Chelsea Roundup: Defender Blow, Midfielder Keen To Be Fit And More Interesting Stories
May 25, 2023 at 2:30 PM
Chelsea has had a difficult start under new manager Antonio Conte as they have failed to land their targets in the summer transfer window and have faced few difficulties in the opening weeks.
However, Conte has switched the system to 3-5-2 in an attempt to make their defense more solid which has helped Blues achieve four consecutive games in Premier League as they have demolished Manchester United 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will be hoping to continue their good form in the coming weeks as they have a genuine chance to challenge for Premier League this season.
Here we look at all the stories around Chelsea today.
Chelsea manager Conte praises owner Roman Abramovich as he is very happy with the enthusiasm of the Blues owner. The 50-year old, who is so far successful in transforming Chelsea, is well respected within the club as he turned the fortunes of the club with new energy.
The Blues have won their last four Premier League games and are on course to make a strong claim to League title as they are only one point adrift from table toppers.
Conte told Sky Italia: ‘He’s a very demanding employer but a great football enthusiast.
‘Mr Abramovich is an employer and owner who has great passion. He wants to know and understand your ideas.
‘He went to Austria to follow our training sessions. He comes to Cobham to spend time with us and watch the videos I show to my players, because he really wants to understand. I think that this is wonderful.’
Premier League flop striker Radamel Falcao has admitted that he does not regret playing in the Premier League as he had unsuccessful loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea over the last two seasons.
The Colombian had managed to net four goals in his spell at Old Trafford while he was restricted to only one start at Stamford Bridge last season.
“I had the opportunity to play in the Premier League, and I did it. I have kept the positive things of that experience,” he told reporters ahead of Monaco’s Champions League game at home to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday. “I developed as a player but also as a man.”
“Now I’m back at Monaco. I try to enjoy it as much as possible, to string games together to get back to my best,” he said. “I have always been able to overcome difficulties during my career. It’ll be the same now.”
Chelsea target Pepe is set to sign a new contract at Real Madrid, according to Marca. The 33-year old and Los Blancos have been on a stand off over a new contract as they have taken longer than expected to reach terms.
The Portuguese defender is into his final year of his contract and a new contract meant he could eventually end his career at Santiago Bernabeu.
Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel has dismissed talks of him joining Dutch champions PSV when he is fit again as he is firmly focused to regain his health and fitness.
The 23-year old has suffered an injury in August which has put him away from action and reports suggest that he could be on his way back to PSV after an unbelievable half-season in Eredivise last season.
He told Voetbal International: “Whether that’s on the agenda, I don’t know.
“PSV have quite a lot of midfielders at the moment andI am not thinking about the winter window. I first want to be completely fit again.
“Of course I would be lying to say that I have forgotten about it; it was a great half a season for me and PSV.”
Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Chelsea target Stefan de Vrij at Lazio, according to reports in Italy.
The Dutch international’s contract situation is not resolved as his deal is set to be expired by 2018 which could make him available for a cut-price deal next summer.
The Italian giants are keen to tie him for a new long term contract but are also looking for a massive release clause as Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.