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Posts by Jonathan Dyer
Levski Sofia 1-3 Chelsea
Match reports
The Guardian, Jon Brodkin: “Again this was not a spectacular Chelsea performance but Jose Mourinho has made it clear he cares little about that. A first Champions League away victory since November 2005 leaves his squad set fair in Group A with Barcelona next at Stamford Bridge, and they have now won six consecutive matches.”
Chelsea 2-0 Werder Bremen
Match reports
The Guardian, Kevin McCarra: “The result has the authentic Chelsea ring to it but there were still false notes. It took the penalty that Michael Ballack converted after 66 minutes for his first goal at the club to dim the brightness of Werder Bremen’s spirit. Only the post prevented Frank Lampard from raising the margin to 3-0, but even Jose Mourinho agreed that would have been unjust.”
The week ahead: Charlton, Werder Bremen and Jose's old friend Rafa…
In a little over twenty-four hours, fans of all things Blue will turn their attention to the pitch at Stamford Bridge. After a week of international football and the never-ending Gallasgate soap opera, the sight of eleven men in Chelsea shirts on the glorious green turf (Charlton fans, take note) will come as a truly welcome relief. Football, rather than statements and slanging matches, is the primary business of the club lest we forget.
Read more on The week ahead: Charlton, Werder Bremen and Jose's old friend Rafa……
Deadline day: lawyers, Gunners and money
Given the drama and speculation flying around Chelsea last week, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Oliver Stone was orchestrating events rather than Peter Kenyon. Football’s armchair pundits, well known to be fond of a conspiracy theory went from Parker Knoll to grassy knoll quicker than you could say ‘Abramovich’.
Chelsea complete Boulahrouz signing
The 24 year-old Dutch international tied up his move to SW6 over the weekend and watched his new side beat Manchester City 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in their first game of the Premiership season on Sunday afternoon.
Mourinho: Nine months under the microscope
In the main square of Setúbal stands a statue of Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage, an 18th century Portuguese poet. Bocage is described as being a prodigiously talented but occasionally unstable individual who lived a turbulent life in which he gathered numerous enemies and regularly upset those in authority.
Chelsea and United join forces to combat touts
The system, aimed at beating ticket touts is similar to many already operating in the USA. The exchange is run by viagogo and is expected to be adopted by other clubs if it proves to be a success.
Read more on Chelsea and United join forces to combat touts…
Chelsea report Bates and Leeds to F.A.
Chelsea have issued a statement following recent comments made by Ken Bates in relation to the ongoing dispute over former Leeds academy players Michael Woods, Tom Taiwo and Danny Rose.
The full statement, which can be seen here suggests that Bates has breached FA rules E3 and E4 which prohibit “rude, insulting and inappropriate comments being made about other club owners, chairmen and personnel.”
Argentine defender on trial at the Bridge
Chelsea have taken highly-rated teenage central defender Maximiliano Oliva on trial from Argentine club River Plate. The 16 year-old would cost the Blues around £1 million should they decide to make the move permanent.
John Terry named England captain
John Terry has been named England captain by Steve McClaren. The Chelsea skipper replaces David Beckham who stepped down from the role after this summer’s World Cup. His first game as captain will be the friendly against Euro 2004 winners Greece on August 16.
Feyenoord 0 – 1 Chelsea
Jose Mourinho declared himself a happy man yesterday evening after watching a much-improved Chelsea performance in a 1-0 win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
Frank Lampard scored the only goal of the game early in the second half, latching on to a pass from Andriy Shevchenko after good combination play between the Ukranian and Didier Drogba. Feyenoord almost levelled in the last minute of the game, with only the woodwork denying former Celtic and Nottingham Forest striker Pierre van Hooijdonk from a free kick.
Chelsea to make Gallas statement today
Chelsea are due to make a statement later today (Tuesday) following reports that William Gallas has failed to report for the club’s pre-season training camp in Los Angeles.
The French international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after suggesting that he wanted to leave in May. He has one year left on his current deal and would be free to talk to other clubs in January 2007. Chelsea have offered Gallas a new four-year contract and have stated that they are not willing to sell the versatile defender, who has made over 200 appearances for the club since his arrival from Marseilles in 2001.
Former Blues Casiraghi and Zola team up to lead Italy U-21's
Casiraghi takes over the role from the legendary Claudio Gentile, six-time Scudetto winner with recently relegated Juventus and an integral part of the Italian side that won the World Cup in 1982, after his recent acrimonious departure from the role.
Read more on Former Blues Casiraghi and Zola team up to lead Italy U-21's…
Del Horno deal agreed
Chelsea and Valencia have agreed a fee for left back Asier del Horno, the official club website has reported. The former Athletico Bilbao player, who spent one season at Stamford Bridge has travelled to Spain to discuss personal terms.