Chelsea

Chelsea demand £25M for Real Madrid target Cole

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:55:59 +0000

Real Madrid are chasing Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole.

The Daily Mail says the Spanish club are looking for a world-class recruit to replace the disappointing Alvaro Arbeloa this summer and believe Cole's personal problems could tempt him to quit the Barclays Premier League.

Chelsea's high demands are a barrier to the deal - with the Blues thought to be seeking at least £25million for the 29-year-old - but the Bernabeu giants will persist in their pursuit if given encouragement by the player's camp.

They could even tempt him with a 50 per cent increase on his current £100,000 a week Stamford Bridge deal, which still has another three full seasons to run.

There are suggestions that Cole could seek a move abroad to escape headlines revealing alleged affairs, revelations that led to a separation with wife Cheryl.

Arsenal, Man City ready to pounce for Inter Milan striker Balotelli

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:54:23 +0000

Arsenal and Manchester City are keeping tabs on Mario Balotelli's situation at Inter Milan.

Both Premiership giants have been alerted to Balotelli's axing by Inter coach Jose Mourinho for tonight's clash at Chelsea.

Corriere dello Sport says either Balotelli or Jose Mourinho will be forced to leave the club as their relationship has declined dramatically in recent weeks.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted earlier this year that Balotelli was a player he admired.

Man Utd ace Scholes wary of Arsenal title threat

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:49:59 +0000

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes admits Arsenal are looming as a major title threat.

Although Scholes identified United's April 3 clash with Chelsea as a potential title decider, the 35-year-old midfielder admitted Arsenal cannot be discounted from the race.

"You can't rule out Arsenal, especially with the run-in they've got," said Scholes. "They've played all the top teams twice already so they'll be confident of putting together a good run of results.

"We want to win all of our matches and if we do that we'll win the League. It would be great to win four in a row. Three in a row was a big achievement and now we want to go one step further.

"But the chance to make history doesn't drive me. That's not what's in the back of my mind when I walk out onto the pitch. I just want to win every game and hopefully win every trophy, whether it's the first time I've won it or the 10th.

"The aim each year is to win the League. If it means making history then terrific. If not, then so be it. I've won nine titles but I can't separate them and pick one as being better than the others.

"Winning the League is just a brilliant feeling and I hope we can do it again this season."

Hitchcock steps in to replace Miklosko at West Ham

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:48:28 +0000

Kevin Hitchcock is set to be named new West Ham United goalkeeper coach.

The Mirror says West Ham legend Ludo Miklosko has been axed as the Hammers' goalkeeping coach - in a behind-the-scenes move that will shock fans.

Giant Miklosko was a key part of Gianfranco Zola's staff but he is being moved out and will be replaced by the experienced Hitchcock.

Miklosko was a hero as a player for the Hammers and a popular face around the club when he returned as a coach, but he has been shifted out in a surprise shake-up.

Hitchcock was at Chelsea at the same time as Zola and coach Steve Clarke, but tongues may also wag about his links with Mark Hughes - the boss tipped as a potential future manager at Upton Park.

Scholes backing Man Utd to win every game for rest of season

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:47:18 +0000

Paul Scholes says Manchester United are capable of winning every game to the end of the season to complete a stunning Treble.

United, who returned to the top of the table with Sunday's 3-0 win over Fulham, are chasing a double record - a fourth straight title and a 19th in all to eclipse arch rivals Liverpool.

"I'd like to think we have the right players, ones who've been there before and know how tough it can be to win the League," said Scholes.

"The game against Chelsea at Old Trafford is going to be massive and we know we need to win that one.

"But that's not the only important match. If we want to win the League we're going to have to win every game. It's a tough ask, but I'm sure we can achieve it.

"We've had some good results against Chelsea at Old Trafford. At Stamford Bridge we've struggled a little bit, but with the United fans behind us we've got the better of them.

"That match is crucial because there's such a big prize up for grabs and it could have a big impact on the title race.

"But every game is important - the teams at the bottom are fighting for survival and we need to make sure we beat them as well."

Ancelotti has dig at Mourinho: Abramovich now enjoys watching his Chelsea

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:40:44 +0000

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a dig at Jose Mourinho ahead of tonight's clash with Inter Milan.

Ancelotti was quick to highlight the new style of football he has introduced to Stamford Bridge.

The new Chelsea average 2.38 goals per game compared to Mourinho's 1.79.

Ancelotti said: "Some things we have changed. The system of play is a little bit different. We play attacking football.

"Roman (Abramovich) wants to see the team in his identity. I think the team now is playing with his identity. We want to improve this but this is a good way to play."

Chelsea boss Ancelotti confident Beckham will play again

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:43 +0000

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes David Beckham can come back from his Achilles injury.

Ancelotti worked with the LA Galaxy midfielder during his first spell on-loan at AC Milan last season.

"It's too early to say his career is over. I hope he comes back to play football," said Ancelotti

Grant keen to stay on at Portsmouth next season

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:14 +0000

Avram Grant has declared he's willing to stay in charge of Portsmouth next season.

The former Chelsea boss would consider remaining at Fratton Park if a takeover bid, headed by racehorse trainer Rob Lloyd, is successful.

Grant, who led Chelsea to within John Terry's missed penalty of winning the Champions League in 2008, said: "I thought about leaving in January but I saw the supporters and said 'No I can't do it.'

"I stayed, I'm fighting for the club and do not have any intention to give up. This club has become very important to me.

"I'd ask the new owner for some stability and I'm waiting for the day this club gets some stability."

Materazzi tells Balotelli to take Inter Milan axing on the chin

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:30:34 +0000

Marco Materazzi has urged Inter Milan teammate Mario Balotelli to accept his axing.

Balotelli was left behind by Inter coach Jose Mourinho for tonight's Champions League clash at Chelsea.

Materazzi said: "First Mario was not even in Catania because he hurt his knee, today he's not there for a technical choice.

"I do often offer my advice to him to his face, even hard-nosed advice, because he deserves it. However, I have three children and I would offer the same advice to them."

Chelsea ace Drogba ready for Eto’o showdown

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:39:29 +0000

Chelsea ace Didier Drogba is delighted to have been named African Football of the Year.

Tonight's clash with Inter Milan will see first and second-places in the African Player of the Year, announced last week, go head to head as Drogba attempts to outscore Samuel Eto'o.

"I am very happy. I was not expecting this type of present," Drogba told chelseafc.com.

"Eto'o is a fantastic player and I know on Tuesday he is going to come here and do his best. He had a great season [with Barcelona] but they gave the award to me and I am happy.

"I was the first player from the Ivory Coast to win the award and I have done it twice and it is amazing because I know what it means to the country. It is an amazing year for Africa [with the World Cup] and to be best player in Africa is fantastic and I hope there is more to come."

Drogba makes call to arms to Chelsea fans

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:36:39 +0000

Didier Drogba has made a rallying call to Chelsea fans tonight.

Drogba says the Stamford Bridge crowd need to be at full volume for their clash with Inter Milan.

"Tuesday is very important for the club, the Champions League is a competition we really want to win," Drogba said, talking to Chelsea TV.

"I want to send a message to all the fans to come and make some noise on Tuesday and be behind us."

Joe Cole urges Chelsea fans not to forget where their loyalties lay

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:36:12 +0000

Joe Cole has urged Chelsea fans not to be 'too' welcoming to Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho tonight.

The England midfielder has urged Stamford Bridge to remember where their loyalties lie.

"Jose was a massive person at Chelsea and the fans will give him a great reception which he deserves but they also need to realise that Carlo (Ancelotti) is our manager now and Roman (Abramovich) in our owner and we will fight for them.

"Don't fall into the trap of making Inter Milan feel too welcome," he warns.

Chelsea ace Drogba challenging Man Utd striker Rooney of Player of Year gongs

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:29:34 +0000

Chelsea ace Didier Drogba is ready to challenge Manchester United star Wayne Rooney for this season's Player of the Year gongs.

Both strikers will be up for the PFA and Footballer Writers' awards this season.

Drogba told chelseaTV: "It is a new challenge and would be great but for that I think we have to win something like the Champions League. It is very important for me and the club to win major trophies first and then to be Player of the Year would be fantastic."

Chelsea boss Ancelotti hopes to share glass of wine with Mourinho

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:28:58 +0000

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has opened the door to ending any rift with Inter Milan counterpart Jose Mourinho after tonight's game.

Win, lose or draw, there is an ending at Stamford Bridge that is assured.

"For sure if Mourinho wants a glass of wine after the game we can have a good conversation," announces Ancelotti. "This will happen regardless of the result."

Sevilla ace Fabiano reveals Chelsea, Man City offers

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:26:42 +0000

Sevilla ace Luis Fabiano admits this could be his last season in Spain.

Fabiano is keen on a move to England, where he has confirmed the interest of Premiership clubs.

He said: "In Seville I'm very well, but I've reached the age when I think it is high time to measure myself with a big club.

"A couple of times I have been close to landing in the English Premier League: Chelsea last year, two years ago it was Manchester City."