Another great win for the Chels! Match report to follow!. Enjoy!
KTBFFH!!!!
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KTBFFH!!!!
Blackburn v Chelsea: Let's get the job done in style!.
This afternoon Chelsea travel to Ewood Park one season on from the game that was pivotal in Chelsea's fortune's last season. After the game I called into question Carlo Ancelotti's ideas as Manager of our football club (With my end of season summary about the games leading up that moment and more here) and we all know once the switch to our tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation was made, the rest is history.
Chelsea will turn up to Blackburn today a very different outfit compared to the side that drew 1-1 last season. Sam Allardyce knows it, the Blackburn fans know it and most importantly of all, the Chelsea players know it.
We are filled with confidence at the moment and have the potential to smack 3,4 or 6 past teams and it could well be the case today. However it's down to our mentality and how we approach the game today and I really too heart from Carlo's press conference yesterday.
Carlo stated that "we must do better away" and he has it spot on. He also stated that we need to focus on games for 90 minutes and this is where maybe Chelsea have switched off in recent weeks. Expect Chelsea to be up and at it for the whole game today and we all know against Blackburn on their own patch isn't an easy game.
JT spoke out in the week about teams like Blackburn getting unfair criticism about their game and I also agree with what he had to say and posted about it on here. In that article he stated that "We can't just turn up and expect to get three points because we are Chelsea!" and he is right. This is no easy game.
Blackburn will be looking to get in and around our boys today, to hassle them, to close them down and play to their strengths. Big Sam is underrated in my opinion and has done a great job in steadying the ship first and kicking on from there. One thing about his sides, they will give everything for him and he has made some shrewed signings since he has been at the club. A workman like side, battling for every ball but with threats of their own, Chelsea need to work to win this game.
I think it's fair to say Blackburn haven't had the best of starts to the season. With just 9 points this season beating Everton at home, Blackpool away and drawing against Man City, Fulham and Sunderland it's no secret Allardyce has a job on to pick up points today.
That's no disrespect to Blackburn at all. With Chelsea the visitors today they welcome back Samba next to Nelson in the heart of their defence. These two will need to be at their best to cope with Drogba (who wasn't at his best last week and will want to play better today, Anelka (who has scored 10 goals in 14 Premier League games against them) and Florent Malouda who was back amongst the goals last week against Wolves.
Expect Blackburn to pack their midfield and rely on the one up front in Zigic. It will be a battle in midfield today and we need to ensure we get our foot on the ball early and knock it about, get it wide and create Blackburn problems.
With this game in mind and the welcome return of Alex next to JT at the heart of our defence, expect Ivanovic to switch to right back with Bosingwa making way. Alex for Bosingwa is the only change I think Carlo will make as Chelsea look to kick on and take the game to Blackburn.
I think the early stages in the game will go to show what we can expect from the game. Looking at it now Blackburn are lacking confidence, looking over their shoulder at their league position and know they need to do better. Chelsea are flying high, five points clear at the top of the league, have important players returning from injury with Lamps still missing and this will have a major effect on the game.
So it's because Carlo has asked of his players to improve away from home, keep a high tempo for 90 minutes, because John Terry has told the boys we can't just expect to turn up for three points and we need to earn them, because Alex is back at the heart of our defence, because our front three are scoring goals for fun this season and because Blackburn are suffering right now, I can only see a Chelsea win this afternoon.
Its a potential banana skin for us today, but I am 100% confident we will get the job done. Whether it's by a single goal or by bucket loads, a win is a win. Still, it would be nice to do it in style like we did a Wigan!
I am going for 3-0 Chelsea today, Drogba, Malouda and Anelka.
KTBFFH!
Ancelotti's got it spot on. Must do better away!.
Carlo Ancelotti has spoken ahead of tomorrow's game and said:
"In the last two games away we didn't score, against Man City and Aston Villa, We had a good away game in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow. It's strange not to score in two games consecutively away. We had a fantastic performance against Wigan when we won 6-0, but we have to do better away.Once again you have to admit Carlo has got it spot on. We all know that apart from the start to our season, in recent games we have gone off the boil after getting ahead in games when the game appeared to be over rather than to go in for the kill like the early part of the season.
Our philosophy is to play the best football we can, so when we don't play well I think it's not a criticism to say this. It is objective, and we want to play at our best in every game.
I think now we are five points clear, and it's important to maintain this gap. Man City, Man United and Arsenal are interested in our results and they would like that we lose some points against Blackburn. This is normal and I think for this reason it's an important game - if we are able to win this game we can improve our confidence and give disappointment to the other teams.
We are five points clear, we started well in this part of the season, and I think we can play better, because we played very well some parts of some games but not continuously, We didn't play 90 minutes how we want and it's the time to improve our play and play with more intensity on the game.
Tomorrow will be a good test for this reason because we have to play a physical game - we have to play with intensity because it won't be easy to play against Blackburn away, but we want to do better compared to last season."
Carlo want's Chelsea to do better away and what better place to start than Blackburn tomorrow!
KTBFFH
Chelsea's "Interest" in Barcelona star? - Rubbish!
Not only have Chelsea been linked in the last couple of days with Darijo Srna but reports have intensified about our apparent interest in Barcelona right back Dani Alves!
What's going on? Have the press and the media forgotten about the return of Jose Bosingwa at Chelsea? Is the players agent using the Chels to grab his player a better deal?...sounds like it's the case for me.
The report I am blogging about in this instance was featured Thursday in the Daily Mail. The article states that he is stalling on a new contract and Barca have given him a deadline of December 31st to get the new offer they have put on the table signed.
Alves' agent is reported as saying:
"Dani is one of the best defenders in the world and the big clubs desire his services, We only ask that Barca value him in reality for his work and development during these years."The key term for me is "WE" and expect Alves to sign the new deal at Barcelona which will also see his agent off on his holidays to the Carribean or something shortly afterwards!.
Rubbish if you ask me. We don't need Alves.
KTBFFH.
Bruce and Sunderland living in the clouds!
It seems that Steve Bruce and the Sunderland board are living in the clouds if you ask me as there is a report in the Mirror that they have slapped a £20m price tag on the head of promising midfielder Jordan Henderson.
It's now the second time this month this story is doing the rounds but this time it's obvious that the club do not want to lose one of their seeming to be, prized assets. So for that reason I can understand the valuation to put people off, or to get a huge amount of money as compensation if they do receive an offer for the player.
To think that a club like Chelsea would pay that kind of money for someone who will struggle to break into the side with the players we have is ridiculous to even consider.
Do not expect anything to happen in the near future with this one!
KTBFFH
Chelsea's pre contract for Schweinsteiger?
On Thursday the Daily Mail had run an article stating that Bayern Munich had a dilemma they had to face when it came to Bastian Schweinsteiger. His contract is due to expire next summer 2012 but they would have to make a decision to tie him down to a new deal or sell him quick to make sure they recouped enough of a transfer fee for the 26 year old influencial German midfielder.
Now don't get me wrong, I believe that the player will stay at Bayern for a few years yet as time is on his side. However if the player did become available then I would expect Chelsea to be interested.
It's not the first time I have sang the praises of Schweinsteiger on here and won't be the last either.
I think the guy is a class act and would fit perfectly into our Chelsea side but as I am saying, I think it's a smokescreen once more and he will stay at Bayern.
The Mirror is running an article today stating that Chelsea have registered their interest to sign a pre contract agreement with the player in January. Like I said, I would be amazed if he left Bayern at this stage.
KTBFFH.
ESSIEN: Like Carlo, Nominated but won't win it!.
It will be tough on Michael Essien after being nominated for the player of the month award up against Gareth Bale, Rafa van der Vaart, Youssouf Mulumbu, Javier Hernandez, Nani and Carlos Tevez.
Essien's role is very different to that of the others and if you ask me, there isn't a stronger player in our game in his position. It's the people he is up against and the position they play and the publicity they receive compared to unsung hero like Essien that gives the others a better chance of winning.
Van der Vaart for example has received alot of plaudits for his performances so far and the goals and assists he has created. Tevez's goals, Hernandez's goals and Bales performances will get more headlines than Essien.
He may not win the award this month, but the Chelsea fans and players know just how good he is and how good it is to have him back!
KTBFFH
Chelsea's 10 worst signings since Roman took over.
I was reading this article on the Soccerlens website. They are running what they believe to be Chelsea's worst signings since Roman took over the club and I am not sure I agree with them.
They have listed the 10 worst or disappointing players to be:
Neil Sullivan
Asier Del Horno
Steve Sidwell/Claudio Pizzaro/Tal Ben Haim
Glen Johnson
Deco
Mateja Kezman
Juan Sebastien Veron
Adrian Mutu
Shawn Wright-Phillips
Andriy Shevchenko.
I would argue that the following players should be considered:
Jiri Jarosik
Khalid Boulahrouz
Franco Di Santo
Nuno Morais
Lassana Diarra
Ross Turnbull.
What do you guys think? Who were the worst or most disappointing signings so far of the Roman Abramovich reign?
KTBFFH.
Another Striker linked to Chelsea! - How many more?
I don't know about the rest of you but I am growing increasingly tired of all these so called "Reports" that Chelsea are interested in signing all sorts of people at the moment. Another "rumour" is that Chelsea are interested in bringing Roma forward Mirko Vucinic to Stamford Bridge after he has become frustrated at Roma playing for Claudio Ranieri.
Chelsea wouldn't be the only side reportedly interested in his services. Man City and Spurs are also "interested".
The player himself said:
"The English league is one of the most beautiful in the world. Who would not want to play there?"Roma may sell the player after bringing the likes of Adriano to the club and with debts of around 20 million, it would be the ideal time to sell. Again though with this one and like alot of these reports in the press lately its all a load of rubbish to me and Chelsea's name is being banded about once more to establish interest.
Another one to ignore!
KTBFFH
RAMIRES: Pleased with start at Chelsea.
It was nice to hear Ramires speak so openly about the start he has had to his career at Chelsea and in the Premier League in particular the other day. He said:
"At Cruzeiro and Benfica there was also huge pressure to get good results. The difference at Chelsea is that the level of visibility is so much greater. That means you're singled out more when you play badly and there's more hype when you play well.What's important and what strikes me about Ramires is his willingness to learn and to work hard to be part and parcel of the Chelsea side. I wrote an article earlier in the month after the Arsenal game about The Emergance of Ramires and I believe he will get better and better.
As well as being a player who tries to start moves when I have the ball, I've always liked a tackle, so that's why I'm not finding it very hard to adapt. I'm already getting used to the speed of the game over here. All I need to do now is to keep working hard to earn my spot in the side and help the team stay as successful as they've been in recent years.
To be honest, it's not hard for me to play anywhere in midfield. I'll play whichever way Carlo Ancelotti thinks works best for the team at any given time."
KTBFFH.
IVANOVIC: Get him signed up now Chelsea!
There are reports doing the rounds that Chelsea have opened talks with Branislav Ivanovic about signing a new contract after the players agent stated that he was keen to sign a new deal and for me anyway this will be one of our biggest signings if we can get it done asap. His deal expires in the summer of 2012 and Chelsea have opened negotiations with the player.
It took Ivanovic some time to get into the side and make a regular start his own, but once he did he has shown all of us just how good he is. Nemanja Vidic had reportedly told Alex Ferguson to bring him to United because "he is better than me" and Sir Alex must be kicking himself that he didn't.
His loss is our gain as Branna has been outstanding. He was voted into the Premier League team of the season as voted by his fellow professionals last season and that's considering that full back is not even his natural position.
The more we will see of Ivanovic at Centre back, the more we will see just how important he will become as part of our back line for years to come.
Sign him up now Chelsea!
KTBFFH
MIKEL: "This is now my position!"
If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know I wrote an article published on CFCNET about Chelsea's holding midfield role and how it has changed from Mourinho to Ancelotti and what is expected of Mikel now in the Chelsea side. (If you haven't seen it then click here to take you there).
Mikel has spoken to the official website this week and has stated that the role he is playing for Chelsea is now his position. He said:
"This position is now my position. This is where I love to play and where I feel most conformable playing. I just want to keep playing here now and keep improving. I know people want to see more of my attacking football but with the kind of club I play for you have to do more for the side than just attacking."I have to say that many people underestimate just how important he is to the team and to the way Chelsea play. After a shaky start to his career at Chelsea, Mikel has become one of the most important and consistant performers in a Chelsea shirt in the past two seasons.
Let's hope it continues!
KTBFFH.
Another Brazlian at Santos linked to Chelsea.
Another of these so called rumours appeared on Thursday about another of the "hottest properties" in the game at Santos and this time its the other wonderkid Ganso!.
Apparently the attacking midfielder rejected Santos' offer of a new contract and said:
“I know what Santos has offered me through my representatives but I did not consider it suitable for me as a proposal. So I ended up not accepting. Also, I do have the right to say no."Who on earth if the likes of Pele' spoke out before about Neymar and stated that it's better for young talents to learn their trade properly first in Brazil and persuaded Neymar to stay in Brazil, would another one of their talents look for a move?.
Yet another piece written by a journo with nothing else better to do in my opinion!. Just because we have Alex and recently signed Ramires, we are now being linked to all sorts!.
Ignore this one aswell people!
KTBFFH.
Who needs Wayne Rooney when we've got Kalou! Available now...
Who needs Wayne Rooney when we’ve got Kalou? The Chelsea Football FanCast #134
Chidge and the boys report on a rather tired and dozy Chelsea performance as they made hard work of beating a determined Wolves side, as well as the weekly ‘fannies’; a classic terrace song or three; Dear Mart and You’re on CFFC!
Too much moaning on the show early doors, as we discuss the game and then realize that we actually won, got the three points and have yet to concede a goal at the Bridge in the league all season. So we’re not complaining…honest!
A remarkably inept performance from the otherwise brilliant Drogs (so bad it was funny!) is blamed on his rather strange pink boots. Meanwhile two excellent goals are applauded even though Chidge missed the first one being too busy hurling abuse at Stamford Bridge’s Public Enemy Number 1 – Stephen ***t – a nasty little hobbit if ever there was one!
In the ‘Fannies’, many contenders including a great come back by Boswinga, Kalou’s goal, Josh’s last ditch tackle; “Down with the Scousers” and both Chidge and Drogba get Celery moment nominations, one of them for yawning after Kalou’s goal…
We have not one, not two, but three classic old Shed songs in “we’re out show the world the way to sing”, and in “Dear Mart”, questions on law changes to the game; a double or treble this season; abusing glory hunters and non-believers; moving from the Bridge and Drogba’s potential understudy are all answered.
And as always Chidge reads out the best of your posts in “You’re on CFFC”.
The Chelsea Football FanCast: Didi? No he didn’t!
KTBFFH.
20% off Personalised Chelsea Cards and Calendar orders!
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When you check out enter code PERS1CF1and you will receive your discount.
It's a great idea for Birthdays and for Christmas and its all thanks to
Personalise.com
KTBFFH
"Chelsea look the strongest, most stable!" - Santa Cruz
Forgotten man Roque Santa Cruz has given an interview published in the Telegraph this morning primarily about Carlos Tevez being homesick but about his own future and where he see's City's aims for this season.
Of course with the money being spent by City since the new owners have come into the club, they are being touted as potential Champions but Santa Cruz doesn't believe the hype and states Chelsea are the ones to beat. He said:
“City’s goal must be to be among the top four, but we are below the level of those who will fight for the title.Its quite refreshing to hear that in my eyes anyway and especially as its from a player within that squad. At least he isn't getting carried away with all the fuss being made about them this season.
Chelsea look the strongest, most stable. Manchester United and Arsenal have great squads and will be up fighting for the title. We will have to play for fourth place, probably with Tottenham.”
Let's face it, Chelsea never turned up against City earlier in the season and if we were on our game it would have been a different story.
With Chelsea sitting five points clear at the top of the table and players returning from injury including Bosingwa, Alex, Kalou and Frank Lampard, Chelsea will only get stronger and stronger.
I agree with Santa Cruz, City are fighting for fourth place and we are the strongest!.
KTBFFH
JT: Criticism unfair of Blackburn, Stoke and Wolves.
John Terry has added his voice the ongoing debate about tackling in our game and has made a valid point in my eyes. He said:
"What has been said about teams like Blackburn, Wolves and Stoke is very unfair, We can't expect to go to Ewood Park and pick up three points just because we're Chelsea Football Club. First and foremost we've got to go there and have a fight with them. We have to be prepared for a scrap."I think anyone who went to the games at home against Wolves at the weekend and Stoke earlier in the season will know that the criticism aimed at these sides is unfair as they came to play football.
Of course in any game and dependant on the individual's on the pitch there will the be odd crunching tackle now and again but that's just because of the competitive nature of our game.
Blackburn are no different. I myself don't see the Blackburn mentality as any different. Of course there will be the physical aspect in the game and they will look to get stuck in but at the same time will look to play football.
In addition to that Terry is also bang on when he said that we can't just go to games expecting to win and get the three points. You have to beat the team you face on the pitch that is put in front of you. You have to earn your points. This has been my argument to alot of people this season.
Chelsea took stick from everyone about a so called easy start to the league but we still had to play our football and beat the teams we had to face no matter who they were. The likes of City, Arsenal, Liverpool and United have found that out already this season.
You can never expect teams to just roll over for you and if that mean's by taking the physical approach in some games without going well over the top then so be it. You play to your strength and stick to your belief's.
I think it's fair to say that Pullis, McCarthy and Allardyce have done great at their clubs in the Premier League and deserve credit for that and it's harsh for them to be labelled as they are this season.
KTBFFH
Bosingwa - I need games
Jose Bosingwa fresh from making his first start of the season against Wolves at the weekend spoke to ChelseaTV this week and says he feels good to be back. He said:
"My knee now is okay, After the game against Aston Villa, I felt more confidence with my knee. I feel good and happy. I'm happy because the fans are receiving me very well and I want to give my best for the next games.I think you will agree, seeing Bosingwa getting forward down that right hand side and creating the impression he did in the game, Chelsea have missed his influence. But for Hahnemann he would have been on the scoresheet on Saturday.
I need games, I need more competitions. I don't know how many but I need games."
I have said it before, if we can keep him fit and have him getting forward down the right with Cole down the left he will take Chelsea's attacking dimension to another level.
Of course the more games he plays, the better he will become and that surely can make Chelsea stronger!.
KTBFFH
Chelsea linked to right back Srna - Not for me
Its not the first time Chelsea have been "linked" with Darijo Srna and once again this morning Chelsea are being linked to the Shakhtar Donetsk right back.
The Mirror is running the article and states that Carlo Ancelotti is considering a cut price move for the 28 year old in January.
Straight away reading this I am thinking why?. We have Jose Bosingwa back, Paulo Ferreira and of course the player voted into the Premier League team of the season last season at right back by his fellow players, Ivanovic.
I can't see this one happening myself unless Carlo let's Paulo Ferreira go back to Portgual as reported on here last week.
This one is rubbish and just speculation if you ask me!.
KTBFFH
Ballon D'or - Carlo won't win it but nice to get a mention,
Don't get me wrong here people I love Carlo Ancelotti and what he has achieved at Chelsea last season and so far this season. To be short listed as one of the inaugural World Coaches of the Year is fantastic for him after taking Chelsea to their first historic Double last season.
Unfortunatley he is up against Vicente Del Bosque of Spain (Won the World Cup) and Jose Mourinho (Who won a clean sweep of League, Cup and Champions League titles) who both would be well placed above him in the eyes of the voting members I would imagine.
So it tough on Carlo after his first season in England but being realistic these two would be above him because of what they have achieved.
Let's hope Carlo can go one better and get Chelsea's name on the Champions League Trophy and out do the likes of Mourinho next season!
KTBFFH
Cech - Back to his best?
I think it's safe to say, and Cech himself would hold his hands up and admit since the awful injury he suffered a few years back at Reading it has taken him a long while to recapture the form he showed in the early days at Chelsea.
For anyone to come through a life changing injury like that and try and get back to the person you used to be must have been hard and would be hard for anyone. We all know Cech has had to wear his protective head gear ever since. To suffer another blow to the same part of his head isn't worth thinking about so to make the decision back then to get back between the posts was huge at the time for Petr and he deserves credit for making that decision. This has always been underestimated in my view.
As a result Cech came back and did ok but never to the point where he or at times our back four looked comfortable and had full faith in him. For example coming to get crosses high in the air...it took Cech time to establish his confidence once more. Then we had seen Cech begin to look like he was getting back to his best but threw in a few mistakes into his game and it looked at one stage to me anyway that he would never bring the old Petr back.
I have to say this season (apart from West Ham) Cech looks like he has had a new lease of life. He has been a major part in Chelsea's success this season and defensive record. Chelsea have conceded just two goal this season, away at City and at West Ham and it's fantastic. Now and especially at Stamford Bridge, Cech looks like a man who is on his game and ready to stand firm between the posts. You often hear him bellowing to the back four throughout the game. Its the little things like that that go to show you that he feel right within himself and is determined to show everyone he is back to being the player of old.
I have posted earlier today about our defensive wall and they deserve their own credit of course but to have a World Class goalkeeper in your side who can get you three points in a good few games in the season, is what Chelsea have.
I can say now that the old Petr Cech is back, playing well, confident and making the kinds of saves in games that took us to back to back titles in 2004/5 & 2005/6.
I wonder if lightening is about to strike twice!?
KTBFFH
Break us down at the Bridge?.....No chance!
Do you realise it's now been 13 hours without conceding a goal at the Bridge. That's 781 minutes which eclipses the old record of 675 minutes. Can you remember the last person to score against us?............John Carew for Villa back in March when we beat them 7-1!.
It's some record in anyones book. You have to think back to the summer where we were constantly being linked with David Luiz of Benfica who wanted silly money to replace long time favourite Ricardo Carvalho who left the club. Nobody came to the club and the season started with just three recognised first team centre halves in John Terry, Alex and Branislav Ivanovic with the young Jeffery Bruma as backup.
With Ashley Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Paulo Ferriera all featuring this season so far (Zhirkov more as a midfielder) and now Bosingwa being back means we have quality in depth and didn't really need to worry.
We have been outstanding at the back. Ok we have had our moments but luckily enough they have been away from home as we keep fortress Stamford Bridge in tact.
Let's not forget Petr Cech who has been fantastic (apart from the odd blip - West Ham) so far this season and has played his part in keeping this run going.
Also worth a mention in this run is Mikel. The defensive side to his game gets overlooked at times and is his position just in front of the back four that at times is just as important. He provides the cover to drop into the defensive line to make it even harder for sides to break us down.
With everyone returning soon to full fitness giving Carlo a selection headache in our back four things will only get better at the back for Carlo and for Chelsea and I just wonder:
Can we keep this run going at home all season?
KTBFFH
JT it's not often I have to disagree but........
JT has spoken of Wayne Rooney's decision to stay at Manchester United and has more or less said that it could be the kick start to United's season. He said:
"I think Wayne staying will boost them and make it harder for us, On the back of what has happened United will probably go and spend in January and at the end of the season. The fact that clubs haven't been buying because of what's happened financially in the world has maybe helped Chelsea in the last few years. Wazza staying is massive for them."Don't get me wrong I agree its massive for them that he is staying but I don't believe it will make it harder for Chelsea as let's face it Rooney scored 35 goals last season and they still didn't win the league. With their slip ups already this season with Rooney in the side too they are a weakened side with players coming to the end of their careers. I believe this will play a part towards the end of the season. Anyway it's ours to lose at this early stage of the season being five points clear!.
JT, let's just concentrate on what we are doing rather than anyone else eh!
KTBFFH
Chelsea's salary cap?
Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck has spoken of being cautiously supportive of the introduction of a wage cap at Chelsea. With UEFA implementing Financial Fair Play rules from the 2013-14 season, Buck says that Chelsea would support the ruling provided it was implemented the world over. He said:
"We would seriously consider a wage cap. It has to be properly implemented, I'm not even sure that Europe-wide is enough. Look what happened with cricket and the IPL (Indian Premier League): the best players are going to go where they can make the most money. We have many of the best players in England and we do not want to see them go elsewhere."I have to agree with Buck. The fact that the English clubs have done so well recently in the Champions League for example and the Europa League is because of the TV money and revenue's that each club can earn, aswell as investment from wealthy owners of course.
So imagine what would happen if the Salary Cap was not World Wide and the likes of Spain and Italy were free to spend the money they have in the past on players, the player would want to move where the money is. Do you think our game would be where it is at today if there was no money or a Salary Cap?
What do you think? Salary Cap or continue as we are?
KTBFFH
Abramovich - Rooney never an option.
After all the goings on in Manchester last week and with reports and rumours galore that Chelsea were interested in Wayne Rooney, it has come to light that Roman Abramovich would only had ever been interested in any sort of deal ONLY if the player had run down his 18 months of his contract and became a free agent.
The Mirror has run the article and a quote from the article states:
Chelsea’s billionaire owner would only entertain entering the bidding for the 25-year-old England marksman if he ran down the remaining 18 months of his contract to become a free agent.So I like alot of other people should have known better really as it was only a short time ago that we heard that Roman had adopted a new mentality at the club regarding the clubs finances and player wages.
Chelsea have tightened the purse strings at Stamford Bridge ruling out signings over £20million pound or sanctioning the payment of wages beyond £80,000 a week for top end players.
The days of players emulating the earning power of Frank Lampard and John Terry, who are paid in excess of £150,000 a week, have come to an end for the champions. A senior Chelsea source who is close to Abramovich said: “There is no disputing that an in-form Rooney is one of the best players in world football. But as many predicted he has remained at Manchester United for the foreseeable future so it’s not an issue we have to address.
However, contrary to widespread claims there was absolutely no chance of Mr Abramovich sanctioning a move for the player at this stage even if he had made good on his threat to leave United.
Unless the player had become a free agent the money required to sanction such a move would have undermined everything Chelsea are currently trying to achieve.”
KTBFFH.
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves - Second gear again Chelsea!
Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0 on Saturday at the Bridge and the overiding feeling I was left with was that firstly Chelsea played well within themselves once again, more or less in second gear and secondly, credit to Wolves for the way they came to Stamford Bridge and took the game to Chelsea. Wolves got beat 2-0 but left the Bridge having more shots on target compared to Chelsea and Petr Cech was made to work much harder in our goal than Marcus Hahnemann was in theirs!.
They started off the brighter, had early pressure and a number of corners but at that point never forced Cech into any save. Edwards and Van Damme then tested Cech with headers, Stephen Hunt's diving header was cleared off the line by Essien. Cech then performed acrobatics to deny Kevin Doyle from 18 yards and Cech then saved easily from Milijas. Doyle then forced Cech to collect his close range header from a corner. You have to hand it to them they played well. Very rarely at the Bridge has Cech been called into action has often has he had been. Despite all this Chelsea kept a clean sheet to make it 8 consecutive games which beats our old record.
We created chances in the game. Bosingwa forced Hahnemann into a save early doors, Drogba shot just wide and Cole had a chance but we were yet to hit the back of the net. However that changed on 23 minutes. Nico Anelka broke with the ball and fed Zhirkov down the left and his pullback found Malouda who hit it first time and found the back of the net. 1-0 Chelsea.
Before the break Jose Bosingwa, making his first start for a year, was at it again and forced another save from Hahnemann in goal. Second half and Chelsea had alot of possession in and around the Wolves box but lacked that killer ball at times. Drogba, Malouda and Essien all chances to add to our goal tally but never worked the Keeper which was disappointing. Late on in the game Essien curled a shot towards the top corner but over the bar and it looked like a 1-0 was on the cards.
Carlo made the decisions to bring on his subs, Ferreira and Kalou for Bosingwa and Malouda and it was the latter who finally killed the game off with the second goal. Kalou picked up the ball and fed Drogba, Drogba then passed to Essien and it was Essien's through ball to Kalou that opened up the defence and Kalou slotted the ball under Hahemann's dive to make it 2-0 Chelsea and we saw the game out and won the game.
Of course we could have played better and know we could of played better but never really seemed to be at it on Saturday. Ancelotti has even admitted and acknowledged the fact that we weren't at 100% but a win is a win especially after playing a Champions League game in the week and that game being in Moscow!.
Wolves do deserve alot of credit for the way they played but you do feel if Chelsea were up and at it from the off then it would have been a much different story. We have to put this one behind us, take the three points and move on to next week at Blackburn now.
The positives we do take from the game are, the return to the starting eleven of Jose Bosingwa who will get better and better with each game he plays. The return of Didier Drogba to the side. Ok he wasn't at his best but he has been laid low with a fever so I am sure we will see him back to his old self on Saturday and also Zhirkov playing gives Ramires a much needed breather. Come Saturday it would be two weeks since his last game so will be fresh and ready to be involved.
So its eight clean sheets in a row at the Bridge and a five point lead in the title race we take into next week. I think anyone of us would have settled for that at this stage as we need to keep winning games no matter how we play.
For now though, we all know we can play so much better and when are we going to get out of second gear!?
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Bosingwa (Ferreira 78), Ivanovic, Terry (c), Cole; Essien, Mikel, Zhirkov (McEachran 81); Anelka, Drogba, Malouda (Kalou 72).
Unused subs Turnbull, Bruma, Kakuta, Sturridge.
Booked Mikel
Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-5-1): Hahnemann; Foley, Stearman, Berra (c), Ward; Jarvis (Fletcher 86), Edwards, Milijas, Jones, Van Damme (Hunt h/t); Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 86).
Unused subs Hennessey, Elokobi, Mouyokolo, Davis.
Booked Stearman, Berra
Referee Lee Probert
Shots on target Chelsea 7 Wolverhampton Wanderers 9
Corners Chelsea 8 Wolverhampton Wanderers 8
Fouls Chelsea 9 Wolverhampton Wanderers 8
Offsides Chelsea 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1
Attendance 41,752
(Stats source: ChelseaFC.com)
KTBFFH
Chelsea v Wolves - Goals, Goals and more goals please!
I would like to start this match preview by stating on record just how well Mick McCarthy has done with his Wolves side and in keeping them up in the Premier League is a massive achievement and should not be ignored. Wolves are a hard working side and will always give their all for their manager, McCarthy wouldn't settle for anything less. I mean no disrespect to Wolves today but I can only see them getting battered at the Bridge today.
Chelsea will be looking to pick up three points today and spurred on by a point away at Villa and after a good performance in the week in Russia, will look to kick on. The fact that Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa are back, I expect Chelsea will do that with ease today so expect a real show from Carlo and his side.
The news that Jose Bosingwa is making his first start in a year is a massive bonus for Carlo Ancelotti in a time where his squad has suffered with injuries. Bosingwa offers Chelsea the Ashley Cole dimension down the right hand side in addition to Ash down the left and will take Chelsea's attacking to play to another level today.
Don't get me wrong, Paulo Ferreira and Branna Ivanovic have played outstandingly well for us there but I believe the way that Chelsea play, Carlo has been waiting for Bosingwa to get back in the side.
With Mikel sitting deep and providing the shield in front of JT and Ivanovic today expect much of the play to be inside Wolves' half as our full backs get forward at every opportunity. With these two getting forward and looking to link up with Anelka and Malouda out wide it will be a long afternoon for Wolves.
Didier Drogba making his return today is also huge for Chelsea. There simply isn't anyone better and that includes Rooney and Torres and you can imagine he has been itching to get back in the side after being ruled out with a virus.
I know I have already said it but I just can't see any real threat to Chelsea today and again I am not being disrespectful at all to Wolves. I have the impression we could have another West Brom/Wigan on the cards today. Our back five are looking solid, Cech is seemingly getting back to his best and will deal with any kind of attacking threat we are faced with.
For me its about how Chelsea take to the game today. If we play for 90 minutes and play like we can and know we can then it will be a hammering today.
Still at this early stage for me any kind of win will do and three points is a must for Chelsea. We expect a win today and the question is will the likes of Drogba, Malouda and Anelka deliver?. Lets hope so!.
Come on the Chels!
KTBFFH
Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game tomorrow.
Why not grab a Curry, Rice and a beer for just £12!!
The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:
Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian
So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in.
The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!
KTBFFH!
Going to todays game? Grab yourself a Curry - The Masala Zone
Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game tomorrow.
Why not grab a Curry, Rice and a beer for just £12!!
The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:
Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian
So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in.
The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!
KTBFFH!
ANELKA: "It has just been special to score goals for Chelsea"
Nico Anelka has stated his wish to stay at Chelsea. He said:
"I don't know what will happen in the future. After this season I have one more year on my current deal and I will see what will happen because you never know. But I am very happy here and I would be glad to sign for more years. I am just very satisfied to achieve two landmarks with Chelsea in goals scored and how long I have spent here, it has just been special to score goals for Chelsea.I think many of you will agree with me when I say he has been different class for Chelsea ever since he came to the club. The guy has a presence on the pitch and although at times misunderstood, he remains one of the best all round strikers in the Premier League.
It is the first time I have scored that many for any club but it is the first time I have spent more than two-and-a-half years at a club as well. It shows how happy I am at Chelsea. When I first signed here I knew had arrived at a big club and I wanted to stay as long as possible."
Very rarely does Nico have a bad game and his partnerships with Drogba and Malouda have been the real difference in the last couple of seasons.
Carlo sign him up!
KTBFFH
Chelsea's new 8-year Adidas deal.
Ron Gourlay has this afternoon announced that Chelsea have signed an eight year contract extension with Kit Supplier Adidas. Now I personally have to say that I have loved all the Kits they have made for us in the last couple of seasons. Gourlay said:
"Both organisations are highly ambitious and want to continue in partnership to develop globally and for us, grow in our key market territories across Asia and North America. [The] deal reaffirms Adidas' belief in the club's growing status in world football."
Herbert Hainer, chief executive officer of Adidas, said:
"Both Adidas and Chelsea have a long and proud heritage in football and we're delighted to continue our working relationship with one of Europe's elite football clubs. We look forward to many more years of success, working closely with the club on product, marketing and grass roots initiatives in the UK and around the globe."
It's always great to hear that one of the World's Biggest Brands has stated that Chelsea are one of "Europe's Elite"!. I remember back in the day that we had our own kit manufacturer and they came up with that Jade coloured away kit!!
Great news today for Chelsea and Adidas.
KTBFFH
(Match preview on tomorrow's Wolves game to follow. Fancy a flutter on the game then check out some free betting here!)
"So what, we're still top!" The latest Chelsea FanCast available now!
So what, we’re still top! The Chelsea Football FanCast #133
Chidge and the boys discuss the 0-0 draw away to Villa, announce the September Goal and Player of the month awards and answer your questions in ‘Dear Mart’ and ‘You’re on CFFC’. And…there’s a song or two!
We all had a great weekend which wasn’t even ruined by a nil-nil draw against Villa on Saturday. Chidge, Tel, Brian and Dr Mart were all in the Morrison to watch the game, and in spite of a fairly poor first half, we gave it a go, and probably should have come away with a win. But all in all not a bad performance and a point away at Villa is better than we did last year.
In our weekly awards, Josh McEachran, Zhirkov, and the taunting of the Villa fans feature prominently. And in the monthly version, Ross reveals who the listeners have voted for. In amidst all this the show goes strangely ‘homo-erotic’, but Dr Mart redresses the balance with his lecherous performance on Saturday. Good enough for the Celery moment? All will be revealed!
In a rumbustious ‘Dear Mart’, Chidge has a major rant about supporting England, or not. Peter Osgood’s index linked value, great Chelsea free kicks and the origins of the Liquidator song are all answered.
We have another classic (and very old skool) terrace song for you in ‘we’re out to show the world the way to sing’, and Chidge answers your posts in ‘You’re on CFFC’.
The Chelsea Football FanCast: So what, we’re still top!!
KTBFFH
ROONEY - THE PR EXERCISE WORKED and I fell for it!.
They say that players agent's have a big part to play in football these days and Rooney and his agent have conducted the biggest PR exercise this week to obtain a new deal at Manchester United.
Guess what, yours truly on here fell for it bigtime. It was the biggest smoke screen of all. I had stated initially that I didn't think he would come to Chelsea, then looked as the possibility and had asked the question of you people and what you thought?. What a total waste of time and I hold my hands up, I should have known better.
I guess at the end of the day it was all about getting the biggest possible deal at United and he's got that. For me it was something to blog about. Now let's just concentrate on matters at hand.
Let's hope Rooney continues to get paid what he is to finish second season in, season out.
KTBFFH.
Guess who's back! - DROGBA!
Forget your Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres, there is one person that has been overlooked after the speculation this week surrounding these two has reached fever pitch and thats THE DROG!.
After missing two games this week with a virus Didier Drogba is due to make his return to first team action tomorrow and that is massive for Chelsea. Don't get me wrong I said I was happy with a point against Villa, even though if Didier was in Anelka's position at the end he would have buried that header to nick all three. Also after our workman like performance against Spartak where Nico showed his class and Zhirkov hit that screamer, we have done ok.
However with Drogba in the side Chelsea have a much different dimension and with the way he has been playing this season I wouldn't put it passed him to be itching to get back on that pitch and put in the kind of performance tomorrow that has taken the Premiership by storm.
Watch out Wolves there's gonna be a Drog about tomorrow!
KTBFFH
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Paulo Ferreira leaving Chelsea as early as January?
There are rumours rife that Benfica are planning to make a swoop for ever reliable Paulo Ferreira as early as January as they plan to bolster their squad in order to make a realistic challenge for the Portugese title.
It is believed that this season could be Paulo's last at the Bridge with the likes of Bosingwa returning from injury and Ivanovic a natural replacement once Alex rejoins JT at the heart of our defence.
I have to say Paulo's service to the club has been fantastic and I will never for the life of me understand why Jose decided to drop him from the back-to-back title winning side. Ever since then Paulo has never been a first team regular.
I really like Ferreria and 99% of the time, whenever called upon, always has a steady game. I don't really think we could ever deny Paulo the chance to go back home to Portugal.
I just wonder if it would be as early as January?
KTBFFH
McCarthy - "Chelsea the best team in the League"
Mick McCarthy has spoken today of his sides trip to Stamford Bridge tomorrow said:
"Chelsea are the best team in the league and they've carved most teams up. They can be pretty awesome when they get going so we've got to go there and be ready for it.It's nice to hear other people's opinion's on Chelsea and you have to say credit to McCarthy for the job he has done at Wolves so far. In keeping them up last season he did really well. However I don't think he can really expect to gain anything from tomorrow's game.
With hopefully Drogba back, Bosingwa available and Ramires back in addition to the squad that travelled to Moscow last Tuesday, Chelsea look like they are gradually getting their big guns back and that can only be a worry for the rest of the Premier League!.
KTBFFH
Neymar - "I'm no big head"
Brazlian starlet Neymar (who we are still being linked to) has come out and defended himself after being labelled a 'big head' in Brazil ever since he had been linked to Chelsea.
Neymar as reported on here didn't exactly endear himself to his team mates and manager at the time after a Gallas-type strop on the pitch led to a bust up then and there with his Manager and team mates.
As a result his Manager tried to extend the ban the club imposed on him because of his behaviour and was sacked!.
Neymar seems to have become Mr Billy big spuds these days and spend's alot of his time showboating and Chelsea's interest does seem to have gone to his head.
In response the the opinion of him in Brazil at the moment he said:
"I want to play in all the best championships in the world. From Sao Paulo to the World Cup. I'm fine, I'm very happy with everything that's going on in my life.Maybe we have had a lucky escape when it comes to Neymar?
I don't think I have changed, no. I'm still the same person, playful. Everybody said that Neymar has started making noise. But it was always the playing style of Neymar."
KTBFFH.
Frank Arnesen leaving Chelsea?
Frank Arnesen's contract expires in June and there are rumours going around that he could see out the remainder of his deal and return back to Denmark to work in some capacity there at club or national level.
Only recently, Arnesen spoke of how greatful he was for the support of Roman Abramovich so it does come as a surprise that Chelsea would let him leave after we are beginning to see some fruition from his work in our Academy.
More on this to follow.
KTBFFH
(Photo Source: Chelseafc)
Joe Cole is losing his marbles!
I know he's gone to the dark side and is now wearing the Liverpool red these days. Not only has he described being in the "worst period of his career" the other day, now he is talking of winning the "Great tournament" that is the Europa League.
I'm sorry to say it Joe but since you have moved up north you are losing your marbles. You ask Liverpool if they would prefer to be in the Champions League, or prefer to not be in the Europa League so they can keep their players fit by giving them more rest to focus on avoiding relegation!.
Seriously Joe...Wake up!
KTBFFH.
Rooney in a Chelsea shirt!
I know I have added this pic to my last post that JT could convince Rooney to come down South but could resist doing it again!
Credit to the SUN for the article!
KTBFFH
Read more ...
Credit to the SUN for the article!
KTBFFH
John Terry - Mr Chelsea to convince Rooney to sign?
I was reading this article tonight written by Matt Barlow in the Daily Mail and it has got me thinking to say the least. As soon as we all heard the news about Rooney, everyone has been speculating for two days now about his future. I have posted a couple of times on here already asking you the Chelsea fans opinions and you have stated them.
One thing I have been doing since the news broke about Rooney is wondering on the possibility of joining Chelsea and the reason's for signing. Of course it changes from one moment to the next and I was in a negative frame of mind the other day as I could only see Rooney leaving for the money.
Tonight it is very different and Wayne Rooney's statement he has released himself has added to thought of him coming to Chelsea. Rooney has more or less stated that he is frustrated by United's lack of ambition and the plans for the future squad there and he said:
'For me its all about winning trophies"So after hearing that my mind has gone into overdrive about if he was to join Chelsea would he be able to settle?. Of course we have the likes of Lampard, Cole and JT at the club so it would be easy for him but it's John Terry and his influence at Chelsea that could be key for any deal put on the table.
The article I am referring to states the following:
If anyone can convince Rooney to snub the riches he can earn by crossing Manchester to join neighbours City and move south to London and join the Barclays Premier League champions, it is Terry.
No-one can sell Chelsea to a mate better than Mr Chelsea and, as a player who has also been pursued by front page headlines about his love life, he can explain how the support structure at Stamford Bridge and the anonymity of the capital city might help him cope.
Abramovich is thought to be busily preparing a package in an effort to sign Rooney in January but will be reluctant to pay a transfer fee of more than £20million or be sucked into a bidding war with City.
It will be interesting to see what part Rooney's own professional ambition plays in his decision. This Chelsea squad is primed for success.
It is a mature team with a respected coach and a winning mentality, backed by a wealthy owner who is keen to develop the squad with youthful purchases.
I have to say the more I think about it, the statements coming from Manchester and the thought of what Rooney is saying about wanting to win titles, I am really warming to the situation and beginning to feel as though I want to be hearing Chelsea state their interest.
This is a long way off with over two months to go until the January transfer window. Sir Alex has stated last night that he wants to look at Rooney's statement and then "put it to bed tomorrow" so stay tuned for further developments on this one in the coming days/weeks.
One thing is for sure, if JT had his way, Rooney will be looking at houses down here in the weeks leading upto January. JT can convince Rooney to resist the temptation of City's money as he did and come and join Carlo's revolution.
The SUN has an article running here about Waynes comments with this as the heading:
Imagine that!
KTBFFH.
I am Chelseadaft a lifelong Chelsea Fan. Have been an avid fan for over 30 years now. Back in March 2009 I decided to Blog about the Chels!. 
