برچسب: Chelsea

Erling Haaland gives brilliant verdict on Chelsea star after Liverpool heroics

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The 18-year-old has quickly made an impact at Stamford Bridge since his summer arrival, following a £29million transfer from Palmeiras. ..Continue Reading

Having played in six of Chelsea’s seven Premier League games this season, Estevao registered an assist during the Blues’ 5-1 rout of West Ham in August.

He then scored his first Premier League goal during Saturday’s clash with Liverpool on home turf.

Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 14th minute with a thunderous strike past Giorgi Mamardashvili from outside the box.

Cody Gakpo equalised in the second half, finishing off a flick from Alexander Isak to give Arne Slot’s side a lifeline, but Estevao had other plans.

Marc Cucurella delivered a low ball across the area to the teenager, who beat Andy Robertson to the far post and sealed the win for Chelsea.

Manchester City striker Haaland didn’t hesitate to show his appreciation for Estevao’s performance, sharing a photo of the winger celebrating on his Snapchat story.

He captioned the image simply: “Wonderkid.” Although Estevao signed with Chelsea last summer, age restrictions meant he remained at Palmeiras until turning 18.

Despite interest from City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea ultimately won the race for his signature.

With Enzo Maresca sent off for his conduct on the touchline against Liverpool, he couldn’t publicly praise Estevao after the match.

Assistant coach Willy Caballero, however, made his thoughts known about the wonderkid.

He said: “We know that a young player can suffer when he moves from another country to settle down here and to play for this club.

“So the players, first of all, are doing a great job to involve all the new players. And when we have the chance, we work.

“I can speak with him most of the time in Spanish because he understands. And he’s a really good kid. And we are so happy for him because he needs it, we need it, and he needs a goal as well.”

Speaking to Chelsea’s media after the match, Estevao praised his teammates and coaches for helping him settle in and find his rhythm quickly. He said: “Things at Chelsea have gone a lot better so far than I maybe imagined.

“I feel so good in training every day and I enjoy every moment. I have fantastic team-mates and coaching staff around me that help me each day, and it’s very helpful that I have my family with me and they’ve helped me really settle into life in England and the Premier League. I couldn’t be happier.”

Chelsea now head into a two-week break from Premier League action due to the October international window. They’ll be back in action on Saturday, 19th October, away to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

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06/10/2025
11 key players ruled out of Chelsea vs Liverpool as injury crisis causes havoc ⋆ LSU

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As Chelsea prepare to host Liverpool in a high-stakes Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, both clubs are grappling with a wave of injuries that has left their squads severely depleted.

A total of 11 players have been ruled out, turning what should be a blockbuster encounter into a tactical survival test for managers Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot. ..Continue Reading

The Blues are facing a nightmare at the back. Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana are all sidelined, leaving Maresca with limited options at centre-half.

To make matters worse, Trevoh Chalobah is suspended following his red card against Brighton. That leaves just Benoit Badiashile and teenage duo Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato to anchor the defence.

In midfield, Andrey Santos and Liam Delap are unavailable due to knocks sustained in recent fixtures, while Cole Palmer continues to nurse a groin injury that has kept him out since September. Dario Essugo also remains out with a thigh issue picked up during international duty.

Liverpool’s injury list is equally troubling. Star goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the midweek Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.

His absence opens the door for Giorgi Mamardashvili to make his Premier League debut.

Defender Giovanni Leoni is out for the season with an ACL injury, while Federico Chiesa remains a doubt after missing the Galatasaray match due to a knock. Though Hugo Ekitike was cleared to play, his recent muscle scare adds to the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s attacking options.

With so many absentees, both managers will be forced to reshuffle their lineups and rely on youth and fringe players. Chelsea may push Moises Caicedo into defence, while Liverpool could lean on Florian Wirtz despite his inconsistent form.

This match, originally billed as a clash of title contenders, now carries the intrigue of resilience and adaptability. Fans can expect a gritty, unpredictable battle as both sides fight to overcome adversity and keep their campaigns on track.

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05/10/2025
Darren Bent & Ryan Babel predict scoreline for Chelsea vs Liverpool clash

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will come out on top, citing Chelsea’s inconsistent form and lack of rhythm under Enzo Maresca.

The Blues have struggled to find momentum this season, with injuries and suspensions further complicating their lineup ahead of the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel was direct in his assessment, saying: “I think Liverpool will win 3-1. Chelsea are still finding their feet, and Liverpool will be hungry to bounce back after their recent loss.”

Babel’s confidence in his old club stems from their attacking depth and ability to respond under pressure.

Darren Bent echoed Babel’s sentiments, pointing to Chelsea’s lack of cohesion and recent defensive lapses.

“Chelsea haven’t looked convincing. They’re still trying to figure out their best eleven, and against a team like Liverpool, that’s dangerous,” Bent told Sky Sports.

“I’m going with a 2-1 Liverpool win. I just think they’ll have too much in the final third.”

Chelsea’s injury list includes key names like Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Trevoh Chalobah, while Liverpool are missing Alisson Becker and have doubts over Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike.

With both squads stretched, the match could hinge on tactical flexibility and individual brilliance.

Despite the predictions, Chelsea fans remain hopeful. The Blues have shown flashes of promise, and a win against Liverpool could be the turning point in their season.

But with pundits leaning toward the Reds, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if Maresca’s men can defy expectations.

Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM WAT, and the pressure is on.

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04/10/2025
Chelsea Learn the Hard Way: Conference League Glory Means Nothing in the Champions League

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Chelsea fans had every right to celebrate this summer. The club won the Conference League and then the Club World Cup. They had trophies. They had swagger. For a while, the mood felt untouchable.

Then Bayern Munich handed Chelsea a reality check. The Allianz Arena was loud. The outing ended 3–1. Harry Kane scored twice. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah put through his own net in the 20th minute. Kane also converted a penalty. Cole Palmer pulled one back quickly for Chelsea, but Kane finished the game in the 63rd minute, and Bayern never looked back. The headlines were brutal and deserved.

The stats tell the story. Bayern had 55.7% possession and 16 shots. Chelsea had 44.3% and nine attempts. Bayern had six corners to Chelsea’s two. Chelsea made chances, yes. But they also made mistakes. One error on the edge of their box was punished instantly. ESPN’s match sheet shows the defensive lapses and the final numbers.

Bayern didn’t stop with the win. Their U.S. account asked, cheekily, “Are we world champions now?” after the match. It was a poke and a reminder that big clubs love to rub it in when they can. The tweet landed like a message: your smaller trophies do not equal this level.

So… are we the World Champions now? 🤔

— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) September 17, 2025

This result isn’t an overreaction. Chelsea’s Conference League triumph was real. The Club World Cup was real. But those trophies do not suddenly make a side ready to stand toe-to-toe with the elite every week. The Champions League is different. The pace is higher. The small mistakes are punished harder. The players Bayern fielded know this instinctively. They found Chelsea’s weak spot and went through it.

So what should Chelsea do now? Their remaining Champions League fixtures are not so easy. They go home to Stamford Bridge to face Benfica on September 30. Then Ajax on October 22, followed by Qarabağ (who came from 2 goals down to beat Benfica) on November 5, and Barcelona at home on November 25. The draw is brutal in its variety. Chances must be taken when they come. These are simple demands, but they matter more here than in the Conference League.

If Chelsea fails to qualify from the league phase, the consequences will be clear and harsher than before. Under the new Champions League format, there is no safety net. Teams that fail to make the knockout places DO NOT drop into the Europa League. Once you are out, you are out. UEFA changed that rule to make the league phase mean more (and this makes the new UCL format better, anyway). That should scare clubs that treat the group stage as a consolation prize. Chelsea must treat every match like a final.

This week’s loss will sting. It should. But it can also be useful. A reality check forces improvement. It exposes thin places in the squad and the system. It reveals who handles pressure and who crumbles. Chelsea has time to respond. They have talent. Palmer showed his class with a lightning goal. But talent alone won’t be enough. Tactical discipline will.

There is also a psychological angle. Fans who’ve drunk the champagne of a few unlikely trophies must now face a humbling truth. Celebrations are fun. They should not be a substitute for squad building. Winning a Conference League and a Club World Cup can lift a club’s profile. But they do not rewrite competitive hierarchies overnight. Bayern proved that. The test starts now. Benfica, Ajax and Barcelona will not be gentle. The Blues have to stop seeing past glories as proof that they are there yet. They’re not.

So, expect banter. Expect memes. Expect Club and fans trolling on X. But expect Chelsea to learn. That is the best hope. If Maresca gets his tactics right and the players stop gifting chances, Chelsea can still make the knockout rounds. If they don’t, the new Champions League gives them no second chance. And remember: in this competition, yesterday’s trophy means nothing tomorrow.

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03/10/2025
Jose Mourinho singles out one Chelsea star for criticism after Benfica defeat

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Appointed in September, Mourinho took charge of Benfica shortly after parting ways with Fenerbahce. ..Continue Reading

And the man known as the ‘Special One’ didn’t have to wait long to revisit one of his former clubs, as the Lisbon side met Chelsea in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday.

The Portuguese team suffered a narrow defeat after Richard Rios’ own goal in the 18th minute, and may feel unfortunate not to have earned a draw.

Still, Mourinho seemed to enjoy his return, reconnecting with familiar faces and chatting with staff before and after the match.

During the early stages, Chelsea fans chanted “Jose Mourinho! Jose Mourinho” and the coach responded with a wave and a kiss.

Post-match, despite the result, Mourinho reflected on his connection with Chelsea, saying they are part of his legacy.

“I feed myself with victories and results,” he said. “Of course, I thank them (the fans). I did it on the pitch.

“I know that there’s going to be a relationship forever. Hopefully, I will come back here in 20 years with my grandkids.”

As expected, the evening wasn’t without drama, with Mourinho stirring debate during his press conference.

While explaining tactical adjustments involving a second striker to break down Chelsea’s defence, he focused on Malo Gusto and remarked that Reece James is a “better player” than the French defender.

“I saw Malo Gusto in difficulties,” Mourinho said. “But then Maresca has Malo Gusto in difficulties, so he changes for a better player than Malo Gusto.

“This is Chelsea’s squad that allows them to do that.

“I’m there [at Benfica] for 10 days, I play four matches in 10 days, so everything was travel, play, recovery, play, recover, play, travel, so there is not much time for development. But today I liked the performance very much.”

Benfica’s next challenge is a clash with Porto. Mourinho will return to England on October 21 when his team takes on Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

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02/10/2025
Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea amid ‘advanced talks’ with Champions League team

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The Portuguese coach was dismissed by Fenerbahce last month after the Turkish side failed to secure a place in the Champions League group stage, falling short against Benfica with a narrow 1-0 aggregate loss. ..Continue Reading

Despite Fenerbahce missing out on Europe’s top club competition, Mourinho is now unexpectedly poised to return to the Champions League — this time with Benfica, the very team that knocked out his previous club.

Benfica parted ways with head coach Bruno Lage after a disappointing start to the season, culminating in a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag.

The Lisbon club had held a 2-0 lead before collapsing in the second half, prompting the board to act.

While speculation had linked current Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim with the vacant position, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Mourinho has emerged as the frontrunner.

Talks are said to be progressing well, with Mourinho eager for a swift return to the sidelines and a deal possibly being finalized soon.

Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in September 2000, overseeing just 11 matches before departing.

Now, a return to the Estádio da Luz appears likely.
If appointed, his first match in charge could be this Saturday against AVS, with a potential Champions League reunion at Stamford Bridge against his former club Chelsea on September 30.

Should an agreement be reached, this would mark Mourinho’s 12th managerial position, including two previous spells each at Chelsea and Benfica.

Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s dismissal during a late-night press conference, where he was asked directly about the possibility of Mourinho taking over.

Replying, he said: “The profile of the next coach will have to be a ‘winning coach’.”

Portuguese broadcaster CMTV has boldly claimed that all arrangements have been finalized for José Mourinho’s comeback at Estádio da Luz.

Bruno Lage, who was enjoying his second stint in charge of Benfica after clinching the league title in the 2018/19 season during his initial tenure, is once again unemployed.

After being reinstalled as manager in September 2024, Lage guided the team to a Taça da Liga triumph over Sporting last season, but his recent dismissal has brought that chapter to a close.

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17/09/2025
Chelsea join race for Marc Guehi

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Chelsea are preparing to make a bold push for Marc Guehi, with the Crystal Palace defender set to become one of the hottest free agents in European football next summer.

According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, the Blues are firmly in the mix to sign Guehi on a Bosman deal in 2026. Liverpool came close to landing the England international on deadline day, but Crystal Palace pulled the plug after failing to secure a late replacement. The Reds remain frontrunners, but Chelsea are now positioning themselves to bring their former academy graduate back to Stamford Bridge.

A Defender in High Demand

Guehi’s decision not to extend his stay at Selhurst Park has opened the door for Europe’s elite. Liverpool may lead the race, but Real Madrid are reportedly readying a lucrative offer to lure him to Spain, while Manchester City are monitoring the situation closely. Arsenal and Manchester United also expressed interest during the summer and could yet re-enter the picture.

For Chelsea, the appeal is clear. They are in the market for a top-class centre-back, and Guehi, who knows the club inside out from his Cobham Academy days, fits the bill perfectly. Securing him on a free transfer would also represent a major coup financially, allowing the Blues to strengthen without breaking the bank.

Guehi Faces a Big Decision

Next summer promises to be career-defining for the 24-year-old. Unlike last year, when Liverpool were the standout suitors, Guehi will now have a wealth of options on the table. Whether he chooses a return to Stamford Bridge, a move to Merseyside, or a new adventure abroad, his next step will be one of the most closely watched transfer stories of 2026.

For Chelsea, luring Guehi back home would not just be a transfer win—it would be a statement of intent.

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15/09/2025
Chelsea Eye Maignan as Long-Term No.1

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Chelsea are growing increasingly confident of securing AC Milan star Mike Maignan on a free transfer next summer, with the French goalkeeper set to leave the San Siro at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Maignan has established himself as one of the finest shot-stoppers in Europe since joining AC Milan, playing a pivotal role in their domestic and European success. With his contract running down, Premier League giants are circling—Manchester United included—but Chelsea believe they are firmly in pole position.

According to TBR Football, the Blues already have an agreement in place with Maignan over personal terms, one they reached earlier this year. While they failed to strike a deal with Milan before the Club World Cup, his impending free-agent status changes the landscape completely.

Sanchez and Maignan: A Strong Goalkeeping Duo

Chelsea currently rely on Robert Sanchez, who impressed during the Club World Cup and has made a solid start to the 2025/26 campaign. However, questions remain over his distribution, an area where Maignan could provide a major upgrade.

Rather than replacing Sanchez outright, Chelsea see the potential for the two keepers to rotate, offering squad depth and ensuring freshness in what has become an increasingly congested fixture calendar.

A Big Decision on Contract Length

Maignan will turn 31 next summer, raising the question of how many years Chelsea are willing to commit to him. The club’s recent transfer policy has favoured younger players on long-term deals, but Maignan’s proven quality and leadership could make him a worthy exception.

With United still lurking, Chelsea’s confidence suggests Stamford Bridge may soon welcome one of Europe’s elite goalkeepers—potentially on a free transfer coup.

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12/09/2025
Romeo Lavia: United had enquired about Chelsea maestro in the summer – Man United News And Transfer News

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1

Manchester United were left scrambling for midfield cover in the closing stages of the summer window, after it emerged that a move for Carlos Baleba was not feasible.

Ruben Amorim had made it clear to the INEOS hierarchy that the Brighton and Hove Albion star was the perfect fit for his tactical style.

Intermediaries opened contact but in the end, the Seagulls’ valuation meant a move never materialised, with the United co-owners opting to splurge big on improving the attack instead.

The Red Devils then touched base with Conor Gallagher over a loan deal, which Atletico Madrid rejected instantly, while Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart snubbed a late move to Old Trafford.

Midfielder hunt

Surprisingly, the 20-time English league champions had enquired with Chelsea over the availability of Romeo Lavia (UiF via Football Fancast).

The Belgian is currently sidelined, and has terribly unlucky with injuries since his €62 million move from Southampton to Chelsea back in 2023.

He has missed almost 70 games but Enzo Maresca is clearly a fan, as he refused to sanction the 21-year-old’s exit.

“Manchester United did plenty of work on potential midfield options towards the end of the window, as we know. Speaking to sources, away from the likes of Baleba, Hjulmand and Gallagher – another they did ask about was Lavia.

Lavia talks

“Lavia is a very interesting option and not one Chelsea thought about letting go am told, but let’s see what happens with him. Andrey Santos has come in now too, things could be different in January.”

However, once he does come back, it will not be easy for him to reclaim a starting berth given the options at Maresca’s disposal, which is why there is a chance of a January departure, even if on an initial loan.

The Peoples Person has relayed United’s plans of trying again for the former Manchester City academy graduate should he regain his fitness. Whether Chelsea will agree to let him join a direct rival remains to be seen.

INEOS’ main priority will obviously be to try and sign Baleba in a record deal in the winter. Hopefully, quality can be added to the squad then.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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08/09/2025
UEFA issue Chelsea statement over Champions League ban

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Back in July, the reigning Club World Cup winners were handed a £27 million fine for breaching UEFA’s financial regulations, specifically those related to football earnings and the squad cost ratio. ..Continue Reading

Chelsea had disclosed a squad cost ratio exceeding 80% for the 2024 financial year, but they reached a settlement with UEFA to address the issue and avoid further penalties.

In a statement released afterwards, Chelsea said: “Chelsea FC greatly values its relationship with UEFA and considered it important to bring this matter to a swift conclusion by entering into a settlement agreement.”

Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports reported that under the terms of Chelsea’s financial settlement with UEFA, the club could only include new signings in their Champions League squad if the cost of those transfers was balanced by selling players who had featured in last season’s Conference League-winning team.

To comply, Chelsea parted ways with Noni Madueke, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson, generating a record £314 million in transfer revenue.

This financial maneuver enabled the club to successfully register newcomers Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Jorrel Hato for the Champions League, meeting UEFA’s requirements without any complications.

In a statement, UEFA said: “The squad list submitted fulfilled the criteria of the settlement agreement and it was therefore already reviewed and approved before publication on UEFA’s website.”

If Chelsea had failed to meet UEFA’s financial requirements, they could have faced a penalty exceeding £70 million.

However, by offloading 23 players and securing an £18 million profit—despite investing £296 million in new talent—the club has positioned itself well for the upcoming Champions League season, a tournament they’ve won twice before.

Their 23-man squad was officially revealed on Wednesday, drawing attention with the inclusion of Alejandro Garnacho, who recently arrived from Manchester United and was listed among the forwards.

Notably absent was Facundo Buonanotte, signed on loan from Brighton. The Argentine had voiced his enthusiasm about competing on Europe’s biggest stage, but he didn’t make the cut for the squad.

Chelsea will have the opportunity to revise their squad with up to three changes in January, provided they advance beyond the league phase.

Under manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues begin their campaign on September 17 against Bayern Munich. Interestingly, Nicolas Jackson—who transferred to Bayern on deadline day—will be eligible to play against his former club.

Their group stage fixtures also include matchups with Benfica, Ajax, Qarabag, Barcelona, Atalanta, Pafos, and Napoli.

Chelsea’s squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Jorell Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho

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04/09/2025