The Chelsea Daily Drivel - Friday 18th June 2010

The Chelsea Daily Drivel is a daily update of all the stories concerning our club, the rumours, the opinions and more....

So here is the latest from around the web on Friday 18th June 2010 including: Yaya Toure, Giorgio Chiellini, Bobby Di Matteo, Florent Malouda and Nico Anelka.

First to the news that it looks like the speculation regarding Yaya Toure to Chelsea may have been his agent trying to get the player a better deal and it looks like he has as THE SUN reports that a 25m bid by Manchester City has been accepted by Barcelona. The deal is expected to be completed within the next couple of days.

Now to fresh speculation surrounding Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. According to the media Chiellini has been interesting Chelsea and likes of Arsenal and Manchester United as each side looks to strengthen for next season. However, it looks as though the player himself through his agent, has expessed an interest in playing for Manchester United.

Roberto DiMatteo has spoken after the news as reported yesterday that his newly promoted West Brom side will travel to Di Matteo's old stomping ground, Stamford Bridge, for the opening game of the new season. He said:

"It's certainly a challenging start, But having the chance to play at grounds like Stamford Bridge, Anfield, the Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford is exactly what we battled so hard for last season. It will be the coaching staff's job to get the players as best prepared as possible for the challenges that lie ahead. We'll certainly need to hit the ground running as opening fixtures don't come much tougher than Chelsea away.

"They finished last season with an 8-0 win and have got top quality throughout their squad but we will go there with a plan with a view to giving them a real game. Of course, going back to Stamford Bridge will be a special occasion but we will all be fully focused on one thing - getting a result for Albion."

Finally to South Africa now and to Florent Malouda and Nico Anelka. Malouda and Anelka both started for France yesterday in a must win game for France. Anelka was substituted at half time and Malouda played the whole game as France were defeated 2-0 by Mexico leaving France relying on the other result in their group if they win against the host nation in their remaining game. France have a single point whereas Mexico and Uruguay have 4 points. These two will face each other in the final game and if they draw they both go through. However if one of them loses and France beat South Africa convincingly, it could be down to goal difference which could take France through.

Speaking of the performance last night Malouda said:

"We must save our honour. It is shameful to lose like that. It's hard to react so soon after the game. We cannot leave without winning a match."

I have to say I watched the France game last night taking an interest in Malouda and Anelka of course being a Chelsea fan. You have to say, these two are totally different players for their countries under the current coach Domenech. Anelka wasn't getting the service and could impose himself of the game like he can for Chelsea. Malouda looked a shadow of himself after the season he has had. In a way I hope they get knocked out so they can rest and prepare for next season for us.

KTBFFH EVERYONE!