happened in that intense period, we can consolidate and say, 'okay, how do we go forward?' That has been beneficial."

There are injuries to contend with. Wesley Fofana suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury in the behind-closed-doors friendly with Brentford. Ben Chilwell (knee) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (thigh) are inching closer to returns but are not yet fit. And N'Golo Kante (hamstring) isn't set to return until late February at the earliest.

Potter isn't short of options, however, and there is a decision to be made over which goalkeeper starts against the Cherries – and one that will infer who is viewed as the club's first choice by Potter and his staff. Edouard Mendy started the campaign as the undisputed No. 1 but poor form and a knee injury resulted in a promotion for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard maintained his starting role under Potter and a string of impressive performances were produced. Yet a foot issue sustained by the world's most expensive goalkeeper in the defeat to Brighton opened the door once more for Mendy, who played in the three matches prior to the World Cup break.

It is something of a quirk that both Kepa and Mendy have featured in 11 matches for Chelsea this season. One will be stuck on that number for some time, and it may prove to be Mendy as Potter has a tendency to favour goalkeepers who are as adept with their feet as their hands.

Another big call Potter and his staff face is whether to throw Reece James straight back into action. The academy graduate has spent the World Cup break recovering from a knee ligament injury and featured for more than an hour in the behind-closed-doors friendly with Brentford last week.

That may have been enough to convince Potter to reintroduce James against Bournemouth, although his minutes will carefully be managed either way. "If you look at how the team was functioning before and after he got injured, it's not the only reason of course, but Reece is a top, top player and when he's not with us it's a miss," said Potter.

"The plan is to try to help him build up his minutes, and the next challenge is to build him up in the Premier League, which is not the ideal place to do it. He's got the capacity to do that, but we just need to be clear and careful with the minutes that he plays."

Potter has tended to set Chelsea up with wing-backs during his time in charge – and James would almost certainly start on the right in such a system. On the opposite flank would likely be Marc Cucurella, who was one of the few players not in action at the World Cup.

A back three of Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly could then be deployed. The latter duo have both been back at Cobham for more than a week after representing Brazil and Senegal, respectively, at the World Cup. They should be ready to start for the Blues.

With Italy absent from the tournament in Qatar, Jorginho has been able to recharge over the past six weeks. He is guaranteed to start. But with Kante and Loftus-Cheek injured and Mateo Kovacic yet to return after Croatia's third-place finish at the World Cup, there is a dearth of options in midfield.

Denis Zakaria could start alongside Jorginho. The other option is to deploy a midfield three which includes Mason Mount and potentially one of Conor Gallagher, who didn't play a minute for England at the World Cup, or Carney Chukwuemeka, who has impressed during the break.

If Potter does deploy three midfielders, then two attackers are required. With Armando Broja ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, that may see Kai Havertz partnered with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic are both in contention to feature.

Predicted Chelsea side: Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Gallagher, Jorginho, Mount, Cucurella; Havertz, Aubameyang

From: football.london

[JoeNemesis]

  

Reece James Chelsea injury news: Emotional message, Leao and Bellingham response, what Potter said
Chelsea news: The latest on Reece James after the 23-year-old was taken off injured in the 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night

Graham Potter and Chelsea were dealt a massive blow against Bournemouth despite being 2-0 up and cruising. Having gestured to the bench in discomfort moments earlier, Reece James continue to play on before making an inconspicuous lunge to keep a ball in play.

That was the last time he touched the ball, going to ground and putting his hands on his head whilst teammates had to watch on. James was making his first start since hobbling off injured with a knee setback that left him out of action for eight weeks.

His return was brief though, only lasting an hour. Although Potter said afterwards that the plan was to get him 60/65 minutes on the pitch he didn't plan for that to be cut short by injury.

With Manchester City to play twice and Liverpool also on the horizon in January Chelsea will be, as Potter said, crossing everything in the hope that James' injury isn't as bad as first thought.

Here's the latest on the 23-year-old.

James sends new message

James has sent out another message following reports he could miss at least three weeks of action, he wrote: “It hurts more than you could ever image, I guess it’s another learning lesson, whatever the lesson is, I’m yet to know. I’m sure I’ll look back in the future and understand why this had to happen, growth only takes place when your (sic) challenged.

"In such a bad situation there's still many things to be thankful for, you guys being one."

Leao and Bellingham respond

James' message has been greeted with support from two of Chelsea's transfer targets for 2023. Bellingham, who is extremely close to James and spends lots of time with him on England duty, replied with a red heart on Instagram.

Rafael Leao went one step further on Twitter, writing, "Lets gooooo," with a handshake emoji and prayer emoji.

James message

James has taken to social media to send out a message after his injury, though there is nothing relating to it specifically. He wrote:

"2022 has been the toughest year to date.

"Just wanna thank you all for the support, none of you go unnoticed.

"It’s naturally effected me mentally, I’m currently just tryna deal with the cards I’ve been dealt.

"I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy & happiness."

What Potter said

Speaking after the match, Potter remained coy on the injury, saying, “No, not really [there is no update]. It’s too soon. It’s the same area [he injured previously] so we’re concerned. We’ll have to see in the next 24/48 hours.

“It’s a bit too soon but I think there was that action, a chop, and he felt something then. We’ll have to see the extent of it and keep our fingers crossed.”

He also added: “He is disappointed, of course. But again, we’re right now at a stage where we’re just hoping it isn’t as bad and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

“He has been really disappointed to miss the World Cup of course. It was a huge blow for him and he wanted to give himself every chance to be in the squad. You can see today with his quality what he brings to the team. He has had to deal with the injury and try to get back fit. I think he’s done that well.

"We were taking steps and the plan was for him to not play 90 tonight. He was to play 60/65 minutes which was a build-up from what he did previously. So now he’s disappointed and we’ve just got to hope it’s not as bad as it was and he can get on a speedy recovery.”

James missed eight weeks last time out but is yet to have a definitive timeline set for his most recent setback.

Angry message

James' private performance coach James Ralph took to Instagram to show his anger at the situation, writing on his story: “I need to bite my tongue despite having A LOT to say…” the post has since been taken down.

After playing against Brentford last week in a friendly for an hour James was thrust back into competitive action in a call from Potter that has since backfired.

Wesley Fofana support

Fofana was another looking to make his comeback in this game but suffered a setback of his own. He went off against Brentford holding his knee but has since sent a message to his teammate in support of his recovery.

Fofana wrote on Instagram: "My bro i am with you stay strong. You will come back more stronger."

From: football.london

[JoeNemesis]

  

Who is David Datro Fofana? The young striker joining Chelsea in January transfer window

David Datro Fofana has become Chelsea's first January transfer window signing as Graham Potter and Todd Boehly continue the squad rebuild which was started in the summer

Chelsea have announced they have agreed a deal to bring young striker David Datro Fofana to the club in January.

"Chelsea FC has reached a pre-agreement with Molde FK for the transfer of David Datro Fofana," the Blues said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. "The 20-year-old striker will join the Blues on January 1, 2023. We look forward to welcoming David to the club!"

It had previously been reported that any deal was worth an estimated £8.6million, with the Blues hoping Fofana can somewhat cover Armando Broja, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a friendly against Aston Villa. Fofana had just one year left on his current deal at Molde and it's believed Todd Boehly sees the forward as one for the future.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at David Datro Fofana and what fans can expect of him once he arrives at Stamford Bridge on January 1.

Who is David Datro Fofana?

Fofana is a 20-year-old striker who plays for Molde in Norway. He has already been capped at international level for his nation, Ivory Coast, and has scored 24 goals in 65 appearances for his club.

Fofana is 5ft 9ins tall but already has strong physical attributes that would allow him to perform in the Premier League. The Ivory Coast international started his career with Academie de Foot Amadou Diallo de Djékanou in his home nation before moving to Molde in 2021.

What will be bring to Chelsea?

Fofana relies on his physicality to hold off and beat opposition players with his pace and strength. Despite being just 20 years old, he has an impressive technical ability and can use skill to beat defenders and open up space for himself to create chances or take shots at goal.

Fofana predominantly plays as a centre-forward but can also play on the right wing due to his electric speed and dribbling qualities. He is composed inside the penalty area and is comfortable with striking the ball on either foot, though has more goals (8) with his right foot compared to with his left (4).

He is strong in the air due to his impressive jumping ability, making him a threat with the ball at his feet and from set pieces or crossing situations. Graham Potter's track record regarding developing talented youngsters could see Fofana become an all-round, physical striker later in his career as he is very much a raw talent at present.

What has been said?

A video has emerged on social media of Fofana being asked who his favourite club is. The Ivorian forward smiled and responded: "Chelsea!"

From: football.london
 

[JoeNemesis]

  

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Nottingham Forest as Graham Potter makes tough Thiago Silva decision

Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest later on today and Graham Potter has plenty of tough decisions to make regarding his team selection as the Blues kick off 2023

K.O.: 23:30 Thailand time.

The new year is upon us and for Chelsea it is such a significant one.

Last year was a whirlwind – to say the least – for the club, who were sold after Roman Abramovich decided to put the club up for sale before restrictions were placed on the club after the Russian was sanctioned by the U.K. Government back in March. There were countless interested parties in purchasing Chelsea, but Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital eventually completed their takeover of the west London club for £4.25 billion.

Then, under the ownership of Boehly, Chelsea had a fairly chaotic summer transfer window, where they spent almost £300m on new recruits. Thomas Tuchel thought he had a new squad for the season as he looked to get his Chelsea side back to competing at the top of the Premier League.

However, in September, Chelsea confirmed the sacking of Tuchel and replaced him with Graham Potter shortly after. Potter left his role as Brighton head coach to take the same position at Stamford Bridge – where he is being backed to lead the long-term project the new owners have in mind.

It's been a mixed start to life in the Chelsea dugout for Potter, but there are signs of his ideas already coming across to the players. The 47-year-old knows, though, that 2023 will have to be a lot better for the Blues from a footballing perspective if he is to achieve his and the owners' goals.

The new year starts with a trip to Nottingham [Forest] to take on a Forest side sitting second-bottom in the Premier League table. After beating Bournemouth 2-0 on Tuesday, Chelsea should go into the match with a renewed confidence.

In the first-half of the clash with the Cherries, Chelsea were very impressive. The 4-3-3 formation Potter deployed was really working and there was some really exciting and dangerous attacking play from the hosts at Stamford Bridge.

Personally, I think Potter has to stick with the formation that worked so well against Bournemouth. Kepa Arrizabalaga will surely start in goal, with Edouard Mendy carrying a slight injury problem.

Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to come in for the injured Reece James with Potter now very limited in options for the right-back spot. Marc Cucurella impressed against Bournemouth and could start again on the other side of the defensive four, with Ben Chilwell still out.

Thiago Silva picked up a slight injury knock against the Cherries and despite finishing the game in west London, he could be rested this afternoon. Trevoh Chalobah could replace him and partner Kalidou Koulibaly, with Wesley Fofana still sidelined through injury.

Mateo Kovacic could come into to the midfield three after returning to training earlier this week. However, Potter won't risk the Croatian should he not be in the right condition after featuring heavily for his country during the recently-concluded World Cup.

Equally, Denis Zakaria could start again after another impressive display earlier in the week. Mason Mount and Jorginho might be given the nod yet again after both impressing against Bournemouth.

The front three should remain the same. Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz all looked like new players in the week. Potter should hand all three of them starts again and see if they can build up some momentum as the attacking trio.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount; Sterling, Pulisic, Havertz.

From: football.london

[JoeNemesis]

  

Another dismal Chelsea performance

'I haven't done enough to have too much good faith' – Chelsea boss Potter accepts scrutiny over his position.
Chelsea crumbled to yet another miserable defeat on Sunday, and boss Graham Potter understands why his position is under threat.

Graham Potter accepts he does not have enough goodwill in the bank with Chelsea supporters to prevent increasing speculation over his future.
The Blues slipped to yet another defeat on Sunday as Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane handed Tottenham a 2-0 Premier League victory.
The result means Chelsea have failed to win any of their last eight away games in the Premier League (D4 L4) – their longest such run in the competition since a 16-match run between April 2000 and March 2001.
Despite being well aware of the pressure he is under, Potter insists his focus is on turning around the Blues' fortunes.
"There's always that question [over his future]," he said. "And you can't stop the questions. With results like they are, you accept it.
"I haven't done enough at this club to have too much good faith. I accept that. My job isn't to worry too much about that.
"I understand the question, but I have to keep focusing on the team and helping the players.
"They are good lads who want to win, but at the moment we're suffering, and that is my responsibility.
"I need to focus on what I can control, which is the next day and the next training session.
"Our supporters have been very fair and supported the team. I've no complaints with the supporters. They're entitled to be upset and angry with the results we've got and that is my responsibility."
Chelsea have now scored a measly six goals across their past 12 games in the Premier League, with no side netting fewer in the competition since the start of November.
Potter acknowledged the scale of the issue, but the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss warned against any quick fixes.
"It's a combination of a few things and it's not easy to answer," he added. 
"We've had chances, but we've not scored them. Today it wasn't a case of that. It was a tight game and the first goal was always going to be important.
"There is an element of players coming back from injury, getting them up to speed. As a team, we're not there in terms of how we want to look and how we want to function."

From: fotmob.com

[Baxidar ba]

Chelsea fans all saying Graham Potter needs to go, so who will replace him? Boley wants another Potter at the helm, only 3 options I can think of

 Beatrix, she died 81 years ago, so probably not an option.

Harry, he may have magical powers but I think the mess at Chelsea is beyond even him.

Obvious choice has to be Brian, he's had previous managerial experience at the phoenix club & he could bring in Spencer as his assistant.

 

[jaynewcastle]

Thats another one gone, Chelsea now looking for their 3rd manager of the season 

 

 

[greenlizard]

Wow. It actually happened. It had to happen though. Things can only get better now, lets be honest 🧿