Wednesday, August 31, 2011

CHELSEA SIGN RAUL MEIRELES

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Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Raul Meireles from Liverpool on a four-year contract. The midfielder, 28, arrives after just over a season at Anfield in which he made 44 appearances for the Reds. Born in Aves, Portugal, the highly-rated international began his career with his hometown club before a move to top-flight Boavista, where he spent one season before moving to Porto in 2004. It was at the Estadio do Dragao that he flourished and helped Porto to a domestic treble in 2005/06. He scored against Chelsea in the Champions League knockout rounds a year later. Two more league titles followed in 2008 and 2009 and Meireles established himself in the national side, playing under Luiz Felipe Scolari in the lead-up to Euro 2008, where he scored his first international goal. He played every game in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and then scored in South Africa during the 7-0 beating of North Korea to catch Liverpool's eye. After a low-key start in English football, Meireles came to life in January 2011, scoring five times in six games, including a winner at Stamford Bridge. The 5ft 10in midfielder appeared twice from the bench for Kenny Dalglish's side this season before completing his move to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day.

BENAYOUN JOINS ARSENAL ON LOAN

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Yossi Benayoun has tonight (August 31) joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the season. The 31-year-old came to Chelsea from Liverpool last summer, but after an impressive start, which included a first goal for the Blues in a 6-0 win at Wigan in August, he ruptured his Achilles on international duty last October forcing him to miss six months of the campaign. In total the Israeli midfielder has made 11 Chelsea appearances, most recently as a substitute at Stoke on the opening weekend of the season

KAKUTA JOINS BOLTON ON LOAN

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Gael Kakuta has tonight joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until January 1. The Frenchman helped his country to the final four of the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia this summer and will now link up with Owen Coyle at the Reebok Stadium, following in the footsteps of Daniel Sturridge, who had a very successful loan spell at Bolton last season. To date, Kakuta has made 16 Chelsea appearances since making his debut in a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2009. The playmaker spent several months on loan at Fulham last season under Mark Hughes, appearing seven times in their colours and scoring his first senior goal in their 3-0 win at Sunderland in April. He signed a long-term deal with the club in December 2010 which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2015.

VAN AANHOLT JOINS WIGAN ON LOAN

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Patrick van Aanholt has today joined Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal. The left-back, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday, signed a four-year deal at Chelsea in May and will join Roberto Martinez's side for the rest of the campaign in order to gain first-team Premier League experience. The Dutch Under 21 international has so far played eight times for Chelsea in competitive fixtures, as well as appearing regularly on loan for Coventry City, Newcastle United and Leicester City in the Championship.

VITESSE LOAN FOR DAVILA

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Chelsea Football Club has reached agreement with Vitesse Arnhem for the season-long loan of Ulises Davila, who recently signed with Chelsea from Chivas. Davila, 20, arrived at Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal at the weekend, and will now head to Holland for a season spent acclimatising to European footbal

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Meet Chelsea's new signings Part 4 : Ulises Dávila

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Ulises Dávila



Date of Birth:Apr 13, 1991 (Age 20)
Place of Birth:Guadalajara
Nationality:Mexico
Position:Striker
Squad Number:7
National Team Page:Mexico Under 20

Meet Chelsea's new signings Part 3 : Oriol Romeu Vidal

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Oriol Romeu Vidal

Date of Birth:Sep 24, 1991 (Age 19)
Place of Birth:Ulldecona
Nationality:Spain
Height:182 cm.
Weight:79 Kg.
Position:Midfielder
Squad Number:-
National Team Page:Spain Under 20

Meet Chelsea's New Signings Part :2 :: Lukaku

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Romelu Lukaku



Date of Birth:May 13, 1993 (Age 18)
Place of Birth:Antwerpen
Nationality:Belgium
Height:191 cm.
Position:Striker
Squad Number:-
National Team Page:Belgium

Meet Chelsea's new signings Part 1 : Juan Mata

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Juan Mata 

Full Name:Juan Manuel Mata García
Date of Birth:Apr 28, 1988 (Age 23)
Place of Birth:Burgos
Nationality:Spain
Height:170 cm.
Weight:63 Kg.
Position:Striker
Squad Number:10
National Team Page:Spain

CHELSEA 3 NORWICH CITY 1

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Chelsea made it consecutive home victories after a troublesome afternoon against the newly-promoted Norwich City. We were in front after just five minutes when Jose Bosingwa netted a stunning drive from around 30 yards, and looked well in control before Norwich got back into the game, forcing Hilario into a string of saves. The Portuguese was eventually beaten after a mix-up with recalled defender Branislav Ivanovic, allowing Grant Holt to level the scores on the hour, but Chelsea's resilience came through once more when a Frank Lampard penalty nine minutes from time earned the three points after Ramires had been brought down by red-carded goalkeeper John Ruddy. Injury to Didier Drogba meant there was 11 minutes of added time, at the end of which substitute Juan Mata opened his Chelsea account, slotting low into the bottom corner after Norwich had gifted him possession inside the area. Romelu Lukaku also came off the bench for his Chelsea debut. BEST MOMENT No doubt it was Bosingwa's opener just five minutes in. The full-back's first goal since November 2008, it gave the goalkeeper no chance and absolutely rocketed into the net. TEAM NEWS Andre Villas-Boas paired Fernando Torres and Drogba together from the start for the first time this season in an apparent change of shape. Florent Malouda was recalled after his winner against West Brom last week, and slotted in on the left of a diamond midfield. In defence, Branislav Ivanovic was picked ahead of Alex, who he replaced during last week's narrow victory. Norwich had Leon Barnett available after suspension, while Wes Hoolahan had shrugged off a hamstring problem to play. FIRST HALF It took less than two minutes for Chelsea to call Ruddy into action, Ramires letting go with a dipping 25-yarder that forced the goalkeeper to concede a corner with a decent save. It was a warning for the Canaries, who had allowed the midfielder space, but they did not learn their lesson and after five minutes the Blues were in front from an almost identical position. Bosingwa strode forward and invited to shoot, cracked an unstoppable drive into Ruddy's top-right corner. An early contender for Goal of the Season that will take some beating, it was an early reward for Chelsea's initial dominance, which also saw Torres and Drogba almost combine for another goal, and the Spaniard have a shot on the turn blocked by a defender. The goal had severely damaged Norwich's game plan, with five defenders and a narrow midfield they had been looking to contain the Blues, but had only served to allow our full-backs, Bosingwa and Ashley Cole, free reign to attack, and additionally Torres and Drogba were linking up well against three centre-backs. They regrouped though, and proceeded to create some impressive openings. Captain Grant Holt had held the ball up well in the corner before attempting to latch onto Hoolahan's lofted ball from deep. Beating the offside trap, he had time to bring the ball down inside the area but went for the first-time finish and failed to connect, Hilario falling on the loose ball. The Chelsea goalkeeper had to be on top form before the half-hour though, first denying Chris Martin one-on-one with a low save from close range, then back pedalling to his goal-line to tip over a vicious Kyle Naughton drive destined for the net and finally to keep out a well directed Holt header low to his left. A Hoolahan shot from distance proved rather easier, but it showed a worrying stat that the visitors had now had five shots on target to Chelsea's two. They were more than holding their own having replaced Zak Whitbread with Anthony Pilkington and moved to a 4-4-2. There was respite for Chelsea five minutes before the break when Drogba was clumsily tripped by Crofts. The Ivorian brushed himself off to take the free-kick, shooting inches over the bar with Ruddy seemingly beaten. Then John Terry fouled Holt at the other end, allowing Bradley Johnson a venomous shot at goal which Hilario was grateful to see come straight at him. Florent Malouda fizzed a half-volley low into Ruddy's arms shortly afterwards, and that was the final event of a lively first half. SECOND HALF It was Chelsea who started on top once more, a John Terry header from a Malouda corner flicked over his own crossbar by a Norwich defender and then Ivanovic nodded another wide from a Lampard centre. They were chances Chelsea could rue, and sure enough we were punished just after the hour mark. Norwich had consistently been playing long balls towards the head of man-mountain Holt, and for the most part he had been well looked after by Terry and Ivanovic. On this occasion, a hopeful ball came into the area and both Hilario and Ivanovic went for the ball, leaving it to bounce nicely for Holt who could volley into an empty net over his shoulder. On the balance of play Norwich had deserved it, but in this second half it was the first time they had had the ball inside the Chelsea box. Moments later things got worse as Drogba collided with Ruddy and fell heavily to the ground, requiring lengthy treatment after a wince-inducing landing. The 33-year-old required a stretcher to leave the field. He could not continue and was replaced by Anelka. Malouda came off too, replaced by debutant Mata. Chelsea went 4-3-3 with the subs either side of Torres. Norwich could have gone in front soon afterwards when Morison broke clear into the area, but Terry recovered his ground well to block. At the other end Mata introduced himself with a neat sidestep and bending cross for Torres, the forward's header ending up in Ruddy's arms as time just began to tick away, as it was doing a week earlier against West Brom at this stage. Then Norwich won a corner, Chelsea hacked it clear and Anelka could break. It looked like he may have to go it alone but then from nowhere came Ramires on the blindside, galloping through and taking the pass in his stride. The Brazilian attempted to take the ball past the goalkeeper, succeeded, but was then brought down by Ruddy's flailing arms. Penalty. Red card said Mike Jones. Lampard stepped up in front of the Matthew Harding End, and hammered his spot kick straight down the middle and past substitute goalkeeper Declan Rudd. Villas-Boas brought on Lukaku for Torres as he looked to consolidate. It seems we have another Drogba on our hands, quick, strong and incredibly difficult to take the ball from. Just like West Brom a week ago, Norwich had a late chance to get back into it, a free-kick running all the way across the box to Morison, the forward mis-hitting his cross-cum-shot over the bar as Holt waited at the far post to tap home. Lukaku sent a glancing header wide before Ivanovic had a golden opportunity to wrap it up. Mata had sent Lampard away down the left and the midfielder crossed perfectly for the Serbian, only for him to somehow miss the target from mere feet away. Still, with an extra man and back in control, Chelsea looked to have the three points sewn up. Then came the signal for 11 added minutes, and a little more tension around a rainy Stamford Bridge. Norwich weren't threatening though, and with one minute left, Mata wrapped it up. Marc Tierney's ball inside from the left-back position was pounced upon by the little Spaniard, who took his time and slotted home into the bottom corner to secure a three points and a memorable cameo. It is international break time now, and the Blues return on September 10 with a trip to Sunderland. Chelsea (4-4-2 diamond): Hilario; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry (c), Cole; Mikel, Ramires, Malouda (Mata 67), Lampard; Torres (Lukaku 82), Drogba (Anelka 70) Unused subs Turnbull, Ferreira, Alex, McEachran Goals Bosingwa 5, Lampard (pen) 81, Mata 90+10 Booked Bosingwa 35, Torres 55 Norwich City (5-3-2):Ruddy; Naughton, De Laet, Barnett, Whitbread (Pilkington 29), Tierney; Crofts, Hoolahan (Morison 60), Johnson; Martin (Rudd 80), Holt (c) Unused subs Rudd, R Martin, Jackson, Fox, Bennett Goals Holt 62 Booked Crofts 40, Naughton 57 Sent off Ruddy 79 Attendance 41,765

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

JUAN MATA DEAL COMPLETED

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Juan Mata completed his transfer from Valencia today, and will be available for Saturday's game against Norwich having already trained with the squad at Cobham. The left-winger, who can also operate centrally, signed a five-year contract and spoke exclusively with the official Chelsea website following his first training session. He becomes our fourth signing of the summer following Oriol Romeu and Romelu Lukaku's arrivals, as well as the capture of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who has joined Atletico Madrid on loan. 'Right from the first moment there have been good feelings all around me,' Mata said. 'Training has been great and the players are a great group to train with. 'Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here.' After four years at the Mestalla, in which he scored 43 times in 179 appearances, Mata spoke with Andre Villas-Boas and was convinced Stamford Bridge was the place for him despite interest from other clubs. 'He said he wanted Chelsea this season to play more attacking football, and that I would be a big part of that,' the player explained. 'Villas-Boas is someone who won almost everything last year and we are both here with the idea of winning lots this season. 'The plan is that I can play on either flank or even in the middle playing in between the lines of midfield and attack. I like to keep the ball and use it well, I am an attacking player and above all I like to set up goals and score them also. 'I want to adapt as quickly as possible to my new surroundings, my colleagues and this league, and I would love to win a trophy in my first season. If it can be the Premier League then great.' Mata becomes the third Spaniard to join Chelsea in 2011, following international team-mate and fellow World Cup-winner Fernando Torres and Romeu, who arrived from Barcelona earlier this month. The newest recruit, who has 11 full international caps, also captained their Under 21s to glory in this summer's European Championship, admitted he had spoken to Torres prior to the move. 'Fernando got me excited about the thought of coming here,' Mata revealed. 'He said it would be good for me here and that me and him together could be good. I also talked to my family and friends about it as well.' Among those advisors was his father, also named Juan Mata, who played professionally in Spain for Burgos, where the younger was born, and Salamanca. 'This is obviously a big thing for me, to have a father who knows football, and he has always given me good advice and I never had a problem because he was there to help,' said the Real Madrid-trained man. 'Despite there being football in my family, I always wanted to have skills other than football so I studied while I was in Madrid. 'It wasn't easy but I wanted to do it, and I learned about marketing and sports science. Away from football I like normal things for someone of my age, the cinema, music, theatre and reading. I am looking forward to living in London and adapting to a new cosmopolitan city and getting to know that.' For the duration of the interview, Mata has been speaking in his native language, but listening and absorbing the questions put to him in English. To finish, he is asked when he expects to feel comfortable sharing the language of those around him, and the answer is a pleasant surprise. 'I hope as soon as possible!' he says, typically, in perfect English. It is an impressive start for the Spaniard off the pitch, now he will be wanting to catch the eye on it.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Villa Boas starts off with a controversial draw.. Stoke City 0-0 Chelsea

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It was perhaps not quite the start Andre Villas-Boas would have liked to his Chelsea managerial career but he would have to settle for a 0-0 draw in a tightly contested match with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. However this was largely in part to an inspirational performance from goalkeeper Asmir Begovic who kept the Potters in it with some fantastic saves thwarting the Blues three pronged attack – especially in the second half. Jonathan Woodgate, plagued by injuries over the last few years, made his debut in defence for the Potters and produced a solid display alongside Robert Huth at the back. Long throw-in specialist Rory Delap recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him out of Stoke’s Europa League tie against Hajduk Split and his arrowed balls in were cause for concern on numerous occasions. Perhaps a slight surprise for the Blues was the inclusion of Fernando Torres. The striker suffered concussion midweek after playing for Spain but Villas-Boas felt that the former Liverpool man was still capable of giving the hosts a torrid time. Ryan Shawcross was determined for that not to be the case but found himself needlessly lunging in on the striker, picking up a caution early in the match. The Potters made a strong start roared on by their excitable fans, but it was the visitors who forced the first save of any real note from an unlikely source in Jose Bosingwa. The Portuguese full-back bombed forward and unleashed a cross-come-shot which had Asmir Begovic scrambling to his near post to put the ball behind for a corner, which came to nothing. Torres who looked lively in the opening period was next to try his luck but he dragged his 20 yard shot wide of the target. The Potters bombarded the Chelsea defence with an assault of long throws and high balls into the box typifying their sometimes unattractive but effective style of play, however the opening 30 minutes had elapsed without either side breaking the deadlock. Ramires sought to change that with a fine run that deserved better than the final outcome allowed. The Chelsea midfielder drove at the host’s defence finding a rare chink in the Potters rearguard, before squaring the ball across goal but no-one was there to take advantage of the chance. Stalemate | Etherington and Malouda battle it out in goalless draw in the Potteries Stoke were next to threaten and had appeals for a penalty waved away by Mark Halsey as Jonathan Walters looked to bring the ball down in the box, but it appeared to hit Blues defender Terry on the right shoulder before he cleared the danger, leaving the striker perplexed. Delap then floated a delightful ball to the back post as the hosts piled on the pressure but Alex nodded the ball behind to safety - feeling the presence of Kenwyne Jones lurking behind him – which ensured that the score would remain goalless at half-time. Play resumed and it was not long before Ashley Cole produced a scorpion kick to beat Jones to the ball with the type of imagination and flair that Chelsea’s performance had so far lacked. But that was all about to change as the visitors then had two penalty claims in quick succession turned down. Firstly Torres went down under the challenge of Woodgate and then Frank Lampard went surging into the box and fell rather easily to the ground although there looked to be only slight contact. Jon Obi Mikel nearly silenced the home fans with a stunning volley from 30 yards out but Begovic reacted brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar. Malouda stung the palms of the Potter’s keeper moments later as the Blues started to find their rhythm. The home side responded well and another arrowed throw-in from Delap caused panic and confusion in the box with Cech caught underneath the ball under pressure, but the ball would not fall kindly for Walters and the Blues survived. Nicolas Anelka was brought on for the ineffectual Malouda midway through the second half as Andre Villas-Boas sought more attacking impetus upfront and the Frenchman nearly provided the opener with an exquisite chip from the angle of the box but Begovic tipped it onto the bar. Torres then produced a great cross to pick out Kalou but the Ivorian could only direct his header straight at the goalkeeper adding to his manager’s frustration and signalling the end of his day as he was replaced by Didier Drogba. The Blues continued to pile on the pressure but the Potters defence stood firm and held on to the final whistle on a day of frustration for the Stamford Bridge club

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Chelsea reach an Agreement over LUKAKU

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An agreement has been reached with Anderlecht for the transfer to Chelsea of striker Romelu Lukaku.
The move is now subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
Speaking after the win against Rangers, Andre Villas-Boas said:
'He [Lukaku] is a very interesting young prospect and we have to be able to position ourselves to be able to get this kind of talent.'
The son of a former Belgian professional, Roger, 18-year-old Lukaku was born in Antwerp in May 1993, and joined the Lierse academy as a 10-year-old, scoring more than a goal a game in their youth team before being signed by Anderlecht at 13.
He signed a professional contract with the Constant Vanden Stock side on his 16th birthday, and wasted no time in making an impression on the first team, making his debut shortly afterwards and contributing 15 league goals in the title-winning 2009/10 season while still only 16.
Standing 6ft 4ins, Lukaku is a powerful presence with a dangerous left foot, and helped himself to 16 league goals last term, while also scoring his first international goals for Belgium. He has 10 senior caps.

ZHIRKOV LEAVES CHELSEA FOR Anzhi Makhachkala

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Zirkov has left Chelsea, returning to his homeland to sign for Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The move brings to an end a two-year stay. Chelsea Football Club thanks the player for his contribution during that time.

Zhirkov joined Chelsea in July 2009, moving from CSKA Moscow.

A knee injury prevented his debut until late September when the Russian international played 60 minutes in a 1-0 win over QPR in the Carling Cup.

Injury to Ashley Cole and the good form of other attacking players meant he was seen more often at left-back in his first season than the more forward left-wing role he could also take on.

The player himself admitted there was a struggle as he adapted to a new country and a new club, and a season out of sync in the calendar with the one he was playing before.

However he impressed in games as 2010 began, creating goals and figuring regularly when others were at the African Cup of Nations, but he was unfortunate to suffer an injury of his own soon after Cole was ruled out for two months.

Zhirkov returned for a highlight of his Chelsea career when Aston Villa were hosted at the Bridge in March 2010.

Given free rein to attack, Zhirkov was twice brought down for penalties and supplied a pinpoint cross for Florent Malouda to volley home the goal of the game. Chelsea won 7-1.

Cole's return to fitness in late April meant Zhirkov featured less in the run-in to the League and FA Cup double triumph, and he was again only a periphery figure as 2010/11 began.

Playing in central midfield, he did grab a first Chelsea goal in his homeland, crashing in an unstoppable 25-yard half-volley against Spartak Moscow in October. That began a run of seven starts in a row but he lost his place after a heavy 3-0 home defeat against Sunderland.

It was nearly four months before he began a game again as an injury took a long time to heal and his last start came in the home Champions League defeat by Manchester United.

In total Zhirkov made 32 starts and 17 substitute appearances.
Andre Villas-Boas after the Rangers game said: 'In the end it was moistly his [Zhirkov's] decision. It was a great financial offer for him, it is a return home for him.'

RANGERS 1 CHELSEA 3

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Summary
Super-sharp finishing by Daniel Sturridge kept the 100 per cent pre-season record going as the team maintained their composure despite conceding for the first time this summer. The England Under 21 international netted twice in the first half with Florent Malouda scoring in the second. Frank Lampard was denied from the penalty spot.
Andre Villas-Boas's men dominated against a team four games into their competitive season and the back line in particular was well-organised. The game drew a bumper crowd of over 47,000 fans, the home support seeing their own side contribute to their goals conceded. Chelsea look ready for Stoke next weekend.
Best moment
Sturridge's first goal was the mark of a predator but his second topped it as he had plenty to think about before smashing in. It is a shame he must serve a suspension when the season kicks off.

Team news
Ramires who returned to training this week went straight into the team. Frank Lampard moved to his more usual left-side berth with the Brazilian back. Alex started his first game of pre season alongside John Terry. Up front, Torres started with Kalou and Sturridge out wide. Changes were made before and during the second half.

Rangers picked their first-choice attack but did include at the back some less-used players this season.
First half
There was a suspicion of a Rangers foul in their area early on when Wallace had his hands on Kalou but Chelsea were awarded a free-kick much further back on five minutes which Alex smacked well off target.
A minute later Chelsea conceded the first goal of the summer preparations, caught by a smart Rangers counter attack. The diminutive Davies was played into space on the right and crossed to the far post where centre-forward Jelavic was unmarked to head past a helpless Cech.
As Chelsea looked for a quick response, Torres was released into the area by a long ball and looked to have a good shout for a shove in the back as he tumbled before shooting.

A good passage of Chelsea play followed, but being camped in the Rangers half couldn't be turned into much ball inside their penalty area.
The pressure did pay off however when after 21 minutes, Torres and Lampard forced a defensive mistake and a loose ball across the six-yard box. Sturridge pounced and smashed it high into the net. Rangers fans had been welcoming to Chelsea in general but they didn't like that one, Sturridge having previous been involved in a row with their left-midfielder Ortiz having been kicked in a foul.
McGregor in the Rangers goal had not been tested before the equaliser but now Torres warmed his hands with a shot.
Cech had to be quick to the ball to stop Naismith snapping up a chance from a set-piece delivery into the area but on 29 minutes the visitors took the lead. Again the home team defence was complicit, left-back Wallace caught with the ball out wide by Sturridge who then showed a great killer touch to advance on goal and give McGregor no chance. It was 2-1 Chelsea.

McGregor did well to keep out Kalou after Torres had penetrated the 'Gers defence with a skilful run and Sturridge could have completed a first-half hat-trick had his second touch on a Ferreira pass not been too strong.
It was all going well leading up to the break, but unfortunately the good mood was spoiled when Mikel was forced off on 43 minutes, clearly in some pain due to an ankle injury. McEachran came on.

Second half
There were two more changes before therestart, Drogba for Torres and Bosingwa for Ferreira.
One of Rangers subs, David Healy was denied a clear run at the Chelsea goal by an offside flag and for a while the Glasgow club were looking a match for the Premier League side. Terry made sure he dominated in the air but when one ball dropped kindly for the home side, Ortiz volleyed wide.
Just before the hour, France pair Anelka and Malouda were added to the mix, and Anelka's first job was to cross after good approach work from McEachran but he couldn't hit a target.
Rangers, as throughout the game were getting the ball forward quickly but they were up against a smooth-operating offside trap.
Drogba began to make his considerable presence felt. He fired a 66th minute rocket just inches wide and five minutes later was given the time and space inside the area he can only dream of having when the campaign kicks off next week. He used it to tee up a header for Malouda who obliged by nodding in from close range.

A minute later the Ivorian surged into the area and was tripped by the foot of Broadfoot, the ref giving the penalty after looking at his linesman. Lampard was prevented from making it 4-1 when he shot too close to McGregor who saved on the deck.
The keeper also stopped a tame shot when Anelka should have done better and he pouched when Drogba headed on target.
Before the end there was some work for Cech, who was pleased to see a Healy's well-struck effort fly straight into his hands.
The Chelsea team were given a big ovation by the home support on leaving the pitch.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira (Bosingwa h-t), Alex (Kalas 86), Terry (c), Cole; Ramires (Benayoun 71), Mikel (McEachran 43), Lampard (Chalobah 85); Kalou (Malouda 59), Torres (Drogba h-t), Sturridge (Anelka 59).
Unused sub Turnbull.
Goals Sturridge 21, 29, Malouda 71.
Rangers (4-4-1-1): McGregor; McMillan, Bartley (Perry h-t), Broadfoot, Wallace; Davis (c) (Bendiksen 62), Hutton, Edu (Fleck h-t), Ortiz (Kerkar 82); Naismith (Ness 62); Jelavic (Healy h-t).
Subs Alexander, Little, Hemmings, Beattie.
Goal Jelavic 6.
Referee Craig Thomson
Crowd 47,379.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

ORIOL ROMEU DEAL COMPLETED

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Chelsea Football Club delightedly announced the signing of Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona on a four-year-contract.
The 19-year-old will join us once his duties with Spain's U20 World Cup squad in Colombia are complete. Midfielder Romeu has so far played 90 minutes in each of Spain's two matches, a 4-1 win over Costa Rica and a 2-0 win against Ecuador.
Romeu began with Barcelona's smaller neighbours Espanyol before joining the famous Camp Nou academy in 2004, progressing through the ranks until a reserve team regular playing in Spain's second tier under Luis Enrique.

He made his La Liga debut for the senior Barça side at the end of last season, coming on as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw against Deportivo La Coruna, having also appeared at the beginning of the campaign in a Spanish Supercup loss away at Sevilla.

The 6ft Catalan can also play in central defence and is renowned for his strength and his expansive passing ability.
While in Bangkok, Andre Villas-Boas announced the club had agreed terms with Barcelona for the player's transfer.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

CHELSEA 4 KITCHEE 0

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Summary Chelsea will play Aston Villa in Saturday's final of the Barclays Asia Trophy. Frank Lampard opened the scoring for the second game in a row, this time from the penalty spot. Chelsea should have been awarded another spot kick in the first half but were handed a second goal shortly after the interval, 'own-goal' continuing as the pre-season top scorer having now contributed three times.
Didier Drogba headed in a third goal and Daniel Sturridge struck a peach to equal the scoring of the previous game. Unlike in Bangkok, none of the Chelsea keepers fielded had a save to make. Salomon Kalou and Fernando Torres both hit woodwork.
It was a very comfortable win against the Hong Kong league champions. The team chosen by Andre Villas-Boas showed the preparations are still very much about equal minutes of playing time for most in the squad.
Best moment
Yossi Benayoun's craft that had two defenders chasing his shadow, one of them fouling inside the area to set Chelsea on our way in this game. The Israel captain is enjoying an influential pre-season.

Team news
The majority of the side was the one that played the last half hour of the previous game in Thailand. Ross Turnbull, not involved that day, started. John Terry and Lampard, who did begin the game in Bangkok were also in the initial 11. The formation was a new one for pre-season starting line up, a 4-2-3-1 with Lampard and Yury Zhirkov deeper but pushing forward in turn. Most of the substitutions took place around the hour mark.
Spanish-coached Kitchee had five Spaniards in their side, three in defence, but their Hong Kong internationals were limited to short spells because of imminent duty for that team.
First half
Kitchee were fairly lively in the early minutes although the first shot was by Zhirkov, volleying wide with a difficult chance. Lampard had a ninth-minute dig towards the same bottom corner he found in the previous match but the keeper got down to save two-handed.
Chelsea, wearing the new black and blue away kit for the first time, began to take control. Lampard, ignoring the obvious pass, spotted Malouda unmarked but he too volleyed wide.
On 16 minutes came a genuine chance. Drogba initially didn't gather Benayoun's pass out wide but when he caught up, the Ivorian struck a peach of a cross to his compatriot. Kalou's header was firm enough but it bounced off the turf and up onto the crossbar. Unlucky.
Kitchee keeper Wang Zhenpeng was in turn lucky to get away with a scuffed kick a few minutes later.
Drogba was enjoying himself when moving out of the centre towards the right. He turned the Kitchee defence inside out before laying inside a pass for Lampard to shoot, a pink-shirted defender blocking.
On 34 minutes the penalty was won and it was all of Benayoun's making. Turning beautifully inside one defender with his first touch on a Ferreira pass, the Israeli who was playing in the middle behind Drogba, was tripped as he went by a second Kitchee player.
Lampard's penalty strike was low and down the middle, his second goal of the pre-season programme.

Drogba could have added a second very soon after but headed across the goal instead of at it, and he was certainly on target on 41 minutes with a 30-yard free-kick that the keeper made a meal of keeping out, but did.
There was a rare attack from the Hong Kong champions a minute later but Huang Yang's ambitious lob was too high to force the backpeddling Turnbull to save.
Chelsea were soon up the other end and Malouda chased a seemingly lost cause and took the ball past the keeper, only for a defender to clear off the line with what looked suspiciously like his elbow.
Second half
Drogba struck a 49th minute free kick onto the roof of the net and moments later played a big part in Chelsea's second, frightening Kitchee captain Ubay Luzardo into shinning Malouda's cross into his own net by breathing down his neck.
Goal number three was the Drogba-Malouda combination without the aid of any Kitchee player. The Frenchman volleyed a cross that was deflected on its way with the Ivorian, bravely, putting his head in where a defender's boot was to score from close range (pictured top).
Torres, Sturridge and McEachran were all introduced immediately; Ivanovic, Mikel and Hilario following them on soon after.
Ferreira, playing the full 90 minutes, delivered several good balls into the area and would have been hoping to see a low one into the six-yard box turned into the net but Torres hadn't reacted quickly enough.
Sharp however was the word to describe Sturridge's goal, when he took the ball with back to net out on the right and swivelled past one defender before pushing it wide of another, angling a drive past the keeper.


It took a fair save to prevent Kalou adding his name to the scorers, and Torres, like Sturridge before him, hit a free-kick too high.
Then, on the stroke of 90 minutes, Torres hit his best shot of the pre-season but could only watch from 30 yards out as it beat the keeper but not the post.
Aston Villa beat Blackburn 1-0 in the earlier game, Darren Bent the scorer. Chelsea continue to improve and this excellent stadium in Hong Kong will enjoy the final in three days' time.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Turnbull (Hilario 63); Ferreira, Rajkovic (Chalobah 76), Terry (c) (Ivanovic 63), Cole; Lampard (Mikel 63), Zhirkov (McEachran 61); Kalou, Benayoun, Malouda (Sturridge 61); Drogba (Torres 61).
Unused subs Bosingwa, Van Aanholt, Anelka.
Goals Lampard pen 35, Ubay Luzardo o.g 53, Drogba 59, Sturridge 75.
Kitchee (4-5-1): Wang Zhenpang; Dani Guerrero, Fernando Recio, Ubay Luzardo (c), Dani Cancela; Jordi Tarrés (Lo Chi Kwan 21) (Ngan Lok Fung 78), Huang Yang (Lo Kwan Yee 72), Gao Wen (Dean Evans 53), Tsang Kam To (Liu Quankun 85), Liang Zicheng (Chu Siu Kei 58), Roberto Losada (James Ha 82).
Unused subs Lam Ka Wai, Tsang Chi Hau, Chan Man Fai, Chan Ho Fung, Tsang Kin Fong, Leung Ka Hei Robson Augusto, Su Yang.
Referee Mike Dean
Crowd 33,967.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Thailand All-Stars 0-4 Chelsea

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Having recorded an unconvincing victory over Malaysia XI last time out, Andre Villas-Boas' Chelsea side looked to hammer home their dominance in Bangkok, with a 4-0 victory over the Thailand All-Stars XI.

Goals from Frank Lampard and second half strikes from Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic and Florent Malouda sealed a comfortable victory for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The first half kicked off in sweltering conditions in Thailand’s capital, and Chelsea dominated the early exchanges. In the opening 10 minutes, John Obi Mikel went close from a testing cross, while Bosingwa had a shot well saved by Thai keeper, Pattarakorn Tanganurat.

At the other end, fit-again Petr Cech did well on the rare occasions he was tested, but the visitors soon began to dominate possession and the chances.

Their dominance saw Nicolas Anelka unleash two efforts on goal, both of which were subsequently blocked by the All-Stars. Moments later, the heavily marked Fernando Torres went down under a strong challenge in the penalty area, but the referee waved away Chelsea's penalty protests.

In the 24th minute, captain John Terry had a goal ruled out for offside as Villas-Boas men appeared to go up another gear, and it would only take another 13 minutes for them to find their breakthrough, with Lampard firing home from the edge of the area.

Having made 11 changes against Malaysia XI at the interval, Villas-Boas was content with just one in Bangkok, with Cech being replaced by Hilario, as a tepid performance from Fernando Torres was prolonged into the second 45.

And it wasn't long before the Stamford Bridge side accelerated into a three-goal lead, with a quickfire double within seven minutes of the restart.

Bosingwa, having been denied in the first half, saw his luck change as his 30-yard effort was diverted off the post after a lapse in concentration from the All-Stars' keeper. With the 52nd came Chelsea's third, as a deft exchange of passing between Josh McEachran and Ivanovic saw the Serbian apply the finish.

Nevertheless, Hilario was called into action soon after, as the Portuguese shot stopper showed no signs of pre-season rustiness to deny Chaiman a consolation.

And that flourish from the hosts seemed to spark Chelsea into life. First, Villas-Boas made sweeping changes to refresh the side, with goalscorer Ivanovic one of several players making way, before Chelsea added their fourth.

Mikel, impressing in the middle of the park, found substitute Malouda's darting run with his crosshairs, and the Nigerian's inch-perfect pass allowed the winger to rifle home on 72 minutes.

And Chelsea went close to adding a fifth, when Drogba latched onto a Paulo Ferreira free kick, but was unable to keep his header down, as it drifted over the crossbar.

Starting XI

Chelsea XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Van Aanholt; McEachran, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Torres, Sturridge.

Thailand All-Stars XI: Tanganurat; Iamwiroj, Dos Santos, Florent, Prakopkong; Siaka, Chaiman, Khonchan; Acheampong, Onmo, Kumbe.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

VILLAS-BOAS: WHY I WANT ORIOL ROMEU

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Andre Villas, speaking in Bangkok, has announced that Chelsea has agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Oriol Romeu, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder.
The player has yet to agree personal terms or pass a medical and is currently away with the Spain Under 20 squad which is soon to compete in the World Cup for that age level in Columbia.
'I don't want to speak too much about him because he is not our player,' Villas-Boas added.
'It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.
'The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical.'
Oriol began with Barcelona's smaller neighbours Espanyol before joining the famous Camp Nou academy in 2004, progressing through the ranks until a reserve team regular playing in Spain's second tier under Luis Enrique.

He made his La Liga debut for the senior Barça side at the end of last season, coming on as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw against Deportivo La Coruna, having also appeared at the beginning of the campaign in a Spanish Supercup loss away at Sevilla.

The 6ft Catalan can also play in central defence and is renowned for his strength and his expansive passing ability.
Villas-Boas also had news on Thibaut Courtois, the 19-year-old goalkeeper who is on the verge of finalising a move from Belgium and is subject to news reports that he is to be loaned out to Atletico Madrid.
'It is also a question of time and of deciding where we think it is better for him to evolve as a player, in Spain or in another country,' the manager reported.
'The Spanish League is an extremely competitive league and Atletico is a great club to be at but it is not decided yet on his future.
'It is still a couple of days until we can confirm agreement between all three parties.'

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Chelsea 3-0 Wycombe Videos

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http://youtu.be/5m-iF1-G7es

Torres scores!! CHELSEA 3 WYCOMBE WANDERERS 0

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Twenty-three Chelsea players experienced their first match action of the pre-season programme as Wycombe Wanderers were beaten at Cobham on Tuesday evening.
Yossi Benayoun, Fernando Torres and 22-year-old centre-back Slobodan Rajkovic, who spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, found the net in a 'behind-closed-doors' encounter against the League One side. As is frequently the case in the opening match at this stage of the preparations, no Chelsea player was asked to play for longer than 45 minutes.
There was a mixture of senior and younger players in both the first half and second half selections. Hilario began the game in goal and made two straightforward saves in the opening minutes, his busiest period, before Benayoun juggled in the opener with only four minutes on the clock.
The Israeli controlled a dropping ball inside the area and kept it airborne with two further touches, the second over the goalkeeper who tried to claw it back out with a despairing dive but not before it had crossed the line.
Scott Rendell missed a chance for Wycombe after the experienced Gareth Ainsworth played a good ball over the top of the Chelsea defence. It turned out to be the visitors' best opening of the first half.

Benayoun would have added a second goal on 17 minutes had he put more height on his chip after Didier Drogba played him through. Instead keeper Nikki Bull caught and moments later he denied Chelsea again with his legs when Drogba was given a one-on-one chance by Florent Malouda's pass. A mid-season Didier would have scored.
Chelsea were in control and beginning to link up well with passes on the deck. On 29 minutes, John Terry, taking the ball off the toes of Malouda, shot just wide.
The Blues were causing Wycombe problems down their left, with Malouda worming past the full-back on one occasion, and then Jose Bosingwa hitting the inside of the far post when he drilled the ball hard into the box towards Drogba.
At the other end, Van Aanholt defended strongly when Kevin Betsy tried to burst past the Dutch Under 21 international down the flank.
Chelsea won a corner just before the interval when a Malouda shot was deflected just wide and although Drogba rose well to Kakuta's deadball delivery, he powered a header just over.
It was all change for the second half and Chelsea's new keeper, Ross Turnbull was tested early by Kadeem Harris's shot.

Nicolas Anelka was sharp in playing a ball through a small gap on 51 minutes but Torres's first time shot was stopped by Bull who spread himself well, but a minute later the same combination did come up with the goods, the Spaniard sweeping Anelka's pass into the net with aplomb from inside the area to make it 2-0.
The third goal came four minutes later after young midfielder Billy Clifford, back from the knee operation that ended his Youth Cup campaign early last season, played a part in winning a corner. It was delivered from the right by Yury Zhirkov, headed on by Torres, and was sweetly volleyed home by Rajkovic who was playing his first Chelsea game after a series of loans.
Anelka saw his header from another Zhirkov corner headed over on the hour and Cole made one of his famous lung-busting runs forward to take over a move from Anelka and Kalou, but the ball was bundled out of play.

With 20 minutes to go Cole and Torres combined down the left, the England man taking a return pass but shooting wide of the far post, and then when the ball broke well for Anelka moments later, his shot from just inside the area was tipped wide.
Anelka shot wide of his own accord with 10 minutes left on the clock after exchanging passes with Torres, Chelsea's interchange and movement continuing to work well, and five minutes later Kalou deserved a goal after taking a McEachran pass and neatly sidestepping a challenge, only for his curled shot to rebound back off an upright.
Torres was denied another goal on 89 minutes when a defender slid across to block a fierce drive. The striker had been fed by Jacob Mellis who shared the second half with Clifford. That was the last incident of the game.
With goals, a clean sheet and a clean bill of health coming out of the game, an important step in Andre Villas-Boas's build-up to his first season in charge had been made.

Chelsea are next in action on Saturday away to Portsmouth, a game that kicks-off at 3pm and will be screened live and exclusive by Chelsea TV (build-up [2.30pm-3pm] will be free to all Sky Digital customers.)
Chelsea (first-half): Hilario; Bosingwa, Kalas, Terry (c), Van Aanholt; Malouda, Kaby, Mikel, Kakuta; Benayoun, Drogba.
Chelsea (second-half): Turnbull; Ferreira (c), Ivanovic, Rajkovic, Cole; B. Clifford (Mellis 65), McEachran, Zhirkov, Kalou; Anelka, Torres.
Wycombe (first-half): Bull; Foster, Sandell (Dunne), Winfield, Tunnicliffe (Stewart); Halls, Lewis, Betsy; Ainsworth, Grant, Rendell.
Wycombe (second-half): Bull (Arnold), McCoy, Sandell, Johnson, Tunnicliffe; Harris, Donnelly, Bloomfield, McClure (Ibe); Beavon, Strevens.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

VILLAS-BOAS: THE FIRST INTERVIEW

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On the day that he became the fourth youngest manager in Chelsea history, Andre Villas-Boas sat down with the Official Chelsea Website to discuss the path that led him back to the club and his vision for the future…

  • Is managing a club like Chelsea an ambition you have had since the first time you worked here?

                                                                          I was an assistant in a very successful technical staff and I always took it in a very professional way, particularly with wanting to be successful but also be part of the group. My input was an input that I would consider important in a technical staff but I wasn't obsessed with my own individual career or my own individual achievement.
But when a chance to coach happened when I was at Inter Milan, I just felt it inside me that I wanted to take on another role and face the challenge so I took the opportunity to go to Academica and left Jose [Mourinho]. Coaching was not a kind of obsession and neither did I use Jose as the way to arrive into this path, it was something that happened naturally and at the moment it is working out well - but with the game's expectations you need to continue to be successful.

  • Are you surprised how quickly your career has progressed?

                                                              I tend not to think about it a lot. It is something that went crazy, there is no doubt about it. In two years we have achieved so many things and it was two very happy years. The main important thing that people have to reflect on is that I don't see the game as a one-man show, I see the game as the getting together of ideas and collective ideas and good players. I was fortunate enough to in those two years to get those players together and maybe challenge their ambitions and motivations which helped us arrive at this type of success.

  • It was going well at Porto, what convinced you it is the right time to move to Chelsea?

                                           I think it is a massive individual challenge which I felt I should take. I went to a magnificent year in Porto and the split from Porto is not something that is not easy for me because it is my club, the club I have defended a lot. Porto is my city and there is no running away from it, Porto supporters will always feel like there is nothing I can say that will delete their sense of being betrayed.
But I felt it was a challenge I needed to make with the importance of Chelsea, the importance of the Premier League and happily I left Porto with good success. Now I face this new challenge and focus again on being successful at Chelsea.

  • What do you think Bobby Robson would have thought about you taking one of the top jobs in England?

                                                          Bobby was a very important person in my career. He was the person who advised me at a very young age to go on coaching courses and unlocked the doors of Porto for me to have access to his training sessions. We had a very good relationship and he was someone I respected a lot and was respected in world football. He is somebody that means a lot to the English game and I think he would be happy of course.
What he did he did not only with me and Jose but with all different kinds of people, promoting them and inspiring them to take their own role and their own way. I think he would be extremely happy.
Last time here we called you Andre Villas, but now you are Andre Villas-Boas.
This is common in Portugal, we have big names and my name is not only Andre Villas-Boas but there are a couple of names in between. But in England we made things easier with two names, first and last. Now we have to try to expand the letters and maybe be fluent when we say the name, but it is not going to be easy!

  • It is inevitable what you do at Chelsea will be compared with the Mourinho era, at least at the beginning, but you have had similar already at Porto so will that help you deal with it?

                                                       I think there is no way you can avoid comparison, it is something that is the interest of the media. I didn't take the Porto job nor the Chelsea job because Jose made the same steps. They are two of the most sought-after clubs in the world and in the end I had the opportunity and was able to make them find something in me that they thought would continue their route to success.
Chelsea appointed me basically for human qualities and that is what I want to bring into this club again. The most important thing is to motivate the players to get their ambitions right, to reflect again on what the club has achieved in the last six years and we need to keep this route to success.

Chelsea is a club that in the last six years has achieved so much and people are expecting us to be on the same way. There is not going to be more or less tolerance for me if I am not successful so this is the challenge I face and I feel confident that we can motivate everybody, not only the players but also the structure. I feel confident I can respond to the ambitions of the supporters and the ambitions of the owner and the administration.


  • Explain your philosophy for how your teams play.

                                                  We are a technical staff that focuses a lot on unlocking potential. Everybody has a little bit more to give and in day-to-day life, that is how everybody progresses in their careers. We feel that the players are the same and you have to stimulate them and motivate them to look for the things that they didn't try before. We are a technical staff that incentivises a lot of freedom of choice because in the end when the players are on the pitch, they face different situations that they have to solve without the help of their manager.
That this is the kind of stimulus that we want the players to have, responsibility and making decisions, because in the end the game is decided by them on the pitch. It is a clashing together of two good organisations and in the end it is the relationship between all of our players that can lead us to success, and that is what I want to work on.

  • Are you likely to play the same formation at Chelsea as at Porto?

                                                  It is not a question of only formation, that would be too narrow. The game is very chaotic and very frenetic and sometimes it doesn't run as good as you want and maybe when you don't expect it to run in a certain way it runs very, very well. The most important thing is for people to be involved again with the first team and to feel there is change going on, to feel a new leadership and to feel a new way of communicating, and to excite people, excite the players, excite the supporters and try to create empathy with everybody to reach success.
It is much more about players, motivation and raising new ambitions for the future than the arrival of one man to change everything, because I don't want to change everything. Our past reflects extreme success so let's keep it that way.

  • Is there pressure to innovate to stay ahead?

                                                       It is not only in football, in modern society you have to be able to constantly adapt yourself and to look for innovations everywhere. When we were first at Chelsea we felt we were bringing a new methodology into football but there is no running away from it, in football you can be successful in various different ways. With a good methodology and with a bad methodology, old-fashioned or not, in the end it is the essence of the players and their quality that can bring you success.
We just feel that we can relate everything together to be successful. Of course you have to be innovative and you have investigate, you have to constantly adapt to be at the standard of the most-watched league in the world. There is a high, high standard in the Premier League and European football and we want to keep on the route to success. This is a club that has been used to being successful and we have to keep it that way and challenge ourselves to keep the habit to win and then win again the year after.

  • Have you had any contact yet from the players you already know?

                                                                   Yes, a couple of them and it is good to feel they are around and to feel their expectations. Everybody is excited and everybody is looking forward to starting again and this is something positive. We need to get the group back together and to feel them and then go on from there and face every single game as a game we have to win and fight for it with our upmost desire.
Some of the backroom staff remain from your last time here which must help you settle.
It is good to see a lot of people that are still here. This helps me to move around and I know the qualities that they have. There are so many people that I know that represented a lot to me, and a lot to the club, and they know the way I am and the way that I approach them. It is good to see them again and it helps to face this new challenge in a more concentrated and focused way.

  • On a personal note, last time you lived in central London. Will you do so again?

                                                      London is a city that offers so many things up to the highest standard and I am sure that coming back to London for my family and the families of my technical staff is something that is easy to adapt to. I always like to live in the city.

  • Is motor racing still a big interest?

                                            This is one of the passions I have apart from football and I try to follow it around when I can. Of course free time is impossible when you are in such a demanding sport like football and particularly with a challenge like Chelsea and the Premier League, but it something that here and there I will keep an eye on with much interest.

  • We tour Asia this summer. Are you looking forward to that?

                                                                        With Chelsea I went to Korea when we reached an agreement with Samsung and we had a good experience then, and one year I was scouting at the Barclays Asia Trophy because Chelsea were soon to play Portsmouth or Liverpool and I was there scouting them in Hong Kong. It is good to go there and keep broadening our brand and our name.
Going back to Asia is important for us. It shortens the distance with the Asian public who are following us from a big distance. It is important for them to feel we have respect for them and we are able to feel their heat. I am sure they will give us tremendous support for the games we will have over there.

  • How important is the pre-season training?

                                                            We are a technical staff who don't change radically the way that we work from pre-season to the rest of the season. We take everything as the whole of what the game is. It is a game that expresses itself at the same time physically, psychologically and technically, and when that happens you have to train like that.
There is no aggressive focus on fitness in pre-season, there is no splitting of the different characteristics of the game. We like to approach everything together and it is nothing new because it is in line with what Jose did before when he was here and maybe the other managers with the work that they did. We are not going to go crazy in pre-season, we just like for the people to get back together and face the challenges for the season.
The most important thing that the club has done for pre-season is make sure in Asia we have the facilities that allow you to train and with a good distance from the hotel to the training facility, respecting the rest periods and the training periods. Then we can play the games to get the team back together.

  • You are starting work today. What can you achieve before the players return?

                                                          There are a lot of dossiers to focus on and I will be sitting down with people. There are lot of things that I would like to do and a lot of people who I would like to speak to, people who have a big impact on the running of this club and step by step we want to make sure everything is right to start in July.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

VILLAS-BOAS: IN PROFILE

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Andre Villas-Boas returns to Chelsea after a gap of just under four years.
He was our scout responsible for assessing opposition teams throughout Jose Mourinho's time in charge of the team which was between the summer of 2004 and September 2007.
He remained part of Mourinho's staff when Inter appointed the ex-Chelsea manager as their new coach for the 2008/09 season, allowing Andre to extend his experience of working in Europe's big clubs and experience more trophy success as the Italian club won the Serie A title.
Shortly after the start of the following season came the chance to move into management in his own right, the offer coming from Portuguese club Academica from the city of Coimbra. Raising the previously struggling club up to 11th in the table by the end of the season and into a League Cup semi-final impressed Porto sufficiently for Andre's former club to give him the senior coaching position with less than one year's experience of that role. He did not disappoint them.
The club returned to the type of silverware haul they enjoyed under Mourinho, winning the Portuguese Super Cup at the start of the season and progressing to win a domestic league and cup double and the Europa League by beating another Portuguese side, Braga, 1-0 in Dublin in May. Aged 33, Andre became the youngest manager to win a European trophy

At home Porto had broken their own record for games unbeaten at the start of the season in all competitions, previously set in the Mourinho era. They played 36 times before losing a group stage League Cup game. They went through the league campaign unbeaten, drawing just three games out of 30 and scoring 73 goals as they finished a record 21 points ahead of second-placed Benfica, earning praise for their attacking style of football both at home and in Europe.
Andre was the first at Chelsea to hold the opposition scout role as a dedicated, full-time position and was innovative in the use of up-to-date computer and video technology to brief the coaching staff and players. It played an important part in bringing back-to-back Premier League titles and FA Cup and Carling Cup victories to Stamford Bridge.

His involvement in professional football began as a 17-year-old when then Porto manager Bobby Robson moved into the same building in the city.
A young enthusiast for the sport, Andre soon enjoyed conversations with the highly-experienced ex-England manager. With an English grandmother, he spoke the language to a very high standard which also helped his work when he moved to Chelsea.
He was invited along to Porto training sessions and Robson recommended his new protégé travel to the UK to take courses. He became the youngest person to gain the FA's coaching qualification.
Robson then made Andre the youth team coach at Porto where he remained until Mourinho's arrival seven years later, when he began working in the role he fulfilled at Chelsea first time around. Porto won two Portuguese League titles, the Portuguese Cup, the Uefa Cup and the Champions League before the coaching team moved to London in 2004.

Andre Villas-Boas appointed as new Chelsea manager

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Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Andre Villas-Boas will be the club's new manager.

He has signed a three-year contract and will start work immediately.

Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time. His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.

Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years. He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Finally Torres breakes the dead lockes.. Chelsea 3-0 West Ham

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Fernando Torres' long awaited first goal sealed a 3-0 victory for Chelsea over West Ham United
and ensures the Blues' remain six points behind Manchester United at a rain soaked Stamford Bridge. The result keeps Carlo Ancelotti's side six points off the pace and keeps Avram Grant's side rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.

Both Chelsea and West Ham, managed by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, fashioned plenty of chances in an open and flowing game but failed to hit the back of the net which leaves them deep in relegation strife.

Both sides had big name players unavailable for the clash with Alex and Ramires out for Chelsea, West Ham were without the services of newly-crowned Football Writer’s Player of the Year, Scott Parker. Chelsea however have the strength in depth to cope better with these injuries.

With the deluge omnipresent throughout the first half, chances were raining down on both goals but neither side could find the accuracy required to open the scoring. Both Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou both broke the West Ham defences open but in the case of Malouda, when one-on-one with Robert Green, he should have chipped the ball over the advancing ‘keeper instead of trying to place it low.

As was expected much of the action in the first period was played in the Hammers half and stout defending was the order of the day for the team from east London. They were always open to the chance of launching a counter attack and this ploy almost paid dividends when Demba Ba let fly a rasping drive from distance which required Petr Cech to act with urgency.

Moments later and West Ham had their best chance to open the scoring when a powerful and swift run from Freddie Sears down the West Ham left opened an avenue which allowed him to cross deep to the far post where a diving Jonathan Spector couldn’t direct his header beyond Cech. Carlo Ancelotti was looking disgruntled as he watched on from the sidelines, mind you Avram Grant, surprisingly didn’t look pleased either.

As the first half went on both teams continued to fashion chances but the breakthrough just wouldn’t come, more often due to poor decisions. Didier Drogba should have crossed instead of shooting on 28 minutes and Sears’s flick back heeled would have gone in had he attempted a more conventional shot.

As the thunderstorm over west London settled directly above Stamford Bridge causing various floodlights and advertising boards to go out, a horrible collision between David Luiz, Cech and Carlton Cole resulted in the young Portuguese defender losing consciousness. All three were attempting to play a long ball when Luiz took Cech’s elbow to the head. Happily he was treated with speed and continued to play.

Frank Lampard, who until this point had seen little action, grabbed the opening goal after on overlapping run from Ashley Cole allowed the full-back to Sears and deliver the cross which Lampard tucked away with ease and comfort. Robert Green could do little about it.

As the weather continued to soak Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were looking more and more comfortable and in control but Ancelotti’s hand was forced when Michael Essien, who pulled up in the first half, left the field injured to be replaced by Yossi Benayoun, who continued to make his own comeback from a long term injury.

The injuries continued as West Ham’s Mark Noble was stretchered from the field and replaced by Robbie Keane, who was welcomed with a round of boos from the Chelsea following.

Both sides continued to press for a goal and the chances were still not been taking, but in the case of Luiz, who hammered a long range effort off the crossbar, it wasn't for the want of trying.

West Ham's creativity was producing the goods but the final act was letting then down time and again. Demba Ba and sub Robbie Keane had opportunities, but squandered them and let Chelsea off the hook.

As time wore on hope waned for the Hammers and it looked increasingly unlikely that the levelling goal wasn’t coming.

All hopes were killed as Torres finally broke his duck for Chelsea and completed the result for the Blues.

Shortly after Florent Malouda sealed the victory with a hard earned goal to give Chelsea a three goal victory.

The result has made little difference to the table as Chelsea are still second and with one less game to play the chances of Manchester United not claiming their 19th league title are looking increasingly likely. West Ham on the other hand are slipping closer to relegation with little sign of arresting that trend