Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
mourniho undoubtly the man for Chelsea. but he shld be smart enough not to return to Stamford Bridge.
if we look at the casualties lining the path, Mourinho took them to 2 titles. Arvam Grant brought them to verge of CL success -if not because of Le Sulk's missed penalty, he would have delivered the CL trophy.
I think Abramovich shld look at a 3 - 5 year plan and give whoever manager he hire that period of time to build a kingdom. Look at how long real madrid came - galaticos is now given way to something else.
you cannot buy success overnight. Even Man C cannot get the CL although they are on course to win the Premier league despite the fortunes spent.
Chelsea needs someone who can command the respect of the players, especially the asshole Terry.
Someone like Marcel Desailly who can take out his world cup and champions league medals to show them.
A former Chelsea player who knows the game and was a top player himself.
Chelsea's problems won't go away until football's most influential dressing room is disbanded
The Blues will never return to the top of English football as long as their owner fails to challenge the unhealthy level of influence senior players wield in the dressing room
Mar 4, 2012 5:46:00 PM
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
The default response of Roman Abramovich to an indifferent series of results is always to reach for the red button and eject another manager.
Like a Bond villain, his fingers get itchy and he can’t help himself from removing the most obvious obstacle to improved circumstances for Chelsea, his fiefdom for the last nine years.
While Andre Villas-Boas has not received the same tidal wave of sympathy that followed the dismissal of his double-winning predecessor Carlo Ancelotti on the final day of last season, there is no shame for the Portuguese in becoming, after Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Ancelotti, the sixth casualty of Roman’s empire.
The Portuguese has made mistakes and his dictatorial approach has not gone down well with players used to being more influential than is healthy for any group of players at a marquee club.
But his time will come again. He is too young, ambitious and analytical not to be a managerial success at another club. For now, we will miss his exotic football terminology, mangling of adjectives and touchline gymnastics, if not his strangely sterile team.
Frankly, the side he put together was not up to much. To be languishing three points behind fourth place after more than two-thirds of the season and teetering on the brink of elimination from the Champions League borders on a dereliction of duty.
For Abramovich, the hoy grail has always been the Champions League. And not just participation, either. That is the minimum objective. Abramovich wants a Barcelona-style dynasty - season after season of rubbing shoulders with the high rollers in the last four of Europe's elite competition.
Getting knocked out in the first round while holding down a Europa League place was always likely to lead to Villas-Boas' life support machine being switched off, despite the noises from the top of the club that it was different this time and that the owner was in for the long haul.
Yet that does not take into account the unique circumstances at Chelsea, where Villas-Boas was charged with simultaneously introducing a more expansive playing style and keeping Chelsea in the hunt for honours while the spine of the team that has won three league titles in the Abramovich era aged before his eyes.
The problem of the Stamford Bridge managerial merry-go-round is that the players are so used to surviving the senior coaching staff that they regard the manager’s authority as forever compromised.
How can they give the man in the dugout absolute respect when they know he is always a patchy run of results away from the boot?
At Chelsea, more than any other big club, the senior players hold sway. They saw off Scolari and Grant, certainly, and have now done the same to the man hired at the cost of £28m last summer.
The dilemma of easing out the old guard is not eased by axing Villas-Boas. It is actually more difficult.
John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien are loved by the fans. They are regarded as legends, permanent fixtures whoever picks the team.
Yet the manager, the public face of the club, is a diluted, albeit extravagantly rewarded, figure who is a sticking plaster for the team’s ills, not the permanent medicine he should be.
Perhaps Abramovich would be better off allowing the old guard to pick the team and choose their own personal retirement dates.
Or even better, dispense with the idea of a manager altogether and select the team himself from his luxury yacht.
While the owner continues to change manager more often than most of us buy a new pair of socks, Chelsea will always be operating with one hand tied behind their backs.
Gary Cahill was delighted to finally transfer his England partnership with John Terry to club level.
Cahill had to wait almost two months to play alongside the Blues captain following his January move from Bolton, although he was fully expecting for it to be another four weeks after Terry underwent knee surgery almost three weeks ago. But Saturday saw Terry complete a remarkable recovery from a procedure that was expected to sideline him until the end of the month, with caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo playing him alongside Cahill for the first time.
The duo are far from strangers, having forged an impressive partnership at international level last year and a clean sheet in on Saturday's 1-0 win could see them continue in Wednesday night's Champions League game against Napoli. Cahill said: "We looked solid against Stoke and we have a relationship building from playing together for England.
"This was the first time I have played alongside him in a Chelsea shirt. He has composure and it works well." The Blues defence was much-maligned under Andre Villas-Boas' doomed reign, with David Luiz often made the scapegoat. But even the Brazilian played his part in a second straight shut-out under Di Matteo after replacing Branislav Ivanovic at right-back in the second half on Saturday.
Cahill said: "Defensively, as a whole, we all played a part. "Branislav was fantastic going forward in the first half and then Luiz came on in the second half. "Having John is a real positive for the football club and I thought we defended really well and deserved a clean sheet." Cahill actually had to bail Terry out on a couple of occasions after his partner slipped facing his own goal, mistakes they cannot afford against goal-happy Napoli.
They also need to improve in front of goal after hitting the woodwork three times against 10-man Stoke, finally making the breakthrough with Didier Drogba's 100th Premier League goal. Cahill was relieved to be on the same side as the Ivorian, who proved a real tormentor while the defender was at Bolton. He said: "He is a handful. He had a fantastic free-kick saved and he took his goal really well. He is a fantastic player. I am glad I'm playing with him rather than against him.
"He is strong physically then there is his movement and he looks to get his shots off quickly. "For the goal, he showed his composure by rounding the keeper and slotting it in. He is a top player and has proved it over the years. I never had a good record against Chelsea - they were a real bogey team. "When I played for other sides against them, I never did fantastically well. I'm glad that I'm wearing the shirt now."
Cahill barely played under Villas-Boas after joining Chelsea in mid-January but will hope to maintain his ever-present record under Di Matteo. "The response to him has obviously been good because we have had two good results," he said. "The new manager has put his new spin on things just by the way he has done his training sessions. It's obviously always going to be different from the previous manager.
"But the personnel at the training ground haven't changed too much and the lads have responded positively. "It's not a nice moment when a manager loses his job and it was a sad moment for everyone at the football club. It's a cruel game, but you just have to move on."
Chelsea looking to delay FA Cup game ahead of potential European tie
Should the Blues progress to the Champions League semi-finals, a meeting with AC Milan or Barcelona would fall just three days after a clash with Tottenham or Bolton at Wembley
Mar 27, 2012 11:00:00 AM
By Sam Bisby
Chelsea are considering lobbying the FA to bring forward their FA Cup semi-final by 48 hours should they progress into the last four of the Champions League.
The Blues are set to play the winner between Tottenham and Bolton, who meet on Tuesday evening, on Sunday April 15 at Wembley.
However, the date is just three days prior to a potential clash with either AC Milan or Barcelona in the penultimate stage of the Champions League.
The FA have allowed for fellow semi-finalists Liverpool to play their game with either Sunderland or Everton on Saturday 14, so as not to clash with the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
And, should Chelsea progress past their quarter-final tie with Benfica, the west London outfit will consider asking for the FA Cup tie to be brought forward by two days.
"I feel we should get more help from the FA over fixtures," manager Roberto Di Matteo told reporters.
"Absolutely we need it because it doesn't help English teams in the Champions League. Benfica played Friday night before our game, so did Napoli before both matches in the last round.
"Their leagues try to give them a lot of help and the best possible advantage. We are engaged on this matter, but ultimately someone has to make the decision."
Chelsea could also point to French counterparts Marseille, who had a clash with Montpellier postponed in order to give them more time to focus on their tie with Bayern Munich.
A statement issued on the Ligue de Football Professionnel website explained the reasoning behind the move.
It read: "The last French club in the European Cup, OM, is defending the position of France in the Uefa index in the interest of French football.”
Ramires mistakenly hails Benfica 'draw' despite Chelsea victory
The Brazilian midfielder was thrilled with a stalemate in Lisbon before discovering that his team had actually recorded a win courtesy of a goal from Salomon Kalou
Mar 29, 2012 12:02:00 PM
By Callum Winterford
Chelsea midfielder Ramires hailed his side's Champions League "draw" with Benfica on Portuguese TV, despite the fact they had won the game 1-0.
The Blues broke the deadlock after 75 minutes, courtesy of a close range effort from Ivorian frontman Salomon Kalou.
However, at the time of the strike, Ramires was off the field recieving treatment for a foul committed on him by Oscar Cardozo.
By the time he returned to the action, the game had already restarted and it appears he was unaware that Di Matteo's men had taken the lead.
He had told reporters in the tunnel afterwards that he was thrilled with a 0-0 draw and that any win in London and his side were through to the last four.
Chelsea now go into the second-leg game at Stamford Bridge with an all important away goal, giving them the advantage over their opposition to progress to the next stage of the competition.
The Italian manager ignored suggestions that he is interested in taking charge of the Blues on a permanent basis, and would not comment on past problems under Andre Villas-Boas
Apr 2, 2012 10:29:00 AM
By Arthur Virgo
Roberto Di Matteo refused to look beyond Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures after continuing his impressive run as interim boss with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Italian has won six out of eight matches since his appointment in place of the dismissed Andre Villas-Boas prompting speculation that he could stay on past the end of the season.
However, the boss would not be drawn on suggestions that he may be interested in a permanent position, telling reporters: "That’s not important.
"What’s important is that on Wednesday we qualify for the next round of the Champions League.
"We won and got three points and we’ve got some points back on Arsenal. No, no I don’t think about the future, honestly."
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #0033FF, align: center"]NEXT IN THE HOT SEAT?[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 20%, bgcolor: #eeeeee, align: center"]7/2 [/TD]
[TD="width: 80%"]Roberto Di Matteo is 7/2 to be named next permanent Chelsea manager with Sportingbet [/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] The win at Villa Park ensured the Blues remain just five points behind the Champions League qualifying places currently occupied by Arsenal and Tottenham.
And, on Wednesday, the west London side host Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals and go into the match with a 1-0 aggregate advantage.
However, Di Matteo refused to be drawn on squad morale under Villas-Boas when asked about the importance of his side’s sense of togetherness ahead of a crucial run.
He added: "I don’t want to talk about the past; that is something that has been done and dusted. We can only look forward.
"I am pleased with the attitude of the players, they have shown great character as well; we are in this difficult situation, the season has proved difficult for us and we are just trying to win our games now."
Di Matteo avoids questions about Chelsea future
Interim manager states that he needs to keep on winning ahead of Champions League game against Benfica, but snubs opportunity to discuss his credentials to take the job full-time
Ramires expecting Benfica to pose a serious challenge to Chelsea’s Champions League hopes
The Brazilian is anticipating a tough tie against his former side, and has insisted none of the Blues squad are discussing a potential semi-final against Barcelona or AC Milan
Di Matteo warns Chelsea: It is only half-time in Benfica tie
The Blues' interim manager has stressed the importance of heading into Wednesday's match fully focused, despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Portugal
Uefa hands Chelsea goalkeeping coach one-match ban Christophe Lollichon will miss the Blues’ vital Champions League match against Benfica after receiving his marching orders for his behaviour in the first-leg clash in Portugal
Chelsea did not deserve to beat Benfica in the first leg, says Luisao The Brazilian stopper believes that his side should have secured a better result in the first leg, but he is not writing off the team's chances of success against the Blues
Lampard: Chelsea's Champions League campaign will not affect domestic form
The midfielder is adamant that the club will not lose focus on their fight to qualify for next season's competition whilst they look to advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday
Juventus tracking Raul Meireles - report
The Old Lady are looking to strengthen their midfield in the summer and it is believed that they have identified the Portugal international as one of their transfer targets
Fringe benefits: Last chance to shine for Mikel, Sturridge and Cahill ahead of Chelsea's semi showdowns
The Blues are in the last four of the FA Cup and Champions League against Tottenham and Barcelona, but clashes with Wigan and Fulham give squad players the opportunity to impress
Chelsea will target Barcelona's defensive frailties, says Kalou
The Ivory Coast international believes Pep Guardiola's reigning European champions are lacking confidence at the back but acknowledges Lionel Messi is the best player in the world
Terry to play for Chelsea through pain after breaking two ribs
The centre-back has declared himself fit to play during the club's upcoming busy schedule, with games against Tottenham, Arsenal and Barcelona all coming within the next 19 days
Cech dreaming of Champions League glory with Chelsea
Czech international believes club can progress past ‘the world’s best football club’ Barcelona in the semi-finals and go on to win the trophy in the Allianz Arena in May
It's possible for Chelsea to beat Barcelona over two legs, admits Kalou
The Ivorian winger believes that the Blues are capable of eliminating the Champions League holders as he looks to Jose Mourinho's Inter side from 2010 for inspiration
Terry hails Chelsea progress under Di Matteo
The Blues' captain declared himself delighted with the club's recovery since the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, whilst Didier Drogba is dreaming of another Champions League final
Forget the PlayStation jibes - David Luiz is no longer a liability in the Chelsea defence
The Brazilian has climbed out from rock bottom with a series of accomplished performances in the Blues' run to the Champion League semi-finals
Terry suffers rib injury in Chelsea victory over Benfica
Blues manager Roberto Di Matteo hopes to see his captain quickly shake off the knock and insists his side will try to play on their own terms when they face Barcelona
Mata: Barcelona are a great side & they are not just about Messi
Spanish playmaker looking forward to Champions League semi-final with the Catalan giants, but admits his side will be underdogs going into the last four of the competition
Lampard: Chelsea have unfinished business with Barcelona
That controversial semi-final defeat to Barcelona three years ago still occupies the mind of the 33-year-old, who concedes the regining champions will be favourites to go through
The opening goal on Saturday wasn't the only moment of controversy involving the Serbian, with an off-the-ball incident meaning he could potentially face a three-match ban
Apr 9, 2012 1:55:00 PM
By Alex Richards
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic could be in trouble with the Football Association, following an off-the-ball incident in the 2-1 win against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, which could result in a violent conduct charge and a potential three-match ban.
It's understood that the FA have been made aware of a video which appears to show Ivanovic punching Wigan's attacking midfielder Shaun Maloney in the kidneys, just moments before Juan Mata scored to give the home side victory.
The FA will ask referee Mike Jones whether he and his assistants saw the incident, and then review the footage, before deciding whether to charge Ivanovic.
Should the Serbian international - who opened the scoring despite clearly being in an offside position - be found guilty of violent conduct, it could mean a three-match ban, potentially ruling him out of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Ivanovic will be available for Roberto Di Matteo's side in this evening's west London derby against Martin Jol's Fulham.
Chelsea's Ivanovic charged with violent conduct for clash with Wigan's Maloney
The Blues have a chance to appeal the charge, but face the prospect of having to do without their influential defender for three crucial games against Spurs, Arsenal and QPR
Apr 10, 2012 5:12:00 PM
By Shane Farrington
Branislav Ivanovic has been charged by the Football Association for violent conduct following an off-the-ball incident in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Wigan at the weekend.
The Serbia international escaped punishment during the game after referee Mike Jones failed to spot his apparent punch at Latics midfielder Shaun Maloney, but after reviewing the evidence, the FA has decided to act.
Chelsea have until 18:00 on April 11 to respond to the charge, but if found guilty, Ivanovic faces the prospect of a three-match ban.
The three games that the 28-year-old stands to miss are the Blues' vital FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham at the weekend as well as Premier League matches against Arsenal and QPR.
Ivanovic has been in excellent form on the pitch of late, scoring crucial goals against Napoli, Aston Villa and Wigan during Chelsea's resurgence under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo.
The former Italy international has admitted that he would be interested in the position of manager at the Blues in the future, but not at the current moment in time
Apr 11, 2012 9:30:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Former Chelsea attacker Gianfranco Zola has revealed that he would like to take charge of the Premier League giants at some point in the future.
The 45-year-old wore the Chelsea jersey from 1996 until 2003 and is keen to return to Stamford Bridge when the time is right.
Chelsea recently parted company with Andre Villas-Boas as their manager, and are currently being led by caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo.
They have yet to appoint a permanent replacement for Villas-Boas, but Zola believes this is not the right moment to take the reins.
"I would love to coach Chelsea, but the conditions are not right at this point," Zola was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I have received a number of offers, but it all depends on whether I believe in the project."
The former West Ham United boss has also been linked with the position of head coach at Lazio and Melbourne Victory in the past few weeks.
In Pictures: Chelsea launch new home kit and Fernando Torres features heavily
There are focused looks aplenty and encouraging words from the first team as west London outfit show off their new look for next season with struggling striker pictured
Apr 12, 2012 11:00:00 AM
Blue is still the colour, football is the game but gold has entered the party as Chelsea unveil their look for next season.
The west London club have given a traditional Chelsea look a modern twist as a golden trim covers the badge and the famous three stripes of adidas.
We are pretty sure there is plenty to read into the absentee list of the photo shoot. For example - no Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Jose Bosingwa (and that fashionable monobrow) or John Obi Mikel. So, doing our duty, that means they are all off in the summer.
But, surprisingly, goal-shy 'striker' Fernando Torres featured heavily in the modelling session. Does that mean he is staying? Probably. How is that for an exclusive?
"Shoot? What does that mean?
Goalkeeper Petr Cech said of his new green kit: "It's a traditional green and you can remember Peter Bonetti playing in it from previous years.
"I like the colour, I like the shirt and the touch of gold makes it more fresh."
Ok. Meanwhile Daniel Sturridge banged the drum for a trophy-laden future: "I love it, it suits the way we play and with the gold hopefully we'll be able to bring some success."
Branislav Ivanovic seemed the most chatty of the group but did not feature particularly heavily in the photos as he turned up with a split lip!
He said: "It's very hard but the photographers and everyone work hard for us to relax in front of the camera.
"The camera has to love you."
Spoken like a true pro.
His defensive partner Gary Cahill was distinctly unimpressed with one aspect of the day. This never would have happened in Bolton!
He added: "I'm meant to be a tough centre-back and I'm getting makeup."
Has Juan been at the paella again?
Juan Mata concluded: "Blue is the colour and I hope this kit brings us a lot of success."
