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Chelsea FC | 2022/23 Season

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella says he will never cut his long hair - even though it played a role in Tottenham's late equaliser at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The wing-back was pulled down by his hair by Spurs defender Cristian Romero in the latter stages of their Premier League meeting.

No action was taken after a VAR check, and Harry Kane headed in seconds later to earn a 2-2 draw.

But Cucurella said: "I'll never get my hair cut. This is my style."

He continued: "Before the game, I spoke with him [Romero] and maybe it's a fight on the pitch. I have no problem with him. It's just one action in the game but maybe it was important because it changed the final result."

Signed from Brighton in a deal worth more than £60m, Cucurella has been handed a six-year contract and says such a long deal will benefit him on the pitch.

The 24-year-old said: "Well I think maybe it's a long time, but maybe that will allow me to play my best football at the club.

"It's good because I'm not pressured, in my mind, it's not like it's a six-month deal or something; there's a chance to play for the team and enjoy my football.

"Of course, a contract is only paper, but I've come here to stay for many more years."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has tracked Cucurella since the player's early days in Barcelona's academy.

"I'm surprised and I was very happy, he said he saw me when I was playing in Barcelona academy," said Cucurella.

"I'm very surprised he's a big fan. He told me I need to work hard now and that he's very happy to have me here. Chelsea have given me this opportunity and I need to work hard to meet that.

"This is a big responsibility for me, but I'm happy because [owner] Todd Boehly and the gaffer have shown a lot of interest and faith in me."

BBC
 
Barcelona coach Xavi wants to keep Aubameyang at the Nou Camp but his employers could allow a departure to help ease their financial problems.

Xavi’s counterpart at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, is determined to reunite with a forward he managed at Borussia Dortmund and the Stamford Bridge team are in need of a focal point to their attack.

While Aubameyang is known to be happy at Barcelona, if an exit does materialise then Chelsea are thought to be his first-choice destination.

The new ownership in west London have already invested heavily in their first transfer window and are also pursuing Everton winger Anthony Gordon and Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.

Alonso has been courted throughout the summer and a part-exchange involving the 31-year-old Spain international is being suggested by Chelsea in an attempt to satisfy all parties.

https://theathletic.com/3522588/202...barcelona-transfer/?source=emp_shared_article
 
Chelsea are in talks to extend manager Thomas Tuchel's contract.

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a one-game touchline ban following his fracas with Antonio Conte in the aftermath of Chelsea's draw with Tottenham.
 
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel isn’t ‘fully impressed’ by Video Assistant Referee Mike Dean’s statement about his failure to act on Cristian Romero’s hair pull on Marc Cucurella.

The failure to have the Tottenham centre-back sent off ended with Harry Kane scoring a late equaliser against the Blues.

Chelsea’s new signing Cucurella was dragged down in the box by Romero before Harry Kane’s equaliser

Tuchel was then sent off for his touchline spat with Tottenham boss Antonio Conte but he will be present for the Blues’ clash against Leeds at Elland Road as the pair appeal their charges.

The German boss was left frustrated by the costly incident and is set to be disciplined by the Football Association about his comments regarding referee Anthony Taylor – and he doesn’t have much better to say for Mike Dean

The Video Assistant Referee for the match has since said in his column in the Daily Mail he was wrong not to advise on-pitch referee Taylor to watch a replay of the incident.

And when asked about Dean’s statement in his press conference on Friday, Tuchel explained he wasn’t wowed by what the official had to say.

“Hopefully I’m not too honest, but if a mistake is that big and that obvious, what’s the point in not admitting it if the whole world sees it,” he said.

“I struggle a little bit to be fully impressed by the statement I have to say. It’s so clear and obvious I still cannot understand how a referee cannot make a decision that was the right decision.”

The 54-year-old retired from on-field refereeing last season, but has still managed to make headlines after admitting he made a mistake as the VAR

When asked if referees should come out after the game to explain decisions, Tuchel continued: “It was not the referee to take this decision, it was the VAR that got it totally wrong in this case.

“Apologising, or admitting at least, I think it could be a bit more transparent to make it easier for everybody so maybe they could even explain the decisions on field to everybody.”

But Tuchel did have a good sense of humour when it came to looking back on his red card he earnt after his rather firm handshake with Conte turned into what some have likened to something that could be seen on Strictly Come Dancing.

“I saw quite a few [comparisons] because everyone makes fun of me of course here in the building as you can imagine!” he laughed.

“But it’s okay, it’s okay.”

Kante has been a key part of Chelsea’s team, but will be sidelined for the forseeable future

Tuchel also confirmed midfielder N’Golo Kante will be ruled out ‘for several weeks’, while Amando Broja will be ‘out for days’.

Meanwhile, the west London outfit made their eighth signing of the summer transfer window on Friday, bringing in highly rated teenage midfielder Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan.

However, Tuchel could soon be dipping into the market again with the Blues linked with former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as he looks to create a squad ready to compete at every level.

Chelsea are looking to bring in another striker before the window shuts, with Aubameyang being their main target

“We have now two training sessions with 18 players, in a schedule where we play once a week it’s not a problem,” he said.

“If I put my chin a little bit up and look at the schedule that is coming with Southampton during the week, and then two Champions League matches, it’s coming right in front of the door.

“We will need a lot of players and we will need a lot of quality players to be competitive.

“So, at the moment, like I said we have what we have, we know what we’re looking for, and from there we go, and only from there we can think about letting players go.”

He added: “I believe we can compete with this group but to be very honest it’s one thing to compete once a week and it’s another thing to compete 60 times in a year, three times a week.

“And for this you need a strong group it’s simply like this. You need players to challenge for their place and challenge for their minutes and push each other to the highest level.”

https://talksport.com/football/1174...-var-chelsea-leeds-ngolo-kante-transfer-news/
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea were the better team.<br><br>They lost 3-0 to Leeds at Elland Road.<br><br>More ⤵️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a></p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1561437984204984327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

———

Bizarre behaviour two matchdays in a row now.

This guy is losing the plot.
 
BREAKING: Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Pierre Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona
 
Chelsea are confident they can seal a deal for Everton attacker Anthony Gordon, 21, this week with talks over the transfer of the England Under-21 international ongoing. (Times)

The Blues are prepared to allow an additional eight players leave in this window after West Ham agreed a deal to sign Italy defender Emerson Palmieri, 28. (Express)
 
Chelsea have improved THIRD bid for defender Wesley Fofana rejected by Leicester City.
 
Chelsea have improved THIRD bid for defender Wesley Fofana rejected by Leicester City.

Leicester City have rejected a third bid from Chelsea for Wesley Fofana, believed to be between £60m and £70m.

It is understood the offer for the 21-year-old centre-back includes add-on clauses, some of which are considered by Leicester to be unrealistic.

But the Foxes who are yet to win this season, have maintained their stance that the Frenchman is not for sale.

And it could take a world record fee for a defender - more than £80m - for City to consider Chelsea's advances.

The Blues have already spent about £170m this summer, and recently had a £40m bid for Everton forward Anthony Gordon turned down.

Thomas Tuchel's side are also in talks with Barcelona about signing former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Fofana was left out of the Leicester squad on Saturday when they lost 2-1 to Southampton after manager Brendan Rodgers said he was "not in the right frame of mind to play".

The defender, who joined the Foxes from St Etienne in 2020 and has been capped by France at Under-21 level, signed a new five-year deal at the King Power Stadium in March.

It is unclear whether Fofana will return to the squad this weekend, given that Leicester face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leicester have turned down new bid from Chelsea for Wesley Fofana. Fee understood to be around £70m but with difficult add-ons included, as <a href="https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPercyTelegraph</a> mentioned. 🚨🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LCFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LCFC</a><br><br>Chelsea feel there’s still chance to push/insist for Fofana, as he really wants the move. <a href="https://t.co/iIswOXxr4t">pic.twitter.com/iIswOXxr4t</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1562106483063545858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

———

Surely going to be finalised soon.
 
We desperately need a DOF for the next window because we are paying an absurd amount for some of these players. I like Fofana, but that is a huge price. I hope the Gordon deal doesn't go through... imagine paying 60 million for somebody who has scored 4 goals in his Everton career :facepalm:
 
Chelsea may move for Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire, 29, if they are unable to sign French centre-back Wesley Fofana, 21, from Leicester. (Evening Standard)
 
Chelsea may move for Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire, 29, if they are unable to sign French centre-back Wesley Fofana, 21, from Leicester. (Evening Standard)

Chelsea I think will get Fofana.

Maguire should leave also, but at a lower price to a club not aiming for Champions League. That is his level I think. He will be much happier as well.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea are preparing new proposal for Wesley Fofana. It will be around £75m, still deciding the add-ons structure. Deal still on through intermediaries. 🚨🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>Leicester, waiting to receive the new bid to decide - as Fofana only wants Chelsea. <a href="https://t.co/CAI1I2qvvJ">pic.twitter.com/CAI1I2qvvJ</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1562867386793230336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Leicester City to sign the defender Wesley Fofana
 
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says "key player" N'Golo Kante will miss at least four weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old France midfielder picked up the injury in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Tottenham and missed the 3-0 defeat by Leeds last weekend.

"He gives something to our team that no other player in the world can give to any other team," Tuchel said.

Chelsea will be without Tuchel in the dugout against Leicester on Saturday because of his one-match touchline ban.

He had appealed against the ban, imposed for his confrontation with Antonio Conte at the end of his side's derby against Tottenham on 14 August.

But on Friday, the Football Association confirmed his appeal had not been successful.

Tuchel will be able to attend the Leicester match at Stamford Bridge and can interact with his squad, but he must not enter the dugout.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, here we go! Documents are almost ready as Leicester and Chelsea reached an agreement on the fee on Friday, confirmed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>Fofana will sign until June 2028 as new Chelsea player. Fee around £75m [add-ons included]. Time to prepare documents now. <a href="https://t.co/lO31M5firj">pic.twitter.com/lO31M5firj</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1563442006105669634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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Raheem Sterling scored his first Chelsea goals to give the 10-man Blues victory (2-1) over a Leicester side who are enduring a torrid start to the Premier League season.

The £50m summer arrival's deflected effort looped into the top corner to put the hosts in front 67 seconds after the interval before doubling their lead from Reece James' inviting ball, much to the relief of Conor Gallagher.

Chelsea had been completely dominant until Gallagher was sent off before the half-hour mark for a second booking in the space of seven first-half minutes.

That allowed Leicester back into the game and they had the ball in the net before the break, but Daniel Amartey's effort was ruled out with Harvey Barnes harshly adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Barnes did get his goal following a neat one-two with Jamie Vardy, but only after the Foxes were two goals down.

Vardy twice went close and Ayoze Perez struck the bar as the visitors pressed for a late leveller that never came, meaning Brendan Rodgers' side have now lost three games in a row since an opening-day draw with Brentford.
 
Chelsea have spent big on revamping their squad this summer, but the most expensive arrival could well be a player described as "the most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world".

The Blues are ready to spend in the region of £70m to take 21-year-old Wesley Fofana from Leicester City, taking their total outlay this window to more than £200m.

"Gutted to lose him but wish Wesley Fofana well," tweeted former Foxes striker Gary Lineker after it was reported a deal was done. "Every player wants to play Champions League football so it's understandable.

"Chelsea fans, you've got the most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world. Yes, I believe he's that good."

So what is it about Fofana that has convinced Chelsea to splash serious cash on a young talent who has only made 37 appearances in the Premier League?

Thomas Tuchel's defence was one of the stingiest in the league after he became Blues boss in January last year, conceding just 17 goals in his first 30 top-flight games.

But they have shipped more than double that - 35 - in the 31 league games since, and Tuchel has had to remodel his backline this summer.

"Chelsea needed a centre-back and would be nowhere near competitive if they didn't get one," said former Blues winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Fofana is a very good answer. Chelsea's need has probably put another £10m on his price tag, but Chelsea needed to add."

With Antonio Rudiger leaving for Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen joining Barcelona, Chelsea were left needing defensive reinforcements but were unable to do business until a consortium led by Todd Boehly completed its takeover.

That was in May, and former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green believes a lack of planning has left them "over a barrel" as the deadline approaches.

Fofana would follow Marc Cucurella through the door after the Spaniard's £60m move from Brighton earlier this month.

"They are playing catch-up and have to pay the money," Green told 5 Live. "They will get a great player. He immediately ticks the boxes and is also one of the future."

Chelsea have used Reece James a right-sided centre-back in two of their opening four Premier League games, and Green says the signing of Fofana would allow Tuchel to keep the England full-back in his more natural position.

"Reece James' quality is on the ball," added Green. "Fofana ticks a box for the centre-half position but also strengthens elsewhere as James can go forward."

Fofana joined Leicester two years ago in a deal worth up to £36.5m - a hefty outlay for someone who had made only 30 senior appearances for Saint-Etienne.

But he has impressed, playing 38 times in his debut campaign before being voted the club's Young Player of the Season by their supporters.

He would no doubt have been an integral part of Brendan Rodgers' side last term, too, but for a broken leg in pre-season that ruled him out until March.

The France Under-21 international signed a new five-year deal at the King Power Stadium that same month.

But after playing in Leicester's first two league games of this season, he has been left out of the following two and has not been training with the first team recently.

"There's a lot going on behind the scenes, which I understand," said Rodgers earlier this month. "It's a difficult moment for him. He's a good kid. He's been great for us."

Since Fofana's debut, Leicester have won 43.2% of the league games he has featured in, compared with 38.5% of those without him. They have conceded 1.6 goals per game when he has been absent, compared with 1.4 with the defender in the team.

"Wesley Fofana is one of those players Leicester have been so good at finding over the past few years," said BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

"Admittedly, a fee of up to £36m for a 19-year-old indicated the Foxes knew what a talent Fofana could be. Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers has nurtured him and ensured he is now a very modern central defender - quick, comfortable carrying the ball out of defence and adept at playing in a two-man defensive unit or a three.

"The money has to be reinvested, which is something else Leicester have been good at over the past few years. The issue is, they don't have a lot of time."

BBC
 
Chelsea have revived their interest in Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, 29, but Barcelona and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, remains their number one priority. (Guardian)
 
Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a season-long loan deal with Chelsea for forward Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The move was in danger of collapse ago as Leverkusen wanted an option to buy inserted in the deal.
 
Wesley Fofana is set to undergo his Chelsea medical on Monday ahead of a £70m move from Leicester.

Fofana has reportedly flown to the USA for the tests.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel: 'I would love to have a headache about who plays and who is on the bench. There are not enough tough decisions at the moment. I would like to have more of these. That would mean we are in full competition mode' <a href="https://t.co/dB29V7T7Wt">pic.twitter.com/dB29V7T7Wt</a></p>— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) <a href="https://twitter.com/guardian_sport/status/1564278368840843267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ajax are in "advanced talks" with Chelsea over re-signing winger Hakim Ziyech
 
Chelsea have announced midfielder Ross Barkley has left the club by mutual consent and is a free agent.

Barkley, who has 33 England caps but has not played for his country since 2019, has not appeared for Thomas Tuchel's side this season.

The 28-year-old's last game for Chelsea was a 2-1 win over Watford on the final day of last season, when he scored a 90th-minute winner.

"We wish him well for the rest of his career," read a Chelsea statement.
 
Chelsea will follow up the £70m signing of Leicester's French defender Wesley Fofana, 21, by pushing to get the transfer of Barcelona's Gabon forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, over the line. The Blues also want to sign Everton's 21-year-old English winger Anthony Gordon this week. (Guardian)
 
Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi has completed his loan move to Bayer Leverkusen. ✍️
 
Southampton came from behind to earn their second win of the fledgling Premier League season and move above a Chelsea side lacking cohesion and a cutting edge at St Mary's.

Raheem Sterling is the Blues' top scorer and got Thomas Tuchel's side off to a promising start with his third goal in two games thanks to a calm swivel and finish in the 23rd minute.

But another former Manchester City player levelled moments later, with Romeo Lavia firing a superb effort beyond Edouard Mendy after Chelsea failed to properly clear a corner.

From then on Southampton were the better side and scored what proved to be the winner before the break, when Romain Perraud picked out Adam Armstrong and his effort deflected off Kalidou Koulibaly and into the net.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's outfit climb to seventh as a result of the deserved victory, level on seven points with Chelsea but above them on goals scored.
 
Going nowhere so far this season.

Tuchel talking a lot but not delivering at the moment.
 
Thomas Tuchel slams Chelsea defending and mentality following defeat to Southampton

Thomas Tuchel criticised his Chelsea players for "not being tough enough" and their "soft defending" after losing 2-1 at Southampton.

Chelsea slumped to their second defeat of the season when Romeo Lavia and Adam Armstrong delivered a stunning first-half turnaround following Raheem Sterling's opener.

The Blues have performed inconsistently across their opening five games, taking only seven points which leaves them in eighth and languishing off the top-four pace.

And Tuchel did not hold back with his assessment of their latest setback on the road, saying: "We are not tough enough to win these matches away. It was the same story in Leeds, there we thought the problem was we didn't score in the first 25 minutes and then they pushed us off-balance in two minutes with two goals and we could not find any answers.

"Today, we scored so everything was okay but one set piece again, one sloppy defending again, we were off-balance and we did not react to it. We were lucky not to concede a third goal at the beginning of the second half. We were not tough enough as a team to react or push it over the line for us.

"Soft defending. What stops that is pure mentality, stop it with defending mentality. There is no superiority for the opponent, there is no need to give shots away, just toughen up as a team and show a different mentality

"I don't like to talk about it normally because you cannot prove it with data or tactical position but it is like this. Both goals are cheap, soft goals and should not happen if you expect to win a match in the evening at an away stadium."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...and-mentality-following-defeat-to-southampton
 
Chelsea have signed French centre-back Wesley Fofana from Leicester City on a seven-year deal for £70m plus add-ons.

A France Under-21 international, Fofana joined Leicester from French side Saint-Etienne in 2020 and has since made 37 Premier League appearances.

He was restricted to just seven league games during the 2021-22 campaign after breaking his leg in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.

"The two last days have been really big for me and I'm very happy," he said.

"I trained this morning with the team and it's a dream for me. I'm very excited to start playing games for the fans and the club.

"I'm here to win trophies - the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, everything. I came here to win and the club is built to win trophies so I'm here to continue that."

Even with add-on payments, the deal for the 21-year-old does not exceed the £80m that Manchester United paid Leicester for Harry Maguire in 2019 - still a world record for a defender.

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: "Wesley is a hugely promising defender who has already proven his quality in the Premier League at a young age. We are delighted we were able to bring one of Europe's most exciting talents to Chelsea and further strengthen that area of our squad, both for this season and many more to come."

Fofana was part of Brendan Rodgers' starting XI as Leicester won the FA Cup for the first time in their history by beating Chelsea in the 2021 final.

"Gutted to lose him but wish Wesley Fofana well," former Leicester striker Gary Lineker posted on social media.

"Every player wants to play Champions League football so it's understandable.

"Chelsea fans, you've got the most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world. Yes, I believe he's that good."

This summer Chelsea have brought in England forward Raheem Sterling from Manchester City for £50m, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for £34m, English midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for £20m, Spain left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton for £60m and Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan.

Thomas Tuchel's side are eighth in the Premier League after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Southampton, a second loss in their past three games.
 
Chelsea are in advanced talks with Barcelona over the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Chelsea have made a £43m bid for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
 
Chelsea have agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Marcos Alonso going the other way.

Sky Sports News reported early on Deadline Day that Chelsea were closing in on an agreement with Barcelona for Aubameyang. Chelsea are understood to be paying in the region of £10m plus Alonso for the former Arsenal striker.

Aubameyang has been given permission to fly to the UK for his medical and to finalise the deal, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "Visit his hairdresser, I guess that was it." &#55357;&#56837;<br><br>Thomas Tuchel says he is very happy the club has signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and says he has no concerns over his discipline &#55356;&#57241;️<a href="https://t.co/kFw9I1ry2m">pic.twitter.com/kFw9I1ry2m</a></p>— Sky Sports (@SkySports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/1565698000713879558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Substitute Kai Havertz scored a late winner as Chelsea came from behind to record a dramatic victory (2-1) over West Ham, who had a 90th-minute Maxwel Cornet equaliser ruled out.

The Hammers frustrated Chelsea in a first half that saw plenty of home possession but no shots on target for either side, and looked to have executed their gameplan to perfection when Michail Antonio scored from a rare attack after 62 minutes.

The forward bundled in from close range after Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy failed to deal with a corner, but the visitors' lead was wiped out 14 minutes later.

Chelsea, on the back of a record summer of spending and with £70m arrival Wesley Fofana making his debut, had struggled to break down David Moyes' side before Ben Chilwell snuck in to level from a tight angle shortly after coming off the bench.

It sparked a frantic finish, with Cornet almost winning it late on for the visitors, only to see his header come back off the post and the Blues immediately score themselves through a clinical Havertz header from Chilwell's cross.

There was still time for more drama as Cornet pounced, but only after a foul on Mendy that was awarded once referee Andrew Madley consulted the pitchside monitor.
 
England right-back Reece James has signed a new contract with Chelsea that runs to 2028.

The Chelsea youth product was already under contract until 2025, a deal he signed in January 2020.

James made his first-team debut for the Blues in September 2019 and has made 128 appearances, helping them win the Champions League in 2021.

"I am over the moon with my new contract, I cannot wait to see what the future holds," said the 22-year-old.

"I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies.

"I grew up supporting this club and I've been here since I was a six-year-old. This is the club I want to be at."

BBC
 
Given the quality in the squad this season, they should be up near the top.

Already 5 points behind the leaders and not playing that well either.

Tuchel under pressure.
 
Two-time winners Chelsea began their Champions League campaign with a shock defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.

The Croatian champions have a woeful record in this competition - winning just five of 43 games before this meeting - but they stubbornly held on after taking a first-half lead.

The dangerous Mislav Orsic netted the 13th-minute winner, running through from the halfway line and beautifully dinking a finish past the advancing Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Dinamo came agonisingly close to a second but Stefan Ristovski's thunderous, long-range effort was superbly tipped onto the bar by Arrizabalaga.

Deadline-day signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was handed his Chelsea debut and, although the ex-Arsenal skipper had a goal ruled out for offside, he largely looked off the pace.

Armando Broja replaced Aubameyang just before the hour mark, but the Albanian had little impact in an overall disjointed performance from Thomas Tuchel's men.

Chelsea launched a late onslaught on Dinamo's goal and the hosts were relieved to see Reece James' low shot rattle the foot of the post with five minutes remaining.

Serie A champions AC Milan travel to RB Salzburg (kick-off 20:00 BST) in Group E's other game.
 
Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel says 'everything is missing' after Champions League loss

Thomas Tuchel took charge of Chelsea for the 100th time on Tuesday, but there was no celebration after the game.

In fact, after a disjointed showing in their shock 1-0 Champions League loss against Dinamo Zagreb, the pressure seems to be mounting on the German and his side.

Tuchel did not mince his words after Chelsea suffered their third defeat in seven games in all competitions this season.

"We are clearly not there, where we need to be and where we can be," he said. "So it's on me, it's on us, we need to find solutions."

Tuchel added on BT Sport: "At the moment, everything is missing, [there is] too much to analyse. I'm a part of it.

"I am angry at myself, I am angry at our performance. I didn't see it coming.

"We need to be much better. We are not finished, we are not happy but I thought we were on a good way. I am surprised by this performance."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62815129
 
Chelsea have sacked manager Thomas Tuchel following Tuesday's night's Champions League defeat by Dinamo Zagreb.

The 49-year-old former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain boss leaves Stamford Bridge after 20 months.

Owner Todd Boehly has placed Tuchel's coaching staff in temporary charge until a replacement is found.

A club statement said the owners believe it is "the right time" to bring in a new head coach.

"As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition," the statement read.

"On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea's history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here."

Tuchel was appointed on 26 January, 2021, replacing Frank Lampard, and guided the club to their second Champions League title just four months later.

He went on to add the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup later that year.
 
So Tuchal has been sacked.

Really surprised by this.
Also, wasn't Tuchal close with Aubamayang and hence why he was brought in?

Strange
 
A club spending £300m on a UCL-winning manager only to sack him a week after the window shuts? Only at Chelsea.
 
So Tuchal has been sacked.

Really surprised by this.
Also, wasn't Tuchal close with Aubamayang and hence why he was brought in?

Strange

The famed Aubameyang-Tuchel partnership lasted 59 minutes.
 
A club spending £300m on a UCL-winning manager only to sack him a week after the window shuts? Only at Chelsea.

So not just an Abromovich thing then. Seems to be intrenched in the club.

My money is on Pochetiino.
 
Chelsea are expected to approach Brighton later today for permission to speak to Graham Potter about their manager vacancy.

Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are also being discussed
 
Chelsea are expected to approach Brighton later today for permission to speak to Graham Potter about their manager vacancy.

Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are also being discussed

Potter would be best option for Chelsea.
 
Potter a good manager. How he manages hugh expectations that remains to be seen.

As for Tuchel and the Board, its clear they were not on the same page, specially with no apparent sporting director at the club put added pressure on Tuchel.
 
Chelsea are set to hold talks with Brighton boss Graham Potter about replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel, who won three trophies in 20 months at Stamford Bridge, was sacked by the Blues on Wednesday.

Ex-Swansea and Ostersunds FK coach Potter, 47, has been given permission by the Seagulls to talk with Chelsea.

Tuchel was dismissed after losing the confidence of Chelsea's players and the new ownership, who took over at the club in May.

Potter, who has been tipped as a future England boss, has led Brighton to fourth in the table this season after winning four and drawing one of their six Premier League games.

He was appointed in May 2019 and has led the club to 15th, 16th and ninth-place finishes in his three seasons in charge.

But his brand of attacking and tactically flexible football has led to many admirers in the game.
 
Not sure whether Potter can fill those shoes
Do Chelsea owners seriously think that Potter can win them UCL this season because for a club like Chelsea this should be the ambition looks like another big English could be fell victim of Yanks
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No press conference today for Potter as talks are entering into final stages with Chelsea. All parties expect the agreement to be completed in the next hours. 🚨🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>Graham Potter will not speak to the media ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHAFC</a>’s game at Bournemouth, <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyNaylorBHAFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndyNaylorBHAFC</a> reports. <a href="https://t.co/AkN33KSObk">pic.twitter.com/AkN33KSObk</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1567767072477745153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<b>BREAKING</b>

Chelsea appoint Graham Potter to succeed Thomas Tuchel as manager.
 
<b>BREAKING</b>

Chelsea appoint Graham Potter to succeed Thomas Tuchel as manager.

Potter has left fellow Premier League club Brighton to take up the role and has signed a five-year deal with the Blues.

The 47-year-old said he was "incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea".
 
'Devastated' Tuchel bids farewell to Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel said he is "devastated" to no longer be in charge at Chelsea as he penned an emotional farewell to the club.

Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea's new chairman and part-owner Todd Boehly last week and replaced by Graham Potter.

The German, who guided Chelsea to their second ever Champions League trophy, says the memories he has made at Stamford Bridge "will always have a special place in my heart".
 
Graham Potter: Challenge of being Chelsea manager 'too big to turn down'

Graham Potter has said the challenge of being Chelsea manager was "too big to turn down".

Potter, 47, left Brighton to take over at Stamford Bridge after the Blues sacked Thomas Tuchel.

His first game in charge will be a home Champions League group game against Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday.

"You have to look at the tradition, the quality, size and ambition of the club here," said Potter, who signed a five-year deal with the Blues.

"It's a completely different challenge from the one I had at Brighton.

"I had three fantastic years there, but I'm very thankful to the owners here for putting their trust in me."

He added: "My main job is to help the guys that are here, help them improve and put a team on the pitch that the supporters are proud of.

"We want to create our own team, our own identity so that it's recognisable. We'll fight every day for it."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62893344
 
New manager Graham Potter got his Chelsea tenure off to a nervy start as Raheem Sterling's opener was cancelled out by Noah Okafor to hold the Blues to a 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg at Stamford Bridge.
 
Real Madrid and Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham, 19, from Borussia Dortmund next summer.
 
Chelsea manager Graham Potter wants to make a move for Tottenham and England star Harry Kane, 29, and is ready to offer Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 29, in exchange
 
Chelsea have sacked commercial director Damian Willoughby after he sent "inappropriate messages" to a female football finance agent.

Willoughby sent improper messages to Catalina Kim before he joined the club last month.

Kim was involved with a bid to buy the West London club in March.

"Chelsea confirms that it has terminated commercial director Damian Willoughby's employment with immediate effect," a club spokesperson said.

"Evidence of inappropriate messages sent by Mr Willoughby, prior to his appointment at Chelsea FC earlier this month, has recently been provided to and investigated by the club.

"While they were sent prior to his employment at the club, such behaviour runs absolutely counter to the workplace environment and corporate culture being established by the club's new ownership."

Last month Willoughby began a second spell at Stamford Bridge following the club's takeover by an investment group led by businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Willoughby worked for Chelsea between 2007 and 2010 - and has also worked for Manchester City and EA Sports. But he has been sacked less than a month into the role.

The Telegraph, which first reported the story, said that Kim highlighted the messages to Chelsea's head of business, Tim Glick, who hired Willoughby.
 
Chelsea have lined up a £30million move for Fulham teenager Luke Harris ahead of the January transfer window.

Despite spending a record £271m in the summer, new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is showing no signs of slowing down in the market.
 
AC Milan are reportedly keeping an eye on Chelsea attacker Armando Broja with the player’s situation at Stamford Bridge currently unclear.

Broja progressed through the ranks at Chelsea and more people became aware of him throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

This came as he shone for Southampton during his season-long loan spell at St Mary’s.

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An ode to Todd Boehly, our favourite new character in the Premier League Universe

The 21-year-old was one of the breakout stars in the Premier League that term as he netted nine goals across all competitions.

Broja was linked with the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham United in the summer but he ended up signing a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge which runs until 2028.


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Reports have since emerged regarding Broja as ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and co-owner Todd Boehly butted heads about the striker.

Tuchel was not sold on Broja and he was ‘prepared’ to let the attacker leave Chelsea in the summer.

The German did not believe that Broja ‘was ready’ to play for Chelsea but the manager was pressured into playing him after his new contract was finalised.

Tuchel departed Chelsea earlier this month so Broja now has a fresh start under new boss Graham Potter.

But Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) are reporting that AC Milan see Broja as a potential signing next summer. They have a ‘clear plan’ to bring in a new striker before the 2023/24 campaign.

It is said that Broja ‘fits perfectly with Milan’s football philosophy’ given his ‘technical qualities and physical structure’.

The report adds that ‘there is nothing more than simple interest’ at this time but Broja is ‘transferable’ even with his new contract. It is also claimed that the forward will be available ‘for around €30m’.

Should Broja leave, Chelsea will likely look to add another attacker to their squad.

Over the past few months, they have been linked with RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman has grabbed six goals and one assist in just eleven outings at the beginning of this campaign.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea will be among “many clubs” who will be interested in bringing in Nkunku next summer:

“There will be many clubs in the race for Nkunku next summer, including Chelsea as they’ve always been interested and attentive to his growth,” Romano wrote for Caught Offside.

“Nothing has been decided yet on the next step, it will be in 2023 – Nkunku will be one of the big names next summer.

“For now, Chelsea have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after his move from Barcelona in the summer, so I don’t expect a striker will be a priority for January.

“It’s more likely the Blues will look for wingers instead of centre forwards in the winter window.”
 
Chelsea have joined the race to sign England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham - the price for the 19-year-old is set to be £130m, with Liverpool and Real Madrid also interested. (Telegraph)
 
RB Leipzig's 24-year-old France forward Christopher Nkunku has already completed a medical ahead of joining Chelsea for £52m in next summer's transfer window. (Bild)
 
Conor Gallagher returned to Selhurst Park to haunt Crystal Palace with a stunning late winner to give Graham Potter a controversial first win as Chelsea boss.

Substitute Gallagher, who impressed on loan at Palace last season, curled home a superb right-footed effort to snatch victory for Chelsea with his first goal for the club.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also scored his first Chelsea goal on his Premier League return after Odsonne Edouard had poked Palace into an early lead.

However, there was controversy surrounding Aubameyang's goal as it was set up by Thiago Silva, who Palace felt should have been sent off for a deliberate handball which denied Jordan Ayew a possible goalscoring opportunity.

Gallagher, whose impressive form for Palace last season earned him his England debut, was introduced by Potter in the 76th minute for Kai Havertz.

And with the game seemingly petering out for a draw, the 22-year-old midfielder nutmegged Jean-Philippe Mateta and sent a curling shot into Vicente Guaita's top corner.

However, while Gallagher returned to break Palace hearts, the Eagles' supporters will likely direct their ire towards the officials following the decision not to send Silva off.

Just after the half-hour mark, the Chelsea defender appeared to deliberately handle the ball after falling to the ground, denying Ayew a possible goalscoring opportunity.

Referee Chris Kavanagh showed the Brazilian a yellow card, which was upheld following a VAR check, much to the dismay of Palace boss Patrick Vieira - who was booked for his protests - and his players.

Palace's sense of injustice deepened when Silva headed James' long ball into the path of Aubameyang, who produced a smart finish on the half-volley to bring Chelsea level.
 
BREAKING: Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku
 
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana's knee injury is not as serious as first feared and he could return in "a few weeks".
 
Armando Broja scored his first Chelsea goal in a dominant victory over a lacklustre Wolves, who remain without a permanent manager.

Kai Havertz opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time but the Blues could have put the game out of sight long before then.

Christian Pulisic doubled the lead, playing a one-two with Mason Mount and sending the ball sailing past goalkeeper Jose Sa before Armando Broja hammered into the bottom corner with his left foot late on.

The game marked Graham Potter's first home Premier League victory as Chelsea boss.

Potter made wholesale changes from his side's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, swapping seven players and showcasing the depth in his side, with Conor Gallagher earning a start after scoring the winner last time out and Reece James and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the bench.

Wolves, playing their first match since sacking manager Bruno Lage last weekend, were unorganised and Diego Costa, making his first start for the Midlands club against his former side, struggled to get in the game with the team hemmed in their own half.

They remain stuck in the relegation zone having lost their last three matches, while Chelsea move to fourth.

BBC
 
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante will miss the World Cup with a hamstring injury he suffered in training, which is expected to rule him out for around three months.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter described Kante’s latest injury setback as “not being good news” and it is understood there is no chance of the 31-year-old midfielder recovering in time to feature at the tournament for reigning champions France.

Kante has been absent since he sustained an injury in a Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on August 14, although he recently returned to first-team training.

But the midfielder, whose contract expires in the summer of 2023, suffered a fresh injury setback in training and is set for an extended period on the sidelines.

Potter commented on Friday that Kante will see a consultant this weekend to advise the club on the severity of the injury.

Potter said: “‘He’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback, it’s not good news, but I can’t give you anything more at this stage.

“Historically there are things which have happened which is a concern, so we need to get to the bottom of that.

“It’s a setback at this stage of this rehab which is worrying, but all we can do is get the right diagnosis, get the right consultation, and try and help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”

Kante has been a vital first-team player for Chelsea since his move from Leicester City in 2016, but he has been restricted to just two appearances in all competitions this season.

He is equally important for France, having made 53 appearances for his nation, and his absence at Qatar will come as a significant blow to the reigning world champions.

Chelsea declined to comment, pending the player seeing a specialist.

(The Athletic)
 
<b>BREAKING</b>
England defender Reece James looks set to miss the World Cup as Chelsea confirm he is expected to be out for at least eight weeks with a knee injury.
 
Mason Mount scored his first two club goals of the season as Chelsea survived a first-half onslaught against Aston Villa to continue Graham Potter's unbeaten start as manager.

The England international was gifted an opener when Tyrone Mings' header fell to him for an easy finish after six minutes.

And in front of the watching England boss Gareth Southgate, Mount added a second from a 25-yard free-kick - but again he was helped after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez was wrong-footed.

Villa, who had been unbeaten in four games, did everything but score in the first half but found Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in inspired form as he denied Danny Ings, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.

Potter, who is now six games unbeaten since taking over as Chelsea boss last month, and whose side have won the last five, gambled by playing forward Raheem Sterling at right wing-back following a knee injury to Reece James, which is set to keep the defender out of the World Cup.

But after seeing Villa dominate the first half without finding the net, Potter moved Sterling up front and enjoyed a more comfortable second half, which kept Chelsea in fourth, four points behind third-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

Villa might have been let down by two costly errors, and were booed at the final whistle, but manager Steven Gerrard would have been encouraged by his side's first-half display, if not their finishing.

Mount and Arrizabalaga earn hard-fought win

Potter had already experimented with Sterling as a wing-back, opting for the England international on the left in his first game after joining the club last month, a draw against RB Salzburg.

But against Villa it backfired as the hosts tore down the flanks, with Sterling leaving the right side of the defence exposed.

After Mount was gifted his goal by Mings, Chelsea were left chasing the ball. Marc Cucurella struggled as Ings, Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey caused problems right across the attack, helped by the fact that McGinn was doubling up on Villa's left side.

The defence was indebted to Arrizabalaga, who made six first-half saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Ings' header from point-blank range.

Five minutes before half-time, Potter admitted his tactical plan had failed by moving Ruben Loftus-Cheek into the right wing-back position instead of Sterling.

And after Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly replaced Cucurella and Kai Havertz at the break, Chelsea looked a lot more solid. They could have gone further ahead when Sterling, restored to the attack, headed wide and had another effort saved by Martinez.

Mount, who is in talks about a new Chelsea contract, killed the game off with a well-taken free-kick, but again he had a helping hand when Martinez shifted to his right.

The Chelsea forward's strike went to the goalkeeper's left, but crossed the line close to the middle of the goal.
 
BREAKING: N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury and is expected to be out for four months.
 
Mount was superb against Villa for Chelsea.

Could be peaking just before the World Cup.
 
Disappointment for Chelsea & Potter

Chelsea manager Graham Potter must have thought he was on the way to his second victory over United this season after Jorginho calmly slotted home late on.

Potter, who won at Old Trafford with Brighton on the opening weekend, was also set to see his side earn a sixth successive clean sheet in all competitions until that late Casemiro intervention.

In reality, however, Chelsea would have been fortunate to win. Indeed, so outmanoeuvred were they in the first half that Potter was forced into a tactical reshuffle to bolster his struggling midfield after only 36 minutes, Mateo Kovacic coming on for Marc Cucurella .

Chelsea were grateful to goalkeeper Kepa in that period but they improved after the break - albeit they were still unable to force De Gea into any serious work, the one anxious moment for the visitors coming when Trevoh Chalobah's header glanced off the top of the bar.

The hosts ultimately could muster just two shots on target in a game that failed to live up to its billing - but there will be real disappointment that they could not close out the win after taking the lead so late.

Potter was at least able to maintain his unbeaten record as Chelsea manager but it could have been so much more satisfying.
 
Thought Chelsea were a bit lucky to come away with a point tonight. United bossed most of the match, particularly in the first half and had the best chances. Despite conceding in injury time a draw in the end is probably not the worst result for Chelsea.
 
Graham Potter endured a nightmare return to Amex Stadium as Brighton thrashed Chelsea (4-1) to claim a first victory under their new manager Roberto de Zerbi.

In a chaotic opening, Leandro Trossard's calm finish put the home side in front after Thiago Silva - who had already produced two goalline clearances to deny the Seagulls - surrendered possession cheaply in his own half.

Two own goals extended Brighton's lead before the break, Ruben Loftus-Cheek putting through his own net from a Solly March corner before Trevoh Chalobah slid Pervis Estupinan's low cross past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kai Havertz nodded in Conor Gallagher's exquisite cross to give the visitors hope two minutes after the interval, but a second-half Chelsea recovery failed to materialise.

Pascal Gross capped a miserable afternoon for Potter and his players with a close-range finish after Edouard Mendy - who had replaced the injured Arrizabalaga at half-time - parried Julio Enciso's shot into the German's path.

The victory lifts De Zerbi's side up to seventh, while Chelsea stay fifth after suffering their first defeat following a run of nine unbeaten under Potter.
 
Chelsea manager Graham Potter said he has "nothing to say sorry for" after he was subjected to a hostile reception from Brighton fans before the Blues' 4-1 Premier League defeat at Amex Stadium.

Potter led Brighton to their highest ever top-flight finish of ninth last season before leaving the Seagulls for Stamford Bridge six games into the current campaign.

The 52-year-old was booed before kick-off by the home fans, who chanted "Potter, Potter, what's the score?" in the direction of the away dugout after Leandro Trossard's strike and own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah had given the hosts a comfortable half-time lead.

Asked about the Brighton supporters' animosity, Potter said: "People are entitled to their opinions. I think I did a good job at the club and left it in a good place.

"Once the crowd were so engaged it was a difficult one for us. The scoreline is a painful one."

Kai Havertz nodded in Conor Gallagher's exquisite cross to give the visitors hope, but Pascal Gross capped a miserable afternoon for Potter and his players with a close-range finish after Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy parried Julio Enciso's shot into the German's path.
 
Brighton 4, Chelsea 1.

What a battering that was.

Potter schooled by his old club!
 
Chelsea winless in five in the league.

It’s not looking good for Potter.
 
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